The message we hear today is “Get.” As in “Get all you can.” As in “Get it while you can.” You might say that most of us live by the “Getting” principle. And we falsely believe that the more we get the higher quality of life we have.
Life as a Christ-follower is just the opposite. God tells us that the more we give, the more life we experience.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves…that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Tim 6:18-19)
Why is that? It’s because money’s lure, coupled with our brokenness, leads to a life of hoarding. Hoarding money will not buy us freedom in life - it actually buys us slavery to possessions. Today, Jordan's sets aside 12% of the weekly collection to support planting new churches, training and sending missionaries and pastors and caring for those following a disaster nationally and globally. As a congregation, we aim to be a model of sharing God's blessings to those in need.
The members of Jordan Lutheran Church seek to live our lives in response to the unconditional love of God. Empowered by God's love manifested in Jesus ever since our congregation originated in 2009, we have dedicated the first 10% of our weekly offering to partnership agencies, ministries and missionaries. Currently, Jordan sets aside 12% each week. This 12% includes a 10% tithe of what is received weekly as well as an additional 2% offering.
Modeling first fruit giving is at the core of who we desire to be and we pray that you will be encouraged by this pattern of giving and adopt it in your own life. First fruit giving is not mandated by Christ for salvation it is freely given just as we have freely received salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul spoke to the church in Corinth in his second letter encouraging cheerful giving.
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 ESV)