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3. 3 The Church Treasury The scripturality of a church treasury is very important in the discussion of Christians' use of the treasury. If New Testament churches had no treasuries then there could be no scriptural restrictions or regulations on how the treasury could be used by congregations. If treasuries are not authorized by the Scriptures then it would be sinful to divide congregations over how the treasuries are to be used. Thus, it is essential to establish the scriptural-ness and necessity of a church treasury within local congregation.

4. 4 Did Early Churches Have Treasuries ? 2 Cor. 11:8 states, "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you." How could an evangelist receive regular, consistent wages from a congregation without there being regular, reliable contributions from the members? How could a church support a man regularly without bringing the contributions together on a regular basis and forming a treasury?

5. 5 The Jerusalem Church Supported Needy Widows - How? Acts 6:1-6 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said,"It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

6. 6 The Jerusalem Brethren Sold Their Possessions Acts 2:44-45 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. Acts 4:33-35 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

7. 7 Certain Widows Were Supported 1 Tim. 5:19 reports that certain widows were put on the list of those who were to receive regular support from the church on a permanent basis. How could the churches regularly and permanently support needy widows and evangelists without a church treasury? It would be impossible.

8. 8 1 Tim 5:9-10 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 1 Tim 5:17-19 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and,"The laborer is worthy of his wages."

9. 9 Pauls Defense For Support 1 Cor 9:1-7 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?

10. 10 Command Was Given 1 Cor 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 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. We are to plan ahead what we are going to give and set it apart ahead of time and not spend that money for anything. It is set aside for the Lords work and for that alone. It is not simply what we have left after everything else is spent but before we do anything!

11. 11 How Much Should I Give? Before we can answer that........ Story of Wedding Ceremony – How Much? The Widows Mite The Pearl of Great Price The Cost of Discipleship 1 Peter 1:17-19 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

12. 12 Simon, Do You Love Me? John 21:15-17 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?"

13. 13 Under The Law of Moses Lev 27:32-33 And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD. 33 He shall not inquire whether it is good or bad, nor shall he exchange it; and if he exchanges it at all, then both it and the one exchanged for it shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.'" Deut 14:22-23 "You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. 23 And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

14. 14 Under The Law Of Christ 2 Cor 9:6-8 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

15. 15 Giving To Each Other Eph 4:28-29 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Giving an account to God Rom 14:12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

16. 16 What Can We Use The Lords Treasury To Fund ? Whatever we deem good (is it up to us) What about a vacation for us all to Hawaii What about a Helicopter for the preacher What about a café in town to feed the hungry What about a skiing trip for young folks What about the Hotel trip like AIG What about a new Diamond Ring for the preachers wife

17. 17 How Do We Decide ? Not based on personal opinion contrary to the belief of so many today We must find our basis in Gods will We have seen the support of Preachers We have seen support of Widows We have seen support of Christians in need The Upper Room

18. 18 How Did They Secure The Upper Room ? Mark 14:14-15 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' 15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us." Was this just given to the disciples to use Would a stranger do that today? Do Churches get a free room or anything free today?

19. 19 John 13:29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. 2 Cor 9:9 As it is written:"He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor ; His righteousness endures forever."

20. 20 How Does The Church Decide, How To Use The Lords Treasury ? Did they use it for personal business? Did they use it for recreation or entertainment? Did they use it to make money for the kingdom ( any schemes we know of) Did they use it for the poor other than church? Rom 15:25-26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

21. 21 Elders Act As A Fiduciary Of or relating to a holding of something in trust for another: a fiduciary heir; a fiduciary contract. b. Of or being a trustee or trusteeship. c. Held in trust. Leaders in the Church are acting in the place of God, they carry out his wishes not their own What would God do or have me to do What was Gods aim to accomplish here on Earth?

22. 22 A Fiduciary - "one founded on trust or confidence reposed by one person in the integrity and fidelity of another." A fiduciary has a duty to act primarily for the client's benefit in matters connected with the undertaking and not for the fiduciary's own personal interest. Scrupulous good faith and candor are always required. Fiduciaries must always act in complete fairness and may not ever exert any influence or pressure, take selfish advantage, or deal with the client in such a way that it benefits themselves or prejudices the client. Business shrewdness, hard bargaining, and taking advantage of the forgetfulness or negligence of the client are totally prohibited by a fiduciary.

23. 23 Gods Mission on Earth Luke 19:10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Feed the world- No John 12:8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." John 6:26-27 Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."

24. 24 Rom 12:13 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Rom 15:25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 2 Cor 9:1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints

25. 25 What Is The Correct Answer? The correct answer is to use the Lords Treasury to carry out the work of the church – and nothing beyond this Preach the gospel – involves securing a meeting place, paying preacher or Elders if they are preaching or working for Lord, etc. Assisting widows indeed and the poor needy saints of the Lords church Edification of the church 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.