The Tithe

[Bible Highlighter]

Amen!

Thank you.
And God bless you brother.


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[Bible Highlighter]

OK, Now that I got that out.....I have to get serious and spiritual....

Tithes is VERY important and you must give it! In the OT, we gave it to the levites and they gave it to God. After Christ, the veil was rent and now, through christ, we have direct access to Him. Now we must give it to him DIRECTLY ourselves. And God doesnt need or want money that is already His anyway. (I wish my kids would go in my wallet, take out a 20, and come to me talking about this is a gift for you)

Jesus said to look at the money and give that to the person whose face is on the coin. But give to God what IS HIS. This is the tithes. A lot of pages was devoted to tithes giving in the OT, yet in Isaiah, it is stated that God never took pressure in the Physical burnt offerings. It was always a spiritual requirement......something done in secret. The poor widow in the temple gave all that she had, and we must do the same, the religious dropped a noisy bag in the box to be seen and heard....But what it is that we give and how to give it?

One sure thing.....if Satan is able to make us believe that we are giving it already(with material things) he ensures that we we never give what God requires of us to Give.

God doesn't want your money. God wants your heart.
Granted, we shouldn't hoard up treasures for ourselves here upon the Earth.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Anyways, if you were to do a study on God's Commands in the New Testament, most of them are geared towards loving God, being holy, loving your neighbor (including your enemies), loving your brother, and in helping the poor and unfortunate.

The New Covenant supercedes the Old Covenant, unless of course you believe we should still offer animal sacrifices and it is still a requirement to be circumcised. What is interesting is that you will not find anything about a tithe in the New Testament. What the NT does talk about is giving out of a cheerful heart what you have purposed in your heart to give. Giving can be in many different ways. We can give to the poor around our neighborhood. We can give of our time to help those who are suffering and to preach the good news. Giving of ourselves is a daily part of the sacrifice that God calls upon us. For Romans 12:1 says we are to offer our bodies as a willing sacrifice unto God (Which is our reasonable service). So it is not just a little bit of our money every week. God wants all of us. God wants our heart entirely with us being in total obedience to Him and His will.


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[Neogaia777]

God doesn't want your money. God wants your heart.
Granted, we shouldn't hoard up treasures for ourselves here upon the Earth.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Anyways, if you were to do a study on God's Commands in the New Testament, most of them are geared towards loving God, being holy, loving your neighbor (including your enemies), loving your brother, and in helping the poor and unfortunate.

The New Covenant supercedes the Old Covenant, unless of course you believe we should still offer animal sacrifices and it is still a requirement to be circumcised. What is interesting is that you will not find anything about a tithe in the New Testament. What the NT does talk about is giving out of a cheerful heart what you have purposed in your heart to give. Giving can be in many different ways. We can give to the poor around our neighborhood. We can give of our time to help those who are suffering and to preach the good news. Giving of ourselves is a daily part of the sacrifice that God calls upon us. For Romans 12:1 says we are to offer our bodies as a willing sacrifice unto God (Which is our reasonable service). So it is not just a little bit of our money every week. God wants all of us. God wants our heart entirely with us being in total obedience to Him and His will.


...

Amen, brother!

God Bless!

 

[seeking.IAM]

When I read some of these posts, I get the feeling that some folks are looking for rationalization for not financially support their church. I hope I'm wrong about that.

 

[Neogaia777]

When I read some of these posts, I get the feeling that some folks are looking for rationalization for not financially support their church. I hope I'm wrong about that.

I will financially support anyone and anything doing good work, and working toward a good cause, that I "trust"....

That is the main issue holding me back for me, cause for me "trust" is earned not given away... They have to "show me" by being responsible, wise, and not hypocritical, that I can "trust" them to do always what is good, right, just, and fair in this, before I will give my money to them...

Unfortunately, I have not found many in this world the way it is, that I can do that with, when I do, I will...

Until then, until I can trust "them" to be the "hands and feet" in this way, I will hold it back and personally be the hands and feet myself, and do my own giving and helping the poor and needy with what I might give to them to do so... Until I see that they can do it, just as well, if not better than I can...

