Biblical giving in the New Testament

Malachi 3:7-10

Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?  Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.  Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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.

I am going to speak to you today on New Testament giving.  You say, hey, wait a minute, Malachi is not in the new Testament and you would be correct.  In order to get a true picture of New Testament giving, we must understand where the concept of giving comes from.  “My messenger” or “my angel” is the meaning of the name Malachi. Malachi was probably the last book written in the old testament and was written around 430 BC.  It was the last time God spoke until the New Testament was established.  It is believed that James, written about 500 years later was the first written book of the new Testament.  Tithing is mentioned in Genesis 14:20 where Abraham gave a tithe of all his spoil to Melchizedek, the priest of God.  This is notable because this came before God gave the Law to Moses.  Tithing was instituted to be given to the Levites, the priests for their livelihood  Tithing continued throughout the old testament and it is how God ended the Old Testament before what is known as the silent years when God did not speak.  Tithing was a giving done with a heart of thanksgiving for the good of those who carry out the task of caring for God’s people.  Enough history because what I want to do not is focus on grace “New Testament” giving.  Is it different?  Is it more? Is it less?  It is the same?  I hope to answer these and other questions by the end of this message

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

New Testament Giving has always been an act of Love –

Acts 2:44-47   And all that believed were together, and had all things common;   And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.   And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,   Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 4:33-36 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.   Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Giving is an indication of the Heart

II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

II Corinthians 8:11-16   Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14  But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

Giving should a joyful act of Worship

Philippians 4:15-19 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16  For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18  But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

  • It is a sweet smell in the sight of God
  • It is a sacrifice He accepts
  • It is pleasing to Him
  • He responds by meeting all our needs according to HIS riches

Giving should still be how the man of God sustains his life

I Timothy 5:17-18   Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Galatians 6:6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Pastors (Elders, Bishops) are entrusted with keeping the house of God in order

I Timothy 3: 5  (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Titus 1:6-9   If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7  For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8  But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

They are to give themselves to the teaching of the word of God     

II Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

The are worthy of your sacrifice

1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Giving should help those who find themselves in need

Acts 2:45 – And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Helping begins with other believers

Galatians 6:1-10 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.   But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.   Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.   Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.   For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Giving should help those who have lost the father or husband

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unto inspect, examine with the eyes  in order to see how he is, i.e. to visit, go to see one , the poor and afflicted, the sick  to look upon in order to help or to benefit’ to look after, have care for, provide for: of God, to look (about) for, look out (one to choose, employ, etc.)

Ministering to those outside of the faith  

Giving to reach the Lost 

 Philippians 4:16-17 - For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account

Giving should be an act of Grace

  II Corinthians 9:6-10 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.   And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.  Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

  • We should be generous in our giving
  • Giving should be sacrificial

Mark 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

  • God will see we have all we need when we give graciously
  • As we sow, God gives abundantly in things that matter –

John 10:10  The thief cometh 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.

Joyfully unto the Lord

Psalms 35:9-10

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation. All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

True joy come from having your hope in the right person

We find hope in having His spirit in us –

We find true hope in looking to Jesus  

Hebrews 12:2 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy t+ hat was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Revelation 1:5-8

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

We have joy that is indescribable

1 Peter 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Isaiah 55:7-12 –

7  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.10  For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.12  For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Our greatest joy is yet to come

1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

I Thessalonians 4:16-18:

16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Joy comes when the body unifies.

We need to learn to love each other

Unity will lead to power, spiritual growth and numerical growth 
Acts 1:8   But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 
Acts 1:12-15 -   Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.  And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
 Acts 2:1 - And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
We need to be of one mind

Joy comes from seeing others come to Christ –

I Thessalonians 1:6

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

As a pastor, joy comes in watching your faith grow

Pastors are given to you to teach you truth 
Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Even in persecution, we find joy in your faith

II Corinthians 7:4  Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

2 John 1:12  Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

3 John 1:4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Joy comes from realizing who it is that keeps us

Jude 1:24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

John 10:27-30 –  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.

  • We are kept by God – we cannot keep ourselves – we do not have to
  • Real believers follow Jesus and turn from the world
  • No one, not even you, can take you away from Jesus

Joyfully unto the Lord

Psalms 35:9-10

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.  All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

In this day of covid-19 pandemic, do we still have reason to be Joyful? Has our God given up blessing His kids, those who are born again? Can we still be a blessing to others? Is Jesus the reason for our happiness or have we placed it in things, government, jobs, etc.?  Many “believers” are living fearful lives during this time and I want you to know, that is not how God wants His kids to live.  No, instead He wants us to live joyous victorious lives.  How are you living in these troubling times?

We need to let God know we are a joyful people

Psalms 66:1 Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:

  • We are to rejoice when we are in His presence Psalms 95:2  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms
  • We need to rejoice in our salvation   
Isaiah 61:10 

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

  • We need to rejoice that we have been given His righteousness
  • We need to rejoice that He took all our sin and shame and turned it into jewels before Him

We find peace in the midst of trials 

Psalms 27:4-6 – 4  One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.5  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.6  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord

We have joy even in the midst of life’s greatest trials

  • Joy comes as we gather with other believers
  • God designed fellowship as a source of great joy
  • During great trials we need to run toward God’s house not away from it. – Hebrews 10:24-25 – 24  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching Philippians 1:25  And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Joy always follows darkness

Psalms 30:5  For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Joy comes with a pure heart

Psalms 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart

Psalm 51:10-12 – 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

True joy come from having your hope in the right person

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Hebrews 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Peter 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1 Peter 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Joy comes when the body unifies.

