Christian Giving
Joe W. Nichols

Someone has said, "You can't out give God". When we consider the sun, moon, stars, fruitful earth, life, food, clothes, shelter, medicines, and the sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ the Son of God; most assuredly, we can never out give God! However, this does not mean that the Christian is not obligated to give; he must learn to give!

There is more said on the subject of giving in the Bible than on any other subject. Giving is just as much a part of Christianity as baptism, preaching and the Lord's supper. It is necessary to our faith. Our faith will never develop into what God designed it to be, until we learn the grace of giving. Giving expresses trust in God.

God pointedly warned Israel in regard to their material prosperity: "Then thy heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage," (Deuteronomy 8:14).

How easy it is to place more importance on the now rather than on the future and to desire present material possessions over future spiritual blessings. Without the eye of faith (Matthew 6:22), to see past this life and the present material benefits, we can easily become a slave to covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:6).

We are to increase our faith (11 peter 1: 5) and as we do so, our giving should increase proportionately.

Christian giving should never be viewed as an obligation, but as a desire and privilege. The Macedonian brethren (II Corinthians 8) were used by Paul to show the true spirit of giving:

"First they gave their own selves to the Lord" (verse 5).

"In much proof of affliction ... and .. deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality" (verse 2).

"Beyond their power they gave of their own accord" (verse 3).

"Beseeching .. with much entreaty in regard to this grace and the ministering of the saints" (verse 4).

Paul warns, "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly " and then assures us, "and he that soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully" (II Corinthians 9:6). His conclusion to the whole matter is, "Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver " (verse 7). In his conclusion, he further promises, "And he that supplieth your seed for sowing and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness" (verse 10). ❦

Home Bible Study
The regular monthly Home Bible Study and Devotional will be hosted in the home of Charles and Frances Copeland, this coming Saturday evening (19^th) at 6:00. Please sign the list in the foyer if you plan to attend.

Ladies' Luncheon
The ladies' group is scheduled to meet tomorrow (Monday, 14^th) morning at 11:30am in the annex for their regular second Monday luncheon and devo.

FSOP Lectureship
The 27^th Annual Fla. School of Preaching Bible Lectureships are scheduled for January 21-24, 2002 at the South Florida Avenue congregation in Lakeland. This years theme is "Do You Understand Worship?". A complete schedule is posted on the bulletin board in the foyer and on the Orange Street and FSOP web-sites. The lectureship will also be broadcast "live" on the internet at www.fsop.net.

Children's Class
Our youngsters meet each Sunday at 5:40pm in the auditorium for a period of stories and songs. The teacher scheduled for this evening's session is Gaylon West.

The bamboo tree stands for prosperity. The pine tree means long life, the plum tree suggests courage because it puts out its blossoms while the snow is still on the ground.

UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:

• Jan. 21-24, 2002 - Fla School of Preaching
27^th Annual Lectureship

• Jan. 25-27, 2002 - Venice church of Christ
Creation Seminar w/ Bert Thompson

• Mar. 16, 2002 - Ladies' Day
Orange Street church of Christ
Speaker: Joyce Kidwell Stearsman