Sermon Illustrations on Giving

Sharing and Caring

Luke 10:30

Sermon in Philippians series. Mutuality in giving. Phil. 4:14-20.

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SHARING AND CARING

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I. Coordination test.

II. Share at the point of people's needs.

A. "You shared in my troubles."

B. The Philippian church was God's way of taking care of Paul.

C. Three stages in sharing in someone's need. Luke 10:30-36

1) Identify the need.

2) Show an interest in the need.

3) Get involved in meeting the need.

III. Be persistent in sharing.

A. "You sent me aid again and again." 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

B. Persistent sharing is lifeblood of Christian ministry.

IV. The profit of sharing.

A. Greco-Roman friendship was based on mutuality.

B. Mutuality also works on higher level - our relationship with God.

C. Our God can give us what we really need.

V. The price of sharing.

A. Sharing is described as an acceptable sacrifice.

B. You cannot out-give God.

#134

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Introductory Scriptural Principles For Stewardship

2 Corinthians 8:1

10 principles of STEWARDSHIP based on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.

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1. Testings by trouble and joy in the Lord inspire Christians to be

GENEROUS in giving. (8:2)

2. Christian stewardship means PROPORTIONATE giving. We give "as much as

we can" - "as we have been prospered". (8:3)

3. Christian stewardship means SACRIFICIAL giving. We give "beyond our

ability". (8:3)

4. Christian stewardship means VOLUNTARY giving - "of our own choice".

(8:4)

5. Christian stewardship means PARTNERSHIP with God's people in helping.

(8:4)

6. Christian stewardship means PERSONAL DEDICATION - "we give ourselves

first to the Lord". (8:5)

7. Christian stewardship means LOVE IN ACTION - "giving is a service of

love". (8:7)

8. Christian stewardship means FOLLOWING the example of JESUS. (8:9)

9. Christian stewardship means PLEDGING - planning ahead for actions to

follow. (8:11)

10. Christian stewardship means EQUALIZING BURDENS - like the experience

of manna in the wilderness. (8:15)

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP PRINCIPLES

1. THE FIRST CONCERN OF CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP IS FOR PERSONS.

Because this is so, everything is geared to achieve a communication of

information and understanding of discipleship, an involvement in the

church's ministry, and responsible apportionment of all one's resources.

Out of these come the individual's specific commitment of time, talent

and treasure.

2. "ALL" STEWARDSHIP CONCERNS ARE SPIRITUAL.

The whole question of church finances or leadership responsibility is a

theological one first. This principle can yield Christian fulfillment

and stewardship practices at their best.

3. "ALL" STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT STEMS FROM THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST AND HIS

GOSPEL UPON US.

"We are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."

(1 Corinthians 4:1) Since this is our call, these claims of Christ

are not optional but binding.

(1) to COMMUNE REGULARLY with Him through worship, prayer and Bible

study, in order to discern His "mind and will";

(2) to COMMUNICATE FAITHFULLY with every means at hand the "mystery of

God's open secret in Christ" to all persons everywhere;

(3) to COMMIT ONE'S SELF to responsible management of all God's gifts of

time, talent and treasure for sharing the Good News.

4. STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT MUST INCLUDE THE PRINCIPLE OF PROPORTIONATE

GIVING.

Some Christians start with the guideline of the FIRST TENTH - a tithe as

belonging to God. This is not out of a legalistic "must," but because

love says, "I may". Others may move to this level and beyond in a series

of steps. Some "to whom much is given and from whom much is required"

will surely not allow their faith to STOP at 10%, but will rise to new

levels in faithfulness to Him.

#312

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Giving Habits From 1968 To 1985

Researchers John and Sylvia Ronsvalle (Lilly Foundation) examined giving habits from 1968 to 1985. Available after-tax income (and inflation) increased 31%, while the percentage of income given per member to the churches studied (31 Protestant denominations, with 30 million members) actually decreased 8.5 percent.

Sylvia says, "What we found essentially is that people are placing a higher value on their lifestyles than their church." They have more money, but are spending more on themselves and less on the work of God.

Principles of Tithing

Sermon outline on tithing.

1. To whom should the Christian give his tithe?

a. To the Lord. Lev 27:30, Gen 14:29

b. To the house of God. 1 Cor 16:2, Mal 3:8-10

2. When is the Christian supposed to bring (not send) his tithe?

First of week. First tenth, not last tenth.

3. Who is expected to tithe?

Everyone. 1 Cor 16:2; (Widow's mite)

4. How much should a Christian give? 2 Cor 8:14

Tenth is the minimum, offerings are on top of that.

5. Why should a Christian give his tithe? (verses given under each item)

a. The Lord commands us to.

b. God promises blessings to the liberal giver.

c. It is the highest test of our love for God.

The Story Behind Salvation Army Christmas Kettles

Christmas kettles began in San Francisco in 1894 when a ship was wrecked off the Golden Gate. The Salvation Army sheltered the survivors, but times were hard and the food gave out. An inventive Army lassie put the empty soup cauldron on the side walk and stood ringing a small bell to draw attention to the pot and to a sign reading, "Keep the Kettle Boiling."

