Does anyone honest to goodness tithe?

[cardaway]

Is too much to ask that if somebody is going to quote the bible they quote parts that actually fit the topic?

 

[Amity 3]

so how do you explain people like us - never been affiliated with any church, never given a cent, and we're doing well financially?

 

[PaulaSue]

THAT is the Main reason we don't go to church, often. We can't afford to give 10 percent and it is expected (at least but they make pledge drives all the time to increase that) and talked about ALL the time so we stopped going but E&C.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Let me address two issues brought up here:

1) Some Christians cannot afford to give 10%. That IS NOT Scriptural! Again, I refer you back to the widow's mite story. If we step out on faith, God has promised to fill our cup to overflowing. Look at the last chapter of Malachi. Now, I will admit that's easier said than done. We can't see the future like God can. Still, God will be faithful to provide!

If God is going to provide, then the church doesn't need money from us. We can just go give it to people who need it...or keep it for ourselves. I'll be fine with not giving and allowing God to provide.

I personally do not gain any sort of spiritual lift out of giving. I give to causes that I think do good things because I think they need the money...and someone has to donate. But I'd a heap rather hear, "Hey! We don't need any more money to keep doing our work! Thanks, anyway!"

WDWHound, I suppose if you use the terms "the church" and "God" interchangably, then yeah, you are giving "to God." I don't see it that way. Unless God Himself has received my money, I see myself giving it to someone else. And I never felt picked on. You see it one way, I see it another. That just means that you are wrong (

joke! ), not that you are picking on anyone!

The person who suggested that we all give, even if we think we can't afford it, because God would provide also said that we would get it back ten times over. He said that "God promises it! He guarantees it!" That would be our new priest. He also went through the story of the woman who gave away her last few pennies and told us God would approve of us more and we'd be happier if we were more like her. Of course, if we were more like her, we'd have no money to give him, which I doubt would make him very happy, but who am I to say? By the time he was done, I was so mad that I almost didn't drop my envelope in. If he pulls that crap again, I won't.

Maybe when I'm older I'll see this differently. I don't think so, but I guess it is possible.

 

[jimmiej]

so how do you explain people like us - never been affiliated with any church, never given a cent, and we're doing well financially?

Matthew 5:44-46

44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

Are you certain your every need will always be provided for? According to Jesus, Christians have that certainty.

 

[Cool-Beans]

so how do you explain people like us...

Dunno who the "we" in that statement is, but explain you? Proof that Satan is, in fact, at work among us and sometimes winning. (JOKE! )

 

[JoyG]

The person who suggested that we all give, even if we think we can't afford it, because God would provide also said that we would get it back ten times over. He said that "God promises it! He guarantees it!" That would be our new priest. He also went through the story of the woman who gave away her last few pennies and told us God would approve of us more and we'd be happier if we were more like her. Of course, if we were more like her, we'd have no money to give him, which I doubt would make him very happy, but who am I to say? By the time he was done, I was so mad that I almost didn't drop my envelope in. If he pulls that crap again, I won't.

LOL...in defense of your poor priest, there really is a section in the Bible where God "guarantees" he will pour out a blessing on you. God says we can test him on this fact....not often in the Bible you are actually encouraged to test God on anything...but on the tithing you are. I believe it's found in the book of Malachai. Although in my church we are taught to not expect the blessing to always come back in the form of financial or material gain.

 

[Amity 3]

Matthew 5:44-46

44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

Are you certain your every need will always be provided for? According to Jesus, Christians have that certainty.

so if we've reached a point on our own, without Jesus, that we're making our income level.

now if we were to join a church, that church should expect 10% of that income for doing absolutely nothing year after year?

 

[jimmiej]

If God is going to provide, then the church doesn't need money from us.

True!

We can just go give it to people who need it...or keep it for ourselves. I'll be fine with not giving and allowing God to provide.

Not what God intended. It's all about obedience. The Bible tells us EVERYTHING we have is given to us by God. He asks for a minimum of 10% back as an act of obedience. If we do so, He promises to bless us more than we can imagine.

 

[jimmiej]

so if we've reached a point on our own, without Jesus, that we're making our income level.

now if we were to join a church, that church should expect 10% of that income for doing absolutely nothing year after year?

1) We give back to God, not the church. The church is the avenue.

2) Doing nothing? You obviously have no idea the wonderful things done in the name of Jesus all around the world everyday. The media only focuses on the bad things going on in the church-that's what sells papers.

 

[Amity 3]

I do a lot of football pools at work, if I join a church and win at these pools, should I tithe that money as well? I guess Jesus helped me pick the winners. does God accept gambling money as a tithe?

