The Contribution Only for the Needy?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesThe charge was, “You can’t find where the congregation’s funds were to used except for the needy!” Well, the fellow was wrong. In I Corinthians 16:1, introducing the matter of giving, Paul laid down the foundational teaching: Each give, on the first day of the week. And, he laid it in the context of the duty then at hand: Meeting the needs of the saints.
But the question remains, “Are there other needs in furthering the work of the kingdom – such as a meeting place, its upkeep, its furnishing, support of full-time workers (1 Corinthians 9:14), payment of insurance, etc.? Yes, indeed! Then, what are the Scriptural directions on gathering the funds for these? We have none. Then, since the first day of the week contribution is commanded, and we have no word on any other commanded contribution, and since there are other legitimate and Scriptural needs for funds, that contribution happens to be for those purposes as well!
THE SOUTHWESTERNER – October 7, 1987