76 Sermon Illustrations on Tithing

Sermon on tithing and grace-giving. Malachi 3:8-12

DON'T RIP OFF GOD

=================

I. Whom do you owe?

A. Sometimes it seems like we owe everyone.

B. Money is a deeply spiritual matter.

II. Tithing has been around a while.

A. Affirmed throughout Bible.

B. The recipients of the tithes.

C. Multiple tithes?

D. The tithe was not to be neglected.

III. Does the tithe apply to Christians?

A. Surprisingly, no, it does not.

B. The New Testament principle is grace-giving.

IV. The tithe can be considered a benchmark.

A. "Tithers" versus "grace-givers."

B. Tradition of this church.

V. First things first.

A. Relationship with God comes first.

B. We need a concrete standard.

A church was trying to pay for a new building over a period of three years. They asked the church members to pledge how much money they would be willing give for the new building over the next three years. A poor wash woman belonged to the church. She sent in her pledge card with a commitment of $468.00 (this was back when a dollar was a dollar.) The pastor and the deacons just couldn't believe she could give so much so they went to see her. They told her, “We know that you love the Lord and want to help with the new building but you cannot afford to give $468 in three years to the building program. All you do is wash clothes to make a living.

She replied, “No, I figured it up. I wash 2 places a day, but I've got another place I can wash. I've turned it down because I've been so tired, but I've decided to do it for the next three years. I'm going to give that extra money to the building program.” Then she continued, “Don't cheat me out of this privilege!” So instead of doing three washes a day in the neighborhood, she took four and she called the fourth “the Lord's wash.” Imagine how much more we could do for the Lord if we had the commitment of this woman!

- B. Smith

A minister preached a sermon along the lines that everything belongs to the Lord. An old farmer skeptically sat in the congregation, listening to but not agreeing with the sermon. That afternoon he invited the preacher to Sunday dinner with him and his family. After dinner they walked outside, the farmer made a point of showing the preacher around his house, barns, tool shed, and pointed to his beautifully kept farm. Then he asked the preacher half jokingly, “Pastor, I worked all my life on this land. Do you mean to tell me that it’s not my land, that its the Lord’s land?” The minister reflected for a moment and then quietly said to the farmer. “Ask me the same question a hundred years from now.”

Yes, everything does belong to the Lord, and when we bring our tithes into the storehouse we simply are returning a part of what is already God’s.

A senator's wife went into the ham business. She borrowed $100,000 for capital from a trust company. The business finally made $3 million in annual sales.

The chairman of the trust company said to the senator, "I'm glad the ham venture is doing well." The senator asked, "What makes you think it's doing well?"

The chairman replied, "You used to call it 'Betty's business,' Now you call it 'our business.'"

That's not far off from church business. Non-tithers call it "their church." Tithers lovingly refer to it as "our church."

A few days ago a good lady, a widow and member of our church, came

to me, stating that she had some tithe money which she wished me to

put into the church for her. The amount was two hundred forty dollars.

Her husband, while in the employ of the government, had been killed in

an automobile accident. She received some money from this, but was not

sure that it had been tithed. The two hundred forty dollars was this

amount. The good lady only had twenty-seven dollars besides this

amount. We hardly knew what to do. We knew she was greatly in need of

this money. We hesitated to take it, but feared to refuse.

Mrs. Tidwell and I went to see her in the afternoon after she had

given the money. When we arrived, she seemed very happy. She

immediately went over to a little drawer and picked up a government

check and said, "Brother Tidwell, look at that!" It was a check for

seventy-eight dollars for the month. Also, she is to receive this

amount for life! Think of it! Also a friend handed her fifty dollars

that same day. Yes, God always makes good. He says, "Them that honour

me I will honour." You can't outdo the Lord.

William Moses Tidwell, "Pointed Illustrations."

Soviet Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, the author of TORTURED FOR CHRIST, suffered terribly for the Lord. Yet he said that even while in prison, he saw fellow Soviet believers practice generous giving. “When we were given one slice of bread a week and dirty soap every day, we decided we would faithfully ‘tithe’ even that. Every tenth week we took the slice of bread and gave it to the weaker brethren as our ‘tithe’ to the Master.”

“Houston, we have a problem!” Do you remember those words? Thus began one of the great crises-to-success stories in recent history. An Apollo space mission in great peril was saved by a team of people determined to find a solution.

We have a stewardship problem. Perhaps you are familiar with it. It begins with spending. The average American couple spends $1.20 for every dollar they earn. This in turn has led to a debt problem. In June 2002, the Federal Reserve reported that the total amount of consumer debt was $1.685 trillion. Six hundred billion of that was credit card debt. The repayment of this debt consumes 14 percent of the average family’s budget. These two factors have joined with others to create the “perfect storm” for the issue of stewardship through the local church.

Among adults who attend church regularly (an average of at least once a month), more than one out of every three (37 percent) did not give any money to church in the past year. Those who contribute give only about 2.5 percent of their income. The average donation by adults who attend Protestant churches is about $10 a week. Overall, only 3 to 5 percent of the people who donate money to a church tithe their income. (Data from George Barna, “How to Increase Giving in Your Church.”)

Now that we know “we have a problem” we must, for the sake of the Kingdom, find a solution. I have come to a fairly simple conclusion in my old age -- nothing will change the hearts and minds of people but the Word of God applied by the Spirit of God. In the past months in this column we have been looking at the characteristics of the Kingdom-centered church. Let’s do so again with a focus on its practice of generous stewardship.

THE PATTERN OF ACTS

To fully appreciate the generosity of the early church, we need to think about the makeup of that church. Both Jews and Gentiles who had the courage to confess Jesus as Messiah were often ostracized by their family. Christianity was considered to be a dangerous and blasphemous cult. The ability of new believers was often impacted by their courageous stand for Christ. Thus the survival of early believers was often dependant on the generosity of their new family -- the church.

On five different occasions we are told that they “were together” (Acts 1:15; 2:1, 44, 47; and 4:31). This statement gives us insight into the unity and intimacy characteristic of the early church. This emphasis is made more emphatic by the statement that they “had everything in common” (Acts 2:44). This statement does not mean that they practiced community ownership, as is made clear by the indication that they continued to meet from house to house (Acts 2:46). Nonetheless, it does underline the incredible generosity indicated by the willingness to sell property and possession, and distribute the proceeds to those who had needs. The verb tense here indicates that the practice of selling and sharing was a recurrent and continuing practice -- it was the norm, not the exception.

