Why We  give tithes and or offerings

We are thankful for everything God has provided this year to help fund OACC's many ministries here in Maine and around the world. Just as in ancient times, the faithfulness and generosity of the local church is the hope of the world, and we are blessed with people who are doing great things in Jesus' name.

What is a Tithe?

There is a Video with Dave Ramsey from the Financial Peace University course on our Dave Ramsey Says page.


Click here to read Dave Ramsey's perspective on a Biblical Tithe.
 


2 Corinthians 8:7-15

 (NIV)


7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”


What is a Faith Promise?
A Faith Promise is a financial commitment between you and the Lord which you believe He will enable you to fulfill during the next year. 
 
I would make this “Faith Promise” based on the following: 


1. My pledge is something God has put on my heart to give.
2. God will supply the funds needed to keep this promise.
3. I am willing to give, believing, and trusting God to supply. 
4. I understand this is a gift over and above what I regularly give to the church. 
5. No one will call me concerning this promise. It is between the Lord and myself.
6. I understand Mission funds will not be included in the yearly budget.  It will be raised through gifts and offerings from our Faith Promise giving.

We hold our Faith Promise Pledge drive annually during the month of January. Please prayerfully consider what you believe God wants you to give to missions.

DAVE RAMSEY SAYS

Watch a short video on what Dave believes about supporting the local church through giving.

Below are Dave's thoughts in his own words, please read.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Save, spend and give—my big three principles. Most people forget about the giving part because they think I only scream "Save, save, save!" Giving liberates the soul of the giver. You never walk away feeling badly. Whether through a tithe, charitable contribution, or gift to a friend in need, give away at least some of your money. Not only does it generate good, but it generates contentment.


The tithe, which is a scriptural mandate, was not instituted for God's benefit because He already has all the money He needs. He does not need our money. So why does He ask us to give 10% to Him? Tithing was created for our benefit. It is to teach us how to keep God first in our lives and how to be unselfish people. Unselfish people make better husbands, wives, friends, relatives, employees and employers. God is trying to teach us how to prosper over time. 

If you cannot live off 90% of your income, then you cannot live off 100%. It does not require a miracle for you to get through the month. I think that if you sit down and look at your budget, you will see that you can make it while giving at least 10%. Read the Bible and take from it what you will, and if you tithe, do it out of love for God, not guilt.

I do not beat people up for not tithing because Jesus certainly did not, but let me encourage you to keep tithing.

Financial peace university

What is Financial Peace University?

Financial Peace University is a 9 lesson, money-management course taught by America's most trusted financial guru, Dave Ramsey. Dave and his teaching team will walk you through the biblical basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and much more.

This class is offered on an on-going basis. Stay tuned for the next session.