WHY GIVE?

 

Tithing reflects a grateful heart that wants to give back to God a portion of what he has given us.  The truth is, all that we have is already God’s, He has just allowed us to enjoy it.  Tithing is our opportunity to show God that He is first in our lives. James 1:17 says that “every good and perfect gift is from above…” so we have an opportunity to tangibly show God that we recognize Him as the owner of our finances by giving back to Him the first of what He gives us.

 

 1.     Tithing reflects our heart.

  What is the most important thing to you?  Jesus said in Matthew 6:21 “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  We can see the reality of that in the world today and the exaltation of the financially successful, and more personally you can see that by looking at your own bank account. Our money goes to what we deem as important.

 

 2.     Giving to God should be a first act.

  Long before tithing was a practice of the Israelite people, Cain and Able, the second generation of the human race, brought an offering to the Lord.  The Lord blessed Abel’s offering, but rejected Cain’s.  Abel brought of the “firstborn of his flock,” while Cain brought “some of the fruits of the soil,” as an offering. God wants to be first.

 

 3.     Tithing is Biblical

  Tithing is mentioned 40 times in the Bible, 32 times in the Old Testament and 8 times in the New Testament. 

  Before the Law, Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek king of Salem.  Gen. 14:18-20

  Malachi 3:10

 

  “Bring all of the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts,  “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

  Matthew 23:23

 

  Jesus does not condemn tithing but says that there are more important actions to be doing. Tithing alone does not make you right with God.

 

 4. Tithing allows the church to be a blessing

  When you give you are participating in the Kingdom work that God is doing in this area and around the world.  The church is able to bless others through gifts given.  Knowing that we are able to bless more people causes our joy to increase.  This should motivate us to give cheerfully and not because of guilt. “God loves a cheerful giver.”

 

 5.     Giving a tenth is a great starting point.

  In the Old Testament there are at least three different tithes required, which totaled around 30% of someone’s income.  Simply put giving 10% is a great starting point and as we mature in our walk with God there may be times that we give more than just 10%.

 

 6.     Generosity is the key. 1 Corinthians 8

  In order to be a generous person it must start with “giving yourself to God.” This simple act frees each of us to be generous with everything else. Giving of our finances is personal for each person. You give as God moves in your heart to give.  This faith step could cause you to generously release more than you ever thought possible.  In return,   watch and see how God rewards your actions.

 

 

 

GIVING OPTIONS

We are pleased to offer you several convenient methods for giving your tithes and offerings as well as other contributions.

 

 

Option 1: Automatic Withdrawal

You can set up an automatic withdrawal from your bank account that directly deposits to The Oaks Baptist Church by simply downloading this giving form, filling out the necessary information, and returning it to The Oaks Baptist Church. It's that easy!

 

 

 

Option 2: Giving during a Gathering

Every worship gathering there is an opportunity to give when we pass the offering plates.  This option is for those who like the ability to physically bring their offerings as an act of worship alongside of praising God in song and being encouraged by a relevant message.

 

 

 

Option 3: Online Banking

You can submit your tithe and any additional gifts through your personal bank’s online bill payment service.  Identify The Oaks as your payee, specify your name as the account, and use the following information for the payee address:

 

 

The Oaks Baptist Church

801 E. I-20

Grand Prairie, TX 75052

 

 

Your bank will send The Oaks the payment, and we will record it towards your giving records just as if you had written the check yourself.

 

 

Option 4: E-Giving

E-Giving is available for one-time gifts or for scheduled, recurring contributions.  Whether you’d like to give a single gift, schedule ongoing donations or view your giving history, you can do it all online.  It’s quick, easy and secure.  You can give your tithe here as well as your gifts.

 

This safe and flexible option is the easiest way to give at The Oaks!  If you haven’t already done so, simply create a web user account.  You may then give a one-time gift or set up you tithe, Global Impact, or other contributions. You may also add, edit or delete your scheduled transactions at your convenience online.  You specify the giving amount and where the funds should be applied.  Review your giving history anytime through this access point.  It’s quick, easy, and secure.

 

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