Acts 4:32-35 adds significantly to our understanding of the generosity of the early church. The mention of a multitude of believers in verse 32 shows the rapid expansion of the church. Yet despite their rapid growth they were of “one heart and soul.” “Not even one” of them dared claim that their possessions were their own. Whose possessions were they? Their willingness to share was based on a commonly held conviction that property and possessions belonged to God and were “theirs” only in terms of stewardship. Thus they were always at the disposal of the Lord, the rightful owner.

It is significant that the description of the generosity of the early church seems to be interrupted by verse 33: “And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.” Note that verse 34 once again picks up the emphasis of generosity: “For there was not a needy person among them.” The linking of the powerful witness of the church and the generous spirit is in no way an interruption. They were inextricably linked then and they are inextricably linked today.

Underline this truth: The uncommon generosity of the early church was visible proof of the power of the resurrected Christ in their midst. What would indicate the grace of God in our midst today more clearly than unity, mutual concern expressed through generous stewardship and powerful evangelism? A church family that embodies such radical characteristics, which cuts across the grain of societal norms -- which values ownership and accumulation over stewardship and distribution -- would confront the world with the power of the grace of God.

I fear that our lack of evangelistic harvest may well be connected to our disobedience in the area of stewardship!

A CONTRASTING CASE STUDY

Luke provides a contrasting case study in Acts 4:36 to underline the emphasis on generosity. Joseph, a Cypriot Jew, apparently had relatives and land in Jerusalem. He sold the land and gave the proceeds to the apostles for use in the community. It was this sort of generous behavior that earned him the name Barnabas which means “Son of Encouragement.” Generosity has a way of stimulating and encouraging others who witness it.

The other story is about a wealthy couple name Ananias and Sapphira, who committed the total proceeds from the sale of a piece of land. It is possible that the land sold for more than they expected, which created a spirit of greed, leading them to hold back a portion of the sale price. The phrase translated “keep back” literally means to “pilfer” or “embezzle.” You might wonder how someone could embezzle their own money. This is precisely the point! The land belonged to God and was only held by Ananias and Sapphira in stewardship. Thus, once it was voluntarily committed to the church for community needs, the couple was guilty of embezzlement and lying to the Spirit (Acts 5:3).

The contrast is even more ironic when we understand that the name Ananias means “God is gracious.” If God had been so gracious to Ananias, how could he be so stingy and dishonest? It is a probing question that we should take to heart.

A FAMINE IN JERUSALEM

I have long been fascinated by the church in Antioch. This church was responsible for sending out the first missionaries who planted most of the churches we read about in the book of Acts.

This community of believers responded to a crisis need in Jerusalem in such a generous fashion that it impacted the entire ministry of the Apostle Paul. Agabus, a prophet from Jerusalem, told them of a severe famine which would impact the Roman world. The church responds immediately -- “So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea” (Acts 11:29). Notice that all participated in proportion to their ability.

The plight of the believers in Jerusalem and the response of the church in Antioch provide the backdrop for much of the teaching of Paul on generous stewardship. 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 8-9 all relate to the offering for the saints in Jerusalem. Paul devotes nearly a decade of his ministry to the collection of this grand offering that would require all the churches in Macedonia and Achaia joining together in a cooperative offering.

People often want to give in such a manner that they can control how the resources are used and receive credit for their generosity. But Kingdom-centered giving requires a radically different attitude. When we understand that we hold everything in stewardship for the King, then we can freely release the resources in our care to meet the needs of the saints and advance the Kingdom without concern for control or credit.

A PROGRESSION

Paul actually demonstrates a progression in his teaching on giving. You will undoubtedly understand that the giving of the “tithe” was the expected norm for all those who came to Christ as Messiah out of Judaism. Jesus demonstrates this when He says to the Pharisees: “These things should have been done without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23). He was talking about the necessity of the tithe along with embodying justice, mercy, and faith. They should have already mastered the fundamental aspect of faithful living such as tithing, thus enabling them to move on to other issues of spiritual growth.

If you read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, Paul teaches systematic and proportionate giving (“first day of the week,” and “to the extent that he prospers”). Proportionate giving obviously would allow and encourage one to give beyond the tithe. In 2 Corinthians 8-9, he teaches “hilarious giving” and “grace giving.” Hilarious giving pleases God because it reflects His own character manifest in His children.

Grace giving must be understood in light of the total context of the Corinthians letters. There were those in Corinth who were fascinated by the possession of certain spiritual gifts (charismata equals manifestation of grace). They believed that these charismatic endowments proved their spirituality. Paul deals that argument a death blow in 1 Corinthians 13. Nonetheless, in 2 Corinthians 8:7 he appeals to the Corinthians to be as zealous to give as they are to manifest certain gifts. “Now as you excel in everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us -- excel also in this grace.”

Don’t miss this obvious point. We should give in such a manner that it requires and exhibits the grace of God. We should practice a level of stewardship that it mandates the work of God’s Spirit in our lives.

Can you imagine for a moment what impact such generosity could have on our work to advance God’s Kingdom? Let’s look at a simple math problem. According to recent studies on giving, only about 25 percent of those attending church give systematically. Those persons give at the rate of 2.5 percent of their income. What if 50 percent gave 5 percent? Why stop at half obedience? What if they gave 10 percent? What if 100 percent gave 10 percent? Do the math and imagine the impact we could have on reaching the nations.

*

[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate of HolwickID #13622]

A. A. Hyde, a millionaire manufacturer, said he began tithing when

he was one hundred thousand dollars in debt. Many men have said they

consider it dishonest to give God a tenth of their incomes when they

were in debt. Mr. Hyde said he agreed with that thought until one day

it flashed upon him that God was his first Creditor. Then he began to

pay God first and all the other creditors were eventually paid in

full. If a man owes you money, it would be wise business policy on

your part to encourage him to pay his debt to God first. --Sunday

School Times

A family sat down at the dinner table following church one Sunday.

"The sermon was boring today," said the teenage son.

"Yeah, could you believe how the pastor stumbled over the reading of the Scripture?" his sister chimed in.

"I've got to admit it was an uninspiring day," said Mother. "The choir was terrible."

Finally, father, showing his leadership, said, "Hush, you guys. Quit complaining. What did you expect for a quarter?"

==============

Another version from the Fredericksburg collection:

A father, who attended church with his little boy, found fault with everything in the service. As he walked home, he criticized the minister, the sermon, the choir, and everything in general. The boy, who had noticed what his father put in the offering plate, said, "Well, Dad, what can you expect for a quarter?"

