Stop Giving God Leftovers | Eternal Return on Investment | Pastor Brandon Woodard

We say God comes first in our lives. But does the way we handle our money actually reflect that? We pay our bills. We buy the things we want. We save for our futures. And then, if there's anything left over, we consider giving some of it to God. But what if we've been approaching generosity backward? What if the question isn't how much we're willing to give, but whether we're truly giving God our first and best?

In this message, Pastor Brandon Woodard concludes our Eternal Return on Investment series by bringing together three foundational truths: God is first, everything belongs to Him, and God loved us first. Before we ever gave anything to God, He gave everything for us through Jesus Christ. His love wasn't earned through perfect behavior, religious performance, or generous giving. He loved us while we were still sinners. And that changes everything about why we give.

Looking at Genesis 4:1–7, Pastor Brandon explores the story of Cain and Abel and the difference between their offerings. Cain brought an offering in the course of time, while Abel brought the firstborn of his flock and the very best he had. Abel didn't know what would come next or how much more he would receive. Giving God his first and best required faith. It required trusting God as his provider before knowing what the future would hold.

That same challenge applies to us today. Too often, we approach our finances by spending first, saving second, and giving God whatever remains. But biblical stewardship calls us to reverse that order. Bring God your first and best. Save for the future. Then live on the rest. Not because God demands a particular dollar amount or because we're trying to earn His favor, but because generosity should flow naturally from a heart that recognizes everything God has already done.

The New Testament reminds us that giving should be intentional, proportional, and cheerful. It's not about checking a religious box or meeting an arbitrary percentage. It's about deciding ahead of time to honor God with what He's entrusted to us. Whether you're starting with a small percentage, working toward a giving goal, or learning to trust God with your finances for the first time, faithfulness begins with taking that first step.

God doesn't need our money. He wants our hearts. And when we truly understand that He loved us first, generosity stops being an obligation and becomes an opportunity to worship, trust, and invest in His kingdom.

The question isn't simply whether you're giving. It's whether you're giving God your first and best—or just what's left over.

**In This Message:**

► God Loved You First: Why biblical generosity begins with God's unconditional love and the sacrifice of Jesus, not guilt, pressure, or religious obligation.

► Cain and Abel's Offerings: What Genesis 4 teaches about bringing God our first and best instead of whatever remains.

► Giving God's Way: Why intentional, cheerful, and proportional giving matters more than simply meeting a percentage.

► First, Save, Then Spend: Practical ways to restructure your finances, plan ahead for generosity, and take a step of faith in trusting God as your provider.

God is first. It all belongs to Him. And He loved you first. **Give from gratitude, not obligation.**

Next Steps:

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