Seeing our Blessings

“We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost – also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”—Numbers 11:5–6

The Torah portion for this week is Behaalotecha, from Numbers 8:1–12:16 and the Haftorah from Zechariah 2:14–4:7.

The manna that fell from heaven was miraculous. It fell daily, with the exception of the Sabbath, when no work was permitted. There was exactly enough, even on Friday, when two times the amount needed fell so that there would be enough for the Sabbath. The Sages teach that the manna tasted exactly like the person eating it wanted it to taste.
Pretty amazing! So how is it possible that the Israelites complained about it?

Praise God for Answered Prayer!

Written by Charles Spurgeon

Take today’s next step: Why Doesn’t God Answer my Prayer?

 “I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart” Psalm 9:1

Praise should always follow answered prayer, just like the mist of earth’s gratitude rises when the sun of heaven’s love warms the ground. Has the Lord been gracious to you, and heard your voice as your earnestly pray? Then praise Him as long as you live! Don’t deny a song to Him who has answered your prayer and given you the desire of your heart.

To be silent over God’s mercies is to incur the guilt of ingratitude. It is to act as ungratefully as the nine lepers. After they were cured of their leprosy, they did not even bother to return to give thanks to the Lord who healed them. (Luke 17:11-19)

To forget to praise God is to refuse to benefit ourselves. Praise, like prayer, is one great means of growing our spiritual life. It helps to remove our burdens, to excite our hope, and to increase our faith. It is a healthy and invigorating exercise which quickens the pulse of the believer, and nerves us for fresh enterprises in our Master’s service.

The Broken Cheeseburger

Here’s a great story making it’s rounds on the internet. If you have kids, around kids or remember back to your younger days, you recall how picky or particular you like certain foods to be cut. For me, I had to have all crust taken off.

Well, here’s the story of a 7 year old who does not like her hamburger to be cut in half. Here’s the story via the Blaze…

There was a similar issue with the cheeseburger placed in front of 7-year-old Arianna Hill at a Chili’s restaurant in Midvale, Utah. Hill, it turns out, has autism and wouldn’t touch the cheeseburger that had been cut in half. To her, it was “broken.”

Hymn Hypocrisy

Do you ever feel like a total hypocrite when you realize what is coming out of your mouth at church?

I don’t mean the words of worship and praise for God—those always sound right. And I don’t mean the words of confession of sin or the words of prayer. I am referring to the words of hymns that describe our lives as Christians.

Take, for instance, Frances Havergal’s famous hymn of personal dedication, “Take My Life and Let It Be.” The fourth stanza always makes me feel kind of sheepish (we’d blush if that were possible in this age of no shame): “Take my silver and my gold; Not a mite would I withhold.” I think of my decades of selfishness. Can you sing that stanza with a straight face and mean it?

Attitude of Gratitude

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron, “Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over the streams and canals, over the ponds and all the reservoirs—and they will turn to blood.” Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, even in vessels of wood and stone.’”—Exodus 7:19

This Torah portion for this week, Vaeira, is from Exodus 6:2—9:35 and Ezekiel 28:25–29:12.

Moses and Aaron had clearly defined roles. Moses would be the leader of the children of Israel, but Aaron would be his mouthpiece since Moses felt limited by his speech impediment. Aaron would speak; Moses would take action. Aaron would make promises; Moses would deliver. The two brothers were a team bringing their strengths to the table and compensating for each other’s weaknesses.

This being the case, the Sages are puzzled when Aaron, not Moses, is commanded to bring about the first three plagues after warning Pharaoh. Wasn’t this Moses’ arena? Moses brought about the remainder of the plagues, so why not the first three?

Turn, Turn, Turn

With gratitude to God, I write these words overlooking the walls of Jerusalem just two hours before the holyday of Sukot starts and just two miles from where King David himself celebrated Tabernacles. 

Yet, even while wrapped in Jerusalem’s eternal spiritual transcendence, I am typing on a first rate computer connected to high speed Internet in an air-conditioned office.

Many cities like Istanbul, Prague, and Tallinn display similar contrasts between ancient and modern.  But Israel’s ever-present ancient aura is the fuel propelling the country into modernity.

