about giving

In short, yes. At The Testimony Church, everything we do and believe is under the submission to the instruction God has given us in the Bible. Whether we want to recognize it or not, the Bible talks about giving quite a bit. Notice in Matthew 6:2, Jesus said, "when you give to the needy..." not "if" you give to the needy. At the Testimony Church we use the money you give in three ways: 1. To support the Willey family as they carry our the call to be missionaries to America. 2. To care for the needs of the other members of The Testimony Church as the Holy Spirit leads us. 3. To care for the poor and widows in the community as the Holy Spirit leads us. 

God has given all of us much, for He has given us life and His creation. Even though the Bible says that "the earth is the LORD's and everything in it," in Psalm 24:1, He has shared everything He has created with us. Giving to the cause of His Kingdom through the church or other believers in need is a good indicator of how we view the resources God has given us. A correct view of our time, talent, testimony, and treasure is one that is rooted in stewardship. You and I do not own what we have, we are simply stewarding what belongs to God. This frames the topic of giving financially to God's church correctly. Jesus told us that how we use our money is a good indicator of what is in our hearts, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21). 

When we give we should do so according to how the Holy Spirit leads us to give. For those that have been born again (John 3:3), we have been given the Holy Spirit. As we intentionally choose to follow the Holy Spirit, He will show us how best to use God's resources that He has given us stewardship over. Consider 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Please do not ever give to The Testimony Church under compulsion or guilt. We would rather see you keep your money. God will always take care of His church whether you decide to give or not. Giving is about your worship relationship with God. 

 Before you give anything examine your motivations for it. Do you have a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus?  Giving to a church (or any other charitable organization) does not make you more spiritual or right with God. Giving will not atone for your past sins. Only the finished work of Jesus on the cross can atone for your sins. Only the Life of Jesus supernaturally born inside of you can make you spiritual. So when you give, do so out of faith in Jesus. Do it to honor Him. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17). 

We have found that many "Christian" organizations including churches are more interested in building their own kingdom instead of the Kingdom of Jesus. Be discerning with how you give. Give to churches and organizations that are going to advance the Kingdom of Jesus through the Gospel of Jesus. Below we have listed a few of these organizations that we (the Willey's) believe are faithfully advancing the Kingdom of Jesus. If you want to give to these organizations apart from The Testimony Church you can follow the links below.