Historical Posts
You Reap What You Sow
What seeds do you sow? What should you expect to reap?
If a farmer were to sow watermelon seeds, he expects to grow watermelons. If he were to sow apple seeds, he expects to grow apple trees. Whatever seeds he sows are what he expects to grow. Therefore, one must sow the proper seed to grow the desired fruit. The saying is true: “you reap what you sow.” In fact, it comes straight out of the word of God (Galatians 6:7)!
Spiritually, we reap what we sow! Paul said, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:8-9).” If we only satisfy our physical desires, it will lead to our eternal death; if we satisfy the needs of our soul, we will reap everlasting life.
Paul also wrote, “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… Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-7,10-11).”
God gives us the seed. We must sow that seed to produce fruit. God will bless our efforts, and we must be cheerful and thankful. “Are you sowing the seed…”? Remember, you reap what you sow!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Giving of our Time
“See then that ye walk circumspectly , not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
How much of your time do you give to God? Sure, you may give a generous amount of your money to the Lord, but money is not the only thing with which God blesses us. Time is a much more precious commodity, and all of the time we have is a gift from our Heavenly Father.
In Ephesians 5:15-16, it is written: “See than that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” As is typically the case, in New Testament epistles, “walk” is a figurative term used in reference to living used in reference to living one’s life. To “walk circumspectly” is to live cautiously. Christians are commanded to live cautiously, “redeeming the time.” To redeem something is literally to “rescue [it] from loss.” Therefore, Christians are commanded to live cautiously, so that their time is not wasted. After all, time is something that we all are running out of, and no one is capable of substantially increasing their supply.
The world teaches us to spend our time making money and enjoying leisure activities, but the Lord wants us to spend our time in pursuit of spiritual goals, as well. How much time do you spend:
- Worshipping God?
- Studying the Bible?
- Being of service to your fellow men?
- Talking to others about Jesus, and encouraging them to follow in His footsteps?
- Visiting those who are spiritually and physically sick?
All of these are perfectly good ways for us to spend our time wisely; and give back a portion of what God has blessed us with, in our lives.
Content by Russell Kline
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Giving of our Talent
“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” – Matthew 25:29
Paul, in praise of the Christians of Macedonia, wrote: “How that in great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering of the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:2-5). The fact that these Christians were willing to give more than just their money those who were in need is most impressive, indeed!
The various abilities we all possess are gifts entrusted to us by God. Whether we are capable of great feats of physical strength and endurance, diplomatic interpersonal skills, extraordinary intelligence, or any other such like ability, we all have God to thank for what we are capable of doing. But, are we using our various talents for the glory of God, or we simply wasting them selfishly?
In His “Parable of the Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus made the point that, no matter how many talents we may or may not have, God expects us to use those talents and not simply hide them from the world. If one has a talent for teaching, one must find a way to use that talent for the cause of Christ; if one has a talent for singing, then one must find a way to use that talent for God’s glory; if one has a talent for preaching, then one must preach the gospel to all who will listen. Making the best use of our God-given talents is not an optional proposition: it is something we all must do, if we want to go to Heaven!
There are Christian doctors who go on medical mission trips, so they can use their talents to glorify God. There are Christian young people who go on door knocking campaigns, so they can be useful in the Lord’s service. It doesn’t matter who you are, or how much talent you have, God can use you in His kingdom!
Content by Russell Kline
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Giving of our Means
When one thinks about the Bible doctrine of giving, money is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, the apostle Paul succinctly stated that giving of our means is supposed to be part of the worship that Christians offer to God. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” The “collection for the saints” to which Paul referred was money that he was raising to take with him to Jerusalem, so he could present it to the elders of the church there for the relief of Christians who were suffering financially (Acts 11:29-30). He wanted the members of the church in Corinth to set aside money for this effort by giving of their means on the first day of every week, so there would be no need for a special collection, when he arrived.
This passage authorizes the church to take up a collection on the first day of every week. This is meant to be part of the worship that the church offers to God, because the first day of the week was “when the disciples came together” (Acts 20:7). It also authorizes the church to put up money “in store.” Churches may have savings accounts and checking accounts. Churches may budget money for specific purposes. The church is not authorized to hoard money, but it is authorized to have a plan, or a purpose for the money that is collected, on the Lord’s Day (Luke 16:9).