With fewer than 10% of the population of her four contiguous neighbors, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, Israel’s Gross Domestic Product is about equivalent to the aggregate of those four countries.  Imagine if tiny Rhode Island produced more wealth than Georgia.  Instead, as you’d expect, Rhode Island’s GDP is about 1/10th of Georgia, which has about ten times the population of Rhode Island.

One explanation routinely offered for the abysmal economic performance by Israel’s four neighbors is Israel’s existence.  There are problems with that excuse.  One, they weren’t doing any better before 1948 or before they launched several unsuccessful wars against Israel.  Two, being surrounded by enemies, the monumental costs of self-defense impose a disproportionate burden upon the tiny Jewish state. 

The Teacher's Hand

Bruce Howell

A SCHOOL TEACHER asked her first graders to draw a picture of something they were thankful for. She thought of how little these children from poor neighborhoods actually had to be thankful for. She reasoned that most of them would no doubt draw pictures of turkeys on tables with lots of other food.

She was surprised with the picture that Douglas handed in. It was the picture of a human hand, poorly drawn. But whose hand? The other children tried to guess. One said it was the hand of God because He brings the food to us. Another said it was the hand of a farmer because he raises and grows the food.

Finally, when the others were back at their work, the teacher bent over Douglas’ desk and asked whose hand it was. "Why, its your hand, teacher," he mumbled.

Finding Joy in Difficulties?

Gail Rodgers
Are you confused and not sure what to do or where to turn?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

I have always been a bit uneasy with James 1:2 where Jesus followers are encouraged to “consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds”. When I find things in God’s word that are hard to understand I “camp” on them for a time and ask God to reveal His wisdom.

Recently I taught four sessions at a weekend women’s retreat. One of the sessions included the wise counsel of 2 Corinthians 12: 9 & 10 where Paul tells us the words the Lord spoke to him when he asked about something that was deeply challenging him in his life. The Lord’s reply was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

Paul goes on to say that because of God’s promise to be his strength right in the midst of his weakness, he can “delight in difficulties”!

Do You Know Your Hebrew Name & Birthday?

Value the Kindness of God

R.T. Kendall Daily Devotionals - By Love Transformed

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. —Titus 3:4-5

Gratitude may be defined simply as showing that one values the kindness of God. It is a feeling, but it is more than a feeling. Gratitude is also demonstrated by what we do; it may be a sacrifice in that we don't have an overwhelming feeling. Sometimes we feel grateful; sometimes we do not. But we must always be grateful, whether or not we feel like it. We must do it, that is, demonstrate gratitude not only by words but also by deeds.

Gratitude shows that we set a value on God's kindness. "In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:7).

Sanctification is thus the process by which we are made holy. It is both a process and an experience. It is used in the New Testament, however, in more than one way. Sanctification is something that happens to every Christian.

Making Miracles

As the Passover meal progresses, we go from recounting the Passover story to expressing our gratitude for the great miracles that God did on behalf of the Nation of Israel. What better text to read from than Psalms of thanksgiving written by King David? In Psalm 114 we read about the Exodus from Egypt. The Psalmist reveals that when the Israelites approached the Red Sea, it “looked and fled.” But what exactly did the sea look at that made it split?

Jewish tradition teaches us that the sea saw the bones of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who had requested that the Israelites take his remains with them when they left Egypt. Something about the bones of Joseph caused the sea to react. What? For the answer, we turn to Joseph’s greatest moment.

Joseph’s greatest achievement was not becoming the second-in-command of Egypt. It wasn’t even his willingness to help out his brothers even though they hadn’t exactly treated him with the same kindness that he would later bestow upon them.


Joseph’s greatest moment came when he refused the advances of the wife of his master. After being sold into slavery in Egypt, Joseph found himself working in the home of Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife took a liking to him and tried daily to ensnare Joseph in sin.

Against his grain and natural desires, Joseph was able to refuse her offers: “…‘How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’ And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her” (Genesis 39: 9–10). Tradition teaches that when the sea saw the remains of Joseph it said, “If Joseph can go against his nature, I too can go against my own.” And it split.

The Crucifixion

by Tim Chaffey, AiG–U.S.

On the day often called Good Friday many Christians will commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Creator put on human flesh and died a horrific death on the Cross. Rather than worshiping Him as their Creator and God, most people rejected Him and sentenced Him to death. How could the day associated with mankind’s heinous act possibly be called good?

