Give

This is the fundamental principle behind giving at Salem…
God wants something for you, not something from you!

Jesus talked more about the Kingdom of Heaven – His Father’s Kingdom than any other topic. And, after that … money and possessions. He knew that money and how we use it, invest it, and treat it are among the most significant indicators of our heart condition.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19-21

Jesus also knew that in this world money and possessions have the power to either entrap us in a world of idolatry, or enable us to practice joyful generosity for the sake of His Kingdom.

As believers, we understand what the Bible says about tithing. The purpose of tithing—giving 10% of our first fruits for God’s work on earth—is to teach us to put God first in our lives. God doesn’t need our money. Instead, He wants what our money represents: our priorities, passions, purposes. Make a commitment to tithe and dedicate yourself to it. And more than anything … trust God and let Him prove His promises.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. - Malachi 3:10

We want you to experience the joy and peace that God blesses you with when you place your trust in Him. When we faithfully manage and use the resources He’s given us, we can rest in His promises to provide for us-not all we want, but everything we need.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:26-27; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8