Isaiah 55:11
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me [a]void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
A caring community preparing people for Christ’s soon return
TITHE AND DEVOTIONAL READING OF THE WEEK
SABBATH 15—APRIL 13, 2024
The Greatest Purpose of Faithfulness
Proverbs 23:26—“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.”
Today’s scripture describes God’s greatest interest. He wants our hearts, which have turned away from Him because of sin, to return to Him. We could call it a “character transformation.”
Read carefully the following quote from Ellen G. White: “This tithing system, I saw, would de- velop character, and manifest the true state of the heart” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 237).
This is the true purpose of faithfulness: to develop character and manifest what truly rules our hearts. We need to understand that the “use” of tithes and offerings is one thing, and the “pur- pose” of tithes and offerings is something completely different. Tithes and offerings are used to advance the cause of God, but the purpose of returning tithes and offerings is the development of our character.
So when we talk about faithfulness in church or to our children, we shouldn’t just argue that God’s cause needs resources and that the mission needs to advance and, therefore, we need to be faithful. What we really should emphasize is how selfishness takes over our hearts when we are not faithful to God.
Imagine, for example, a child who receives an allowance of ten dollars from his parents, and returns one dollar of tithing and another dollar of offering. Over five years, she will have returned sixty dollars of tithe and another sixty dollars of offering. This money certainly will not cause a gre- at impact on the preaching of the gospel in the world, but it is capable of causing a great impact on the character of this child over five years.
What is most important to God is not the monetary difference our offering will make, but the difference it will make in revealing where our treasure truly is. Therefore, I am faithful not because I will get something back, not because God’s cause depends on me, but because I understand the role of faithfulness in transforming my character.
Appeal: Ask God to help you understand the importance of faithfulness to character formation and transformation. Ask Him to help you be faithful in all aspects of life, including in your tithes and offerings and helping those in need.
To return local Budget offerings only, please use the following:
First Trust Bank; Sort Code – 938270 Account No. – 33312061
To return a combination of Tithe; Gift Aid; Sabbath School; Local Budget; Other Offerings please use the following:
First Trust Bank; Sort Code – 938270 Account No. – 33312228
To return local Budget offerings only, please use the following:
First Trust Bank; Sort Code – 938270 Account No. – 33312061
To return a combination of Tithe; Gift Aid; Sabbath School; Local Budget; Other Offerings please use the following:
First Trust Bank; Sort Code – 938270 Account No. – 33312228
CHURCH’S SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
The Belfast Seventh-day Adventist Church Board adopts and follows the BUC keeping Our Church Family Safe child and adult protection policy and procedures. We are committed to safeguarding our children and vulnerable adults who take part in our church services and activities.
We believe it is the responsibility of all to keep our church family safe and the following person has been appointed to offer support and guidance:
BUC Policy Section 10 – Data Protection (2018-03). KCFS Procedures Ireland 2018-11
74-84 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AF
Service Times:
Sabbath School 10:00 am Sabbath (Saturday)
Available classes for all ages. (adults, youth and children.
Divine Worship: 11:15am Sabbath (Saturday)
NEWS
FApril 13th Today: Women’s Ministries Meeting today 2pm-3pm Sharing Testimonies-A time of Comfort, to encourage each other and Express Gratitude to God. Remember to bring your lunch
* Mindfit: A Mental Health Seminar- 11-14th April, each evening at 7pm. Venue Stranmillis University College. Please tell your friends and family
*Balmoral show- All volunteers to meet at the church on Sunday April 21st at 10am to plan and arrange the Event. The Balmoral Show is the Largest Agricultural Show in Northern Ireland May 15th-May 18th. An amazing opportunity to evangelise.
Prayer Meeting- Every Wed Evenings at 7:30 ZOOM ID: 2638989242 (Passcode 000000)
Christ Objects Lessons: Study held every Monday on Zoom with Pastor Gideon at 7pm Zoom 81990409706 passcode 743460
