TREASURES
Biblical wealth is everything that has been given to us by God, including our finances, jobs, products of our land, houses, businesses, and any personal items.
Before Jesus came, God's law required that a person give a tithe (10%) of all that they had (not only their monthly income). We are no longer under the 'law' but under 'grace'. It is helpful to note that under 'grace' we live above the 'law'. For example, under the 'law' you could not commit adultery. Under 'grace' Christ says you must not even look at someone with lust. In every way, 'grace' causes us to live higher than the law.
So what amount should we give today? It’s really a question of your own heart and how much you want to give. Under grace we are not legally obligated to give a certain amount, rather giving is to be a joyous response to the grace that has been given to us in Christ (2 Cor. 9:72).
Through the regular giving of the saints the church helps to meet the needs involved in the ongoing work of the gospel (the needs involved in ministering to the saints, the needs of Christian workers, the needs of the poor, and carrying the gospel of grace to the ends of the earth).
Here are a few practical ways you can give:
- TITHE: Though tithing wasn’t commanded by Jesus it was commended by Him (Matt. 23:23) and has been a long standing practice of the saints even before the ‘law’ (Gen. 14:18-20; 28:20-22). So, while giving 10% (tithe) is not an obligation, it could be a good place to start for the practical ongoing work of the gospel in your local church community.
- OFFERINGS: Specific Needs of the Church as they arise, like a new church plant, or a new building etc.
- ALMS: Giving to the poor
- CHRISTIAN WORKERS: Money given to ministers, ministries, and opportunities that promote the Gospel outside of our local church.