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Are We a Giving Church?
 Theme: A Biblical distinction between "church" and "individual."

Introduction:

A.      Many churches proclaiming Christ and the Christian way use monies given to the Lord for various kinds of church endeavors

1.      Food pantries.

2.      United Way in Williamson County.

3.      BRIDGES Domestic Violence Center.

B.     So, why is our congregation not involved in any of these caring activities?

1.      Is it because we have no money?

2.      Is it because we have no love?

3.      Are we too lazy to be involved in these endeavors?

C.     The answers to these questions serve a two-fold purpose:

1.      To provide a biblical stand for why – collectively as a church – we’re not involved in these otherwise very helpful and loving activities.

2.      While at the same time strongly exhorting Christians to either start, increase, or maintain such helpful and loving activities.

Discussion:

I.         Biblical Consistency

A.      Note the principles of hermeneutics used to determine consistency among various doctrines taught today.

1.      We teach a repentant, Christ believing/confessing, for the remission of sins... water baptism because that is what is revealed in God’s word. Lk. 24:46-47 (Mk. 16:16; Matt. 28:19); Acts 2:38; 8:35-39

2.      We teach acappella as worshipful singing because God’s word explicitly reveals “speaking one to another” and never revealed any use of instruments in N.T. worship. Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16

3.      Congregations may not be perfect in applying every single nuance of this hermeneutic (example: authority for flowers as decoration in the building?) but we strive with all faithfulness to be consistently sound in practicing what the N.T. reveals.

II.       Biblical Consistency on Financial Affairs

      We teach what the Scriptures expressly reveal as it pertains to congregations and individual Christians.

A.      Consistency: Churches

1.       Ministers of the word. 1 Cor. 9:14 (cp. 2 Cor. 11:7-9; Phil. 4:15); 1 Tim. 5:17-18

2.       Brethren (other Christians) in physical need. 1 Cor. 16:1-3

3.       Interesting enough was the warning not to burden the church so it (the church) could focus financially supporting “widows indeed”. 1 Tim. 5:16

B.     Consistency: Individuals

1.       The Scriptures explicitly tell individual believers who our neighbors are. Lk. 10:25-37

2.       If I am to love my neighbor I will help him. Matt. 25:31ff; 1 Jn. 3:17-18; Gal. 6:10

C.     Exhortation To Christians

1.      Be generous to your God as He has been to you, that the work of the Lord may flourish to His glory. 2 Cor. 9:6-7

2.      Sacrifice your time, energy, and means to help others in need. Cp. Jas. 1:27

a.      Find local places where you can serve in your community.

b.      Remember that serving can/should ultimately start at the household of faith. Gal. 6:10

3.      If our individual lives are so filled with service to God and man (Matt. 22:37-39), the church cannot help but stand on a hill as a city radiating the glory of God. Matt. 5:14

Conclusion:

A.      Because the Scriptures delineate between the financial burden placed upon individuals in contrast to the (local) church we try to live by faith according to its revelation.

B.      May this distinction serve not only as a doctrinal stand, but an exhortation for all believers to practice pure and undefiled religion as we love our God and neighbor.

 

Glory to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin Church of Christ