In what ways can we "assist them with silver and gold" today? The Original Command in Ezra 1:4 “‘And everyone who remains, wherever he resides, let the men of his place assist him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ ” • Cyrus’s decree called God’s people to supply returning exiles with tangible resources. • The goal: rebuild the temple and restore worship. Timeless Principle: God’s Work Requires God’s People’s Resources • Scripture consistently links spiritual progress to material generosity (Exodus 35:29; 1 Chronicles 29:2-9). • Everything we possess ultimately belongs to the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Giving is an act of worship that honors Him (Proverbs 3:9). Contemporary Needs That Parallel “Silver and Gold” • Building and maintaining local church facilities where Christ is preached. • Funding missionaries who carry the gospel to unreached peoples (Philippians 4:15-17). • Resourcing Bible translation and distribution so every language group receives God’s Word. • Relieving suffering saints—refugees, persecuted believers, widows, and orphans (James 1:27). • Supporting Christian education and discipleship efforts that ground believers in truth. • Providing technology, media, and literature that proclaim Scripture faithfully. Practical Ways to Assist Today • Percentage giving: Set aside a regular, proportional amount of income for kingdom work (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Special offerings: Respond to specific needs with one-time gifts, mirroring Israel’s freewill offerings. • Skill-based generosity: Donate professional expertise—legal, medical, financial—to ministries lacking such resources. • Asset liquidation: Turn stocks, property, collectibles, or vehicles into ministry funds, echoing Acts 4:34-35. • Legacy planning: Include gospel-centered organizations in wills and estate plans (Proverbs 13:22). • Digital platforms: Use secure online portals and apps to channel support quickly to global needs. • Collective action: Form small-group giving projects or church-wide campaigns to multiply impact (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). Heart Attitudes that Honor God • Cheerfulness, not compulsion—“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Faith in heavenly reward—“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:20) • Readiness—eager to meet needs as soon as they arise (Titus 3:14). • Integrity—transparent handling of funds, ensuring every gift reaches its intended purpose (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Gratitude—seeing giving as a privilege granted by God’s grace (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). The Result: Glory to God and Growth of His Kingdom • Needs are met, ministries flourish, and the gospel advances (Philippians 4:18-19). • Givers experience spiritual enrichment and deeper joy (Acts 20:35). • The watching world witnesses a living demonstration of Christ’s love (John 13:35). |
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