[Biblemat] A) CONTRIBUTION -- IF I GIVE...

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Saturday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
I have a while before I leave my computer so I decided to take
this time to drop another note or two.  Here are a few thoughts
for you to consider.

CONTRIBUTION -- IF I GIVE...

     A minister was asked to preach on Sunday for a church
that had the reputation of being tight fisted when it came to
financially supporting the works of the congregation.  After
the sermon, he passed his hat for the offering.  It came back
empty.  Just to make sure, he tipped it upside down and shook it, but nothing 
came out.  "Now let us give thanks," he
said to the curious congregation.  They wondered what he
could possibly give thanks about.  "I thank Thee Lord," pray-
ed the minister, "That I got my hat back."

     Some churches sponsor raffles, and bake sales, and yard
sales, and bingo, and other things to generate funds for the
support of the churches work.  But that's not really true to 
the pattern of the early church.  The money necessary to carry on the work of 
the church came from the pockets of the
members -- period!  1 Cor. 16:2 says to Christians, "Upon the
first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store,
as God has prospered him..."  It worked then, and where faith-
ful Christians are involved, it will work now. --- Glen Colley.

IF I GIVE...:  NOTHING:...I cast my ballot in favor of closing
                                        the church building and I discourage
                                        others.

SPARINGLY... I vote to close all the evangelical work.  I refuse
                       to obey God.

GRUDGINGLY... I find no joy in giving.  I will not receive the 
                           Lord's blessings.

PROPORTIONATELY...I shall be blessed in my giving whether
                                     it is small or it is great.

SYSTEMATICALLY... I make it possible for the work of the 
                                  Lord to be planned.  I make it easier
                                   for myself to give.

SACRIFICIALLY... I worship God in my giving.  I shall truly 
                             advance the cause of Christ.  I shall encou-     
           
                              rage others to maintain a service of love
                              and compassion.  --- Author Unknown.
                             
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