One Critical Key to the Church Moving Forward

Ezra 1:6

And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.

Ezra was about to embark on a great task of rebuilding the temple. This task needed several things to be accomplished. It needed Ezra’s vision, the help of the people to build, supplies to build the temple, and God’s help to complete this great task. However, there is one critical key that I did not mention. The critical key to this project moving forward was the need for the people to give. You will notice that the people gave vessels of silver, gold, goods, and they even offered their beasts so this great work could be accomplished.

We then see that financial support had to be given to cover the expenses of this task. Ezra 6:8 says, Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. It is amazing that even the king understood it takes money to finance the ability to complete this great work.

My friend, no church can move forward and reach its area for Christ without finances. Finances are a critical part of building a church. Everyone wants to enjoy their church, but many do not want to give to their church through offerings to help finance its work. I want you to understand that it takes a lot of money to finance a church. Money is needed to pay utility bills, building maintenance, supplies for the restrooms, gas for the buses, insurance for the buildings and vehicles, and salaries for the church staff. These are just a few of the expenses a church must finance to move forward.

I want you to notice two things that God points out in the book of Ezra as to why you need to give. First, it strengthens the hands of those doing the work. Building a church presents a significant challenge when you lack the necessary finances. By giving to your church, you are strengthening the hands of those trying to build it, as they have the financial power to purchase the necessary items to promote the church's name in the community to reach the lost.

Second, giving keeps the work from being hindered. I would hate to think that my unwillingness to give has hindered my church’s ability to spread the Gospel. Let’s face it, you can't run the buses to bring people to church if you don't have the finances to do it. You can't print the church tracts to invite people to church if you don't have the money to do it. It would greatly hinder the church’s ability to grow if the pastor had to lay off staff because he didn't have the finances to pay their salary.

My friend, it is a fact of life that a church needs finances to exist and grow. Amazingly, we don't complain about sports teams building new facilities to house their growing crowds, so why do we complain about giving to the work of the Lord so it can grow? Giving to the Lord’s work shows you love the Lord and that you want Him to have your heart. It shows that you are invested in your church and that you want your church to effectively reach the lost. For the sake of reaching the lost, I challenge you to tithes and give offerings as the Scriptures command so that you can help strengthen the hands of those working, and so that your church’s growth is not hindered by lack of finances.