How To Help Stewards Grow

Luke 12:38

Survey of Biblical data on stewardship (a little-understood word) and tithing. "Tithing is another example. Christians need a standard for giving. Consider, for instance, that we are willing to leave a 15% tip for a meal, but shudder to think of giving 10% of what we earn to God. Although the New Testament suggests that much more is to be given than a 10% token of one's possessions, the tithe is at least a minimum standard upon which one can build a giving pattern."

#751

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Forced Tithing

Jerry Falwell announced that employees of his various ministries (about 2,000 people) are required to join his Thomas Road Baptist Church and to give at least 10 percent of their salaries to it. Some exemptions are allowed.

Rich Wisdom: New Testament Teachings On Wealth

John Wesley pushed the sensible formula on finances:

"Make all you can,

save all you can,

give all you can."

We appear to have concluded that two out of three isn't bad.

[see #2995 for more complete treatment of Wesley and money.]

#872

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What Do You Owe God?

Sermon on tithing.

1. History of tithing.

2. Current (neglected) practice.

3. Results of abusing.

4. Biblical background: What it was, where given, who received, purpose.

5. Abuse of tithe.

6. Proper attitude.

a. Fellowship meal in Jerusalem.

b. Give tithe joyfully, or not at all.

7. Validity of tithe today.

a. Relationship with God must come first.

b. Ultimate giving to God is not 10%, but 100%.

You Can't Make God Your Partner!

U.S. Plastics Corp. outside Lima, Ohio, has this large sign: "Christ Is The Answer." Owned by R. Stanley Tam. Tam wanted to make God a co-partner, lawyers said it couldn't be done, but he did. Large percentage of profits goes to missions. He wrote a book about it.

Is God a partner in our affairs?

#889

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What Wesley Practiced and Preached About Money

Luke 12:15

John Wesley knew grinding poverty as a child. His father was the Anglican priest in one of England’s lowest-paying parishes. He had nine children to support and was rarely out of debt. Once John saw his father being marched off to debtor’s prison. When John became a teacher at Oxford University he was paid more than enough to live on. He spent his money on playing cards, tobacco and brandy.

While at Oxford, an incident changed his perspective on money. He had just finished paying for some pictures for his room when one of the chambermaids came to his door. It was a cold winter day, and he noticed that she had nothing to protect her except a thin linen gown. He reached into his pocket to give her some money to buy a coat but found he had too little left. Immediately the thought struck him that the Lord was not pleased with the way he had spent his money. He asked himself, “Will thy Master say, ‘Well done, good and faithful steward’? Thou hast adorned thy walls with the money which might have screened this poor creature form the cold! O justice! O mercy! – Are not these pictures the blood of this poor maid?”

Perhaps as a result of this incident, in 1731 Wesley began to limit his expenses so that he would have more money to give to the poor. He records that one year his income was 30 pounds and his living expenses 28 pounds, so he had 2 pounds to give away. The next year his income doubled, but he still managed to live on 28 pounds, so he had 32 pounds to give to the poor. In the third year, his income jumped to 90 pounds.

Instead of letting his expenses rise with his income, he kept them to 28 pounds and gave away 62 pounds. In the fourth year, he received 120 pounds. As before, his expenses were 28 pounds, so his giving rose to 92 pounds.

Wesley felt that the Christian should not merely tithe but give away all extra income once the family and creditors were taken car of. He believed that with increasing income, what should rise is not the Christian’s standard of living but the standard of GIVING. This practice, begun at Oxford, continued throughout his life. Even when his income rose into the thousands of pounds sterling, he lived simply, and he quickly gave away his surplus money.

One year his income was a little over 1400 pounds. He lived on 30 pounds and gave away nearly 1400 pounds. Because he had no family to care for, he had no need for savings. He was afraid of laying up treasures on earth, so the money went out in charity as quickly as it came in. He reports that he never had 100 pounds at any one time.

Wesley limited his expenditures by not purchasing the kinds of things thought essential for a man in his station of life. In 1776 English tax commissioners inspected his return and wrote him the following: “[We] cannot doubt but you have plate for which you have hitherto neglected to make an entry.” They were saying a man of his prominence certainly must have some silver plate in his house and were accusing him of failing to pay excise tax on it. Wesley wrote back, “I have two silver spoons at London and two at Bristol. This is all the plate I have at present, and I shall not buy any more while so many round me want [need] bread.”

Wesley’s guidelines on money: [see #872]

1. Gain all you can. Money can be used for good. But do not thereby damage yourself, others, or the environment.

2. Save all you can. Two reasons were not to waste money, and not to increase desires.

3. Give all you can. Giving begins, but does not end, with the tithe.

Four Scriptural principles on spending:

a. Provide things you and your family need. 1 Tim 5:8

b. Have food and clothes and be content. 1 Tim 6:8

c. Do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Owe no debt. Rom 12:17; 13:8

d. Do good to all men. Gal 6:10

In giving these four biblical principles, Wesley recognized some situations were not clear-cut. He accordingly offered four questions to help his hearers decide how to spend money:

1. In spending this money, am I acting like I own it, or am I acting like the Lord’s trustee?

2. What Bible verse requires me to spend this money this way?

3. Can I offer up this purchase as a sacrifice to the Lord?

4. Will God reward me for this expenditure at the resurrection of the just?

In 1744 Wesley wrote, “When I die if I leave behind me ten pounds… you and all mankind can bear witness against me, that I have lived and died a thief and a robber.” When he died in 1791, the only money mentioned in his will was the miscellaneous coins to be found in his pockets and dresser drawers. Most of the 30,000 pounds he had earned in his lifetime he had given away. As Wesley said, “I cannot helping leaving my books behind me whenever God calls me hence; but in every other respect, my own hands will be my executors.”

