Podcast listener Molly writes in to ask this, pastor John, when I put money in the

offeratory plate at church, am I giving money to my church or am I giving money to God?

It's obvious in one sense that a gift is going to the church.

That's the name on the check.

So it's not bad.

I don't think it's unbiblical or wrong to think that way.

I am writing a check to the church.

I am giving a gift to the ministry of the church.

I want the gospel to advance through the church.

I want the staff to be paid in the church.

I want the children to be cared for in the church.

I want heat on a winter morning in Minnesota.

In the church, it is to the church in that sense.

And the Old Testament spoke of gifts to maintain the tabernacle.

And the New Testament is clear that giving to provide for those who lead the church is

what God wants us to do.

The workman is worthy of his wage, don't muzzle an ox when he's treading out the grain.

And the grain is the gift of the people who care for that preacher ox.

So it's not a bad thing to think on the horizontal level here of money flowing to people.

And to ministry and to Christian institutions like the church.

I think that's a right and biblical way to think.

And these gifts are also gifts to God in the very same act.

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