We can never repay God for the gift of eternal life through His Son or for the blessings He bestows on us daily, but we can give back to Him through our service and finances.

Service
God has equipped everyone with specific gifts and abilities as well as passions and interests which can all be used in ways to glorify Him. We are all called to serve Him in the ways He has gifted us.

Click here for a list of opportunities to serve.

Finances
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is one of those "churchy" words, but what is it exactly, anyway? Dictionary.com defines the word tithe as:

the tenth part of personal income set apart as an offering to God or for works of mercy, or the same amount regarded as an obligation or tax for the support of the church, priesthood, or the like.

According to God's Word, the concept of the tithe simply means giving 10% back to God from all of your income sources whether it be your job, your spouse's job, second jobs, side work, income from a small business, or investment income. As a church body, we believe God has instructed us to give at least a minimum of 10% of our income back to Him in order to advance His Kingdom through the ministries of our church.

Where is tithing in the Bible?
Genesis 14:18-20
Leviticus 27:30
Malachi 3:8-12
Matthew 23:23

I'll Never Make Enough Money to Tithe
A popular argument that I hear from many Christians is that "I/we don't make enough money to give 10%." My response has always been, "you cannot afford not to give!" Giving 10% is not just for "rich" people. This is a Biblical giving principle that has been around for thousands of years for young and old, rich and poor. The reality is that it's probably harder for wealthy people to give 10% of $10,000 than it is for less wealthy people to give 10% of $1,000.

The only way you can learn to be more generous is to start where you are today. If you're making a monthly income of $2,000, than establish a monthly family budget and put God's tithe of $200 right at the top of your cashflow plan. Then adjust your lifestyle budget issues accordingly. Sometimes the budget numbers aren't always going to work, but you know what? God's Economy doesn't always equal man's economy. This is when we as believers in Jesus Christ will need to step out in faith and trust God. He has promised to take care of our day-to-day needs.

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:31-34).

Honor God first in your finances. Be obedient to His Word. Pray for His provision and blessing. If you need help in your family's finances, contact Larry Jones at ljones@firstbaptistraytown.com for information about the Financial Peace University classes offered at FBR.

Financial Peace University

The next 12-week session of Financial Peace University will begin on Sunday, January 29 at 4:30 p.m. in room B-301. The first class is free. In order to attend the entire session, a FPU kit must be purchased through the church at a special discounted rate of $95. We understand that this cost is not affordable for every family, and the church does not want the cost of the kit to hinder anyone from taking the course. You can contact Larry Jones 778-1115 or ljones@firstbaptistraytown.com to discuss the financial options available to you.

Click here to sign up for Financial Peace University.