Prepare Your Heart to be Blessed – 2

Subject: Seven Principles in Giving

by Rick Welborne

2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (NLT) 

1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 

2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 

3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 

4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 

5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 

6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 

7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 

8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 

9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 

10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 

11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 

12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 

13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 

14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 

15 As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.” 

–Today I want to speak to you about our distinctives as a church and about Life Church being a covenant keeping group of committed believers.  

Our Distinctives:

1. We are passionate about reaching the lost! 2.We are passionate about Home and Foreign Missions! 3.We are passionate about being filled with Holy Spirit power! 4.We are passionate... generous givers! 5.We are passionate about worship!

–Today as we consider the upcoming missions’ convention...I want you to remember who we are...our spiritual DNA.

–We are passionate about the lost, missions, and we are Spirit filled worshipers who are willing to be extra-ordinarily faithful to reach our world. Amen!

–Something Holy Spirit spoke to me was this...Do we as Life Church want to be mediocre in these last days when it comes to our obedience to Him or do we want to leave this planet taking a load of others with us bringing glory to God?

–When you go thru Covenant classes here one of the subjects we cover is this area of giving...tithing is non-negotiable...bring your whole tithe (10%) to the Lord...it is His.

–When you stand before us to be covenant members you say you will be faithful in tithing and in missions: we say, “to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry and the activities of the church?”  

–I hear people say...there is no teaching on giving anymore so here it is...they also say our younger generation do not give, many of ours do...what am I looking for...same as the Lord...100% obedience to God and His Word

–Let’s see what we can learn from these Macedonian believers: 

Seven Principles of Giving

1. There must first be the dedication of self.  

2 Corinthians 8:5 (NLT)
⁵  They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 

--Jesus not only wants your money - He wants you. An extra-ordinary you! Jesus said, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him.” He wants all.

--We are to dedicate ourselves to our Lord, to each other and we will be givers. With this being the last days...isn’t it time we get serious with the Lord. I don’t think any of you would sneak in here and steal equipment...don’t rob God!

Malachi 3:8 (NIV) 

8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 

2. There must be a willingness to be extra-ordinarily faithful even when we are going through hard times ourselves. 

2 Corinthians 8:2-4 (NLT)
²  They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
³  For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
⁴  They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 

--Being faithful when things are tough does not make sense to our logical minds. It comes down to whether or not we can trust God...trust His Word.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT)
¹⁴  But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

--Remember these are principles of God not man. When He gets involved. Wow! His economy is incredible! 

--Think about this: Paul said...I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more…sounds like a faith promise. Extra-ordinary faithfulness! Key: And they did it of their own free will. Faith promise cards!

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT) 

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 

7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 

8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 

3. There must be the desire for excellence. 

2 Corinthians 8:6-7 (NLT)
⁶  So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.
⁷  Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

--NKJV & NLT both use the word complete or finish in verse 6.

--Excellence in giving is called extra-ordinary faithfulness. Even when it hurts or defies logic. To be complete (excellent) in tithing - missions - Abound and excel in your giving.

4. There will be a proving of how genuine is your love. 

2 Corinthians 8:8 (NLT)
⁸  I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 

--We bring our tithe because we love God and want to be completely obedient. We give to home and foreign missions because we love souls and missionaries. We give to local outreach because we love our community.

--I love how Paul compares them to other churches and makes it a little bit competitive…comparing them with other churches. Out of 12,850 churches in the A/G…we have been in the top 100 for several years. Top 75?

--Our District Youth Pastor in Louisiana made it very competitive between youth groups there for STL. That was ok if we are giving because we love the lost- not for show - in vain. Our youth were number one!

1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV) 

3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 

5. There is an identification with Jesus. 

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV)
⁹  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

--We say we want to be like Jesus but He gave up heaven (gave up His life) to save us and we can’t give up a cheeseburger or cable to save others.

--When we give, and yes, even give up things we want, we show our love for souls and our love for Jesus. God so loved He gave - Jesus so loved He gave - If we so love - we will give. Makes sense to me.

--What is it that we find important or as of utmost priority in our lives.

Matthew 6:19 21 (NKJV) 

19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

6. There must be a right attitude in our giving.

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 (NIV) 

10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 

11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 

12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 

--Finish what you started with an attitude of extra-ordinary faithfulness and excellence. Faith Promises. Let your attitude be good as much in the middle as at the beginning. Emotions!

--Give of what you have without feeling guilty. 11-12 Little or much is acceptable if it is what you can do.

