Archives by: Gary Hoag

There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:34-37

“The second African deputy, the Primate Firmus of Numidia, allowed himself to be bribed by presents, and journey to the sea a disgraceful death. His colleague, Primasius, of the Byzacene province, was at first steadfast, and was therefore sent into a monastery ; but afterwards, when Boethius, the primate of the Byzacene province, had died, he agreed to sign the anathema on the three chapters, in order to become his successor. He returned to Africa and oppressed and plundered the bishops of the opposite party, until at last the merited punishment overtook him, and he was forced to give up all his unrighteous possessions, and died a miserable death.”

Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553) in “Notes on the African Deputies” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 4; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 268-269.

We have made our way to the Second Council of Constantinople. The main work of this council was to confirm the condemnation issued by edict in 551 by the Emperor Justinian against the Three Chapters (or three heretical groups).

1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)

Notice the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople sits presiding over the council which seemed to clean up messes.

Today’s post from the “Notes on the African Deputies” section of the proceedings. It interested me for this reason. To many Christian workers or clergy are bribed by presents.

Gift giving is a cultural practice to express generosity around the world. And yet, taken to extremes, it can function as bribing people in power with presents. We must not let this happen to us.

In the end those guilty of this act were forced to give up all “unrighteous possessions” and they “died a miserable death.” Imagine the regret. But we can avoid this shame and suffering.

We must not receive any gifts with strings attached. In today’s Scripture, don’t miss the expression used twice. For the gifts to be set “at the apostles feet” revealed abandoning control.

When we do give gifts, let’s not use them to control charities, but humble set the gifts as offerings to God at the feet of God’s servants. By this way we can avoid bribery and encourage (like Barnabas) through our giving.

In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do. Galatians 2:9-10

“Bassian replied that he was made bishop in a canonical manner, that he had from his youth supported the poor, and had built a hospital and poorhouse with seventy beds. ”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Notes from the 11th Session on 29 October 451” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 299.

Again, since we arrived at the Council in Chalcedon, which is the most documented of them all, we spent a few days here. We will move on the Second Council of Constantinople tomorrow.

1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)

Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

Today’s post from the notes from the 11th Session on 29 October 451. In this session, accusations have been made against some bishops that they took their office wrongfully.

I appreciated the description of Bassian. He was made bishop in a canonical manner, which means the right processes or standards had been followed, and he had the deeds befitting that of a bishop.

Notice he that he remembered the poor. He built a hospital. And he set up a poorhouse with seventy beds. This implies care for those in need, the sick, and those needing temporary assistance.

This provides a great picture for pastors today. Beyond preaching a weekly sermon, those overseeing God’s house should mobilize God’s people to care for those in need, the sick, and those needing temporary assistance.

What might need to change at your church? How could you be a part of that change?

We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21

“As, according to what we have heard, in some churches the bishops administer the property of the Church without stewards, the Synod decrees, that every church which has a bishop must also have a steward from its own clergy, who shall administer the property of the Church by commission from his bishop; so that the administration of the Church may not be uncontrolled, and thereby the property of the Church exposed to waste, and the clerical character exposed to evil fame.”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 26” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 333.

Again, since we arrived at the fourth council, which is the most documented of them all, we are spending some time with this one. Remember, over 500 bishops convened and they sorted rules the church for more than 100 years.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

Today’s post from Canon 26 tells the clerics “that every church which has a bishop must also have a steward from its own clergy” to administrate the resources of the church. What a beautiful picture!

As the church was growing across the ancient world, the goal was to make sure activities were not “uncontrolled” and “exposed to waste” which would bring dishonor to the clergy and to God.

Does your church have a steward? Someone appointed with administrative gifting to manage the resources of the church so that there is no “waste” or bad reputation to God or the pastoral team.

At this point I want to offer a service to every reader. Get your church accredited for following the seven standards of responsible stewardship. What are they? Find them here on the ECFA website.

As ECFA press author, I can waive your $500 application fee and help you get on the path of accreditation. Every church needs a steward and a seal that externally verifies that the steward has administrated in compliance with standards.

Let me help you with this. Reply to this email and I can get you and your church on that path.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32

“It is not allowed to clerics, after the death of their bishop, to appropriate to themselves the (private) property belonging to him, a thing which is forbidden by the ancient canons. Those who so act shall be in danger of losing their posts.”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 22” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 330.

Again, since we arrived at the fourth council, which is the most documented of them all, we will spend some time with this one. Remember, over 500 bishops convened and they sorted rules the church for more than 100 years.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

Today’s post from Canon 22 tells the clerics that it is not appropriate to appropriate private property to ourselves, in this case, it related to the death of a bishop.

