Hellow everyone. Bassically I have a question. Here goes. I was born Babtist, babtised and all. I convereted to Adventism a few years ago. My question stems around the tithe and how it is utilized in teh two different churches (denominations).
I am not really knowledgeable about the way the tithe is used when given, but I will tell you how I understand it to be used.
In the Babtist church all tithes and offereings stay with in the Church to pay for everything from Pastor salaries to Church utilities to any missionary work here or abroad. And when there is a personal need the Church chip in to help out, along with personal gifts.
In the Adventist Church the tithe is sent to the local conference, who in turn send it to the General Conference and the money goes to pay for the Pastoral staff salaries and other missionary work. The offereings are used to pay for the building utilities, and other functions not related to the salaries and missionary work abroad. When there is a personal need the Church helps out as well.
But my question is to the explanation of Melachi 3:10 & Deut. 14:23-28. Since the tithe is used differently by the denominations, which is correct, and based on that is there a sin in using the tithe money to DIRECTLY help a person (family) in need. The tithe money is given to GOD for his blessings, but does GOD shun against anyone using the tithe money to help where needed directly rather than channeling it through the Church.
I am in dire need of a quick reponse on this one.
