Genesis 1:31 “Then God looked over all that he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way” (New Living Translation).
From Day 1 to Day 5 we read after each creation day :And God saw that it was good.” The sixth day of creation after created man in his own image and likeness “God looked over all that he had made and saw that it was excellent in every way.” In Genesis Chapter 2 verse 7 God breathe into his nostril the “breath of life and man became a living person.” This alone is what distinguishes man from all other created things. Of the all the livings things in the Garden of Eden man alone has the ability to commune with God. In a very clear graphic story God and man had a wonderful fellowship and enjoyed each other’s company. Psalm 8 verse 6 describes this wonderful and lovely relationship “You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things -.” Psalm 24 verse 1 declares “The earth is the LORD’s and everything it. The earth and all the people belong to him.” Psalm 50 verses 10-11 the psalmist acknowledges the ownership of God “For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.” So what does men have which God do not have?
“Together we build” is the theme of the financial campaign to build a new and bigger Filipino Christian Church. Members are encouraged to give as much as they can to support the campaign. A book that encourages members to give has become the manual to guide and educate members to give more and God will reward them more than what they will give.
No amount is too much for the LORD God to give. It is His pleasure to pour out Hiss blessings in great abundance. Jesus said “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). “…Ask using my name, and you will receive and you will have abundant joy” (John 16:24NLT). “If you give you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more and running over. whatever measure you give – -large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you” (Luke 6:38 NLT) The giving is unsolicited, voluntary, from the heart, and without conditions. This is true biblical giving.
Giving on condition of a reward is sinful. It comes from a heart full of selfishness, greed, and sinful desires. It is the outcome of sin when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. The Devil lied and seduced Eve to disobey God. “You won’t die!” the serpent hissed. “God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. The fruit was so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband who was with her. Then he ate it, too.” (Genesis 3:4-6ff NLT) From that fateful day to the present the fruit of the sin of disobedience has increased and multiplied. Men in his sinful nature always grasp anything he desires. He always wants to have more. He only gives when he can receive back more than what he has given. This is sin in operation. Well meaning Christian leaders particularly those in the prosperity gospel always emphasize rewards to people who give liberally to their funds campaign. The gullible givers and their money are soon parted. What makes the offering in worship and acceptable and pleasing sacrifice
From Day 1 to Day 5 we read after each creation day :And God saw that it was good.” The sixth day of creation after created man in his own image and likeness “God looked over all that he had made and saw that it was excellent in every way.” In Genesis Chapter 2 verse 7 God breathe into his nostril the “breath of life and man became a living person.” This alone is what distinguishes man from all other created things. Of the all the livings things in the Garden of Eden man alone has the ability to commune with God. In a very clear graphic story God and man had a wonderful fellowship and enjoyed each other’s company. Psalm 8 verse 6 describes this wonderful and lovely relationship “You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things -.” Psalm 24 verse 1 declares “The earth is the LORD’s and everything it. The earth and all the people belong to him.” Psalm 50 verses 10-11 the psalmist acknowledges the ownership of God “For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.” So what does men have which God do not have?
“Together we build” is the theme of the financial campaign to build a new and bigger Filipino Christian Church. Members are encouraged to give as much as they can to support the campaign. A book that encourages members to give has become the manual to guide and educate members to give more and God will reward them more than what they will give.
No amount is too much for the LORD God to give. It is His pleasure to pour out Hiss blessings in great abundance. Jesus said “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). “…Ask using my name, and you will receive and you will have abundant joy” (John 16:24NLT). “If you give you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more and running over. whatever measure you give – -large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you” (Luke 6:38 NLT) The giving is unsolicited, voluntary, from the heart, and without conditions. This is true biblical giving.
Giving on condition of a reward is sinful. It comes from a heart full of selfishness, greed, and sinful desires. It is the outcome of sin when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. The Devil lied and seduced Eve to disobey God. “You won’t die!” the serpent hissed. “God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. The fruit was so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband who was with her. Then he ate it, too.” (Genesis 3:4-6ff NLT) From that fateful day to the present the fruit of the sin of disobedience has increased and multiplied. Men in his sinful nature always grasp anything he desires. He always wants to have more. He only gives when he can receive back more than what he has given. This is sin in operation. Well meaning Christian leaders particularly those in the prosperity gospel always emphasize rewards to people who give liberally to their funds campaign. The gullible givers and their money are soon parted. What makes the offering in worship and acceptable and pleasing sacrifice
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