How can we apply "take from among you an offering" in our lives today? The Original Call “Moses said to the whole congregation of Israel, ‘This is what the LORD has commanded: Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD…’” • Israel had been redeemed from Egypt and was now invited to participate in building the tabernacle. • God asked for materials already in their possession—He was teaching stewardship, not fundraising. Timeless Principles We Carry Forward • Giving begins with God’s command, not human coercion. • The offering comes “from among you” – we give out of what God has already entrusted to us. • Participation is voluntary yet expected: “everyone whose heart is willing.” • The ultimate aim is God’s dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8), mirrored today in the ministry of the local church and global mission. What Today’s “Offering” Looks Like 1. Financial resources • Tithes and free-will gifts to your church (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2). • Special offerings for missionaries, mercy ministries, church planting, and crisis relief (Philippians 4:15-18). 2. Skills and craftsmanship • Israel’s artisans used talents for the tabernacle (Exodus 35:30-35). • Present-day parallels: music, teaching, administration, construction, technology. 3. Time and energy • Service in children’s classes, visitation teams, hospitality, community outreach (Ephesians 2:10). 4. Whole-life devotion • “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Every vocation becomes an altar of worship when done unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). Motivations That Honor the Lord • Gratitude for redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Desire for God’s presence to be manifest among His people. • Love for brothers and sisters in need (1 John 3:17). • Eternal investment: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Practical Steps to “Take an Offering” Today • Evaluate income and set apart the first portion for the Lord—before taxes and bills. • Create a budget category labeled “Generosity” to build margin for spontaneity. • Inventory skills; list two ways each can serve Christ’s body this quarter. • Schedule regular service hours as faithfully as work appointments. • Involve family members so giving becomes a shared act of worship. • Keep stories of God’s faithfulness; rehearse them to fuel future generosity. The Promise of Blessing • “Honor the LORD with your wealth… your barns will be filled with plenty” (Proverbs 3:9-10). • “God is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Joy abounds when our resources, talents, and time are aligned with God’s purposes. Living It Out Taking “from among you an offering” is a recurring rhythm of redeemed people. We gather what God has first given, return it with willing hearts, and watch Him transform temporal resources into eternal impact. |
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