The answer to this question is found in the purpose for Christ’s death. Jesus said that He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Since we have all sinned against the infinitely holy God, we deserve to pay the price for our rebellion—death (Romans 3:23). But praise God for His mercy and grace! Rather than condemning us for our sin, the Bible tells us that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to take the punishment we deserve (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Consider this incredible truth. The omnipotent Creator loves us enough to humble Himself to the point of dying on the Cross for our sins (Philippians 2:8; Isaiah 53:5, 8). Jesus spoke about this type of love to His disciples on the night before He laid down His life for sinners. He stated, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Not only did Christ give them a lesson about the self-sacrificing nature of true love, but He likely alluded to His impending death on the Cross, which He had already explained to them on previous occasions (Matthew 20:17–19).

Jesus endured unimaginable torment for us. He was rejected by His own people, spat upon, beaten, mocked, and scourged. These sufferings led to His sacrificial death on the Cross and subsequent Resurrection, which paid the price for our sins, satisfied the justice and wrath of the Father, and gave us the certain hope of eternal life with Him.

How could we ever adequately respond to this immeasurable gift? Our words could never sufficiently express the gratitude owed to our Savior. Some of our greatest songwriters have attempted to capture the beautiful truth of Christ’s sacrifice, but even their exceptional words fall short. Perhaps Isaac Watts came the closest in his magnificent hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

We have no reason to boast in ourselves because Jesus paid our entire sin debt—we were unable to appease the wrath of a holy God on our own. Praise God that salvation is freely given to those who turn from their sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ! As Watts concluded, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

So as you reflect on what Christ did for you nearly 2,000 years ago, commit yourself to giving Him your soul, your life, and your all.

Help keep these daily articles coming. Support AiG.

ttp://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2012/04/06/crucifixion

Worship : Worship Without Compassion

Julianna Morlet

Worship without compassion is robbery.
It leaves us full and fat with spiritual things. It leaves us over stuffed and selfishly hoarding the message of peace and grace and love of God. Worship without compassion robs those around us from encountering God.

Worship without compassion is vanity.
It sets up a mirror in front of our faces and never moves. We see only the inward struggle and strife of our lives and never gain perspective on the reality of our surroundings. We become self-consumed, thinking only of ourselves and cut off from the world.

Worship without compassion is debauchery.
It exploits the sacredness of the relationship between man and God, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the moving of the Holy Spirit in and through His people because it means nothing if not coupled with redeeming and rebuilding the lives of the least, last, and lost.

Worship without compassion is unaccepted by God.
He rejects the worship of those who are not becoming measures of Himself to the world. If we are not acting as the Church, we cannot worship as the Church because they are one in the same.

"I can't stand your religious meetings. I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me?Do you know what I want? I want justice-oceans of it. I want fairness-rivers of it. That's what I want. That's all I want." [Amos 5:21-24]

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness,t and to walk humbly with your God?" [Micah 6:8]

The truth of who God is, what He has done, and who He has created us to be should create in us a passion and gratitude and a spirit of worship, causing us to be mobilized in compassion towards the injustices of this world.

Dear God, let this be so of me.
I want to be Your hands and feet and eyes and ears to those hurting around me. I want to see all wrongs made right and all that is broken be made new. I want to see You more so that I may respond with greater effect. I want to lead people to meet You. I want them to encounter You. By Your truth I will passionately worship so that others can see You.
Amen.
- - - - -
Want to come see what we're doing Sunday nights at Antioch? Go here for all the details. If you're in So. Cal

come see us!

About Julianna Morlet

Julianna Morlet is the girl behind the lifestyle blog, The Girl That Sings. Her blog is focused on her journey as a homemade singer, writer, speaker. If she could sum up who she is in one sentence it'd be, "A visionary idealist who wishes to conquer the world before her 25th birthday." She is the eldest of six children, and is being well-seasoned and fashioned by this life. From sexual abuse, to a blended family, to a baby sister with leukemia, to college in the mid-west and her journey as a homemade singer and worship leader, she has been led to a faith in God that cannot be shaken. You can find her @ juliannamorlet.com, Facebook, Twitter, and She Seeks.

http://juliannamorlet.blogspot.com/2011/12/worship-night-recap-and-then-some.html

HEALING : One Out of Ten

Luke 17:11-19

Ten men came to Jesus. At first, at a distance, as they would with anyone, so that their skin disease wouldn't scare them off. But then, they made their plea for help. Jesus sees this, and gives them instructions, which they follow: show yourselves to the priests, you'll be clean before you get there. Result: all ten left to do as required, and as they were leaving, all of them were being cured of the disease.