“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store…” – 1 Corinthians 16:2
As to the amount of money that Christians are supposed to give on the first day of every week, there is no limit. The New Testament does not teach that Christians are supposed to give a tithe, or a “tenth” of what they possess or earn, but that they are to give “as God hath prospered” them. That means that it is up to the individual Christian to determine the amount of money he will contribute on the Lord’s Day. Of course, every Christian should bear in mind that the giving he does is part of the worship he offers to God, and that God would not be pleased with a half-hearted gift (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Also, it should be noted that we all owe the Lord a debt that is far greater than our ability to pay. We cannot put a price on what Jesus did to purchase our redemption, so the truth is that owe God everything we have. Let us all consider these things when we give of our means.
Content by Russell Kline
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Just for Fathers
Getting home late, after a very hectic day at the office, dad had just settled down in his easy chair, newspaper in one hand and a cool glass of tea in the other, when his four year old came down the hall and pounced in his lap. He had a thousand questions, but all dad wanted was to be left alone. “Daddy,” he demanded, “what did you do today?” “Nothing,” came the curt reply from dad. Undaunted, the fellow asked, “But daddy, how did you know when you were done?”
Children need their fathers! Please do not misunderstand. I am not saying fathers are more important than mothers. Both are important! But, it seems to me that many fathers do not appreciate the tremendous trust they have been given. “Children are a heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3).
Child rearing was intended to be a joint venture. Fathers, as well as mothers, have a vital part to play. It is fathers who are called upon to “bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Being a father entails much more than seeing that the bills are paid and that there is food on the table. It means being there to answer their questions, remove their fears, and ease their pain. It means giving yourself!
Don’t get too busy to be a father. If asked the two most important things a father should do for his children, I think I would answer as follows. First, the most important thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother. Second, just be there when they need you, and point them to God. It’s not too late to start.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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What is Worship?
All of life is not worship.
In the modern era of religious pluralism, when anything that is offered to God with a modicum of sincerity is considered worship, many are left scratching their heads and wondering what worship really is. Some have come to the conclusion that all of life is worship and that we reverence God every time we put on our socks, or wash the dishes, or feed the cat. If people would just read the Bible, they could tell that all of life is not worship. Abraham understood this to be the case and expressed his understanding in Genesis 22:5. Worship is something that human beings do purposefully and deliberately. But, even this realization still begs the question: “What is worship?”
“Worship” in the Christian Age.
Gospel preachers of the Restoration Movement have long preached about the so-called “five acts” of worship. Like the “five steps” in the gospel plan of salvation, the five acts of worship are entirely derived from the New Testament. While they may not appear in any one passage, as a neatly compiled list, they are no less detectable, when Scripture is compared with Scripture. There is no particular order in which five acts must be done, but they all must be done, in order to constitute “worship” in the Christian Age (John 4:23-24).
The church is commanded to sing
We know that singing, for example, is one of the five acts of worship. We know this, because the church is commanded to sing in passages like Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. We know that this singing is part of our worship because of passages like 1 Corinthians 14:15 and Hebrews 2:12. Furthermore, we know that this singing is to be done without accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music, because none of the passages that mention singing in the New Testament authorize us to do anything more or less than sing.
Prayer is mentioned as part of worship.
Also, we know that prayer is one of the five acts of worship. Christians are commanded to “pray without ceasing,” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Prayer is mentioned as part of worship in passages like 1 Corinthians 14:15. Passages like Matthew 6:5-15 teach how we ought to pray, both in public and in private.
Disciples came together and partook of the Lord’s Supper.
Additionally, we know that observance of the Lord’s Supper is one of the five acts of worship. When Jesus instituted this memorial feast, He said, “this do, in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19b). In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul wrote, “For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.” Acts 20:7 shows us that, on the first day of every week, the disciples came together and partook of the Lord’s Supper, as they worshipped (Cf. 1 Corinthians 11:20-21).
Giving of our means is worship.
Furthermore, we know that giving of our means is one of the five acts of worship. Ancient Christians were taught to give of their means on the first day of every week, when the church was assembled for worship (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Ancient Christians did not give “tithes” of their income, but rather they were taught to give an offering of their own free will, which might even exceed ten percent (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Preaching was part of the worship services of the ancient church.
