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5.0 out of 5 stars
Well done. Gifts of God presented to a cheerful giver, March 30, 2008
Want to make a difference in the church? Give!
Want to make a difference in the world? Give!
Want to make a difference in your life? Give!
Want to make a difference in eternity? Give!
And give with a joyful heart. Why? Well, because God commands it. But, more importantly, and, as this book very clearly and articulately points out, because Jesus decreed that we should give in order to recieve. It is a promise. Jesus, according to Mr. Tripp, spoke more about money and finances than he did about heaven and hell combined; I have no means to verifying this readily available, but it seems a rather easily believable statement. We are all self-absorbed, ego-centric creatures who seek to further our own agendas. But what can happen when you place others first?
Christ not only demanded that we give, but he said that, when we do, we build a treasure greater than any can imagine; in heaven. So, there's the catch, if you can dare to call it such; do you seek instant or long-term gratification, immediate reward or eternal earnings? Jesus promised reward to those who give. And, in all honesty, the fact that we are saved by God's grace is amazing enough. Yet, here we have the Lord's promise that he will further bless us when we give.
And this is not just another book that attempts to guilt you in to tithing, although, that is obviously a decree of the Lord as well. Rather, this book points out that we should give; time, experience, posessions. We should do so gladly; at work, at home, on the streets, in church, wherever we may see that someone is in need. The gift is to God and what God chooses to do, or to allow the recipient to do with the gift is of no concern to you, the giver. God keeps record and will reward those who give. How encouraging and ultimately, as the title plainly states, joyful a thought.
This study is short, concise, well-referenced with scripture and historical documentation. It addresses the needs for giving, the reasons why God expects us to give, to sow in to our eternal reward.
And here is the truly great news. Giving, although required by God, is not a selfish act if we do it for reward. Christ called us to give for this very reason; to give in order to build our eternal reward. And the joy will follow; in a way, instant gratification nonetheless.
Are you willing to lay all at the foot of God and allow him to control what He has given you. We are merely stewards of what God has allowed us to possess. Understand this principle, read this book, and you will be on your way to a life of joyful giving and an eternity of reaping that which was sown here on earth.
An excellent read. I finished it in one night; but I am sure I will read it again. We are covering this material in our church care group (small group meetings) and it is enlightening to see how many different ways that we are enabled to give. So, be thankful for that which the Lord has given you, blessed you with, and do as he has commanded; Give.
GIVE! And do it joyfully.
You will not regret reading this book nor the results that it will bring to your personal and spiritual life.
Excellent!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Book Review: The Treasure Principle, June 21, 2011
The overall message of this book is how to unlock the secret of joyful giving. Alcorn challenges individual believers to examine their freewill giving. He urges believers to examine their motives and measure of giving as a barometer of their spiritual life today and as to what is being established in heaven. Alcorn's singular goal is that believers truly trust God and obediently evaluate how they are spending or using the monies that God has entrusted us with. He challenges individual believers to examine what their current attitude to God, giving, and money is now and to realign their thinking with five (5) treasure principles.
I found this book to be a very riveting read. I could not put it down. This book is a very easy read and can be read in one or two settings. Alcorn writes with clarity and holds your attention very well. However, to receive the maximum benefit of this book I suggest that one should read it slow and savor the various truths and principles that are presented. This book was challenging and inspirational. It caused me to rethink how I view the privilege of giving. This book forces the reader to think through each principle personally.
Alcorn backs his points with Scripture in an accurate and stimulating fashion. I would highly recommend this book to every Elder, church leader and every believer.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Multnomah's book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
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