However, one of them turned around (Greek hypostrephô). No little term here: in Acts 22:13-17, the apostle Paul uses it to describe his own change of life direction. The one leper came back to thank Jesus, throwing himself at Jesus' feet. That's not just thanks, it's worship; it's not just that, it's touch. It's a level of closeness that the man hadn't experienced since getting the disease. Jesus then says, "Your faith has made you well".


What did Jesus mean by that? All ten were cured, made clean of the disease. No small act for even a celebrated healer, and no small thing for any of the ten men, a turning point in their lives. But only the one who turned away from everything else and gave full-out praise, only that one was declared "well". By way of his worship of Jesus, he opened up to God's wide panorama of what it means to be made whole. Notice that he's not thanking the other nine lepers, nor was he heaping praise on the strangers around him, not even of the disciples who were with Jesus - the ones Jesus originally was addressing at the start of this scene. No. He went back 'praising God', and 'thanked' Jesus - to him, the two things were pretty much the same. This now ex-leper saw, and understood. He was no longer one among the label 'the sick', no longer one of ten in misery that was company. He was himself - finally! And he knew who he belonged with. The act of returning to Jesus was an act of faith, and that faith made him "well" - wholly a part not only of the society around him, but also the Kingdom of God, which is the very definition of what it means to be "well" and whole. God is not just paying attention, but is hard at work all of human life. The ex-leper now knew this from his own skin. There was no separation of being healed of a medical illness and spiritual healing, to him it was all just healing, and he was joyous over it. He goes, but not just in a self-beneficial obedience like the other nine. He goes as living, breathing evidence of Jesus' ministry and work on earth and beyond.


This sense of being "well" comes in the context of the kingdom. In the immediate case, it means wellness in the context of core matters and acts of faith, such as confession and forgiveness, bearing one's cross, and self-giving to others.

http://www.spirithome.com/healings.html#godtalk

Biblical Principles Concerning Contributions to the Church

Study By: admin

To Whom Do We Give?

When the Christian gives, he may give to individuals or to the church, but in the final analysis in doing so he is giving to God (see Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 6:2-4; 22:17-21; Acts 5:4; Romans 14:4-8; 2 Corinthians 8:5; Colossians 3:22-25).

Who Should Give?

Only those who have been united with Christ and His church by personal faith in Jesus Christ should give to the people of God and the work of God. In the Bible, every command or exhortation to give is addressed to believers. Taking funds from unbelievers is prohibited (3 John 7; see also 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

Why Should God's People Give?

1. Giving is an obligation

In the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Haggai 1:1-11; Malachi 3:7-12) and in the New (Romans 12:13; Galatians 2:10; Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:17), the people of God are commanded to give for certain needs. Failing to give for such causes when one is able is therefore an act of disobedience. Not all giving is required, however (see Leviticus 7:16; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15).

2. Giving is a privilege

The churches of Macedonia were models of generosity in giving, even though they were poor. They gladly gave out of gratitude toward God and love for their brethren (2 Corinthians 8 and 9; see especially 8:4, 9). Paul reminds us of Jesus' teaching that "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

3. Giving is one dimension of our stewardship

Very often Jesus spoke of the stewardship of His people in terms of money (see Luke 16:1-13). Our faithfulness as stewards in this "little thing" of money has a bearing on what other (and greater) responsibilities we will be given (see Luke 16:9-12).

4. Giving is an act of worship

The Old Testament saints could only approach God in worship with a sacrifice, and this sacrifice was a contribution, whether whole or in part. In the New Testament, contributions were also described as sacrifices offered up in worship (see Hebrews 9:1-10; 10:1-25; 13:10-16).
No offering is taken during the teaching hour. This is so that unbelievers will not feel obligated to give, or think that their giving would contribute to their salvation. Unbelievers do not need to give to God, but to receive the gift of salvation which He offers to them in Jesus Christ. The offering is taken during the worship time, after the Lord's Supper, to encourage the saints to give as an act of worship.

