In what ways can we support God's work today, as seen in Ezra 1:4? Setting the Stage—Ezra 1:4 “And let every survivor, wherever he may be living, be supplied by the men of that place with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, along with freewill offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.” • God stirs Cyrus to open the way for rebuilding. • The people remaining in Persia are called to resource those who go. • Generosity becomes a shared, worship-filled responsibility. Investing Our Treasures • Tithes and offerings to the local church (Malachi 3:10). • Strategic gifts to missionaries and church plants (Philippians 4:15-17). • Emergency relief funds for persecuted believers (Hebrews 13:3). “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) Supplying Practical Resources • Equipment, vehicles, or property that further gospel outreach. • Technology, literature, and media tools placed at ministry disposal. • Everyday items—food, clothing, furniture—channeled through church benevolence. Offering Skilled Labor • Construction, maintenance, and remodeling for church facilities. • Professional expertise—legal, medical, accounting—given pro bono. • Teaching, counseling, and mentoring within discipleship programs. “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10) Sowing Freewill Offerings • Spontaneous, Spirit-prompted gifts beyond routine giving (Ezra 7:16). • Crowd-funding unique kingdom projects without compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Seasonal generosity—holidays, anniversaries, milestones—as worship responses. Encouraging and Mobilizing Others • Rally prayer and financial partners for missionaries (Colossians 4:3). • Spread testimonies that inspire wider generosity (Psalm 66:16). • Facilitate short-term service trips, internships, and vocational pathways. Honoring God’s House Today • Prioritize the gathering place of believers—safe, welcoming, Christ-exalting. • Support global church-building where facilities are nonexistent. • Maintain digital “houses” (websites, streaming, outreach apps) reaching unreached hearts. Guarding the Heart Behind the Gift • Give willingly, not under pressure—“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Aim for eternal reward rather than human applause (Matthew 6:3-4). • Let generosity flow from gratitude for Christ’s finished work (2 Corinthians 8:9). Summary: Simple Action Steps 1. Set aside the “firstfruits” of every paycheck. 2. Keep a running list of ministry needs you can meet tangibly. 3. Schedule regular skill-based volunteering. 4. Ask God often, “Who can I supply today?”—and act quickly. 5. Celebrate every answered need as another stone laid in His house. |
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