It seems to me that the American culture has put a bit of a hamper on the original church culture. Our forefathers came here to seek prosperity and independence, to “pursue happiness” and unfortunately materialism has become our accepted means of pursuit. Independence means “my gains will be my own” but I would not hesitate to flaunt.

I myself often struggle with my level of devotion to God. Can I give absolutely everything as Paul did? I say that my “inherent rights” are void without Christ but where is my faith to freely give up and forget those rights for his will?

In the church of the Acts-era, all possessions were shared and they had as much faith in each other as they did in Christ. I think that now there is a fear in us that I could give up everything only to be left high and dry by my brothers and sisters. They would say “why did he throw his life away?” as they pity me for a moment to forget me the next. Obviously, all these fears are based in a lack of faith.

I would say that faith may increase giving but giving may also aid to increase faith through a return to dependence.

I just went through It, by Craig Groeschel, with the elders and the staff, next up is the Reveal stuff from WCA.