God loves a cheerful giver! Attitude + gratitude raises your platitude. 

7. There will be sowing and reaping. 

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 (NLT)
¹³  Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.
¹⁴  Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.
¹⁵  As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”

--Be careful your giving is not burdening you and relieving others. Parents helping kids or grand kids. When you can bless, do so, there may come a day you need blessing. 

--You reap what you sow…be extra-ordinarily faithful and you will always have enough. Summary: 

2 Corinthians 9:10-15 (NLT) 

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 

11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 

12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 

13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 

14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 

15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

Praying Circles Around Your Walls – 4

Subject: Circle the Wagons

by Rick Welborne

Nehemiah 4:14-23 (NLT)
¹⁴  Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
¹⁵  When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall.
¹⁶  But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah
¹⁷  who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.
¹⁸  All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm.
¹⁹  Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, “The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall.
²⁰  When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!”
²¹  We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard.
²²  I also told everyone living outside the walls to stay in Jerusalem. That way they and their servants could help with guard duty at night and work during the day.
²³  During this time, none of us—not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, nor the guards who were with me—ever took off our clothes. We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water. 

--How many of you remember the old westerns where the people on the wagon train would be under attack by the Indians and someone would shout! Circle the wagons! Get ready to fight!

--Their survival depended on everyone being engaged…everyone fighting or at least re-loading the guns for the ones who were…it was intense and there could be no gaps in the circle. 

--Nehemiah was basically saying to Jerusalem and all the people to circle the wagons…to circle the city with walls of protection to save our families and all our possessions. The walls had been broken down, gates burned.

--Today, with our parade of ministries, we are saying to everyone who calls Life Church your church, to circle the wagons for your families and for your church family…everyone needs to be engaged…no gaps.

--Because I have just a short time, let me cut through the chase…What does it mean to circle the wagons in light of our Parade of Ministries?

1. To circle the wagons everyone needs to be willing to fight!

2. To circle the wagons everyone needs to be willing to put on the full armor of God!

3. To circle the wagons everyone needs to be willing to work for the protection of our families and church!

4. To circle the wagons everyone needs to be willing to be skilled with the sword…the Word of God!

5. To circle the wagons everyone needs to be willing to rush to where there is need!

6. To circle the wagons everyone needs to be willing to get in the walls of protection! No lone rangers!

7. To circle the wagons everyone needs to be willing to keep your clothes on…clothe yourself with Jesus!

Prepare Your Heart to be Blessed

Subject: How to be Financially Blessed

by Rick Welborne

--As we prepare our hearts for our Annual Missions Convention, I felt the need to challenge you to prepare your heart to be blessed especially in the area of finances.

--Even in our verse that is tied to our name as a church is an implication of financial blessing as well as other blessings:

John 10:10 (NKJV) 

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 

–God is opening doors for us corporately, as families, and as individuals. Many of you, I believe are asking God to open a great door in the area of your finances. Nothing wrong with asking God to help in that area.

–That may mean a new job, a raise, the sale of your home, favor on your present job, or something miraculous that helps you out of the despair you find yourself in financially. The Word of God is clear...God wants to bless us in this area.

1. To experience God’s blessings in our finances, we must be obedient.

–The enemy, the devourer wants to come and steal, kill, and destroy your finances. Spirit filled believers have a great weapon against Satan and his attacks on our finances. It is called obedience.  

Malachi 3:10 (NKJV)   

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 

–What an awesome invitation from God about opening that great door for us.  He goes on to say: 

Malachi 3:18 (NIV)
¹⁸  And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

–Here is the key:  Be filled with His Spirit, be obedient, and watch Him open that effective door!

–We have to make a decision about our finances of whether we want to be blessed or do we want to be cursed ...do we want to go thru that great door financially or stay where we are?  

Malachi 3:8-10 (NKJV)   

8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 

9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 

Robert Morris: Being “blessed” means having supernatural power working for you. By contrast, being “cursed” means having supernatural power working against you.  The days of the blessed person are filled with divine coincidences and heavenly meaning. A blessed man may or may not be wealthy by the world’s standard, but he enjoys a quality of life that most billionaires would envy.

–It is extremely important that you understand that Holy Spirit will lead us to truth:

John 14:17-18 (NLT) 

17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 

18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.  

–The Spirit will give you revelation about what I am telling you today and that it is God’s truth and He also promises that He will not leave you as an orphan...He will bless you!

–How many here today want to go thru that great door with your finances and you want Satan (the thief) to stop stealing, killing, and destroying the blessing God has?

