What Is Faith Promise Missions Giving?

What Is Faith Promise Missions Giving?

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; ² How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. ³ For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; ⁴ Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. ⁵ And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”

The "Faith Promise" plan is best known for its ability to significantly increase the funds for missionary support. The benefits of “Faith Promise” go much deeper though. The church that practices "Faith Promise" experiences 4 major benefits…

·      More missionaries are sent to the field.

·      A deeper awareness of the needs and sacrifices of missionaries.

·   A greater depth of unity emerges as Christians work together for Christ.

·      Local church giving increases.

Here are seven reasons "Faith Promise Missions Giving" is a great way to support missionaries around the world:

1.   "FAITH PROMISE" IS BIBLICAL! The Church at...

Philippi practiced it. Philippians 4:15,16 "Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity."

Thessalonica practiced it. 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 8 "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; …For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything."

Antioch did as well. Acts 13:3 "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." Sent = equipped with substance and provision.

2.   “FAITH PROMISE” Brings God’s resources into the Church and Home.

Consider The Context of Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Consider Paul’s Instruction In 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"

How Does God Do This?

·      He Increases our supply.

·      Decreases our spending.

·      Gives wisdom to be good stewards.

·      Gives grace to sacrifice.

·      Supernaturally (Luke 6:38; Matthew 6:33).

3.   “FAITH PROMISE" Allows us to see the positive side of Sowing & Reaping.

2 Corinthians 9:6 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. "

Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

4.   “FAITH PROMISE” is a Freewill Offering given from the heart.

It is not required! 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Paul said concerning Christ in Acts 20:35 “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

The Tithe Belongs To God! "Faith Promise" belongs to us!

·      If our heart is full of materialism we will not give.

·      If our heart is full of doubt we will not give.

·      If our heart is not concerned about the lost we will not give.

Luke 6:45 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

5.   “FAITH PROMISE” proves the love of the believer for Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 8:8, 24 “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.... Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.”

You Can Give Without Loving, But You Can’t Love Without Giving!

6.   "FAITH PROMISE" is a way to practice good stewardship and develop fiscal responsibility toward Missionaries.

2 Corinthians 8:8-11 “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. ⁹ For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. ¹⁰ And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. ¹¹ Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.”

7.   “FAITH PROMISE” provides an opportunity for every Christian to be involved in the fulfillment of the great commission.

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”