Ur thoughts on Tithe.

[Acidtoejam]

Hi all......just want your general thoughts on tithing.

I personally don't pay tithe at my church, and there are a couple of reasons why.

The first reason is that my wife is not saved (YET) and she doesn't understand why I should give ova $100 weekly to the church, when we can spend it on our kids or on our house.

The second reason is that I have seen many a church abuse tithes.......it always bugs me when churches condemn people for not paying tithe....I see some pastors wearing fine itallian suits, with nice cars, houses, with all the added extras,and state of the art equipment for the church (i.e music equipment e.t.c) and yet it is clear that alot of their members struggle financially, living from week to week.
Im not saying that Pastors and Churches shouldn't have nice stuff, (and yes members are responsible for their own finances) but wouldn't it be nice to see a church that once a month prayerfully paid a bill for a struggling member....what a blessing it would be to be able to say to a member " we know your going through hard times and we would like to pay your power bill this month".
This is exactly what the Apostles encouraged. Acts 4:35.
Of course it would have to be discreetly, otherwise people would come to expect it.....but I think you get my drift.
Maybe my wife would feel better about giving money away if I was to give it to a charity or to someone in dire need.
I know what the bible says in the old testament, but in the new testament we read about the widow who gave all she had....even though it wasn't much.....churches should adopt this practise and learn not to condemn.

Just a thought on my behalf.....please post your opinions on this matter.

 

[Sketcher]

Well, what the widow gave was 100% of her money, not just ten.

Have you seen any of those abuses at your church? If you have not, then you have every reason to give. Pray for your wife to let you be faithful with your tithing, and for her to see the rewards that God promises in Malachi 3:10. I have heard testimonies where people in your shoes have seen God come through on it, even now under the New Covenant.

Tithing can be difficult, but ask yourself - can you really afford NOT to tithe? From my angle, God has found ways to provide for me when I needed it. If He hadn't picked up the plumber bill I'm not sure what I would have done. Well I would have paid it off eventually, but you know how that can hurt especially when you don't make very much.

I believe in tithing, and I believe I have it good compared to other people in the world. So not tithing (the full 10%) just doesn't make any sense to me when there are other Christians who will give you the shirt off their back and it's the only shirt they have.

 

[Stan53]

We didn't tithe when we first got married. For my wife it had been a legalism issue with her Church in Adelaide. Basically they said she wasn't a Christian if she didn't tithe. So she not only didn't tithe but left that church. For me I was plain lazy. Now days we pay through our bank by money transfer. However if one takes into account the time one spends in working around the church I think a lot more would be tithing than they realise. Do we say we tithe just our income? I sort of think tithing goes a lot further than that.

 

[Kelly]

We are not currently tithing anything. Between our debt, house repairs (new water softener, painting ext. trim, etc), and our first child is in the second grade (we need to start saving for college) I don't see us starting soon. Our church is trying to gather the last $Mil for a $3 million dollar 'family life center" (activity building), we've given some but I think it should be going out to help the community rather than build a big social building for the church. (Although we're asked to give above and beyond our tithe for that project).

 

[CrazyforYeshua]

Alot of people have problems with tithing, but it is scriptural, to support the church. Even they have bills. As far as helping the congregation, we take a benevolance offering once a month for that purpose, so members who are having a hard time financially can go to the Pastor, explain the situation, and if they truly need help, they receive it. He has elders and the treasurer, who all make the decision, and it stays there, no one knows anything besides them. When he first started the church, he wanted to help everybody, to the extent strangers would call and ask "is this the church that gives away money"? He had to start using wisdom, and with Gods' help, has done an awesome job.

 

[jad123]

I do believe that all should support their church via money and via service. But I also believe what I give is between the Lord and myself and the amount does not need to be know by anyone else in the Church.

 

[Dondi]

Hi all......just want your general thoughts on tithing.

I personally don't pay tithe at my church, and there are a couple of reasons why.

The first reason is that my wife is not saved (YET) and she doesn't understand why I should give ova $100 weekly to the church, when we can spend it on our kids or on our house.

