The Benevolence ministry helps those who are in need of basic, life-sustaining services such as food, water, utilities, clothing, medical care, and other basic needs. At LABC we have an in house fund to help with those that are directly associated with our church, and we also use our funds to support a number of other charitable ministries in the greater Chattanooga area that provide those types of services to the community at large.
As of December 2007 we are pleased to announce a new strategy for benevolence. In the past we have provided assistance from funds specified in our budget. One of the key elements in the new direction that we are taking includes funding our Benevolence fund with free-will offerings. In the month of December we will collect funds designated specifically for benevolence. Any otherwise unspecified Wednesday evening offering will go to the benevolence fund. In addition, those who wish to contribute may contribute in any other Sunday offering by designating the funds for benevolence. (Please make the indication on your offering envelope or on the memo portion of your check)
Those of you who wish to contribute to this fund by mail and still receive a tax credit for the 2007 year please have your envelope post marked by December 31st.
Below is a summary of the relevant points we discussed last Wednesday as deduced from 2 Corinthians chapter 9.
1. Benevolence was a part of the early church.
2 Corinthians 9:1 (NKJV) Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you;
Those of you who wish to contribute to this fund by mail and still receive a tax credit for the 2007 year please have your envelope post marked by December 31st.
Below is a summary of the relevant points we discussed last Wednesday as deduced from 2 Corinthians chapter 9.
1. Benevolence was a part of the early church.
2 Corinthians 9:1 (NKJV) Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you;
2. Benevolence was administered through the church.
2 Corinthians 9:5 (NKJV) Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.
3. Benevolence was collected as a gift and not an obligation.
2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.
4. Benevolence seen in view of the law of sowing and reaping.
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV) But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
5. Benevolence should be given cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV) So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
6. Benevolence is founded on God’s provision.
2 Corinthians 9:8-10 (NKJV) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
7. Benevolence glorifies God.
2 Corinthians 9:12-13 (NKJV) For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,
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