Finally, we know that preaching is one of the five acts of worship. Preaching was part of the worship services of the ancient church (Acts 20:7). Preaching is the method that God has chosen to disseminate His message to the whole world (1 Corinthians 1:21). Whether one simply reads the Scriptures aloud, or expounds upon their meaning, it is essential that the Word of the Lord be heard in the congregation of His people.
The “Five Acts” of Worship:
1. Singing (Ephesians 5:19)
2. Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
3. Communion (Acts 20:7)
4. Giving (1 Corinthians 16:1,2)
5. Preaching (1 Corinthians 1:21)
On the first day of the week (Sunday).
Apart from the five acts of worship, it is equally important for us to understand that we may worship God only on the first day of the week (Sunday). According to Acts 20:7, this was the day when the ancient church came together for just that purpose. The Bible does not authorize us to worship God on any other day. The Bible does authorize us to sing (James 5:13), pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17), give (Galalatians 6:10) and preach (2 Timothy 4:2) on other days of the week, but the only day in which we may rightly do all of the five acts of worship together is the “Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10).
God sets the standard.
Let there be no confusion about worship in anyone’s mind. Worship is a special event, in the lives of all of God’s children. Worship is not whatever we might imagine it to be. It is what God demands of us, and it is only right that He should set the standard of what is and is not Scriptural worship.
Content by Russell Kline
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Discipline of Giving
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Introduction – Prayer – Meditation – Fasting – Singing – Fellowship – Giving
Introduction
1. Summarizing what we have covered so far, “Disciplines For The Disciple” include:
a. Prayer – especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
b. Meditation – contemplating God, His works, His words, and things worthy
c. Fasting – a means of humbling one’s self before God when joined with prayer
d. Singing – which edifies the singer as well as praises God
e. Fellowship – communing with other Christians as we engage in spiritual activities
2. I also think of giving as a spiritual discipline
a. Not just in the sense of giving money to someone in need
b. But in giving of one’s time, energy, or abilities, especially where it involves sacrifice
3. Such giving is certainly demonstrated in the New Testament
a. By the example of the churches of <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Macedonia”>Macedonia</a> – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
