Tithing

[Floatingaxe]

IOW, it wasn't that the pharasees weren't supposed to tithe...

They weren't supposed to forget the rest of the law and see themselves as righteous because they were great tithers

this is absolutely true.

Amen! We need to apply this to ourselves as well!

[Giaour]

So what we are saying to the OP is that as long as you put money in the collection plate, it's okay to lie to your husband.

God wants money not a truthful and honest loving marriage.

Oye Vey!

[billie]

So what we are saying to the OP is that as long as you put money in the collection plate, it's okay to lie to your husband.

God wants money not a truthful and honest loving marriage.

Oye Vey!

That's not what I think. I gave my testimony about tithing. This isn't personal experience, but in light of the way things are going, I'll share it anyhoo. My mother-in-law wanted to tithe. My father-in-law didn't. Our pastor's wife told her not to tithe unless they were in agreement on it. She said God knew her heart and would honor her intention, but it was more important that she be honest.

[LadyRaven]

So what we are saying to the OP is that as long as you put money in the collection plate, it's okay to lie to your husband.

God wants money not a truthful and honest loving marriage.

Oye Vey!

No, that is not what I said...

Some were saying it wasn't necessary for a tithe, making her act of lying to her husband even worse because it *wasn't necessary*.

It is necessary, IMNSHO, however it is also necessary that she be honest with her husband.

[Floatingaxe]

h.r.

Debating the tithe issue is not a productive thing. It is a heart issue. You don't lose your place in heaven if you refuse to tithe. It is not something you could lose your salvation over. It is something that the Lord speaks to you about. We don't insist new believers to do it, but we do educate them about it, as the Word teaches, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into that.

We enjoy doing it, because we see the Lord's blessing occurring as a result. It encourages a deeper level of trust in God in all things, and it keeps us aware that God is totally in control of everything, He owns everything, and when He says He will rebuke the devourer for my sake, I believe it!

We spent many years believing that we were unable to tithe, and mourned that, until we finally made a decision once and for all to do so... I couldn't believe the peace and added joy that has come into our lives since!

Blessings!

[Floatingaxe]

h.r.

I agree with you, but as far as it being a sin not to tithe, once you know that God is asking it of you, then you are responsible to obey.

There are two behaviours here: tithing and giving

We tithe, but we also give on top of it. It is not something we do solemnly, but cheerfully as the Lord admonishes.

Blessings!

[Floatingaxe]

Then why is the language so frequently used ...that those who do not tithe are in disobedience... if in fact is a very personal "step" in our growth......

When the Holy Spirit leads one to discover that tithing is something they should be doing, then to deny Him is disobedience. It is something that we, when we are truly following after God must come to eventually...personally.

Blessings!

[Floatingaxe]

what congregation did Christ Tithe to....I wonder...and how has he instructed us, in the bible...concerning finding out who is to be our faithful "tithe" recipient?

I am sure that Jesus and his disciples made it a practice, as our example, to tithe regularly of their "wealth" to the synagogue. Who really knows? As far as who we tithe to, it is said in the Word that we tithe to the storehouse--which is the body of believers that we serve in. My church is certainly a living storehouse for me! It is where I receive and give nourishment through teaching, ministry, prayer and worship.

[sierra21]

Ok, I just started reading this thread this morning because this type of thread has a tendency to annoy me. Which, not surprising, this one has. First of all I want to give a different point of view. Right now I don't have very much money. I am a fulltime university student and only work partime. I live in a little basement room that costs me $375/month because it's close to the university. I have a car because I need one in order to do my job. I am a crisis counselour. For those of you who don't know this, social services doesn't pay all that well. I make about $600 a month after taxes. I need to put gas in my car, that costs about $125/month. That leaves me a hundred dollars to buy food and other life essentials. Usually I don't have any money left at the end of the month.

I've read a couple of different responses and according to them I should be tithing approximately 33%. That's $200 a month. That would mean that I wouldn't be able to eat in the month at all, and would not be able to drive my car for one week. If I wasn't able to use my car for one week I would lose my job. Therefore I would have no money and become homeless. Keep in mind that I also have student loans that I am accumulating as I continue in my schooling career. So let's think about what I just said. Is it God's intention that I give him $200 and starve? Is it God's intention that I must lose my job where I help people who TRULY need that help? I guess I can just see Stevies husbands point. Finances are incredibly stressful and while I understand that God is there to help, there are months where I simply can't give any money to the church. I spend a lot of time volunteering when I am able, but even this is not always possible. I think that God understands our lives and will not PUNISH us if we are not able to tithe for a certain period of time. But that's just my opinion...I would rather not become another sick and destitute adult that the system needs to care for....

sierra

Edited August 15, 2006 by sierra21

[Giaour]

I wonder who God would find more pleasing.

A woman who prostitutes herself so that she can tithe,

or a poor woman who volunteers at the homeless shelter but doesnt tithe.

Sierra, youre doing just fine.