Give humbly acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God and we are to follow His example.
Why should we give? Regular, sacrificial giving humbly acknowledges that everything we have belongs to God. The idea of giving a portion of our possessions to God goes back to Genesis 4, the account of Cain and Abel. While God rewards Abel for his gift of “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock,” he rejects Cain’s offering, “some of the fruits of the soil”. The problem was not with Cain’s gift, but the spirit in which his gift was presented. Cain keeps the very best for himself and Abel gives up something that he will really miss; his represented sacrifice.
God’s word teaches us to give. However, Americans aren’t giving much compared with how much we have been given. Research by the Barna Group in 2007 revealed that just 5% of all American adults tithed (or gave 10% or more). Among the most generous were evangelical Protestants, 24% of whom tithed. However, according to Christianity Today, 10% of evangelical Protestants in America give no money at all, and 36% give less than 2% of their income. If all these Christians gave 10% of their income, they would add another $46 billion to ministry around the world.
As you pray and reflect on your giving, will it be PASSIONATE Giving that reflects sacrifice? Will it demonstrate your acknowledgement that everything you have belongs to God?
Edmond's First has multiple opportunities for giving including online, mailing, and dropping off at the Church Office which is open Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
1) Drop off in the Church Office at the Reception Desk during office hours.
2) Mail to Edmond's First Baptist Church, 1300 E 33rd Street, Edmond, OK 73013.
3) Text-to-Give at 405-276-2151.