[Adapted from Leadership magazine, Winter 1987. See also #872]

Churches Still Drawing Record Flocks, Contributions

Luke 4:16

From a letter to Ann Landers:

Which is more important to Americans, sports or religion? I’ll bet nine out of 10 people would say sports. Well, they would be wrong. The late writer George Cornell did some research in 1992 and found that $56.7 billion was contributed by Americans to religious groups. That is 14 times more than the $4 billion spent that year on professional baseball, football and basketball combined. According to the Gallup Poll, attendance at religious functions totaled 5.6 billion in 1993. That is about 55 times great than the 103 million Americans who attended professional football, baseball and basketball games that year.

In 1990, the overall attendance at U.S. sporting events was estimated at 388 million. This includes both professional and college football, baseball, hockey, basketball, boxing, tennis, soccer, wrestling, and harness, auto and dog racing. In comparison, the religious attendance in 1990 was estimated at 5.2 billion — more than 13 times the overall sports total. More people turned out for worship in one month in 1990 than for all these sporting events for the entire year.

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Another version from SermonCentral by contributor D. Greg Ebie:

The Bible tells us that where your treasure is, there your heart is also. That means we could accurately say that many folks are more committed to professional sports than they are to the church. In 1993 the total attendance at worship services in the U.S. was 5.6 billion, while the total attendance at U.S. professional baseball, football, and basketball games combined was only 103 million (less than two percent of the worship attendance, or for every 100 people who attended church less than two were at a sporting event.)

Now the rest of the story: Contributions to churches for the year totaled $56.7 billion (that’s just over $10 per person), but the amount spent on professional baseball, football, and basketball totaled $4 billion (that’s nearly $40 per person or almost four times what people gave to their local church per person). Is it any wonder that we look at some fans and say that they really are fanatics? They are more sold out for their team than many church attenders. How could we change the nation if the church quadrupled its commitment of resources, discipleship, and evangelism?

The Lord's Lottery

The facetious "Lord's Lottery" increases church giving by putting envelopes in a bin, with winning person getting double their money back. Excitement and prosperity for the church will result. It will become the main event of the morning worship.

Storehouse Tithing

The principle of storehouse tithing:

"Notice God's PLAN.

God told us to bring the tithes, not send them.

The wise men didn't send their gifts.

The woman with the alabaster box didn't send the box for Jesus' anointing

God says we are to bring the tithe.

"Note the PERSON.

You are commanded to bring the tithe and love obeys.

Love doesn't just sing, "Oh, how I Love Jesus."

Love tithes!

"Note the PROPORTION.

Scripture doesn't say let everyone lay by in store as you feel led or

moved by the Holy Spirit.

The tenth is the Lord's.

"Notice the PLACE of our tithes.

The truth of Scriptures is that the local church is the storehouse!

"Note the PURPOSE.

Bring the tithe to further the work of Christ through the church in

bringing salvation to men and women.

"Finally, notice the PROPOSITION.

God says to you. "Put me on trial. Prove me."

#2178

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God Loves A Cheerful Asker

1 Chronicles 29

Christian leaders need to ask their people to support God's work.

Five Biblical foundations for Asking from 1 Chronicles 29:

1. Give a gift of yourself before you ask others to give. 29:2

2. Ask with joy. 29:3

3. Ask with praise and thanksgiving. 29:13-14

4. Ask as an act of discipleship. 29:5

5. God will honor the asker. 29:28

Five Biblical foundations for Asking from 2 Corinthians 8 & 9:

1. Ask people to give generously. 9:6

2. Ask people to give their hearts, and allow their purses to follow. 8:5

3. Ask people to follow the example of Jesus. 8:9

4. Ask people to give proportionally. 8:12

5. Ask people to give as a witness to God. 9:13

Also included is "Ten ways to be a cheerful asker."

Ten Biblical Images of the Tithe

Ten Biblical images of the tithe:

1. Gratitude. Gen 14:20 and 28:22

2. Covenant. Deut 14:22-29; 26:1-15

3. Sacrifice. 2 Sam 24:24

4. Worship. Lev 27:30

5. Percentage giving. 1 Cor 16:2

6. A guideline. 2 Cor 9:8-15

7. Weightier matters. Matt 23:23

8. God's ownership. Mal 3:8

9. Disciplinarian. Gal 3:24

10. A gift of joy. 2 Cor 9:7

In summary, if the Old Testament law required at least a tithe, it is

inconceivable that Christians would want to do less. That is why we see the

tithe as the minimal New Testament standard for Christian giving.