==============

Another version from the Fredericksburg collection:

A family had just returned from church, and they were sitting down to lunch, when Dad started complaining. “No wonder the churches are half empty,” he said. “The choir this morning was painful. And that woman who read the scriptures, I couldn't hear half of what she was saying. But worst of all was that bloody sermon. It was really terrible.”

Suddenly he noticed his young son smiling at him broadly.

“And what are YOU grinning at?” he demanded.

“Well, Dad,” said the boy, “I don't think you got too bad a show for ten cents!”

Giving in response to God’s amazing grace is a vital and essential aspect of true and genuine Christian discipleship. The manner in which one gives, both in attitude and amount, will be a reflection of the condition of the heart.

When Jesus spoke to this issue, He encouraged His disciples to do more than what was required under the Old Testament with what was called the tithe (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42). It is clear that our Lord was concerned not only with what we give but how we give. In other words, issues of the heart are at the heart of giving.

The most extensive section on giving in all of Scripture is found in 2 Corinthians 8-9. Here Paul lays down basic principles of New Testament giving. Again, as did the Lord, Paul makes it clear that giving as we ought is a matter, not so much of obligation, as it is of gratitude, of grace.

Throughout my 30 years in ministry I have instructed the students under my watch-care in what I call “Grace Giving.” Quickly walking through this classic passage in 2 Corinthians, what are some basic questions we should follow as we express our gratitude to God for what He has done for us through His Son Jesus? I note 12 things:

• Outward circumstances and personal difficulties should not prevent generosity in our giving (8:1-4).

• All financial giving should be preceded first by the giving of oneself to the Lord (8:5).

• Those who follow Jesus should excel in the grace of giving (8:6-7).

• Generous giving is an expression of the love one has for Jesus (8:8-9, 24).

• There is an intimate connection between the “Grace of God” and the “Grace of Giving.” The former naturally leads to the latter (8:8-9).

• A willingness to be generous in giving is more important than the amount given (8:12).

• We should give to churches and ministries that handle God’s money judiciously and responsibly (8:16-21).

• Generous giving out of gratitude to God will encourage others to do the same (9:1-2).

• The attitude in which we give is important to God. He loves willing and cheerful givers (9:5-7).

• Generosity in giving moves God to supply more and meet our genuine needs (9:8-11).

• Grace giving will result in praise and thanksgiving to God (9:11-14).

• Generous giving is the natural response to God’s gracious gift of Jesus (9:15).

Paul understood how important Christian stewardship was to true and genuine Christian discipleship. He knew that giving cannot help but reveal the spiritual life of those who call Jesus Lord. He knew that how we give is a commentary on our love for Christ, His Church, and the lost.

Second Corinthians 9:15 says, “thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” So, look to the cross, consider what God has done for you in Christ, and give. You will find it impossible to be anything but generous in your response.

________

Daniel Akin is president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.

*

[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate of HolwickID #2103]

A full exegesis of Article 13 of the Baptist Faith and Message would consume a lengthy volume and yield fruitful discourse. At least three topics deserve our attention here.

First, God owns everything, and therefore we are to be stewards of all he gives us. A basic tenet of a Christian worldview holds that God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. As Creator he thus owns all that is or ever will be. He owns our lives and bodies, our health and welfare, our goods and possessions and even the air we breathe.

In his wisdom and providence, he has placed in our hands and at our disposal certain blessings and gifts for our use for his glory. We, in turn, are thus responsible for using his blessings for his glory, our benefit and the welfare of others.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 makes clear that our responsibility is to multiply the gifts given to us by God. A thoughtful stewardship of all that we have is part of our Christian discipleship.

A second topic for our consideration is the command given in Scripture for us to give "cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally ..." to the Lord's work.

The command to tithe is clearly given in the Old Testament. Some have argued that since the tithe is not mentioned in a positive way in the New Testament, the tithing injunction does not apply to Christians.

In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Paul says, "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of the week each of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collection be made when I come." And again in 2 Corinthians 9:6 he writes, "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

The New Testament teaches that Christians should give even above the tithe as God so blesses. The tithe is not done away with in the New Testament, but a greater principle of giving is placed upon the disciple of Christ. Christians are to give sacrificially as God blesses them.

Jesus commends the widow in Mark 12:41-44 who had put into the treasury "more than all the contributors" because she "out of her poverty, put in all she owned." May the Lord find us faithful in giving above and beyond the tithe.

A final topic mentioned in Article 13 is the motivation for our stewardship -- the glory of God and the benefit of others. Stewardship obviously involves more than our income or possessions but refers to every aspect of our lives.

Giving of our means is part of true Christian worship. Taking care of our bodies likewise is part of our stewardship so that we can serve God with all of our might. We work in order to be able not only to provide for ourselves and our families, but so that we might give to the Lord's work.

In our materialistic society we must challenge believers to work not for bigger houses and better cars, but so that they might give to the Lord's work around the world. God's glory should be the driving force behind how we use all the gifts and possessions that God has placed in our care.

At the end of our lives may we be found as faithful stewards of all that he has entrusted to us.

____________________________________

Full text of Article 13: Stewardship

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.

Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

_________________

Walker is vice president for institutional advancement at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

*

“Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent [aid] once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” (Php 4:15-17 NKJV)

The True Worth of Christian Beneficence

• beginning…Gospel — when the Gospel began for them; i.e., when they first heard it

• no…only — none but this one Church had made provision for his temporal need

• Thessalonica — 2 Cor 11:9 — when I was in that city

• once…again — both once and twice [Hebraistic: repeatedly]

• necessity, to supply my need

• gift — recompense

• fruit…account — Heb 6:10, 1 TIm 6:17-19, Acts 20:35 — he desired that they might so act as to secure the future reward of brotherly kindness

The gifts of the Philippians — Dr J. Lyth

I. The straitened circumstances of the Apostle.

II. The honourable conduct of the Philippians though poor (2 Cor 8:2), they acknowledged their debt — stood alone — repeated their bounty of their own free will.

