Weird Christian? Check. Weird Answers? Check. Answers from the Bible? Check.
This blog is meant as a resource to answer questions Christians may have (or lack discernment on), but can't get the answers to in Church, and possibly give Biblical viewpoints on the same issues to the unsaved.
If I contradict the Bible, go with what the Bible says, and please let me know where I am wrong, and why. I won't learn otherwise.
May God's Holy Spirit lead you to Truth!
Just a quick comment, Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who were still under the law.
after Peter had spoken at length in support of Paul, James and the rest of the elders at Jerusalem decided that us gentiles should only be burdened with:
As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written [and] concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
Paul also impresses the need to care for widows, orphans and the poor.
The collections for the poor saints and the giving to those who are lacking seems to be the New Testament way.
This does not of course stop you from tithing if you wish to but don't do it on the basis of the old testament law, mainly because the way it's preached from the pulpit is generally wrong and has been used by many to gain control over people. the law required the tithe to be shared with the Priests, the stranger, the poor and what was left over could be sold by the tither to put back into his 'bank account' or use as he/she wished. Check out Deuteronomy:
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. Deu 14:23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. Deu 14:24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; [or] if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
Deu 14:25 Then shalt thou turn [it] into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: Deu 14:26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, Deu 14:27 And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. Deu 14:28 ¶ At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay [it] up within thy gates:
Deu 14:29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
In summary, if you have money to give, sow it to the poor and needy, you don't even need to tell them you sent it, the Lord will know and bless you for your faithfulness.
Hope this helps, you can contact me at stroud.j@hotmail.com if you like bro.
I appreciate your comment, and agree in some respects. Certainly the Loves a cheerful giver, more than an abundant giver.
It's a tough issue for us to be 100% right on, but I think it's good for us to challenge ourselves as well. As I read in a recent coffee with Jesus comment, "works don't save you, but there's still work to do."
The modern tithing principle propagated by the denominational networks is the basis of their survival.. The so called 'pastor'has got to be paid and receive all the add ons that goes with the Job and that is what it has become a Job with an agreed salary! All of this is because we do not abide by the 'Apostolic' model of church rule "The collective eldership" a shared responsibility among men within the congregation. in this way there is no need to support one man as all men can still support themselves by outside employment just think of the gems received form the many preaching the word instead of one! Remove the finance form the denominations and sooner or latter they collapse one wonders whether the modern churches are Spirit run or Mammon run.
The Tithe of Israel was their social security department at work in the nation.. In Australia where I live we have national welfare its counterpart. If there was to be no welfare then The tithe principle could be used in a free manner to support the needy within the churches.
Thanks John B. This is just the sort of thing I think I need to address in the revise. I think if I were to support a 10 percent model, it would be in the form of giving to Christian missions actually doing the work. Children's Hunger Fund is a great one, as is the human trafficking ministry I mentioned recently.
Or,instead of looking for some agency with a headquarters somewhere,just look around your town and find the place that is feeding and clothing the hungry and homeless.
Offer a gift certificate to them from a store that sells bulk food/discount food,etc,...They will be grateful,and you will know that a lot of middlemen aren't skimming off the money.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteJust a quick comment, Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who were still under the law.
after Peter had spoken at length in support of Paul, James and the rest of the elders at Jerusalem decided that us gentiles should only be burdened with:
As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written [and] concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
Paul also impresses the need to care for widows, orphans and the poor.
The collections for the poor saints and the giving to those who are lacking seems to be the New Testament way.
This does not of course stop you from tithing if you wish to but don't do it on the basis of the old testament law, mainly because the way it's preached from the pulpit is generally wrong and has been used by many to gain control over people. the law required the tithe to be shared with the Priests, the stranger, the poor and what was left over could be sold by the tither to put back into his 'bank account' or use as he/she wished. Check out Deuteronomy:
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
Deu 14:23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
Deu 14:24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; [or] if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
Deu 14:25 Then shalt thou turn [it] into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
Deu 14:26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,
Deu 14:27 And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
Deu 14:28 ¶ At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay [it] up within thy gates:
Deu 14:29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
In summary, if you have money to give, sow it to the poor and needy, you don't even need to tell them you sent it, the Lord will know and bless you for your faithfulness.
Hope this helps, you can contact me at stroud.j@hotmail.com if you like bro.
blessings
Jon
Australia
Down under
I appreciate your comment, and agree in some respects. Certainly the Loves a cheerful giver, more than an abundant giver.
DeleteIt's a tough issue for us to be 100% right on, but I think it's good for us to challenge ourselves as well. As I read in a recent coffee with Jesus comment, "works don't save you, but there's still work to do."
The modern tithing principle propagated by the denominational networks is the basis of their survival.. The so called 'pastor'has got to be paid and receive all the add ons that goes with the Job and that is what it has become a Job with an agreed salary! All of this is because we do not abide by the 'Apostolic' model of church rule "The collective eldership" a shared responsibility among men within the congregation. in this way there is no need to support one man as all men can still support themselves by outside employment just think of the gems received form the many preaching the word instead of one! Remove the finance form the denominations and sooner or latter they collapse one wonders whether the modern churches are Spirit run or Mammon run.
ReplyDeleteThe Tithe of Israel was their social security department at work in the nation.. In Australia where I live we have national welfare its counterpart. If there was to be no welfare then The tithe principle could be used in a free manner to support the needy within the churches.
blessings
john B
Thanks John B. This is just the sort of thing I think I need to address in the revise. I think if I were to support a 10 percent model, it would be in the form of giving to Christian missions actually doing the work. Children's Hunger Fund is a great one, as is the human trafficking ministry I mentioned recently.
ReplyDeleteI'll work all that it.
Thanks again!
Or,instead of looking for some agency with a headquarters somewhere,just look around your town and find the place that is feeding and clothing the hungry and homeless.
ReplyDeleteOffer a gift certificate to them from a store that sells bulk food/discount food,etc,...They will be grateful,and you will know that a lot of middlemen aren't skimming off the money.
Old post but I thought I would mention: "Money, Possessions and Eternity - Randy Alcorn". One of the most important books I have read on the subject.
ReplyDelete