#2983

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Keeping Children From Being Greedy

Mark 12

Children need to be taught how to be generous and giving. We need to expose children to the needs in the world today:

1. Neighborhood giving.

2. Community giving.

3. World giving.

A child must be enabled to give. Children learn from our example. MacLean and her husband taught their children the "70-20-10 Plan" - spend 70 percent, save 20 percent, give 10 percent. Show hospitality in your home and give your time to others.

#3054

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Four Myths About Giving

Luke 18:12

What Scripture REALLY says about how much we give and to whom we give it.

Myth #1: You must give 10 percent.

Christians are not bound by the tithe, but we must give

sacrificially.

Give "of your living," not merely your surplus.

Myth #2: You must give the first 10 percent to your local church.

The Temple is not exactly equivalent to the local church.

Churches should be supported, but we can also give to the

poor, etc.

Myth #3: If Christian leaders truly trusted God, they wouldn't "ask."

George Muller is the example for this, but his orphanage made

its needs known through prayer meetings and reports.

Jesus and the disciples also made their needs known.

Myth #4: Once you make a giving commitment, you can never stop.

Keep your commitments, but also give proportionally.

We are giving to God, not missionaries.

God also wants us to give joyfully.

(Letter to editor in #90, page 12, disputes the neglect of tithing. It is still a valid New Testament principle, and indeed a requirement, according to Ken Calhoun of Portland, Oregon.)

You Can't Out-Give The Lord

Acts 20:35

A family from Billie Ford’s church in Ochelata, Oklahoma, regularly took their youngest child to a special hospital in St. Louis. Billie offered to keep the two older kids. They had four children of their own and lived on a tight budget. Once when they asked Billie to take the kids, her grocery budget was very tight. She agreed anyway and prayed that God would help her stretch the money.

Billie went into a local grocery store, not knowing it was holding a Friday the 13th Sale. She had a minute left to sign up for a drawing for two free bags of groceries. She had hardly started down the first aisle when her name was called.

In the bag was a huge box of oatmeal, two loaves of bread, a large bag of macaroni, and numerous other times that helped her stretch her budget to include two more children for four days. Billie Ford testifies that since then, God has blessed them in many ways and they truly know: You can’t out-give the Lord.

Four Myths About Giving

Amos 4:4

C.S. Lewis put it well when he said, "I'm afraid biblical charity is more than merely giving away that which we could afford to do without anyway."*

Tough Questions

The taking up of the offering is often the lowest point in the church

service. Roberts gives ten suggestions for making the offering a high point

of praise. Among them: use joyful music, happy ushers, praise verses,

putting offering on communion table, preach on praise then take up offering.

The root problem of how to take an offering is today's attitude toward money.

#3236

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Make Ministry A Family Affair

Mark 10:45

Serving Christ together produces a powerful spiritual "glue" for a family.

1. What is a family ministry?

2. The benefits of family ministry. (Open up your home)

3. Ministries of hospitality.

4. Ministries of caring.

"Well, It's Payday Again"

When payday comes and you're not sure you want to give anything, consider what the Bible says. [Author's thoughts are juxtaposed with Scripture.]

Teaching Baby Boomers To Tithe

Malachi 3

How can you teach tithing to baby boomers without making them feel too uncomfortable? Here’s a tried-and-true approach we dusted off to use in a new church. After Easter last year we set aside the last Sunday in April as “Tithing Demonstration Sunday.” We introduced an adventure to see how big an offering we could give together if everyone tithed one week’s income and gave it on April 28th. This is how we proceeded each week in the month of April:

Week One

I distributed a “guessing sheet” on Sunday, April 7th which I asked people to calculate our potential giving on April 28th. I gave them quarterly figures for weekly attendance, average weekly giving, and average per capita giving. I had hooked their interest and sense of adventure. They guessed between $1,400 and $1,800, though we were only receiving about $750 per week at that time. That week I sent the first of three mailings -- personalizing a photocopied letter with salutation, underlinings and my signature in contrasting ink. In this letter I told them how to calculate a tithe. I used the annual ABC stewardship stationary, envelopes, “hang-overs,” etc., to tie the theme together.

Week Two

I sent another letter discussing principles of tithing out of Malachi 3. I didn’t want to preach on tithing -- I thought it would be too heavy -- so I explained it in a letter. I also included a whimsical Bible study sheet with many scriptures on “Principles of Giving” with multiple-choice answers and a self-scoring key at the end.

Week Three

All I mailed was a blue “reminder” post card. “Of course, this is entirely voluntary,” I wrote. “That’s what makes it fun,” and signed each card personally.

Week Four

On Tithing Demonstration Sunday I was amazed to see our attendance at a high -- 50% above normal. We took the offering and announced the total at the close of the service: $1,525. Everybody clapped. It worked! Not the size of that offering especially, but the instruction. Since then, offerings over all have been up 65% (though we had a low month in October). Teaching tithing as an adventure and a discovery is lots more fun than a heavy, heavy sermon.