You might ask what this has to do with generosity today. It actually may mark one of the biggest areas of corruption in the church today: people serving act like they can take church resources for themselves.

It is not appropriate to appropriate such resources to ourselves which belong to the body. In this case, the body must decide what to do with such items through the governance structures.

This brings out the problem I see globally with GTP. There is little or governance in most churches so the pastor (often with his wife) does whatever he wants with church resources with little accountability.

If we want to encourage generosity in our local churches, we should submit to peer accountability. In USA, that means to have your church join ECFA. Then you will know the clergy are not inappropriately appropriating church property.

When churches follow standards, and have faithful governance and administration in place, it avoids the corruption of the misappropriation of resources which brings dishonor to Christ and it encourages rich and greater generosity.

Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

“All poor persons and such as are in need of support shall, after inquiry made, be provided only with ecclesiastical certificates and letters of peace for their journey.”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 11” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 317.

Yesterday we arrived at the fourth council, which again, is the most documented of them all. That means we will spend some time with this one. Remember, over 500 bishops convened and they sorted rules the church for more than 100 years.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

I am enjoying the canons from the Council at Chalcedon. They read like Paul’s instructions to the church in Thessalonica. After Paul spells out that “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat,” we see today’s verses.

Everyone needed to follow these instructions. Think of it this way. The church wanted to make sure the distributions to the poor were not abused. With each one, an “inquiry” was made. They wanted to avoid dependency and help the real poor.

If a person was found to be unable to work, they would get “ecclesiastical certificates” and “letters of peace.” This implied that the church inquired of their situation, certified them to receive aid, and treated them with peace, as members of God’s family.

If you aid the poor in a church today, please read this closely. Don’t just give handouts that create dependency. Make an inquiry. Help everyone in short-term crisis, and supply long-term aid only to people whom you certify that they cannot work.

The key is to make an inquiry. On this point, I honor my wife. Today is her birthday. She sits by me faithfully like Pulcheria served beside Marcian in the photo above. And I honor her because while she does not oversee aid distribution, she asks good questions.

Making an inquiry is about forming and asking good questions to find out where people are at, what they need both physically and spiritually, and providing them the help. That’s what God’s people must do for each other. That’s generosity.

Happy Birthday, Jenni. Thanks for caring for others and for me so well. Thanks for how you ask good questions. May we all learn from this council to make an inquiry so that we supply just what people need to be fruitful disciples.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

“The clergy of the poorhouses, monasteries, and martyr chapels shall remain under the jurisdiction of the bishops belonging to the cities, and shall not conduct themselves in a self-willed or disobedient manner towards their own bishops. Those, however, who venture to violate this ordinance in any manner whatever, and do not submit to their bishop, if they are clerics, shall be subject to the canonical penalties, and if they are monks or laymen, they shall be excommunicated.”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 8” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 317.

Now we move to the fourth council, which is the most documented of them all. That means there’s a lot of material so I may spend some time on this one. This huge gathering of 500 bishops would sort things in the church for more than 100 years.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

The mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor Marcian presided with his wife, Pulcheria, the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

Today’s post comes from the canons of that council. Again, a canon represents an ecclesiastical or church rule that came out of the council. This canon or rule instructed God’s servants to work together.

Notice the parachurch coming into view. Those who ministered at the “poorhouses, monasteries, and martyr chapels” got instructions to submit to their local bishop. This is not insignificant.

It aimed to bring unity and accountability to the Christian workers. The Church struggled because these God-fearing servants were going rogue and working disconnected from the Church. This weakened the Church.

Might this be the reason that the Church and parachurch ministries often appear weak in the public view today? They function disconnected. And notice the implications of lack of compliance.

Some violators were ordained, others were not. The ordained who did not comply received penalties. Those not ordained would be excommunicated. If that sounds strict, remember, it aimed to preserve the vitality of the Church.

We will spend more time on this council, but today don’t miss the lesson. If we value unity and accountability while serving in ministry we can help preserve the life of the Church and advance a generous Christian witness to a watching world.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

This Scripture represents on of the famous “creed” texts in the New Testament. However, let familiarity cause you to miss how it opens however. God wants us to have this same self-giving mindset.

To continue what we learned yesterday, remember that the Council of Ephesus ruled that the mystery of Jesus was that He was simultaneously fully God and fully man. The council agreed on 12 anathema statements drafted by Cyril of Alexandria in contrast to the heretical views of Nestorius of Constantinople.

