All throughout this month we’ve examined different issues relating to Biblical giving. First we had an overview, then we looked at tithes, and last time we looked at different types of offerings. For this installment, we are going to look at giving that counts: what makes giving count, and why that matters. Do you believe your giving matters? Many feel if they don’t give, their money won’t be missed. When we give to God’s cause and we give God’s way,... Read more
So far, we’ve examined a general concept of Biblical giving and the specifics of tithing. We’ve learned about the different requirements for giving, why tithing was (and remains important), and the different form tithes took in Biblical history. In this installment, we are going to learn about different types of offerings: specifically, firstfruits, almsgiving, and general offerings. In moving between both Old and New Testament giving, we will see the wide variety of options that exist for Christians who seek... Read more
In the first installment of this series, we looked at giving from a Biblical perspective. Rather than sort through the typical verses about how to give, we reviewed the reasons why giving is relevant for God’s people. From the all-important idea of tribute to the way that ministry functions this side of heaven, giving financially is an essential aspect of the spiritual work of God’s people. As God gives us all, He also asks us for all. While giving is... Read more
Whether it’s a birthday fundraiser online, offering time at church, or requests for funding, “giving time” can be an awkward period for Christians of all denominations. For one, it’s easy to feel like everywhere we turn, someone is constantly asking for money. Charities, non-profit organizations, school fundraisers, requests to “round up” at the grocery store, and emails asking to give to one thing or another overwhelm our life experiences. This is in addition to the fact that all major expenses... Read more
Every year, my church holds a “hymn sing” on Easter Sunday. Rather than focus on doing things according to a normal custom, we do our best to herald the resurrection of Jesus by focusing on Him in song and spiritual word. This year, we’ve decided to start an additional Easter tradition: Easter brunch. After our hymn sing, one of our other leaders and myself will prepare a special meal for anyone who comes and celebrates with us. Since my church... Read more
In the first part of this two-part column, we discussed the lives of five women who were the first within their respective denominations to receive the rite of ordination: Clarissa Danforth, Antoinette Brown Blackwell, Ann Allebach, Addie Elizabeth Davis, and Mary Dill Matz. As Women’s History Month continues, we also continue with our look at women’s ordination. Even though the Bible supports the work of women in ministry, denominational support for female ministers (especially around women’s ordination) remains controversial. In... Read more
March is Women’s History Month. This means school curriculum will attend to important women in history. Commonly studied women include Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Hillary Clinton, and others. These women made political and social strides, although few realize they also made spiritual ones, as well. Given most educational platforms don’t speak about church history, most kids – and church members alike – are unaware of the important advances women have made in Christian history. This includes... Read more
It’s almost March 8, which means it’s almost International Women’s Day! For those unfamiliar with this day, it is a women’s rights holiday that focuses on issues of concern to women worldwide. These include universal suffrage, domestic violence, gender equality, and reproductive rights. Many churches acknowledge this special day, each in their own way. This day reminds us women are in the image of God, each one unique and special in purpose. It’s not a secret to say the rights... Read more
Most Bible students are familiar with notable Bible figures…especially when there’s only one with that name. For example, there is only one Apostle Peter, one Apostle Paul, and one Apostle Thomas. We know of Moses, Abraham, Samson, Delilah, Deborah, Gideon, and Bathsheba…but things get complicated when people share names. When we see shared names, we start to write in characters within a story, and before you know it…we’ve got that specific Bible experience all wrong. This is especially true with... Read more
In honor of Arospec Awareness Week, I felt led to dedicate this week’s column to something personal. In early 2022, I realized something important about myself. I already knew I am demisexual, but at that time, I realized I am also aromantic. It was both shocking (it shouldn’t have been) and insightful, helpful in understanding more of myself as a person. I am from an earlier time when people identified as gay or straight. Not identifying as gay, I assumed... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In