An Elder Speaks

GIVING
By Jack Smith
June 29, 2003

Now concerning the collection of the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.  Upon the firs day o f the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (1st Cor. 16:1-2)

The above scriptures suggest that the first day of each we are  to give according to our ability.  We should purpose in our heart to give back a portion of that as we have prospered.  The apostle Paul encourages us further in 2nd Corinthians 9:6-7; But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and hw which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

We must keep the Lord and His kingdom firs in our giving.  Not only must the kingdom be first in our desire to make money, but this must come first in the disposition we make of the increase that comes from our labor.

By this we simply mean that if I am a wage earner and draw a salary of fifty, seventy-five, or one hundred dollars weekly, as soon as our check is received, the first thing we must do is to take out that part that should be used for the interest of that kingdom, or church, that Christ died to establish.  How can we keep the kingdom first and do otherwise.

Let us continue to give of our means and keep the kingdom functioning.

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