Why Give to Freshwaters?
There are a number of reasons why you may consider giving to Freshwaters. The first and most important reason is that you may feel this is something that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do. 2 Cor 9:7 says ‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver’. We do not want you to feel a ‘compulsion’ to give to Freshwaters, but rather to give cheerfully as you determine in your heart in prayer.
You may also have read passages from the bible about giving and feel that you would like to respond to these through your own giving.
Some within Freshwaters believe that the principles of ‘tithes’ and ‘offerings’ (see below) are still relevant for today. Others hold different views, but almost all would agree that the bible teaches that our giving is an important part of following Jesus.
Finally, we hope that you will believe in the vision of Freshwaters and will want to invest as we seek to play our part in serving Jesus by encouraging and supporting those within Freshwaters and seeking, in every way we can, to encourage new followers of Jesus.
What are 'Tithes and Offerings'?
Tithe means literally ‘a tenth part’, The first record of tithing is found in the account of Abraham giving a tenth of the booty he had won in battle to Melchizedek, king of Salem (later to be Jerusalem) and ‘Priest of the most High God’ (Gen 14:18-20). Abraham recognised that his victory was due to God’s blessing, not to his own strength. He gave to God through Melchizedek in thankfulness for God’s blessing and protection.
Jacob made a vow promising God a tenth of all his possessions if God would go with him on his journeys, protecting and providing for him and ensuring his safe return. (Gen 28:20)
As Moses gave the law to the Israelites the principle of tithing was clearly built in. (See Numbers 18:20-32).
It is clear from 2 Chronicles 30 & 31 that restoration of the tithe (31:5,6) was an important element in the revival of Israel’s devotion to the Lord brought about under Hezekiah’s reign. A similar notion is described in Nehemiah 10:37.
The final mention of tithing in the Old Testament comes from Malachi 3:8-10, which starkly declares that those Israelites who were not returning their tithe or giving their offerings were robbing God, and that this had resulted in a curse upon them.
In addition to ‘tithes’, the Old Testament speaks about ‘freewill offerings’, e.g. Exodus 35:29. These were offerings in addition to the regular tithe – often for a specific purpose. The passage in Malachi 3:8-10 states that the withholding of offerings as well as tithes was 'robbing God' and resulted in a curse.
Prov 3:9 - tells us to 'Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.'.
New Testament Passages about Giving
In Matt 6:1-4 when talking about giving to the needy, Jesus warns us not to make a big show.
In Mark 12:42-44 Jesus highlights the widow giving into the temple treasury. Others gave large sums from their wealth, but Jesus said the widows gift was worth more, because she ‘out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.'
In Matt 6:19-20 Jesus warns us not to hoard wealth ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ and ‘You cannot serve both God and money.’
In 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 we see Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians to give generously and cheerfully. Read also in Philippians 4:10-20 Paul’s thanks for the sacrificial giving of the believers in Philippi.
These verses primarily refer to giving to assist fellow believers in need rather than towards the church as such. However, 1 Tim 5:17 talks about the support of the ‘elders who direct the affairs of the church’ and 1 Cor 9:3-14 explains the importance of supporting those who have ‘sown spiritual seed among you’ – although Paul chose not to accept such support.
How can I give to Freshwaters?
You can give to Freshwaters through a standing order or by individual transfers directly into our bank account, through this online link or via Text Giving. You can also give by cash or cheque into the offering box on a Sunday morning.
If you are a UK Tax Payer please consider completing the Gift Aid declaration . This will enable us to reclaim 20% of your gift from HMRC without any extra cost to you. Please sign and return the form to admin@freshwaterscf.org.uk or print and give to a FCF Leader or Trustee or post into the offering box.
Conclusion
Freshwaters does not take offerings during our meetings and we do not often talk about giving to the Fellowship. Instead we provide opportunities to give quietly ‘what you have determined in your heart’.
Please feel free to talk to us about our finances, request information, ask us questions or make suggestions. Please also pray for us as a Fellowship and for all our members, including yourself, that ‘God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil 4:19).
For Bank Transfer
Account: Freshwaters Christian Fellowship
Barclays Bank plc, Sort Code: 20-36-98
Account Number: 10997374
For Text Giving
Single - Text FCF1OFF 5 to 70085 to give £5 (or change amount as required). Cost will be the amount plus one standard rate message.
Regular - Text FCFREG 5 to 70085 to give £5 per month (or change amount as required). Text cost amount plus two standard rate messages.
For Online Giving