IMITATE the Way of Christ: First Fruits

Way of Christ: First Fruits  Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NLTWe don’t give to get. Our motivation for giving is our love for God   2 Cor. 9:6-7Tithing is a non-essential doctrine of the church, but surrender is essentialWas Jesus interested in Zacchaeus’ money or his heart?Luke 19: 2-10Generosity should be a mark of the churchHonor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increaseProverbs 3:9-10Notice that first fruits are about what AND when you giveGenesis 4:1-5 NASB Joshua 8:1-2 NLT 1st born that are clean are sacrificed. 1st born that are unclean are redeemed   Exodus 13:11-15 NLTLeviticus 23:9-10Jesus fulfilled the First Fruits Sacrifice 1st Corinthians 15:20-23 NIVPut something aside on the first day of the week1st Corinthians 16:1-4  NIVDon’t give to the church because we need it or because you should.  Give because lives are being changed We pay tithes, we contribute offerings, and we give alms. Offerings imply sacrifice. Mark 12:41-44  NIVAlms imply mercy  Acts 3:1-3  NASBIs God first in your heart? Matthew 6:21 NASB