III. The commendation of the Spirit of God — recorded to their honour for our instruction.

The support of the ministry — A clergyman in Wales was appointed by an ordaining council to address the people, who had impoverished their former pastor, and were now to receive a new one. He recommended, in his address, that Jacob’s ladder be let down from the skies to that Welsh parish, in order that the new minister might “go into heaven on the Sabbath evening, after preaching, and remain there all the week: then he would come down so spiritually minded and so full of heaven, that he would preach almost like an angel.” Now, the people insisted on having their pastor with them on other days than the Sabbath. “That may be,” replied the speaker; “but then, if he remain among you, he must have something to eat.” The dignity of the angels was not inconsistent with their ascending and descending on a wooden ladder; and one ladder on which our ministering angels may go up to their heavenly studies is, such a material sustenance as will make it unnecessary for them to grovel in the earth. — Prof. Park

“He is happy whose circumstances suit his temper; but he is more excellent who can suit his temper to his circumstances.” — Hume

“There is some help for all the defects of fortune; for if a man cannot attain to the length of his wishes, he may have his remedy by cutting them shorter.” — Cowley

“Surely that preaching which comes from the soul most works on the soul.” — Fuller

Usually the system works pretty well - except for this one time. My wife and I were at a famous farmhouse restaurant in Amish country - one of those places where they serve you mouth-watering farm cooking, family-style. We were seated at a table with about ten other guests when the food started to arrive. Most of us, of course, had held off on eating much that day so we'd be hungry for dinner. Usually, people take a serving of each dish and they keep passing it down. Uh, not this time. See, there was this one couple at the end of the table who somehow managed to shortstop every platter as it arrived - the fried chicken, the roast beef, the fresh mashed potatoes, the homemade noodles, the bread. They would plop this big serving on their plate and just set the platter down in front of them! They were stuffing! We were starving!

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Piling it Instead of Passing it.”

So the idea is you take some for yourself, then you pass the rest on to others. Not just at a family style dinner, but in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. He doesn't hand us what we have just for us to pile it all on our own plate. He gives it to us to take some and pass on the rest to a needy world.

Paul talks about God's delivery system to the world in our word for today from the Word of God in 2 Corinthians 9, beginning with verse 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. You will be made rich in every way” - in other words, He'll trust to you a plateful of goodies from Him - “so that you can be generous on every occasion,” so you can freely pass it on to others. God's primary method for meeting human needs, for financing His work in the world, for helping the hurting is to give resources to His kids, expecting them to take a little for themselves and then pass a lot of it on to others. It comes from God, delivered through us.

Unless, of course, we shortstop the platter of supplies He's placed in our hands. When we do it, we are - in the words of the prophet Malachi - “robbing God” (Malachi 3:10). Sadly, too many of us are aborting God's delivery system by keeping for ourselves most of what He gave us to give away. God's funds are trapped in our hands - so some of God's army is stuck without the ammunition they need to fight.

Recently, our four-year-old grandson got an award at church. Grandma and I couldn't be there for it, so we slipped him two one-dollar bills as our “We're proud of you” dollars. His first reaction: “Let's go to the Dollar Store!” Actually, he could go twice! But later, on the phone, he informed me of what he had actually done with those dollars - “I gave them to the chuhch” (that's “church” in “Grownup”). He told me his uncles had each given him $2.00 as well. He said, “I gave them to RHM” - that's our ministry - “so you could tell more people about Jesus.”

At four, he understands what many of us have forgotten. It's given to us to share with others, not just to spend on ourselves. In many places, great works of God are nearly paralyzed by growing shortfalls in giving. I don't believe that God is, in most cases, withholding what's needed for His work. It must be that we're sitting on or spending what we were supposed to invest in His kingdom.

Let's all take another look at what we're doing with the plateful, however modest, that God has entrusted to us. Is it mostly building our kingdom or His kingdom? Are we passing it on or just piling on ourselves?

________________

Copyright © Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc., PO Box 400, Harrison, AR 72602. Used by permission. Written by Ron Hutchcraft. "Practical Answers to Real Life Issues"

*

For many years, it's been an inspiring book. Then in recent years, it became a hit Broadway musical. Then made into a movie several times. The story is Victor Hugo's classic, Lés Misérables. One of the many dramas in the book portrays the efforts of this group of valiant young men and women to fight to free their fellow Frenchmen from a tyrannical government. They make their stand against a massive French army at a makeshift wall they have constructed. They call it the “barricade of freedom.” They fight bravely, but their cause is threatened by a major problem that develops. They begin to run out of ammunition. Well, one little boy realizes that their fight for freedom can only continue if they can find more ammunition. So, he risks his own life to crawl across the battle zone, picking up bullets from wounded and dying French soldiers. Because you can't win the battle when you're running out of bullets.

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Running Out of Ammo.”

Right now, there's an ammunition shortage in the most decisive battle of all - the battle for men's souls, the battle for human lives. It began at the cross where Jesus died to make eternal life possible. It moved out across the planet at Jesus' command and in the power of His resurrection, and it continues today in cities and town across this country and in every country of the world. It's a fight to liberate people Jesus died for from the penalty and the power of their sin and from Satan's shackles.

But on so many fronts in the battle, Jesus' forces are running out of bullets. In many places, God's soldiers are beating back the enemy, taking prisoners from the enemy and pushing back the darkness. But they're running short of bullets. The money just isn't there to keep pressing the battle.

All those letters and appeals we receive asking for money for ministry - they're about so much more than money. For ministries that are really making a difference, it's all about ammunition to keep fighting the battle for lives. But something's gone wrong. It can't be that God isn't giving the money to people through whom He wants to meet these needs. It must be that some of us are sitting on the ammunition instead of sending it to the front lines. And when we lose one of these battles, oh, it's lives we lose - possibly forever.

Our word for today from the Word of God lays out how the supply line for God's army is supposed to work. Citing the Macedonian believers as an example for all of us, Paul says, “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity ... they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3).

Sacrificial giving so the believers in Jerusalem would have the ammunition they needed to fight their battles. Why? It goes on to say, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus impoverished Himself to make us rich, and He's the Son of God. How can we hang onto what He's given us so we can stay in our comfort zone? The battle for a lost and dying world is every believer's battle, not just the battle for a few spiritual daredevils who take all the risks and make all the sacrifices.

For those of us fighting on the front lines, it's our responsibility to make every bullet count, to stay on mission, to always take the high road, and to put our faith in Jehovah Jireh, not in contributors. And for every one of us, we need to hear the cries from the front lines, “We're winning, but we're running out of ammunition!” Let's throw everything we can into this battle for which Jesus gave everything He had!

__________

Copyright © Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc., PO Box 400, Harrison, AR 72602. Used by permission. Written by Ron Hutchcraft. "Practical Answers to Real Life Issues"

*

It was one of those unrehearsed Presidential moments that capture America's Chief Executive in situations you might never otherwise see. After George W. Bush's Second Inauguration, there was a prayer service at the National Cathedral, and an offering was taken for which the President was apparently unprepared. What the camera captured was his Father, Former President Bush, reaching over his son's shoulder from the pew behind him. He was slipping the President of the United States some money to put in the offering plate. It all happened pretty quickly and pretty skillfully, but the camera got it, and you just had to smile.

