The poor tithe

[Natt]

In the OT there was a 10% tithe for the care of the poor. In the NT Jesus also speaks about looking after the poor.

Mark 10:21

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

Some churches do look after the poor well with food hampers, buiding houses, interest-free loans etc... For others it is left for each church member to decide if they will help in this way. Generally most people/churches do have a heart to help where they can.

The Levite tithe of 10% is preached in most churches so why isn't the 10% poor tithe preached when clearly in NT times the caring of the poor was also instructed.

[Smalcald]

I think serving and helping the poor should be part of every congregation's ministry and be supported at some level financially.

The question is what is the most effective way of doing it? I would rather give 10% of my congregations resources to Christian human service agencies already structured and set up to do this, rather than try to set up a whole operation ourselves. I think other congregations may differ.

I have seen groups who are not familiar with the organizational and human challenges of serving the poor get themselves into debacles and really waste the money if they try to do it themselves. It takes a lot of work to do it right and it also may have further tax and government complications if you are going to serve the general public.

[Marnie]

Consider this too. In the OT, there is NO exemption from tithing. Rich and poor alike were expected to tithe. I think we can deduce this is also what G-d wants in the NT, since Jesus did not return the widow's mite to her.

[peaceafire]

It is surely meant for the church to respond in some way of provision to those who hunger and thirst. Provision is a promise of faith, and having walked the street of hunger and need personally; I have learned to recognize that the Lords provision through the church, is not always the truth of the church, however the Lord has always provided in my faithfulness. The reason I felt moved to type my hearts view on this subject is that in my weakness (hunger) I have personally felt rejected in church and sadly separated within the assembly because of my need. I believe that I would have drawn closer to the Lord had I not felt so rejected in HIs house in my time of need. It is said over and over throughout the Bible that we are to Love one another. Would you not feed your child your parent or loved ones if they were hungry? If we are not feeding the flock are we falling short of the glory of God? I know today the poor are the people I am called to reach out to and I couldnt imagine a better life. To God be the Glory forever.

[Yahsway]

Well said peaceafire. God bless you.

[carrielles]

The Lord loves a cheerful giver. How many of us groan about what we put in the plate? How many of us "tithe" whatever that means to them? God wants you to give what you want, not a set amount. He would be glad to have a happy $10 over a grumbled check for $100

[PBob]

I have been devastated at times by the emphasis put on "titheing" by some. It's as though their job is to put others into a guilt trip to support which often are creature comforts not the spreading of the word or the feeding and care of widows and orphans. Tithing is a good thing but I really believe God has set us free from the LAW and put us under GRACE. I can actually give more than the tithe - or less - bottom line..."Am I being obedient to the Spirit of God within me." Personally, I like to think that all I am and all I have is His and He is able to show me what He wants, how much and when.

It's easy to throw $$$$$ in the plate it's a lot harder to put yourself and your time in His service. As has been said about "christians" today (to paraphrase) "Me I go to church , the preacher preaches, I put in my tithe, the preacher does the work of the Lord and I go home...That's what "christians" do now."

The Lord wants obedience not sacrifice.

Again, I do not mean to sound angry or upset - it just seems that with the command to spread the "good news of salvation" and to show His love to a dying world much of the "tithe" is spent on making bigger buildings and providing more and more and more "seeker friendly" programs to get more money to build bigger buildings and provide more comfort for the "felt needs" defined by the "church" marketing survey".

Lord, Help me to do what you desire - to give you the glory - to bring your message with love and a compassionate roar to a dying and sinful generation. PLEASE

Am I alone in these thoughts? Am I being to dogmatic? I truely feel that somehow the average "christian and church" in america today is missing the boat.

What does God really want???? YOU and YOU and YOU and YOU

Nuf Sed

[stafy]

In the OT there was a 10% tithe for the care of the poor. In the NT Jesus also speaks about looking after the poor.

Mark 10:21

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

Some churches do look after the poor well with food hampers, buiding houses, interest-free loans etc... For others it is left for each church member to decide if they will help in this way. Generally most people/churches do have a heart to help where they can.

The Levite tithe of 10% is preached in most churches so why isn't the 10% poor tithe preached when clearly in NT times the caring of the poor was also instructed.

I've only been a member for about three minths, and i'm alredy sick of this subject. Here we go round the mallberry bush, the malberry bush, the mallberry bush. o! yipe another lap around the mountion I wounder if i'll meet the same arguements as last time.

[PBob]

In the OT there was a 10% tithe for the care of the poor. In the NT Jesus also speaks about looking after the poor.

Mark 10:21

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

Some churches do look after the poor well with food hampers, buiding houses, interest-free loans etc... For others it is left for each church member to decide if they will help in this way. Generally most people/churches do have a heart to help where they can.

The Levite tithe of 10% is preached in most churches so why isn't the 10% poor tithe preached when clearly in NT times the caring of the poor was also instructed.

Golly, I thought the poor were taken care of by the Democrats...

oops

Vote for the tithe!

[forrestkc]

Consider this too. In the OT, there is NO exemption from tithing. Rich and poor alike were expected to tithe. I think we can deduce this is also what G-d wants in the NT, since Jesus did not return the widow's mite to her.

I think you are correct. In fact, he values it even more.

Luke 21:1-4

1

When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury

2

and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.

3

He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest;

4

for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."