Tuesday, September 14, 2010

GIVING SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO GOD

Nehemiah called on his people to give for the sake of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem and strengthening the city. Jerusalem would not be strong unless the people were willing to give and sacrifice.

One of the ways God calls His people today to give and sacrifice is financially.
In order to build a church building, it takes giving and sacrifice. A strong church is a sacrificial church. A strong Christian is a sacrificial Christian. Strength comes from sacrifice.

Nehemiah and the people made a covenant with God to support the temple ministry.
And they kept their promise.

What’s the application for us today as a church?

GIVING SUPPORTS THE CHURCH STAFF.
The particular tithes that were collected and stored in the temple were for the support of the “temple workers.” It was so they could continue to serve the Lord.

GIVING SUSTAINS THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH.
The result of Israel’s joyful service of dedication was a plentiful supply of produce to sustain the work of the ministry. And they gave joyfully just like it says in 2 Cor. 9:7, Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

The great missionary Hudson Taylor said, “When God’s work is done in God’s way for God’s glory, it will not lack God’s support.”

GIVING IS A SPIRITUAL SACRIFICE.
Our financial gifts are really “spiritual gifts” to the Lord when given with the right attitude.

Notice what Paul called the financial gifts from the Philippian church in Phil. 4:18 They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

In Luke chapter 7 Jesus accepted Mary’s gift of precious ointment as an act of worship.

The Bible tells us in Heb. 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Jesus said in Luke 16:9 (Ph) “Use money, tainted as it is, to make yourselves friends, so that when it comes to an end they may welcome you into eternal habitations.”

He’s saying give your money to make friends that last forever. In other words, give your money to be used to bring people to Christ, into God’s family. And then when you get to Heaven they’ll be there too, and they will welcome you there because of what you did in your giving.

Let’s use our WIN10n2010 theme to motivate us even more to invite someone to church this Sunday. Make the sacrifice for their eternity and God’s glory.