BrotherTony

That's a sidestep of the questions. Paul was the one who said this. And if you properly exegete this passage it was concerning giving for missions and I believe the church in Jerusalem.

The principle for tithing is there for all, including pastors. But let's be nitpicky for a minute... do you tithe on the amount of time you have each day, week, month, or year? For ever day alone that's a minimum of 2.4 hours. Do you spend 2.4 hours a day doing the Lord's work...just the Lord's work, nobody else's? It's highly doubtful that most people who name the name of Christ do this. Pastors are on call 24 hours a day seven days a week. Let's go a bit further...some are provided with housing for little or no cost. What's it valued at? How much would their housing payments be, not to mention that some congregations provide utilities and car allowances, and some even car and health insurance. So, Morales, how are you going to guage all that and decide what they owe in tithe? To be honest, friend, you seem to worry about other people's money and tithing habits than anyone I know. The Bible gives us an example of someone in Christs own circle named Judas...he was in control of the money, and he was reprimanded by Christ for raising a ruckus when someone was using expensive ointment to wipe Jesus feet with her hair. The Bible tells us that he didn't care about the poor people he mentioned, but was worried about that money because he controlled the purse strings and was a thief. I'm not saying that you're a thief, but, I am saying you worry far too much about what other people do with their money.

It's supposed to be a place of worship, but it has to be a social club, and I hate that word "club." But, it is a club of sorts. One can't get away from that fact.

Why? Does YOUR pastor have a parking space closer than the handicapped parking? I'm a pretty portly guy (I weigh in at 365) and have been disabled since 1997, though I didn't finally apply for disability until 1999. Our pastor at that time had a spot right by the door, but, he was usually in the church by 7:30 AM. He was usually out of the church by 9 AM making shut in visits and other church business. It never bothered me to walk even though it's difficult using a cane, and at times a walker.

I'd rather have his idiosyncrasies and a few bad tweets and have a great economy then to have a line numbskull puppet of a man in office making our country a laughing stock every time he opens his mouth. At least we were respected on the world stage while Trump was there even if he wasn't popular.

Again, does what another church does affect you in any way, shape, or form?Why are you worried about whether another churches pastor tithes or not? It truly seems to some of us you're worried about another's business. That's called meddling. As far as what they're paid, or even the benefits they are provided with, it's really nobody's concern but his, the church he's pastoring, and the Lord's. Keeping your eyes on the Lord and the mission he gave his followers are what we need to be concerned with, and what goes on in the church we're attending.

The only thing I can say is that I am so thankful that someone here is not God and didn't deliver the "many commandments" (we've noticed there are more than 10, as God delivered to Moses, and there are probably many more coming) to them on two tablets of gold by the angel Morales! LOL

Wow, you're beginning to sound like the legalistic IFBx groups I grew up in. Thankfully God looks on the hearts. Maybe someone should try to be doing that here.

You're welcome to your opinion. Trump didn't cause an "insurrection" at the US Capitol building. Remember the Democrats and their "mostly peaceful" destructive actions in Portland, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and several other places? Vote for whom you will, Morales. Nobody will try to stop ? you. For someone who worked for nothing I believe he did a pretty good job, especially in light of the fact that the Democrats were manufacturing proof of a Russian collusion, then wasting Americans tax dollars on false accusations and impeachments of the best POTUS since Reagan.

Nothing wrong with chewing gum. Shouldn't be making bubbles, though. Distraction.

There's nothing in the Bible that forbids coffee in the sanctuary. Can you explain what truth you're trying to convey to us?

If you cannot tithe where you are going then why in the world are you still going there? One should be tithing where they are attending.

Our church lets people designate where their tithing dollars go. A majority of the churches in this country have less than 100 people. Rural churches typically run between 45-75. Most of these churches are doing their desd level best to be accountable for the dispersion of the funds. I've only been a member of one church (Baptist Church) that didn't hold their leaders accountable for how funds were allocated. After it was discovered that over $45k was unaccounted for and missing, the church ended up in a huge split, and many people were hurt, families divided, and trust in the leaders was permanently lost. The two churches because of the split still fight and hate each other, and both have become seeker sensitive, this is your day to be rich and healed type of churches. They're no longer Baptist but instead have become charismatic leaning non denominational churches. We never hear of people being saved or lives changed because of Christ. It breaks my heart.

No pretense from me in any way shape, or form. Whether some like to admit it or not, the Jews are God's chosen people, and his covenant with Israel stands.

Tonight We're having bone-in chicken thighs, turnip greens, potatoes, and a biscuit. A small amount of ice cream in a waffle cone for dessert.

This sounds like the same anti semitic sentiment I hear from some of my KKK neighbors. A lot of blanket.statements with no proof posted. Sorry, though some of it may be accurate, it sounds like someone sees little green men behind every tree.

Nobody knows. So, I guess it's really of little or no significance. Interesting question, though.

Personally I would rather people NOT bring it into the sanctuary. Whether there are carpeted, lvp, marble, or plain hardwood floors, a spill would be messy and be a major distraction and possibly a tool the adversary could use. Yet, in the Cowboy Church we occasionally attend they allow coffee. The floor is concrete, and these people are used to stepping in and walking through things much worse than coffee. ?

Here you're comparing apples ? and oranges.

These are your opinions. Some churches NEED new signage. And how do you know it's not helping the ministry of the church or Jesus? If one is in a church that the Lord wants them in, I believe they should be tithing where they attend. One can always direct what their tithe is to be used for. Putting an emoticon with a halo doesn't make it any the less disconcerting to some of us who see this constant worrying about other people's churches.

Nice to know that Piper is still consistent in his "hit-and-run" style of posting. Sorry, though at times he does present some good things and actively participates in the discussion, I am not a fan.

That's a rather inflammatory statement, especially in light of the fact you haven't shown how it's allegedly adding to scripture. Most IFB churches clearly understand that there is a seven year period after the rapture of the church known as the Tribulation.

So, are you advocating for children who aren't qualified to treat or attend to many physical ailments, ie, dementia, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrigs, etc, to do it anyway? It's not a smart thing to do. I helped take care of my grandmother who had Alzheimer's, but, only until it became apparent that neither my grandfather nor I could properly care for her. We did it for the same with a family member that had been burned in a fire back in the mid 80s. In her case there were certain medications and treatments that had to be administered by a professional. The Lord will indeed say well done to those who can take care of them, but those who have done their best will receive the same acknowledgement.

In the churches I have been a member of, there have been many great volunteers who have done the cleaning work. One doesn't necessarily have to pay someone to perform these services. How do you personally know if volunteers are as good as they used to be or not? I know you state it's your opinion, but, you often throw out blanket statements like that with little or no proof disparaging others.