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PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.6, N0.39
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 14, 1984
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Points to Stress in an Offertory Message
Holy day offerings are a vital part of God's plan and contribute signifi
cantly to the work of God's Church. The style, content and delivery of the
offertory message should reflect the offering's importance and show rever
ence for God's commandment. Yet, all too often the offering is preceded by
a lackluster nit's time for another offering, so let's all turn to Deuter
onomy 16:16 again.n
God's commandments
tualistic chores.
and privilege that
benefits God.
should not be taken casually or be made to appear as ri
Giving an offering should be viewed as the opportunity
it is. An offering benefits the giver far more than it
Certainly offerings are commanded by God, but this does not always need to
be the main point in the offertory. There are many other aspects which can
and should be emphasized. Here are a few examples:
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•
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How the offering relates to God's plan •
God is love, He is a cheerful giver. And
the character of God, we should learn to
freely and cheerfully.
We are to become God. Since
since we are to be developing
enjoy the opportunity to give
The growth and needs of God's Church. Show what tithes and offerings
have done and will do in helping to spread the Gospel around the world.
Stress teamwork and involvement.
Putting God first. God gave His only Son so we could be reconciled to
God and receive eternal life. Therefore, we should be willing to put
God and His work first in our lives, sacrificing as necessary.
The ur ! ency of completing God's work. God's soon-coming Kingdom is
the on y hope for mankind. Christ will return after the Gospel has
been preached to all the world.
God's blessings. God is the greatest giver. He has given us every
thing we have. He is pleased with our generosity and will more than
make up for it by blessing us in many ways.
Remember, we are to give meat in due season. When giving an offertory mes
sage, emphasize certain aspects of the offering according to the purpose of
the holy day. On the Feast of Trumpets, for example, stress the urgency of
completing God's end-time work, showing how our commitment and sacrifice is
needed more than ever as we look forward to Christ's soon return. During
Pentecost, it would be fitting to explain how giving an offering helps us
develop godly character in preparation for becoming members of God's
Family.