God Needs Your Boat: Part 2 (International English Edition)

God Needs Your Boat: Part 2 (International English Edition)

April 16, 2025

By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR and Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR

  • You can only gain more than what you possess through acts of giving. — Jim Rohn
  • We earn our livelihood through what we receive, yet we create our lives through what we contribute. — Winston Churchill

We have been studying "The Lord Needs Your Boat." This week, we will wrap up our examination by exploring some practical methods to advance the gospel.

Methods to Promote the Spread of the Gospel

  1. Loyal tithe-paying and bountiful donations

The simplest method to fund the dissemination of the gospel is via consistent tithing and heartfelt donations.

Even though it seems straightforward, it’s discouraging to observe that merely around 20 percent of churchgoers regularly uphold this responsibility. This minimal engagement impedes the church’s capacity to broaden its outreach initiatives.

Malachi 3:8-10 (NKJV) highlights the significance of tithes and offerings: "Can someone rob God? Yet you have robbed Him! But you ask, 'How have we stolen from You?' In regard to tithes and contributions."

You are under a curse because you have stolen from me, even robbing your entire country. Bring all the tithes to the storehouse so there might be provisions in my house, and put me to the test," declares the LORD of Hosts, "if I won't open the heavens above and shower down blessings upon you until they overflow."

The reality is that 10 percent is inadequate for the comprehensive evangelical efforts required to rescue millions. God calls us to be loyal in giving at least 10 percent and to surpass this amount. Contributing merely 10 percent of your earnings will hinder God’s work.

  1. Supporting your local pastor

A significant number of Christians might struggle with offering sufficient care to their pastors. Although praying for your pastor is essential, giving practical assistance holds equal weight. You can contribute in various thoughtful manners: accompany your pastor when they go shopping, supply groceries for their family, or get them high-quality clothes.

Make sure your pastor appears well-groomed when they're up front. It wouldn’t be right for you to have multiple pairs of shoes while your pastor makes do with only a few. Support should begin among members of your local congregation.

Ministers frequently receive relatively low salaries and might not meet the criteria for governmental aid. Although ministers shouldn’t tend to God’s congregation with selfish motives (1 Peter 5:1-4), it is crucial to make sure they receive fair compensation: "Elders who lead effectively deserve greater respect, particularly those involved in preaching and teaching. As scripture states, 'Do not prevent an ox from eating as it threshes,' and further declares, 'Laborers have the right to their pay.'" (1 Timothy 5:17-18, NKJV). Additionally, Galatians 6:6 (KJV) underscores this point: “Let the one being instructed share everything valuable with the teacher.”

1 Corinthians 9:14-15 (KJV) states: "Don’t you realize that those who serve in sacred places eat from what the sanctuary provides, and those who stand at the altar share in its offerings? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that when people proclaim the Good News, they should earn their living through the Good News."

Make sure your pastor has financial stability. Local church members can combine funds to aid their minister, allowing them to concentrate on guiding the flock rather than stressing over money matters. Help out with child care duties so that both your pastor and their partner can have a romantic evening together, or organize an event for their family sponsored by the congregation.

Show abundant kindness and creativity in your assistance. Keep in mind that the pastor’s family members are equally important to God. Look for opportunities to uplift them, just as God might have provided you with means to ensure their welfare.

  1. Backing up other believers and those who require assistance

In our church communities, numerous people find it challenging to meet their basic needs each day. It is our sacred responsibility as followers of Christ to support them. We are called upon by God to look after the less fortunate, particularly those within our religious circles. The scripture from Galatians 6:10 (NKJV) underscores this obligation: "Hence, whenever we can, we should do good deeds, with special attention to aiding those who share our spiritual family."

Our duty goes further than just our churches; we must also engage with the wider community. Constructive transformation is possible when each Christian reaches out to assist those facing hardships. The verse from Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV) highlights this idea: "Whoever shows favor to the needy lends to the LORD, and He will repay them for their good deed."

  1. Assisting the community church using your abilities

Even without considerable financial means, you can still create a notable difference by sharing your abilities. Backing the gospel with your gifts can also bring about similar positive effects.

As God summoned and equipped people such as Bezalel and Oholiab in the Old Testament, He still does so today. Position yourself accordingly for this role. Exodus 36:1-5 (NET) highlights the significance of talented individuals serving in the sanctuary: In the same way, just as God chose and strengthened figures like Bezalel and Oholiab in the past, He carries on doing this presently. Place yourself at His disposal with this intention. The verses from Exodus 36:1-5 (NET) demonstrate how crucial capable persons were—and continue to be—for the ministry of the tabernacle.

