• Lesson 4 (continued):
    • Contribute on the first day of the week (I Corinthians 16:2)
      • Must give according to prosperity (I Corinthians 16:2), as purposed in heart, cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:7), and bountifully (II Corinthians 9:6)
        • No specific command given to collect funds to use for preaching locally. However, we are told how to raise funds and what the church’s responsibilities are, therefore we conclude that gathering funds to support local preaching is permitted. (Acts 20:28-32)
        • There is no authority for a local church to amass a large sum in the treasury with no purpose in mind. Money collected should be used for edification and to relieve the needy.
      • Business ventures are not authorized in the Lord’s plan for church finance; no pie sales, house rentals, skating parties, farming, or any business enterprise.
        • Some churches use a pledge card system to pressure members into giving more than they would otherwise. This does not fit with I Corinthians 16:2.
      • Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Matthew 26:29; Acts 20:7)