5. Giving is an investment

Jesus encouraged believers to give in order to "lay up treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-21). Investing earthly money in the advancement of the kingdom of God is one way in which we can lay up spiritual treasure in heaven (see Luke 16:1-13).

6. Giving is an act of self-sacrifice

All Christian service should be a sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). In giving, we should not seek man's praise, but God's (Matthew 6:2-4). We should not give with the hope of getting ahead in this life, but with the faith that God will reward us in heaven (Luke 14:12-14). We should not give under pressure, but willingly and cheerfully, with gratitude for God's grace to us, according to our ability (2 Corinthians 8 and 9).

7. Giving is an expression of brotherly love

Giving is an expression of brotherly love and of Christian unity. The principle is set down in texts such as Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 3:11; Romans 12:13; James 2:15-17 and 1 John 3:15-18. The practice of this principle is seen in Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35; 11:27-30; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; Philippians 4:14-19.

For What Did God's People Give?

In the Old Testament, the Israelites gave for the construction of the temple and for the on-going maintenance of its worship and ministry (Exodus 25:1-9; 35:4-9; 2 Kings 12:4-16; 1 Chronicles 29:1-17;Matthew 17:24-27). They also gave to the poor and needy (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22; Mark 10:21; Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; 11:27-30; Romans 12:13; 2 Corinthians 8 and 9; Galatians 2:10). Old and New Testament saints also gave in remuneration for ministry which they received (see Numbers 18; Luke 10:1-9;Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14). They supported those who ministered to others (Luke 8:1-3; Acts 18:5;2 Corinthians 11:8; Philippians 4:14-19; 2 John 7-11; 3 John 5-8). There was also ministry to those who were suffering and in need (even imprisoned) for the sake of the gospel (Matthew 25:35-40; Philippians 2:25-30;Hebrews 13:3).

How Much Should God's People Give?

In one sense, God's people are to give everything to God (Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:15; 12:33; 14:33). One's loyalty and devotion cannot be shared between God and material possessions (Matthew 6:24). In another sense, we recognize that we really own nothing, that all things belongs to God and we are stewards of them. We may have possessions, but we are not to be possessive (1 Corinthians 7:30). From Acts (2:44-45; 4:32-35; 12:12) we conclude that the early Christians did not claim anything as their own, but neither did they sell everything they possessed. They would, from time to time, sell what they did not need to meet the needs of others, as needs arose. Paul makes it clear that people should give only what they have to give (2 Corinthians 8:12), and this according to one's ability and according to what he or she has purposed to give (2 Corinthians 8:3, 10-14).

What Can God's People Give?

We tend to think primarily of money when we speak of gifts or contributions. Certainly money is one form of contribution to God's people and His work. But in addition to money, other possessions may be given. For example, the materials necessary for the construction of the Tabernacle were donated (see Exodus 25:1-8). Food and clothing may be shared with those in need (Luke 3:11). Another form of contribution is that of labor (see Exodus 35:30--36:5; Philippians 2:25-30; Hebrews 13:16 ["doing good"]).

How Were Monies Obtained?

One can hardly use the term "solicitation" when referring to the scriptural teaching and practice of obtaining contributions. Giving is often spontaneous, though some obligations are set down as commands (see Galatians 6:6). Jesus never solicited funds for His personal support or ministry. In fact, when He urged people to give up their money, He instructed them to give to the poor, not to give to Him or to His ministry. There were a faithful few who sustained our Lord and His followers (Luke 8:1-3). The same seems to be true of Paul, who often labored with his own hands in order to minister physically and financially to others (seeActs 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9). The Christian should never willingly become an unnecessary burden to the church (Galatians 6:4-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-15), and the family should be the first to minister to their own in times of need (1 Timothy 5:3-8). In the New Testament church, the needs of others were made known, and people were encouraged to meet these needs (see Acts 11:27-30; Romans 12:13). The normal pattern is that we should work to meet our own needs, as well as the needs of others (Acts 20:33-35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; Ephesians 4:28). It would seem from our Lord's strong reaction to the abuse of the temple in His day that profit-making efforts ought not to be carried out in the church (Matthew 21:12-17). Funds to carry on the work of God were not solicited from unbelievers (3 John 7-8). We should therefore avoid any fund-raising from those whose spiritual condition is unclear or from those we know to be unsaved.

