The Love Offering

WHO IS THIS MELCHISEDEC #7

The Love Offering

July 2, 2000

Brian Kocourek

This morning we will continue again from Brother Branham's Message, WHO IS THIS MELCHISEDEC. Just after his opening prayer, we hear brother Branham speak of a Love offering that has been presented to him after his opening prayer and before he has begun to move into his text. Let's read now from paragraph number 4 to see reflect upon the way that brother Branham handled himself and the attitude he showed and the respect he had for the people, concerning this love offering.

WHO IS THIS MELCHISEDEC 65-0221E 4 Oh, they...?... A love offering? You shouldn't have done that. Who did that? You guilty? I was getting on the manager. Says he took a love offering for me. He shouldn't have done that. I appreciate it; God knows that; but I--I never come for that. Thank you. May the Lord bless you. I'll do everything I can... I'll put it right in foreign missions, so I'll know it'll go for the Kingdom of God. And if the Lord willing, I'll take it myself over to the lands to bring this same Gospel that you been setting, listening to this week. Then I know it'll be done in the way that you believed it. The Lord help me to do it.

I would like to stop here for a moment just to reflect upon what has just taken place here. Brother Branham was handed a love offering that is an offering that is supposed to be a special offering that the people take up which is done because the people wanted to do something nice for Br. Branham. A Love offering is an offering that is intended for personal use.. Whatever, he might have a need for that he could not afford to buy for himself, or whatever the need his family might have a need for and he can't afford to give them. That is what a love offering is all about. It is the people showing their fondness and their love in a way that is bye way of a gift to the individual.

It is not their tithe. It is not their offerings. It is not a special missions offering. It is not a benevolent offering. It is a Love offering, given to express love.

JAMES 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Now, we know that God, our Father, is the author of all gifts and giving. And He has shown us the proper attitude we should have in our giving. We should give out of Love. Love should be the main motive in our giving.

JOHN 3:16 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.

For God so loved that he gave his… And that is the key…

I CORINTHIANS 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

Though I make the ultimate sacrifice of my own life, it profits me nothing. Therefore, love is the principle thing when we are giving. So many times we give out of a feeling of obligation. It doesn't matter whether it be our tithe, our offerings, or just plain benevolent giving. We give grudgingly and that is no giving at all. It does not do you any good to give grudgingly.

I CORINTHIANS 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

PHILIPPIANS 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Paul tells us here, or the Philippians, rather, that it is not the gift that really matters, but it is showing the fruits of growing and maturing that really matters. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. And notice Paul calls it, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.

II CORINTHIANS 2:14 Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour (odor) of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour (Fragrance) of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one [we are] the savour (smell) of death unto death; and to the other the savour (smell) of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient (worthy) for these things? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

I would like to read this from the AMPLIFIED translation…

2 Corinthians 4: 14-17… But thanks be to God, Who in Christ, always leads us in triumph. - as trophies of Christ's victory - and through us spreads and makers evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ which exhales unto God. Discernable alike among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, it is an wafted odor of death unto death. A fatal odor, the smell of doom; to those who are being saved, it is the sweet fragrance of life unto life, - a f\vital fragrance, living and fresh. And Who is qualified or fit and sufficient for these things? Who is able for such a ministry? (We?) For we are not like so many who as hucksters and tavern keepers, making a trade of peddling God's Word - short measuring, and adulterating the Divine Message; but as men of sincerity and the purest motive, commissioned and sent by God, we speak the Message in Christ, the Messiah, in the very sight and Presence of God.

Therefore it is not the gift itself , nor the amount that we give, but rather it is our motives that is the all important thing in our giving.

LUKE 21:1 ¶ And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. 5 ¶ And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 [As for] these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

I would like to stop here for a moment just to reflect upon what has just taken place here. Brother Branham was handed a love offering, that is an offering which is supposed to be a special offering that the people take up which is done because the people wanted to do something nice for Br. Branham. It is intended to be used for personal reasons. Whatever, he might have a need for that he could not afford to buy for himself, or whatever need his family might have a need for and he can't afford to give them. That is what a love offering is all about. It is the people showing their fondness and their love in a way which is bye way of a gift to the individual.

It is not their tithe. It is not their offerings. It is not a special missions offering. It is not a benevolent offering. It is a Love offering, given to express love.

ROMANS 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance. And if God's gifts to men are without repentance, then shouldn't our gifts be given with the same attitude.

