Financial Planning Overview by Pastor Ken Gaston

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Hidden in this verse is a financial plan that deserves 

consideration by all Christ followers. This financial growth principle shouts to all, “I’m empowered”!!! The context of this verse has no mention of money, tithing, or finance. But the Acts 1:8 principle applied to your finances is a nugget worth analyzing.

For the sake of labeling, let’s call this ‘Acts 1:8 Giving’. It’s being empowered by Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Jesus with our tool called money. I stand and witness to you, Acts 1:8 giving is financial planning and financial freedom that has ever-lasting reward.

• Acts 1:8 giving to Jerusalem is tithing to your home church. 
• Acts 1:8 giving to Judea is Kingdom funds to your place of employment, your community, or your mentees/disciples. 
•  Acts 1:8 giving to Samaria is Kingdom funds to the forgotten or unwanted souls around us.
• Acts 1:8 giving to the ‘end of the earth’ is Kingdom funds to foreign missions.

I define the term ‘Kingdom funds’ as monies used to build the kingdom of GOD.

I recognize there is much debate about the tithe. Old Testament versus New Testament tithing is a frequent issue. Do I tithe the net income or the gross income? Do I tithe my income tax returns? I’m not addressing these questions in this article. My blog entitled “United with Kenya” may offer some insight. Soon, I will be adding some details about my experiences with Acts 1:8 giving. 

This life practice was unplanned by me, but Holy Spirit led. It’s just one more way I’ve been amazed by GOD’s desire to be involved in our daily life. I say amaze because; even in my disobedience and rebellion He has shown His goodness and faithfulness. What an awesome GOD!!!