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “From His Hand to Yours.”

All the President had to give that day was what his father gave him. As a matter of fact, that's all any of us has to give - what our Heavenly Father gives us. Because, as the Bible says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17).

In 1 Corinthians 4, where we find our word for today from the Word of God, the Lord asks this rhetorical question in verse 7: “What do you have that you did not receive?” Any ability you have. Any money you have. Any success you have. Any insight, charisma, good looks or good health. You didn't achieve them - you received them! So pride is out the window. The verse goes on to press the point: “And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” Whatever we have to give was given to us by our Father. So you give without pride, without a need for recognition, without thinking that when you give, you have some right to control.

Earlier in this chapter, God says: “It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). We've been trusted by God with things that are His. Like the master in Jesus' parable who “called his servants and entrusted his property to them” (Matthew 25:14). Notice - His property. You have no right to act as if it's yours any more than the bank where you put your money can say when you go to withdraw it, “Oh, I'm sorry - I've fallen in love with your money and it's mine now.” For too many of us, an honest evaluation of how we spend our money, our talent, our energy would reveal that that's exactly what we've done.

God has trusted each of us with some gifts from His hand. If it's not material things, it may well be personal traits, personal abilities or influence that are just as valuable, or more valuable than money. Whatever you've been given, who are you using it for? For your advancement, your agenda, or God's agenda and the advancement of His kingdom? Notice, the President didn't pocket what his Father gave him to give. He put it where it belonged - in God's hands for God's work. It seems obvious that some of us must have pocketed for ourselves what God gave us to give away. You can tell by how much of God's work on earth is constantly under-funded and understaffed. Surely, God is sending the money and the talent and the leadership His work requires. But is the supply line breaking down because some of us are keeping what we were supposed to be investing in His work?

It's about money, but it's about so much more than money - all the kinds of gifts the Heavenly Father gives to His children. And it's about the reason He gave them to us. It's a trust. He's trusting that we will give back to Him what He's given to us for the things He cares about, and to do it with humility, and to do it with joy. Anything else, in the ancient words of the prophet Malachi, “is robbing God.”

________

Copyright © Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc., PO Box 400, Harrison, AR 72602. Used by permission. Written by Ron Hutchcraft. "Practical Answers to Real Life Issues"

*

A report released by "empty tomb, inc." in mid-October examined the giving trends of church members in the United States and determined that financial contributions to churches were down as a percent of income when compared with previous years.

The Illinois-based Christian research organization surveyed 28 Protestant denominations representing 146,000 of the total estimated 350,000 congregations in the United States and found that for each dollar donated to a congregation, denominations spent 2 cents on overseas missions in 2003, down from 7 cents in the 1920s.

Half of the 28 denominations grew in membership from 1968 to 2003 and half decreased, the report said, and those that grew had a higher level of international missions support while those that declined had a lower average of overseas missions support.

Per member giving as a percent of income to total contributions declined from 2002 to 2003, empty tomb said, and giving as a percent of income was down overall from 1968 to 2003. Giving as a percent of income is the most useful method for tracking, they said, because it takes into account changes both in population (membership) and in the economy (income).

Total contributions decreased from 3.11 percent of income in 1968 to 2.59 percent in 2003, which is a decline of 17 percent in the portion of income donated to the church, the report said.

Congregational finances -- the funding of internal operations of the congregation -- experienced a 10 percent decline from the 1968 base, and benevolences -- funding the larger mission of the church -- declined 42 percent from 1968. In 2003, the portion of income to benevolences was at the lowest level during the 36-year period.

Americans gave $91 billion in cash donations to charity in 2003, but if church members had given 10 percent of their incomes, the total would include an additional $156 billion to be used through churches.

________

For more information, visit www.emptytomb.org.

*

Sermon in Church Covenant series, #3 Exodus 36:1-7

GIVE IT ALL YOU'VE GOT

======================

I. Some pastors have all the luck.

A. "The support of the ministry."

B. It seems like it always boils down to money.

II. How Moses built a sanctuary. Exodus 35-36

A. Israel was preparing to build a sanctuary to God.

B. Moses laid the groundwork of how it would be done: 35:5

C. The results exceeded his expectations. 36:6

III. How our covenant wants us to approach our commitments.

A. Emotionally.

B. Regularly.

C. Generously.

IV. Our giving must be well-rounded.

A. Support of ministry.

B. Church expenses.

C. Charity for poor.

D. Evangelism and missions.

V. What our giving reveals.

A. We support what we really value.

B. Having a real relationship with Jesus is key.

VI. The provision is available.

It was during the war. His wages were low. He and mother wore old clothes, and tried to provide as best they could for my sister and I. We were very poor; but frankly, I didn’t know it then. Yet, while it was hard to “make ends meet” my dad always gave liberally to the church. It was during that time, when he and mother needed new clothes, and when they would have so much enjoyed a bigger house, that I saw one Sunday morning, on the dresser, his check made out to the church for $7.00. That was a lot of money then; well over 10% of what he was making. And he gave that amount every week. I’ve seen that check in memory hundreds of time. I’ll always be grateful that my dad taught me by his example that the Lord should be considered first.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

Yesterday noon at a Bob Evan’s Restaurant, a family of six had good size meals. Since their table was next to ours, it was easy to notice that they only left a dollar tip. I felt terribly sorry for the waitress who had worked so hard to serve them. In fact, if she hadn’t picked it up so quickly, I would have quietly laid a couple more dollors on top of that one — that’s how badly I felt for her.

As I left the restaurant, thinking about that, I started feeling sorry for God, because many folks seem to treat him the same way — give a meager tip instead of a tithe or at least a meaningful offering. I don’t mean to meddle — I’m just telling you that I feel sorry for God.

We love to sing that old chorus, “After all He’s done for me, After all He’s done for me, how can I do less than give Him my best and live for Him completely — After all He’s done for me.” For me, my best means more than just a tip. It does for you, too, doesn’t it? Please tell me it does.

Malachi 3:8 (nlt) says, “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me. But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due me.” Uh-oh, now I’ve done it. But I’m just quoting from the Bible. You won’t hate me for that, will you?

I am often amused to hear Bible scholars, church members and the general public debate whether the New Testament teaches tithing.

Such a discussion often degenerates into arguments that tithing is an issue of the Old Testament law which is seldom mentioned in the New Testament. Such an argument actually misses the point and keeps us bogged down in legalistic debates on how little one can give and still be faithful to Scripture. What we should be discussing is how much we can invest during our lifetime in Kingdom activity.