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Ralph F. Wilson, all rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Copyright permission to make up to 1,000 copies of an article for free distribution is granted to Christian churches at no charge. The reprint must include the article in its entirety with the words “Copyright by Ralph F. Wilson, used by permission, all rights reserved.” Send e-mail to rfwilson@wilsonweb.com or dropping a note to Ralph F. Wilson, P.O. Box 308, Rocklin, CA 95677, USA Christian Articles Archive -http://www.wilsonweb.com/archive/ - rfwilson @wilsonweb.com

Tithing In the Bible

Amos 4:4

Principle of tithing in Old and New Testaments.

TITHING IN THE BIBLE

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I. The principles of tithing.

A. We give a PORTION to God to acknowledge that ALL is from God.

B. Tithing is important to supporting the ministry of God's work.

C. The tithe is a guideline but not a law.

1) Its application changed over the years.

II. Key Bible passages.

A. Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-32; Deut 12:5-18; 14:22-29.

B. Matthew 23:23; Luke 18:12; Heb 7:2-10

III. History of the tithe.

A. Abraham, the first Jew, tithed to Melchizedek. Gen 14:18-20

B. Moses commands the tithe as an obligation. Lev 27:30-33

1) Tithe of fruit and grain could be bought back.

a) In some periods, only crops were tithed. Neh 10:37

2) Animals could not be bought back.

a) However, defective animals were acceptable.

3) God gets the tithe before people can use the crop. Lev 23:14

4) Part is consumed by offerer, part given to priests. Num 18:11

a) Fellowship was an important aspect.

C. Jerusalem became the focal point of all tithing. Deut 12:5

1) Third year tithe was held in local town. Deut 26:12

a) Charitable benefit stressed.

2) Two cycles, then Sabbath year?

D. Conflict between Deut 14:22-27 and Numbers 18:21-32.

1) Deut has tithe going to Levites, who tithe to priests.

a) They can eat it wherever they wish, not just Jerusalem.

2) Rabbinical resolution.

a) Two tithes, one for Levites and other for family.

b) A third tithe for the poor took the place of the

second every three years. Deut 14:28-29

3) Modern interpretation.

a) One tithe, not two or three.

b) Tithe changed as Israel's situation changed.

1> In Wilderness it was given to priests for poor.

2> In Kingdom it was eaten with priests in feast,

then shared with poor in third year.

E. Correct tithing brought prosperity to God's work. 2 Chron 31:4-12

IV. Abuse of tithing.

A. Practice of it can become empty posturing. Amos 4:4; cf. Lk 18:12

B. Neglect of it robs God. Malachi 3:8-12

V. New Testament perspective.

A. Jesus acknowledges tithe but balances it with justice. Matt 23:23

B. The tithe is suggested but not demanded - it is possible to

give more to God. Mark 12:41-44; Matthew 19:27-29

C. Whatever we give, it must be done voluntarily, regularly and

cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

#4073

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Doing Some Plow Work For the Lord Jesus Christ [2 versions]

Dr. Roy L. Laurin wrote a book in which he tells about a Christian business man who had gone out to Korea on a visit. As he was traveling about he noticed in a field beside the road a very strange scene. He saw a boy about eighteen years old pulling a plow, and holding the handles of the plow was an older man, evidently the boy's father. This tourist took a snapshot of it and said to his guide, “What a strange thing that is. I suppose they must be very poor people.”

The guide, who was a Christian, said, “Yes, they are poor. I know the story behind this. A number of months ago, the church to which these people belong was erecting a new building. All the members were asked to contribute something. This father and his boy wanted to give but they felt they had nothing to give. Then it dawned upon them that they could give their only ox. So they killed the ox, cut it up, sold the meat in the market and gave all the proceeds of it to the building fund of the church. This spring they have had to pull the plow themselves.”

The businessman said, “That must have been a most remarkable sacrifice for them.” The guide said, “They did not think so. They thought they were rather fortunate to have an ox to give.”

The businessman came back to his own pastor in this country, took the picture to him and told him the story. He said, “Pastor, I want to double my giving to this church this year. I have never given anything that cost me something. I want to do some plow work for the Lord Jesus Christ!”

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Another version from PreachingNow email newsletter, Dec. 11, 2007:

Two well-to-do Christians, a lawyer and a businessman, joined a tour that was going around the world. In Korea one day, they saw a field by the side of the road, and in the field, a boy pulled a crude plow, while an old man held the plow handles and directed it through the rice paddy. The lawyer was amused and took a picture of the scene.

“That’s a curious sight,” he said to the missionary, who was the interpreter and guide. “Yes,” was the reply, “that is the family of Chi Noui. When the church building was built, they were eager to give something, but they had no money, so they sold the only ox they had and gave the money to the church. This spring, they are pulling the plow themselves.”

The lawyer and the businessman were silent for a few moments, then the businessman said, “That must have been a real sacrifice.”

“They did not call it that,” said the missionary. “They thought it was fortunate they had an ox to sell.”

The two tourists did not have much to say after that, but when they reached home, the lawyer took the picture to his minister and told him of the incident. “I want to double my offering to the church,” he said, “and give me some plow work to do. I have never known what sacrifice for the Lord really means. I am ashamed to say that I have never given anything to the Lord that really cost me something.”

