Giving

2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

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Prologue.?

A gift has no strings attached.

This article focuses on the act of giving. There is more to giving than a material gift for others. Giving has both a giver and a recipient of a gift. A gift is offered without?‘strings attached’, and is given for the welfare of another. God is the biggest giver whose gifts are given without any personal agenda (remuneration) other than love for the recipient. The Word of God teaches that all good gifts are perfect (complete) come?directly from the hand of God.?“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”?[James 1:17].?

All good gifts comes from God.

My heart resonates on this spiritual truth while experiencing the threat of a terminal disease in my life.?The thought that everything I have in my life that is good comes directly from God!?Everything is all inclusive both good and perfect (mature, complete) gifts with its source from God. This includes the unspeakable gift of Jesus (John 3:16).?He is perfect (without sin) (2 Corinthians 5:21) and the Savior (1 Timothy 4:10) of the human race.?The worthless things that come into my life like disease comes from other sources. The subject of giving covers the following: Jesus gives a discourse on giving; biblical principles for giving; God is the consummate giver; the Christian’s role in giving; giving is spiritual in nature; is tithing Christian?; I can’t afford to give a tithe?; hindrances in giving; God doesn’t need your money; and amplification on giving to God.

Jesus gives a discourse on giving.

He teaches that God the?Father gives gifts to them who ask.

Jesus devotes some of His teaching on giving. The?‘Sermon on the Mount’?includes teaching that God gives good gifts to anyone seeking Him since God is good.?God’s gifts are superior to the good gifts that we give our children since we are?'evil'.?And God gives good things to them that ask Him in prayer.?“Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you: For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you whom if his son asks bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”?[Matthew 7:7-11].?

The Father generously blesses those who petition Him.

Jesus taught that God is generous and gives good gifts to those who seek Him by knocking and asking (petitioning). The underlying principle of His teaching is God blesses those who in prayer and fellowship seek Him with petitions.?Anyone who seeks God for things?they need, God in turn will give much more in good gifts. Some of the good gifts from God the Father who men ask Him for are grace (Jesus) (2 Corinthians 9:15); salvation (Romans 10:13); abundant life (John 10:10);?the gift of eternal life (John 3:16); the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7); sonship (John 1:11-12); an inheritance with Christ (Romans 8:17); and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).?All men whether saved or not are given life on this earth, food to eat, and life sustaining air to breathe among other good gifts in this life.?The teaching from Jesus and God's Word is that everything good coming into our life comes from God!

?Biblical principles for giving.?

A gift is to be given in love.

There are a number of principles taught in the Bible for giving. First, a gift is to be given in love without a selfish motive for repayment. The motive in giving is all important to God and the right motive will be to give a gift in love. If we willingly gave all our goods to feed the poor and willingly gave our bodies to be burned (die), our giving would not ring true to God if it is not given in love.?A Jew was not to charge interest to a brother Jew when loaning money.?The ‘Love Chapter’ in 1 Corinthians 13 brings out this truth that love must be our highest motive in Christian service including giving.?“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity?(love), it profits me nothing”?[1 Corinthians 13:3].

There is no?thought of payback for the giver.?

The second principle, a gift is given without enumeration (a wage).?Giving has no thought in the giver of being paid back in compensation for the gift. If it has strings attached, the gift is no longer a gift but an obligation with no selfless love. The gift of eternal life that God offers a person is given by God in love (grace).?And it is given without compensation (payment) back to God by performing good works for sin.?“For by grace?(love)?are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works?(compensation back to God),?lest any man should boast”?[Ephesians 2:8-9]. This scripture clearly reveals that God's gifts are given in love without compensation back to God the giver,?(You do not earn God’s gifts!). Truly the gift of God to save a man’s soul is given in love without any payback to God.?The purchase price is the death of Jesus on the cross that embodies the heart of giving (John 3:16).

The gift is to be given cheerfully.?

The third principle in giving is the spirit in which it is given. A gift that glorifies God is given cheerfully without a grudge (or a necessity) toward God or another person.?“Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver”?[2 Corinthians 9:7].?

Other principles in giving.

A fourth principle is a gift is to be given from the heart (affection) for the receiver of the gift; fifth, giving involves an intent or purpose for giving the gift (‘purposes in his heart’); and sixth, the recipient of a gift is to be thankful for the gift rather than unappreciative of it. We have heard sometimes when a gift is given to another, the gift recipient expresses ingratitude and unthankfulness.?“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”?[1 Thessalonians 5:18].?In summary giving must have good intent without selfish motives and given with a cheerful heart that pleases God. The giving is extended in love for the recipient and the recipient should be thankful and appreciative of the gift.?There would be no obligation to pay for the gift either monetarily or personal favors.?

