Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Cor. 9:6, 7; Deut. 16:17;

1 Chron. 16:29; Ps. 116:12–18; Mark 12:41–44; Mark 14:3–9.

Memory Text: “What shall I render to the L ord for all His benefits

toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name

of the L ord . I will pay my vows to the L ord now in the presence of all

His people” (Psalm 116:12–14, NKJV).

Besides tithing, there are offerings that come from the 90 percent

that remains in our possession after our tithe is returned to God.

This is where generosity begins. Different types of offerings

were given by God’s people, such as sin offerings, given in response to

God’s grace, or thank offerings, given to recognize God’s protection,

and blessings of health, prosperity, and sustaining power. There also

were offerings for the poor and offerings to build and maintain the

house of worship.

When we consider the magnitude of God’s gifts to us, we then begin

to see our giving as more than just paving the parking lot or buying

choir robes. We bring our gifts in response to what God has done for

us, especially in the sacrifice of Jesus. “We love Him because He first

loved us” (1 John 4:19, NKJV). The church, then, whether it be local,

conference, or worldwide, uses our gifts to advance the cause of God.

This week we will review what the Bible has to say about offerings as

part of our management of God’s business on the earth.