God Bless!

 

[Anguspure]

When I read some of these posts, I get the feeling that some folks are looking for rationalization for not financially support their church. I hope I'm wrong about that.

From my perspective the problem it is not so much the financial support of the church that is a problem (the organisation I have been associated with floats very well on $5/week/member).

Rather rationale for the support of a top heavy, well paid group of religious professionals and expensive buildings that serve a very limited purpose is questioned.

Interestingly I have a Buddhist friend who is just as disgusted in the Buddhist religious system throughout Asia for much the same reason.

 

[Big Drew]

When I read some of these posts, I get the feeling that some folks are looking for rationalization for not financially support their church. I hope I'm wrong about that.

Can't speak for everyone...but, as far as I'm concerned, I do believe one should help support their local church financially...however, I don't believe you should be pressured into it, or that there is a magic number that needs to be met.

 

[2Timothy2:15]

When I read some of these posts, I get the feeling that some folks are looking for rationalization for not financially support their church. I hope I'm wrong about that.

By church you mean other brothers and sisters not a building right. Because in the bible we are told to help other out, widows, orphans, and like in ACTS how they shared among themselves with those in need. What we do not read is paying for a building, electrical bills, water, and salaries.

 

[Strong in Him]

When I read some of these posts, I get the feeling that some folks are looking for rationalization for not financially support their church. I hope I'm wrong about that.

Not in my case. Supporting the church is important, because it pays the Minister's salary, pays for mission activities etc. But Scripture doesn't say that 10% of our wages/pension/benefit money has to go to the church. And sometimes, what someone gives in time may be a lot more valuable - e.g spending 3 hours cleaning the church building will save paying for a cleaner at £x an hour.

 

[RaymondG]

God doesn't want your money. God wants your heart.

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Jason!! how are you? Long time no argue.
Im a little confused....are you implying that I stated that God wants our money and doesnt want our heart?

 

[AlexDTX]

One sure thing.....if Satan is able to make us believe that we are giving it already(with material things) he ensures that we we never give what God requires of us to Give.

That is true, we are to give all of our lives to him!

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Jason!! how are you? Long time no argue.
Im a little confused....are you implying that I stated that God wants our money and doesnt want our heart?

Simon the sorcerer tried to pay for the gifts (blessings) of the Holy Spirit. While this is not exactlly a tithing issue, there is a basic underlining truth to what he did that relates to many people in the church today when they tithe. For when people tithe, they hope that God will do something for them or that God will bless them or be in favor with them as a result. Simon thought he had to give money in order to be in favor with God to have these gifts. He thought God's favor could be bought. But Peter told Simon to repent of his wickedness of thinking this way. Now, I am not saying you or anyone else here is treating the tithe in such a manner. But some people do think that way in regards to the tithe and therein lies the problem with man made tithing that is being pushed in the churches today. They make worshiping God all about how you have to worship God in their building and with their kicking sound system and with their impressive light show. But Paul and Silas worshiped God in a prison. Also, in the churches today: Where is the discipleship for new converts? Where is the close fellowship? Do they have to seek out a program or a website? Why doesn't the body of believers talk to new converts or new believing visitors and help them to become disciples quickly and easily? In other words, they do not focus on people and loving them and helping them to become more in the likeness of Christ (Thereby helping them to give their hearts to God). The problem is that many today who believe in tithing say if you do not tithe you are under the curse by God. But this tithe was for Israel (and not the Gentile church that came later) and it usually involved agricultural. The primary reason why churches go back to the Old Testament Law (unbiblically) on tithing is because they want to keep the church building running, to pay the salaries of the church members. It's why I have seen a church repeatedly give multiple mini sermons in one day on tithing. Missions to other countries is secondary. But if believers were to gather in homes like they did with the early church as we read in Scripture, then there is no overhead for a building. There are no paid salaries for church members. There is no problem of inviting unbelievers to church so as to worship with other believers. For the Scriptures say, what fellowship does light have with darkness?

