Answer: This is a difficult issue to discern biblically because the Bible does not mention “special offerings” for Christian causes or parachurch Christian ministries. The Bible simply tells us to give to the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Yes, most definitely, we should be giving to the church we attend, serve at, and worship in! If a Christian believes the Lord is leading him to give 10%, does that entire 10% have to go to the church, or can it be split between the church and other Christian purposes? Sadly, the answer to this question usually breaks down based on who is responding. Churches / pastors will usually teach that the full 10% should go to the church, and any other Christian giving should be above and beyond the 10%. Christian ministries and causes usually teach that the 10% figure for giving can be divided between churches and ministries according to the Lord’s leading.
So, which view is correct? Even as a parachurch ministry, GotQuestions.org holds that a believer’s primary giving should be to his/her local church with any "additional offerings" to other Christian causes. We do not believe, though, that a believer is legalistically required to give 10% or any other set amount (see Christian Tithing). The Bible instructs believers in Christ to give generously, to give cheerfully, and to give regularly. There is no biblical formula for how to split a tithe between a church and another Christian organization. If a Christian believes the tithe is binding on believers today, the 10% should go to the church (based on the storehouse principle of Malachi 3:10).
Further, if a believer prayerfully decides to give 10% in offerings, we believe he/she can give as the Spirit leads him/her; i.e., 8% to their church and 2% to other Christian causes. What matters is that believers make sacrificial financial offerings to God’s work, wherever and in whatever way He leads. Believers should pray for wisdom in regard to how much and to whom God would have them make their offerings.
Monday, March 15, 2010
ALL TO TITHE
CHURCH TO GIVE ALSO: ALL TO TITHE; PREACHERS MAY TAKE A SALARY
We have seen the church is also to give. The Scriptures show us that the priests tithe to the priests; it goes all the way up the line to Melchizedek. It is written, THEY WHICH PREACH THE GOSPEL SHOULD LIVE OF THE GOSPEL-1 Cor 9:14. THOU SHALT NOT MUZZLE THE MOUTH OF THE OX THAT TREADETH OUT THE CORN-1 Cor 9:9. Preachers can take a salary. As a matter of fact, the priests did; they lived of the tithes. When the tithes came in, the priests had their salary. Then they would tithe to the higher priests, and so on; it would go all the way up the line. Everybody tithes. We are all under commandment. Ministries are under commandment to tithe. If someone were to send funds to missionaries overseas, they are also to tithe, lest they come under a curse. If someone were to send a missionary $100.00, he should give a tithe of that to whoever God directs him. In other words, it is a commandment for everyone to tithe—whether ministries or pastors—we all tithe.
We are to, Neh 10:35-37-BRING THE FIRST FRUITS OF OUR GROUND, AND THE FIRST FRUITS OF ALL FRUIT OF ALL TREES (all fruit of all trees) YEAR BY YEAR, UNTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD: ALSO THE FIRST-BORN OF OUR SONS, AND OF OUR CATTLE, AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE LAW, AND THE FIRSTLINGS OF OUR HERDS AND OF OUR FLOCKS, TO BRING TO THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD, UNTO THE PRIESTS THAT MINISTER IN THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD: AND THAT WE SHOULD BRING THE FIRST FRUITS OF OUR DOUGH, AND OUR OFFERINGS, AND THE FRUIT OF ALL MANNER OF TREES, OF WINE AND OF OIL, UNTO THE PRIESTS, TO THE CHAMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD; AND THE TITHES OF OUR GROUND UNTO THE LEVITES.
We are to remember, HE WHICH SOWETH SPARINGLY SHALL REAP ALSO SPARINGLY; AND HE WHICH SOWETH BOUNTIFULLY SHALL REAP ALSO BOUNTIFULLY-2 Cor 9:6. This is a law of God. It does not mean, if you give one hundred dollars that you’re going to get back one thousand dollars. You will get back generously from the Lord, but in the way He desires to give it to you. It might be in wisdom and knowledge. 2 Cor 8:7 NIV-SEE THAT YOU ALSO EXCEL IN THIS GRACE OF GIVING. One thing that is troubling is when we see a person that does not excel in the grace of giving. Anyone that does not excel in the grace of giving, usually falls away.
