Sermon 1615 - Giving - 1st Message…..(Sun am 2/22/98)

GIVING - 1ST MESSAGE......(SUN AM 2/22/98)

This message introduces the Stature of Truth about Giving and tells how our tithes, firstfruits, offerings, and alms relate the the four letters of the LORD’s Tetragrammaton Name — Yod, Hay, Vaw, Hay. Luke 6:38 reveals the four ways God rewards us for our obedience to give — good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

When we give our tithes, we are rewarded with the LORD’s Wisdom in good measure. The LORD rewards us with His Understanding when we give our firstfruits. Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us not to lean unto our own understanding. The LORD has to press our understanding down flat in order to make room for His Understanding of His Holy, Righteous, Just Nature. The offerings which we give freely to missions and to support the LORD’s Work are rewarded with the LORD’s Power of Knowledge. In order for us to gain the Knowledge of the LORD’s Resurrection Power, we have to give up our forms, and our brothers and sisters have to give up their forms. Then, our offerings can be shaken together, and no one person can claim the glory for what is accomplished through our offerings. When we give alms, the LORD rewards us with the Prudence of His Choice. And, in this case, He gives His Prudent Choice to us abundantly so that it runs over. Then, we have an overflow to share with others.