FIRSTFRUITS is an offering presented to God from the first portion of the harvest. It represents honoring Him with what comes first, before anything else.

"The best of all firstfruits of any kind, and every sacrifice of any kind from all your sacrifices, shall be the priest’s; also you shall give to the priest the first of your ground meal, to cause a blessing to rest on your house." EZEKIEL 44:30

WHAT DOES A FIRSTFRUIT OFFERING LOOK LIKE TODAY?

A firstfruit offering is the act of bringing our first and best to God. The principle of firstfruits reflects stewardship, gratitude, and faith, reminding us to place God first and to recognize that everything we have comes from Him.
In biblical times, firstfruit offerings were given annually during harvest and were typically about 1/40th of the total crop.

While most of us are no longer harvesting crops, the idea of “harvest” can apply to many areas of life. Today, a practical expression of firstfruits might include dedicating 1/40th of your income or the first hour’s pay of each workweek to God as an act of trust and honor.

A TITHE, which means “tenth,” refers to giving the first 10 percent of our income to God. In the Old Testament, God’s people brought their tithe to the temple to care for the priests. Today, tithing is a way of faithfully giving back the first portion of what God has provided every time we receive income.

"And all the tithe of the land… is the Lord’s; It is holy to the Lord." LEVITICUS 27:30

"Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn’t leave more important things undone either." MATTHEW 23:23

WHY TITHE?

While tithing originated in the Old Testament, Jesus speaks frequently about money and possessions throughout the New Testament. He often takes Old Testament commands and calls His followers to a deeper, heart-level obedience. Although redeemed believers in Christ are not commanded to tithe, Scripture makes clear that our hearts and our finances are closely connected.
 

Giving the first 10 percent of what we earn helps align our hearts with the truth that God comes first in every area of life—including our finances. The tithe is intended to be given to the local church for the purpose of expanding God’s kingdom.

AN OFFERING is any gift given above and beyond the tithe.

GENEROSITY is one of our core values at Central. We believe we are never more like God than when we give—“For God so loved the world that He gave His Son.” Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, paying the price for our sins. Are you looking for ways to deepen your walk with Christ and grow more like Him? We are called to live openhandedly and to be sacrificial givers, trusting God with every part of our lives.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously, will also reap generously." 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." MATTHEW 6:19-21

STEWARDSHIP: the acts of a steward; the act of managing that which belongs to somebody else. 

WHO IS A STEWARD?

A steward is someone who manages the wealth and property of another. Stewards don’t take ownership of the wealth or possessions. They manage the assets for the owner’s benefit. They don’t use them for their own gain (The Generosity Ladder, pg. 26) (The Treasure Principal, pg. 26). We are all stewards. God is the owner, and we are His managers. Our responsibility is to seek God’s direction for how His resources should be used—and then faithfully carry out His will.

“The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.” PSALM 24:1

“Remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” DEUTERONOMY 8:18