________

Rick Ezell

Ignorant Tithing

Amos 4:4

The treasurer of a rural church resigned and was replaced by a man who managed the local grain elevator. The grain operator agreed to the new position on one condition: the church could not require a financial statement or ask him any questions about the finances for one year. The church members were confused by the request but obliged him because he was a successful and trustworthy man.

At the end of the year, this secretive treasurer gave his glowing financial report. The $25,000 debt had been paid off, there were no outstanding bills, and there was a cash balance of $12,000. The congregation was elated and wanted to know how he managed to accomplish such a great feat. He replied, "Most of you bring your grain to my elevator. When I paid you, I simply withheld ten percent on your behalf and gave it to the church in your name. You never missed it, and now you have seen what God can do when we each give back to God the tithe he has commanded of us all."

Tithing provides a beautiful transformation in the life of a Christian who is obedient to God's command, and collectively, tithing transforms the entire scope and magnitude of a church's ministry.

=======================================================

Another version from Fredericksburg collection:

The day the church treasurer resigned the church asked the local grain elevator manager to take the position. He agreed under two conditions. That no treasurer's report would be given for the first year, and that no questions be asked about finances during that year. The people were surprised but finally agreed since most of them did business with him and he was a trusted man. At the end of the year he gave his report:

The church indebtedness of $228,000 has been paid.

The minister's salary had been increased by 8%.

The Cooperative Program gifts has been paid 200%.

There were no outstanding bills.

There was a cash balance of $11,252!

Immediately the shocked congregation asked, "How did you do it? Where did the money come from?"

He quietly answered: "Most of you bring your grain to my elevator. Throughout the year I simply withheld ten percent on your behalf and gave it to the church in your name. You didn't even miss it!"

"Do you see what we could do for the Lord if we were all willing to give at least the tithe to God, who really owns it?" So the new treasurer had made his point.

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James Carter, adapted from "A Sourcebook for Stewardship Sermons"

Don't Rip Off God

Malachi 3:8

Sermon on tithing and grace-giving. Malachi 3:8-12

DON'T RIP OFF GOD

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I. Whom do you owe?

A. Sometimes it seems like we owe everyone.

B. Money is a deeply spiritual matter.

II. Tithing has been around a while.

A. Affirmed throughout Bible.

B. The recipients of the tithes.

C. Multiple tithes?

D. The tithe was not to be neglected.

III. Does the tithe apply to Christians?

A. Surprisingly, no, it does not.

B. The New Testament principle is grace-giving.

IV. The tithe can be considered a benchmark.

A. "Tithers" versus "grace-givers."

B. Tradition of this church.

V. First things first.

A. Relationship with God comes first.

B. We need a concrete standard.

"So I can share"

The young boy was taken to a busy shopping center to see Santa. After waiting in line for what seemed like an eternity, it was his turn to sit on the fat man's knee. After the usual "ho ho ho's" and "what is your name" questions, the boy was finally asked what it was that he wanted for Christmas. "I would like two toy trucks," replied the lad. "And I want two teddy bears, two remote control cars and two video games." "Well," replied Santa, "that certainly is a tall order to fill. Do you mind telling me why you want two of everything?" The little boy had obviously prepared himself for this question, because he answered without hesitation, "So I can share."

Balance needed

Matthew 10:16

"The Good Woman of Szechwan" is a play written years ago by a playwright named Bertolt Brecht. Brecht wanted to capture the conflict in the marketplace between being successful and being good. This is his tale: Shen Teh is a poor Chinese woman, who one day offers hospitality to three gods passing through her town in disguise. To reward her generosity, the gods give her money to buy a shop of her own. But Shen Teh is too guileless in her use of her new-found wealth. People begin to cheat her in business. She uses her affluence to feed the poor, but some of them also take advantage of her naivete. Shen Teh finds that the only way she can save her shop from bankruptcy is to invent an alter ego, an "uncle" who is not so kind-hearted. When she impersonates her uncle, she becomes a tough businessman who uses hard-nosed methods to clean up the operation and save the shop. When she becomes herself again, she returns to being generous and trusting, and vulnerable to the wiles of unscrupulous people.

Brecht's story presents the dilemma of a charitable spirit that would give away the store it depends upon. And he does not solve the dilemma; rather, he leaves it to the audience to find a solution. As the play ends, the chorus declares: Our bewilderment is great indeed. There's only one solution comes to mind: That you yourselves should ponder till you find The ways and means and measures tending To help good people to a happy ending. Ladies and gentlemen, in you we trust: The ending must be happy, must, must, must!

Being Christian in the contemporary marketplace is a tremendous challenge, to both a believer's character and creativity. There is much in the Sermon on the Mount that a business consultant might consider pretty suspect management policy. "Always let your 'yes' be 'yes'? Turn the other cheek? Love your enemies? Uhh, sounds good in church my friend, but out there in the real world you can get steamrollered acting like that!" To be salt without getting ground under, to be a servant without giving away the store -- that's the challenge. (Maybe there's a time you should give away the store.) As Jesus sent out the Twelve, so he sends you and me: "... like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16) Neither the answers nor their implementation will be easy. But we must by God's power and ingenuity find ways to bring the light of the world out into the world's darkness. We must, we must, we must.

