Why Christians Need to Give to the Local Church

God's greatest interest is His glory, that His name would be hallowed. His will is for His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven, and this brings Him great glory. God's chief end is to glorify Himself and enjoy Himself forever, and His chief end should be our chief end.

In the Old Testament, God's kingdom came through the building and maintenance of the temple, which housed the Ark of the Covenant that demonstrated His reign and showed that Israel was His. God saved His people for His glory, that they would worship Him and that He would dwell with them and set up His heavenly throne on earth wherewith He would not only dwell but reign in their midst, through which He would call the nations to Himself.

Now in the New Testament, God declares His victory through planting churches. The temple is now a spiritual than a physical temple. God displays His cosmic lordship over all creation when people are saved into the church.

How will people believe and saved unless they hear, unless someone is sent? It takes money to send. We need to use God's money to plant and build churches and support missions.

We must also maintain the church. Pastors should be supported full time so they can spend their time doing the things which God has called them to do. We must share the things we have with the pastor who is sharing the Word with us. We should sow our money wisely in order that pastors may do their work and train up other pastors, lest we reap rotten theology.

We also maintain the church through giving to those in the church who are unable to support themselves financially. Be active in the church and active in giving. Our hearts will follow our money.