Do you "tithe" monetarily?

[eahaddix]

Do you "tithe" monetarily? Please choose the option(s) which best summarize your viewpoint.

Today, monetary "tithing" continues to be one of the most popular "Christian traditions," which shows no signs of becoming outdated. So, I decided to survey different viewpoints on this issue.

:popcorn:

[eahaddix]

:news: Bump.

So nobody has a position on this subject? This would be hard to believe.

[CoreIssue]

I think my votes spoke for me.

I don't belong to any church because I have found none that are Biblical in how they treat their membership requirements.

They bar me from being a member because I don't embrace every one of their doctrines, but have no problem wanting my money.

That does not mean I do not give. Giving of money, assets and time to those in need in a Biblical manner is giving to God. At least, I believe so.

Further, not getting into a debate, tithing doesn't exist in the NT.

[InTheWind]

No, i voted i give too people that need it and i consider anything given in love is a tithe.
Last church i went too and asked for fellowship told me the squeaky wheel gets the greece, well i was pretty squeaky and got no help. That told me if ya put money in the plate you get help. :ick:

[Jessie]

I dont like the sqeaky wheel gets grease.
boy I dont like that!

I cringe everytime I hear that statement. its cruel and thoughtless.

[Chrystalwuzhere]

I chose #3, although I give to needy brothers and sisters too. The only reason I chose #3 was because I give to the church in the offering. In my church, it goes to pay bills, buy supplies, and help those in need...nothing else. The pastor doesn't even draw a salary. However, I do not give 10%, and don't feel obligated to. I give as I am able, and as I desire to give.

[He's Real]

We do tithe the 10%. I feel commanded to do so and I feel obedient in doing so. No, I don't think I will get special treatment over other Christians that don't tithe as much or do not at all. And I will not judge anyone else in this regard. This is one of those things that God instructs us to test him on. I have chose to do that. In fact my goal is to pay up from years back when I didn't. At least I didn't make that much back when. LOL.

I'm sorry that many of you have not found a church you are comfortable in. I have and yes even there I find much that I could be critical about. The way people behave. And that includes me. I work with teenagers and I am convinced that if they weren't attracted to our youth program then they would perhaps never be exposed to who Jesus is. These kids are going through so much and the church is a safe refuge for many of them albeit only for 6-8 hours a week or less. I had to herd some lurkers out of the parking lot last Wednesday. They reeked of beer. I insisted that they come in and hang out and hear the lesson for the night. They did. Probably a bit embarrassed. But.... I was them at that age. Wish I would have been at church.

I go to church every Sunday and Wednesday. Even more often than that. Yes..I know the dangers of playing church and such. And sometimes if feels that way. But then something happens that takes the emphasis off my shortcomings and lifts me up. To see an eight grade boy with a touch of autism come out of his shell. It took weeks before I could get more than a grunt out of him. No social skills but reads like crazy. Now I can't walk anywhere without him doing something silly and crazy with me and then chatting for a few minutes before he goes back to his book. This past November Bryant became a child of God. I didn't lead him to Christ personally.....but what if I didn't get in his face week after week loving him just as he was? God laid him on my heart.

Chelsea.... a young lady in the 9th grade. Dressed in black always. One night we prayed in groups. I prayed for her without even knowing her. I asked God to be with her. I could only imagine how she might struggle at school, with peers, and even with her family. Those were not my words that night. God touched her heart in a special way. We got to share a bit about Jesus to her. Yeah....she said she believed. But never made a decision to follow Christ. Another co-worker had a chance to witness to her the next week. When I walked back into the room after she accepted Jesus as her Saviour she wrapped her arms around me and bear hugged me. (Unfortunately that freaked me out because these days you're afraid how that is interpreted.) This was a face that I had never seen on her before. Joy had entered her life. That was real.

