David's message on .......

The Grace of Giving

I've preached on the Biblical principle of tithing in the context of what the Bible says about how we should give generally.  Here is a summary of the five main points for you to pray through with the Lord (click on each to learn more).  They are drawn from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, where Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to follow the example of the Macedonians who had responded so generously in giving to the Jerusalem church.

1. Their response was primarily to God's love
2. They gave in spite of hard times
3. They gave in proportion to their means
4. They gave in sympathy with obvious need
5. All this was seen as evidence of their commitment to Christ

If you would like to talk to someone about how you can give more effectively to the church, please talk to Roger Periam (Church Treasurer on 846 2173 or periamrj@aol.com) or to one of our Churchwardens, either directly or through the Church Office.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 (NIV)

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.

Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.  And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.  But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.