Taken from a book mark/brochure used by many churches for Missions Conferences (original author not known)
1.) It is Scriptural
In the Old Testament we find that the people gave over and above their tithes. As God blessed them, they gave to God and to His work.
In the New Testament the Apostle Paul received gifts of various churches. These gifts were special offerings which were collected and given to the work of the Lord. The words “gift”, “bounty”, “abundance”, and “willingly”, are all words which he uses to characterize this giving. In the book of II Corinthians 9:6-7, we read, “He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
2.) It is a source of God’s provision and blessing.
Faith Promise giving is “willing” giving. It is never required. The giver must be sensitive to God and open to what He will do through us. One of the great blessings of the Christian life is to allow God to work through us in meeting the needs of others’ lives. Faith Promise provides the opportunity for us to become personally involved in giving to help spread the Gospel to those who are without Jesus Christ. Not only are we obeying God’s command, but we are also bringing blessings to ourselves, our families our church and to others.
3.) It is not a pledge
A pledge is something between you and an organization (say a church) or an individual. It places an obligation upon the giver and could be considered a legal obligation. Faith Promise is simply a promise to God. You are telling God that you will never be billed for a Faith Promise commitment. If you are unable to pay, you should prayerfully tell it to God and wait for His provision.
4.) It is trusting God for what I do not now have
Since it is by faith it is not giving from funds that you already possess. If you had it in the bank, there would be no need to trust God to supply it. Faith Promise is putting faith to work by asking God to increase your capability to give to the work of missions around the world. Then as God supplies, your gift expands the work of missions. God may supply weekly (perhaps an unexpected increase in your salary) or periodically (through gifts or bonuses) during the year.
5.) It is a commitment
Faith Promise is making a promise to God. It involves the responsibility that as God gives is the money that we will follow through on our promise to Him.
6.) It should be entered into prayerfully
This is a major spiritual decision in the believer’s life. It should Oswald J. Smith once wrote: “If I had waited until I had it, I never would have given it, because I never would have had it. I gave a Faith Offering and God honored it.”
Thank you for sharing these biblical principles. Would that we would all live more by faith and less by sight as we realize the privilege that is ours to serve Him!
I minister in a faith-based ministry which operates through faith promise. We teach these principles, and are thrilled to see when one of our listeners truly grasps the concept and takes that first step of faith. It also blesses our hearts to see these same individuals grow in their faith year after year as they trust God to do more through them. I find it interesting that the principle of faith promise giving is foreign and unheard of in certain countries and cultures. I guess this just underscores the need for us all to continue teaching and preaching the word
Keep up the good work that you are doing for the Lord!!!
I would love to order this in a track form. Is this possible? We plan to send some church members to Africa next summer and teach our people about Faith Promise Giving.
All help is appreciated.
Hello. The information is not original with me. I have seen it used in many churches, and the author is unknown to my knowledge. I believe you would be fine with using it! God bless!