Friday, September 11, 2026

Generosity matters because how you give reveals who you trust. In this message from CedarCreek Perrysburg, Andy Rechtenwald contrasts a scarcity mindset with a generosity mindset and shows why open-handed living reflects trust in God. Through Acts 4:32–35, Acts 5:1–11, and 2 Corinthians 8:9, we see that Christian generosity is not only about money. It is a posture of surrender that affects our time, gifts, availability, and everyday choices.

This past weekend at CedarCreek Perrysburg, campus pastor Andy Rechtenwald closed our FOR series with a life-changing truth: how you give reveals who you trust. Using Acts 4:32–5:11 and 2 Corinthians 8:9, Andy challenged us to move from a scarcity mindset—clinging to what feels like "mine"—into a generosity mindset that lives with open hands because everything we have is a gift from God. With memorable illustrations, clear biblical teaching, and practical next steps, the message invites us to trust God with our money, time, gifts, and availability.

Generosity and Scarcity Lead to Two Very Different Ways of Living

Andy began with a simple observation many of us recognize immediately: when something feels like it belongs only to us, it becomes harder to share. His story about Cinnamon Toast Crunch humorously exposed a serious spiritual reality. Scarcity rewires our thinking. It tells us to protect, hide, and hoard, even when there is enough.

A scarcity mindset is the belief that there is not enough, so I must protect what I have. It narrows our vision, makes generosity feel dangerous, and often spills into relationships through scorekeeping, withholding, or self-protection. A generosity mindset is different. It starts with the belief that what we have has been entrusted to us by God, so we can live with open hands and make ourselves available for His purposes.

Scripture shows this contrast clearly. In Acts 4:32–35, the early church was united in heart and mind. Believers did not treat their possessions as ultimately their own, and needs were being met through radical generosity. Then Acts 5:1–11 gives us the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira. Their issue was not simply that they kept part of the money. Their sin was pretending to surrender fully while still holding back in secret.

The contrast with Barnabas is striking. According to Acts 4:36–37, Barnabas sold a field and laid the money at the apostles' feet. His generosity was sincere, surrendered, and rooted in trust. Ananias and Sapphira performed generosity without actually embracing it. The result exposes a timeless truth: generosity reveals trust in God, while pretense exposes trust in self.

Jesus Is the Ultimate Reason Christian Generosity Is Possible

Christian generosity begins with Jesus, not with guilt. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul reminds the church that though Jesus was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, so that by His poverty we might become rich. That verse reframes everything. Generosity is not first a fundraising strategy or a behavior checklist. It is a response to grace.

When we remember what we have received in Christ, forgiveness, mercy, new life, and a secure identity, we become freer to live open-handedly. The gospel loosens fear. It shifts us from clinging to trusting. We do not give to earn God's love. We give because in Jesus we have already received more than we could ever repay.

Barnabas Shows Trust While Ananias and Sapphira Show Performance

The story in Acts gives us two models side by side. Barnabas becomes a picture of sacrificial trust and encouragement. Ananias and Sapphira become a warning about performative generosity. One offered what was in his hand with integrity. The others tried to look surrendered without actually being surrendered.

This is not only an ancient story. It is a heart-level diagnostic for us today. Are we giving to be seen, appreciated, or admired? Or are we giving because we genuinely trust God? That question applies to our finances, our service, our calendars, and our relationships.

Generosity at CedarCreek Creates Real Impact in Real Lives

Andy invited us to imagine what could happen if our church family lived like the early church in Acts. Open-handed living can meet real needs, multiply life change, and strengthen ministry partnerships across our community. This is not theoretical. It is already happening at CedarCreek.

He shared stories of generosity already at work, including stock gifts that accelerated ministry, farmers dedicating a tenth of their harvest, and faithful recurring givers whose consistency helps fund outreach, baptisms, and everyday ministry. These stories reflect a generosity mindset in action. They also remind us that there is not just one way to give. God can use many different resources, rhythms, and opportunities when people place them in His hands.

