Faith Promise
Faith figured prominently in Smith's life so his approach to financial giving was called "The Faith Promise Offering." He felt that most Christians would respond to a promise between themselves and God. They would be asked to make it in complete dependency that God would undertake. He was known for saying, "Cash isn't needed. In dependence upon God, I will endeavour to give. No one will ask you for it - it's between you and God." Then he would call to sing "Step Out in Faith" as the money envelopes poured in with financial gifts. Sacrificial giving was encouraged as well as early habits of giving something regularly, no matter how small. Second or third gifts were called envelopes of repentance. Smith was also known for saying, "I know people who have two pairs of shoes!" People often "gave up" something to give to world missions.
Read more about this topic: Oswald J. Smith
Famous quotes containing the words faith and/or promise:
“People who are always praising the past
And especially the times of faith as best
Ought to go and live in the Middle Ages
And be burnt at the stake as witches and sages.”
—Stevie Smith (1902–1971)
“The parent who loves his child dearly but asks for nothing in return might qualify as a saint, but he will not qualify as a parent. For a child who can claim love without meeting any of the obligations of love will be a self-centered child and many such children have grown up in our time to become petulant lovers and sullen marriage partners because the promise of unconditional love has not been fulfilled.”
—Selma H. Fraiberg (20th century)