It’s January, and another “FIRST-FRUITS” season where some believers drop all their January salaries / income as “firstfruits” in churches.
Some say its purpose is to “provoke God” for all-around blessings through the year.
I know many Churches have different doctrines as regards “First Fruits”, and my intention is not to contradict such but to remind us that all we have has been given to us by God. He is the One who gave us the Power to generate Wealth in the first place.
We however must understand that it is not a scriptural instruction for us a CHRISTIANS to pay January income to churches as first-fruits.
If you however have a personal leading to bless a church, or an organization or less privileged individuals with your first income for the year, let the Spirit Lead You.
New Testament Giving is 100% voluntary…
…..Because Our God LOVES a Cheerful Giver.
As Believers, we give BECAUSE we are Blessed and we are Grateful.
Remain Blessed.
P.s., Honoring the Lord with your first month income may include:
* taking that first step to make right financial decisions.
*being responsible with what God has blessed you with.
*giving it back to your roots, to your parents, or to a worthy cause.
*being a smart steward of your financial resources.
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FIRST FRUIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
First fruits are mentioned in several ways in the New Testament:
@Romans 8:23 states “And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the spirit…” They were the very first followers of Jesus, and were also the very first to experience the blessing of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—they received the “first fruits” of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of believers.
@Romans 11:13-16, “First fruits” is used as a metaphor to mean the first part of the harvest of Jewish souls that are to be saved through Christ’s sacrifice.
@1Corinthians 15:20, 23 refer to Jesus as the “firstfruits” of those who will be raised from the dead. He is the firstborn Son of the Father, and His resurrection is the first of the promise that all who follow Him will also be raised.
@2Thessalonians 2:13 and James 1:18 refer to New Testament saints, i.e. Christians as “firstfruits.” They were the first to follow Christ, and act as a promise that there will be more to come.
@The final mention of firstfruits in the Bible is in Revelation 14:4 and speaks of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses who will spread the Gospel during the Tribulation.
All to say that although the term “firstfruits” is used in the New Testament, it does not refer to giving, whether to the Temple or the church. It acts as a metaphor to mean those who experience God’s blessing first or in a special way.
The New Testament Principle of Giving can be summarized in 2Corinthians 9:7
2Corinthians 9:7: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’. (NLT).
REAL BIBLE PEOPLE 