Contribution Towards The Support of The Cause
Since God has brought all of us into His body i.e. the church He has equally given each and everyone what to contribute for the purpose of making His Church to grow. Therefore everyone is expected to support the cause He has given to us by the word of God.
TEACHING DELIVERED BY PASTOR JOHN OLAIDE ALO, OJOTA AREA SUPERINTENDENT AND CONFIDENCIAL SECRETARY TO LAWNA CHAIRMAN AT THE 46TH BENIN CITY AREA ANNUAL CONVENTION HELD BETWEEN FRIDAY 24TH TO 26TH JANUARY, 2025 AT THE AREA HEADQUARTERS.
THAT YOU CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE SUPPORT OF THE CAUSE AS TAUGHT UNTO US IN THE WORD OF GOD – – RULES OF BELIEF NO. 5, 1Chron. 29: 14, Gen. 14:20, 28:22,
Levit. 27:13, 1Corinth 16:1-2.
INTRODUCTION: God created us all to make contributions to his work in one way or the other. Every one of us has one thing or the other to contribute as a way to give our support to the work of God.
DEFINITION OF TERMS: Contribution means to give or supply such as money or time as a part or share. It’s also means to play a significant part in making something to happen.
TOWARDS: In the direction of a long course leading to, in the way of help or assistance.
SUPPORT: To promote the interest or cause of, upheld or defend as valid or right. It is also to argue for or vote for.
CAUSE: A reason for an action or condition. Something that brings about an effect or a result. A matter or question to be decided on.
TYPES OF CONTRIBUTIONS
BASICALLY WE HAVE TWO TYPES OF CONTRIBUTIONS
- POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION
a Financial contributions { donations, fund-raising}
b Volunteer work {time, skill, effort}
c Intellectual contributions{research, ideas , expertise}
d Emotional contributions [encouragement, empathy, listening}
e Spiritual contribution (prayer, fasting and vision)
f Physical contributions { labour, materials, resources}
2 NEGATIVE CONTRIBUTION
a Gossiping i.e. spreading rumors or malicious information about others.
b Bullying i.e. intimidating or harassing others either spiritual physically or emotionally.
c Manipulation i.e. influencing others for personal gain or exploitation.
d Discrimination i.e. treating others unfairly
THOSE WHO ARE QUALIFY FOR CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE CAUSE AS TAUGHT US BY THE WORD:
1 Those who are born again- John. 3:3, 5, 2 Corinth.8:5.
2 Those who are full or filled with Holy Ghost. Acts.1:5-8.
3 Those who are ready to obey the word of God. Isa.66:2
4 Those who are ready to give all for God – Acts. 4:36-37.
5 Those who have the grace to give – 1Corinth. 8:1-2
6 Those who are willing of themselves without anyone forcing them – 1corinth. 8:3.
7 Those who are ready to beg, to give for the work- 1Corinth. 8:4
WHAT WE CAN GIVE TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE:
1 TIME – Ecc.3:1-11.
2 MONEY– Mark 12:42-43.
3 SUBSTANCE: Houses, Cars, Lands, etc. Prov.3:9, Acts. 4:34.
4 PRAYER. Eph. 6:18-19.
5 TITHE AND OFFERING- Mal. 3:10-12
THE CAUSE TO SUPPORT AS TAUGHT UNTO US IN THE WORD OF GOD
1 The cause of making disciples and the cause of teaching and baptizing everyone –
Matt. 28:19-20.
2 The cause of preaching the gospel: Evangelism- Mark 16:15, Matt. 9:35.
3 The cause of making bible and other Christian materials available – Psalm. 68:11, Isa. 52:7, Mark 13:10, Acts 13:49.
4 The cause of helping the poor and the needy _ Ps. 35:10, Matt. 11:5.
5 The cause of healing the sick, raising the dead etc.- Matt. 10:1-2, 11:4-5.
6 The cause of delivering the oppressed – Lk.4:18
7 The cause of visiting the prisoners- Heb. 13:3, Luke 4:18.
8 The cause of helping the widows, widowers strangers and fatherless- Heb. 13:2.
9 The cause of buying lands, building houses of worship and mission houses, schools etc.
10 The cause of taking care of God servants- Gal. 6:6, Romans.15:27.
CONCLUSION: Since God has brought all of us into His body i.e. the church He has equally given each and everyone what to contribute for the purpose of making His Church to grow. Therefore everyone is expected to support the cause He has given to us by the word of God. Romans.12: 3-8, Luke 17:7-10.