Several of the most important New Testament texts related to giving are found in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Most of us are familiar enough with the two Corinthian letters to know that this church was anything but boring. Paul frequently uses the word “zealous” to describe them. They were zealous about various leaders and about the spiritual gifts they possessed. They were excited about their faith but often unguided about how to express their genuine enthusiasm.

According to Acts 11:28 a global famine took place during the reign of Claudius. This famine had an immediate impact on the believers in Jerusalem. It is possible that their great need was caused because some of the Jews who dared to believe in Jesus as Messiah had lost all means of support. Paul seized upon this opportunity to rally the churches in Macedonia and Achaia to take an offering to assist the saints in Jerusalem. He saw this great need as a grand opportunity to teach the Corinthians how to express true grace filled-living.

SYSTEMATIC AND PROPORTIONATE GIVING

In 1 Corinthians 16 Paul first mentions the offering for the saints in Jerusalem. “On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper.” When we read a passage of Scripture, we sometimes ignore its immediate context. The context here is critical to our understanding of grace-empowered giving. Paul has just completed an encouraging declaration of the impact of the resurrection of Christ. He concludes the 15th chapter with this assurance: “knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (15:58).

The resurrection alters everything. It assures us of God’s ultimate triumph and that our toil for the King will have an eternal impact. In the original manuscript there was no break between these two chapters. Thus Paul now places giving in the context of a kingdom activity that is the natural outcome of living on this side of the resurrection. “Giving” provides an opportunity to give evidence to the power of the resurrection at work in our lives. The self-giving sacrifice of the King on the cross becomes the model of giving and the power that enables us to live Kingdom-centered lives.

In this short section Paul teaches three principles that prepare us for grace giving:

1.) The principle of consistency. The phrase “on the first day of every week” provides evidence that the early believers gathered for worship on the day after the Sabbath to celebrate the resurrection. Notice that Paul instructs them that as a part of their resurrection celebration “each of you is to set something aside.” Our giving should be a matter of theological conviction that leads to the practical and consistent preparation of an offering for our worship of the exalted King.

2.) The principle of personal responsibility. The phrase “each of you” means exactly what it says. No one is to be excluded -- each one is to joyously grasp the privilege of participating in this great offering for the saints in Jerusalem.

3.) The principle of proportionate giving. Having been nurtured in Judaism, Paul would have practiced tithing according to Old Testament prescription. Thus, “proportionate giving” gives members of the resurrection community the privilege and the power to move beyond prescriptions of the law and give based on the grace encountered in the crucified and risen Christ. Proportionate giving comes from the overflow that recognizes God as the source of life and the owner of everything.

GRACE-EMPOWERED GIVING

Less than a year has passed since Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. During that year Paul had been forced to write a painful letter (2 Corinthians 7:8) that had grieved the Corinthians but had led to their repentance (7:9). With the church restored to spiritual health, Paul devotes two chapters to the grace of giving (chapters 8-9).

The churches in Macedonia were further along in their participation in the offering and thus Paul used them as an example to encourage the Corinthians to complete their offering. The generous giving of the churches in Macedonia is described in powerful terms -- “that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of the liberality.” “Joy” and “generosity” are twins. When you discover one you will find the other. Joy comes from the contemplation of grace received and leads one to generous living which in turn gives one great joy.

When you read the instructions in 2 Corinthians 8 the one word that jumps from the page is “grace”; it is repeated four times in the first nine verses. Listen to verse 1: “Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia.” The use of “grace” here does not mean that their giving was simply motivated by grace, it goes much further. It means that their generosity was an act of grace.

Recall now that the Corinthians were particularly proud of their spiritual gifts and boasted to possess them in abundance. The Greek word for “grace” is “charis” and the word for “gifts” is “charismata.” Charismata, from which we get the word “charismatic,” means “manifestation of grace.” Paul had used this term to bring a corrective to their spiritual pride based on the gifts they possessed. No matter what gift anyone possessed, they were manifestations of the grace of God and not signs of spirituality.

In our present context Paul refers to their abundance of gifts to challenge them to abound in the gracious work of giving. “But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also” (8:7). Do you see the point? Paul is challenging the Corinthians to move to a level of giving that is made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit could enable them to give at a supernatural level and not merely at a natural one.

How do we define grace giving? Let’s simply take Paul’s definition. “For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord” (2 Corinthians 8:3). We frequently talk about Christian living as that which requires supernatural empowering, but we often ignore the matter of giving when we refer to the work of the Spirit.

How do we begin to practice grace giving? Once again, Paul gives us the answer. “They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God” (5b). Grace-empowered giving emerges from the giving of our entire being to the Lord. When that occurs giving becomes a privilege and not a chore.

How do we describe grace giving? Grace giving has three distinctive characteristics.

1.) It is spontaneous. Paul indicates that the churches in Macedonia were “begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints” (verse 4).

2.) It allows us to move from “proportionate giving” to “supernatural giving.” It is “beyond our ability” giving.

3.) It sees giving as a privilege of sharing in Kingdom ministry. Paul indicated that the Macedonians were “begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints” (verse 4). The word translated “favor” is actually “charis” or “grace.” Both the desire and the ability to share “beyond ability” are produced by the Holy Spirit.

THE LAWS UNDERGIRDING GRACE GIVING

Paul continues his discourse on giving in 2 Corinthians 9 by discussing the laws that undergird grace giving:

• The law of sowing and reaping. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (9:6). All other things being equal, the quantity of the harvest will be proportionate to the quantity of seed sown.

• The law of cheerful giving. “Each one must do as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (9:7). God, who is by nature giving, loves to see His children display His character.

• The law of sufficiency. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (9:8). Do you want to be a grace giver? Good news! God will make all grace abound for every good work.

• The law of multiplication. “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness” (9:10). Here is the key to all grace empowered giving. God supplies the seed, multiplies the seed and promises a bountiful harvest. You cannot outgive God’s ability to supply.

THE RESULTS OF GRACE-EMPOWERED GIVING

You will simply be amazed when you hear about the results of grace giving:

• It enriches us. “You will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Isn’t it just like God to allow our giving to become a reciprocal blessing to us?

• It meets needs of others. “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God” (9:12). Paul uses two different words to indicate that giving is both and act of worship and one of service.

• It offers thanks to God. Perhaps you noticed that in both verses we have already considered, the end result is a lifestyle that says thanks to God. Gratitude comes from an understanding of the graciousness of all of life and thus grace-empowered giving flows as a response which says thanks to God.

