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tithing - 6/21/2008 9:29:39 AM
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nova86
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Do you think it's "okay" in the eyes of God to give your ten percent tithe money to a good cause? For example, I do not believe that my church is in dire need of my ten percent. New technologies and equipment abound, yet we rarely go out into the community and help those who have immediate needs. Personally I just don't feel like I am giving to the Kingdom of God when I give to my church. . . instead I feel like I am giving to, well, my church, the actual building, the expensive lights on the stage. I am not saying that any of that stuff is wrong; I just want to give my money to someone who really needs it. Recently I have felt it laid on my heart to help the victims in Myanmar, and I have wanted to give my tithe money to an organization which will help with the relief fund. Now. . . is this okay? I know that tithe money is supposed to be given to the Kingdom of God, yet I feel that the work that God requires us to do (among other things) is to help the widows and orphans. I have prayed about this but have not yet received a clear answer. I'd like to know what all of you think. . .
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 9:33:39 AM
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DenimDiva
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I too have been in prayer about what to do with my tithe.
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 9:47:49 AM
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WesleyGlenn
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I have to put my money into the church because that is what the Lord has led me to do. I can't say that God isn't telling you to do that, but it could be that he wants you to pay your tithes to the church and give an offering for relief. It says in Malachi Chapter 3 verse 10 to "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house," Again though, I cannot say what God is telling you. I often have wished that I had millions of dollars so I could spread it to all kinds of efforts, but that isn't where I'm at right yet. We have to be faithful with what God has given us and then He will entrust us with more to do greater things. Continue to pray and even ask the elders of your church about this situation.
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 10:45:45 AM
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deermousie
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Scripture indicates that our tithes are to support people doing God's work in ministering to us personally, and it goes through the institution that God set up - the Temple in the OT and the church in the NT.
Our tithes support those who labor for us spiritually (pastor/elders), supports the missionaries that the church has authorized, gives the church the ability to minister to people in emergencies, and pays the light and phone bill.
If you look at OT and add up all the giving, it comes out to 23.3%. But the word "tithe" comes from the word meaning "tenth."
If you have the means to give beyond a tenth, then I'd think that's a good time to support other people or organizations on your own.
I've heard that only 2% of Christian America tithes, and that's lame.
God bless you for considering this! The last book in the OT, Malachi, brings God's complaint against the OT people of God becauses they didn't give anything back to God after He told them to bring their tithes and offerings. He gives people everything they have, and we are to acknowledge that by giving some of it back. Some people cling to their material possessions like they'd created them themselves and were afraid they couldn't do it again. That is contrary to knowing that God has promised to meet our needs and through us may meet other people's needs. Tithing puts your money where your mouth is on the issue of God's provision and sovereignty. So you are right on!
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 1:01:22 PM
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ChoirDJ
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Great Question! I would have to respectfully disagree with anyone who states the money should automatically go to the church the tither attends. In most cases I would imagine this is appropriate but there are exceptions such as the one mentioned in the OP. If you believe the money you give to support the church is being misallocated or spent on things it shouldn't be spent on, then you should give it to a ministry that will use it more in accordance with God's will. The only thing I would add is that you should have a dialogue with your leadership about your concerns because it is not a good testimony to the world or believers to see church money spent in the fashion you mentioned. The principle here is about giving to God, not the church.
Incidently, I faced a similar issue several years ago when it was revealed in my previous church that the congregation had been mislead on how the contributions were being spent. I decided not to give at all during that period because of my disgust for what was going on and that was a sinful attitude for me to have. In retrospect, I should have found a worthy ministry to support until the problems were resolved.
Simply put, I highly admire that you have even raised this issue. Continue to be a great steward over finances and practice what you see in the scriptures. God will bless your heart either way as long as you are being faithful to Him in your giving.
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 1:07:26 PM
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buckifn
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I know it is an indiv choice but I have been struggling with this issue because our church does not reach out to those in need and hoardes the money into savings...so I have for the past year took it on myself to go out to other soc service agencies and see where the needs are and give money to help indiv. on a person by person basis..for instance, instead of donating to the agency we go buy 10 clients groceries, or buy 10 kids clothes, or something where we see directly who and where the money goes.
I'm not interested in supporting a leader who drives a Mercedes and people less than 1 block away stand in a soup kitchen line for over an hour for a meal. I know some don't agree, but I think Jesus is more pleased with my feeding 10 people who are hungry than 1 who isn't.