b. By the example of Christ Himself – 2 Corinthians 8:9
4. To become more like Christ, which is the goal of spiritual discipline, we must exercise giving.
Body
I. GIVING PAR EXCELLENCE
A. THEY GAVE SACRIFICIALLY
1. The Macedonians were in the midst of great affliction – 2 Corinthians 8:2
2. They were experiencing poverty themselves – 2 Corinthians 8:2
3. Yet they gave ‘beyond their ability’ – 2 Corinthians 8:3a
4. This they were not expected to do – cf. 2 Corinthians 8:12-13
5. The best giving comes from those who cannot afford it (cf. Luke 21:1-4)
B. THEY GAVE JOYFULLY
1. Somehow they had discovered the joy of giving – 2 Corinthians 8:2
2. Perhaps they took to heart the teaching of:
a. The Lord relating to the blessedness of giving – Acts 20:35
b. James to the value of persecution – James 1:2-4
3. In any case, this is the kind of giving that God loves – 2 Corinthians 9:7
4. The best giving comes from those who give cheerfully
C. THEY GAVE VOLUNTARILY
1. They were ‘freely willing’ – 2 Corinthians 8:3
2. This is the kind of giving God requires today
a. We can not command people to give against their will – 2 Corinthians 8:8
3. Giving must come from ‘a willing mind’ – 2 Corinthians 8:12
4. Giving must never be done ‘begrudgingly’ or because you ‘have to’ – 2 Corinthians 9:7
5. Otherwise, you might as well not give at all
6. The best giving comes from those who give freely
D. THEY GAVE PERSISTENTLY
1. As Paul says, ‘imploring us with much urgency’ – 2 Corinthians 8:4
2. They wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer (or for an easy way out!)
3. With the Philippians, their giving to Paul persisted throughout his life – Philippians 4:10-18
4. The best giving comes from those who persist
E. THEY GAVE THEMSELVES
1. Perhaps this explains how they were able to give as they did!
2. They gave themselves ‘first to the Lord’ – 2 Corinthians 8:5
a. When a person does this, they do not worry about ‘the cost of giving’
b. For they have the promise of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34
3. Giving themselves first to the Lord, it is natural they would give ‘then to us (others)’
a. For such is a mark of true discipleship – cf. John 13:34-35
b. And it is a mark of true love for God – cf. 1 John 4:20-21
4. The best giving comes from those who give themselves to God
II. REASONS FOR GIVING
A. GOD BLESSES THE GIVER
1. It is more blessed to give than to receive – Acts 20:35
2. The Lord blesses those who give – Psalm 41:1-3; Proverbs 19:17
3. The grace of God is at work in those who give – 2 Corinthians 8:1-2,6-7; 9:8,14
4. Giving blesses the giver more than the recipient!
B. GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER
1. As Paul reminded the Corinthians – 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. A cheerful giver therefore need not worry – Matthew 6:30-33
3. For God watches over those whom He loves – cf. Luke 12:6-7
4. Giving cheerfully makes one a recipient of God’s care and love!
C. GOD PROVIDES SEED FOR THE SOWER
1. Those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully – 2 Corinthians 9:6
2. Not for personal consumption – 2 Corinthians 9:8-9
a. But to have ‘all sufficiency in all things’
b. But to have ‘an abundance for every good work’
c. As confirmed by a quote from Psalms – cf. Psalm 112:5-9
3. To multiply the seed for even more good – 2 Corinthians 9:10-11a
a. To ‘increase the fruits of your righteousness’
b. To be ‘enriched for all liberality’
4. Giving liberally will be blessed to give even more liberally!
D. GOD IS PRAISED BY GIVING
1. Thanksgiving is offered by those whose needs are supplied – 2 Corinthians 9:11b-12
2. Glory is given to God for His grace in the lives of the givers – 2 Corinthians 9:13-15
3. Giving liberally will lead to God being praised liberally!
E. BROTHERLY LOVE IS INCREASED BY GIVING
1. By brethren who witness God’s grace in the givers – 2 Corinthians 9:14
2. Causing them to love and long for their brethren – e.g., Philippians 1:3-8
3. Giving liberally will strengthen the bonds of brotherly love!
III. THE EXERCISE OF GIVING
A. THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO GIVE
1. Giving is not limited to money
2. God may empower us to give in other ways – 1 Peter 4:10-11
a. Our talents to teach or serve
b. Our time can be a great gift
3. Whatever our abilities and opportunities…
a. We are stewards of the manifold grace of God
b. We should minister our gifts to one another
c. We should do so with the ability God supplies
4. However you give, let it truly reflect God’s grace in you!
B. PLANNED GIVING LEADS TO CHEERFUL GIVING
1. Purposeful giving is the key to giving cheerfully – cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. One is less likely to give ‘grudgingly or of necessity’
a. Because they have already set aside what they want to give
b They are not caught off guard when someone asks them to give
3. This is how Paul instructed the Corinthians in their giving
a. To lay by in store on the first day of the week – cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
b. To prepare their gift beforehand, so the resources were ready – 2 Corinthians 9:5
4. An early Christian apologist, Aristides, wrote of how even slaves were able to give cheerfully through purposeful planning: “And if there is any that is a slave or a poor man, they fast two or three days and what they were going to set before themselves they send to them (Christians in prison), considering themselves to give good cheer even as they were called to give good cheer.” – Apology 15
5. So plan your giving if you wish to give cheerfully!
Conclusion
1. Remember that the purpose of any spiritual discipline is to:
a. Help us grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ
b. Become more like Christ as we grow in godliness
2. The discipline of giving certainly helps to fulfill such a goal:
a. For God gave His only begotten Son – John 3:16
b. And Jesus gave Himself – Matthew 20:28
3. Likewise the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord first, and then to others
4. As we exercise ourselves to godliness through prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, and fellowship, may we also be sure to add the grace of giving – 2 Corinthians 8:5
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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2 Corinthians 09:01-09 Giving the Right Way
