PROMISE:  "A verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do something in the future" (Webster)

Years ago, whenever the Church endeavored to raise funds for the Lord's work, the idea of a "Faith Promise" was employed.  Today, sad to say, this concept has been lost to the secular idea of a "pledge".   Make no mistake about it:  a "Faith Promise" and a "pledge" are two vastly different things.

A "pledge" is a legally collectable debt between the donor and the non-profit organization.  CPCI has nothing to do with "pledges".  We believe in Faith Promises!

A Faith Promise is a matter decided between you and the Lord.  Once you have understood from the Lord what you are to trust Him to do through your giving, you let the recipient know what are your intentions.   This was practice of the early church.  In II Corinthians 8:1-5, Paul writes:

"And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."

Note the Macedonian Church gave out of "extreme poverty" and "overflowing joy".   Further, they gave "as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability".   How could the Macedonians give "beyond their ability" out of "extreme poverty"?   The answer is found in II Corinthians 9:6-8:

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." [emphasis added]

The answer is that God is in the equation!  Note, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  This is one of the most magnificent verses in all Scripture!  See the totality of God's provision?   With God nothing is impossible (Mark 10:27).   This is where faith comes in.  Like all of our Christian life, "the righteous live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Hebrews 10:38).  Faith looks beyond the poverty, weakness and sin of self and stands upon the trustworthiness of God's Word, believing that He will abundantly supply the needed grace!

What does it take to make a Faith Promise?  Not even a cent.  Rather, a heart that is willing to look to God for His leading in this matter of giving, finding out what He wants, then trusting Him to provide.

The life of faith is truly an adventure!  As we look to God for His direction and provision, we are used in His hand to bless others:

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
 

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.  And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! "   (II Corinthians 9:10-15)