Acts 1:8 giving to Jerusalem is tithing to your home church. The act of giving starts with the heart, and the first location is home, the local church. I am blest by Joseph Prince Ministries reminding us of that fact following each of their broadcasts. So build into the home church first, and then expand with your offerings.
I submit this thought for your consideration. If the members would give 10% of their ‘first fruits’, then unmet needs in the church would decrease, pastors would feel more appreciated, and GOD would enjoy the savory sacrifice.
Financially, Acts 1:8 giving is 10% of your gross income going to your home church first. It shows our belief in GOD being able to meet all of our needs. It expresses thanksgiving to GOD for His enabling us to gain wealth. Plus, our trust in GOD will grow, especially as we see Him bless our giving.
However, this is not just a money matter. Acts 1:8 giving also includes our time andour talents. I’ve heard many people say, “The church, as a whole, does not do enough in the community”. That statement would no longer be an issue in the churches that had Acts 1:8 giving occurring with members’ time and talents.
Church life would be very different if each member were building one ministry in their church. It could be Hospitality, Youth, Evangelism, Visitation, Food distribution, or Ushers. Imagine each member, using their time and talents, building into the success of one ministry of the home church.
We have members who work to keep two, three, or even four ministries moving in their church. For these members, only building one ministry would be a great relief. But for most members, building into one ministry with their time and talents would be a major move forward. This move forward is needed!
If you don’t believe me, then try this experiment. Ask the following question to any Pastor, Elder, Deacon, or Ministry Department Leader. “Would our Church be better if every member used their talents, time, and tithe here? Allow them the opportunity to explain their answer, and listen for their heart’s cry.
Using the Acts 1:8 principle with our talents, time, and tithing would boost radical health into our churches. Of course this must be done from the motive of love to GOD and to the people (1 Cor. 13: 1 - 7). Likewise, this needs to done to the glory of GOD (Col. 1: 17).
We are surrounded by spiritual darkness. This darkness seeks to grow in size and intensity. What Jesus stated in Acts 1:8 is a means for our GOD given light to shine in this darkness. In context it speaks of evangelism. But let’s also apply this principle to our talents, time, and tithing. The results would be flashpoints of heaven invading earth, and waves of light piercing the darkness.
I look forward to reading your results, and your comments.
Be Blest.
Ken Gaston
Pastor & BMI Ambassador to Africa
No comments:
Post a Comment