We viewed the first 6 yesterday and find the remaining 6 below.

“7. If anyone says that as man Jesus was activated by the Word of God and was clothed with the glory of the Only-begotten, as a being separate from Him, let him be anathema.

8. If anyone dares to say that the man who was assumed ought to be worshipped and glorified together with the divine Word and be called God along with Him, while being separate from Him, (for the addition of “with” must always compel us to think in this way), and will not rather worship Immanuel with one veneration and send up to Him one doxology, even as “the Word became flesh”, let him be anathema.

9. If anyone says that the one Lord Jesus Christ was glorified by the Spirit, as making use of an alien power that worked through Him and as having received from Him the power to master unclean spirits and to work divine wonders among people, and does not rather say that it was His own proper Spirit through whom He worked the divine wonders, let him be anathema.

10. The divine Scripture says Christ became “the High Priest and Apostle of our confession”; He offered himself to God the Father in an odor of sweetness for our sake. If anyone, therefore, says that it was not the very Word from God who became our High Priest and Apostle, when He became flesh and a man like us, but as it were another who was separate from Him, in particular a man from a woman, or if anyone says that He offered the sacrifice also for Himself and not rather for us alone (for He who knew no sin needed no offering), let him be anathema.

11. If anyone does not confess that the flesh of the Lord is life-giving and belongs to the Word from God the Father, but maintains that it belongs to another besides Him, united with Him in dignity or as enjoying a mere divine indwelling, and is not rather life-giving, as we said, since it became the flesh belonging to the Word who has power to bring all things to life, let him be anathema.

12. If anyone does not confess that the Word of God suffered in the flesh and was crucified in the flesh and tasted death in the flesh and became the first born of the dead, although as God He is life and life-giving, let him be anathema.”

The Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431) confirmed these statements to bring clarity to the church and to address heresies that had emerged causing division and dissension. Again, here is where this council falls in the bigger picture looking back.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

And don’t miss the header photo from the cathedral at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra that dates back to A.D. 1050. It illustrates the third of the seven councils.

Notice how it portrays the proceedings. You see Emperor Theodosius II in the middle, Cyril of Alexandria on the right, Nestorius of Constantinople on the left, and about 250 bishops looking on.

As stated yesterday, Cyril prevailed, and the victory was not for him or his camp but for Jesus, who offered Himself for us as statement #10 states. The One who needed no offering become the offering.

As this syncs with today’s Scripture, we get to follow this example in our relationships. Even as Christ emptied Himself and took the form of a servant, we get to do likewise.

Only when we empty ourselves do we realize that God is our never-ending source of provision and blessing for living, giving, serving, and loving sacrificially.

For whom has God called you to offer yourself?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

While this Scripture may be the most famous attestation of the generosity of God, it contains a loaded expression that led to a heated debate about the identity of Christ. As the “only begotten Son” of God, some questioned the combined humanity and deity of Christ.

The answer that orthodox Christians say is simply, both, but getting there took some work.

The Council of Ephesus ruled that the mystery of Jesus was that He was simultaneously fully God and fully man. The council agreed on 12 anathema statements drafted by Cyril of Alexandria in contrast to the heretical views of Nestorius of Constantinople.

We view the first 6 today and the remaining 6 tomorrow.

“1. If anyone does not confess that Immanuel is God in truth, and therefore that the holy virgin is the mother of God (for she bore in a fleshly way the Word of God become flesh), let him be anathema.

2. If anyone does not confess that the Word from God the Father has been united by hypostasis with the flesh and is one Christ with hHis own flesh, and is therefore God and man together, let him be anathema.

3. If anyone divides in the one Christ the hypostases after the union, joining them only by a conjunction of dignity or authority or power, and not rather by a coming together in a union by nature, let him be anathema.

4. If anyone distributes between the two persons or hypostases the expressions used either in the Gospels or in the apostolic writings, whether they are used by the holy writers of Christ or by Him about Himself, and ascribes some to Him as to a man, thought of separately from the Word from God, and others, as befitting God, to Him as to the Word from God the Father, let him be anathema.

5. If anyone dares to say that Christ was a God-bearing man and not rather God in truth, being by nature one Son, even as “the Word became flesh”, and is made partaker of blood and flesh precisely like us, let him be anathema.

6. If anyone says that the Word from God the Father was the God or master of Christ, and does not rather confess the same both God and man, the Word having become flesh, according to the Scriptures, let him be anathema.”

The Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431) confirmed these statements to bring clarity to the church and to address heresies that had emerged causing division and dissension. Here again is where this council falls in the bigger picture looking back.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

Today’s header photo comes from the cathedral at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra that dates back to A.D. 1050. It illustrates the third of the seven councils.

I really like the mural for this council and how it portrays the proceedings. You see Emperor Theodosius II in the middle, Cyril of Alexandria on the right, Nestorius of Constantinople on the left, and about 250 bishops looking on.

Cyril prevailed. But the victory was not for him or his camp but for Jesus. So to celebrate, let’s reflect again on today’s Scripture. It’s one of the most beautiful statements in the Bible about generosity and the identity of Jesus.

God loved you and me so much He gave His only Son. Jesus was born in human flesh of Mary, fully man. And yet He Himself attested to His oneness with the Father, fully God.

God did what He needed to do to make a way to life for me and you. He did not send help, He came.

Take a moment today to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your attention someone who may not know or believe in Jesus. Pray for an opportunity to share Christ with them. Just like Mary played a part, you and I can too. Otherwise, they may end up anathema.

Don’t send help to them. Move toward them and ask the Spirit to lead and guide you.

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

While most call this the Nicean Creed, it’s actually the revised edition from the Council of Constantinople.

“We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

And [we believe] in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through Him all things were made.

For us, humans, and for our salvation, He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human.

For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. He rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.

And [we believe] in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.”

The Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381) made revisions to the Nicean Creed of (A.D. 325) to address heresies that emerged in the timeframe in between related to the deity of Christ and about the Holy Spirit.

See the two editions side by side in English and Greek here. Remember, this council represents the second of the seven major councils in early church history.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

Today’s Scripture describes our faith using the powerful word, “mystery,” saying, “the mystery from which true godliness springs is great.” The mystery is so great that many people debate the implications.

That’s why Emperor Theodosius called the Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381, to clarify the mystery in response to heresy. This was not a small task. As only the Eastern bishops attended, the group numbered only about 150.

I pondered this in light of yesterday’s post in which we learned that Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 had 318 present. The Nicean Creed was good but it left the door open for heresy, so a group half the size convened to tighten it up.

Our generous service may often take shape as addressing problems or clarifying areas of confusion. Such work is often neither popular nor pleasant, but may be vitally important in the long run.

In what way might God want you to serve to address problems or help people in areas of confusion? How might your generous sacrifice bring unity or refute heresy in the face of mystery?

Ponder today the unique part God might have for you to play as part of the larger Church united by this creed.

When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people. Genesis 14:14-16

“The confession of faith of the three hundred and eighteen Fathers, who were assembled at Nicaea in Bithynia, shall not be abolished, but shall remain, and every heresy shall be anathematized, especially that of the Eunomians or Anomoeans, the Arians or Eudoxians, the Semi-Arians or Pneumatomachians, the Sabellians, Marcellians, Photinians, and Apollinarians.”

Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381) “Canon 1” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 2 by Charles Joseph, 282.

Today’s header photo comes from the cathedral at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra that dates back to A.D. 1050. It illustrates the second of the seven councils. This first of three in Constantinople.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

The canons of this council begin with this statement today. For some reason, the statement about the 318 Fathers really hit me.

At Nicea, 318 fathers made a confession of faith despite the host of heresies that aimed to destroy Christianity. At Constantinople, they started the council meeting by affirming that confession. Their action demonstrated boldness in solidarity.

Long before this council, back in the days of Genesis, in the early part of Abraham’s story, he rallied the same number, 318 trained men, to assist him when his relative and resources had been stolen. They pursued the wrongdoers and recovered everything.

The lesson here seems twofold today as it relates to our generosity. Doing good might mean rallying others to make right what is wrong. And it also appears as standing together for what is true and good in a world filled with lies and evil.

Who might you rally with you to do good? Consider what 318 people did in these two stories. It inspires me to pray for 318 givers to support the purpose and programs of GTP this year. Let me explain.

Our fiscal year runs 1 July through 30 June each year. In 2021-2022, God supplied $611,614 from 209 givers from 47 countries. In 2022-2023, He provided $818,864 from 243 givers in 53 countries.

Today, GTP serves workers in 123 countries, so I pray God moves 318 givers from 100 countries to this year to advance a common purpose: “In obedient service to Jesus Christ, GTP multiplies faithful stewards and mobilizes peer accountability groups (like ECFA in USA) to build trust and grow local generous giving to God’s work.”

That’s how I want to rally 318 people this year. What about you? How might you either catalyze 318 people or join a movement to make a difference?