We have seen the church is also to give. The Scriptures show us that the priests tithe to the priests; it goes all the way up the line to Melchizedek. It is written, THEY WHICH PREACH THE GOSPEL SHOULD LIVE OF THE GOSPEL-1 Cor 9:14. THOU SHALT NOT MUZZLE THE MOUTH OF THE OX THAT TREADETH OUT THE CORN-1 Cor 9:9. Preachers can take a salary. As a matter of fact, the priests did; they lived of the tithes. When the tithes came in, the priests had their salary. Then they would tithe to the higher priests, and so on; it would go all the way up the line. Everybody tithes. We are all under commandment. Ministries are under commandment to tithe. If someone were to send funds to missionaries overseas, they are also to tithe, lest they come under a curse. If someone were to send a missionary $100.00, he should give a tithe of that to whoever God directs him. In other words, it is a commandment for everyone to tithe—whether ministries or pastors—we all tithe.
We are to, Neh 10:35-37-BRING THE FIRST FRUITS OF OUR GROUND, AND THE FIRST FRUITS OF ALL FRUIT OF ALL TREES (all fruit of all trees) YEAR BY YEAR, UNTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD: ALSO THE FIRST-BORN OF OUR SONS, AND OF OUR CATTLE, AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE LAW, AND THE FIRSTLINGS OF OUR HERDS AND OF OUR FLOCKS, TO BRING TO THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD, UNTO THE PRIESTS THAT MINISTER IN THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD: AND THAT WE SHOULD BRING THE FIRST FRUITS OF OUR DOUGH, AND OUR OFFERINGS, AND THE FRUIT OF ALL MANNER OF TREES, OF WINE AND OF OIL, UNTO THE PRIESTS, TO THE CHAMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD; AND THE TITHES OF OUR GROUND UNTO THE LEVITES.
We are to remember, HE WHICH SOWETH SPARINGLY SHALL REAP ALSO SPARINGLY; AND HE WHICH SOWETH BOUNTIFULLY SHALL REAP ALSO BOUNTIFULLY-2 Cor 9:6. This is a law of God. It does not mean, if you give one hundred dollars that you’re going to get back one thousand dollars. You will get back generously from the Lord, but in the way He desires to give it to you. It might be in wisdom and knowledge. 2 Cor 8:7 NIV-SEE THAT YOU ALSO EXCEL IN THIS GRACE OF GIVING. One thing that is troubling is when we see a person that does not excel in the grace of giving. Anyone that does not excel in the grace of giving, usually falls away.
IDOLS
In the United States, when someone thinks of idols, he may think only of statues that people worship in certain parts of the world. He may not consider that a television can be an idol. He may not consider that an automobile, house, certain possessions, a hobby, a person, a political party, a cause, a job, a sport, an addiction, lusts, pleasures, or some other thing, can become an idol.
A person may not consider that stubbornness is as idolatry in the eyes of God. Covetousness is also considered idolatry in the eyes of God. A person seldom considers that his own selfishness can be an idol, as "self" is more important than God.
Very few consider that anything, which is more important to a person than obeying God, may be considered an idol.
Astrology, money, gold, silver, investments, success, popularity, pride, and many other such things, are also idols to people.
Idols are an abomination to the Lord. God is a jealous God.
Those that make, possess, or worship idols are cursed.
To put anything before God, or to esteem any created thing more than God the Creator, is wickedness and a form of idolatry.
God’s warning is clear: do not do it.
Following are a few of the many verses in the Bible, relating to the subject of idols and idolatry.
In every nation of the world, people worship and serve idols. The Bible declares such things are an abomination to the Lord. There is a curse on all who practice idolatry—those that make, possess, believe in, serve, or worship graven images or idols. An idol can be anything that comes before Almighty God. Anything that is more important to a person or cherished more than God is an idol.
In America, people are devoted to possessions, pleasures, and the pursuit of happiness. Television, computers, the Internet, money, sex, self, prosperity, fame, sports, their job, car, house, addictions, are some of the many things that often come before God. Unsaved friends or relatives often come before God. Warnings from the pulpit about the dangers of listening to and following the counsel of the ungodly are seldom given; and when they are given, they are seldom heeded. Many verses are either ignored or not understood in this lukewarm generation, such as Lk 16:26-IF ANY MAN COME TO ME AND HATE NOT HIS FATHER, AND MOTHER, AND WIFE, AND CHILDREN, AND BRETHREN, AND SISTERS, YEA, AND HIS OWN LIFE ALSO, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE. Should God direct a person to give up some of these, rebellion and stubbornness would arise quickly from most.
