In addition to being the founding pastor of PCC, I am also a member who financially contributes to the ministry here. I give at least 10% of my pre-tax income (from all sources) to the church that I belong to. Here are five reasons why:
1. First, I believe in the mission of PCC. I’m very glad to be part of a church that really cares about reaching people who are far from God. This is a church that doesn’t just give lip service to evangelism, we put our money where our mouth is. Every time I hear another story about a family put back together, or a teenager who decides to follow Christ, or a man who finally gets back in church after 30 years away, I know my contributions played a small part. The lives of people are being changed by the power of God through he ministry of PCC, and I’m glad to be involved. Jesus said that our treasure would follow our heart, and since my heart is in this church I want to financially support it.
2. Secondly, I want to model an example to my family and the congregation of PCC. I’m so tired of hearing people complain about the younger generation of today. In many respects they are simply following our example. I don’t want selfish children or selfish church members who are concerned only with their iPods, new cloths, stereo systems, and other toys. I want my family and the PCC family to be generous and care about other people. That doesn’t happen by accident. Someone has to model an example in front of them. I can’t tell others not to be selfish and then spend 100% of my paycheck on myself only.
3. Third, I give because God commands me to give. In the Old Testament God commanded His people to tithe and obedience to this plan was not optional. In the New Testament Jesus endorsed tithing as something to be done. We are instructed to give by being motivated by love and generosity. Jesus talked about a lot about giving. Paul talked about giving. So when we tithe, give, and bring offerings today, we are following the pattern given in the Bible. “Because the Bible tells me so” is a pretty good reason for me.
4. Fourth, to position myself for God’s blessings & protection. God said He will rebuke the devourer for my sake if I am faithful in giving. I need this kind of protection. I am not rich enough, smart enough, or powerful enough to secure my family’s financial future by my own efforts. So it is very important to me that I position myself under God’s umbrella of blessings and protection.
5. Fifth, So I can hear God say one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want to hear God say “well done” in Bible reading, soul winning, leading well, feeding this flock, being faithful, and all the other things that go with being a Christian. But I also want to hear Him say “well done” when it comes to faithful stewardship because that is as much a part of my Christian life as anything else is.
1. First, I believe in the mission of PCC. I’m very glad to be part of a church that really cares about reaching people who are far from God. This is a church that doesn’t just give lip service to evangelism, we put our money where our mouth is. Every time I hear another story about a family put back together, or a teenager who decides to follow Christ, or a man who finally gets back in church after 30 years away, I know my contributions played a small part. The lives of people are being changed by the power of God through he ministry of PCC, and I’m glad to be involved. Jesus said that our treasure would follow our heart, and since my heart is in this church I want to financially support it.
2. Secondly, I want to model an example to my family and the congregation of PCC. I’m so tired of hearing people complain about the younger generation of today. In many respects they are simply following our example. I don’t want selfish children or selfish church members who are concerned only with their iPods, new cloths, stereo systems, and other toys. I want my family and the PCC family to be generous and care about other people. That doesn’t happen by accident. Someone has to model an example in front of them. I can’t tell others not to be selfish and then spend 100% of my paycheck on myself only.
3. Third, I give because God commands me to give. In the Old Testament God commanded His people to tithe and obedience to this plan was not optional. In the New Testament Jesus endorsed tithing as something to be done. We are instructed to give by being motivated by love and generosity. Jesus talked about a lot about giving. Paul talked about giving. So when we tithe, give, and bring offerings today, we are following the pattern given in the Bible. “Because the Bible tells me so” is a pretty good reason for me.
4. Fourth, to position myself for God’s blessings & protection. God said He will rebuke the devourer for my sake if I am faithful in giving. I need this kind of protection. I am not rich enough, smart enough, or powerful enough to secure my family’s financial future by my own efforts. So it is very important to me that I position myself under God’s umbrella of blessings and protection.
5. Fifth, So I can hear God say one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want to hear God say “well done” in Bible reading, soul winning, leading well, feeding this flock, being faithful, and all the other things that go with being a Christian. But I also want to hear Him say “well done” when it comes to faithful stewardship because that is as much a part of my Christian life as anything else is.
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