TITLE: Reasons for Giving More

TEXT: Mark 12:41-44

PROPOSITION: Giving is an expression of praise and worship to God.

QUESTION: Why?

KEY WORD: Reasons

SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Giving is important.

2. Today we will ask ourselves some important questions.

3. What are the reasons for our giving?

Why some give.

1. Some give out of “duty” or obligation.

2. For show – Praise of men

3. For control – “If you don’t do what I want” - threat

4. Some give to get. (Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:10)

5. Some give out of loyalty to the local church.

Why some do NOT give or NOT give as they should.

1. Disagree with preacher, elders, or the programs of work.

2. Covetous – selfish, stingy

3. Lack of faith – don’t believe that God will take care of them

4. Poor managers – lack discipline to budget, wasteful

What others did.

1. Mark 12:41-44 – Widow gave all, others out of their abundance

2. 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Not grudgingly, necessity, cheerful giver

3. 2 Corinthians 8:5 – First gave themselves to the Lord

4. 1 Corinthians 16:2 – As God has prospered them

5. 2 Corinthians 8:12 – According to what you have, not what you lack

(This is done near the close of the service as a follow-up to the sermon.)

1. Pass out cards – 4X6 card with “Present” and “Future” and a box under each word.

2. Instructions

   1. Do not write your name on this card

   2. One card per giver

   3. Notice the word “Present” and the box under it.

   4. Get a pen, pencil, writing stick

   5. Write in the box below the word “Present” your current WEEKLY contribution. NOTE: Some give monthly or twice a month – figure out the average for a weekly amount. This will keep the cards uniform.

   6. Put your thumb over this box.

UNDER YOUR THUMB IS:

Support – for mission work, care for elderly and orphans, help the needy

Programs of this church – Medical missions, VBS, Bears, Bible classes, visitation, the work and dedication of our elders, and deacons, physical needs (utilities, phone), improvements (carpet, PA system), repairs (furnace, roof, etc.)

Worship – Appreciation for the blessings from God, Love for Jesus, how much you love God
 

CAN YOU GIVE MORE?

Could the number be raised? .50, $1, $5, $10, $100, any amount

Will you make a decision that you will increase your weekly contribution by some amount? I am not asking for a giant jump (unless that is needed).

When your increase is combined with others – the result will be a great help.
 

1. Write the new amount in the second box – under the word “Future” NOTE: Do not write the increase. Write the total amount you plan to give from now on.

2. Fold this card ONCE so the two boxes face each other and the numbers you wrote are inside.

3. Pass these cards to the center aisle to be collected.

4. These cards will be given to the elders for tabulation

1. Have young men collect cards.