What does the Bible say about giving?
We are in the process of responding to the vision God has given to The Church at South Mountain. He has called us to something so large, we can only accomplish it through God's intervention and by all of us working together.
Our Vision
Our vision is to magnify the glory of God by presenting the Gospel of God's grace to every race and preparing believers through clear Bible teaching to impact their world.
Why Stewardship?
God has entrusted The Church at South Mountain with a vision. Stewardship is recognizing everything we have belongs to God. We have been charged with managing His resources well. As His faithful servants, we are to multiply that which we have been put in charge of, so when He returns He will be able to say,
"A job well-done, my good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your Master." (Matt. 25:23)
This three-year commitment, The Planting Hope Campus Advance, can be a faith-stretching adventure as we all learn to trust God to provide for us. Let God show His faithfulness to you as you show your faithfulness to Him.
The Principle of Synergy:
Sacrificially giving, together, to achieve a common purpose
Exodus 35 gives us an excellent biblical example of people coming together to accomplish something extraordinary. The nation of Isreal was called to build the tabernacle for worshipping God.
"Take from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord's contribution...." (Ex.35:5)
"And everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord's contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments." (Ex.35:21)
The people were moved to give different gifts from what God had given them. Some brought money, others brought possessions, and some donated their special skills. The combined effect of their gifts accomplished what God had asked them to do. The same will happen with us. Not all of us will give equal gifts, but we can all sacrifice equally. As we seek God, He will supply us with both the faith and resources to complete the task set before us.
The Principle of Bread and Seed:
"Now He who supplies seed for the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing...." (2 Cor.9:10)
God gives us resources for two reasons:
- Bread for food (blessing for our family)
- Seed for sowing (investing in ministry)
As you faithfully steward that which God supplies, distinguishing between those two purposes for money is of utmost importance. It is a spiritual process to discover what God wants you to give toward furthering His kingdom (seed) and to live and enjoy His goodness (bread).
Ask God for wisdom to set a budget that guides your financial decisions. He wants you to meet your financial obligations and also to trust Him to be able to cheerfully give toward His purposes.
As we give for God's purposes, we are planting seeds. God tells us He will supply us with adequate "bread," and then multiply our "seed" for sowing.
The Principle of Intent:
Budgeting
"Let each one do just as He has purposed in his heart." (2 Cor.9:7)
As you are seeking God for what He wants you to give, evaluating your budget first will bring light to the process. God wants us to sacrifice, He wants us to be wise, and He wants us to be realistic. Once you know what you need to live, you can assess what might be sacrificed in order to further God's kingdom.
This is a joyful exercise. We have the privilege to be part of God's work. This is not to be under pressure or guilt, but rather between you and God. Remember the widow's mite. You may not feel like your gift is significant, but God knows your heart. He is waiting to bless you as you trust Him with your life.
What can you do?
As we pray together, "Lord, what do you want to do through me to reach the lost in our community?" consider the joy of sacrificing what God has given you in order to see people find Christ!
Please pray and discuss with your family what you can invest in the Kingdom over the next three years as part of Planting Hope.
- The amount is to be above and beyond your regular giving.
- The amount is between you and God. No one will pressure you to give.
Sacrifice is when we give up something important to us to gain something more important to us. Each will choose a different strategy for sacrificing. Here are the types of decisions some are making:
- Postponing major purchases: car, furniture, computer, TV
- Delaying or downsizing vacations
- Exchanging entertainment for giving: concerts, movies, eating out
- Examining daily budgets: clothing, services, "extras"
- Donating extra income: side jobs, bonus, tax returns
- Gifts in kind: stocks, bonds, real estate
- Sale of assets: extra car, land, garage sale proceeds