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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/26/2008 5:07:42 PM
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JimboFletch
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quote:
ORIGINAL: notmycity
quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
Show me where Jesus or the Apostles forbid or condemned the practice by limiting grateful worship to just lips.
You must be confusing me with another poster...
Giving is taught in the NT, just not tithing.
You must be referring to foreign missions - one church giving to the needs to another group of believers in another country. That's where cheerful giving is extolled, giving beyond the local church's ministries to special needs.
I don't think there is any information on giving within one's own local church (except for those that sold everything and gave it for mutual needs) in the NT. Perhaps that was understood since many then had been raised Jewish and were accustomed to giving at least 10%.
< Message edited by JimboFletch -- 6/26/2008 5:13:48 PM >
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/26/2008 6:27:04 PM
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notmycity
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
I don't think there is any information on giving within one's own local church (except for those that sold everything and gave it for mutual needs) in the NT. Perhaps that was understood since many then had been raised Jewish and were accustomed to giving at least 10%.
Those in Corinth and Galatia weren’t Jewish, and Paul ministered mostly to gentiles:
1 Cor 16:1-2
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
_____________________________
<><Topher
"I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts." Psalm 119:63
and..
"For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." Heb 13:14 = "notmycity"
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/26/2008 11:40:55 PM
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faroukfarouk
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Sorry, I don't believe in tithes for today either. Period.
They were still in being in Malachi, clearly. But where are the Levites, to whom the tithes were supposed to be given, nowadays?
Ah, clergy will rush in and say, that's us. Really? I thought that in Acts 20, the elders and teachers whom Paul exhorted were in a plurality in that local congregation in Ephesus, and in no way a continuity from Levites.
But I would add this: if people are motivated to give MORE than one tenth even of their income as freewill offerings, then more power to them.
But in the New Testament I don't see more than freewill offerings; I certainly don't see tithes. (But of couse vested ecclesiatical interests have to argue otherwise, and draw from the legalism which is indeed a carry-over from the Old Testament.)
This whole question does open up rather divergent attitudes about what it means to be under grace or under law.
(Kat the moderator encouraged me to come here.)
_____________________________
Trust the Bible.
Trust the Lord.
Don't trust the appearance of things.
(I'm a guy. Some tattoo designs look nice, though...but I haven't worn my earrings lately. So, think the lady in the avatar is my sister?)
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/27/2008 7:42:07 AM
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JimboFletch
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quote:
ORIGINAL: notmycity
quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
I don't think there is any information on giving within one's own local church (except for those that sold everything and gave it for mutual needs) in the NT. Perhaps that was understood since many then had been raised Jewish and were accustomed to giving at least 10%.
Those in Corinth and Galatia weren’t Jewish, and Paul ministered mostly to gentiles:
1 Cor 16:1-2
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
You've only confirmed what I said. Pauk was giving instructions to them on giving OUTSIDE their local church to another area. He wasn't talking about their normal, local ministry needs.
As to the Jewish part, guess the background of all the Apostles and Church fathers... Yep, Jewish. As were the first several thousand believers.
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/27/2008 7:47:31 AM
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JimboFletch
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quote:
ORIGINAL: faroukfarouk
Sorry, I don't believe in tithes for today either. Period...
Just curious, why do you think God blesses us with more than we need? To accumulated fancy stuff and a nice nest egg or in order to minister to others?
[None of the moderators have asked me to encourage others to generously give to Christian ministries or to the needs of others.]
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/27/2008 8:07:48 AM
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JimboFletch
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quote:
ORIGINAL: faroukfarouk
(Kat the moderator encouraged me to come here.)
If it's necessary to call in more folk to put down the JF tithing heretic, then I'll concede this thread and let you folk have a love fest without my annoying presence.
Whatever else you folk think about me, I want you to know that I spent several years searching the scripture and praying this topic when I was in my 20s. When I first approached it, my attitude was clear, "Sorry, I don't believe in tithes for today either. Period."
