In an earlier lesson we noted the story of the widow’s generous offering. Though minuscule in comparison to other offerings, it was generous because it showed the true nature of her character and heart, prompting Jesus to say, “This poor widow has put in more than all” (Luke 21:3, NKJV). God alone (James 4:12) knows our true motives (Prov. … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 7:37-47. What does this story teach us about the proper motivation for offerings to God? Mary entered the room and saw Jesus reclining at the table. She broke the alabaster box of expensive nard and poured it on Him. Some thought her act was improper, considering that the life she lived was illicit. But … Continue reading –>
“Where your treasure is…” Are you tempted to smile at the description of moths and rust representing the ultimate destruction of what we value on earth? They are destructive, and thieves are probably more so and have always been a major source of destruction of important possessions, including money, since sin entered this world. Given a … Continue reading –>
What, according to Ephesians 2:8, is something else we have been given by God? Grace is “undeserved favor.” It is a gift you do not deserve. God has poured out His grace on this planet and, if we would simply not reject it, His grace will reach down and transform our lives, now and for eternity. … Continue reading –>
This quarter we have been sharing encouraging testimonies, how God has blessed us when we returned our tithe. We encourage others to tithe so they too can receive miraculous blessings. However, this reminds me of a conversation I had with my senior pastor several years ago. I was studying with a family who owned a … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 6:19-21. Though we are so familiar with these texts, how can we nevertheless be free from the powerful hold earthly treasures can have on us? See Col. 3:1-2. “‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21, NKJV) is an appeal from Jesus. The full magnitude of this statement can be seen from the … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 6:19-21; Eph. 2:8; 1 Pet. 4:10; Luke 7:37-47; 2 Cor. 8:8-15; 2 Cor. 9:6-7. Memory Text: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). Our God is a giving God; this great truth is seen most powerfully … Continue reading –>
A discussion of tithing would be incomplete without looking at the verses in the books of Moses that discuss tithing and attempting to understand their detail. The main references are: Numbers 18: 21-32 Leviticus 27:31-33 Deuteronomy 14: 22-29 There are other verses that also relate to tithing, but the above references have the greatest detail. … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: It is so easy to forget that every breath, every heartbeat, every moment of our existence comes only from the Lord. In Acts Chapter 17 Paul talks to the Athenians about the true God, who is not only the Creator (the “God that made the world and all things therein” [Acts 17:24]) but also the … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 3:19-24. What crucial truth, central to our faith, is taught here? Why must we always keep this teaching foundational to our beliefs? The gist of the biblical message is that all of us are undeserving of redemption (Rom. 3:23). If we deserved it, it would be by merit, or by works, and that idea is contrary … Continue reading –>
