Many sincere people, who genuinely want to do what God requires, have questions about giving. The following brief discussion is meant to guide you in your giving. Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that our giving to our church and its ministries is not a way of earning God’s acceptance but of gratitude for all He’s done for us. The following should be read in light of that understanding:

The Old Testament standard for giving was a tenth or 10% of one’s income:

“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. The entire tithe of the herd and flock, every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod, will be holy to the LORD.” (Lev 27:30-32)

The New Testament principle is, however, that God owns everything. We are, therefore, to spend 100% of our financial resources prayerfully and reflectively, seeking to be good stewards of what God has provided for us. At First Baptist, while we believe the tithe is still an excellent touchstone to guide our giving, we also emphasise New Testament principles of giving.

According to the New Testament, our giving should be:

  1. Systematic

    “Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

  2. Proportional

    “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4)

  3. Sacrificial

    “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians. 4:17-18)

  4. Intentional

    “For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.” (Philippians 4:16)

  5. Motivated by Love and Need

    “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

  6. Cheerful

    “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

  7. Voluntary

    “I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.” (2 Corinthians 8:8)