After several years of private study, I came to the conclusion that tithing is as valid as it ever was and that it is the ideal pattern for the Church to follow. When I began to return 10% to God, I wasn't happy about it at all, but I gave in sincere obedience to what I believed the Bible to teach and God's call for me.
I have returned at least 10% of my income to the Lord ever since, almost 30 years. I do not regret doing so. It was never given to get, it was given in thanks for what I already had received. It has been done in grateful worship to my Father for His grace and goodness.
If that makes me a heretic worthy of inviting more people to attack me, so be it. None of you have to answer to God for my obedience at what He has told me to do.
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/27/2008 8:28:46 AM
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faroukfarouk
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quote:
It was never given to get, it was given in thanks for what I already had received. It has been done in grateful worship to my Father for His grace and goodness.
Jimbo.
That's really great.
And they sound like a freewill offerings to me. There weren't any Levites around to compel you to give it to them. That was my point.
You sound like you have a warm heart which God has moved to support His work, like someone who is truly under grace.
_____________________________
Trust the Bible.
Trust the Lord.
Don't trust the appearance of things.
(I'm a guy. Some tattoo designs look nice, though...but I haven't worn my earrings lately. So, think the lady in the avatar is my sister?)
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/27/2008 8:35:10 AM
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jbbaab44
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
You've only confirmed what I said. Paul was giving instructions to them on giving OUTSIDE their local church to another area. He wasn't talking about their normal, local ministry needs.
Don't you give to your local church so they can disburse it to people outside? Wasn't this the point of tithes in the old testament. Tithes were for the fatherless, widow, and STRANGER? Is your church forced to spend the tithe on themselves? Or are they free to give it to others outside your walls?
_____________________________
Church tithe & Offerings - New Testament Tithing
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/27/2008 8:39:52 AM
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faroukfarouk
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jbbaab44
quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
You've only confirmed what I said. Paul was giving instructions to them on giving OUTSIDE their local church to another area. He wasn't talking about their normal, local ministry needs.
Don't you give to your local church so they can disburse it to people outside? Wasn't this the point of tithes in the old testament. Tithes were for the fatherless, widow, and STRANGER? Is your church forced to spend the tithe on themselves? Or are they free to give it to others outside your walls?
Tithes were instituted in the days when Israel was a people in the land, with their own administration. In some ways tithes operated like welfare today (NO! cry all the rabid right-wingers)
Oh well.
_____________________________
Trust the Bible.
Trust the Lord.
Don't trust the appearance of things.
(I'm a guy. Some tattoo designs look nice, though...but I haven't worn my earrings lately. So, think the lady in the avatar is my sister?)
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/27/2008 8:45:53 AM
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jbbaab44
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The old testament has a perfect example of how Spirit-led people should give to support local ministry. In Exodus 35 & 36, Israel was not under the tithing law, but yet the tabernacle ministry had begun. Read Exodus 35 & 36 to see how local ministry operated through freewill offerings, and the leading of the Spirit of God.
_____________________________
Church tithe & Offerings - New Testament Tithing
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/28/2008 4:38:02 PM
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sunofone
Posts: 662
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
quote:
ORIGINAL: faroukfarouk
(Kat the moderator encouraged me to come here.)
If it's necessary to call in more folk to put down the JF tithing heretic, then I'll concede this thread and let you folk have a love fest without my annoying presence.
Whatever else you folk think about me, I want you to know that I spent several years searching the scripture and praying this topic when I was in my 20s. When I first approached it, my attitude was clear, "Sorry, I don't believe in tithes for today either. Period."
After several years of private study, I came to the conclusion that tithing is as valid as it ever was and that it is the ideal pattern for the Church to follow. When I began to return 10% to God, I wasn't happy about it at all, but I gave in sincere obedience to what I believed the Bible to teach and God's call for me.
I have returned at least 10% of my income to the Lord ever since, almost 30 years. I do not regret doing so. It was never given to get, it was given in thanks for what I already had received. It has been done in grateful worship to my Father for His grace and goodness.
