Bible Thoughts

October 3, 2004

Have you ever seriously considered why we contribute of our means upon the first day of the week? Is it possible we could be giving for the wrong reasons? Or, not fully understanding the benefits of giving? Any, or all, of these thoughts could be true.

Do people contribute on the first day simply to keep enough money in the treasury to pay the preacher? While it is right and proper for such to be done, the prime purpose of giving is not simply to pay an evangelist's salary. Incidentally, such a feeling has given rise to some pressure tactics often used by those who come to dislike the preacher. In order to get him to move, they simply quit giving and "starve him out." Any person so motivated has a wrong concept of giving.

It does take money to maintain a meetinghouse. Such funds come from the contribution of the saints on the first day of the week. There are necessary repairs and upkeep in order to have a proper place to meet. This writer has found, in some places, a lack of enthusiasm to upkeep the building. The property and building belong to the Lord and not the brethren: it is well to remember this fact. We are grateful for all of those who are willing to do what they can in volunteering to maintain out meetinghouse.

There are several expenses that arise out of the work of the church. The contribution on the first day of the week is the manner that is prescribed by the Lord to meet such. Our giving should not be so short-sighted as to be intended simply to meet these ordinary bills. We must always be willing to look to the future needs and do what we can to see that such are met.

The Christian contributes unto the Lord and His cause on the first day of the week because it is a command of God. "Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by in store, as he may prosper..."(I Corinthians 16:2). "Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giveth"(II Corinthians 9:7). "He that giveth, let him do it with liberality"(Romans 12:8). We must recognize that we need not just the apparent necessities in our giving, but that such is an instruction from God for we should be willing to do as we are commanded.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive"(Acts 20:35). Paul so encouraged the elders of Ephesus to assist the weak. We should recognize the blessedness not only of giving our time and effort, but our material possessions as well, when we desire to render acceptable service to the Lord. The Christian can experience a satisfaction that is gained in no other way than when he is willing to part with his goods and finances to help others, to help the cause of the Lord, and to realize the true meaning of sharing.

Do you know the world could end today...this very minute? It may not, but it could! "but the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heart, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up"(II Peter 3:10).

Do you know that each person must give an account for the deeds performed whole in the body? "For we must all be made manifest before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad"(II Corinthians 5:10).

Do you know Jesus has made provisions for you to be acceptable to God when you stand in His presence? "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness; but is long-suffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"(II Peter 3:9). "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life"(John 3:16).

Do you know the New Testament reveals the will of Christ and how to take advantage of His provisions? "For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every man that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith; as it is written, but the righteous shall live by faith"(Romans 1:16-17). "For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe"(I Corinthians 1:21).

Do you know the gospel is to be proclaimed by faithful men in order that others might learn the truth? "And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also"(II Timothy 2:2). What are we doing in order to reach those sincere souls who need the gospel for their salvation?

The future of the church in Santa Fe Hills lies in the hands of each of the members. Only through the efforts of each and every Christian will that success be accomplished. A willingness to follow only what God has commanded is the only way we can be a part of the great army of God. We need to carry the gospel throughout our area as well as teaching the masses around the globe.

The future of the church in Santa Fe Hills is determined, to a large degree, based on the lives of her members. Only through shining forth radiantly every day can those whom we contact see what it is like to be a Christian. "Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house"(Matthew 5:15.

The future of the church in Santa Fe Hills depends upon the liberality of the members. One is to be liberal with the assets God has given; the efforts of each member; and--one's dedicated life to the Master who died for us. Each Christian must arise in the great army of the King and conquer all foes from without and within.