Category: Alms

We Need a Reformation of the Pocketbook!

by timhowington, posted in Alms, Generosity, Jesus and Money, Stewardship

martin luther 95 thesis“People go through three conversions: the conversion of their head, their heart and their pocketbook. Unfortunately, not all at the same time.” -Martin Luther

In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his famed 95 Theses on the Castle Church in  Wittenberg, Germany. This act of protest would spark the Protestant Reformation.  While the content of his concerns were salvific in nature, he went on to teach everything under the sun about living out the Christian life,  including the need for us to have a conversion experience related to the way we think about our money. Continue reading “We Need a Reformation of the Pocketbook!” →

Alms Giving Gives the Giver Confidence

by timhowington, posted in Alms, Generosity, Giving, Poor

Have you ever wondered if your faith is genuine? You may be able to recite all the creeds and your behavior is consistent with what you read in the Bible and the Christian subculture you associate with. But, you are looking for something deeper. Something that reassures your heart as well as your mind. I ran across a passage in 1 John 3 that is both convicting and comforting all at the same time.

17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him 18 little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 19 We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him 20 in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

Continue reading “Alms Giving Gives the Giver Confidence” →