Wooster Naz Podcast: Love Does [Pastor Sheldon and Pastor Nathan]

 Use this podcast for group discussions! Go more in depth on the current sermon with Pastor Sheldon and Pastor Nathan! 3 Discussion Questions

1. **Receiving to Give**: Pastor Nathan emphasizes that generosity begins with a "palms up" posture of constantly receiving God's love and grace, citing John 3:16 as an ongoing, present-tense reality. How does maintaining this receptive stance challenge clenched-fist selfishness in daily life, and what practical habits (e.g., prayer, reflection) can help us stay in a "constant download" from God to fuel outward generosity?

2. **Tithe as Starting Point, Not Generosity Itself**: The podcast distinguishes returning God's tithe (the first 10%, symbolic of putting Him first) from true giving or extreme generosity, noting that tithe is "the least we can do" and a release point for deeper surrender. In what ways does intentionally setting aside the tithe reorder the rest of life (finances, time, relationships), and how might viewing it as "returning" rather than "giving" transform reluctance into joyful obedience?

3. **Extreme Generosity as Evangelism**: Referencing the Macedonian church's reputation despite poverty and Wooster Naz's community acts (e.g., serving school staff), Pastor Nathan calls extreme generosity "contagious" and a universal language on mission trips. How does giving from scarcity (not abundance) most powerfully point to God's heart, and what local opportunities could build Wooster Naz's reputation further?

2 Bonus Questions

4. **Family Modeling and Gut Checks**: Examples like Dixie's parents and teaching kids to share illustrate generosity as "caught" through osmosis, with calls to praise generous acts quickly and ask family, "Do you think we're a generous family?" What risks and rewards come from this vulnerability, and how can it break cycles of bickering or love deficits in homes?

5. **Generosity Beyond Money: The Five T's**: Expanding on time, talent, touch, tears, and treasure, the discussion highlights how generosity "bleeds into" all areas and counters cultural selfishness, producing joy as a byproduct. How does modeling the "little things" (e.g., inclusiveness with kids, helping strangers spontaneously) expose and heal heart issues like self-worship, and why is it essential to create margins (e.g., "walk slowly through the crowd") to live this out reactively?