2. Introduction A person argues, “since everything belongs to God, all the money belongs to Him, and so whatever we think that will do good, it is authorized to do.” Another argues, “since the words ‘church treasury’ is not used in the Bible, you cannot attach your rules and regulations to it.” What is the Scriptural use of the Lord’s money? Let us examine what the Bible says. (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Thess. 5:21-22; Col. 3:17).

3. Treasury in the Old & New Testament God commanded the Israelites to contribute to build the tabernacle (Exodus 25:2; 35:21). For the temple, there was a treasury to the Lord. (1 Chronicles 29:8-9) Jesus approved of the use of the treasury by the Jews (Mark 12:41-43). Jesus and His disciples had a treasury and Judas was the treasurer (John 13:29; Luke 8:3). The churches were commanded to lay by in store therefore they had a treasury (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

4. There is a Difference between our Money and the Lord’s Money Ananias & Sapphira sold property to help saints but kept some money for themselves (Acts 5:1-2). Even though it was for a worthy cause, they were rebuked for lying about it (Acts 5:3). Before he sold the land it belonged to him, but after he gave, it did not (Acts 5:4). Once you give, it is the Lord’s money, and must be used for His purposes, not ours. It was so serious that they both died (Acts 5:5, 10)

5. Scriptural Use of the Lord’s Money Meeting place to assemble for worship (buy, rent, own, or someone’s home) (Heb. 10:23-25). (Classrooms, lights, air/heat, baptistery, etc.) Evangelism to save souls & teaching to edify saints (Bible study, website, tracts, bulletin, etc.) (Mt. 28:18-20; Eph. 4:11ff; 2 Tim. 2:2, 24-26). Supporting faithful gospel preachers. (1 Cor. 9:14; 3 John 1:5-8) Preachers directly receiving support from other congregations (Phil. 4:15-16; 2 Cor. 11:8-9).

6. Scriptural Use of the Lord’s Money Elders who rule well (1 Tim. 5:17). A congregation helping its own needy members. (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-34; 6:1-6) A congregation helping needy saints elsewhere. (2 Cor. 8:1-4; 9:1, 12; Rom. 15:26). A congregation sending to the elders of another congregation for emergency help (Acts 11:27ff) Faithful widows who don’t have family to support them can be permanently helped but must meet specific qualifications (1 Tim. 5:3-4, 9-10)

7. Where is permission granted from the Lord in the Bible for these practices? A church helping all people, not just saints? A church building a kitchen, gymnasium, or sponsoring a camp or a ball team? A church funding human organizations? (colleges, hospitals, orphan or nursing homes) A church funding another church for evangelism? (Use of Missionary Society, sponsoring church) A church funding and operating businesses? (Real estate, selling books, DVD’s, CD’s, etc.)

8. Conclusion We must have authority for what we believe, teach, and practice which includes the use of the Lord’s money (Col. 3:17). Remember that the church was purchased with the blood of Christ and so we must obey the Lord in everything (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:24). We have no right to go beyond what is written or we will suffer the eternal consequences. (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 John 1:9-11; Rev. 22:18-19) Let us all abide in the teaching of Christ so that we will have God’s approval and go to heaven. (2 John 1:9; Heb. 5:8-9)