Why Give?

We hold to the belief that God the Father is the creator and sustainer of all things. All we have comes from Him, and we joyfully present the first fruits of our labor, talents, and successes back to him as an expression of thankfulness for how he cares and provides for us. The Bible is full of examples of believers giving back to God. Gifts presented to God can generally be broken down into two categories tithes & offerings. Each category served a different purpose and have been a significant part of a believer’s life throughout history.

Tithe

A portion of the produce of the earth (or the fruits of our labor) consecrated and set apart for special purposes.  The dedication of a tithe to God was recognized as a duty before the time of Moses.  Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:6); and Jacob vowed unto the Lord and said, “of all that you give me I will give you a tenth” (Genesis 28:22)   The first Mosaic law on this subject is recorded in Leviticus 27:30-32. Subsequent legislation regulated the destination of the tithes.

The tenth Abraham gave in Genesis 14:18-20 represented the whole–everything he had.  In giving the tithe, Abraham simply acknowledged that everything he had belonged to God.

Offering

An oblation (or something offered in worship or devotion:  a holy gift offered usually at an altar or shrine), dedicated to God.  Offerings also included the sacrifices found in Levitical law.

Offerings were separate gifts or acts of obedience from the tithe.  They were committed to the Lord or the church for various reasons, and in many cases served a very specific purpose or met a certain need.

Thank you for your willingness to support the ongoing ministry of Gallery Church in Baltimore. To give online, select one of the options below and click give.

By Mail

Gallery Church
(include the Neighborhood Church name in the address or memo line)
P.O. Box 38538
Baltimore, MD 21231

Online



The scriptures say that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), not because the church’s needs are met, but because God’s heart is made glad when we depend on him to provide for us.