If that makes me a heretic worthy of inviting more people to attack me, so be it. None of you have to answer to God for my obedience at what He has told me to do.
JF,I hope you realize that your personal testimony has not been trampled upon like slop for swine.I have been,and I'm sure others as well, been blessed by the faithfulness of God in your committing a tithe to him.
In fact as for me,if a personal testimony could convince me to ignore the overwhelming scriptural witness against tithing according to a levitical mandate,your's among others would have done so.
I know that you and others who have accepted this command from God to tithe,have not done so in ignorance,or defiance to what you believe God is demanding of you.
I know that you are sincere,and have been convinced by the overwhelming scriptural witness,and now by the confirmation of your personal testimony that tithing is indeed a valid principal to follow for the NT Church.
Not that you need it,or requested it,you have my utmost respect for continuing in your worship of giving to God as you are doing.I would not ever try to convince you by my testimony,or my perspective of scripture,that you are wrong,or somehow deceived for doing so.
I wholeheartedly believe that God has allowed you to worship him in this manner,and has blessed you for doing so.So please do not believe that all non tithe payers such as myself,have dismissed your personal testimony,nor the testimony of God in your life.
To the contrary,I have been blessed by it!I personally thank God for your testimony,and I believe with all of my heart that God has honored your commitment,and has met your obedience to him,with his awesome provision!
God bless you JF,and most importantly,all praise to God,who is able to do abundantly exceedingly above all that we can ever ask or think.He is able to provide for 100 children,as much as he can for the family of three!
God is faithful! and I bless him for his faithfulness! God bless JF
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/29/2008 10:37:04 PM
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prophet
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5%,10%, 15%, or 25%....
Used to tithe faithfully because of OT teachings especially the dreaded verses from Malachi! baby christian then and full of fire!
The institution used the money to build nice buildings, including taking up debts while doing this.
At the same time, people in need was turned away OR asking the congregation to help while the instituion had lots in the bank! What example is this? is the institution more important than the ekklesia? Who/what is the church?
Alas....that was my ex church.... 
_____________________________
Create in me a Clean Heart, O Lord.
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/30/2008 10:55:48 AM
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jstbeliev
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I, too, used to believe in what man has deemed as the word of God when actually it is the word of man as to how one gives, supports the fatherless, widow and orphan, selah! I am not here to convince anyone how they should give, for it is the LORD alone that gives revelation by His Spirit to the believer who has ears to hear. I received my revelation about 4 yrs ago and all I can say is PRAISE GOD! That was when the Lord Himself began to teach me how to give...to HIM. I, too, researched and studied after my soul began to be grieved when I had lost my job and didn't have a dime to my name and couldn't, I repeat couldn't tithe. I didn't have a penny and the money that I did sparingly get, I paid the bills and bought food for my child. And all the while I felt like, even though I was looking for any type of work(overqualified or underqualified) at all, I felt I was "robbing God and my home was under a curse", so the pastors preached. I was a baby Christian and didn't understand why I felt so depressed and guilty over the fact that I wasn't able to tithe. I would get sick and sad a lot. I didn't think that I was worthy to be blessed or to be called His child. I prayed and prayed as I walked the streets looking for a job. And then I cried out to God and He led me to His Word. He reminded me that I was a Gentile saved by grace and not under any bondage of law. He reminded me that I was not under any yoke or pressure. He reminded me that I am His child and that I am blessed, whether I have nothing at all or an abundance. He reminded me that I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. He reminded me to put my whole trust in HIM and not to believe the lies of the enemy through men/women. He sent seasoned saints my way who gave me nuggets of wisdom and truth of the gospel in context and not the twisted version of man to confirm His Word. I read about modern Messianic Jews who don't tithe today. I have now a mountain of truth stored away in folders to those who may ask because I don't tell everybody how they should give. I only speak when God sends them my way. Which was the case about a few weeks ago. Again, I am not trying to persuade anyone. Some people feel that they have to live under that bondage. That is their choice. I have grasped the truth of giving and I give cheerfully without reproach, pressure or threat of curses or of robbing my God. I give a lot sometimes and I give a little sometimes but I give. I give to my unsaved neighbors. I give to my little 9 yr old African sister across the seas so she can eat and drink something that won't make her sick and so she can read and write and have medicine to help illnesses. I give to my city, my country and my world. My home is blessed and filled with the peace of God and I have more than I have ever had in my entire life. Because I had decided to trust God and His Holy Scripture, I have a peace which transcends the world for Jesus has said, "My peace I leave you", amen and amen!
