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and Money
Most people are surprised when they discover that one of the most talked
about subjects in the Bible, and in the teachings of Jesus, is money.
The way we earn it, the way we spend it, and what we give to God, were
all issues of great concern to Jesus and the other Bible writers.
Why? There is no other aspect of our behavior that says more about our
goals and values in life, than how we acquire, use, and manage our monies
(Matthew 6:19-21).It is easy to say that God is Lord of our lives, but
for many, that never becomes completely true until they allow Him to be
Lord of their finances.
There
are three terms found in the Bible that summarize the Bible’s teachings
on money: Stewardship, Tithes, and Offerings.
What Is Stewardship?
A “steward” is one who manages the property or financial affairs
of another. Stewardship refers to the responsibility each of us has to
manage our resources in a manner that is consistent with God’s will
and purposes.
The Bible teaches that every one of us is viewed by God as “stewards”
over the resources which he has entrusted to us (1 Corinthians 4:1). This
applies to our time, energy, money, and other material assets. Everything
that we own, does not actually belong to us, but to God (Psalm 24:1; 2
Chronicles 29:10-13). As stewards we are responsible to use and invest
our resources wisely, for the sake of His kingdom (Luke 16:1-3).
What Is Tithing?
The tithe is a specific way in which man can acknowledge that God has
ownership of all things. It is a Biblical concept that was first introduced
in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. In its earliest usage, it literally
meant “the top of the heap.” It refers to giving to God the
best that we have, right off the top of the pile; rather than what is
left over after we meet all our other obligations (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews
7:5-9).
Over time, as commerce and culture became more sophisticated, the tithe
was identified as being a certain percentage of one’s income. Ten
percent (10%) was to be regularly set aside and given to the priests for
the service and maintenance of the Temple and the Priesthood.
Under the Old Testamentwas given as a Mosaic Law, the tithe matter of necessity. It was the law! (Ezekiel 44:30; Malachi 3:8)
In the New Testament, giving is generally viewed as an act of our free-will, motivated by a desire to honor God and to invest in the furtherance of His kingdom work in the world (Matthew 6:19,20).
Today,
many Christians customarily give 10% of their monthly income as a way
to honor and worship God.They take to heart the challenges found in the
Bible to believe God’s promises to reward and abundantly bless those
who give in faith (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 8:6-7). Such
persons are the ones who primarily support churches and their outreaches.
What Is An Offering?
An “offering” represents a special financial gift, above and
beyond the tithe. It is usually given in response to a special need or
request. It is an expression of concern, grace, and love for others and
God’s work.
Who Pays The Bills?
Many people have no idea how churches are funded. Some believe that churches
receive money from the government or some giant institution. The fact
is, churches are funded solely through the financial gifts of their members.
Consequently, a churches' facilities, staffing, and ministries are all
directly linked to its members willingness to financially support them.
It is a direct expression of our faith in God, and our desire to see His
message of salvation extended to others.
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