Here are a few ways generosity is already taking shape at CedarCreek:
●       Baptism weekend: celebrating lives changed and the ministry environment that generosity helps make possible. Learn more at Baptism.

●       Second Saturday: serving local teachers with care packages and supporting the East Toledo food pantry through practical acts of love. Explore ways to serve at Serve opportunities.

●       CedarCreek Groups: building community and creating spaces where people grow spiritually and mobilize to serve. Find your next step through Ministries.

Open-Handed Living Includes Money, Time, Gifts, and Availability

One of the most helpful parts of the message was the reminder that generosity is bigger than finances, even though finances matter. Open-handed living means asking God what He wants us to do with everything He has put in our hands.

Here are practical next steps for moving from scarcity to generosity:

1. Give money with intention. If you have never given, start somewhere. If your giving is inconsistent, create a regular rhythm through a planned percentage or recurring gift. Faithful generosity grows through consistency.
2. Give your time through serving. Serving at CedarCreek or through Second Saturday is a tangible way to live generously. Time is one of the clearest expressions of love.
3. Give your gifts and talents. Your skills can strengthen the church and bless the community. Consider joining the DreamTeam, exploring GrowthTrack, or helping lead in a group or ministry area.
4. Give your availability. Sometimes generosity looks like listening well, inviting someone in, offering hospitality, or being present in a meaningful moment.
5. Give attention to spiritual formation. Gratitude, prayer, and Scripture help retrain the heart. As we practice noticing God's provision, scarcity loses its grip.

Acts 5 Reminds Us That Sincerity Matters to God

Andy did not avoid the difficult edge of Acts 5, and that matters. God's holiness is real, and sincerity matters in the life of faith. The story of Ananias and Sapphira warns us that generosity rooted in image management is spiritually dangerous. God is not impressed by appearances. He wants truth in the heart.

That warning should not push us into fear-driven religion. It should pull us toward honest surrender. The answer to hypocrisy is not pretending better. The answer is bringing our hearts into the light and letting God reshape them. Jesus' grace makes that possible. When we see all that has been given to us, we can stop managing appearances and start trusting Him fully.

Your Next Step at CedarCreek Can Start Today

If this message stirred something in you, take one clear next step instead of trying to do everything at once. Growth often begins with one act of trust.

●       Sign up for Second Saturday to serve teachers or support the East Toledo food pantry.

●       Celebrate and learn more about Baptism and the life change generosity helps support.

Learn more about CedarCreek's biblical foundation

Frequently Asked Questions About Generosity, Scarcity, and Trust

What Is a Scarcity Mindset?

A scarcity mindset is the belief that there is not enough, so you must protect what you have at all costs. Spiritually, it can make trust, surrender, and generosity feel risky.

What Is a Generosity Mindset?
A generosity mindset is the belief that everything we have is from God, so we can live with open hands. It leads to trust, gratitude, service, and greater willingness to meet needs.

How Does Generosity Reveal Who You Trust?
Generosity reveals trust because giving requires surrender. When you release your money, time, gifts, or control, you show whether your confidence is in yourself or in God's provision.

What Does Acts 4:32 Teach About the Early Church?
Acts 4:32 teaches that the early church was united in heart and mind and viewed possessions through the lens of shared mission rather than private ownership alone.

Why Are Ananias and Sapphira Important in Acts 5:1–11?
Ananias and Sapphira matter because their story warns against hypocrisy and performative spirituality. Their sin was not merely withholding money, but pretending to surrender fully while deceiving others and dishonoring God.

Why Does 2 Corinthians 8:9 Matter for Christian Generosity?
2 Corinthians 8:9 matters because it shows that Jesus is the model and motive for generosity. His grace is the reason believers can live open-handedly.

How Can I Practice Open-Handed Living at CedarCreek?
You can practice open-handed living by giving consistently, serving regularly, joining a group, using your gifts, and staying available to God's direction through prayer and community.