The second reason is that I have seen many a church abuse tithes.......it always bugs me when churches condemn people for not paying tithe....I see some pastors wearing fine itallian suits, with nice cars, houses, with all the added extras,and state of the art equipment for the church (i.e music equipment e.t.c) and yet it is clear that alot of their members struggle financially, living from week to week.
Im not saying that Pastors and Churches shouldn't have nice stuff, (and yes members are responsible for their own finances) but wouldn't it be nice to see a church that once a month prayerfully paid a bill for a struggling member....what a blessing it would be to be able to say to a member " we know your going through hard times and we would like to pay your power bill this month".
This is exactly what the Apostles encouraged. Acts 4:35.
Of course it would have to be discreetly, otherwise people would come to expect it.....but I think you get my drift.
Maybe my wife would feel better about giving money away if I was to give it to a charity or to someone in dire need.
I know what the bible says in the old testament, but in the new testament we read about the widow who gave all she had....even though it wasn't much.....churches should adopt this practise and learn not to condemn.

Just a thought on my behalf.....please post your opinions on this matter.

The original purpose of tithing was to provide a means of living for the Levitical priests who were responsible for performing the sacrificial duties according to the ordinances of the Old Testament Law. The tribe of Levi was not portioned land, but rather were scattered among the rest of the twelve tribes so that they may be accessable to provide service for those tribes. It makes sense to appoition tithes in lieu of land for that purpose.

In Christian circles, tithing is a means to provide for the pastor, who has dedicated himself full time to the ministry and is not depended on outside employment so that His attention can be given to serve the people of his congregation.

Churches vary in how the tithes are distributed. While pastors are salaried, there may be other expenses assocsiated with continued operation of the church, such as utility bills, that may resort to the funds that are given as tithes.

Offerings are often look upon as giving in excess of tithing, supporting such ministries as missions, building construction, benevolent funds, charitable causes, and the like.

True, there probably are some pastors who could do without the Mercedes and overt extravagance. I've walked away from churches like that, figuring my tithes could be better used elsewhere.

But I don't stop tithing because of this. I tithe because I believe this is what God wants me to do. I happen to believe that God owns everything and has blessed us with everything, but only requires we give 10% of what is His anyway. I also believe it helps us to be less selfish with what we have. In fact, you learn to bless others by your giving and I have given offerings above my tithes because I want to be more of a blessing to others. And I believe God blesses back. And I believe God blesses us back so that we can give more.

But even with God blessing me back, I draw the most satisfaction in knowing that I have helped someone else through my giving. I've learn the true meaning behind: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' - Acts 20:35

 

[GraceLikeRainFallsDown]

In my opinion, you do not have to tithe to just your church. You can give to other Christian organizations (such as World Vision, Salvation Army, Gideon's etc.). You can even give out money to a homeless shelter or a person who is in need on the street. A mother at the register in the grocery store who comes up short. I have a friend who gave her tithe to a Christian friend who lost their job. She gave her church tithe to them until they were back on their feet and found new employment. I think it was a wonderful Christian thing to do. You are tithing for God's family and it includes all in need not just your local church.

I do tithe to my church (I think they do great work for the community) as well as other organizations that I believe are doing God's work. But, I also strongly believe that service is a form of tithing. Those who do not have the financial means to tithe can always use their time. Time is money in our society. Many organizations that do a lot of good for the needy would be paralyzed without servants to actually do the physical work.

Personally though I among those who believe you should give even if it seems you cannot. God does provide. I have heard and seen many wonderful stories of people tithing what little they have and God sending provisions to them. I am in no way saying that if you give you should expect to receive something from God. But, He will provide what is needed to his faithful followers. We just may not agree on His definition as to what is needed.

 

[march56]

Matthew 6:1
[ Giving to the Needy ] "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

I truly relate to what you are saying as I have been in your position most of my life. What I'm attempting to do about it, since I don't have it to give I hope to be able to give of my time. I have been gifted somewhat in music and even though there are already alot of musicians at my church, maybe they would like a change or have room for another etc. The point is volunteering is worth something. Even if you probably won't be able to write off volunteer work from your taxes. Speaking of which wouldn't it be nice to have your employer automatically deduct your tithe pre-tax similar to a 401k deduction?
-M.C.

