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II Corinthians 9:1-15 “For as touching (concerning) the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous (excessive) for me to write to you: (2) For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia,”

“That Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. (3) Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: (4) Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.”

(5) Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. (6) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

(7) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (8) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”

(9) (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. (10) Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)”

(11) (Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (12) For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;”

(13) Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; (14) And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. (15) Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable (wonder beyond description) gift.”

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

Acceptable Giving Proportional “as prospered” I Cor.16:2 “according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” II Cor.8:12

Itemized deduction-Schedule A Acceptable Giving Proportional Itemized deduction-Schedule A Gifts to Charity Adjusted Gross Income %

Acceptable Giving Proportional “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” Colossians 2:14

Acceptable Giving Purposed - Planned “according as he purposeth in his heart” II Cor. 9:7 Planned giving is not an optional expedient!

Why Purposed Giving? God demands it! a. Think about it. When we really follow the guidelines God has given, we are not ashamed of it or fear someone finding it out. b. It is the result of honest and intelligent planning.

Why Purposed Giving? 2. Our responsibility to Christ requires it! a. Jesus gave Himself on purpose. b. He did everything with intention and intelligence. c. He did nothing by accident. d. We follow His example (I Pet.2:21)

Why Purposed Giving? 3. Our relationship to the elders calls for purposed giving. a. God has given them the serious charge to protect & lead the flock. b. Protecting the flock from covetousness which is idolatry (Col.3:5), means they need to know how much we give. c. The best interest of the church collectively and every individual Christian is in their hands (I Timothy 5:17-18).

Why Purposed Giving? 4. Our consciences need to purpose. a. We are making a promise to be faithful in this particular area. b. To honor God with the firstfruits is the theme of our purpose. Proverbs 3:9 “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”

Why Purposed Giving? 5. Our position in the church compels it. a. We are all members of the body (I Cor.12:20) and full partners in the greatest work on earth. b. A faithful partner will not allow others to carry his load. c. II Cor.8:14 “equality” – equity, fair, just

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)