GIVING

Money!  Why is it so important to God?

How could God justify devoting twice as many verses to money than to faith and prayer combined in the Bible?

How could Jesus say more about money than both Heaven and hell?

Jesus linked money to salvation.

Luke 19: 9

Jesus judged the reality of this man’s salvation on his willingness, his joyfulness, to part with his money for the glory of God and the good of others.

John the Baptist.  Luke 3: 7-14

The proof, said John, of a spiritual change was a different perspective on the handling of money and possessions.

Poor Widow.  Mark 12: 43-44

For all time her example of sacrificial giving was to be enshrined in God’s Word.

Early Church.  Acts 4: 32-35

Money is a test of our true character; an index of our spiritual life.

Take a person who works from age 25-65.  Earns on average or receives £15,000 a year, nowadays a low income. But that person will still have handled well over half a million pounds. One day thatperson must give an account of their life to God. Romans 14: 11-12

Where did it all go?

How much was spent on yourself?

What was accomplished for God’s glory through your use of this wealth?

Mark 12: 41

Jesus deliberately watched to observe what was going on.

Our money is NOT just our business.  It’s God’s Business and God make it His business to observe what we do with our money.

If your giving and mine is an object lesson right now in Heaven, what kind of lesson is it?

Unsettling passages:

Our only option is to obey God’s Word or avoid His Word.

Called to be stewards of all that God gives us

1 Corinthians 10: 31

Let’s be factual!

This church has an annual budget of c. £70,000

Have to pay the Diocese £30,000  (Minister + costs)

Phil’s wages

Running costs and repairs for 2 buildings

Giving of over 10% of our income to people and organisations

  

We could do a lot more.

We can’t because this year, as last year our giving has dropped and we’re struggling to tick over.

Where does the money come from to support this church? 

From you and I wanting to give glory to God.

And yet this Church, like so many churches, relies heavily on a few faithful people who give generously and sacrificially, and on our resources, which are dwindling.

Mark 14   Mary, the sister of Martha, broke her alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and anointed Jesus. We all have alabaster jars; our money and possessions are in them.

Ultimately good stewardship is a matter of extravagant love.  Has Christ’s love left your heart so filled with gratitude that you want to pour it out in return?

2 Corinthians 9: 6-7

 

“Where your treasure is there your heart will be also”

Matthew 6: 21