Philippians 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

  • We need to learn to love each other
  • We need to be on one mind – Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Joy comes from seeing others come to Christ

– I Thessalonians 1:6  And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20   For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  For ye are our glory and joy.

As a pastor, joy comes in watching your faith grow

Pastors are given to you to teach you truth

Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Even in persecution, we find joy in your faith

II Corinthians 7:4  Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

1 John 1:4  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

2 John 1:12  Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

3 John 1:4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Joy comes from realizing who it is that keeps us

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

John 10:27-30

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30  I and my Father are one.

PASS IT ON

Being a mother is one of the greatest privileges known.  Mothers shape the generations to follow.  Sadly, we live in a day in which mothers have given their children over to others to raise. The connection between mothers and children is becoming more and more non-existent.  Please understand, I know that some moms must work.  For those of you who do, your job is most difficult, but your children are depending upon you to help them in their quest to become all that God designed them to be.  So, moms, this one is for you.

Understand that you help shape their spiritual lives

Moms are the ones who by nature nurture the children

Titus 2:3-5 

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

1 Timothy 5:14  

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Moms need to sacrifice things to produce strong mature adults

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luke 12:31 

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Every child deserves a good mother

Romans 16:13  

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

  1. Rufus’ mom was instrumental in Paul’s spiritual development
  2. Paul’s parents are not mentioned by name in the scriptures but were prominent Pharisees 
  3. History records his dad and mom as respected among the traditional Jewish religion
  4. Sometimes being a surrogate mom is the best gift you can give

Understand that you will help determine how they feel about themselves.

You can teach them about God’s love for them

John 3:16

  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

You can teach them about God’s forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

You can teach them how to become a child of THE king

Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

You can always be a source of spiritual strength in their lives

Understand that you have a responsibility to spend quality and quantity time with them

Slow down and realize today will soon be gone and you will never be able to live it again

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Ephesians 5:15-17

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Enjoy being with them – do not look for excuses

Sacrifice things for time

Reread Deuteronomy 6:6-7

 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Keep your word

James 5:12 

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Your time is your greatest gift to them

Understand that things are not the important thing in raising godly kids

Teach your kids to do without all the stuff that they do not need

  1. TV in the room
  2. Computer in a private spot
  3. Guard their screen time
  4. Most expensive clothes
  5. Teach them to value of a dollar – make them earn things they want

Take time to teach them to read God’s word

Psalms 119:11 

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Take time to teach them to pray

Philippians 4:6 

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Matthew 7:7 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11  If ye 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?

James 4:3 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Take time to teach them the value of sacrifice

Take time to teach them to love others

1 John 4:7 

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:11 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Take time to teach them to love themselves

Take time to know their heart

Understand that one day, you will be held accountable for what you have taught your kids.

2 Corinthians 5:10  

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Your children will bring you honor, or they will bring you heartache – you get to shape what they become

  • Learn when to say no
  • Learn when to say yes
  • Learn to say wait

WHAT ARE WE TO DO DURING THIS TROUBLING TIME?

II Chronicles 7:13-15  

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;   If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

I believe we should be doing something that can change America and bring back God’s blessings upon America again.  I do not think we should be focused on “Make America Great again, but instead our focus should be on God Bless America Again.  God, I believe is removing His hand of blessing off this country and I believe it is the fault of the church, not the government.  Let us look at these verses today and do some examination of the heartbeat of the church in America today.

First consider what is happening in the world today:

  1. Wildfires in Australia and no rain to help put them out
  2. Locust in Africa eating all their crops and they are now in a second go round and they say it is 20 times larger than the first.
  3. Covid-19, a worldwide pandemic that has many “Christians” scared to go out.
  4. Widespread unemployment and people losing their businesses and their jobs
  5. A projected food shortage even here in America
  6. Politician threatening the Jewish and Christian communities to comply or go to jail
  7. A record high number of earthquakes
  8. Politicians who are mocking Christians and saying they hope we get the virus and die
And the list goes on.

Let us take a hard look at this now

  1. God said he would shut-up the rain
  2. God said he would send the locust
  3. God said he would send pestilence
  4. God gives a formula for the healing of the land

If my people who are called by my name – We are the people of God if we are born again

John 1:11-14

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12  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:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

If my people will humble themselves –

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

If my people will pray –

Isaiah 56:7 

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Jeremiah 7:11

Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.

If my people will seek His face

Isaiah 55:6-7

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:   Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Psalm 93:3-7

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.  In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.  The sea is his, and  he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.  O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.  For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

If my people will turn away from wickedness

  • What culture has the church adopted?
  • Are churches still preaching and teaching the word of God?
  • Do people seek out churches because of the social and entertaining value, or because of the teaching and preaching on “thus saith the Lord”?

If my people will repent

  1. To repent means first, to admit we have strayed away from His word.
  2. To repent means to return to what we know to be right.
  3. To repent means we need to return to our first love.
Revelation 2:2-4

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:   And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love

Then He will hear

I John 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him

Then He will answer

He is bound by his word –

It is impossible for Him to lie

Hebrews 6:18 

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Then He will forgive  

Forgiveness means total restoration
Forgiveness means all our sin has been removed –
Forgiveness means all our sins are forgotten
Hebrews 8: 12

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Then He will heal –

Psalms 103:1-3

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

he healeth all, but we have seen His requirement

NOTE verse 15-16: NOW –

15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.