Why should you jump in with both feet to the “Faith Promise” missions giving of your local church? It is distinctively founded upon biblical principles that should stir us to a more robust faith and obedience to build bridges to the entire world!
The Faith Promise Offering is a method of missionary giving by individuals or families through their local church. A Faith Promise is made to contribute a certain amount, either weekly or monthly, to the missionary fund of the local church over and above the usual tithe, building fund, and other offerings.
It is based upon faith and is given first, just as the tithe, trusting God for needs. It follows the basic Biblical principle of sowing and reaping, sowing always being first (II Corinthians).
Consider the following 14 principles:
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING is not a clever gimmick of men. The principle of faith-giving, even promising to give, is set forth in II Corinthians 8 and 9.
- While the giving in II Corinthians 8 & 9 was benevolent, there were missionary implications (10:15-16). The Macedonian believers supported Paul in his missionary work (Philippians 4: 15-16).
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING Commitment is for one year thus the necessity of having a yearly Faith Promise Offering.
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING is over and above your tithes or regular contributions to your church.
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING is normally not designated to any particular missionary. The church usually votes on distribution of funds.
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING is not a pledge. A pledge is a legal, binding agreement, such as is signed with any credit purchase.
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING is between the giver and the Lord. You are never asked for it. The cards are usually disposed after the conference.
- You should give your FAITH PROMISE OFFERING just as you give your tithe-right off the top.. It is the scriptural offering God has promised to bless:”Give and it shall be given unto you..” (Luke 6:38). “There is he that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty” (Proverbs 11:24).
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING depends, not on our ability to give, but on our faith in God to provide the means to give. In II Corinthians 8:3, the Macedonian believers were willing to give, not only what they could afford, but what they couldn’t. They had to trust the Lord for the supply of their needs.
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING is motivated by our love for the Lord (II Corinthians8:8).
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING is good for the believer and good for the church. The word “expedient” in II Corinthians 8:10 means “good, advisable, in the interest of oneself.”
- Making a promise or vow is actually encouraged in Psalm 76:11: “Vow and pay unto the Lord your God; let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.” Note Paul’s references to the Corinthians’ commitment “a year ago” (II Corinthians 9:8-10).
- God not only encourages us to give, but He supplies the gifts (II Corinthians 9:8-10).
- The FAITH PROMISE OFFERING includes every member of the family. Children and young people should be taught the biblical principles of tithes and offering. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:21).
Will you join me in responding to the Great Commission with faith in a Jesus who possesses all power in heaven and earth? Will you partner with your pastor, local church family, and missionary delegates God sends your way to stretch out by faith and win the WORLD?
I John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
I end with the lyrics of the hymn entitled “By Faith”:
By faith we see the hand of God
In the light of creation’s grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight
By faith our fathers roamed the earth
With the power of His promise in their hearts
Of a holy city built by God’s own hand
A place where peace and justice reign
By faith the prophets saw a day
When the longed-for Messiah would appear
With the power to break the chains of sin and death
And rise triumphant from the grave
By faith the church was called to go
In the power of the Spirit to the lost
To deliver captives and to preach good news
In every corner of the earth
By faith this mountain shall be moved
And the power of the gospel shall prevail
For we know in Christ all things are possible
For all who call upon His name
Chorus: We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him our soul’s reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We’ll walk by faith and not by sight
harleysnode 