11 years ago our church made a commitment to an unchurched people group in China that had it's own special language and customs. For security reasons I will not mention that group. It took several trips before any sort of relationships were established. Years later there are many Christians now meeting in houses and sharing Christ with their families and neighbors. We go there for support and to help them with their personal growth now. They're taking over from there in a powerful way. What if we weren't obedient to God's calling and faithful in our tithes? How would this people group have ever learned of our Lord. Now a bible is about to be completed in their translation. This from our tithes.

Canada. Same story. Lives being changed in an area where the adults encourage their teens to have multiple sex partners. In 3 years dozens of lives changed.

Through my business I am able to act as a platform for a missionary and his family to live and work in a muslim country. They are now working with Iranian Christians and Muslims who have had to flee that evil country. Every couple of weeks I get a coded e-mail from Pat informing us of the new Christian brothers and sisters that are a result of his obedience and the obedience of my tithes and offerings and that of many others. What if I didn't do my part?

I don't always agree with all the programs and gimmicks that take place in my church. I even hear music sometimes in the youth that I have to pray about. Lord....May they know you in spite of this awful noise. :) And hypocrites.... man I encounter them everyday at church. They say things that make me cringe. They act in ways that cause me to say that it's no wonder non-believers do not want to be like us. I pray they see past us and see Him. I know these hypocrites and sinners well.....I'm one of them.

God instructed me to test him. I have. And I'm so rich because of it. Who says prosperity preaching is bad. I've been so prosperous in so many ways. And I ain't a talkin about money. All he's asking from us is to return a small portion of what he owns back to him. Are we willing to do that after what he did for us?

Sooooooo....... I ask... What if this hypocrite stopped going to church and giving? Would Bryant and Chelsea know the joy they have now because of what Jesus did in their lives? How would the funds be accumulated for His work in China, Canada, Georgia, the unmentioned muslim country? Yes God can do what He chooses. He chose me to do my part. I'm just one piece of the puzzle that makes up my church. Alone I am small and insignificant. Knitted together we are powerful in Him.

So heck guys and gals. Don't trash the Church as a whole. Jesus knows who his people are. Even if it may only be 20% - 40% of us that are members of my church. He gave you the gift to discern. Judge wisely.

Love in Christ,

Just another hypocrite

[CoreIssue]

HR, I don't trash the Church as a whole.

There are still some good ones out there and we know it. But they are rare.

I just have a severe problem when I can do more outside of church than I can within. Where because I disagree with a doctrine that says Christ drank grape juice and not wine, in example, renders me a bench warmer not allowed to speak, teach or any other such thing when I knew more on the subjects to be taught than the minister.

Too many churches practice Doctrinism, where their doctrine overrides the Bible and will tolerate no questioning. Where they teach from the 'official' instructional book and do not open their Bibles.

How can one grow if one cannot be questioned or challenged?

I have heard too many say their church is their sanctuary from the world, when it is suppose to be a fortress from which to conquer the world.

[CoreIssue]

Almost forgot, if you feel you should give 10%, I have no quarrel with that.

Giving 10% is okay, but churches that teacht the tithe is commanded are just plain wrong.

Funny thing, those who demand the tithe end up getting less than churches who receive freewill giving I have found to be true more often than not.

[He's Real]

10%.... I'm not going to debate that. Christ wants all of it. And not necessarily our money. He wants us. So for me it doesn't matter.

Funny thing, those who demand the tithe end up getting less than churches who receive freewill giving I have found to be true more often than not.

My church teaches 10%. We just built a new sanctuary debt free from sacrificial offerings that came from above the tithe. Debt free and once again Paid In Full by Him. Our outlook now is how God will use the funds to reach those that do not know him. My preacher teaches that what God really demands from us as an offering is "ourselves".

There are still some good ones out there and we know it. But they are rare.


Perhaps....But even the good ones fall short of pleasing God. They're made up of people like us.

I just have a severe problem when I can do more outside of church than I can within. Where because I disagree with a doctrine that says Christ drank grape juice and not wine, in example, renders me a bench warmer not allowed to speak, teach or any other such thing when I knew more on the subjects to be taught than the minister.

