“And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me the matter of giving and receiving except you alone.” Philippians 4:15 HCSB
The Philippians figured out in the early days of their church that giving to help Paul would benefit their church, and their own lives. They were a giving church.
“One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water. People will curse anyone who hoards grain, but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.”
Proverbs 11:24-26 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/pro.11.24-26.hcsb
When we give up something for God He will give it back to us.
“Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over — will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.””
Luke 6:38 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/luk.6.38.hcsb
But you see God does not give you back equal or less back to you. He gives back equal but then he presses it down to make room for more. Then He shakes it down to make room for even more. Then He fills it so full that it runs over so others can share in it also. God gives us nothing to horde and hang on to except for your spouse.
No other church learned the principle of giving right away as the Philippians did. But I’m sure others caught on. Some churches began to send money to Jerusalem to help with the work of the apostles with the poor.
“Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints, for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased, and indeed are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs.”
Romans 15:25-27 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/rom.15.25-27.hcsb
Each Church has a focus where they get an aspect of Jesus right! The Philippians got giving right. What does your church get right? What have they not done so well? How can you help your church to do better in that area?
Some of these examples are not Christian but I think they have something in Christianity figured out.
The Pentecostal Church has done the Holy Spirit right. The Baptist church has done baptism right. The Mormon church even though they are not Christian has gotten sharing their faith right. The Amish get separating from the world right maybe overboard. The Muslims almost get dyeing for their faith right but they are not dyeing for the right God and they believe suicide gets you rewarded if you kill Jews or Christians with you. Being killed for your faith in God as Jesus stated would happen for those who follow Him.
““Then they will hand you over for persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of My name.”
Matthew 24:9 HCSB
https://www.bible.com/72/mat.24.9.hcsb
“But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of My name. It will lead to an opportunity for you to witness.”
Luke 21:12-13 HCSB
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