Why Should I Make a Faith Promise Offering?
Every Christian from age seven or so and up is encouraged to make a Faith Promise Offering to Missions. But why? Without considering the numerous testimonies of those who have experienced the blessings of Faith Promise Giving to missions, think about the following biblical reasons for making a Faith Promise Offering.
1. To prove or demonstrate my love for God. “I speak not by commandment, but…to prove the sincerity of your love” (2 Corinthians 8:8).
2. To help with the carrying out of the Great Commission. The last commandment of Jesus was to evangelize the entire world (Matthew 28:19-20). This is yet to be fulfilled. Each one of us who are Christ’s disciples is responsible for its fulfillment. Missionaries are desperately trying to raise their support so they can go to their fields. My Faith Promise Offering will help provide the money with which to send them. “And how shall they preach except they be sent?” (Romans 10:15).
3. To put faith into practice. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7); “…so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).
4. To abound in the grace of giving. “Therefore, as ye abound in everything…see that ye abound in this grace also” (2 Cor. 8:7).
5. To follow the many biblical examples of faith giving, e.g., the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16); the Macedonian Christians (2 Cor. 8:1-5).
6. To follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ in giving. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Cor. 8:9).
7. To follow the inspired advice of Paul who said it is expedient, not only to give, but to make a commitment to give. “…for this is expedient for you…” (2 Cor. 8:10).
8. To experience the blessings of the Lord Jesus, Who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Cf. Also Luke 6:38.
9. To encourage others in the grace of giving. “…and your zeal hath provoked very many” (2 Cor. 9:2).
10. To reap a bountiful spiritual harvest in my own life. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully’ (2 Cor. 9:6).
11. To experience the love of God is all its fullness. “for God loveth a cheerful (hilarious) giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).
12. To prove God and thus build my faith. “Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts…” (Malachi 3:10).
13. To bring glory to God. “Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men” (2 Cor. 9:13).
14. To build up my account in heaven. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:20). “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (Phil. 4:17).
15. To please God. “…an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18).
Article written by Robert A. Mundy, D.D.; Faith Promise Offering Bulletin Insert 4; Baptist Mid-Missions · PO Box 308011 · Cleveland, OH 44130-8011