As for my statement: God wants your heart and not your money:
I am talking in a third person way. I am talking against the idea generally in regards to man made tithing that goes on today. Are there people who tithe and do not expect anything in return from God? Maybe. But I think there are not many. Hence, why I said God wants your heart and not your money. For imagine if you do not provide for your own family so as to give 10% to the local church. What then? Is that good? Certainly not. God's Word says that if you do not provide for your own children, you are worse than an infidel. Oh, and yes. There are churches out there who guilt trip believers into tithing to give even when they do not have it to give. Many have been placed into financial debt all because they thought God wanted that 10% or more.

I encourage you to check out these websites here:

No More Tithing
Tithing, The Truth About Tithing And The Tithe



...

 

[AlexDTX]

The primary reason why churches go back to the Old Testament Law (unbiblically) on tithing is because they want to keep the church building running, to pay the salaries of the church members.

A little known fact about church buildings: it is a multi-billion dollar business for bank loans to church building projects. Banks charge usurious interest of which no one seems to object. Interest payments in the total time frame of the loan can be 3 to 4 times as much as the actual loan itself. There are congregations that are good stewards who make the effort to pay off the loan ahead of time to reduce the interest payment, but the majority do not. So one's "tithe" is actually being used to support the unbiblical practice of usury paid to pagans and not the Kingdom of God.

 

[RaymondG]

Simon the sorcerer tried to pay for the gifts (blessings) of the Holy Spirit. While this is not exactlly a tithing issue, there is a basic underlining truth to what he did that relates to many people in the church today when they tithe. For when people tithe, they hope that God will do something for them or that God will bless them or be in favor with them as a result. Simon thought he had to give money in order to be in favor with God to have these gifts. He thought God's favor could be bought. But Peter told Simon to repent of his wickedness of thinking this way. Now, I am not saying you or anyone else here is treating the tithe in such a manner. But some people do think that way in regards to the tithe and therein lies the problem with man made tithing that is being pushed in the churches today. They make worshiping God all about how you have to worship God in their building and with their kicking sound system and with their impressive light show. But Paul and Silas worshiped God in a prison. Also, in the churches today: Where is the discipleship for new converts? Where is the close fellowship? Do they have to seek out a program or a website? Why doesn't the body of believers talk to new converts or new believing visitors and help them to become disciples quickly and easily? In other words, they do not focus on people and loving them and helping them to become more in the likeness of Christ (Thereby helping them to give their hearts to God). The problem is that many today who believe in tithing say if you do not tithe you are under the curse by God. But this tithe was for Israel (and not the Gentile church that came later) and it usually involved agricultural. The primary reason why churches go back to the Old Testament Law (unbiblically) on tithing is because they want to keep the church building running, to pay the salaries of the church members. It's why I have seen a church repeatedly give multiple mini sermons in one day on tithing. Missions to other countries is secondary. But if believers were to gather in homes like they did with the early church as we read in Scripture, then there is no overhead for a building. There are no paid salaries for church members. There is no problem of inviting unbelievers to church so as to worship with other believers. For the Scriptures say, what fellowship does light have with darkness?

As for my statement: God wants your heart and not your money:
I am talking in a third person way. I am talking against the idea generally in regards to man made tithing that goes on today. Are there people who tithe and do not expect anything in return from God? Maybe. But I think there are not many. Hence, why I said God wants your heart and not your money. For imagine if you do not provide for your own family so as to give 10% to the local church. What then? Is that good? Certainly not. God's Word says that if you do not provide for your own children, you are worse than an infidel. Oh, and yes. There are churches out there who guilt trip believers into tithing to give even when they do not have it to give. Many have been placed into financial debt all because they thought God wanted that 10% or more.

I encourage you to check out these websites here:

No More Tithing
Tithing, The Truth About Tithing And The Tithe



...

Once again, you ignore my post and my question and go on a rant. You are stating your own views of tithing....and not relating it to what i said at all. you arent saying if you agree, disagree or neutral. I dont understand why you would quote my response when you arent even address my response. Why not just make a new reply?