Therefore, Bezalel, Oholiab, and everyone endowed with skills by God to understand how to perform the tasks necessary for the worship at the sanctuary shall carry out their duties as per what the Lord has instructed. Consequently, Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, along with each individual who possessed such abilities granted by the Lord—the ones whose hearts compelled them to willingly offer themselves for this task.

They gathered contributions from Moses that the Israelites had donated for the construction of the sanctuary. People continued to bring voluntary offerings every morning.

Therefore, all the experienced craftsmen who were working on the tabernacle stopped what they were doing and approached Moses saying, "The people are contributing far more than we require for this task as per the instructions given by the Lord." The congregation does not have to search externally for talented individuals since those like yourself hold invaluable abilities. Utilize your proficiency to assist in divine works. Your efforts could significantly bolster the church’s objectives and services.

  1. Aiding your community church through construction supplies

King David provided an outstanding model by contributing numerous building supplies for the temple’s construction, and we can emulate him in modern times. These scriptural instances provide actionable advice:

In 1 Chronicles 29:1-5 (KJV), we observe King David's devotion to the house of God as he addresses the assembly: "King David announced to everyone present, 'My son Solomon, who was selected solely by God, is still young and inexperienced, and the task at hand is enormous; the temple is intended not for humans, but for the Lord God.'"

I have now diligently prepared for the temple of my God: gold for golden items, silver for silver objects, bronze for brazen artifacts, iron for iron pieces, and wood for wooden elements; also included are onyx stones, setting stones, sparkling gemstones, multicolored rocks, various precious gems, and an ample supply of marbles.

Furthermore, since I have dedicated my love to the house of my God, I am giving from my own wealth, consisting of gold and silver, which I have contributed to the house of my God, in addition to everything I have amassed for the sacred temple.

Even three thousand talents of gold from the mines of Ophir, along with seven thousand talents of choice silver, were used to plate the walls of these buildings: using gold specifically for golden items and silver exclusively for silver objects, as well as employing them for every kind of craftsmanship performed by skilled artisans. Who among you would now dedicate their services to the Lord today?

Every time your local church initiates a construction project, it offers a special chance for you to invest and receive blessings in return.

No matter the scale of the project, make sure to take advantage of this opportunity to help out. Whether you buy cement, bricks, tiles, or any other necessary construction supplies, it represents a significant chance that shouldn’t be missed. Remember, God pays attention to individuals who put effort into constructing his sanctuary.

In Exodus 36:6-7 (NET), we observe a comparable zeal for giving: "Moses ordered them to convey his instructions across the camp, stating, 'Neither male nor female should bring additional offerings for the sanctuary.' Consequently, the people stopped contributing anymore. As a result, they had ample resources to complete their task."

During the time of Moses, the community was so enthusiastic about giving that they needed to be asked to stop contributing to the building of the sanctuary. We are similarly urged to display this kind of enthusiasm and readiness to contribute whenever our neighborhood churches start new construction initiatives.

  1. Fund missionary activities

Nowadays, there are numerous opportunities to aid missionary work, and with your readiness, God will direct you towards suitable paths. Each Christian should engage in the Great Commission through two means: sharing their faith directly and supporting evangelical efforts both inside and outside of their local congregation.

Below are several useful methods for contributing: 1. Volunteer at local community centers. 2. Donate goods to charity organizations. 3. Participate in neighborhood clean-up initiatives. 4. Offer free tutoring services to students. 5. Assist elderly neighbors with their errands and chores. These actions can make a significant impact.

  • Financial support: Purchase flight tickets for individuals undertaking missions, offer regular support for their daily needs, fund their offspring's schooling, or pay their rent. Your kindness can have a substantial impact.
  • Provision of basic needs: Supply missionaries with attire and provisions, significantly aiding them in their tasks and everyday existence.
  • Literature materials: Many individuals have never had the chance to peruse the scriptures of the Bible. Purchase Bibles for dissemination during evangelical outreach efforts, whether these occur inside your own congregation or beyond it. Distributing written religious texts such as the Holy Scriptures can serve as an effective method to connect with those unfamiliar with divine teachings. Allocating resources towards mission activities holds greater significance than amassing idle personal belongings. The distractions brought about by worldly concerns often divert our attention away from the critical task of spreading unshared gospel messages.

According to Romans 10:14-15 from the NKJV version, we find these questions: "So how can people call out to someone they haven't believed in? How can they believe without having heard about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher?"

So, how will they spread the word if they aren’t sent out first? It’s said, “What a sight to see for those who bear news of peace, proclaiming blessings and joy!” Assisting mission efforts stands as one of the greatest investments we could possibly undertake, carrying messages of harmony and redemption to those unaware of them.

  1. You can purchase a vehicle for your community church.

A further effective approach to promote the gospel is by acquiring an evangelism bus for your community church.

