2. DEVOTION
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When I Tithe, the Church’s Ministry is Extended
“When God’s people combine their spiritual gifts with faithful tithes and offerings,
many people will come to know Jesus as Lord.”
Barnabas was known in the early church as the “Son of Encouragement.” In Acts 9:27-
28 Barnabas gives his endorsement with the church to introduce Saul, a young dynamic
preacher who had been recently converted from Judaism. Saul had a checkered past
and had been actively involved in persecuting and imprisoning Christians. Through the
gift of encouragement and endorsement, Barnabas was able to introduce the struggling
new church to a minister who would become the greatest evangelist of the first century.
We all long for a church that is growing and vibrant in ministry. When Barnabas and Saul
combined their gifts at the church in Antioch “a great number of people were brought to
the Lord” (Acts 11:24-26). The same promise of blessing is ours today. When God’s
people combine their spiritual gifts with faithful tithes and offerings, many people will
come to know Jesus as Lord.
You can extend the ministry effectiveness of your church by regularly giving a tithe or
more of your income. Your gifts encourage other believers to play a larger role in
ministry in today’s world. Who knows when another evangelist like the apostle Paul will
appear? Perhaps he awaits your encouragement. Be an encourager: Tithe!

3. DEVOTION
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When I Tithe, Missionaries are Multiplied
“We have the opportunity every Sunday to multiply missionary performance
through gifts of prayer, encouragement, and faithful tithing.”
Barnabas and Paul were the first missionaries commissioned by the early church at
Antioch. Acts 13 and 14 describe their success in planting churches in the Middle East
and their report of encouragement to the church at Antioch. Though they were
successful in working together, when it was time for a second journey, they had a sharp
disagreement centered on John Mark, who had failed to complete the first missionary
assignment with them. Paul chose Silas as a partner instead, and they headed for
Greece. Barnabas, ever the encourager, chose John Mark and sailed for Cyprus. What
could have been interpreted as a failed effort, actually resulted in twice as many
missionary teams.
All of us long to see more missionaries and to see the kingdom of God increase and
multiply. By faithfully giving a tithe or more of our income through the church, we
encourage the commissioning of more missionaries.
We have the opportunity every Sunday to multiply missionary performance through gifts
of prayer, encouragement and faithful tithing. If we fail to be generous, we could impair
the growth of God’s kingdom and shrink His missionary force. Be an encourager: Tithe!