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"For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
WHY SHOULD I GIVE?
Before asking, "How much?" to give, shouldn't
I first ask, "Why should I give at all?"
God has created and given us everything.
"...there is but one God, the Father, from whom
all things came and for whom we live."
1 Corinthians 8:6
God owns all that we have.
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it,
the world and all who live in it."
Psalm 24:1
We belong to God.
"You are not your own, you were bought with a price."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
We are accountable to Him.
"...each of us will give an account of himself
to God."
Romans 14:12
| Application: |
Acknowledge that God is the creator.
He sustains and owns each of us and all our possessions.
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HOW SHOULD I GIVE?
As a first priority. Our offering should be the first
part that is decided, not what is left over.
"Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil
to the house of the Lord your God."
Exodus 23:19
As a part of worship. Our offering is an important
part of our act of worship.
"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring
an offering and come into his courts."
Psalm 96:8
Regularly
"On the first day of every week each of you should
set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income."
1 Corinthians 16:12
Joyfully! If we give a worthy proportion as
a part of our worship, we find that giving can be joyful.
"The churches, out of the most severe trial, their
overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up
in rich generosity."
2 Corinthians 8:2
| Application: |
Make a decision to
give worshipfully, regularly, and joyfully to the
Lord. |
HOW MUCH SHOULD
I GIVE?
The tithe, or one-tenth, is mentioned in both the Old
and New Testaments.
In the Old Testament
"A tithe of everything from the Lord whether grain
from the field or fruit from the trees, belongs to the
Lord; it is holy to the Lord."
Leviticus 27:30
In the New Testament
Jesus said, "Woe to you Pharisees, because you
give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds
of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love
of God. You should have practiced the latter without
leaving the former undone."
Luke 11:42
Generously
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart
to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God
loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
| Application: |
Decide how much you
will give. Work toward the biblical standard and
watch God honor your gifts! |
WHY GIVE TO ACCTS?
Beyond the why, how, and how much of giving, this
final question addresses how the money is used.
The costs of a ministry like ours is high. It takes
significant financial resources to pay for publications
and travel. Additionally, office salaries, operating
expenses, and our commitment to assist in the development
of Christian leaders in the armed forces of the world
and in the establishment and growth of military Christian
fellowships are all part of our annual budget. Our income
is based entirely upon your generous gifts and tithes.
"But just as you excel in everything --- in
faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness
and in your love for us --- see that you also excel
in this grace of giving."
2 Corinthians 8:7
THE CHALLENGE
In terms of giving, we need to take seriously the
challenge to give back to the Lord, as well as recognize
His promise to reward our faithfulness.
Individually, God promises to reward our personal stewardship.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have
been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge
of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
Matthew 25:21
God promises to pour out his blessings in response to
our giving.
"Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty,
"and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven
and pour out so much blessing that you will not have
room enough for it."
Malachi 3:10
We ask that you sincerely pray and ask the Lord to
consider giving to ACCTS on a regular basis.
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