In 2nd Corinthians 8-9, we see God channel His blessings from local churches to those in faraway places. Specifically, the earliest churches were sacrificing for the sake of the church in Judea. It is our desire that Faith Promise is a modern equivalent of such generosity. There are a few characteristics about the giving in 2nd Corinthians 8-9 worth noting:
•The gift is more than one can naturally afford (8:2-4)
•The gift is a personal commitment (8:5)
•The gift is optional, yet expresses our love for God (8:8)
•The gift is promised before it is actually given (9:5)
•The gift is a tool for blessing in our own lives (9:6)
•The gift is personally planned and purposed (9:7)
•The gift should be given cheerfully (9:7)
•The gift is provided by God (9:8)
This offering is also referred to in Acts 11:27-30 and 24:17; Galatians 2:10; Romans 15:23-33; and 1st Corinthians 16:1-9.