When we give from the wrong motives we see giving as a burden and something that we "must do." When our motives are proper, and our heart is captivated by Jesus, we will understand the truth that EVERYTHING belongs to Him, not just the "tip" or "tithe" that we give - motivated by religious obligation or guilt from a church leader. It's not about 10%, it's about 100% because it's ALL HIS!!

Well, 28 episodes in and here it is - you can't talk about church and not discuss giving and tithing - right? However, it's time for a fresh, Biblical look at this subject! We begin the conversation by discussing motive...WHY do you give? Join us this episode as we discuss the three common motives behind giving in the context of church and so much more!

Instead of stenciling Bible passages on the walls of our children's area, why don't we try living them out? What should we do with our children at church? In most churches we send them out to a dedicated area so they won't be an "interruption" to our enjoyment of the service. Is this approach Biblical? Is this episode we dig into this issue...

As a child of King Jesus we must live our lives as representatives of His! We haven't been left here on earth to live our life on a solo mission benefiting only ourselves. The Bible states that our position as His children is much like that of an ambassador. We are to represent the King and our lives must be spent to make His name great and expand His Kingdom!

We have churches filled weekly with spectators who believe "ministry" is only the responsibility of those behind the pulpit or on the platform. When we simply exist as weekly spectators only, we are neglecting the Cross of Christ. We're told in the New Testament that if we have been reconciled to Christ then we have the responsibility to reconcile others...that's our ministry, our purpose for existing!

Many issues in the church are caused by Christians who want to focus on the wrong things and elevate their personal convictions to the same level as the Gospel! They take minor, personal preferences and elevate them to the same level as the major foundations of the faith! It's time we quit letting minor convictions cause division and elevate the major tenants of the faith!

We see people who've attended church services for years but there life seems to be unaffected? Along the same lines, we've structured our churches toward and communicate the idea that more knowledge, information or teaching is the solution to everything! You will never become the person God desires if the only Word you receive on a weekly basis is the 30-minute teaching from whomever is on the platform! 

You ever met a prideful, arrogant pastor or church leader? Some church leaders act like God can't do it without them and that they're the gatekeeper of truth and righteousness! For these leaders, ministry becomes LESS about reaching people with the Gospel and MORE about building their "kingdom", power, control, church politics, and climbing the denominational ladder! Where are the humble, Christ-like servants? There's only one King and His name is Jesus!!

The "mission field" isn't just some foreign land and we're not just called to jet around the world spreading the Gospel. Our daily lives and the relationships that make up our life are the "mission field." Every day, we encounter people who need the Lord, people who need to experience the love and character of Christ. The challenge is to live each moment, in-tune with the Holy Spirit, and willing to be interrupted for Kingdom purposes!!

Many in the American church are Biblically illiterate! We attend weekly worship services, hear a church leader share, and take everything we hear as absolute truth. Furthermore, those weekly message in church are the all the Word that most people digest...this has to change! If we are in Christ, we should have a hunger for His Word, we should spend time reading it, and discover the monumental truths therein for ourselves. We should be knowledgeable enough to spot error when we hear it - rather we encounter it in coffee shop conversations or hear it at church!