 

[SteelDisciple]

Hi all......just want your general thoughts on tithing.

I personally don't pay tithe at my church, and there are a couple of reasons why.

The first reason is that my wife is not saved (YET) and she doesn't understand why I should give ova $100 weekly to the church, when we can spend it on our kids or on our house.

The second reason is that I have seen many a church abuse tithes.......it always bugs me when churches condemn people for not paying tithe....I see some pastors wearing fine itallian suits, with nice cars, houses, with all the added extras,and state of the art equipment for the church (i.e music equipment e.t.c) and yet it is clear that alot of their members struggle financially, living from week to week.
Im not saying that Pastors and Churches shouldn't have nice stuff, (and yes members are responsible for their own finances) but wouldn't it be nice to see a church that once a month prayerfully paid a bill for a struggling member....what a blessing it would be to be able to say to a member " we know your going through hard times and we would like to pay your power bill this month".
This is exactly what the Apostles encouraged. Acts 4:35.
Of course it would have to be discreetly, otherwise people would come to expect it.....but I think you get my drift.
Maybe my wife would feel better about giving money away if I was to give it to a charity or to someone in dire need.
I know what the bible says in the old testament, but in the new testament we read about the widow who gave all she had....even though it wasn't much.....churches should adopt this practise and learn not to condemn.

Just a thought on my behalf.....please post your opinions on this matter.

The Word says to give back to the Lord. While it does say specifically how much...there are examples that say we give only what we can afford.

You don't HAVE to give to the church...(my church doesn't take offering...but relies on others kindness...and they are doing great) I used to give to a Christian radio station...now I give to a Christian news agency.

 

[march56]

Just wanted to add: Because this great country of ours gaurantees freedom of religion, we should do everything we can to ensure it stays that way. Which would include tithing to your church if at all possible. Think about it like giving to the NRA to protect 2nd ammendment rights. Of course this reason to give is not the best by any means its just that if you can't think of a practical reason then maybe it would work for you.
-M.C.

 

[Mathison]

Tithing: An Old Covenant Law for the Jews to 'upkeep' the temple.

We Christians are NOT under the law of Moses,

and are in Christ's NEW covenant.

Tithing NOT required.

Christ paid it all.

 

[Sketcher]

Tithing: An Old Covenant Law for the Jews to 'upkeep' the temple.

We Christians are NOT under the law of Moses,

and are in Christ's NEW covenant.

Tithing NOT required.

Christ paid it all.

So the money needed to minister to the poor grows on trees?

 

[Mathison]

So the money needed to minister to the poor grows on trees?

That's not relevant to being saved.

Salvation is a free-gift.

Christ paid it all.

No wonder so many DON'T become Christians,
if they think it costs money, rather than believing upon Christ and His finished work on the cross.

 

[Sketcher]

That's not relevant to being saved.

Salvation is a free-gift.

Christ paid it all.

No wonder so many DON'T become Christians,
if they think it costs money, rather than believing upon Christ and His finished work on the cross.

I don't think anyone here said that tithing was a work needed for salvation. Only that it is something we ought to do since Jesus commanded us to help take care of the poor.

 

[Dondi]

That's not relevant to being saved.

Salvation is a free-gift.

Christ paid it all.

No wonder so many DON'T become Christians,
if they think it costs money, rather than believing upon Christ and His finished work on the cross.

LOL. My wife and I have gotten to know one of her co-workers and her 7 year-old son. We have been inviting them to church and one day her son asked her, "Mommy, can I have some money to give the offering so I can go to heaven?" We all kinda laughed at that.

Anyway, that led to an opportunity to share the Gospel with them and they both got saved, free of charge.

Actually, you will find that most churches teach salvation by grace. As a matter of fact, I don't really any Christian churches that say you have to tithe to be saved.

 

[Kelly]

I don't think it's a mandatory thing. And also, don't confuse tithing with charity or offerings. They are different things. If you are giving 10% of your income to this or that charity, to the poor, etc, that's not a tithe. Tithe is to your place of worship, and they do with it what they will (Hopefully improving the church and funding missions, etc)

 

[SteelDisciple]

That's not relevant to being saved.

Salvation is a free-gift.

Christ paid it all.

