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Why Freewill Offerings?
Sermonette byOfferings are commanded just as much as tithes, but God gives us the choice to determine just how valuable the physical and spiritual blessings are for us.
Bondage and a Freewill Offering
Sermonette byA free will offering, when deeply considered, should help us to consider each holy day more deeply the cost of real liberty God has freely given us.
Elements of a Thanksgiving Offering
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThe concept of a freewill offering, often termed as a thanksgiving or peace offering in ancient Israel, underscores the importance of voluntary giving as an expression of gratitude to God. In Leviticus 22:29, God, through Moses, instructs that when offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, it must be offered of one's own free will. This voluntary nature is crucial, as the praise embodied in the offering is only acceptable to God if freely given. Various names such as peace offering, fellowship offering, praise offering, thanksgiving offering, and vow offering reflect different aspects and purposes of this sacrifice, yet all emphasize its voluntary essence. Detailed in Leviticus 3:1-5, the peace offering must be without blemish, symbolizing purity in the act of giving. The offering, burnt on the altar, is described as a sweet aroma to the Lord, indicating its satisfaction to God when given without sin. Unlike tithes, which are a duty, offerings are a privilege and an honor, allowing individuals to express thankfulness for their increase and blessings. This celebrative role of the thanksgiving offering is prominent, especially during feast days and moments of joy, highlighting its significance in rituals of gratitude. God desires that offerings, particularly on holy days, be given freely and as a privilege, not out of compulsion. The sacrificial laws of the Old Covenant focused on outward conformity but could not enforce inner attitudes. However, a true freewill offering today must stem from pure motives and an inward transformation, reflecting a union with Christ. Such an offering, given with the spirit and intent of thanksgiving, becomes a refined expression of gratitude for God's grace and a plea for more of His blessings. This attitude of anticipated thanks, mirroring the certainty of God's promises, is essential when giving monetary offerings on the seven holy days of God. For offerings to be acceptable to God, they must be given freely and without blemish, not derived from improper means such as lottery winnings or usury, but from personal efforts. They must be a sweet aroma, not offered by those who flagrantly sin without remorse. Faithfulness and thankfulness are vital components, ensuring that the offering truly honors God.
Offerings (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe give peace offerings today through living sacrifice, keeping God's law out of love and to glorify Him rather than just to perform duty.
What Do We Have to Offer?
Article by Mike FordMost of the time, the Israelites provide us with a bad example, but one time in particular they left us with an example of a godly virtue.
Giving a Gift Strengthens and Bonds
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsGiving a gift strengthens the bond between individuals, bringing about a warm feeling in the giver toward the one receiving the gift.
Principles of Christian Giving
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWhen the early church went through a famine, the Macedonian congregation contributed spontaneously, somewhat putting to shame the Corinthian congregation.
Appearing Before God (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod is not after our pocketbooks, and those of His servants who emulate Him will not be either. He is interested in our character and our regard for Him.
Reciprocity (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissWhat can we give God despite His owning everything? It is not possible to repay what God has done for us, but there are ways we can seek to reciprocate.
Never With Hands Hanging at Your Sides
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerRejoicing did not become commanded until Pentecost, a joyous time in which God has brought us into fellowship with Our High Priest, enabling peace with Him.
Money: A Gauge of Character
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIf God cannot trust a person to properly handle a small amount of money, He will not give him responsibility over more crucial matters.
Psalm Genres (Part Three B): Messianic (continued)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe psalmists, often through typology, centered on David, prophesying about the character, suffering, resurrection, kingship, and priesthood of Jesus Christ.