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Giving to Jesus | To Whom Are You Giving?

INTRODUCTION:

1. We often stress the fact that when we give, we give to Jesus. This is good and right, Matt. 25:34-40.

2. I wonder, though, when we “lay by in store” each Lord’s Day, if we think about who we are giving to in order that it may be giving to Jesus.

3. We think about what we see. There are so many things a congregation does that is not seen.

4. This hour I’d like to walk your mind through those things that you might not be thinking about when you put your money in the plate.

5. I’d like to increase your appreciation for what you do in giving, and increase your joy in giving to Jesus.

DISCUSSION: To whom are you giving?

I.   To Your Preacher, 1 Cor. 9:7-10. Because you give:

1. My kids are dressed decently and are well-fed.

2. We have a house to live in.

3. I can pay for a web-site. In March, 2006 40K people visited The Preacher’s Files 80K times and read 240K pages.

4. This congregation hears sound Gospel sermons and Bible classes.

II.  To People You Don’t Even Know. Gal. 6:10; Acts 11:28-30

1. A preacher in India. We assisted with 2 months salary when his support was dropped.

2. Orphans we assist on a regular basis, James 1:27.

3. Those who read HTH/HTH.

4. Those who watched the TV programs.

III. To People You Do Know. Gal. 6:10; James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:16-17.

1. A brother or sister picks up the phone or calls one of the men over to the side. The last thing they want to do is be a burden on the church but there’s no place left to turn. With no fanfare or further word a check is written and given with a word of comfort and support.

2. You never hear of it, as it should be, but let me assure you it happens.

IV.  We Are Commanded To Give!

1. By Christ, Luke 6:38.

2. By Paul, 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-8.

3. Paul’s praise for those that give, Phil. 4:15-19.

CONCLUSION: When we “lay by in store” we give to Christ.

1. But there are so many that benefit from our gifts.

1) Your preacher.

2) People you don’t know.

3) People you do know.

2. Let’s cheerfully devote ourselves to giving to Jesus as we have prospered.