Principles from the New Testament By Ariel Lastrado, MMCC CHRISTIAN GIVING Principles from the New Testament By Ariel Lastrado, MMCC
1. According to Income Deut. 16:16-17 3 Main Annual Festivals Unleavened Bread (connected with Passover) Weeks (Pentecost) Tabernacles (Ingathering/Booths) On each of these occasions every male Israelite was commanded “to appear before the Lord” (Deut. 27:7; Neh. 8:9-12). Each was encouraged to give in proportion to what God has given him (Lev. 14:30) Look at what you have and then give in proportion to what you have been given (2 Cor. 8:12)
2. Without Pretentions Matt 6:1-4 Our motives in giving should be pure Hypocrites are describes people who do good acts for appearances only – not out of true compassion or godly motives Check our motives in 3 areas: Generosity (6:4) Prayer (6:6) Fasting (6:18)
3. Freely Matt 10:5-10 What we receive freely? Freely receive, freely give Time Love Possessions
4. With Simplicity Rom. 12:3-8 Concept of human body Christians should live and work together God gave us gifts so we can build up the church
5. Regularly 1 Cor. 16:1-2 Christians in Jerusalem were suffering from famine and poverty Paul collecting money for them He suggest to set aside a certain amount every week
6. Cheerfully 2 Cor. 9:6-9 Paul reminded their commitment (8:10-12) Paul was sending few men ahead to make sure the gift was ready He was holding them accountable to keep their promise don’t let a lack of faith keep you from giving freely and generously. Our attitude when we give is more important than the amount we give
Let us glorify God with Christian giving!