tithing & offering

“Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hebrews 13:5–6 NIV

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” 

Generosity frees our hearts.

Jesus wants to protect us from bad investments and set us up for everlasting ones. The principle is about something far more important than our finances; it’s a heart issue.

Money is the mirror of our heart before God. If you want an accurate measure of your relationship with God, take a look at your checkbook and your credit card statements. Notice where your money is going. That will tell you what you’re devoted to.

There are two kinds of treasures in life: those that are temporary and those that last forever. We have to decide which kind we are going to live for—whether we are going to live for now or for eternity. If our eyes are on the things of God, He’s our master. If our eyes are on the things of the world, then it’s our master.

Romans 12:10–16 NIV

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

There is nothing wrong with people possessing riches.

The wrong comes when riches possess people.

The Bible does not condemn wealth, but Jesus did speak of the deceitfulness of riches.

Those who have great wealth may tend to feel independent, to rely on and trust in their riches rather than in God.

It can be the stumbling block in surrendering their lives to Christ. This is the story of the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-23).

This is why Jesus said that it is difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God (Luke 18:24-25). He knows the motives, thoughts, and intents of the heart.”

heart for the house

2 Samuel 7:1–4 NIV

After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying:

although God never asked for a permanent building, David’s heart was in the right place. He wanted to honor God and make His House a priority. Though David had it in his heart to build a permanent building for God’s House, he was not the one to build it. God specifically told David to have his son, Solomon, build the Temple. Although God cannot be contained in any building, having a posture of honoring God's House pleases Him. When we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, God promises to take care of us. Do you have a desire to help build God’s House through your local church? What does it look like for you to contribute to building God’s kingdom?

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Luke 16:11 NIV

11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?