Then you my friend do indeed have a special gift. Keep using it. I on the other hand need the fellowship, teachings, and affirmation that I get from some of my church family. I couldn't function on my own as you do. I do not possess that amount of discipline. Personally I need accountability. IF having a drink is a sin then I have no problem with that sin. Don't need it......I have plenty of other flesh issues that challenge my faith. As for the other issues I can respect where you're coming from. That's a subject on it's own.

Too many churches practice Doctrinism, where their doctrine overrides the Bible and will tolerate no questioning. Where they teach from the 'official' instructional book and do not open their Bibles.


My church has its own doctrine. But since it makes my eyes glaze over and then they roll back in my head I would best sum our doctrine up by stating our mission statement.

"To Love God And To Lead Others To Love Him Too"

So until I get this rule down pat I had better not dwell on the others. We have some dear saints who live by the law and then others who concentrate on the law also while overlooking the grace part. We're always going to have that. Many of the followers of Christ that knew him were that way. Some never got it. Me...I've been a law breaker for so long that I've given up in "keeping with the law". So if asked who I most resemble in the bible I'd like to say Paul but I suppose I'm more like Zacheus.

How can one grow if one cannot be questioned or challenged?

How could I ever disagree with that in any way? Let me just say that "If the sparks ain't a flyin then the iorn ain't being sharpened". Just ask ITW, our resident knife maker.

Core....thanks for being my friend. I think you and I would agree that we're very much on the same page for the most part. I envy the gift of knowledge and wisdom that God has blessed you with in regards to biblical understanding.

[CoreIssue]

He's Real, I know you are sincere and striving Christian. I don't question that in the least.

As a note, I rarely drink. Not sure I had a single drink last year. Just don't remember.

No, I don't expect any church to be perfect, but neither do I expect it to be destructive to its membership, which is what I have run into time after time. Which is frustrating and sad.

But these are the End Times and that is the condition the Bible warns us against, as in the 7th church of revelation, itching ears, not wanting to hear truth and Great Apostacy in general.

No, I won't debate the tithe doctrine, I will simply say it was an Old Testament issue upon Israel, is not found or taught in the NT, freewill giving is found and taught, which for some exceeds 10% and I have no problem with someone setting that % as their goal, since that makes it their freewill decision.

[He's Real]

He's Real, I know you are sincere and striving Christian. I don't question that in the least.

I know you don't. And believe me I understand where you're coming from.

As a note, I rarely drink. Not sure I had a single drink last year. Just don't remember.

I'd love to have a good German dark brew while sitting on the beach soaking some rays. But I don't for personal reasons. Witness to my kids and I don't want those around me to use my enjoyment of a beverage to justify their sloppy drunken lifestyles. Too much personal history and experience to justify my "personal" position on this. With that said I would be the last person to think negatively of you enjoying a glass of the grape. In the right setting I'd settle back with you and do the same. The health benefits alone.....

No, I don't expect any church to be perfect, but neither do I expect it to be destructive to its membership, which is what I have run into time after time. Which is frustrating and sad.

It is indeed frustrating and sad. And you and I will explore this further together over time I am sure.

But these are the End Times and that is the condition the Bible warns us against, as in the 7th church of revelation, itching ears, not wanting to hear truth and Great Apostacy in general.

This is a concern for many I know who are truly servants of Christ. When we joined where we are now several years ago my wife and I knew our search revolved around God's truths rather than what we wanted to hear. Admittedly his truths can ONLY be found in the Bible and God's word and his truth's are core and essential issues and requirements as to where we worship and serve. If this changes rest assured I'm a goner.

No, I won't debate the tithe doctrine, I will simply say it was an Old Testament issue upon Israel, is not found or taught in the NT, freewill giving is found and taught, which for some exceeds 10% and I have no problem with someone setting that % as their goal, since that makes it their freewill decision.

