First Baptist Church, Levelland, Texas

Upside Down Way of Living...

One realizes real quick--that following Jesus seems like it is the upside down way to live...

* If you want to find life...You must lose your life...
* To live--You must die (to self)
* Instead of seeking revenge...forgive
* Humble yourself...and you will be exalted

AND--the model in how we are to manage and steward our finances seems upside down...

Yes--the Bible gives some great financial advice (although it is NOT a finance book)...
For example...Live within your means (don't go into debts)
Save--get some margin in your life

BUT scripture instructs us to GIVE!

And not to give begrudgingly...or reluctantly...
BUT give first...and give it cheerfully...

The Israelites were at a place where they were bringing the sick lambs as an offering to God. They were bringing their injured livestock as offerings. They weren't bringing their best...They were bringing their leftovers...

AND God was not pleased. In fact, God said--if that is the way you are going to be--you might as well close the church doors. This should not be!!

Two chapters later--Malachi gives some specific advice and challenges the Israelites...
Give...give God your firstruits...bring God your tithe...
This is your worship...
AND see what God will do...
In fact--Malachi tells us to test God in this...
He did not mince words...

This is upside down thinking...in fact--we could ask..."What is God thinking?"

1. Giving is the #1 way to defeat Greed in our lives.
It is so common to turn money and stuff into the idol we worship. Giving breaks and defeats the Greed in our lives.

2. Giving is God's plan to fund the advancement of Kingdom of God.
Offerings were always God's way to help in the operation of God's Kingdom on the earth.

Notice:
1. Hezekiah was not making a new law or giving a new order (Giving has always been a part of God's plan)
2. Work was able to get done when the people participated
3. They brought the tithe--their firstfruits..their best--not their leftovers
4. They were blessed because of it... (God always blesses obedience)

So the call is still going out...
That as God's people--followers of Christ--are still called upon to Give...
It still helps defeat Greed...and it still helps in God's Kingdom to Advance...

Your gift--helps First Baptist Church of Levelland--be effective...

Over 14% of the budget is for missions...
In other words--14% of the budget does NOT stay here at First Baptist...but is spent on others...
Church--You cannot find a church around--that 14% of their budget is spent on missions...VERY FEW...

Yes the rest--is for salaries and utilities...insurance and ministries...

AND all hands on deck--to help fund God's Kingdom Advancing...

SO...
the call goes out--to ALL followers of JESUS...
to GIVE...your tithe...your firstfruits...NOT your leftovers...

At FBC--Levelland...
there are several ways you can give...
1. Checks/Cash (the Old Fashion Way...still works)
2. Online Giving (www.fbclevelland.com)...click the online giving tab...and give through that venue...
3. Text Giving (8063290550)...

Be faithful...
Be consistent...
Be Obedient...

AND Watch God bring blessings YOUR way!