The Lord’s Money Lessons From Acts

Authority 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 John 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

Authority Col. 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. If we can’t find where the Lord says it, can we do it in His name?

Authority Matt. 7:1-5; John 7:24 Rom. 10:1-4 Rev. 22:16-19 Acts 17:30- Ignorance? Gal. 1:8-10

How does the church raise funds? Contributions from members –2 Cor. 9:1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; –2 Cor. 9:6-7 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

How does the church raise funds? Contributions from members 1 Cor. 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

How does the church raise funds? Contributions from members Acts 2:44-45 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Acts 4:34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold

How does the church raise funds? Contributions from members Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea

How does the church raise funds? What about? Bake Sales Yard Sales Car Washes What would be lacking? –Authority in the scripture?

Spending the Church’s Money Attitude of the giver –2 Cor 9:1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; –2 Cor 9:6-7 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Spending the Church’s Money Attitude of the giver (Macedonians) 2 Cor 8:2-3 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 2 Cor 8:7 But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.

Spending the Church’s Money Attitude of the giver Acts 2:44-45 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Acts 4:34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold

Spending the Church’s Money Danger 1Tim 6:9-10 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Spending the Church’s Money Take care with the Lord’s Money 1 Cor. 16:3 Send someone you approve with the money 2 Cor. 8:16-21 – trusted messenger (Titus) Where does Eastside’s money go? What do the elders do to be cautious with the funds collected?

Spending the Church’s Money Activities Authorized for the Church Assemble –Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. –Building/Facilities

Spending the Church’s Money Activities Authorized for the Church Observe Lord’s Supper –Acts 20:7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. –Table, Serving Trays, Juice, Bread

Spending the Church’s Money Activities Authorized for the Church Sing –Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (NKJV) –Song books, Paperless Hymnal (computer)

Spending the Church’s Money Activities Authorized for the Church Support Preachers –2 Cor. 11:8-9 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

Spending the Church’s Money How was Money Spent? -- Preaching Many Churches to one Man 2 Cor. 11:7-9

Spending the Church’s Money Support Preachers –Phil. 1:5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, (NKJV) –Phil. 4:10-18 … 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. …(NKJV)

Spending the Church’s Money Support Preachers –1 Cor. 9:13-14 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

How was Money Spent? – Preaching One Church to one Man Phil. 4:10-18; Acts 13:1-6

Spending the Church’s Money Provide for Needy Saints –Acts 2:44-45 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. –One Church to their own members Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37; 6:1-6; 1 Tim 5:16

Spending the Church’s Money Provide for Needy Saints –Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea –One Church to Churches (Elders) of Judea Acts 11:27-30

Spending the Church’s Money Provide for Needy Saints –Rom 15:25-26 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. –Many Churches to a Church (Elders) Ro 15:25-28; 2 Co. 8:18-21; 1 Co. 16:1-3

Spending the Church’s Money Provide for Widows Indeed (1 Tim. 5:3-16) Left Alone Trust in God Continue in supplication and prayers night/day Over 60 Wife of one man Well reported for Good works Brought up children Lodged strangers Washed saints feet Relieved the afflicted Diligent to every good work With such qualifications, does it sound like God cares how the church’s money is spent? Authority?

Spending the Church’s Money Individual Responsibility –1Tim. 5:4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. –1Tim. 5:16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

Spending the Church’s Money Should the Church Help Non-Christians? –Acts 2:44-45 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. –Context shows “every man” here is those among the Christians. –Gal. 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Spending the Church’s Money Should the Church Help Non-Christians? Gal. 6:5-8 For each one shall bear his own load. 6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. So “who” is to do good to all, especially those of the household of faith? (Individual or Church)

Spending the Church’s Money What about these? –Orphan homes –Schools/Colleges –Social activities –Where is the authority?