Pecuniary Practice

                                             by Clifford Clark   

God is a God of order.  He is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).  Everything about God tells us, this GOD HAS A PLAN.  Consider these examples of His plan:

• For His Creation
• For the Ages-Dispensation
• For His Nation-Israel
• Of Salvation
• Of Baptism
• Of Tithing into the local church
• Of supporting financially world missions

The Bible is our authority in matters of theology and polity (i.e., how we are to do it).  The Bible has at least five passages of Scripture that gives us “polity examples” that are binding on our churches today.

I.  Acts 11:26-30

A.  A predominately Gentile church was giving to predominately Jewish churches.

B.  Every person in the Antioch church was involved in the offering.

C.  True disciples were expressing their faith and love.

D.  It was the first-recorded mission offering in the New Testament.

II.  First Corinthians 16:1-6

A.  The same orders are given to the churches of Macedonia, Galatia, and now, Achaia.

B.  It was an offering not spent on the local ministry of the church.

C.  Every person in the church was to participate.

D.  Paul requested some of the funds (v. 6).

III.  Second Corinthians 8:1-5

A.  Churches of Macedonia were given grace by God - the grace of missionary giving.

B.  They gave beyond their financial ability, “by faith.”

C.  They gave themselves to the Lord and to the missionaries (v. 5).

IV.  Second Corinthians 9:6-8

A.  To have a bountiful harvest, you must sow in many fields of this earth.

B.  Every person gives as his heart tells him.

C.  God makes a promise to mission givers (v. 8).

V.  Third John

A.  Third John is a letter on “How to treat God’s missionaries”; while Second John is a letter on “How to treat false missionaries.”

B.  Gaius, a wealthy landowner, was giving by faith to missionary-evangelists.

C.  Diotrophes, a self-centered man, did not like missionary-evangelists.

D.  Everyone is important in the work of the Lord.  God knows your name.

Clifford Clark