Nah.... it's not worth debating. How about I leave it at this? 10% is my minimal freewill target. :nod: With that said I haven't compromised what I truly believe what God's will is for me an my family and I think we are on the same page. Now if I sincerely wanted to please God then I'd sacrificially choose to give it all and follow how. How that would look I do not know. :scratch: Guess I'm comfy with just trying to be a good steward. Now gee....what little faith do I indeed have.:sob: Thanks for the conversation. I need to be stretched and challenged in regards to my Faith. :tiphat:

[CoreIssue]

Thanks for the conversation. I need to be stretched and challenged in regards to my Faith.

You are at the right place, then. :woohoo:

[InTheWind]

An example of how wrong it can get, a few years back a pastor of a church my relatives belonged to would make rounds to the property of his members too evaluate the worth of their property and income as to tell them they owed a certain amount according to the 10% law. No good, that does make this blacksmiths sparks fly.
Give what your heart tells ya, in money, time , what ever and Jesus will be smiling :yowza:

[He's Real]

What was their pastor's name? Cashflow Dollar? If that happened to me I'd sic the dogs on him. Now that's pretty whacked out. :grr:

[He's Real]

Thanks for the conversation. I need to be stretched and challenged in regards to my Faith.

You are at the right place, then. :woohoo:

And it should have read "We all need to be stretched and challenged in regards to our Faith.

[InTheWind]

What was their pastor's name? Cashflow Dollar? If that happened to me I'd sic the dogs on him. Now that's pretty whacked out. :grr:

He wasn`t their pastor long after that. :):

[CoreIssue]

Thanks for the conversation. I need to be stretched and challenged in regards to my Faith.

You are at the right place, then. :woohoo:

And it should have read "We all need to be stretched and challenged in regards to our Faith.
Bring out the racks! :eek:

[Jessie]

a very very profound statement and so very true!

Quote:


10%.... I'm not going to debate that. Christ wants all of it. And not necessarily our money. He wants us.

[He's Real]

a very very profound statement and so very true!

Quote:


10%.... I'm not going to debate that. Christ wants all of it. And not necessarily our money. He wants us.

Yeah....but do we even bother give him 10% of ourselves each day? I think if we were tipping God with our lives I'd have to say he probably feels like he's been stiffed.

[CoreIssue]

I try. But sure don't always succeed.

But how many try to buy God's approval? He doesn't think much of that either.:scratch:

[He's Real]

I try. But sure don't always succeed.

But how many try to buy God's approval? He doesn't think much of that either.:scratch:

Oh....strike me down if I ever thought that one. But as you allude too many do.

[Jessie]

I think you are very right. some very good points!

[eddie]

By tithing you are not buying God's approval, anymore than you are buying Gods approval by following His commandments. Jesus quote the old testament when he faced Satan, the old and thew new interweave...as such we cannot diferentiate when it's convenient (saves us money). These are my beliefs, based on what I feel God has directed me through His word.

I believe if we do not tithe regularly we are robbing God. I also believe He commands us to be a part of the body, belong to a local new testament church....It's the power of unity and the strength we obtain from iron sharpening iron.

Right now my church..through the power and unity of a church following the direction of the Holy Spirit..is able to provide 65,000 bibles to a communist nation...where Bibles are forbidden and believers are heavily persectued.

[CoreIssue]

hi, eddie.

I firmly believe in giving.

But, in the NT it is freewill giving, not 10%. And giving goes beyond giving to a local church.

Not trying to argue against having a church, if there is one available that is Biblical.

I do not consider it honoring God to go to a church that is not of sound doctrine, in the basics. Not perfect, just basically sound.

Nor does giving outside a church not count.

Also, if one gives out of legality, instead of desire, that is legalism, which God does not respect.

Just trying to be clear.

[eddie]

That's one reason I believe this church is for me...or that I am to belong to this church....When I first asked what the denomination was I was told "we are a Bible believing church".

I don't think (I've been wrong before, so that would be nothing new) all of my money is God's to begin with, so believing it is a command to give 10% is not legalism, anymore than loving my enemies is legalism...it's obedience.

[CoreIssue]

That's one reason I believe this church is for me...or that I am to belong to this church....When I first asked what the denomination was I was told "we are a Bible believing church".

