Positioned in Provision & Generosity (Rise & Build) - Paul Bartolo

·39 min·3 clips

How did the prophet Elijah survive for a year on berries and dead stuff brought by ravens?

The episode begins with a prayer for areas affected by storms and flooding in southeast Australia, including the Sunshine Coast and Lismore. Paul Bartolo then introduces the Rise & Build series, focusing on generosity over three Sundays, noting that Jesus spoke about money more than heaven and hell. He reads from 1 Kings 17:1-4, recounting how Elijah survived for a year by a brook with ravens bringing him food, illustrating supernatural provision. Bartolo defines blessing as being in God's will rather than material wealth, urging gratitude in all seasons. He describes how Elijah's brook dried up, leading God to direct him to a widow in Zarephath, where he asks for her last meal. The widow chooses to trust God's promise through Elijah, resulting in ongoing flour and oil. Bartolo explains generosity as a work of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on abundance, and shares personal anecdotes from third-world visits. He uses a river metaphor to depict God as the source and believers as channels, encouraging faith and obedience. The sermon includes practical applications, such as tithing and seed sowing, and personal testimonies of financial breakthroughs. Bartolo invites listeners to accept Jesus or recommit their faith, leading into a prayer. He announces a miracle offering next Sunday, with goals of $75,000 for next generations, $45,000 for youth and young adults, and $150,000 for building costs, emphasizing God's provision.

As heard by us

A grounded sermon on trusting provision when a familiar supply ends and generosity becomes part of the response.

The episode centers on Elijah at the point where provision changes shape: ravens have fed him, then God sends him toward Zarephath and a widow down to her last flour and oil.

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Why you'd press play

You get a faith-forward reset on provision, from Elijah being fed by ravens to a widow's last flour and oil, then into a church giving appeal.

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