Good day brethren, thanks be to God for the teaching today on the 11th day of mass indoctrination. Today, Bro Eli taught us extensively about good works that God expects us to do, but which are not imposed on us. We are to decide whether or not we want to engage in them, and to what extent. These include making vows, giving in the church, and thanksgiving.
Concerning vows, the bible does not instruct that we must make vows to God, but bible records some people who made vows to God. An example is Hannah. When we make vows, we must fulfill them. It is not a sin to decide not to make any vow, but when we do, we are indepted to God, and we must fulfill it if we want to please God.
4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.- Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (KJV)
It is even better not to make a vow than making a vow that you cannot fulfill, or that you forget to fulfill your vow. Vows could be in form of celebacy (for example like Apostle Paul), abstinence from alcohol consumption, and so on. Apostle Paul also made a vow and he kept it (Acts 18:18).
Giving towards the work of the Lord is also a voluntary thing. The bible says God loves a cheerful giver. This means it should not be dictated for a giver what he must give, or how much he must give. Else, that seizes to be voluntary.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
This does not mean taking collections in church is wrong, because the church has needs that must be met; needs like payment of utility bills, domestic staff, radio and television broadcast, rent/lease, etc. Other obligations of the church include reaching out to needy in the society, taking care of widows and orphans, and so on. All these will be done through the generous donations of members of the church. However, this must be voluntary.
The church at Philipi willingly gave to Apostle Paul towards the work of the ministry, and he acknowledged this in Philippians 4:15-19. Barnabas likewise sold his land to give the money to the church (Acts 5:1-5). It is important to note that when we give, we should not boast about it, or make a public show of it. God sees our gifts and efforts, and he will reward accordingly, since He is the one we are giving to.
Thanksgiving is another way we show appreciation to God. While doing this, we may accompany our thanks with an offering to God. We can do thanksgiving for anything that God does for us - graduation, promotion, safety, healing, childbirth, and so on.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Thanksgiving can be as often as you decide to do it, but it all depends on you, and the offering you attach to your thanksgiving will be determined by you, not imposed on you by anyone. This is what the doctrines of Christ preaches, and should be the standard of the church.
Thank God the lesson of today, and thanks for reading this post and watching the video. God bless you, and see you later.