I don't think (I've been wrong before, so that would be nothing new) all of my money is God's to begin with, so believing it is a command to give 10% is not legalism, anymore than loving my enemies is legalism...it's obedience.
I think you took it the wrong way.

Doing it out of love is freewill giving. Not an legalism.

Doing it because one believes they have to or God will not let them into Heaven is legalism.

The Jews had a real hard time understanding the distinction between obedience from Love and obedience of Law.

They thought Law earned them things, which missed the whole point of grace, mercy and love.

[eddie]

That's one reason I believe this church is for me...or that I am to belong to this church....When I first asked what the denomination was I was told "we are a Bible believing church".

I don't think (I've been wrong before, so that would be nothing new) all of my money is God's to begin with, so believing it is a command to give 10% is not legalism, anymore than loving my enemies is legalism...it's obedience.
I think you took it the wrong way.

Doing it out of love is freewill giving. Not an legalism.

Doing it because one believes they have to or God will not let them into Heaven is legalism.

The Jews had a real hard time understanding the distinction between obedience from Love and obedience of Law.

They thought Law earned them things, which missed the whole point of grace, mercy and love.

I'm sorry I took so long to get back to you.



I'm not saying I tithe to gain entrance to heaven..that is a gift of grace..one I cannot corrupt.

I am saying that God considers it an act of obedience...as He does baptism.

This is the only text where God actually asks us to test Him. Mal 3: 9-11

You are cursed with a curse,
For you have robbed Me,
Even this whole nation.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the LORD of hosts,

“ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
“ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the LORD of hosts;


I believe Jesus created the church on purpose...because the power of unity is mighty as is the power of fellowship. I believe the body is an important tool used to spread the Gospel and to corporately help others, believers and unbelievers.

I love my enemies because God says so...I didn't want to, but I've reaped the rewards of this obedience (not because I see it as law, but because I caused those stripes, I love The Lord for what He has done for me...He loved me when I had my back turned to Him.... as such I want to be obedient to His commands, out of my returned love)...As such I did not want to tithe, but we were struggling financially so my wife and I decided to give the full ten percent and step out in faith, God has surely blessed us since that first act of obedience in His offer to test Him.

[CoreIssue]

Let me clarify.

I am fully with giving. That is Godly.

What I am saying is that tithing was an OT law and concept that does not exist in the NT.

To tithe means to give 10%, firm. That ended with the Mosaic Law.

The NT teaches freewill giving, not tithing. Be it 1% or 100%.

My issue is not with giving, it is with calling tithing a Church Age teaching. It isn't.

[eahaddix]

I voted that it depends upon YHWH 'Elohiym's will for my life.

I think that "hard and fast" general rules are unBiblical. Specifically, I believe that 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209:6-11;&version=31;) gives us the freedom of free will monetary giving for the sake of Spirit-led flexibility, not for exercises in Mosaic legalisms or elitist and individualistic greed. Consequently, unless YHWH God the Spirit directs me to give money to certain individuals or ministries, I do not give money to others.

:nod: From the known to the unknown, there is no shortage of greedy conartists in the world.

BTW, America is in a spiritual "downward spiral," yet local institutional churches are begging for more and more money. Hence, discernment is a must, otherwise you may be "burning your money" regularly.

[a.baker]

The bible says that what ever is given must be done in secret and so must fasting. It shouldn't be shouted out for everyone to know of. God is pleased with what we do for Him. He sees all and knows all even by our hearts and every single hair on our heads. I make sure before I go to Church that my wallet is not empty and then I empty it when the plates come around at service. What percent? I don't know. How much? Who knows. I also give outside of Church. Giving the bible, the Word of God is more important than any money amount! Tithing is not a commandment but it is mentioned as a pleasure to God. Anything given in His name is rewarded in heaven as long as you don't boast about it. These are the only secrets we are allowed to have as Christians.

[kay-gee]

I am in complete and utter agreement with Core Issue (scary) as per post# 29

all the best...