Shaming non-tither's.

[Andy C]

Is Tithing a Law for New Testament Believers?

(1) Remember that tithing pre-dated the Law of Moses. It was not because he was under the Law that Abraham tithed; he tithed because he wanted to honor God and support God’s work as represented by Melchizedek. This is a good example for New Testament believers, because we are children of Abraham by faith (Ro. 4:16-17).

(2) The Old Testament was given for our example (Ro. 15:4; 1 Co. 10:11). Paul used the Mosaic system of giving as authority for his teaching that New Testament believers are obligated to support preachers (1 Co. 9:8-14).

(3) It is the express will of Christ that His people be giving people (Lk. 6:38). Many people I have met who “do not believe in tithing” are stingy. They do not bear their rightful load in the church. Stinginess and tightfistedness should never characterize the child of God. Even if you do not believe that the tithe is a matter of law, you should be ashamed to keep more than 90% of your income for yourself in light of the great needs of God’s work in this present world.

There is no set amount established as a tithe for the church. Even in Old Testament days, tithes were often way more than 10 percent, and were a form of taxes at times.

The church is to give freely.

Me personally, I use 10 percent as an average, but some months it could be more, other months less, some months it does not all go to a church but instead, various charities such as the local homeless shelter/mission.

 

[GotGrace]

Compulsory tithing is how some of these organizations became so fantastically wealthy. As the Wall Street Journal reported a couple years ago, the Church of Latter Day Saints has $100 billion in assets.

Well Latter Day Saints are not a genuine church.

 

[seated with Christ]

“Tithing is an Old Testament concept!”, that’s what I’m talking about, I agree.

 

[Tall Timbers]

I know churches have to set up a budget to run the church and running a church is very expensive. It is a very difficult situation for the folks running the business side and the members. Again, it is soooo costly just to keep utilities and insurance paid not to mention the cost of Sunday School materials and the cleaning and maintenance expense. I work part-time at a church and see all the bills coming in. Believe me the paid staff are not getting rich but still have to be paid.

I think one of the biggest things people have a difficult time with is giving to the Lord. Yet, he has promised blessings to the faithful givers and even told us to test him in this.

TT I’m not criticizing you bc each person has to decide in their heart the right thing to do.

Just to clarify, if I was misunderstood: I won't commit to giving a certain amount in the future. Giving isn't a problem. I was the financial trustee for the first church where I was given a form to tell them how much I'd be giving during the coming year. I fully understand that it would be nice to know what your income is going to be for budgeting purposes, but it's the nature of the business that they're going to need to operate on faith, at least where I'm concerned. A church's expenses can be nothing whatsoever or millions of dollars annually, and everything in between. If you can afford paid staff, you might have paid staff. If you can't afford paid staff you won't have paid staff.

 

[Andy C]

Strong’s Concordance: From H6240; a tenth; especially a tithe: - tenth (part), tithe (-ing).

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

I might remind you that God has not only purchased us with His own blood, but owns all that we have.

Whats your point?

 

[Tall Timbers]

Even if you do not believe that the tithe is a matter of law, you should be ashamed to keep more than 90% of your income for yourself in light of the great needs of God’s work in this present world.

So now we're back to shaming Brothers and Sisters who may or may not be giving to a level that other(s) expect them to be. I say may or may not because I don't want anyone to have any idea about the amount of my giving.

Hypothetically speaking, if I heard the quoted statement from the pulpit of a church I was attending, I'd likely get up, walk out, and never return. How much income would that cost them? That's something I would never share with anyone.

 

[usoutpost31]

Well Latter Day Saints are not a genuine church.

"Genuine" churches have their own problems. At least 10% of pastors in the US admit that someone working for them has stolen from church funds. Embezzlement and financial fraud are widespread. Often there is a lack of accountability, or safeguard systems. Many churches don't even audit their books every year.

I'm not "stingy". I'm happy to give to organizations that I trust. If I don't tithe, it's because I don't trust that institution to be responsible stewards with my money.

 

[Footsteps]

Can’t get over the “separation of sheep and goats” during a church service. I bet it was not printed on the program. Maybe they should mail out the judgment schedule in advance:
Sunday Service: Identification of church members who are guilty of Lust of the Eye
The congregation will separate on signal into the following groups:
Men who have looked with lust on a woman who was not their wife.
Women who (see above).
Unmarried persons who looked with lust at anyone.
Members who have looked with lust at the pastor.
All those who have lusted after the pastor please report to his office immediately after the service.

 

[yeshua'sbride]

No doubt giving to the Lord’s work is a sore spot with this crowd

This is unwarranted and untrue. I'll leave it at that.

 

[Tall Timbers]

No actually it’s very revealing where everyone stands by how they react.

Sometimes a person's site is off the mark, usually due to having something big stuck in their eye like a plank or something.

 

[Andy C]

This topic is drawing more fire than my post a few weeks ago.

The sum of your posts since joining, IMO, are supportive of a works based salvation, and not by faith alone, in Christ alone. You say you believe in faith alone, but you always seem to add something. JMHO.

Your accusations in this thread lend further credence to my above statement.

 

[Chris]

I think it is time to close this one.