True Religion? Giving.

Giving is not a suggestion

As we wrap up this series entitled "True Religion," I believe most can understand and even agree with what we have discussed so far. Then we come to today. "Giving." I know, I know, I can hear some of you right now groaning. Moses would even call some murmuring. People absolutely hate, some cringe even, whenever anyone brings up that dreaded "G" word "Giving."

This is because we have always been taught that we work for wealth. We work to have lifestyles we seek, things we want, and to save for the future, so we will not have to work anymore. People are taught to be greedy. Not wall street wolf type greed, although some find this too, to not only desire to keep all you can get, but to get all you can get.

People work so very hard. Some two jobs and go to school at night because they want to make that six-figure salary. They want the big house, sports car, and money in the bank. They want the very best in life and they want to be self-important and self-reliant. They want to rule their world.

Then they come to church, and they hear the message of faith. They are happy. They accept Jesus and they start learning the way of God. Then the message comes up on tithing and offerings. What? Wait. You want me to give ten percent of my money? Every payday? What? Do you know how much that is? I can't afford that. I have a large mortgage and a large car payment. I have an entertainment expense account to pay for. Season passes, Dinner reservations, Hotel accommodations. You know. I can't afford to give ten percent. Remember what Jesus said?

"And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." Matthew 19:16-22

Now stop right there, and do not be offended or angry. Am I saying that God is telling you to give everything you have to the poor? No. Relax. He told him that. But look at what He actually says here. “If you would be perfect." He already told the man that he was saved and he was going to heaven, but the man continued to press Him and, I believe he was sincere in his question, in telling him how to be more perfect and a better child of God. Jesus answered him “If you would be perfect,."

Jesus was telling this rich young man that he needed to make a choice. It is the same choice we all need to make. This man was rich and, here is the problem, he LOVED money. He loved his riches. He took comfort and assurance in his riches. His money was his life. Jesus said, choose. Money or God. He tells us the same thing.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

Look at this passage. Let us really read the words here.

“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” Ephesians 4:28

Read that last part again. Highlight it, underline it, memorize it even. "so that he may have something to share with anyone in need" "So that." So you can. Work for the purpose of, "have something to share with anyone in need"

First of all, it ALL belongs to God, to begin with. Without God, well, you would not even be alive. however, you would not have the talent, abilities, or even the job itself. It all comes from God and is all given to you. So? It is all yours?

Second, God only asks for ten percent. That is $10.00 out of every hundred. So if you make $1200.00 a week it is $120.00 If you make $3000.00 it is then $300.00. Yes, if you make $100.00 and are struggling to pay bills, it is still $10.00

Does it seem fair? Someone paying their tithes of $300.00 a week and another paying $10.00? As Jesus tried to teach His disciples, the one paying $10.00 is most likely better off.

"Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. and he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4

"But I'm not a thief. Your one example there says "Let the thief no longer steal." I'm no thief." If you are not tithing? Sorry. God calls you a thief.

"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." Malachi 3:8-10

God requires ten percent. Has been like this since Moses. That is so the local church can exist. Forget anything else. Without your tithe and offerings, the church cannot even exist. The physical building needs funds for electricity, running water, heat, etc. It needs to be able to pay the same bills you pay. It needs to pay the Pastor and the rest of the staff that have given up their lives in the service of God. Then, on top of all that, the church needs to have "food in my house." Means to help those in need.

Now, this is all only with the ten percent. The tithe. The mandated amount. What about anything more? That is called an offering. How would you like God to see you? Clinging to every last cent you make? Or being a generous giver.

“He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.” Psalm 112:9

Now that is a great compliment. "his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.” Why? Because he freely gave. He was not working for himself. But for others. David sang how the Righteous will never be moved. Those who have true religion will ever be moved. It is never about ourselves as children of God. It is always about others.

To recap,

1 True religion is a relationship with God, not just man-made traditions called religion.
2 True religion requires action. "Be doers of the word, not hearers only." James 1:22
3 True religion requires you to give.

Forget what the world tells you. Forget counting out the exact penny of your tithe. Just have a relationship with God. Follow His commandments and listen to His word. Give freely both to the church, and even to those who may be in need, if you can, and see what God's word says about you?

“He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exulted in honor.” Psalm 112:9

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will heal you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!