The Reason We Give
• We are commanded to give as worship – to honor God with our first fruits
• We are commanded to give to further the ministry and mission of Gods church
• We’re called to give to keep our hearts from loving money, things and the world more than God
• We are called as Christians to be radically generous with our money to express the counter cultural kingdom the gospel creates within a world that does not know God
• We are called to be people of restoration and renewal in a world where money is an answer to many physical needs. We use our resources to create culture and counter the darkness
The Way We Give
• We give to our church. We partner with God’s people as a family and community of worshippers and missionaries to collectively do the most good in the world. Our primary giving is to the church we belong to. A people of one mind and one mission in the places God has placed them. All Christians should be members of a local church where they are confident that the leaders are stewarding well the collective resources of its members, motivated by the gospel, without reproach and with much prayer and wisdom for God’s glory.
The church is God’s primary means of reaching the world so the work of ministry and mission should flow from and through churches so that Jesus’ church is glorified above any other organization, individual or agenda.
• We given to charity. We want to live content lives not trying to keep up with the world. This means simplified lives that allow us to be radically generous. We strive to give 10% to our church and above and beyond through the church and other areas of opportunity God presents us with in the world.
The Challenge to Give
• Commit to trusting Jesus in all things; seeking to live a life content with Christ as your greatest treasure, living below your means and prayerfully asking God for a generous and joyous heart.
Give 10 Save 10 in 2011
• Commit to Tithing 10% of your “first fruits” monthly – Plan for and Pursue Generosity
- If you are already giving 10%, prayerfully ask God to show you how much to challenge yourself to give above the tithe
- Include Other Christians from Mystery in your decisions and plans
• Commit to Saving 10% of your income monthly – Plan for & Pursue Freedom with money
- Set Goals for things you would like to accomplish for the kingdom in the future
- Set goals for ways to enjoy God’s blessings in ways that bring joy to you and others
- Include Other Christians from Mystery in your decisions and plans