God bless all,
_____________________________
Why should you die? HE already died for you...
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/30/2008 11:49:34 AM
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1dblthnk02
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
I find that interesting. Interesting indeed. I have never had credit problems, in part due to using credit sparingly and paying cash or paying early whenever possible.
That is due entirely to your own good stewardship, not God's divine blessing.
quote:
I'm not wealthy by America's standards, but I have never suffered want from faithfully and gratefully worshipping God with at least a tenth of the income He has given me.
But according to the tithing doctrine, it is supposed to "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Quid pro quo. You just demonstrated by your own words that it doesn't work that way.
< Message edited by 1dblthnk02 -- 6/30/2008 10:17:33 PM >
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/30/2008 12:50:17 PM
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LBolt
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jstbeliev,
I too have had to restudy something, having talked to different individuals who felt condemned at offering time. I should have clarified that some of the faithful whose credit was jacked up...gave more than 10% usually giving in some 'special offering' above and your tithe...hoping that God would bless their giving.
My wife and I was in a situation where we were strapped financially and didn't tithe neither felt guilty. Albeit frrom the pulpit,we did feel like something was wrong with us. Which is why I am not as dogmatic anymore about it. I go to a Messianic Congregation now, where as we believe in tithing we also believe in taking care of your family and the needs of others. God may lay upon your heart to help so and so... Matter fact, the offering 'Temple' is in the back of the church and we don't even ask for tithes and offerings you are free to give or not give.
It's between you and God and I am really looking into the matter. I don't believe in putting people under bondage. I don't believe Torah is bondage. I've been saved for over 20 years and I've been so free...
I don't hear much preaching about the churches responsibilty with the money received. It goes towards bulidings, upkeep, cars... I don't hear about the poor, widows (who are indeed) and orphans and then buildings, upkeep...
_____________________________
Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding...she shall give to thine head an ornament of grace..---Proverbs 4:7
www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60604-743-9
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/30/2008 2:01:00 PM
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sunofone
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quote:
It's between you and God and I am really looking into the matter. I don't believe in putting people under bondage. I don't believe Torah is bondage. I've been saved for over 20 years and I've been so free...
Doesn't the teaching of tithing in the Nt Church contradict this statement?Keep in mind when we reference tithe,we are not simply submitting to the definition of tithe,which is a tenth.We are talking specifically about a mandate placed on the saints by God to give ten percent of their gross earnings to their respective churches,regardless of circumstances.
Whether undergoing financial hardship or not.While JF has a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness in tithing,his testimony does not nor can it trump others testimonies who have seriously fallen short of his result.
The WOF movement has believers on the same slippery slope when they cite that God wants every one to be rich,and in perfect health.The suggestion being that if you're not then somethings wrong with you.
In other words if Crefflo has it,than you too should have it.His testimony trumps your's.So the shortage is with you not God
Many churches though not all,teach that to refuse to tithe,places you under the curse of God.I have yet to find a church that teaches or receives tithes, not also teach both the blessings promised to tithers along with the curses promises for those who do not.
As you and others have mentioned they can make you feel that you are indeed a robber of God,and worthy of cursing and damnation by God even when you find yourself in the valley of decision whether you should pay your bills, feed your children,or give God his tenth etc..