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Text: 2 Corinthians 9:1-9
Introduction
1. Giving
2. Many do not like to talk about it
3. The Bible does not have a lot to say about it (neither does it the Lords’ Supper)
4. The are more verses that talk about giving than the Lord’s supper
5. Background (O.T.)
a) Sacrifices
b) Portion of sacrifices went to support the temple (tithes support Levites)
c) Feast of First Fruits, (first of the harvest brought to God)
d) Classic example of attitude was when people brought gifts to build temple
e) By the time of Jesus (Temple Tax) and an offering for synagogue
6. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 – Principles behind giving
Body
I. Giving is reflective of a greater hope (2 Corinthians 8:2-3)
A. They gave liberally our of their poverty
B. Christian attitude toward money
1. Matthew 6:24 – Cannot serve God and mammon (riches)
2. Colossians 3:5 – consider selves dead to greed, = idolatry
3. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Don’t fix your hopes on the uncertainty of riches, be rich in good works, storing up treasure of a solid foundation for the future
C. Illustration: Save for retirement (Prudential – Get a piece of the rock) Rock will dissolve – Ecclesiastes 5:8-17
D. We can give liberally because we have a greater hope
1. They gave with an abundance of joy
2. God loves a cheerful giver (hilarious) (2 Corinthians 9:9:7)
II. Giving is a reflection of God’s grace received (2 Corinthians 8:1, 2 Corinthians 8:6-7)
A. Mentions grace given by God, and calls giving a gracious work
B. It means that this giving is motivated by God
1. We get confused thinking God’s will is for us to just be happy
2. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) God gives, so we can give (abundance for every good deed)
3. Philippians 4:10-20 – is called an acceptable sacrifice to God
4. God will in turn supply all their needs
C. Illustration: Parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35)
D. We have received bountiful grace, we give grace to others by helping them
III. It is a reflection of our fellowship
A. The word used for giving was fellowship (koinonia) participation, communion
B. The concept of communion graphically exemplified (Acts 2:43-47; Acts 4:32-37; Acts 6:1-6)
C. It is fellowship (sharing in) for these reasons
1. We are sharing with each other (2 Corinthians 8:12-15)
a. 2 Corinthians 9:13 – Not for just the purpose of easing financial difficulties but it was doctrinal, an expression of the union in Christ (1 body)
b. 2 Corinthians 9:8 – It was an expression of sincere love (1 John 3:16)
2. We are sharing/fellowshipping with Christ (2 Corinthians 9:9)
a. Fellowshipping in Grace (for you know the Grace…)
b. Jesus was rich and became poor
c. Do we have any fellowship with Christ if we attached to material things
D. Parable: Man who built bigger barns (Luke 12:16-21)
IV. It is worship GIVEN to God
A. Many do not view giving as worship
1. See it as just meeting the budget
2. While planning (budget) is good, there is more to giving than that
B. Biblical Text
1. It is called “fellowship” , same word used for the Lord’s Supper (2 Corinthians 9:4)
2. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – they were to do it on the “first day”, the day they worshipped – it was to be done systematically, not carelessly (preparation)
3. Romans 12:1 – It is sacrificial, which is worship
4. 2 Corinthians 8:2 – It is an expression of Joy (just like worship typically is)
5. 2 Corinthians 8:5; 9:6-7 – Heart has to be right (just like for Lord’s Supper & worship)
6. Jesus made it clear that when we serve the brethren, we are serving him
C. We do it following the Lord’s Supper
1. It is appropriate, remember our gift, and we give in turn
2. More time should be given for our giving (sometimes we rush through it)
3. Want thoughts and heart to be right for Lord’s Supper, what about for the offering?
4. It is a gift to God
D. Our giving, is a direct reflection on our giving and service in other areas of life
Conclusion
1. Reflection of Greater hope / Grace / Fellowship / Worship
2. Do you give with the right heart (all week long)
3. How?
4. Steps:
a. Pray
b. Thank God for blessings, specifically
c. Ask God to help you use them to serve Him
d. Consider ways you can use them (God will show you)
e. It may be by giving more to the offering
– It may be by sending money for Bibles to Russia
– It may be by helping with someone’s utilities
5. WE ARE INVESTING IN A BOND THAT WILL NOT BURN UP OR DISAPPEAR IN AN ECONOMIC DEPRESSION!!!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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