Departments lacking transportation options may face restrictions in expanding their reach. Transport vessels play a vital role in moving individuals, provisions, garments, and other important items during community engagements, underscoring their importance for effective missionary work.

Should you be able to afford it, do not hold back from purchasing one for your church to support their missionary efforts.

"Once more declare, stating, 'This is what the Lord of Hosts says: "My cities will once again flourish with abundance; the Lord willComfort Zion yetagain, and He willchooseJerusalemonce more."'" (Zechariah 1:17, NKJV)

As political parties acquire vehicles to access distant areas of their constituencies for winning votes, so too can we accomplish much more for spreading the Gospel. Those actively engaged in evangelism and missionary work understand how crucial a vehicle can be. May God assist us!

  1. Seek additional financial supporters for the kingdom or fund a group of praying individuals.

As we wrap up this chapter, it is essential to highlight the importance of praying for those who financially back evangelical efforts within the church. Whether these supporters come from political, commercial, or religious spheres, they have a vital part in furthering the Kingdom of God.

Although these people possess remarkable strength and significance, they remain susceptible to vulnerabilities. As they dedicate their assets to spreading the message of salvation, they might encounter trials and metaphysical conflicts.

They could face resistance, assaults on their livelihoods and professional advancements, tensions within their marriages, or difficulties with their offspring. Acknowledge that they may become targets for adverse supernatural entities.

A significant method to support the funding of God’s kingdom is through prayer for those who provide financial backing. Raise them in your intercessions, seeking divine protection, wisdom, and direction for both them and their loved ones.

Hope that they stay committed to spreading the gospel worldwide. May God shower you with blessings as you pray for these key figures in expanding His kingdom. Your petitions could greatly impact both their journey and the mission of sharing the message of salvation.

Additional funds are required to support the spread of the gospel

Yes! The kingdom needs financial resources to accomplish its mission. We cannot fulfill the Great Commission without substantial financial support. More businesspeople must step up to finance the preaching of the gospel, as the world is decaying and the good news must reach every area of society.

The spread of the gospel relies heavily on monetary backing, and whenever God aims to achieve something significant, he utilizes people as his instruments. It’s essential to grasp that divine blessings bestowed upon individuals serve the greater purpose of advancing His kingdom. As scripture states, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these additional gifts will be yours." Without this financial backing from believers, the message of the gospel would falter, and what our world urgently requires now is the teachings of Jesus Christ embodied in the gospel.

It’s much simpler for individuals to advocate for secular events rather than matters related to the Kingdom. Even those who are filled with the Holy Spirit can worry about financing endeavors focused on God’s work. Nonetheless, should there not be supporters for the Kingdom and the message of salvation, the Church would face considerable challenges.

It’s essential to recognize that certain objectives require financial resources; they cannot be attained merely through prayer alone. Although praying and fasting hold significant spiritual value, specific requirements necessitate monetary investment. Take, for instance, acquiring a platform for an evangelistic event—you will have to make the payment even if your intentions are highly blessed.

Advancing the Kingdom of God involves financial resources, and we require people to support it financially. Grasp this concept and enter the business world to generate prosperity for the advancement of His kingdom.

The realm of God requires funding! Countless individuals across the globe haven’t even heard about the good news of this kingdom, not to mention accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. This underscores the critical need for substantial financial support to finance evangelistic missions.

Based on information from the Joshua Project (www.joshuaproject.net), numerous groups of unreached individuals can be found across different regions globally. There are millions belonging to communities in nations such as India, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Myanmar, Iraq, among others, who have yet to receive exposure to the Christian message.

India alone counts more than 20 distinct tribes that remain unreached! Altogether, approximately 1,886,505,000 individuals globally still haven’t heard the message of salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

These numbers ought to jolt us awake—we have plenty of work ahead of us!

Our task isn’t about pursuing worldly riches; instead, it involves responsibly utilizing the resources we possess to propagate the Gospel. Should every Christian business owner commit to giving tithes and contributions, the church could amass sufficient funds for fulfilling its purpose. Data shows that 20 percent of congregation members contribute around 80 percent of church finances, whereas the typical American Christian entrepreneur contributes merely 6 percent toward religious activities. Just think how much further ahead we’d be if these figures aligned with what they should ideally be! —Kenneth Erwin Hagin, Author, The Midas Touch.

>Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor: Nelson is an esteemed author, publishing consultant, and Christian business mentor. His interests include financial evangelism, and he is actively involved as a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor, and supporter of the metaverse movement. Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA): Elizabeth is a distinguished Chartered Accountant with almost twenty years of expertise in financial management consultancy. Her career spans roles within both nonprofit organizations and banks. Feel free to contact them at +233549762233 for further information. nelsonmbnbooks@gmail.com

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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