2. To experience God’s blessings in our finances, God must be first.

–If you want supernatural power (God) working for you, you must put Him first!

Robert Morris: Jesus talked about money in 16 of His 38 parables. Clearly, from the Bible’s standpoint, we need to understand money and how to handle it. Why? Because money is actually a test from God. How you handle money reveals volumes about your priorities, loyalties, and affections. In fact, it directly dictates many of the blessings you will (or will not) experience in life.

–In the OT the people were commanded to put God first with what they had:

Exodus 13:1 2 (NKJV) 

1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 "Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine." 

Exodus 23:19 (NKJV) 

19 The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk. 

Malachi 3:8 10 (NKJV)   

8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.  

9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.   

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 

–What is God saying...Put Me first...And bring to Me the first of the first...bring your tithe and your offerings to My house…remember, be obedient! He is a great God!

–Tithes are brought not given...offerings are given but tithes are brought to the House of God because the tithe already belongs to God. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse…that is where it belongs!

–Remember earlier you said you wanted to go thru that great door in the area of your finances...if that is true you must do it God’s way. It is not only 10% but it is the first of the first...you give to God first. Our checkbook

–Think about it...those you hear say they have been faithful in giving to God first, they say the same thing...we are so blessed! Those who are not faithful say the same thing...we seem to be cursed...they always struggle.

Robert Morris: It always requires faith to give the first. That’s why so few Christians experience the blessings of tithing. It means giving to God before you see if you are going to have enough. By tithing, it is as if you are saying to God, I recognize you first. I am putting you first in my life, and I trust you to take care of the rest of the things in my life. That’s why tithing is so important. It is the primary way we acknowledge that God is first.

–We have you, Pastor Rick, tithing is an OT principle: We are not under the law! We are under grace! Really! Grace is tougher than the law...let me prove it!

Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28,31-32,38-41,43-45,48 (NKJV)
²⁰  For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
²¹  "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'
²²  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.
²⁷  "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.'
²⁸  But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
³¹  "Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'
³²  But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
³⁸  "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
³⁹  But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
⁴⁰  If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
⁴¹  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
⁴³  "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 

⁴⁴  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
⁴⁵  that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
⁴⁸  Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. 

--It sounds like to me that Jesus’ expectations of us in the New Testament are so much higher than they were in the Old Testament so why would money be any different…oh yes, tithing in the New Testament.

Matthew 23:23 (NLT) 

23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. 

Matthew 23:23 (NKJV)
²³  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

Matthew 23:23 (NCV)
²³  “How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You give to God one-tenth of everything you earn—even your mint, dill, and cumin. But you don’t obey the really important teachings of the law—justice, mercy, and being loyal. These are the things you should do, as well as those other things.

–If you are set on being strictly NT go and sell everything you have and bring the money to the leadership here and we will distribute it the way we see is appropriate.

Acts 2:44-45 (NLT)
⁴⁴  And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
⁴⁵  They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

–Because there has been so much abuse of handling finances from many of those who are in the public eye (TV Ministries). Many churches have pulled back in their teaching on the subject of giving. Tragic for believers!

–I believe this has been a mistake on the churches part and an injustice for those who need to hear the truth about Living in Freedom Every day in the area of finances. 

–You said you wanted to go thru that great and effective door in the area of your money...Then you must be willing to do it God’s way.

–Sometimes it is hard to see the concept of the tithe when we talk about money but let me show you and illustration using groceries instead...Bible...they brought their animals or their produce from their fields.

–Two tables...one with Our house and one with God’s House.

A. Put all ten boxes in your house...looks great!  Remember it is cursed...devourer comes and steals, kills, and destroys...blessing lost...God’s house empty.

B. Take the ten to your house first and realize you can give a tithe...take one to God’s house...stay with me...it is cursed because God was not first...thief comes.

C. Imagine you give to God first and take the nine to your house...God’s house is blessed and you are blessed.

D. Think about this...You give to God First His tithe and bring offerings beside...Three brought to God’s house (tithe and missions) and seven are taken to your house.  You see Pastor Rick, I will not have enough.  Really?

Malachi 3:8 10 (NKJV)   8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.  

9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.   

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 

E. Let suppose everyone does that...God’s house is overflowing and your house is overflowing with God’s blessings.

F. How many can testify that it works...As you are obedient to God with your tithes and offerings...God’s Kingdom (His House is blessed) and you are blessed.

G. You will go thru that great door with your finances and God will receive the glory and the thanksgiving.

2 Corinthians 9:12 13 (NIV) 

12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 

13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.