Giving as an Expression of Faith

People make interesting comments after sermons. Some time ago I told the congregation that my favorite after sermon comment is, "What a Savior!" Since that time several have come up to me after the sermon and made that exact comment. Sometimes people want to tell me "What a Savior!" but forget exactly how the phrase is expressed. A few weeks back one of our teenagers got really confused. He wanted to give me the ultimate compliment but instead what came out of his mouth was, "You're the Savior!" God help us all if anyone really believes that!

As promised, here are the scripture references that I left out of today's sermon to save on time. I guarantee it will bless your life if you take time to read over these and contemplate what God is wanting his children to learn in regards to giving.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)

Tithing Before the Law of Moses was Instituted:
Abraham - Genesis 14:20
Jacob - Genesis 28:22

Two Tithes Required by the Law:
Priestly Tithe - Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:20-32
Festival Tithe - Deuteronomy 14:22-27; 26:12-15

Gifts Required by the Law:
Firstfruits - Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Gleanings - Deuteronomy 24:19-22
First Male Offspring - Exodus 13:11-16

Laws that Restricted One's Earning Ability:
Sabbath - Exodus 20:8-11
Sabbatical Year - Leviticus 25:1-7
Year of Jubilee - Leviticus 25:8-22

God's Promise to Bless Israel's Obedience - Deuteronomy 28:1-14