1. GIVING We Give Because God Gave First

2. What $18m buys you

3. Church Giving in History The New Testament rarely mentions giving, and never mentions tithing for believers. The Didache (a very early Christian text) says if a travelling apostle stays for more than 3 days, or asks for money then consider him a false prophet Cyprian (AD200-258) is the first recorded theologian who (unsuccessfully) calls on a compulsory tithe to support ministers The councils of Tours and Macon (567, 585) formally required tithing Today, in Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland a church tax is collected from everyone at around 1-2%, unless a person formally leaves the church

4. What is Tithing? Deuteronomy 14 1. Collect one tenth of all grain, seeds and oil 2. Collect every tenth animal that passes under the stick 3. Take all you have collected to Jerusalem and celebrate with God by consuming it (take the Levites with you and let them share) 4. In the 3 rd year, put all the collection into the storehouses for the Levites, widows, orphans and foreigners.

5. What is Giving? Gifts of food Israelites were always welcome to appear before God and offer a thank offering, a peace offering and/or a freewill offering Gifts of money Tabernacle – too many gifts! Temple – too much forced labour!

6. Giving in the New Testament But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:17-19

7. 2 Corinthians 9 Giving produces: 1. Personal development Sow generously, reap righteousness and generosity 2. Thanksgiving to God When needs are supplied, God is thanked When gospel obedience occurs, God is praised 3. Stronger relationships Partnership in material things leads to partnership in spiritual things

8. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12