God is the consummate giver.?

He is the great provider of gifts.

God is indeed the consummate giver: He gave creation for all to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17); Jesus gave life for all when He created man including plant and animal life (John 1:3); God the Father in love gave Jesus as a sin sacrifice (John 3:16) for the world; Jesus offers spiritual life to men and allows all men the privilege of having a spiritual relationship with Him (John 3:3; Acts 17:28); Jesus gives eternal life (John 10:28); He gives spiritual fruit to His disciples (John 15:5); His gives grace that enable men to be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9); the Holy Spirit gives His fruit (divine virtues) to believers (Ephesians 4:8; Galatians 5:22-23); and He gives spiritual gifts to believers for service (Hebrews 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:7) among other acts of giving. As mentioned all the gifts of God are given in love [1 John 4:15], perfect to meet the needs of the recipient ([James 1:17), and intrinsically good (James 1:17).?

God's gifts are spiritual, eternal in value.

Compared to giving in this life by man, God gives without evil (Matthew 7:11). He gives without selfish intent (Luke 14:13-14); and His giving excels (eternal life; forgiveness of sin; sonship; and inheritance) (Romans 8:32) compared with the transient gifts of men. The gifts of God are excellent since they are given from the character of God who is loving, good, unselfish, pure, and holy. Unlike the transient gifts of men in this life, the gifts of God are spiritual and have eternal worth.?Contrarily the gifts of Satan (the god of this world) are intrinsically evil and their intent is to harm and destroy (John 10:10).

?The Christian’s role in giving.?

The gifts of God involve Himself in our life.?

God is selfless and His Son Jesus expressed the selflessness of God in giving Himself as a sin sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21) to allow men to be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9).?Jesus selflessly healed the sick (Mark 1:30-31); cured diseases (Matthew 4:23); raised men from the dead (Luke 8:55); cast out demons of those possessed (Mark 1:25)?God loves mankind (Romans 5:8) and His gifts are always given in love. God is in the process of conforming us by His presence in the life of a believer into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). The result of the progressive work of God in our hearts, men begin to see more and more the life of Jesus in our life and less and less our sinful, self serving nature. In the area of serving Christ, as we grow in spiritual maturity (2 Peter 3:18) we desire to give more of ourselves in monetary giving, giving of our talents, and time to God.?

God's gifts grow us spiritually.

Growing in Christ results in a more generous spirit and a less self-centered life style over time. The crucifixion of our flesh (sin nature) (Galatians 2:20), allows the Spirit to enable us to have a giving spirit and willingness to help others in need.?As we come to understand, all men live a brief time upon this earth and the things that they possess are provided either providentially or directly by the generous hand of God (Possessions are given for a brief time). The desire of God is for us to use our time, talents, service, witnessing, and wealth to glorify God.?“Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God”?(1 Corinthians 10:31). We find that God is more concerned about the reason we give than He is the actual amount.?“Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver”?[2 Corinthians 9:7].

?Giving?is spiritual in nature.

We are to give with the right motive.

Giving is a spiritual act for a Christian whether the gift is financial, time, talents, service, witnessing, or accumulated wealth. The essence of giving is not so much the quantity of the gift but the spirit in which it is given. This does not mean that the amount that we give is not important to God since the Bible teaches?‘tithes and offerings’?(Matthew 23:23) including?‘proportionate giving’?(1 Corinthians 16:2) are well pleasing to God. For example if we give without love (1 Corinthians 13:3), grudgingly (2 Corinthians 9:7), out of necessity (1 Corinthians 9:7), selfishly (2 Corinthians 8:2), and pridefully (Matthew 23:23), then we have violated principles that God has laid out for giving.?

Giving should be with a spiritual mind.

A good summary statement on giving regardless of the gift or its value, the gift must be given in love for God. The Pharisees tithed and were called hypocrites by Jesus since their giving was given without love for God.?They gave in pride, and for ceremonial show. All giving for a believer should be an act of worship to God including financial giving. Most of us write out a check for an offering to the Lord and drop it in the offering plate without a thought about offering a prayer up to God although most churches have prayer before receiving offerings. A personal prayer in private as an act of worship when writing out the check whether at home or at church is most appropriate. Finally, a prayer should be given with thanksgiving to God for His providential blessings. We should give with a spiritual frame of mind rather than a carnal one expecting something in return.