How Were Contributions Handled and Disbursed?

Not all ministry with money or goods was carried on through the church. In the Old Testament, corners of the field were not harvested, and other gleanings were left for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10). In the New Testament we also see that some giving was done privately, such as through the family (see 1 Timothy 5:4).
Paul was meticulous concerning the way in which monies were collected and distributed so that no allegation of impropriety would arise. There was great effort made to assure donors that the monies given were used for the purposes for which it was contributed. Paul sought to maintain a good testimony, not only before the church but also before all men (see 2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Peter's example in dealing with the deception of Ananias and Sapphira indicates that church leadership must require, as much as possible, that the donors be absolutely honest and forthright in their contributions (see Acts 5:1-6).

General Guidelines For Fund-Raising

1. Fund-Raising, Scriptural Teaching, and IRS Regulations

Paul was conscientious in his handling of contributions so he would demonstrate a high regard "for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." Paul also instructed the saints to "pay their taxes" (Romans 13:6). It is the intent of the Elders of SBC to interpret and apply the laws of the land in a conservative manner and to avoid participating in any questionable contributions. This has led us to the following policies regarding gifts to Sample Bible Chapel:
Gifts to SBC must be gifts. In order for a contribution to be considered tax-deductible, it must be given, without strings, to the church, to be used as the Elders determine. Therefore, gifts cannot be designated by the donor to be "passed through" to other individuals.
Gifts may only be designated to funds which have been established by the Elders of SBC. These designations should be made by use of an envelope, not on the check itself, to avoid even the appearance of "pass through" should the IRS audit the donor.
SBC cannot make purchases on behalf of individuals in order to avoid paying sales tax.
SBC is a non-profit corporation, and as such, we will not engage in activities or the sale of items which generate a profit. If books or materials are sold, they can only be sold at a price that covers the actual cost of the item. Donated items are an exception.
SBC will not engage in business activities, and neither do we wish that others use our building, our meetings, or our directory for conducting business.
SBC does not normally give receipts nor do we generally acknowledge in-kind gifts. Neither do we establish the value of items which are donated to the church. The determination of the value of such gifts is the responsibility of the donor, and the donor will also be responsible to justify this value if questioned by the IRS. If necessary and requested, SBC can verify by letter the donation of a gift for tax purposes.

2. Other Policies Concerning Contributions or Fund-Raising Activities

In general, no fund-raising should be carried out at SBC which does not conform to the biblical principles outlined above.
Fund-raising activities should only be conducted with the approval of the Elders of SBC through the appropriate leadership channel, i.e., Missions, Youth ministries, etc.
Generally, fund-raising for organizations outside of SBC and not supported by SBC should be raised outside of SBC.
The meeting of the church is not to be considered a forum or occasion for fund-raising activities. If approved by the Elders, any fund-raising activity would normally come at the end of the meeting, at the time announcements are given.
Fund-raising should not be done in a way that makes people feel obligated to give under compulsion, rather than willingly and joyfully.
Fund-raising for God's work should not be done among unbelievers.
Fund-raising for entertainment (e.g. a trip to an amusement park) should be done privately or in a context separate from the church meeting.
Funds for the personal benefit and/or entertainment of individuals should be raised by legitimate labor or by the sale of something which has a real value.
Fund-raising should not seek to divert the contribution of monies which would normally be given to support the ministry at SBC.
Gifts to mission boards should be according to their instructions, but the donor should satisfy himself that the board is financially reputable and following IRS non-profit regulations. The exception to this is those who serve as missionaries who are approved and/or supported by SBC. Often it is best to support or contribute to these individuals through a contribution made to the mission board under which they serve.
We realize that there are ministries and individuals outside of our church body which are worthy of the involvement and support of those within our congregation. We do believe that giving to the local church is a priority. Our church building, meetings, and publications (such as the directory or newsletter) should not be used to raise funds for ministries, organizations and individuals outside our church without specific approval by the elders.
http://bible.org/article/biblical-principles-concerning-contributions-church