A Freewill Offering

In the early chapters of Acts, the church sold many possessions to help buy food and necessitates for the thousands who remained in Jerusalem after they became Christians (4.32-34). Once they sold their property, the Christians brought the money to the apostles. The money was distributed to everyone who had need.

A couple named Ananias and Sapphira also sold some property, and brought part of the money to the apostles. That would have been okay. However, they told everyone they had brought all the money. They were trying to get the same recognition for only half the price.

When pointing out their lie, Peter makes a statement that has always made me think about what we give. He said. "Didn't [the land] belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? (5.4)". In other words, the money given to the poor was a free will offering. It was only motivated by compassion and love.

Our government is expanding our national debt by giving out money to stimulate a flagging economy. Usually I send this stuff back. This time, though, Peggy and I want to use the money to do good.

I have told you about the Haitians having to eat dirt cookies because they had no food. I have asked you to partner with us by donating your tax-rebate check, too. We'll collect them all and do what we can to relieve the hunger problem and bring glory to God. I also thought it would be good for a couple of us to go down there and work with a church to distribute the food or funds (1 Cor 16.3).

One problem with this is that the Haitians need food now and we won't get a check until July. We just don't have the money now.

Another issue has also arisen. Dean and Kim Crews' daughter and son-in-law need financial help to pay the staggering medical costs associated with the treatment of their two-year-old daughter, Lauren.

We have (at least) two important needs in front of us. One is immediate, but I am not sure how to address it immediately. The other is not so immediate, but still huge. One can advance the gospel. The other is a demonstration of the gospel.

Obviously you have to decide if you will do this in faith or not. Second, you then have to decide what you're going to give your money to. It's your money (well, probably your grandkids' money…). Let's gather whatever we can for the Haitians or for Lauren's parents and do something good for God!