Faith - Giving is an active expression of our faith.  It recognizes God as our True Provider.  It also affirms our confidence in His ability to supply all we need.  It is an act of gratitude and dependence.  And, it allows us to partner with God and His work through our church locally, regionally, and globally.

Faithfulness – Giving requires the highest standard of personal integrity and discipline.  It is not a casual or occasional thing.  In 2 Corinthians 8-9, the bible teaches we are to give willingly, generously, and cheerfully.  Our pattern should reflect a regular and systematic plan.  In Malachi 3:10, we learn God’s standard of the tithe or first tenth being set apart in all of our earnings as a gift to God.  Through our tithes and offerings, we prove faithful in the stewardship of all God has provided for us.

With these two principles in mind, a new opportunity for giving is being provided at Central Baptist Church.  It is “Online Giving”.  It is an easy way to simplify and prioritize your personal plan for giving.

Tithing Honors The Lord

 "Since you excel in so many ways - you have so much faith, such enthusiasm, and such love for us - now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving."

2 Corinthians 8:7

As Christians, we are in a constant process of spiritual growth.  As we grow to yield to the lordship of Jesus Christ in our daily lives and obey His commands.  Like the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship and Bible reading, tithing is a simple act of obedience to be used in that growth process.  And it is in obeying God that we as Christians find abundant life.

 The word "tithe" means one tenth (1/10).  It refers to giving 10% (1/10) of one's income to the Lord.  1 Samuel 2:30 says, "Those who honor me will I honor, but those who despise me will be disdained."

 How do we honor God?  Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the Lord with your income, with the firstfruits of all your crops, then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."  This was written in a time based on agricultural economy when believers took the first and best of all their produce and gave it to the Lord - one tenth.  While our system of exchange is different today, we can apply the same principle in giving to the Lord the first of our income - 10% - before any earthly financial obligations.  But can you affort that?  If you love and fear God, you cannot afford not to give.  If you will write that first check each week/month to the Lord, upon the authority of His Word, He will make sure you have all you need.  Maybe not all you want, but all you need.

The Differences Between Tithes & Offerings

While tithes are the basics of Christian Stewardship, offerings are gifts made above and beyond the scriptural tithe.  Throughout the year, you may learn of financial needs beyond regular operations to which you feel led by God to contribute.  Gifts made to such specific areas are called "designated" gifts, and when making contributions to those areas, you must specify or designate where you want that money to go.  some of those areas include but are not limited to:

      w   Budget - All contributions designated for the Budget are used to pay for expenses necessary in the everyday operations of the church, for example, utilities, telephones, the grounds.

      w   Building Fund - All contributions received for the Building Fund go directly toward the principal on the loans the church currently has.

      w   General Missions - All contributions designated to General Missions are used to support various mission trips all around the world.

      w   Special Designations - In times of need, your offerings have helped those who were victims of natural disasters.   Because of your special offerings we have also been able to send Study Bible Care Packages to soldiers serving in Iraq.   

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