This is for me the heart of the issue and why I fail to accept that tithing is a requirement of God on me or any other believer.Mind you there is no clear directive given as to why of all the laws and regulations no longer in practice from the OT,That tithing should somehow stand.
What we get instead is generic offerings of all scripture being profitable for doctrine,or Jesus told the Pharasiees that that should have tithed but not forget the weightier matters.Or that Tithing is an eternal principle recognized by Abraham,and confirmed in the book of Hebrews,all of which can easily be refuted,or rather placed in proper context,leaving at that point,no valid scriptural reason to place as you rightfully stated a yoke of bondage on believers.
If one wants to tithe,feels led to tithe and is being blessed by it,Great.I have no problem with anyone choosing to honor God with their substance,I just have a problem with the church teaching tithing according to the mandate passed down by Moses,which doesn't even get taught according to how Moses passed it down to begin with.
What we get instead is a hybrid tithe created by man for man,and yet tries to pass itself off as scripturally supported and mandated of God.
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/30/2008 11:31:37 PM
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prophet
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jstbeliev
quote:
I didn't have a penny and the money that I did sparingly get, I paid the bills and bought food for my child.
i believe you did rite!
1 tim 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Shalom
_____________________________
Create in me a Clean Heart, O Lord.
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 6/30/2008 11:40:33 PM
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prophet
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quote:
If one wants to tithe,feels led to tithe and is being blessed by it,Great.I have no problem with anyone choosing to honor God with their substance,I just have a problem with the church teaching tithing according to the mandate passed down by Moses,which doesn't even get taught according to how Moses passed it down to begin with.
AMEN!
Shalom
_____________________________
Create in me a Clean Heart, O Lord.
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 7/1/2008 9:54:42 AM
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1dblthnk02
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sunofone
We are talking specifically about a mandate placed on the saints by God to give ten percent of their gross earnings to their respective churches,regardless of circumstances.
And where specifically does scripture give this commandment?
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 7/1/2008 11:46:28 AM
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sunofone
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1dblthnk02
quote:
ORIGINAL: sunofone
We are talking specifically about a mandate placed on the saints by God to give ten percent of their gross earnings to their respective churches,regardless of circumstances.
And where specifically does scripture give this commandment?
quote:
I just have a problem with the church teaching tithing according to the mandate passed down by Moses,which doesn't even get taught according to how Moses passed it down to begin with.
What we get instead is a hybrid tithe created by man for man,and yet tries to pass itself off as scripturally supported and mandated of God. It doesn't,which is the point of my post:
I just have a problem with the church teaching tithing according to the mandate passed down by Moses,which doesn't even get taught according to how Moses passed it down to begin with.
What we get instead is a hybrid tithe created by man for man,and yet tries to pass itself off as scripturally supported and mandated of God.
Maybe your question was rhetorical. 
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 7/1/2008 1:17:39 PM
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jstbeliev
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Lbolt,
greetings,
thank you for your kind words. I have read about churches, not necessarily Messianic, that put baskets at the back of the church as well. I wish I could remember the name but this pastor has said that because he doesn't preach man's "tithe" doctrine, his church has experienced growth like never before. The people give and give. And I wonder why they give like that? Could it be because they are not pressured or threatened? Hmmmm....something to think about, yes? Not you, but lurkers out there. I pray the TRUTH sets people free...for real.
Take care and God bless you!
_____________________________
Why should you die? HE already died for you...
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 7/1/2008 1:36:26 PM
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jstbeliev
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quote:
ORIGINAL: prophet
i believe you did rite!
1 tim 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Shalom
ME--Ahhhhh, so it is written. Alas some of my very dear bros/sis in Christ would disagree...saying "give all that you have and God will provide". I decided to listen to God and was then blessed to give.
