Stewardship

Different things are said about stewardship. What does it really mean? First, stewardship means being accountable to God as our Lord and Creator. Stewardship assumes God gives us everything we have and holds us accountable to use what we have to bless His purpose for His church and others. The Christian is to view his/her time, talents, and money as gifts from God to be used in ways that would be pleasing to Him. Generosity is the key. Giving freely and sacrificially, believing God is using you to meet needs in His kingdom, is an act of faith. As you step out in faith, trusting God to meet your needs, and the needs of the church to do His work, God will add more blessing to you (Luke 6:38). You actually become a channel for God to move His blessings and money, and God will answer yes to your request for more resources. If your motives are pure and you really want to bless others (James 4:12), God will always meet your needs. You cannot out give God. You can give sacrificially, knowing that God will send more blessings your way to meet the needs of your family and others. Paul told the Thessalonians that they should work so they could give to others. First Christian Church is a non-denominational church, which means 100% of your giving goes toward ministry that directly helps people.

In the Old Testament, believers were commanded to give a tithe. This was 10% of their total income. The money was to be given from faith, right off the top, trusting God to supply all their needs (Ephesians 3:20).

In the New Testament, believers are to give what they have decided to give in their hearts based upon their income. Setting aside that amount each week and giving weekly is Paul's advice to the Corinthian Christians in the New Testament (I Corinthians 16:2). Giving is to be done sacrificially and cheerfully, considering it a privilege to be used of God to serve Him.

Using your time and talents for Him should be a priority of the Christian too (Romans 12:3-8). Each member of First Christian Church is responsible to participate in ministries based upon his/her talents and giftedness. God will give you opportunities to be trained and used to do work in the church. Don’t hesitate! Pray for opportunities and doors to open, to allow you to be an instrument for noble purposes (II Timothy 2:20, 21).