Welcome To The Services Of The We Are Thankful For Your Presence! Dunlap church of Christ We Are Thankful For Your Presence!

Welcome Questions? Just Let Us Know! To The Services Of The Dunlap church of Christ Questions? Just Let Us Know!

II Corinthians 8:1-8 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; (2) How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”

(3) For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; (4) Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”

(5) And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. (6) Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.”

(7) Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. (8) I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.”

Per The Macedonian Example If we are going to grow Christians into the image of Jesus Christ, we must teach them to give as He gave! Romans 12:1-2; Romans 8:28-29

II Corinthians 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

A Great Church Is Built “One Brick At A Time”

Brick #2 - DETERMINATION Brick #10 – BROTHERS KEEPERS Brick #1 - PURPOSE Brick #2 - DETERMINATION Brick #3 - UNITY Brick #4 - PREACHERS Brick #5 - ELDERS Brick #6 – THE HOME Brick #7 – WORSHIP Brick #8 – BIBLE SCHOOL Brick #9 – DEACONS Brick #10 – BROTHERS KEEPERS Brick #11 – MISSIONS Brick #12 – GIVING

The Theme Most Spoken About? By Jesus & His Inspired Men? Stewardship & Giving By Preachers & Teachers Today? Not Stewardship & Giving

“I seek not yours, but you,” (II Cor.12:14) The Facts Are Often These! 1. If our primary interest is in meeting budgets & raising funds we are missing it. 2. If we think that our contribution is determined by or connected to the church budget, we need to think again. 3. Remember Paul’s admonition of the Corinthians & Titus’ example.

Giving Is Not A Natural Trait Of Human Nature! Acts 20:35 “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Giving Is Not A Natural Trait Of Human Nature!

No one can do a greater service than to take a person out of himself and inspire him with a genuine concern for others. Not Promotional, Developmental Promotional? Pecan clusters, toothbrushes, combs, stationary, schemes of televangelist con men to raise $ Developmental? A far higher goal, how to grow to be like Christ in giving

Truth We Must Teach The New Testament church, our perfect example, was a giving church. Acts 2:42, Romans 15:26, Acts 2:45, Acts 5:1-11, II Corinthians 8:1-8 2. Giving is a “grace.” 8 times it is so characterized. II Cor.8:7 “abound in this grace also.” A virtue, an essential character quality, sure mark of maturity.

3. Giving is a command of God 3. Giving is a command of God. The work of the kingdom is not left to chance or human invention and initiative. I Cor.16:1-2, Acts 20:7 4. All men are stewards. I Cor. 4:2,I Tim. 6:9-10, Deut. 8:11-17 5. Liberality makes possible the growth of the church. Why were 1st century Christians so generous?

7. Giving is sowing. II Cor. 9:6 6. Giving is good for us. There is a deadly cancer of the human spirit that has been named “everyman’s disease.” Col.3:5, Matt.13:22; Luke 12:15; 18:22 7. Giving is sowing. II Cor. 9:6 8. Liberal giving demonstrates that Christ is in us. II Cor.9:7 “hilaron” 9. Liberality is the only accepted standard of giving.

God’s Simple Plan HEAR (Romans 10:17) BELIEVE (John 8:24) REPENT (Luke 13:3) CONFESS (Rom.10:9-10) BAPTIZED (Gal. 3:27) ADDED TO THE CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47)

Are You Wayward? “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.” (Acts 8:22) “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)