Should churches teach tithing

[Willie T]

Didn't he give the wrong offering?

I think it was more, "in the wrong spirit, or attitude."

 

[Willie T]

But won't God still bless the one who gives grudgingly?

The Bible says he may as well not even have bothered to give, for all such an action means to God.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

The Bible says he may as well not even have bothered to give, for all such an action means to God.

I know the ungodly were wasting their time and offerings when they gave to the Lord. I'm hesitant to put a believer who begrudges giving, but who otherwise lives for God and is growing up into Christ, into a category with them.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I think it was more, "in the wrong spirit, or attitude."

Are you quoting a scripture? I see it saying he did not do well, the problem being in what he gave, not why he gave.

His was a grain offering, symbolic of the work of his hands, while Abel brought animals from the flock, symbolic for the offering that only God can provide. If I'm not mistaken, sin was never atoned for with grain in the law of Moses, but with blood. Abel simply had the wrong offering, and apparently he knew that, but did it anyway. And it seems that most people in the history of mankind will insist on making the same mistake.

 

[follower]

Abel gave the best, from the first. If Cain had given the best, from the first, then his offering would have been accepted also.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Abel gave the best, from the first. If Cain had given the best, from the first, then his offering would have been accepted also.

And it would have been the same offering as Abel's.

 

[Edward]

No, it is not necessary. And the argument is that under grace we don't need the law to know about, and do, the right and good things that we should do as believers. And in regard to giving, it seems grace has been understood to mean doing less than what the law required God's people to do. (Yes, I'm making trouble again. And I see those annoying three fingers pointing back at me.)


True, but it seems many Christians think being under grace means no amount is too little.
I'm pretty sure tithing wound increase what God's people give to those in ministry and to those in need. That's not a bad thing.

I agree with you for the most part brother. But I would say that...the entire bible should be taught. While it does seem to be true that we have no biblical obligation to tithe in these days, the facts remain that, it is one book, not two. And God will certainly honor his promise if one chooses to tithe (I have proven this) because God never changes, and thirdly, the Church does need money. If one is not comfortable tithing, then they should give directly to the poor on the street.

Let me say one other thing. If one has it in their heart that they would like to tithe, but are worried that the money would be mis-appropriated by corruption in the church...don't worry about it. It is between them and God if they steal the Lords money, you did give it and with a good heart, and the Lord sees that. Don't try to judge the church, that's God job.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I agree with you for the most part brother. But I would say that...the entire bible should be taught. While it does seem to be true that we have no biblical obligation to tithe in these days, the facts remain that, it is one book, not two. And God will certainly honor his promise if one chooses to tithe (I have proven this) because God never changes, and thirdly, the Church does need money. If one is not comfortable tithing, then they should give directly to the poor on the street.

Let me say one other thing. If one has it in their heart that they would like to tithe, but are worried that the money would be mis-appropriated by corruption in the church...don't worry about it. It is between them and God if they steal the Lords money, you did give it and with a good heart, and the Lord sees that. Don't try to judge the church, that's God job.

We are in complete agreement. God will honor the tithe of your income in this New Covenant. I like to tell people it's a good benchmark for giving.

 

[Edward]

But won't God still bless the one who gives grudgingly?

I've thought about this. Maybe. It depends I think. Do they grudgingly give out of the fear of God? Perhaps! Do they grudgingly give thinking about the new toy they could have bought? Probably not, however, why then did they still give? What was the core thing that pushed them over the edge and made them get their wallet out? Truly greedy people wont give, I need a new xbox. But if the underlying motivation is a perhaps a young in faith fear of the Lord so I better do it anyway...then I think that God would go ahead and bless that.

 

[Edward]

We are in complete agreement. God will honor the tithe of your income in this New Covenant. I like to tell people it's a good benchmark for giving.

So it should be taught. ;)
My church doesn't pass the plate. They have locked collection boxes set up all over. A wonderful idea. No tithing envelopes either. I've never heard one word from the pulpit about giving.

I have been to a church, which shall remain nameless, lol, that every sunday before the message, they have a man come up and do a mini sermon on giving, right before they pass the plate. That didn't sit well with me. I don't go there anymore.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

So it should be taught. ;)

Not as a matter of law.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

...if the underlying motivation is a perhaps a young in faith fear of the Lord so I better do it anyway...then I think that God would go ahead and bless that.

That's what I'm thinking.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

...every sunday before the message, they have a man come up and do a mini sermon on giving, right before they pass the plate. That didn't sit well with me. I don't go there anymore.

Oh, now I get why the pastor at my last church used to give a brief music lesson just before we sang praise and worship...and it seemed he was always looking right at me when he gave it.

 

[Classik]

Hello Edward, I don't think it is proper for a church never to attempt at least once in a while to talk about giving. they may be missing the blessings associated with giving. they should be taught. I understand that some are trying to avoid embarrassing people about such topics...however it is proper to teach about giving

 

[Classik]

Now, does GOD accept the offering of a sinner?

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Now, does GOD accept the offering of a sinner?

Negative (that's radio talk for 'no').

"27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! " (Proverbs 21:27 NASB)

 

[Edward]

Now, does GOD accept the offering of a sinner?

Hmmm. Why does the sinner give the offering? What's in his heart when he gives it?

Probably not. He didn't accept Cains offering.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

The Bible has much to say about the sacrifices God won't accept, like this:

10 "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you," says the LORD of hosts, "nor will I accept an offering from you. " (Malachi 1:10 NASB)

I think it says a lot about it because by nature we automatically think we can give our way out of trouble to save ourselves. In the church it seems there are many people who think their giving somehow makes up for their disobedience. It's a major topic of the Bible.

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

 

[Classik]

Church offerings must have suffered contamination from sinners who also gave

 

[follower]

Church offerings must have suffered contamination from sinners who also gave

look in Scripture where Yhvh's appointed one refused to gain from pagan/gentile gifts.

it's also a testimony of various men of Yhvh in the last several hundred years (and 'always')
found through diligent seeking Yhvh's Will, Purpose, Plan, Desire, and Work,
and reading voraciously the biographies of men tested and proven like the apostles and prophets and evangelists in Scripture,

that (often enough to be important sometimes) the offerings of 'sinners' who were not repentant was REFUSED. not accepted. not received. even not welcome. even returned when found out.

Yhvh's Decision. (each and every time).