Is tithing Christian??

Tithing?transcends?the Old Testament.

An old argument posed since tithing is taught in the Old Testament, tithing is Old Testament? It has been my own personal observation that some who hold to this position appear?‘stingy’?in giving to the Lord through a local church. Tithing is Old Testament and predates the giving of the Law of Moses. Abraham gave Melchizedek, king of Salem (a type of Christ),?'tithes of all’?[Genesis 14:20]. A tithe is defined as a tenth of a person’s income; however, a pious Jew not only gave a tenth of his silver and gold, he also gave of his crops and animals, perhaps as much as twenty to thirty percent of his income to Jehovah! Jesus mentioned that the Pharisees tithed of their mint, anise, and cumin (precious ointments) [Matthew 23:23] despite their hypocrisies. Tithing is in the Old Testament; however, tithing is also New Testament.?

Giving to God should be 'grace' giving.

The Apostle Paul instructed believers in the Church at Corinth to bring their offerings as God had prospered them (1 Corinthians 16:2). This writer believes that this principle known as?'Proportionate Giving'?in the New Testament is the grace principle for giving. Our giving is more than a tithe and for saints that have amassed great wealth, our giving might be fifty percent of their amassed wealth as God has prospered them providentially. In the early church some of the offerings given to a local church went to minister for the needs of saints in their church (2 Corinthians 9:12).

?I can’t afford to give a tithe??

Tithing predates the law.

Most churches teach a tithe (ten percent of an income) is a minimum requirement for a saint in good standing with the Lord. This may be a shock to you if you are a new believer in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As mentioned tithing goes all the way back to Father Abraham and the New Testament teaches that Christians are to give proportionately as God blesses us providentially. Usually the first thought to enter the mind of a new Christian is?‘I can’t afford to tithe’. God promises to intervene in your life when you begin to trust Him with your finances.?When in reality you can't afford not to give since tithing is what?God requires.?The truth of giving is that all that a man has belongs to God, He only a tithe (ten percent) be given back to Him for ministry.?The local church has financial giving (a tithe) by Christians who are members in good standing to support its ministry.?

Giving back to God what is in reality His.

When giving, you give back a proportion of what in reality belongs to God anyway.?“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all-sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”?[2 Corinthians 8:8].?You will discover as you become faithful in giving tithes and offerings that you will have the blessing of God on your life in financial and spiritual blessings that your 9/10th or less remaining after giving will prosper much more than keeping the 1/10th that God requires.?

Your faith and confidence will grow in God.

Wherever you are giving to God financially, in service, and time; you should at first consider giving God something as a habit even if it is less than a tithe. Your faith grows in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18).?Personal confidence in the promises of God will also grow as you begin to study God’s Word (Romans 10:17) and personally experience His providential blessings when one’s giving increases. Remember, you should give with love in your heart for Jesus and the work of the kingdom of God since God’s loves a cheerful giver and not out of necessity or grudgingly.

Hindrances in giving.?

Selfishness impedes giving.

The sin nature within us is selfish and becoming a Christian is learning to die to sin.?“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that here-to-forth we should not serve sin”?[Romans 8:8]. God has given us a?‘new man’?(Colossians 3:10) when we are saved by His grace.?We learn to give of ourselves to the Lord’s work.?This includes giving of our finances helps place in us a desire to crucify our selfishness.?We begin to have a giving spirit since the Spirit lives inside of us.?“But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His”?[Romans 8:9].?

Giving is easier when you give yourself to the Lord.

As your faith grows, so will your desire to give to the Lord’s work. Churches and missionaries are struggling financially in foreign fields and at home in their endeavor to carry out the Great Commission of Jesus [Matthew 28:19-20]. The Apostle Paul gave us a model with the churches in Macedonia who first of all gave themselves to the Lord and also to the Apostle Paul in having a giving spirit. If you give yourself to the Lord in all areas of your life, then your commitment in giving will be much easier.?“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God”?[2 Corinthians 8:6]. The teaching on giving is in more detail in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 & 9.

?God doesn’t need your money.

He wants your heart.?

Some people who have great wealth give large sums of money to charity and churches. However, in reality God wants your heart in saving faith in Jesus Christ. If you are unwilling to allow God to save your soul, giving will not gain you any special favor with God. You must be willing to deal with the sin issue in your life before giving tithes and offerings that will have the blessings of God in your life. The following are truths that confront all of us. We are sinners by birth, choice, and sin nature. Our sins have alienated us to a holy God and in the final scheme of things, the Lord already owns all wealth.?“For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills”?[Psalm 50:10].?

