Remember the words of the Apostle Paul when he was writing to encourage the saints to help their fellow believers:
"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
Sadly, because most American churches teach giving under the law, these commands, so central to the New Covenant established by our Lord, are rarely mentioned, or they are applied out of context.
I would like to say that the wonderful Body of believers we worship with here in the Bristol area, which has a sizable attendance each week numbering in the thousands, does not take any offering, with the teaching elder only mentioning giving about once a month by briefly reminding those attending that there are offering boxes on the walls of the worship area if anyone would be in a position to help with the expenses and missions of the church. Without our being placed back under the law in our giving, with no emphasis or requirement to tithe, our church is debt free, growing, expanding its facilities, and giving generously to missions.
The reason that giving increases when people are released from the bondage of the law is explained by Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome: "But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit." Romans 7:6
To believers being brought back under the law in the church in Galatia, by men Paul had nothing but contempt for, Paul wrote:
"You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing--if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?" Galatians 3:1-5 "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'" Galatians 3:10 "Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Galatians 3:25 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:13-14
Brethren, I encourage you to read the entire epistle of Paul's letter to the church at Galatia. Keep in mind that the practice of both tithing and circumcision are clearly rooted in the law of Moses and the Old Covenant (Testament). The reason this is so important is that the popular introduction and practice of this element of the law (tithing) in the American church is preventing us from seeing the "sufferings of Christ" in the "living temple," the "Body of Christ," throughout the world; and our clear New Covenant responsibility to help our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, placing believers under the law in their giving actually stifles giving (average giving in American churches is less than 3%). We are not meant to give with a calculator, but rather:
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:7-11
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10
What a great blessing would come to our American churches if we would begin to open our eyes to the sufferings of the Body of Christ around the world. If Pastors would start informing their congregations of the great needs our brethren have, their congregations would instinctively want to begin regular "collections for God's people." 1Cor 16:1 Then our Lord's repeated command for us "to love one another," and his prayer that we would be "brought to complete unity" would be fulfilled. "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:23
"We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit,
whom God has given to those who obey him." Acts 5:32
"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.
He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Our Lord Jesus Christ as reported by John chapter 14 verse 21.
I want to conclude with the verses of a beautiful song of praise and worship I was listening to a few nights ago, in the early morning hours. It is a song written by Charles Billingsly.
What a joy to serve my King,
walk the path of suffering,
whether free or bound in chains,
I will spread your fame.
There are hearts inside these walls.
Spirit you have heard them call.
You have sent me to this place,
a prisoner of Your grace.
So pour me out like sweet perfume,
there are souls in need of You.
And have Your way, Oh Christ in me,
for I serve at the pleasure of my King.
Though my path is filled with thorns,
I delight in You my Lord.
For your Word has been my light,
shinning through and bright.
It's for love You brought me here,
and there is nothing that I fear.
For in death or in my life,
You will be glorified.
So pour me out like sweet perfume,
there are souls in need of You.
And have Your way, Oh Christ in me,
so I serve at the pleasure of my King.
Not my will but Yours be done
Here on earth your Kingdom come.
So pour me out like sweet perfume,
there are souls in need of You.
And have Your way, Oh Christ in me,
so I serve at the pleasure of my King.
So pour me out like sweet perfume,
there are souls in need of You.
And have Your way, Oh Christ in me,
so I serve at the pleasure of my King.
For I serve at the pleasure of my King.
So gratefully slaves of our Lord Jesus Christ, and your stewards,
Court and Sandy Wood
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| Court and Sandy this Thanksgiving eve, 2012 |
link to help our brethren
Link to In Jesus' Name Ministries Website