 

[Bible Highlighter]

A little known fact about church buildings: it is a multi-billion dollar business for bank loans to church building projects. Banks charge usurious interest of which no one seems to object. Interest payments in the total time frame of the loan can be 3 to 4 times as much as the actual loan itself. There are congregations that are good stewards who make the effort to pay off the loan ahead of time to reduce the interest payment, but the majority do not. So one's "tithe" is actually being used to support the unbiblical practice of usury paid to pagans and not the Kingdom of God.

We have to pray that more people in the church world wake up to see what is really going on.

Blessings and peace be unto you.


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[Bible Highlighter]

Once again, you ignore my post and my question and go on a rant. You are stating your own views of tithing....and not relating it to what i said at all. you arent saying if you agree, disagree or neutral. I dont understand why you would quote my response when you arent even address my response. Why not just make a new reply?

You have to read ALL of my post to get the answer. Please see the second paragraph. It does specifically answer your question. Also, the first paragraph answers the point, as well. It is subtle, but if you are careful in paying attention to what I say, it talks about how God's blessings cannot be bought (Which relates to heart giving vs. money giving).


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[Bible Highlighter]

Also, here is a testimony of a Christian who was blessed financially after realizing that she was not under the Old Testament tithe anymore.

The Peculiar Christian - Living for Truth, Walking in the Spirit


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[Bible Highlighter]

When I read some of these posts, I get the feeling that some folks are looking for rationalization for not financially support their church. I hope I'm wrong about that.

As others have said, the church are a people and not a building with people who are on a paid salary. There are many in the body of Christ who meet in homes like they did in the early church (as we read in the pages of the New Testament). Money is given not to support a building or to support a person to do things within that building. Money was given so as to help those brothers who were in real need and or who were suffering. Money was given to help missionary trips to nearby towns and or other countries directly. Money was not wasted to keep a flashy entertainment stage in continuing to run whereby both believers and unbelievers worship together. Also, the spreading of the gospel also starts with us, too. This responsibility is not just for a select few within your church. We have to be willing to tell others about Christ all the time.


...

 

[RaymondG]

You have to read ALL of my post to get the answer. Please see the second paragraph. It does specifically answer your question. Also, the first paragraph answers the point, as well. It is subtle, but if you are careful in paying attention to what I say, it talks about how God's blessings cannot be bought (Which relates to heart giving vs. money giving).


...

But why are you telling me His blessings cant be bought? Where did i say it could be? Why are you quoting me and then saying God doesnt want money? When did i say He does.

I cant tell if there is something wrong with you, if you qouted me by accident or if you are being your normal difficult self. This is why i dont engage in conversations with you anymore. you dont know how to reason.

 

[RaymondG]

As others have said, the church are a people and not a building with people who are on a paid salary. There are many in the body of Christ who meet in homes like they did in the early church (as we read in the pages of the New Testament). Money is given not to support a building or to support a person to do things within that building. Money was given so as to help those brothers who were in real need and or who were suffering. Money was given to help missionary trips to nearby towns and or other countries directly. Money was not wasted to keep a flashy entertainment stage in continuing to run whereby both believers and unbelievers worship together. Also, the spreading of the gospel also starts with us, too. This responsibility is not just for a select few within your church. We have to be willing to tell others about Christ all the time.


...

You seem very prideful and boostful. Everyone who doesnt put their money where you think they should, is wasting it. If I go to a gym and pay, am I wasting money? what about a concert? Am I wrong If I want to enjoy a concert or play? Or should i just get a list from you of what i can spend my money on?

There is nothing wrong with giving money to a church building! nothing! and giving to a church does not mean you dont give to homeless and the like. you just have this thing where you believe you are right about everything and everyone else has to do things just like you or they are wrong.

People enjoy church services.....They get heat in the winter there, AC in the summer, exercise in when it's time to shout, sleep with the long -winded preacher gets up.....
Why cant they give to support all these services just like when they get any other service.

Now I, too separate this from worshiping God, But I would never look down my nose at anyone for any reason...and i enjoy the services too....nothing wrong with that.

why dont you focus on finding the good instead of pointing out bad all the time?