Scriptures that tell a person to deny himself and follow Jesus-ref Lk 9:23, are seldom heard in the churches anymore. Scriptures that tell a person to SELL THAT YE HAVE AND GIVE ALMS-Lk 12:33 are often explained away as not meaning what they say.
Yet these verses shall judge each of us. It is clearly written in Luke 14:33-SO LIKEWISE, WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE.
God is a jealous God. There is to be nothing that comes before HIM and obeying HIS WORD.
Remember the greatest commandment of all? In Mt 22:37, JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND.
Mk 12:30-AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH: THIS IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.
Lk 10:27,28-AND HE ANSWERING SAID, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL THY MIND; AND THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, THOU HAST ANSWERED RIGHT: THIS DO, AND THOU SHALT LIVE.
God’s Word also says in Jn 14:21-HE THAT HATH MY COMMANDMENTS, AND KEEPETH THEM, HE IT IS THAT LOVETH ME: AND HE THAT LOVETH ME SHALL BE LOVED OF MY FATHER, AND I WILL LOVE HIM, AND WILL MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.
Jn 15:10-IF YE KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YE SHALL ABIDE IN MY LOVE; EVEN AS I HAVE KEPT MY FATHER'S COMMANDMENTS, AND ABIDE IN HIS LOVE.
Jn 14:15-IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.
A person may not consider that stubbornness is as idolatry in the eyes of God. Covetousness is also considered idolatry in the eyes of God. A person seldom considers that his own selfishness can be an idol, as "self" is more important than God.
Very few consider that anything, which is more important to a person than obeying God, may be considered an idol.
Astrology, money, gold, silver, investments, success, popularity, pride, and many other such things, are also idols to people.
Idols are an abomination to the Lord. God is a jealous God.
Those that make, possess, or worship idols are cursed.
To put anything before God, or to esteem any created thing more than God the Creator, is wickedness and a form of idolatry.
God’s warning is clear: do not do it.
Following are a few of the many verses in the Bible, relating to the subject of idols and idolatry.
In every nation of the world, people worship and serve idols. The Bible declares such things are an abomination to the Lord. There is a curse on all who practice idolatry—those that make, possess, believe in, serve, or worship graven images or idols. An idol can be anything that comes before Almighty God. Anything that is more important to a person or cherished more than God is an idol.
In America, people are devoted to possessions, pleasures, and the pursuit of happiness. Television, computers, the Internet, money, sex, self, prosperity, fame, sports, their job, car, house, addictions, are some of the many things that often come before God. Unsaved friends or relatives often come before God. Warnings from the pulpit about the dangers of listening to and following the counsel of the ungodly are seldom given; and when they are given, they are seldom heeded. Many verses are either ignored or not understood in this lukewarm generation, such as Lk 16:26-IF ANY MAN COME TO ME AND HATE NOT HIS FATHER, AND MOTHER, AND WIFE, AND CHILDREN, AND BRETHREN, AND SISTERS, YEA, AND HIS OWN LIFE ALSO, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE. Should God direct a person to give up some of these, rebellion and stubbornness would arise quickly from most.
Scriptures that tell a person to deny himself and follow Jesus-ref Lk 9:23, are seldom heard in the churches anymore. Scriptures that tell a person to SELL THAT YE HAVE AND GIVE ALMS-Lk 12:33 are often explained away as not meaning what they say.
Yet these verses shall judge each of us. It is clearly written in Luke 14:33-SO LIKEWISE, WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE.
God is a jealous God. There is to be nothing that comes before HIM and obeying HIS WORD.
Remember the greatest commandment of all? In Mt 22:37, JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND.
Mk 12:30-AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH: THIS IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.
Lk 10:27,28-AND HE ANSWERING SAID, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL THY MIND; AND THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, THOU HAST ANSWERED RIGHT: THIS DO, AND THOU SHALT LIVE.
God’s Word also says in Jn 14:21-HE THAT HATH MY COMMANDMENTS, AND KEEPETH THEM, HE IT IS THAT LOVETH ME: AND HE THAT LOVETH ME SHALL BE LOVED OF MY FATHER, AND I WILL LOVE HIM, AND WILL MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.
Jn 15:10-IF YE KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YE SHALL ABIDE IN MY LOVE; EVEN AS I HAVE KEPT MY FATHER'S COMMANDMENTS, AND ABIDE IN HIS LOVE.
Jn 14:15-IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.
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