It seems so often that we use our gifts to others to try and gain something for ourselves through our act of generosity, and when we give hoping to get back, we don’t give with the right motive. Now Jesus did say,

LUKE 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure… but if we read the entire passage we will find that He is speaking of not holding back when we could give more. The attitude we present when we are giving is the attitude we will receive in return.

LUKE 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Not only did Jesus have this attitude but John the Baptist also expressed this to the people.

LUKE 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse [any] falsely; and be content with your wages. 15 ¶ And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16 John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Now, the attitude is very important, because if our attitude is right, then we won't try to use our generosity to make a big deal out of what we give or to whom we give it. I will admit that it turns my stomach to see men in this message use the fact that they are giving to missions to pull for money from the people. They have made merchandise out of the souls of men, creating vast empires that would become nothing tomorrow if the plug were suddenly pulled and the people gave to them no more.

MATTHEW 6:1 ¶ Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

LUKE 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

ACTS 3:1 ¶ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour]. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

The Bible mentions to us of certain people in the Alpha or first church age who were known for one thing above all others. There generous heart and willingness to give to others of the abundance of their own.

ACTS 10:1 ¶ There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band], 2 [A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

ACTS 9:36 ¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid [her] in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring [him] that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

ACTS 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

ACTS 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men. 17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

II CORINTHIANS 9:6 ¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men]; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

SPEAK TO THIS MOUNTAIN 59-1123 E-57 And we was talking about building the new church up there, the tabernacle, and--and Mr. Wright said to me, "How's the pledges coming on up at the Tabernacle?" I said, "Brother Wright, I'm not there enough to know." And said, "You know what?" Said, "Hattie wanted to pluge--pledge fifty dollars towards that church, and Brother Roberson, the--the trustee of the church, one of them, the chairman, wouldn't let her give it." Said, "Because that'd take her about six months to dig fifty dollars out of them hills over there." And said, "But she give twenty, and Brother Branham, she wants..." I thought, "You know what? I--I got twenty dollars here in my pocket. Meda give it to me to pick up some eggs." I said, "I'll just give her that twenty 'fore I leave back. And just... She's away from here, and you'll never know it. So I'd--I'd bought her ice boxes and things, 'cause I felt so sorry for her up there, that little old mother trying to work away on that hill." And so, I thought, "I'll just give her these--this twenty dollars, is what I'll do. When I leave I'll just slip it so she'll get it and that's her twenty dollars she paid in on the church up there." So I thought, "I'll just give her that."

So when I said... Something said to me, "But your Lord stood one day by the side of a--a wall and seen rich men putting thousands of dollars into a treasury. And a little widow come by and she only had three pennies, all her living. And now, what would you have done if you'd have stood there? You'd see that little widow put them three pennies in, you'd run, say, 'Oh no, sister, don't do that, don't do that, because we got plenty in here; we don't need that.' But Jesus never told her not to do it. He let her go ahead and do it. Because He knowed He had something for her down the road (See?), little something better." You see? So He just let her. God loves a cheerful giver. So I said, "Well, I will just keep my money in my pocket then (See?), that's all right then; I'll just let it go 'cause maybe the Lord..."

TIME IS AT HAND 56-0408E E-12 And I appreciate Brother Joseph Boze. And his relative, Mrs. Michen Roby, the great work that she's doing in Germany for those poor little children... In Shreveport the other day, when I met her down there, and she was out soliciting and doing everything she could to support them poor little refugees in Germany, and she give me some papers. And I happened to put them in my pocket and at home, you know when you go home how your little kiddies are, they want to search your pocket, "Daddy, did you bring me something?" And no matter what it is, they are expecting something. And they picked up these papers, and I seen little Rebekah in there a reading it. And she come back. She said, "Daddy, did you see these little fellows when you was overseas?" She said, "Maybe I could give them one pair of my shoes." And I said, "Honey, daddy will just give some of his love offerings and things like that to help it, so that we can send over to help those people." E-13 You know, Jesus said, "I was needing clothes and you didn't clothe Me. I was hungry and you didn't feed Me." So we want to remember those things. God bless that young lady. I was thinking today of her as she went down to the broadcast, a nice looking young woman, and--and she's scholarly, educated, one of the best nurses we got in the--the nation, to my opinion. Or I believe that she is a Adlai Stevenson, wasn't it, private nurse or something? [A man says, "Right."--Ed.] And a woman that would sacrifice every thing and go to a country to give her life for the Lord Jesus, that means a whole lot. That has to come from God to do that. And I certainly admire this young lady.