| | | | Give - 2 Cor 9:6-7 In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul discussed a gift that he was collecting for the church at Jerusalem. We're not sure of the details of their financial need, but as an act of love Paul took it upon himself to take up a collection from all the churches, and bring it to the saints in Jerusalem. And as part of his encouragement to the church in Corinth, he explained to them an important principle:
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
The principle of sowing and reaping can be applied to almost any area of our life: - If you want the blessing of love, then give love;
- If you want the blessing of friendship, then give friendship;
- If you want God to bless your personal finances, then give to the Lord.
And Paul didn't try to guilt the saints into giving, he simply encouraged them to search their heart, determine what they would give cheerfully, and then follow through.
On Sunday Dec 7th we'll be taking a special year-end offering at Calvary Chapel of Wilmington. Why? Two main reasons…
First, historically our offerings dip in December and January, which ends up creating hole in January and February that in past years we've had to dig out of. This year, before the Christmas season hits, we're asking our congregation to prayerfully consider a financial gift over and above their regular tithe to help the church go through these two months without having to go in the hole financially.
Second, we need to upgrade our church office computer, and our current budget simply doesn't' have room for this upgrade. We're praying that we'll be able to use some of this offering to make that investment.
Whether our gift is $100, or $1,000, we are confident that if we will seek the Lord, He will not only lead us in the amount we are to give, He will also bless our offering...
So that's what we're asking our congregation to do; Pray, ask the Lord what He would have you give, then respond to the Lord in an act of faith. And as the bible promises us…
He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Cor 9:6
Pastor Clay
Thank you for your prayerful consideration in this matter!
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