Sunday, November 3rd

Hey Everyone,
Sorry that I was delinquint last week. The week kept getting further and further away from me and I kept meaning to post but then never did. This week I'm on top of things, though. Here's the post for next Sunday:

Christianity 101 - 8. Giving: Showing Allegiance
My early concept with this sermon is that not only is giving our money away basic to our faith(either to church or to other ministries or missions or charities), it demonstrates that our faith is genuine. In other words, how we use our resources demonstrates who we believe in and who we serve. I'm afraid if you looked in my checkbook, capitalism and consumption would rank right up there with God, probably higher. So, it is good for us to think about giving. One of next week's scriptures will be this one:

2 Corinthians 9:6-12 - 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

So, what do you have to say about giving? Do you give as well as you'd like? What are your thoughts about giving to church vs. other places? What about the traditional tithe of 10%? Is that an important amount to you? What is good or bad about it? Before or after taxes? Do you believe everything the scripture above says about giving, based on your lifestyle? Please share your thoughts.