Tithing??

MM, I do understand what you are saying. In regards to the percentages of gifts vs. givers example you gave I have two comments. First I don't trust surveys, they are almost all done with a goal in mind and out of some kind of miracle, surveys always seem to support the premise that the survey takers are trying to prove, how odd Second, you said that was a Baptist church thing right?, well I am not a Baptist so it doesn't apply to the churches that I am familiar with.

MM, Jesus said "my sheep know me and hear my Voice" (not exact quote but very close). Anyway, Do you "hear" Jesus. Doesn't he say to you, go see so and so and then you go or Bring that family a meal and you do it? I thought you would say yes here as you seem like a person who would try to meet the needs of others in a variety of ways. The same way he speaks to you in the way above he will speak to you about giving. If you listen carefully you may find that your giving changes at times. some weeks you may give more some weeks less. Some weeks all the money you were going to give to the "church" proper may go to a family in the "church" instead. It is a great thing to try and hear the voice of Jesus lead in this way. I must admit that I probabaly ignore His voice at times when I am not really sure if he's leading me or not, yet I still think this sort of openness to giving is taught in the NT.

The widow example you gave is really a salvation example about giving ourselves fully to Christ, it is not really dealing with giving. If anything with giving it teaches the NT concept of giving hilariously(sp?).

In Love and Truth,
Brian

 

MM said, ""My husband and I have given away cars, clothing, money, food, etc. We are presently houseing a boy (adding 1 more to our own 6) whose parents are homeless. I fear that I will grieve terribly if the mom comes to take him back.""

MM, Being a Christian is really about what you wrote above. The tithing issue seems to wither away when compared to "good works" done in the honor of Christ. We are his workmanship created for "good works". God bless you for living the faith that you proclaim.

I also think this has been a decent Christian discussion and proves that Christians can disagree and not be bitter with eachother. I feel one accord with you in the area of Christian service even if we differ on some doctrines. We can put this to rest unless someone else joins in.

Now go and serve your family

In Christ,
Brian

 

I do tithe, and I give by these principles:

I make up my to intend to give 10% of income to God. If I can give more (which is 99% of the time), then I do.

If I look at my income and see that paying 10% will keep me from providing for my family, then I give God as much as I can afford to pay.

I use the '10% model' as my starting point for giving to God, but I remember that the more you give the more rewards you reap. The less you give, the less rewards you reap.

Praise and peace to you all.

J5Grand

 

Rewards aside, it does cost money to run a church, just as it does a home.There are electric bills, insurance, maintanence on the building& grounds, supplies to buy, literature to teach the children, as well as adults. Usually the church contributes to missions & such, the pastor must be paid(he has to pay his bills also, so he needs income). The list goes on and on. I feel that the tithe pays for these expenses and anything extra we choose to give is just that, extra. If no one tithes, how does the church operate? If the church doesn't operate, how do we carry out the great commission as found in Matthew 28:19-20? Just some food for thought. Love in Christ.

 

Remember folks, offerings are given; tithes are paid. We're not giving when we tithe, we're simply giving God His due.

Note, however, it's great if we put that 10% towards our church. But remember, it's God's money, so if you feel part of your tithe is better suited towards God's work elsewhere, that's your prerogative.

I tithe by giving about 7% to my church and 3% to my local Habitat for Humanity chapter.

Sorry pastors, I mean no offense.

 

Hi Tithers(is that a word?) Anyway, the point that was being argued and that I contend is that the idea of tithing is not for the "church" of Christ. As I have said the 10% tithe was a jewish tax and nothing more. IF the USA goes to a flat tax it would be the same thing. You see, NT writing is clear that "mandatory" giving is not for the "church". This is because many times when a person gives out of obligation it is not cheerful giving. "Cheerful giving" or "giving hilariously" are the NT concept and "rules" as it were of giving for us, the church. Percentages have passed away and have been replaced by actually giving as lead by the voice of Jesus. Jesus said His sheep know him and hear his voice. Giving for us is listening to Jesus and responding. Think about that, How could it get any better then that? Tithing can't hold a candle stick to that kind of giving. Can you imagine a church having financial problems when the members are giving the way I just said? No, it won't happen because God Loves a cheerful giver and what is given will be accepted and used by God. All the tithes in the world that are given with the motivation of "obligation" will not be acceptable to God.

I guess I ranted enough. Sorry to go on and on

In Love and Truth,
Brian

[ October 10, 2002, 08:45 AM: Message edited by: Briguy ]

 

We tithe. My husband gives money because he has a job. I give "time" becaue I do not have a job. Do we give more than 10% (10% money and 10% time)? Sometimes. Do we ever give enough? Never. Do we do our best with what we have? Almost always. Do we pray about it? Yes. Do we worry and obsess about it? Never.