Growth Whose image do you see?

[keptandprotected]

I was listening to Ravi Zacharias speak during one his sermons, and he was doing what he does best, apologetics and drawing unbelievers to Christ. At one point during the sermon he brought up the account about the religious leaders asking about Caesar's tax (Matthew 22:15-22), and they asked Jesus, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" Jesus responded, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Then, Ravi began to explain the things that bear the image of Caesar belong to Caesar, and the things that bear the image of God belong to God! Good insight, Ravi. I've never heard this explanation before. Usually people relate this account to tithing and say God wants what is His in tithe. But Ravi brought out that God wants us, because we bear His image.

 

[th1b.taylor]

I was listening to Ravi Zacharias speak during one his sermons, and he was doing what he does best, apologetics and drawing unbelievers to Christ. At one point during the sermon he brought up the account about the religious leaders asking about Caesar's tax (Matthew 22:15-22), and they asked Jesus, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" Jesus responded, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Then, Ravi began to explain the things that bear the image of Caesar belong to Caesar, and the things that bear the image of God belong to God! Good insight, Ravi. I've never heard this explanation before. Usually people relate this account to tithing and say God wants what is His in tithe. But Ravi brought out that God wants us, because we bear His image.

Over the past 27 years I have heard both messages many, many, times. I'm glad you got that message, it is a good one. Oh, by the way, my Church Family does not take up an offering nor a tithe and the Church has all the money it needs. There are Offering boxes at each entrance/exits. And want joyful givers and no those that feel ordered to do so!

 

[for_his_glory]

God is a hearts condition within us and what we give back to God is the love He gives us that we have that same compassion for others as we have been blessed of the Father we can bless others as we help those in need, Matthew 25:34-40.
God doesn't want our ability, but wants our availability.