 

[Amity 3]

True!



Not what God intended. It's all about obedience. The Bible tells us EVERYTHING we have is given to us by God. He asks for a minimum of 10% back as an act of obedience. If we do so, He promises to bless us more than we can imagine.

but we don't subscribe to that fact and He's 'given us' a nice family income, with NO obedience.

 

[Cool-Beans]

True!
Not what God intended. It's all about obedience. The Bible tells us EVERYTHING we have is given to us by God. He asks for a minimum of 10% back as an act of obedience. If we do so, He promises to bless us more than we can imagine.

When God Himself shows up and I can hand 10% over to Him...place it in His hand (or whatever heavenly appendage He has), I'll do it.

Until then, I don't see it as giving to God, I see it as giving to the church. And if they want it, they should jolly well just say so and not be always and forever playing games about how it is good for ME to give it to them (like, they don't want it, they just want to take my money to HELP ME), and telling me I'm giving it to God (like they'll never see it.)

 

[aquinas]

A little late to the game but a few observations regarding tithing:

1. I believe that it is legalistic to try to uphold the 10% guideline. I believe that a church member should try and give 10% BUT I believe that God is more concerned with the condition of your heart when giving as opposed to a strict "X" percentage of money that you give. We are called to be cheerful givers. We are called to give in private. "DO not let the right know what the left hand is doing". Does it honor God to give 10% or higher in tithes if done so grugingly or for ulterior motives? And will God honor that?
2. With that said, I responsible to God for tithing and being faithful with my tithes. Misuse and/or abuse of my tithes by the church and/or pastor does not negate my responsibility as a member of the church and Body of Christ to tithe. God will hold those accountable that may abuse the money given and God will hold me accountable for my faithfulness or lack thereof.
3. I agree, tithing represents one's faithfulness and thus is an indicator of spiritual maturity. Mental, physical, and spiritual maturity are all different matters. It seems that those not within the church are getting caught up in semantics associated with the word "mature".
4. Why are people on here that obviously dont go to church and dont plan to anywhere in the near future so concerned about tithing? Seems to me this thread started off as a question to church going members. Just seems odd that the same anti-Christianity crowd chooses to weigh in on this matter. Not that they dont have a right to comment but to me it just seems odd.

 

[Amity 3]

When God Himself shows up and I can hand 10% over to Him...place it in His hand (or whatever heavenly appendage He has), I'll do it.

Until then, I don't see it as giving to God, I see it as giving to the church. And if they want it, they should jolly well just say so and not be always and forever playing games about how it is good for ME to give it to them (like, they don't want it, they just want to take my money to HELP ME), and telling me I'm giving it to God (like they'll never see it.)

if there is a God he certainly wouldn't be short of cash, he'd make his own. it's a flippin' church angle and another bullcrap reason why I hate organized religion. non-profit, non-taxable dollars to promote their beliefs.

and then they molest kids on top of it, and get away with it.

 

[Amity 3]

and don't forget, even as we molest your kids, keep paying 10% of your salary to us. we'll find a way into heaven for ya.

 

[jimmiej]

Nice post aquinas. IA with your thoughts, especially #4.

 

[jimmiej]

When God Himself shows up and I can hand 10% over to Him...place it in His hand (or whatever heavenly appendage He has), I'll do it.

Until then, I don't see it as giving to God, I see it as giving to the church. And if they want it, they should jolly well just say so and not be always and forever playing games about how it is good for ME to give it to them (like, they don't want it, they just want to take my money to HELP ME), and telling me I'm giving it to God (like they'll never see it.)

Cool-Beans, you sound like Thomas.

John 20

24Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

 

[Amity 3]

Cool-Beans, you sound like Thomas.

John 20

24Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

blah, blah, blah.

 

[donaldsgal]

and don't forget, even as we molest your kids, keep paying 10% of your salary to us. we'll find a way into heaven for ya.

Cardaway, speaking only for myself, I quoted Scripture I felt helped explain my perspective. If it bothers you, that's not my intent. I won't apologize for using what you may regard as seemingly unrelated sections of Scripture to explain my perspective on another part of Scripture because to me it's all very interrelated. I guess I'm just giving you a heads-up that my posts may include more verses of Scripture than those which just pertain to tithing.

Amity 3, thanks for joining the conversation. We've managed to keep the conversation pleasant and respectful up to this point (with so many different denominations submitting, isn't THAT evidence of God? ), so please don't use this thread to rant against the sins of the church (we've got enough on our hands here just trying to figure out the tithe thing!) . Of course you don't have to honor this request, but I figured I'd ask nicely.

Good night all!