The?greatest?gift you give to God.

We are alienated to God by our sins and the wages (payment) for sin is spiritual death.?“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”?[Romans 6:23]. If you are convicted of your sin by the Holy Spirit and understand your need to be saved, the following will save your soul by calling upon God to save you in prayer.?The greatest gift you can give to God is your heart.?From your heart, pray this prayer in sincerity to God:?“Lord Jesus, I understand that you gave Yourself to save my soul, I ask you now in faith to save me from my sins, in Jesus name, amen”.?The outcome of this prayer if you trusted Jesus Christ to save you: you become saved from your sins (Ephesians 1:7); receive the gift of eternal life (John 10:28); and are reconciled back to God (2 Corinthians 5:18).?“For by grace (love) are you saved through faith (in Jesus); and that not our yourselves (self works); it is the gift of God (eternal life): Not of works, lest any man should boast”?[Ephesians 2:8-9].

Amplification on giving to God.?

Once you become a believer by saving faith in Jesus Christ, your new life should begin to give back to God.?In a personal relationship with Jesus Christ you identify with Him in baptism by water immersion [Matthew 28:19-20]; identify with a local church that teaches the truths of God’s Word; serving Christ in a local church.?You begin giving a personal life of discipleship in daily prayer [1 Thessalonians 5:18] and Bible study [2 Timothy 2:15] along with private worship at home and corporate worship of God in a church that holds to the inspiration of the scriptures [2 Timothy 3:16-17]. Sharing your faith in a personal witness with others [Acts 1:8] is part of discipleship. You need to give your time, talent, and money with a cheerful spirit to be pleasing to God. Further, you need to become a?disciple of Jesus in Christian teaching by another older spiritual believer.?If your church offers discipleship classes, please attend one.

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Joe Honeycutt

Christian Writer

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*The article?‘Giving’?is?written to teach the biblical truth that a Christian is to be a giving person in all areas of their life to the One (Jesus) who gave Himself for our sins. Our giving is done in love without obligation to do so.?If the Holy Spirit has convicted you of your need to be saved, please refer to the article?'New Birth'?at?https://christianchronicles.info/?p=178.

**The Scripture references in the article have insertions with parentheses [ ] or ( ) to clarify and explain. The scripture quotes and references are from the NKJV or otherwise noted. Archaic words may be updated to current spelling or meaning. Names for God or words referring to God are normally capitalized out of respect for God. The references are listed below in the order found in the article. Scriptures quoted in full in the article are not included below.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

1 Timothy 4:10 “For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe.”

2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;”

John 1:11-12 "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God,?even?to them that believe on His name:"

Romans 8:17 “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Luke 11:13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”

1 Corinthians Chapter 13: See the ‘Love Chapter’.

1 Timothy 6:17 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;”

John 1:3 “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Acts 17:28 “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, for we are also His offspring.”

John 10:28 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any?man?pluck them out of My hand."

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.”

Ephesians 4:8 “Wherefore He said,When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”

Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Hebrews 2:4 “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”

1 Corinthians 12:7 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

1 John 4:15 “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God.”

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Matthew 7:11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?”

Luke 14:13-14 “But when you may a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And you will be blessed; for they cannot recompense you: for you will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”

Romans 8:32 “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”

John 10:10 “The thief comes not, but for to steal and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

Mark 1:30-31 “But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her. And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.”

Matthew 4:23 “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”

Luke 8:55 “And her parents were astonished: but He charged them that they should tell no man what was done.”

Mark 1:25 “And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.”

Romans 5:8 “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 8:29 "For whom He did fore-know, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."

2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”

Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

Matthew 23:23 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

1 Corinthians 16:2 “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

1 Corinthians 13:3 “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposes in heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 8:2 “How that is a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”

Matthew 23:23 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these you ought to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Genesis 14:20 “And blessed be the most high God, which has delivered thine enemies into your hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”

Matthew 23:23 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these you ought to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

1 Corinthians 16:2 “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

2 Corinthians 9:12 “For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;”

2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the world of God.”

Colossians 3:10 “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him:”

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

2 Corinthians Chapters 8 & 9: See the teaching on giving that is given in more detail.

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;”

John 10:28 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any?man?pluck them out of My hand."

2 Corinthians 5:18 "And all things?are?of God, who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Pray without ceasing.”

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you will be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”