So where can I reply concerning the tithing thread?

[Guest Guest]

Of course everything belongs to God. The point is, God commanded the Jews to give 10% but He expects Christians to give according as He directs them in accord as to how He prospers them.

I've read of some men who as they grew wealthier they increased their giving. A few of them, by the time they were older folks had got to the point where they could live very well off of what they already had and from that point onward they gave 100% of their increase to the Lord.

There are also some who can't feed their children well on what they make and anything they give is taking food from their childrens mouths. Those of us who are better off during such times are supposed to help care for them and to make up for their lack. If situations ever reverse, they should help us during that time and help make up for our lack.

Each payday I take out in cash, first thing, what I'll place in the collection plate Sunday. We also give to other ministries each month and when the Lord directs, we give more and/or we also give to others.

That is my point, John. We have been blessed thus far. I am far better off (not just because I know I am heaven bound) but since my salvation...God keeps enormously blessing me. My hubby feels the same way. :smile

It is other people that we are concerned about. Not just those who are unsaved...but, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

[John81]

That is my point, John. We have been blessed thus far. I am far better off (not just because I know I am heaven bound) but since my salvation...God keeps enormously blessing me. My hubby feels the same way. :smile

It is other people that we are concerned about. Not just those who are unsaved...but, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

:amen:

[JerryNumbers]

That's true Jerry, but these folks are not being good stewards of what God provides for them. They are not falling behind because they are not seeing increase, they are falling behind because they choose to spend their increase and then spend more on top of that.

There are many older folks on fixed incomes that are truly falling behind.

Now, with the economy being so bad, there are also some who had counted on dividends from stock investments to get them buy who now are forced to return to work in order to survive.

But John, I was not talking at anytime about the people on fixed incomes.

Hey, the old couple on that fixed income, who makes, say, $1,000.00 per month, and puts $20.00 in the collection plate has made a larger sacrifice than the man who make $100,000.00 & more per year and puts 10% in the collection plate every month even though he has given Jesus' Church more money than the poor couple.

In fact I know some elderly people who go without their basic needs to place money in the collection plate while the pastor keeps going on that the church needs much more money and the people need to make more sacrifices. Them after servises the pastor goes out gets into his fine car, drives to the fine restaurant to eat, them drives back to his big fine looking home. Many of the church members do the same. Them the poor ederly couple go to their run donw home and try to scrape up something to eat, many months not having enough money to buy the medcine they rightly can't do without.

I think we are on the same page here, but some totally disagree.

As it was once said, if the poor people put in the same % as the people who have much it will put them on equal footing with the wealthy. :roll

[PastorHarrison]

[in fact I know some elderly people who go without their basic needs to place money in the collection plate while the pastor keeps going on that the church needs much more money and the people need to make more sacrifices. Them after servises the pastor goes out gets into his fine car' date=' drives to the fine restaurant to eat, them drives back to his big fine looking home. Many of the church members do the same. Them the poor ederly couple go to their run donw home and try to scrape up something to eat, many months not having enough money to buy the medcine they rightly can't do without.[/quote']

They're like the woman Jesus commended for throwing in of her "need", in fact all that she hath.

But may I ask, what does the pastor's car and house have to do with that elderly couple's decision to tithe even during financial hardship, have to do with anything? I mean, if the pastor believes he is being led to build a family life center (which I'd find laughable) must he live under an overpass, ride a bicycle to church, and eat from trashcans before he is permitted to speak on giving? I don't mean that sarcastically, but matter of factly.

2nd Question, since you are aware of a couple who are doing without basic necessities and medicines, have you informed the pastor and has the church not taken them on for assistance?

As a pastor, I know that sometimes folk are reluctant to tell you how they're doing financially for fear of seeming to doubt the Lord's provision. I would certainly say if you came to me and informed me that such circumsance existed, I would go before the church with it to take that suffering couple on for support... They are "our Jerusalem" in my estimation....

[JerryNumbers]

Its very easy to have plenty, them tell those who have already sacrifice more than you have to even sacrifice more by giving more. I've seen it happen more than once.

[PastorHarrison]

Yes sir....and sadly, many pastors are not in the ministry for love of the sheep and calling of the Lord, but for the $ and they've become expert at fleecing the flock. God knoweth them....

One day....today I hope....the Lamb will come and we'll leave the offering plates and plastic manger scenes and false brethren behind..... wont that be a day!!!!