-- Ken Durham

Dealing with frauds

"It will not bother me in the hour of death to reflect that I have been had for a sucker by any number of impostors; but it would be a torment to know that one had refused even one person in need." (Unknown)

The Innkeeper

THE INNKEEPER I only did what you have done/ A thousand times or more/ When Joseph came to Bethlehem/ And knocked upon my door/ I did not turn the Christ away/ With alibi so deft./ Like you, I simply gave to Him/ Whatever I had left. B. P. Baker, submitted by C. James Pasma, Baptist Church, North Syracuse, New York.

Principles from 2 Cor. 8

Four principles of giving emerge here: 1.Your willingness to give cheerfully is more important that the amount you give 2. You should strive to fulfill your financial commitments 3. If you give to others in need they will in turn help you when you are in need 4. You should give as a response to Christ not for anything you can get our of it. How you give reflects on your devotion to Christ. Those who give seem to receive from others as well.

"What If" all gave 10%

Jim Snyder gave me the bulletin of a church in Florida that had a "What If?" Sunday. Everyone was encouraged to give 10% of their gross income for the week on just one Sunday. They experienced a 54% increase in their regular contribution. "What If" Christians did that every week? If that were to happen here our weekly offering would go from $1521 to $2342. We could add almost $43,000 per year to our budget? What do you suppose we could do with that much money? Interesting thought, isn't it? "What If?"

A Summer Parable

A SUMMER PARABLE

Now it came to pass that Mr. Christian lifted up his eyes to the hills and said, "Lo, the hot days cometh and the summer is even now nigh. Come, let us go up unto the mountains where the cool breezes bloweth, and glorious, restful scenes awaiteth."

"Thou speakest wisely, O beloved one," said Mrs. Christian, "Yet there be three things, yea, four things that we must do before we departeth."

"Three things I can think of but not four," spoke Mr. Christian. "We must arrange to have the lawn mowed, our mail and paper stopped, and our forthcoming bills paid. But the fourth thing eludeth me and causeth a great and perplexing bewilderment to come over me."

"The fourth is like unto the first three, yet it surpasseth them all in importance. Thou shalt diggeth deeply into thy purse and draweth out thine offering that the ongoing work of the tabernacle might continueth unabated. If thou wouldest but do this it shall go well with thee, for verily I say unto you that thou hast

more moolah now than when thou shalt returnest. Is it right for the Lord to pay for thy vacation from that which thou hast earmarked for his coffers? Come, let us make haste to do what is right that we mightest depart in peace and make merry with our friends in all good conscience."

"Ah, woman!" said Mr. Christian. "Thy price is far above rubies! Thou art correct as usual. What wouldest I do without thee?"

And it came to pass that the Christians gave generously of their means for all the time they would be gone. There was a great rejoicing in Israel and the many good works of the tabernacle continueth, even unto this day.

C.S. Lewis quote

All our offerings, whether of music or martyrdom, are like the intrinsically worthless present of a child, which a father values indeed, but values for the intention. (C.S. Lewis)

Church always asks for money

A Madison Ave. advertising firm surveyed non-churched people a few yrs. ago and asked them their im-

pression of church. "The problem with church," respondents said, "is that the people are always sad, or they talk about death, or they ask for money."

Doing your part

There was a tradition in the tiny Italian village of Buena that a feast to honor the bride and groom was held in the town square after each wedding ceremony. The wine served at the feast was supplied from a large community vat that each family in the village helped to fill by contributing one pitcher of wine. Times had been hard in the village, and Emilio decided to fill his pitcher with water instead of wine. After all, just one pitcher of water wouldn't dilute the wine in the entire vat enough to be noticed. The day of the wedding feast arrived, and in keeping with the tradition, the groom went to the community vat to fill the first pitcher for the celebration. Instead of wine, out poured pure water. You see, each family thought that their contribution would not be missed. Everyone brought water rather than wine, sure that all their neighbors would supply more than enough for the feast.

If I had more ...

The US Dept. of Commerce publishes a statistical abstract. The information for charitable giving for 1991 gave various ranges of income followed by the percentage of charitable giving:

0--10,000

5.5%

10,000--19,000

3.2%

20,000--29,000

2.9%

30,000--39,000

2.6%

40,000--49,000

1.8%

The table is not complete, but shows a disturbing pattern. It seems that many of us who say, "When I get more, I'll give more" find ourselves practicing a lifestyle that says, "When I get more, I keep more."

Lawrence of Arabia & Chiefs

Colonel T.E. Lawrence (a.k.a. "Lawrence of Arabia") told of two Arab chiefs who came to London and were entertained lavishly in a luxurious hotel. He asked them if they would like to take something back as a reminder of his country and they spoke up: "We have decided we would like to have two of those hot water faucets to take home with us. It would be a great thing in Arabia to be able to turn them on and to have hot water anytime." But when Colonel Lawrence explained that behind the faucets on the wall there had to be an intricate pattern of plumbing, wells, and pumping systems if the faucets were to work, the chiefs decided that hot water faucets were not what they wanted after all.

