The NT definitely does NOT require tithing or any giving

Bouchard · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2003 4:01 pm Post subject:

Let me "weigh in" here since "giving" is one of my favorite topics:
The NT definitely does NOT require tithing or any "giving" at all. (although there ARE Church Leaders who swear it DOES)
My wife and I DO give at least 10% of our income to the Church though. (in cold, hard cash by the way, none of this "I'm tithing my TIME")
We give not because we have to but because we want to support Jesus's Church, and the 10% figure is a GUIDELINE only.
The statistics concerning tithing or giving (which our "Leaders are constantly whining about) are this:
Before the depression, the average Christian in the US tithed or donated around 2.8%.
During the depression it actually went up to 2.9%.(go figure!)
Since then (at least up to 9-11) it's gone back to 2.8%.
Are all these Christians "saved"? You bet! Giving has absolutely nothing to do with "Salvation" (Although some Leaders claim it DOES)
Are all those Christians going to get a "mansion in heaven" that looks like the Apostle Paul's? Well, their "mansion" might look more like an "outhouse" but hey, your "outhouse" is in HEAVEN not the other place. (shudder!) Let me "short-circuit" the "heat" I'm going to take from those who are "incensed" by my insensitivity to the "poor people" who can't afford to give anything let alone 2.8%. The "poor widow" in the Bible gave everything she had. Poor folk don't have to give anything but they can probably give something. Enough said.
One final comment: It's my personal opinion that the Ministries that are complaining the most right now about their "dire financial situation" and how they need so much money, are probably the ones that'll go "belly up". The ones that complain less will fare a lot better. Heck, there's even one, RBC, that doesn't complain ONE BIT. (they even give everything away for free, like a CD of our favorite singer, Damaris Carbaugh. We never take them up on the "freebies", always send money and that's probably why they seem to be doing ok)

thanks,

ken
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Jesus is alive

Steve Claborn · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2003 8:09 pm Post subject:

I think the church would be better saying that we are encouraging our membership to give 10% to support the church and its ministries. I

Bouchard · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2003 6:15 pm Post subject:

Yes, one big reason why (in my opinion) that more than a few people don't seriously consider Christianity is that they think (with the constant "harping" of some Pastors and ministry leaders about money) that they HAVE to give 10% of their income to the Church or be sent to Hell This is indeed a travesty and I don't think Jesus would approve. Heck, if our leaders would just come right out and say that we're under the New Covenant now and giving is optional, we'd probably find our numbers increasing and quite a few of the new converts would end up giving plenty.

thanks, Ken
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Jesus is alive