At one time, Hopewell people gave to the church by paying dues in the amount of $5.00 per Sunday.   The Session realized that this was not fair to those who were on welfare, social security, minimum wages, etc. while those who worked at Reynolds, Fords, TVA, and other high paying jobs gave that same $5.00.  By God’s word and prayer, the Session was able to teach the people God’s way of giving.  The people cooperated with joy after understanding God’s way of giving

and they began to bring their tithes and offering to the church. 

Malachi 3:10-12

King James Version

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

 

I would like to challenge those who are not tithing to tithe.  Those who are giving tithes and offerings, I challenge you to increase your offering for the year 2024 by $1,000.00 or whatever you are able to increase it to which will be used toward Hopewell’s indebtedness (new heating unit and SBA Loan).

2 Corinthians 9:7

King James Version: 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

Other scripture for your consideration:  Mark 12: 41-44; Luke 21:1-4

and I Cor. 16:2.

 

Submitted by:

Elder Otis L. Johnson