People just seem to have it backward, heeding the ways of Saul, thinking that God wants sacrifices instead of obedience. God wants our hearts, not to be bought off with false and selfish worship. How disrespectful and dishonoring that is, to think money will buy your way in. Give to God what is God's. Some may ask, What is God's? Think, saints. Study for yourself. Some people mistakenly think that it is money. That as long as they give out of their bank accts, that they will be absolved from the sin that they may be in? That somehow Jesus will say "well, you've given to the leaders of your church thousands and thousands of dollars, well done, come and live with Me forever". When in fact, there is a standard other than monetary that we are to live by. Standards of the heart, the soul and the mind. God has a measuring rod and we are living, I include myself, way below the standards that God has commanded that we live by. We have bypassed or overlooked the Good Book and have decided to believe that if we give enough money, we will be okay. But have you visited, clothed, fed those that were hungry, naked and poor or in prison? I mean those outside the church? I could go on but I've got to get back to work. Our churches are in trouble, the believers are in trouble, our youth is in trouble and only the LORD can set it. But we must want the LORD to have His say and have His way...completely
Take care and God bless,
_____________________________
Why should you die? HE already died for you...
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 7/1/2008 2:56:06 PM
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P31W
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quote:
The old testament has a perfect example of how Spirit-led people should give to support local ministry. In Exodus 35 & 36, Israel was not under the tithing law, but yet the tabernacle ministry had begun. Read Exodus 35 & 36 to see how local ministry operated through freewill offerings, and the leading of the Spirit of God.
Exodus 39
32 And so at last the Tabernacle was finished. The Israelites had done everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 33 And they brought the entire Tabernacle to Moses: the sacred tent with all its furnishings, the clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and bases; 34 the layers of tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; the inner curtain that enclosed the Most Holy Place; 35 the Ark of the Covenant F92 and its carrying poles; the Ark's cover – the place of atonement; 36 the table and all its utensils; the Bread of the Presence; 37 the gold lampstand and its accessories; the lamp cups and the oil for lighting; 38 the gold altar; the anointing oil; the fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the sacred tent; 39 the bronze altar; the bronze grating; its poles and utensils; the large washbasin and its pedestal; 40 the curtains for the walls of the courtyard and the posts and bases holding them up; the curtain at the courtyard entrance; the cords and tent pegs; all the articles used in the operation of the Tabernacle; 41 the beautifully crafted garments to be worn while ministering in the Holy Place – the holy garments for Aaron the priest and for his sons to wear while on duty. 42 So the people of Israel followed all of the LORD's instructions to Moses. 43 Moses inspected all their work and blessed them because it had been done as the LORD had commanded him.
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Don't you give to your local church so they can disburse it to people outside?
No
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Wasn't this the point of tithes in the old testament. Tithes were for the fatherless, widow, and STRANGER?
Only the third year tithe was to go to the poor within a person's area. (gates) That would be about 3.33% per year for the truly poor. The first two tithes that were yearly were to go for the support the Levites and Priest.
Nu 18:21
"I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting.
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In some ways tithes operated like welfare today
In what ways?
Welfare is given to those outside the family of God...not true with the tithe.
Welfare is given to those who chose not to work .....not so with the tithe.
The tithe given to the poor was only given once every three years.
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 7/1/2008 3:00:24 PM
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P31W
Posts: 2441
Joined: 6/13/2005
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We are talking specifically about a mandate placed on the saints by God to give ten percent of their gross earnings to their respective churches,regardless of circumstances.
Notice the bold part. Should the circumstances matter here? If not why did you add that last bit?
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RE: Tithes and Offerings - One Stop Thread - 7/1/2008 3:09:28 PM
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P31W
Posts: 2441
Joined: 6/13/2005
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faroukfarouk
Most of us tithers believe it starts with a "free will". LOL how does that grab you. I have no clergy here forcing me to tithe or be cast out of my church. Rather I have examples of wise men and women who have tested God in this area and have shown for me an example of obedience in the "hard times". No they don't pull out Malachi as a "money falling from heaven passage". Rather they use "scripture" to show me and their life example of the faithfulness of a loving God who truly cares for their children.
I think some people confuse the "name it and claim it" group with those who are "true Christians" that teach the tithe principle.
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