This starts with how others can use our desires and affections to help them gain their objectives, then on into how churches can do the same things, many times without realizing it.

Jesus said in John 14:15 “If ye love me keep my commandments”. he is saying that what is in our heart is most important. Or put another way, why we do what we do is what he is interested in. He put it on the basis of love because love creates a desire to please. A birthday gift received at a party from a guest is different than a gift from a loving parent. Other gifts may be more impressive or more expensive but one given because of love is given with a pure motive. That’s why gifts for no special occasion are the ones remembered the longest.

Salient Points: Ever felt used, Ever made God feel used, Faith promise, Tithe, Give it all, Only partly appreciating salvation, Redirecting appreciation, Growth isn’t a steady progression, Promising the unknown, Fundraising, Where is the light burden, Can you out give God, Doing all for God’s glory, What does God want back, By their fruit, Swapping members, Selling the church, Forgetting the big picture, Refocusing on the great Creator, Godliness, When you are all about God’s business, It shall be sin, Let them give, Not of necessity, Not grudgingly, Focused on the work, Impressing God and others, Troubled about many things, Someone needs to do it.

Scripture: Du. 23:21-23, 2Cor. 9:7

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