a periodical from the desk of  Pastor White...

Working together...

Giving Gifts to God...

Volume 4, Issue 9

September 30th, 2005

             Once, while giving baptismal studies to a young boy, I asked, "Why do your parents give you gifts?" I was hoping to use his answer to illustrate God's grace. Instead he said, "Because I am a good boy and I deserve them" - he was wrong on both counts. And God's gifts to us are because He loves us and for no other reason. We don't deserve them.

             What about our gifts to God? Do we only give when we like what the church does? Do we only give when we think that it will be used the way we want? Are we giving the way God gives to us or do we use a different standard?

             "The system of tithe and offerings was intended to impress the minds of men with a great truth - that God is the source of every blessing to His creatures, and that to Him man's gratitude is due for the good gifts of His providence." ( Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 525).

Your gifts (tithes and offerings) help:

             1. Pay for pastors, evangelists, Bible teachers and administrators.

             2. The local church to pay their electric bill (which may not be exciting, but it's              necessary for God's work to be done).

             3. Pay for a Christian Education for students who may not be your children (but              are someone's children).

             4. The world church to send missionaries where local funds could not afford them.

5. Special projects to be accomplished that would not otherwise happen (like that                  new Community Services building or a new school room).

         

1. God owns everything (Psalm 24:1 ; Haggai 2:8)

2. The tithe belongs to God, it is holy unto Him (Leviticus 27:30)

3. Rich blessings are promised to those who are faithful in returning their tithe (Malachi 3:10)

4. Jesus endorsed tithing in the New Testament as a principle that Christians should follow (Matthew 23:23)

5. Our heart will always follow our possessions (Matthew 6:19-21)

6. Giving is the only cure for materialism (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

7. You should give willingly in recognition of God’s  bountiful blessings to us. (2 Cor. 9:7)