October 28, 2006

Are Miracles Performed Today?

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

The Bible is filled with examples where the power of God is demonstrated through the use of miracles. Events such as creation (Gen. 1), the global flood and restoration of an inhabitable world (Gen. 7-8), walking on water (Mark 6:45-52), the healing of the blind (Mark 8:22-26), or the resurrection of the Christ (Mt. 28:1-7) are miracles that could only have been accomplished by the power of God. Miracles were accomplished for a specific purpose; with the purpose fulfilled the presence of miracles would no longer be needed. For miracles to be performed today, the purpose for miracle usage in the first century would be still present in the modern world, and the ability passed by the same means.
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October 5, 2006

“Now Concerning the Collection” – Part 10: Conclusion

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As we conclude our study on giving, there are three basic points we need to remember:
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October 5, 2006

“Now Concerning the Collection” – Part 9: Examples that Relate to Giving

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Finally, after discussing the instructions given about the act of giving, the attitude we are to have in giving, and factors that should motivate us to give, we will look at some examples to make some final points and to reinforce the points we have already made.
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October 5, 2006

“Now Concerning the Collection” – Part 8: Motivation for Giving

Collection Plate

As Christians, we are to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). After discussing various things relating to the collection – the act itself, the nature of giving, our attitude – we should think about some things that will motivate us to improve our giving. Paul wrote to the Corinthians in order to motivate them to carry out their “previously promised bountiful gift” (2 Corinthians 9:5). In doing this, he appealed to three things to encourage them. These points are good for us to consider as well as we seek to improve our giving.
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October 5, 2006

“Now Concerning the Collection” – Part 7: Our Attitude in Giving

Collection Plate

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul gave the brethren instructions about the collection (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). These instructions included what was to be done (taking up the collection) and when it was to be done (on the first day of the week). He wrote back to them in a follow-up letter and included teaching about the attitude they should have in giving.
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October 5, 2006

“Now Concerning the Collection” – Part 6: Tithing vs. Free Will Offerings

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Many refer to the giving done on the first day of the week as tithing. This is a term we find in the Old Testament. The first instance came after Abram (later called Abraham, Genesis 17:5) defeated Chedorlaomer and the kings who had banded together with him. Abram came to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God, and “gave him a tenth of all” (Genesis 14:20). The King James Version says he “gave him tithes of all.” This was what a tithe was – ten percent.
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October 5, 2006

“Now Concerning the Collection” – Part 5: Correlation Between Giving and Fellowship

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Various works are carried out using the funds collected by the church. Since all the brethren at a local congregation make contributions into the treasury, they are working together in these activities. In Scripture this is called fellowship – joint participation. Paul warned, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11, KJV). Another translation says, “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness” (NASB). When we participate together in a work, we have fellowship with one another. When we place funds into a common treasury, we are working together in the works that are supported out of the treasury. Therefore, our giving on the first day of the week is one way in which we have fellowship together.
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