Tithing/Giving at Church

[walter]

It saddens me that some still are locked into the worldly way of doing things and seeing things. I refer to the poster that said their church spent money on a sound system instead of roof repairs. Why is the church's money going to a building when there are humans suffering all around?
Jesus didn't build one single building. Take a look at where He did his teaching. Aside from the synagogue He did his teaching where the people in need were.
He carried the money with Him (Judas carried it actually) and gave it out to who had need.

 

[Bazz1040]

A couple things here regarding tithing. I'm interested to hear how people view tithing for the Christian. Is it consistent with the New Testament, or is it Old Testament legalism?

I also want to talk about giving in general at church. I've spent time on the admin side of a church and know what it takes to keep our staff and facility running. There are people who feel "all the pastor ever talks about is money", even if he only brings it up a few times a year. How do people expect a church to operate if offerings are not called for? Radio ministries appeal for offerings at the end of every show. Does that bother you? Does this bother you, if you're bothered by pastors bringing it up?

Finally, does the way your church spends the money impact your offerings, or do you take the attitude that "I'm giving to the Lord. How they choose to use it is something they will have to answer for." or do you feel it's on you to be wise and prudent with your offerings and not give as much if you see them spending it unwisely?

I did state my position as clearly as I did in an unrelated thread, so here goes...

2 Cor 9:
" <SUP id=en-NIV-28947 class=versenum>6</SUP>Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. <SUP id=en-NIV-28948 class=versenum>7</SUP>Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <SUP id=en-NIV-28949 class=versenum>8</SUP>And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

There are blessings in the act of giving with a glad heart. For me, it has the effect of loosening the grip money has on me. While I don't fixate on the 10%, ideally I think we should give more, but it has to be with that happy heart. Whether is below, at or above 10%, God knows your heart. If it is given out of obligation, He doesn't want it, but we should strive to be at an inner place that it isn't an obligation, but a joy. The 10% figure seems to me part of the old law, and personally, I don't feel it is consistent with the freedom of Christianity to feel that number is required. 2 Cor 9 tells me that it's not the amount, but the motivation in giving.

Hello, tithing is of the Old Testament. In the New Testament one gives as much as they believe they are blessed and can afford. The Old Testament is about laws and following commandments, in the New Testament it’s about grace and being lead by the Spirit of God. God wants us to freely give and not give out of compulsory or because we are told to give a certain percent.

 

[Elijah674]

Matt. 23
[23] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

But most do not know the difference between God's tithe & offerings. Mal. 4:1-3

--Elijah

 

[Elijah674]

Matt. 23
[23] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

But most do not know the difference between God's tithe & offerings. Mal. 4:1-3

--Elijah

Matt.23

[1] Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
[2] Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
[3] All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.


And today?? Eccl. 3:15
It is a good thing that Caesar is there in the Second Table of stone, huh? Rom. 13