GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU

Jesus gave a promise, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭38‬‬). You cannot out-give God. Now, this is not some, “name it and claim it, blab it and grab it,” prosperity gospel, that is not the true gospel at all. Scripture does not promote a, “get rich quick” scheme. 

So, what did Jesus mean? It means that we will have all we need to do all God calls us to do, and enough left over to supply our needs, (our need, not our greed). The promise is that we can exchange the coin of earth that will not last, for the currency of eternity that will abide forever!

Churches need to understand this too. Antioch was a giving church. As a newly established congregation, when they heard that circumstances would impact their mother church, Jerusalem, in a profound way, they immediately decided to send money to help the believers in Judea. 

As Jeff Iorg writes in his book, “The Case for Antioch: A Biblical Model for a Transformational Church,” one of the marks of such a church is “Generous Sacrifice,” (pp. 162-181, Kindle edition). He makes these vital points: 

1) ANTIOCH GAVE AWAY ITS MONEY, (Acts 11:27). This reveals our heart. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matt. 6:21). A church that hoards what it has discloses it cannot be trusted with more. 

2) ANTIOCH GAVE AWAY ITS LEADERS, (Acts 13:2-3). The two champions, Paul and Barnabas, who were so instrumental for the growth of the church at Antioch would be sent out as missionaries. Giving money is costly, but sacrificing leaders is more so. But, as I have heard, a church should be known more for its sending capacity than its seating capacity!

Church members need to support mission work. It does not stop there. Churches need to give sacrificially to missions.  Another statement I have heard and affirm is, “A great commitment to the Great Commission is what makes a great church.”