• It glorifies God. “Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all” (9:13). Paul indicates that this offering for the believers in Jerusalem will cause them to glorify God. It gives evidence of the authenticity of the faith of this largely Gentile church. It will cause the Jewish believers in Jerusalem to be drawn to them as brothers and sisters in Christ “because of the surpassing grace of God in you” (9:14)

Does your giving reflect the surpassing grace of God in you? Move from proportionate giving to grace giving so that you can truly be a cheerful giver. Then your life will be a clear benediction -- “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (9:15).

Two men crashed their private plane on a South Pacific island.

One of the men brushed himself off and proceeded to run all over the island to see if they had any chance of survival. When he returned, he rushed up to the other man and screamed, “This island is uninhabited and there is no food or water. We’re going to die!”

The other man leaned back against the fuselage of the wrecked plane, folded his arms and responded, “No we’re not. I make over $100,000 a week.” The first man grabbed his friend and shook him. “Listen, we’re on a deserted island. We’re doomed!”

The other man, unruffled, again responded. “It’s OK, I make over $100,000 a week.” Mystified, the first man, taken aback with such an answer again repeated, “For the last time, I’m telling you that we are lost. It doesn’t matter how much money you make because there’s no one around to help us.”

Still unfazed, the first man looked the other guy in the eye and said, “Don’t make me say this again. I make over $100,000 per week and I tithe 10%! My pastor will find us!”

I was put in a difficult situation as pastor of a small Baptist church many years ago. One of the largest financial supporters for our little congregation had made a commitment to a friend that would require a significant change in our church’s doctrinal position.

He had promised that his friend could unite with our church by simply transferring his membership from a church that is viewed as a cult to this very day. My answer was that we would love to help this person find new life in Christ and follow in believer’s baptism, but we do not receive such transfers from churches that are not theologically sound. I also said I was certain that the church in question would not send any transfer of membership.

I was immediately threatened by the major giver and told we would accept this person by statement or he would withhold his giving to the church.

I will never forget the sting I felt as he said these words. I realized that I was heading into a dark storm, and my fear seemed nearly overwhelming. I am sad to say that my experience was not unusual. Many pastors have shared similar experiences when a significant giver was inappropriately leveraging them with the threat of withholding giving. I have talked with pastors who felt muzzled from clearly speaking the truth because of similar issues.

When I look at Scripture, the very first act of church discipline is found in Acts, chapter 5. God was less than pleased with a couple who sought to use money for prestige and personal gain in the early church, versus the example of an early church member’s giving from a pure heart in Acts 4:36-37.

Let’s consider what we should expect as a Return on Investment (ROI) when we give money to the local church. Is ROI really the standard we want to use in our giving? Giving begins with God, and I can assure you that He was not looking at a Return on Investment when Jesus died for your sin and mine. His gift for my salvation is far superior to any return that I can offer Him.

Let’s remember:

• God owns everything. Psalm 24:1 tells us that God is Lord over all. Colossians 1:16 explains that all things were created by Him and for Him. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 both promises and warns when it states that God is sovereign over our ability to make wealth. In an instant, He can prosper or destroy us financially. 1 Corinthians 4:7 asks an interesting question, “What do you have that you did not receive?”

• Stewardship means we are not owners, but managers of everything God places at our disposal. That is why tithes and offerings are merely one aspect of our stewardship. God also holds us accountable for how we spend our time and how we use our talents. 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us that we will stand before God and give an account of stewardship.

• We make a major error if we think money can provide anything lasting. Possessions cannot provide satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 5:10), significance (Luke 12:15) or security (Proverbs 23:5).

Having dealt with that errant church member more than 30 years ago, the experience taught me a great deal. I had to learn to trust God to provide for my family’s every need. My responsibility was to seek God as Matthew 6:33 instructs.

The threatening man I faced went to the church’s deacons and shared his demands. The deacons were nonresponsive, and I felt more alone than ever. I could not understand why they would not step up and take a stand. I praise God that our association of churches had a godly director of missions who walked beside me. He reminded me there are times that leadership may even cost you your job by staying true to scriptural convictions.

That counsel prepared me for one of the most difficult evenings of my life.

It was a Wednesday night prayer meeting, and you could cut the tension with a knife. The big giver was noticeably absent and emotionally present. I was walking to the front of the auditorium when the church treasurer handed me a note. I thought it was a prayer request. One sentence read, “I guess you know that you ran off 10 percent of our church’s budget.”

I knew the time had come to settle the matter once and for all. I stood before the core of our people and said, “Tonight you all will decide to either follow me or fire me.”

I sent my wife to gather the boys and we went home. I told the men of the church to please stop by the house when they had made a decision. I was scared. The home we lived in belonged to the church. My meager bank account would not last long. In about two hours, a couple of men came by and said, “Preacher, God called you here and we are going to follow you.” The rest is history. We lost the big giving family that night and God sent others to more than cover the need.

My biggest lesson from this experience had nothing to do with anything other than I learned that every gift I would ever place in the offering plate was God’s with no strings attached, period.

________

Joseph Bunce is executive director of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico.

The blogosphere has been buzzing about the recent incident involving Pastor Alois Bell of the Truth in the World Deliverance Ministries Church and Applebee’s server Chelsea Welch. If you haven’t heard about the incident, here is a quick recap:

Pastor Bell, eating in a party of 10, was believed to have stiffed a coworker of Chelsea’s on her tip (that was later disputed). Perhaps most disturbingly, Ms. Bell commented on the receipt that she was a pastor and only gave God 10 percent -- “I give God 10%. Why do you get 18” for such a large party? Chelsea [actually, a friend of hers] took the receipt and posted a picture of it online as a joke and it went viral. Subsequently, Applebee’s fired Chelsea and Pastor Bell has been publicly shamed in the media.

This whole incident has enflamed a long burning discussion about the stereotype of the conduct and courtesy (or lack thereof) that many Christians display toward servers, waitresses, valets and others in the service industry. Among other things, the “Sunday morning crowd” at restaurants has a bad reputation.

But why does this stereotype exist? Because, in large part, many servers think it is true. Many Christians do as well. But, what does the research say?

According to the only study of which I am aware, published last year in the Journal of Applied Psychology, it appears that “Christians as bad tippers” is not supported by the stats. In their study, “Are Christian/Religious People Poor Tippers?,” Michael Lynn and Benjamin Katz explain:

“The results of this study produced three notable findings about the relationships between religion and tipping. First, Jews and those with no religion tip significantly more than Christians and members of other religions. However, the average Christian tips 17 percent of the bill when receiving good restaurant service and only 13 out of 100 Christians receiving good service leave a tip below 15 percent of the bill. Second, worship frequency has no significant main effect on reported tipping. Third, worship frequency significantly interacts with service quality such that the effects of service quality on tips were stronger the less frequently the tipper attends religious services.”

