Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:1 encompasses how we do things.
According to God’s Word, faith is defined as being sure of what we hope for and certain about that hope even when we do not see how things will come to be. While there is planning and organization that must be done with FBF’s outreaches and collections, we move forward with most events hoping for certain things and confident God will bring to fruition what is needed to do His will. A large part of what we do starts with hope despite the uncertainty of not being able to see how all the pieces will fall into place. Hebrews 11:1 keeps us grounded in trusting God while stepping forward with faith to help others.
And that comes back to the goal of FBF, which is about building faith in others and ourselves.
FBF is not another charity or aid agency; it is about encouraging people to trust God more deeply and to seek Him out in their daily lives. Through a stronger walk with God, faith continues to be built when souls exercise the truth behind Hebrews 11:1–with His help we can do things that did not seem possible before. Scripture asks us to define our faith by hoping when we cannot see why, believing when there is not certainty for how something will come to be, and following His instructions even when we are not sure of the course ahead. Things become possible because of the hope and certainty we hold in His promises of help, care and provision.
Though we know some of you may disagree, a tax receipt for a donation creates a personal benefit to the giver. It is something tangible that you receive to bring about a bigger financial return from our government, as it seeks to reward those who are charitable towards society. While we see the wisdom in rewarding such efforts, it discreetly brings the benefit back around to the giver and quietly diminishes the motivation to follow God’s instruction to care for others regardless of whether there is any self-benefit.
While we respect the idea behind tax deductions, we have decided to guard against an unnecessary blurring of the lines between giving because God has asked you to and giving to get something in return. There is a definite distinction in the heart, and FBF’s focus is on building true faith in God, not in what may benefit self. Thanks be to God for the many hearts who have been kind enough to share their blessings with others without needing to also receive a benefit for themselves.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 5:3-4
