WHY GIVE?
Pastor Mark Johnson
July 12, 2015

Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)

Let me tell you why we need to give. The first one is easy to understand: We have to pay for ministry.

In a very practical sense God has tied our lives to His work.

Here is what I want you to consider.
A.You can see the world as secular or without God.
B.You can see the world with God.

When I see the world with God and His promises I see giving differently.
1.I see giving as aligning myself with God’s blessing.Malachi 3:10–12 (ESV)
2.I see giving in the light of eternity.Matthew 6:19 (ESV)
3.I see giving as a way to conquer selfishness.Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

Giving becomes cheerful when I give with Kingdom eyes.

Giving does align us with the blessing of God.

Remember there are many things money cannot buy but nothing God cannot supply.

Here is why we give.
1.It is an investment in eternity in ministering to others.
2.It is a way to align ourselves with the empowerment of God.
3.It breaks the hold of selfishness.

A true giver is a cheerful giver.

God says “Test me in this and see”
Here is the challenge.
1.If you are an obedient giver with joy, share your giving story in C2 tonight.
2.If you are an obedient giver study these passages and let it turn to joy.

Over the next 5 months here are some tests.
•If you tithe but don’t give in offerings begin to ask the Lord what you should do and do something.
•If you give a percentage less than tithe, increase it towards the tithe.
•If you give an amount regularly, move it to a percentage.
•If you give but only on occasion, set a number and give every week.
•If you don’t give at all, start!