You can read their whole report at http://tippingresearch.com/uploads/ChristianTippersJASPaccepted.pdf and it would be worth doing so before saying that your personal experience trumps the research.

So, again, facts are our friends -- but in this case, perception is not our friend. And, perception is reality. That perception is real and is, I believe, hurting the reputation of Christians.

So, how do we deal with such a perception? In an article at the Christianity Today Her•meneutics blog, Karen Swallow Prior gives some helpful advice:

“Eating out is expensive. But if diners can’t afford all of the expected expenses of eating out, they should go to an establishment they can afford, or not go out at all. ... Maybe some folks don’t know that the minimum wage for servers is lower than for everyone else, or that the percentage for tips increases like everything else. ... Tips are payment for services rendered.”

She concludes:

“I don’t think that Paul had servers in mind when he exhorted believers, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God,” but the principle certainly does apply. Those who are to represent Christ in all they do should remember that includes paying the check -- in total -- at the end of the meal.”

Being cheap or taking your frustrations out on a server is in no way Christlike. And it is not indicative of how we should live our lives as Christians. Furthermore, leaving a tract instead of a tip is so foolish, it is hard to imagine. Yet, it happens -- and it undermines our witness and reputation. If you are leaving something with your server about the grace of God, make sure it is always connected to a gracious and generous tip.

We should be known as a generous people. We should be known for our love. Not just with waitresses and waiters at restaurants, but with everyone.

So in response, I’ve been striking up conversations with servers and asking them about this perception. The other day, I talked to a server, and we discussed the “pastor tip gate” scandal. I wanted to do a small thing to change the perception so I wrote a note on my bill: “Great job! I’m a pastor and I don’t leave bad tips!”

When I tweeted it, more than 12,000 people viewed or shared it in a day -- showing that there is some angst on this issue. And there should be.

I’m not suggesting you write the same -- as my comment was a result of our conversation -- but I do think we need to be generous and build a better reputation. It’s needed.

So, statistically, this claim does not hold up. I’ve written before in Christianity Today on the fact that Christians like to distribute stats that make themselves look bad. But, in this case, a lot of non-Christians believe it as well -- which is my greater concern. So, we should address it -- with the facts (it’s not true) and with our example (we can do better).

The answer, I think, is simply to be better tippers for the glory of God!

Hoarding isn’t just a grotesque curiosity for TV voyeurs. It’s a real and present danger for Christ’s Church.

C.S. Lewis once said, “The safest road to hell is the gradual one — the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” In today’s prosperous America, we’ve made hoarding just as easy, and the danger to our souls is just as real.

A new article in The Atlantic by Alana Semuels lays out the grim details. In 2017, Americans spent $240 billion on jewelry, watches, books, luggage, telephones, and related communication equipment — twice as much in inflation-adjusted dollars as in 2002. During the same time, the population grew only 13 percent. Spending on personal care products also doubled.

To hold all this stuff, we’re supersizing our houses and storage facilities. Last year, the average size of a single family home in the U.S. was 2,426 square feet — a 23 percent increase from 20 years ago. Meanwhile, two decades ago there were 26,000 self-storage units around the country. Today there are 52,000 of them!

All this acquisitiveness, Semuels says, is because online retailers such as Amazon have made buying stuff so easy, and because the global economy has made stuff so cheap. I’m sure that’s partly true, but I think the cause is deeper.

Too many of us, and this includes Christians, have bought into the lie that the pursuit of happiness necessarily includes the pursuit of stuff. “We are all accumulating mountains of things,” says Mark A. Cohen, director of retail studies at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. “Americans have become a society of hoarders.”

And what about the harm of all this sludge to our souls? I’m uncomfortably reminded of Jesus’ parable of the rich fool in Luke 12. This man had received an abundant harvest, and what did he do? He built bigger barns to store it all and said to himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But what did God say to him? “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” The man couldn’t even enjoy all his earthly treasures.

And just so we wouldn’t miss the point, Jesus administered the sobering coup de grâce: “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” The problem wasn’t that the man was rich — many of the Lord’s choicest saints have been abundantly blessed with the world’s goods. It wasn’t that he had stuff, but that his stuff had him, and that he wasn’t rich toward God.

Are we, who have been blessed far more abundantly than most of God’s servants around the world, as rich toward God as we need to be? I cannot tell you an amount that you must share if you don’t want to be a Christian hoarder — that’s between you, the Lord, and perhaps a wise Christian friend or financial adviser. What I can tell you is that, if our giving doesn’t hurt at least a little bit, if it doesn’t curb our seemingly insatiable urge to hoard, then it probably isn’t enough.

And in this time of material abundance, a lot of worthy churches and ministries face a chronic shortage of funds. Why is that? According to nonprofitsource.com, Christians today give only 2.5 percent of their income; during the Great Depression, it was 3.3 percent. The average giving by adults who attend Protestant churches in America is about $17 a week, and 37 percent of regular church attendees and evangelicals don’t give any money to church.

There are all kinds of Christians in this world, but the category “Christian hoarders” doesn’t exist in God’s economy. Let’s check our hearts, and our wallets, and set aside more treasure in heaven.

________

Copyright (c) 2016 Prison Fellowship Ministries. Reprinted with permission. “BreakPoint” is a radio ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has recently released statistics on American churches, clergy and church schools. Church Law & Tax Report give some interesting figures: -

Number of U.S. congregations: 294,271

Churches with fewer than 100 members: 60,300

Churches with fewer than 500 members: 205,556

Churches with 1,000-1,999 members: 21,691

Churches with 2,000 or more members: 13,958

Last year churches received $49 billion in revenues, of which $40 billion came from contributions, $1.4 billion from wills and estates, and $2.5 billion from fees or charges for services. There are a total of 348,000 clergy employed in the United States, and they have served an average of 15.8 years in each position.

Of special interest are the statistics on who is supporting these churches. Persons 65-74 years of age donated the largest percentage of their income (3.1 percent) and those 18-24 the least (0.6 percent). Increasingly, those with lower incomes gave a higher proportion of their income to charity than higher income individuals. Persons with household incomes of under $10,000 gave 2.8 percent of their total incomes, while those with incomes over $100,000 gave only 2.1 percent. The average annual contribution to the church was $715 per household.

Pulpit Helps, August, 1992, Page 8