How Should Christians Give?
Giving. It's a controversial subject. I think any topic involving our money is controversial.
In the past few years, I have encountered a variety of opinions on tithing. Some people point out that tithing does not appear to be a New Testament requirement (though Jesus does affirm it in Matthew 23:23). Others question whether the church should receive the 10 percent, or if the believer should exercise his own discretion as to where the tithe goes. Still others disagree on whether a tithe should be off of gross income or post-tax.
I think arguing the nuances sidetracks us from the deeper issue: God expects us to give generously (2 Corinthians 9:7) — whether 10 percent or 90 — but we're not doing it.
I wrote that in "Giving My Dinosaurs." Read the whole article here.
posted by Suzanne @ 2:02 PM
3 Comments:
Great points. Thanks, Suzanne.
Just to add to the controversy, why don't I ever hear people talking about how every third year, the Israelites were commanded to give their entire tithe to the poor?
28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 14
12 When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. 13 Then say to the LORD your God: "I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them. 14 I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while I was in mourning, nor have I removed any of it while I was unclean, nor have I offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything you commanded me. 15 Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey." Deuteronomy 26
From Tithe - Taxation Concerns
I am not sure what you or others are doing,but my income is as follows.
My vocation 'what i do' earns me a gross sum of $1500 cnd and the false kingdom known as Canada takes $325/week income tax. Then each week I give tithe to a local church in need,the amount $150 cash. My net income remains for my living expenses $900/week
Although many hidden taxes consume another $150 I still find the $750 just enough too get by on.
Saving is easy for me, I bank $150 per week for 'rain days' and the rest is consumed for food,shelter,and cloth.
Consider your church carefully 'nearing end-time drama' many shall prey upon the lamb with false intention/teaching.
Ask Jesus in your private prayers for He and He alone shall guide your life.
Tithe only if you are comfortable with the pastor/priest. Do not tithe blind do your homework on the church you attend.
Dr.Charles Stanley points out that today's church is a mess and that liberal agenda has come in to the church to abuse lamb offerings.
Best of luck
Shout out 'our lord is coming quickly'and with the authority of g-d to face -face each and messiah eternal life.
At current we still remain cord in sin nature 'out of garden' under the banner of birth with pain.
Glenn Genser Koffler
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