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TITLE: Reasons for Giving More
TEXT: Mark 12:41-44
PROPOSITION: Giving is an expression of praise and worship to God.
QUESTION: Why?
KEY WORD: Reasons
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
- Giving is important.
- Today we will ask ourselves some important questions.
- What are the reasons for our giving?
Why some give.
Some give out of duty or obligation.
For show - Praise of men
For control - If you don't do what I want - threat
Some give to get. (Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:10)
Some give out of loyalty to the local church.
Why some do NOT give or NOT give as they should.
Disagree with preacher, elders, or the programs of work.
Covetous - selfish, stingy
Lack of faith - don't believe that God will take care of them
Poor managers - lack discipline to budget, wasteful
What others did.
Mark 12:41-44 - Widow gave all, others out of their abundance
2 Corinthians 9:7 - Not grudgingly, necessity, cheerful giver
2 Corinthians 8:5 - First gave themselves to the Lord
1 Corinthians 16:2 - As God has prospered them
2 Corinthians 8:12 - According to what you have, not what you lack
(This is done near the close of the service as a follow-up to the sermon.)
- Pass out cards - 4X6 card with Present and Future and a box under each word.
- Instructions
- Do not write your name on this card
- One card per giver
- Notice the word Present and the box under it.
- Get a pen, pencil, writing stick
- Write in the box below the word Present your current WEEKLY contribution. NOTE: Some give monthly or twice a month - figure out the average for a weekly amount. This will keep the cards uniform.
- Put your thumb over this box.
UNDER YOUR THUMB IS:
Support - for mission work, care for elderly and orphans, help the needy
Programs of this church - Medical missions, VBS, Bears, Bible classes, visitation, the work and dedication of our elders, and deacons, physical needs (utilities, phone), improvements (carpet, PA system), repairs (furnace, roof, etc.)
Worship - Appreciation for the blessings from God, Love for Jesus, how much you love God
CAN YOU GIVE MORE?
Could the number be raised? .50, $1, $5, $10, $100, any amount
Will you make a decision that you will increase your weekly contribution by some amount? I am not asking for a giant jump (unless that is needed).
When your increase is combined with others - the result will be a great help.
- Write the new amount in the second box - under the word Future NOTE: Do not write the increase. Write the total amount you plan to give from now on.
- Fold this card ONCE so the two boxes face each other and the numbers you wrote are inside.
- Pass these cards to the center aisle to be collected.
- These cards will be given to the elders for tabulation
- Have young men collect cards.
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