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 1:15:00 PM
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cheeky_monkey
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I've really been struggling with this. I always gave my 10% to the church I attend very cheerfully. Then I read the book "Pagan Christianity," and it caused me to see things differently. Now I see my tithe going to keep a building in good repair (a building found nowhere in the Bible) or more high-tech equipment instead of going to Christians in need or missionaries or whatever. I see it going to pay a pastor's salary and his kids' college educations and his vacations, which then probably makes me look bitter about it but in reality I'm not. I just don't see a biblical basis for it and feel conflicted about giving my tithe somewhere God may not want it to go.
As of now, I still tithe to my church, but I'm praying about whether to continue or not. I feel the Lord may be leading me in another direction.
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 1:21:55 PM
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SinnerSaved
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I think it's OK.
I personally choose where my tithe goes. Most, but not all of it goes to my church, as we should financially support our pastors and the upkeep of our places of worship. However, I support other ministries, mainly in Africa, which I feel has been placed on my heart.
God knows what's in our hearts, and as long as we don't neglect to support those that directly minister to us, I believe that you should follow yours in this case.
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 1:45:33 PM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: nova86
Do you think it's "okay" in the eyes of God to give your ten percent tithe money to a good cause?
Please show me where in the New Testament it is directed to Christians that they are to give 10%?
Thanks
RC
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Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 1:48:51 PM
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armydude
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: nova86
Do you think it's "okay" in the eyes of God to give your ten percent tithe money to a good cause?
Please show me where in the New Testament it is directed to Christians that they are to give 10%?
Thanks
RC
Okay, if you can show me in the New Testament where the Old Testament no longer applies.
There's a one stop thread for this in the Finances folder.
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 1:54:26 PM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: armydude
quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: nova86
Do you think it's "okay" in the eyes of God to give your ten percent tithe money to a good cause?
Please show me where in the New Testament it is directed to Christians that they are to give 10%?
Thanks
RC
Okay, if you can show me in the New Testament where the Old Testament no longer applies.
There's a one stop thread for this in the Finances folder.
Hey armydide, the Old Tstament says that when our wives are on thier "Monthly: that they are unclean and should be separated from the rest of the famisly.
So you tell your wife to spend a week a month living in the lawn mower shed?
Thsnks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 1:58:37 PM
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armydude
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
Hey armydide, the Old Tstament says that when our wives are on thier "Monthly: that they are unclean and should be separated from the rest of the famisly.
So you tell your wife to spend a week a month living in the lawn mower shed?
Thsnks
RC
Nope. My Loverly stays in the house and we go out there. Silly I am, stoopid I ain't. Either way, this will be closed soon enough. Why not just take all of this over to the one stop thread? I'm sure you'll have lots of company...
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 2:09:57 PM
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Little_1
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Re: the OP - this is a very good question? I'll be honest - I don't tithe. I have been listening to the testimonies of those who do and I have to say - they are genuine and God does seem to bless those who tithe their income.
The OT teaches tithing. The NT does not mention tithing at all but it does teach us that:
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver... " (2 Cor 9:7). This text suggests that we are to decide upon what we wish to give and happily (not grudgingly) do so.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38). This text kind of gives me the impression that it is foolish to be sparing with our money when it comes to giving to God because we cannot outgive Him.
I am going to watch this thread with interest. I do believe this is a very important question which needs answered in accordance with Scripture.
Please pray the Lord will show me what His will is concerning this subject because I am not sure what I believe regarding tithing. Appreciated.
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P.S. I have already edited this post since the original posting of it - see boldened/underlined part of post. What I have so far studied - it would seem that God would prefer that our giving is not out of duty to the OT laws of tithing but in response to our heartfelt adoration and worship of our Lord and Saviour. This is a thought provoking thread.
< Message edited by Little_1 -- 6/21/2008 2:52:33 PM >
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 2:47:48 PM
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Liveloved
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My understanding is that we are to be cheerful, gracious givers.
To who? To what?
Those in need. And to support the work of the church. But that does not have to be one church but the church universal. We split our giving between the church we attend on Sunday (wherever we are) and missions/missionaries and then give cash gifts to those in need as the Lord brings them along our path.
Our giving changed after being in a church where we had made a pledge and then some significant things began taking place---such as a bishop that said 'Jesus was the best way to God' . We fulfilled our pledge, kept our word, but have never made a pledge to a church again and have regarded our giving differently ever since.
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RE: tithing - 6/21/2008 3:08:05 PM
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Ps103
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MODERATOR'S NOTE :: ATTENTION PLEASE
Please ask your question in the TITHE one-stop thread.
Thanks!
Please do not reply to this message within the Community.
Please email Community@salemwebnetwork.com with questions, comments, or concerns.
Please do not send me PMs regarding this message.
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