This morning I read 2 Corinthians 8 - 10 where Paul is encouraging believers in Achaia to make good on their monetary pledge. An iconic verse from this section is: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." I have heard this verse many times, often– interesting– with churches who teach a mandatory tithe and ask for offerings above those (with cheerfulness). What I found interesting is that the broader context of this chapter relates cheerful giving with preparedness. It is much easier to give cheerfully when one prepares little by little. While Paul's primary intention is to collect money for those in need we learn the gift is not gathered when the offering plate is passed but little by little through the sacrificial choices we make on a daily basis. It is difficult to do this kind of giving because it requires a lifestyle change. I have given cheerfully in the past but currently I am not giving at all. I would like to change that but I'm not sure how.
"As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.' " - Acts 9:3-6
The purpose of this blog is to discuss Christian Evangelism and it's place in today's world. I am a Christian, so many of my posts will have that bias. Nevertheless, all are welcome to respond to any post. I honestly desire to hear other viewpoints. All I ask, however, is that you abstain from profanity, vulgar language, and personal attacks. All else is fair game.
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I grew up in a Christian household but didn't know Christ. My parents taught me "the basics" about Jesus- that he died for my sins, that he was Lord and Savior, son of God. Even though I knew these things, I was still a sinner on the road to Hell. For having a head knowledge of the facts of Jesus does NOT make you a Christian. Sometime during my years in middle school, God started working in my heart. I developed a curiousity about the Bible. I wanted to know what was in the book I claimed to believe in. And after being dumped by a girl I fell in love with, I really wondered what I was living for. Up until now I had been flirting with God, cracking open the pages of the bible, skimming them without commitment. One night, however, an uneasiness came over me. Determined to prove that I was a good person, I went to the Bible and took a serious look. To my surprise, I discovered how utterly sinful I was and, according to scripture, deserving of Hell. Scared, confused, desperate, I buried myself in the pages, looking for an escape. I found it in Jesus Christ. That night, on my living room floor, I poured my heart out to Jesus, admitting my faults, my sins, and entrusting my life to him, never to turn back. I am a changed man.
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