1. First 2 Internal Problems Benevolence (charitable giving) Givers (Acts 5:1-10) Seeking glory for generosity, couple lied about amount given Receivers (Acts 6:1-6) Complaint of being short changed in distribution Always a potential problem and a touchy subject within the Lord’s church

2. Congregational Benevolence (Needy Saints Only) Some needy people are not saints: All N.T. Examples (church to saints) Acts 2:44-47, 4:34-37, 11:28-30 I Cor. 16:1-2 “for the saints” “But you’re supposed to be loving!” Don’t understand authority II Thes. 3:10 Ready to share greater treasure Jn.6:26-27

3. Congregational Benevolence (Needy Saints Only) Some saints are not needy people: Avenues open to U. S. citizens: Savings account, Loans, 2nd Job, Selling non essential items… New Testament Needy: Acts 2: away from funds (credit cards, ATM) Acts 3: handicapped (government, charities) Acts 11: dearth (insurance companies)

4. Individual Benevolence Different Liberties (Acts 5:4) Still required to be good stewards of our blessings (savings, insurance, contribute) Gal. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Ability: Acts 3:6, II Cor. 8:12 Do good: giving money help or hurt?

5. Doing Good? Results (He leaves me alone, I feel good) Contribute to Delinquency Acts 5:1-10 scam, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, prostitute,… Conceal Deficiency (living on the edge) overspend (management) “burning hole” Create Dependency (welfare) make a living by begging from churches and individuals

6. Ability, Worthy person with real need, good act to give: Jms. 2:15-17 Generous not foolish: Eph. 4:28 Prov 3:27-28 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

7. Individual Benevolence Different Obligations: Family: I Tim. 5:4, 8, 16 Do we give to children indiscriminately? Provide needs, what is best for them Others: James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (WARNING: Organized Charities)

8. True Benevolence Our ability, Their need, God’s approval Money collected during the worship service is God’s and must be used in His way: Generous with God’s money: Social meals, Camps, Colleges… Orphan homes, Community hand outs...