I might be kicking a hornets nest, but I would like to know what some people’s opinions on the matter are. Are we called to give a tenth as the Israelites were, or do we give according what’s in our heart? Please let me know. I look forward to a spirited(And friendly) discussion.
I have not read in the Old Testament where tithes were money, but animals, and food, and I have not heard of it being money from someone else.
So why do they say give money for tithes.
The early Church sold all they had that was not a necessity, and distributed the money to the saints as every person had need.
Charity is greater than faith, and faith works by love, no love, no faith.
Love is the fulfilling of the law, and money is the root of all evil for it neglects the poor and needy, which Paul said if they go by money for their wants they have erred from the faith.
Paul said he could have all faith so as to remove mountains, but if he did not have charity he is nothing.
And if anybody preaches that God blesses with money and material things for their wants withdraw yourself from them having food and clothing be content.
James said if they do not have charity their faith is dead.
John said if they do not have charity then the love of God does not dwell in them, so do not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
God only blesses us with our needs, and not our wants.
But the saints should provide food and clothing to the preacher if they have a need like they should do the same for all the saints.
But I do not understand the preacher's birthday in which they give money, and their vacation which they give money, or their anniversary, or anything else where they give money that is not for a need.
And the Bible says the preacher is not to be in the ministry for the money.
The tithes are the same as the Old Testament where it went to the priests to take care of their needs which the tithes coming in to the Church is for those that have a need.
Offerings can go towards other things like the building, maintenance, or whatever that furthers the kingdom of God.
And God said whatever a person purposes in their own heart let them give that which is offerings, and all the saints have to take care of the poor and needy.
But if tithes are for the saints that have need then what do tithes mean for there is no 10 percent but whatever is above your needs to help people.
Which some people might cry about tithes not wanting to believe it for they do not want to give up a tenth of their money for then they cannot enjoy their wants, but some could actually afford 50 percent and that is what they should do for there is no percentage in giving when helping the poor and needy for it is all the time.
So tithes mean nothing when we are to take care of the saints with their needs which can be 3 percent, 10 percent, or 80 percent.
And God said those that are rich distribute your money, which can cause many people to not believe Christianity, or not to believe among the saints because they will believe it is all a money grubbing system.
Which does not help that many preachers are living by their wants and some abundantly believing God blesses them with that so they take advantage of the saints, some even telling them what to give.
If a preacher has 1000 people as part of their congregation and each one gave a 100 dollars, which is 100,000 dollars do people think it could all go for the preacher for them to enjoy for they are to go by the same standard as everyone else going by their needs.
We are to feed and clothe the saints that have need if it is possible, and we only go by our needs and not our wants, which is whatever percentage that is for having food and clothing be content, which in the Old Testament 10 percent, but can be more than 10 percent in the New Testament.
I know a lot of people do not want to pay 10 percent and only go by their needs for then there is no Playstation, or Nintendo and games, and no vacation, and cruises, and going by their wants and they sure do not want to pay more than 10 percent.
That is because not all who claim Christ is willing to make the sacrifice and stop enjoying their wants, and fleshy pleasures, which God said they are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, and do not want to give up the bragging saying look what I got like the world.
Having Cribitis, or the Baby Crib Syndrome, wah, notice me, give me attention, and the child show and tell mentality look what I got.
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
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