We believe everything we have is ultimately the Lord’s, and our responsibility is to steward what God has given each of us.

We see giving as an act of worship and trust.

All the tithes and offerings given at The Bridge Bible Church are used with prayerful discernment for Kingdom impact in Bakersfield and around the world.

Want a few theological thoughts on our stuff? (Not just money, but all of our possessions)

#1 Everything we have is God’s.

Psalm 24:1-2

1  The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, 
the world and those who dwell therein, 
 2  for he has founded it upon the seas 
and established it upon the rivers.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

#2 Our stuff fights for our affections.

Matthew 6:19-21, 24

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also...

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

#3 We are held accountable for how we use our resources.

Luke 12:15-21

15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

#4 To tithe or not to tithe?

Matthew 23:23

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

Acts 2:42-45

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

We see the New Testament teaching that we are to offer everything for God to use as He chooses. We believe that the concept of the tithe (a literal 10%) which Jesus mentions in Matthew 23:23 is an obedient and God-honoring place to start.

Questions about giving?