No wonder so many DON'T become Christians,
if they think it costs money, rather than believing upon Christ and His finished work on the cross.

Tithing has absolutely nothing to do with being saved. It's about supporting God's work here on Earth.

If you are Christian...you should want to help support ministries.

 

[VonKarman]

Hi all......just want your general thoughts on tithing.

I personally don't pay tithe at my church, and there are a couple of reasons why.

The first reason is that my wife is not saved (YET) and she doesn't understand why I should give ova $100 weekly to the church, when we can spend it on our kids or on our house.

The second reason is that I have seen many a church abuse tithes.......it always bugs me when churches condemn people for not paying tithe....I see some pastors wearing fine itallian suits, with nice cars, houses, with all the added extras,and state of the art equipment for the church (i.e music equipment e.t.c) and yet it is clear that alot of their members struggle financially, living from week to week.
Im not saying that Pastors and Churches shouldn't have nice stuff, (and yes members are responsible for their own finances) but wouldn't it be nice to see a church that once a month prayerfully paid a bill for a struggling member....what a blessing it would be to be able to say to a member " we know your going through hard times and we would like to pay your power bill this month".
This is exactly what the Apostles encouraged. Acts 4:35.
Of course it would have to be discreetly, otherwise people would come to expect it.....but I think you get my drift.
Maybe my wife would feel better about giving money away if I was to give it to a charity or to someone in dire need.
I know what the bible says in the old testament, but in the new testament we read about the widow who gave all she had....even though it wasn't much.....churches should adopt this practise and learn not to condemn.

Just a thought on my behalf.....please post your opinions on this matter.

My first thought on this is:
Do you serve your wife first or do you serve God first?

Being that you ARE saved and DO know what God commands of you, we should be honoring God FIRST even over our spouses, as the scriptures tell us; for HE is the head of the marriage relationship.

I know it's easier said than done sometimes, but we need to stop focusing on what man's opinion is, and focus on what God has told us to do.

 

[VonKarman]

Wow.

I keep hearing people (here, and in other circles) saying they "can't afford" to tithe, or "just dont have it".

WAIT.

Unless you are completely unemployed or have NO source of income, you are supposed to be tithing. God would not ask something of us that we could not do. Furthermore, He has given us faith, strength, wisdom and understanding to OBEY Him even when we don't want to or fully understand everything.

The problem with US CHRISTIANS is that we are STILL holding on to our OPINIONS instead of humbling ourselves to GOD'S COMMANDMENTS AND OBEYING what He's ordained.

The problem is we are looking at the tithe as an AFTERTHOUGHT after we pay bills, purchase whatever it is we purchase, and then look at the checkbook at the END of the week and say, "oh.. well, I don't have enough to give". We need to turn this way of thinking around and apply the principles of tithing correctly in our lives.

Walk with me for a moment...

Let's assume that everyone reading this post has an income. Whether it be $100 a week or $10,000 a week is irrelevant. The principle and definition of the word TITHE is a "tenth" and "first fruits". When you get your check you pay God FIRST... off the TOP ... THEN, the other 90 % goes to your expenses, etc. Through tithing, you are displaying your obedience, faith and thankfulness to and in Him, saying, "Father here is what YOU gave me. I now give this 10% to you and trust you will make the other 90% work". Your FAITH and OBEDIENCE release the blessings that the Word of God promises us.

It is a very difficult thing for some to let go of their money. We are selfish creatures by nature. As believers, we are to walk by faith and not by sight, not the other way around.

I believe once we start doing what God tells us to do and stop worrying and trying to make it work OUR OWN WAY, living in the flesh by ignoring God's commandments because they don't logically make SENSE to us, we'll begin to see his glory manifest in our lives.

We've got to let go of ourselves to become more like Jesus.

By not tithing, you are basically saying you don't trust God to carry you.

And as someone else stated, how can you afford NOT to tithe?

God says, "Test me" regarding the tithe.

Will you?

That's my sermon for the day

Peace ya'll.

~VonKarman


p.s.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, yes I am a firm believer in tithing and a walking living testimony that ALL of my needs are met ALL of the time. That's not because of me, it's because of HIM.
Our God is an awesome God.