GIVING IS WORSHIP “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7 Putting an offering in the plate is, for many of us, an important part of a worship service, just like the songs and the sermon. Of course, we don't expect guests to contribute - instead we offer the service as a gift to them. But if you consider Oakbrook to be your "church home" - that is, your primary place of worship, then the Bible encourages you to contribute to God's work. ELECTRONIC GIVING At first, electronic giving may seem to take away from this important act of corporate worship. It may seem a bit hollow, making it too easy to forget the significance of giving. But consider Jesus’ instructions about acts of worship and devotion in the Sermon on the Mount: “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them” Matthew 6:1 The most important thing about praying or fasting or giving, Jesus said, is not the outward act, but the reasons for the act. We should give, He said, without the left hand knowing what the right hand is doing. The most important aspect of giving, therefore, was never the method, but the motive. You can download an Electronic Giving Form right now, or you can pick up a brochure on the subject at the church Welcome Center.
Giving is an act of worship. Paul told the Corinthians:
God wants to turn us into givers - just as He is a giver. Giving is an issue of the heart and how you manage your money is an indicator of what you care about and what your priorities are. That's why the Bible often speaks of giving as "First Fruit," meaning that giving to God should come first before you do anything else. Traditionally, the Bible speaks of giving a "tithe" (which means "tenth".) If you are new to giving, ou can look at the Tithe as a goal to reach in a given amount of time. Giving is not a salvation issue - God doesn't love you any more or any less depending on whether you tithe or not - it is a heart issue. God is trying to turn us into givers.
Online Giving is also an excellent way to honor the tradition of "First Fruit." What better way to "Give before you do anything else with money" than when your bank account is automatically drafted soon after you get your paycheck? What peace of mind it is to know that we are honoring God by being a good manager of the money he has blessed us with.
RELATED LINKS
• Electronic Giving Form (downloadable PDF)
• About Oakbrook
• Core Classes 