Paying preacher

An old country preacher was earnestly exhorting his congregation to give more liberally. He was interrupted by a deacon who said, "Parson, you told us salvation is free - as free as the air we breathe and the water in the river. If that's true, why are you always asking us for money?" The elderly preacher solemnly replied, "Brother Jones, you're right. Salvation is free - as free as the water you drink. But if you want that water in the kitchen, somebody has to pay for the pump!"

Pilgrim style

Our church held a Sunday service patterned after those in Colonial America. The pastor dressed in a long coat and knickers, and the congregation was divided by gender: men on the left side of the aisle and women on the right. At collection time, the pastor announced that this, too, would be done in the old way. He asked the "head of the household" to come forward and place the money on the altar. The man instantly rose. To the amusement of the entire congregation, many of them crossed the aisle to get the money from their wives. (Reader's Digest, June 1989, p. 128)

Poor give more

According to a Gallup survey, almost half the total charitable contributions in the United States come from households with incomes of less than $30,000. (Reported in The Other Side)

Selfishness or generosity?

During the "Big Blackout" of November 1965 eight states and part of Canada were without power. Some 30 million people were affected. With no electric lights, candles were in great demand. An announcer on a New York station that stayed on the air because it had auxiliary power reported, "An interesting drama is being unfolded on our streets. The price of candles in many stores had doubled. On the other hand, some good-hearted merchants are offering their candles at half price, or even giving them away."

Three types of givers

There are three kinds of givers - the flint, the sponge and the honeycomb. To get anything out of a flint you must hammer it. And then you get only chips and sparks. To get water out of a sponge you must squeeze it, and the more you use pressure, the more you will get. But the honeycomb just overflows with its own sweetness. Which kind of giver are you?

Tithe in NT?

Terri Melville watches Jonathan during the half day he is not in kindergarten. We have a set amount that I pay her each week. Occasionally I'll need her to do some extra sitting. Ask her how much I owe her and she says, "Just give whatever you want to give." Do you think she expects more or less than what I usually pay her? (January 1995)

Two approaches to fundraising

Exodus 32:1

A. Aaron's Approach ...... Control (Ex. 32:1-6).

1. Verse 1 ..... Couldn't wait for God.

2. Verse 5 ..... God is an afterthought.

3. Rest of chapter: Moses' anger, Aaron's excuse, God's judgment.

B. Moses' Approach ...... Freedom (Ex. 35:4-9).

C. Contrasting these two approaches:

Aaron Moses

Specific--Gold earrings............. General--Whatever.

Mandatory--Command.............. Voluntary--Everyone who who is willing.

Impersonal--Just gold............... Personal--Involvement in mission (10).

D. Result? (36:2-7).

What God values

I counted dollars, while God counted crosses.

I counted gains, while He counted losses.

I counted my worth, my things gained in store,

And He sized me up by the scars that I bore.

I counted honors and sought degrees,

He counted the hours that I spent on my knees.

I never knew until one day by the grave,

How vain are the things we spend life to save.

Best Therapy Is Helping Someone Solve Their Problem

Matthew 25:35

Years ago, Dr. Karl Menninger of the Menninger Clinic was asked, "If someone felt a nervous breakdown coming on, what would you suggest that he do?"

"If you feel a nervous breakdown coming on, I would urge you to find somebody else with a problem - a serious one - and get involved with that individual, helping him solve his problem."

In helping him to solve his problem, then in reality your own problem is going to disappear. You're no longer thinking internally. You're no longer letting things gnaw at your stomach. You're no longer getting disturbed about yourself because you're not thinking about yourself. You're thinking about others. I don't know what your objective in life might be, but there is something each one of us can do.

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Another version:

Dr. Karl Menninger once gave a lecture on mental health and was asked, "What would you advise a person to do if he felt a nervous breakdown coming on?"

Most people expect him to reply, "Consult a psychiatrist or a therapist." But instead, he replied, "Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find someone who is in need and do something to help." It is amazing what effect helping someone else can give to us. We are becoming more and more aware of this... even in the world of psychology and the ever popular self-help therapy.

In a different context, Jesus told a story about the end of time. He used words like SHEEP and GOATS and for all time, clearly pictured an irrevocable separation of the two.

When the question was raised as to how the division would be determined, the criteria to be used in judgment, He gave virtually the same answer. The person who simply went out and physically helped another would be the one whose life would be everlastingly stamped "well done" (Matthew 25:35-36).

--church of Christ, Broken Arrow, OK

(untitled)

In Peter Deison's book The Priority of Knowing God, he tells about an occasion when President Eisenhower was addressing the National Press Club. He opened his remarks by apologizing because he was not a great orator. Then he told his audience that his situation reminded him of a boy hood experience on a Kansas farm. Eisenhower recalled, "An old farmer had a cow that we wanted to buy. We went over to visit him and asked about the cow's pedigree. The old farmer didn't know What pedigree meant, so we asked him about the cow's butterfat production. He told us that he hadn't any idea. Finally, we asked him if be knew how many pounds of milk the cow produced each year. The farmer shook his head and said, 'I don't know. But she's an honest old cow and she'll give you all the milk she has!"' ,

Eisenhower then concluded his opening remarks, "Well, I'm like the cow: I'll give you everything I have."

194 Sermon Illustrations on Giving