Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Jacob's Ladder

I've heard preachers state, "tithe and you'll be blessed," and "tithe and you'll receive multiple financial blessings." Then two months later the tithing congregant loses his house.

Is God to blame? Do you understand the avenue I'm trying to show you? People will become resentment toward God.

Sorry, I understand what you are saying but I have a hard time believing that a saint of God would resent God after they made the choice to give cheerfully.

[Jacob's Ladder]

Originally Posted by seekerman

When someone says become a Christian and your life will change for the better but it doesn't, at least to the extent they expect, that causes resentment also.

People who would say such thigns to others are idiots. With Jesus or without, life still has hardship.

Jesus said in John 14:26, "the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name..."

The holy Ghost can only become a "comforter" in time of affliction or distress.
Anyone telling a sinner that things will get a lot better once they give their lives to God are idiots.

[Jacob's Ladder]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Sorry, I understand what you are saying but I have a hard time believing that a saint of God would resent God after they made the choice to give cheerfully.

How would you know they're giving cheerfully? If I said , Bro Eastman, you must give God 10% of your family income, if not, you're going to hell and you will not be used in the ministry. Do you really have a choice? Would you call that giving cheerfully or out of necessity?

[coadie]

Well. It is a sticky topic. It is convincing to me that people decide what they want to do first and get scripture to support the attitude.

Where did Jesus say to stop tithing?

Most people don't have a New Testament heart. A New Testament heart means God owns 100%. Can you take care of all your needs on 80%?

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Jacob's Ladder

People who would say such thigns to others are idiots. With Jesus or without, life still has hardship.

Jesus said in John 14:26, "the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name..."

The holy Ghost can only become a "comforter" in time of affliction or distress.
Anyone telling a sinner that things will get a lot better once they give their lives to God are idiots.

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Jacob's Ladder

How would you know they're giving cheerfully? If I said , Bro Eastman, you must give God 10% of your family income, if not, you're going to hell and you will not be used in the ministry. Do you really have a choice? Would you call that giving cheerfully or out of necessity?

Again, let me clarify my point of view. I do not believe that giving a tithe is salvific, therefore i do not believe one should give ANYTHING if they aren't going to do so cheerfully. If one gives of there substance cheerfully, then it doesn't really matter what the circumstances are after they have done so. Saying someone is resentful after they lost a house is indicative of resentful giving in the first place. Do not give a tithe or (an offering of 10%) if you can't do so cheerfully.

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by coadie

Well. It is a sticky topic. It is convincing to me that people decide what they want to do first and get scripture to support the attitude.

Where did Jesus say to stop tithing?

Most people don't have a New Testament heart. A New Testament heart means God owns 100%. Can you take care of all your needs on 80%?

Concerning the old law, "It is finished". Where did he tell the Body of Christ to tithe money?

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by seekerman

Yes, I can say that Abraham tithed because that's exactly what he did. He tithed to Melchizedek. Someone instructed Him to do this as some point in his life and he was obedient to that instruction.

It was common practice in ancient times to pay a 10% tax for crossing or using their land. Abraham gave the 90% away, kept nothing for himself. So follow his example and you are broke!

[Bella1]

I TOTALLY believe in paying tithes. But because of what money I do bring home, the bills that I pay, I can barely buy groceries and buy gas to get back and forth to church, work, home. (I actually have a gas credit card from my sister that tides me over each month if I need it and then I repay her). So since my separation from my husband almost three years ago, I do not pay tithes.

And I go to a church that has commitment papers. If you are on platform, ect...you sign these papers and one of the qualifications of ministry is that you pay tithes. Do I agree with that? No. BUT...I am committed to go there for the next little while until I find out where I will be living. So I don't minister in that church like I would elsewhere.

I am not unhappy at that church. I get good preaching, good teaching, and I love the pastor and family. I would NEVER say or do anything that would upset or hurt them. I feel that I have not been blessed by the Lord for Three years due to not paying tithes. And I miss those blessing. When I can, I give with gladness.

BUT tithing is a HUGE issue for me right now. I can't do it. Or I would not eat or I would not be able to get to work. People tell me all the time to "Trust the Lord". I do. But I also have gone without food in my pantry for several weeks. I ate at a friends house. Yes, the Lord did provide, but.....

It does make me sad that I can't sing specials or be in the choir. That is my ministry. That is my gift. That is my heartbeat. If tithing holds me back from doing what I think God has given me, I will not complain.

And please don't preacher bash or church bash. Most of us were brought up and taught to pay tithing. It is a way of life to me. But when you CAN'T pay them, guilt sets in.

My pastor is on this site. He will most likely read this post. You know that I love you Pastor. I just wish things could be so different in my life.

[Jacob's Ladder]

Originally Posted by seekerman

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

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