Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:In the biblical context, contributing refers to the act of giving or sharing resources, such as time, money, or talents, for the benefit of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. This concept is deeply rooted in the principles of stewardship, generosity, and community support as outlined in Scripture.
Old Testament Insights:The Old Testament lays a foundation for the practice of contributing through various laws and teachings. The Israelites were commanded to give tithes and offerings as a form of worship and obedience to God.
Leviticus 27:30 states, "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." This practice ensured that the needs of the Levites, the poor, and the temple were met.
The principle of gleaning, as seen in
Leviticus 19:9-10, also highlights the importance of contributing to the welfare of the less fortunate: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God."
New Testament Teachings:The New Testament expands on the concept of contributing, emphasizing the heart and attitude behind giving. Jesus taught about the importance of generosity and selflessness in passages such as
Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
The early church exemplified communal living and sacrificial giving.
Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers' practice: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This model of contributing ensured that no one among them lacked necessities.
The Apostle Paul also addressed the importance of contributing to the needs of others. In
2 Corinthians 9:7, he writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." Paul encouraged the churches to support one another and to contribute to the needs of the saints, as seen in
Romans 12:13: "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Spiritual Significance:Contributing is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act that reflects one's faith and trust in God. It is an expression of love and obedience, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God.
Proverbs 3:9-10 instructs believers to "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to contribute in various ways, including financial support to the church, charitable giving, volunteering time and skills, and offering hospitality. The act of contributing should be done willingly and joyfully, as an act of worship and service to God and others. Through contributing, Christians participate in God's work on earth, support the spread of the Gospel, and demonstrate the love of Christ to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Contribute.
Greek
2841. koinoneo -- to have a share of... See 2842 (). Word Origin from koinonos Definition to have a share of NASB Word
Usage
contributing (1), participates (1), share (4), shared (2).
...4632. skeuos -- a vessel, implement, pl. goods
... Of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or
figuratively (specially, a wife ascontributing to the usefulness of the...
1247. diakoneo -- to serve, minister
... Word Origin from diakonos Definition to serve, minister NASB Word Usage administered
(1), administration (1), cared (1),contributing...support (1), do...the...
Library
History of the Mt. Byrd Church. When Established. Where. Charter...
... Number of Members. Three ThingsContributing to its Prosperity. New House of Worship....
Number of Members. Three ThingsContributing to its Prosperity....
Our Forefathers have Handed Down to us the Tradition, That, after...
... together, and being filled with the Holy Ghost, they composed, as we have said,
this brief formulary of their future preaching, eachcontributing his several...
Footnotes:
... and end of the former is merely food; the object and end of the latter is merely
esteem; but the latter can no more be gratified withoutcontributing to the...
Peculiarities of Tennessee Synod.
... the ignorant, he will turn many unto righteousness, who will consider it their duty
and privilege to manifest their gratitude incontributing towards his...
Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel
... Officers. Preachers. Number of Members. Three ThingsContributing to its Prosperity.
New House of Worship. Serious Trouble in the Church. How Settled....
Introduction
... The peace and constructive progress of the Augustan era, in which Christianity was
founded, have often been cited as factorscontributing to its evolution and...
From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning...
... If we should fail ofcontributing our share in this work, we should not only fall
short of our obligations to society in general, but to our own Church in...
The Church and the Young Man.
... ordinances, woven into her social relations, throwing their strength and generosity
and enthusiasm into her benevolent enterprises,contributing their fresh...
From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the...
... hundred souls were brought to Christ in the course of the year; and thus a foundation
was laid for continued preaching, the people sooncontributing to their...
The Church and Other Rural Agencies
... National Council of Rural Social Service affiliated with the American Country Life
Association will indicate the large number of groups nowcontributing to the...
Thesaurus
Contributing (4 Occurrences)... n.) of Contribute. Multi-Version Concordance
Contributing (4 Occurrences).
... (See NIV).
Romans 12:13
contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
...Contribution (24 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act ofcontributing. 2. (n.) That which
is contributed; -- either the portion which an individual...
Vital (2 Occurrences)
... vital actions. 2. (a.)Contributing to life; necessary to, or supporting,
life; as, vital blood. 3. (a.) Containing life; living. 4...
Wholesome (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (superl.)Contributing to the health of the mind; favorable to morals, religion,
or prosperity; conducive to good; salutary; sound; as, wholesome advice...
Favorable (18 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Conducive;contributing; tending to promote or facilitate; advantageous;
convenient. 3. (n.) Beautiful; well-favored. Multi-Version Concordance...
Tributary (9 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object
of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.;contributing; as, the Ohio has...
Mesech (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel mentions them several times, first, as engaged incontributing to the trade
of Tyre (Tiras of Genesis 10:2 ?), in "vessels of brass" and-very...
Meshech (11 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel mentions them several times, first, as engaged incontributing to the trade
of Tyre (Tiras of Genesis 10:2 ?), in "vessels of brass" and-very...
Pool (25 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A combination of personscontributing money to be used for the purpose of
increasing or depressing the market price of stocks, grain, or other...
Beneficial (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Useful; profitable; helpful; advantageous;
serviceable;contributing to a valuable end; -- followed by to....
Resources
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