FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

“With much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:4). They asked, even pleaded for the opportunity to contribute to the work of the ministry. In this era of pledge cards, fundraisers, capital campaigns, televangelists, etc, it’s hard to even fathom someone on the giving side of the equation pleading for the chance to contribute. And yet, that’s exactly what happens when the love of God breaks through and fills the hearts of His people. After the Israelites escaped the Egyptians, made their way into the wilderness and received the law, God commanded Moses to build the tabernacle. The people gave so much toward the construction project that Moses sent word throughout the camp to quit making and bringing materials because they had more than enough already. Can you imagine telling people in early October to stop tithing because the yearly budget had already been met? Of course this doesn’t mean that we stop making people aware of the needs. Moses got the ball rolling by informing them of God’s plan and seeking their offerings. The point is, it’s not manipulation, coercion, but God’s Spirit that ignites true generosity. When Spirit- filled people see God at work, they’ll willingly give. Observe too, the misconception that your giving should be sporadic, whenever you feel the urge. The truth is, we should give on a regular, consistent basis. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1). Christians should give at least a tithe (ten percent of their income) to the church. The reason most people don’t tithe is because they take care of all their obligations first, having little or nothing left over to give. I make a mortgage, credit card, phone, insurance, satellite television, dry cleaners, hardware, trash pickup, and electric bill payment monthly. In fact, some of them are automatically

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