Image123:
You no wan laugh with me before? Laugh oh, its better.

Honestly my bro. I fully agree with you

OLAADEGBU: Let Them Alone

"Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone" (Hosea 4:17).

The Lord is long-suffering, and those who speak in His name should be also. There do come times, however, when further witness becomes useless or even harmful, or when continued interaction merely invites contamination with ungodliness. In such cases we must simply leave such people alone, following them with prayer and trusting God alone to deal with them.

Such was the ten-tribe nation of Israel, led by the tribe of Ephraim, just before God sent them into Assyrian captivity. God, through the prophet Hosea, told Judah henceforth to let them alone--they were hopelessly given over to pagan evolutionist idolatry. The words "joined to" in today’s verse mean, literally, "under the spell of."

The Lord Jesus used similarly harsh language in reference to the hypocritical Pharisees of His own day: "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Matthew 15:14).

There are other similar warnings. Of those who come, "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof," Paul says, "from such turn away" (2 Timothy 3:5). He has also warned us to "shun profane and vain babblings |that is, the empty philosophizing of those who reject God|: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" (2 Timothy 2:16). "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11).

Most, if not all, such warnings seem in context to apply especially to people who once knew and understood the truth, perhaps even professing to accept it for a time, and then knowingly rejected it. When such men oppose our testimony, God says to let them alone; He can deal with them better than we. HMM

For more . . . .

Any significant thing required of the Christian will be found in the New Testament epistles which constitute the blueprint for living the Christian life. Yes?, No?

trustman:

Any significant thing required of the Christian will be found in the New Testament epistles which constitute the blueprint for living the Christian life. Yes?, No?

Yes, like the admonition is today's article.

Not Giving, but Sowing
December 4, 2013

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6)

As John Calvin pointed out long ago in expounding this key passage, “We are not giving, but sowing” when we contribute of our financial means to the work of the Lord, for it miraculously is considered by the Lord of the harvest as seed sown in the soil of the hearts of men.

And it is a rule of the harvest that, other things being equal, the more seed planted, the more harvested. He who is deficient with his seed must necessarily anticipate a meager crop.

Of course, a bountiful harvest presupposes not only an abundance of seed, but also good soil, properly prepared, watered, and cultivated. It is no good simply to give money to anyone or any cause, any more than it is good simply to throw a seed on a rocky slope or city street or weed-infested yard. One is responsible to give where God’s Word is honoured—not just to give, but to give responsibly.

Furthermore, even though an abundant harvest is promised, the motive in giving is also vital. The harvest is souls—not gold! “God loveth a cheerful giver”—not a conditional giver (v. 7). “He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity” (Romans 12:8 ). Often God does bring financial blessing to a Christian who has proved faithful in the grace of giving, but this is so he can give still more and thus lay up still more treasure in heaven. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). “Therefore,” as Paul said, “. . . see that ye abound in this grace also” (2 Corinthians 8:7).

And as we give, we must never forget that Christ has given more: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). HMM

For more . . . .

JIL:

You asked for a summary. Here it is

God bless you JIL. This is a sermon that must be preached in all the churches around the world. Many christians are turned into thieves because of thithe and many more others are in debt because of the same thithe. Please it is time to save the christian from the strong gripe of the of thithe collectors.

Is the tithe for today?

Of all the questions I am asked to answer, this is beyond a doubt the most difficult. Not only because the subject of tithing is hotly debated, but because I must confess that I personally have not always been faithful in giving a tenth or more to the work of the Lord. And I am not alone. Research demonstrates that not only do the vast majority of Christians not tithe regularly, but many give little or nothing at all. Thus, while addressing this question is incredibly convicting, it also is increasingly crucial.

First, as Randy Alcorn has well said, tithing may well be regarded as the training wheels of giving. As such, tithing is as important today as it has ever been. We all need to learn what it is to stride free and unfettered down the path of Christian stewardship. For in learning to give we also are learning to lean more heavily upon our heavenly Father and less heavily upon ourselves. Those who have travelled the Calvary road for any length of time surely can testify to the truth that God is ever faithful. Not only so, but as we weekly set aside our tithes and offerings we are reminded that all we are, or ever hope to be, is a gift from God.

Furthermore, as Moses communicated to the children of Israel, we tithe "so that [we] may learn to revere the Lord [our] God always" (Deuteronomy 14:23). As we all know, learning to reverence the name of God is a timeless principle—as crucial today as in the days of Moses. Long before Moses, the Bible records Jacob’s promise to God: “Of all that you give me I will give you a tenth” (Genesis 28:22). Long after Moses, Jesus reaffirmed the practice of tithing (Matthew 23:23)—not for outward appearances but as an outward expression of an inward reality.
Additionally, in the fourth century the great church father Jerome echoed the words of Malachi who intimated that failing to pay tithes and offerings was tantamount to “robbing” God—a prescription for financial ruin (Malachi 3:8 ).

Finally, it should be noted that tithing in the Old Testament not only prepared God’s people to become hilarious givers but produced a temple of unparalleled splendour. The Israelites who pined for the pleasures and protection of pagan Egypt more than for the One who had miraculously parted the Red Sea had been transformed into joyful givers. The Bible chronicles the prayer of David as he thanked God for the very privilege of being able to give to the work of the Lord: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand . . . and now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you” (1 Chronicles 29:14, 17). There is no telling what can be accomplished in our generation if we, too, may but catch the joy of contagious giving. Not only would we be empowered to spread the gospel around the globe, but we would be enabled to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the sick. Like our forefathers who founded great centres of Christian education, established countless hospitals, and funded myriad relief organizations, we might yet leave an indelible mark on our generation. For only when the training wheels of tithing come off will the world of free will giving become our playground.

--Hank Hanegraaff | The Complete Bible Answer Book

For further study, see Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions and Eternity, rev. ed. (Wheaton, Ill.:Tyndale House Publishers, 2003). http://www.equip.org/bookstore/the-treasure-principle-discovering-the-secret-of-joyful-giving/ or http://www.equip.org/bookstore/books/the-law-of-rewards-giving-what-you-cant-keep-to-gain-what-you-cant-lose/

“Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” ---Proverbs 3:9–10

Very nice write up. I wish I could believe it

This is Christmas and I really won't want to offend your mentality, if not I would have taken each line and offered a worthy rebuttal on it. Anyways happy "resurrection" for your thread!

One minute comment on the write up though: The principle that tithing in the Old Testament teaches the New Testament church is giving and not tithing. And that write up itself agrees with this. The writer wishes that more Christians should be faithful givers but should use tithing as a training ground for this. Does the bible teach such? We could as well say that we could wish all Christians were good Christians and thus to achieve this we would use the Laws given to Israel through Moses as training ground.

It makes perfect non-sense!

Merry Christmas OLAADEGBU!!

DrummaBoy: Very nice write up. I wish I could believe it

This is Christmas and I really won't want to offend your mentality, if not I would have taken each line and offered a worthy rebuttal on it. Anyways happy "resurrection" for your thread!

One minute comment on the write up though: The principle that tithing in the Old Testament teaches the New Testament church is giving and not tithing. And that write up itself agrees with this. The writer wishes that more Christians should be faithful givers but should use tithing as a training ground for this. Does the bible teach such? We could as well say that we could wish all Christians were good Christians and thus to achieve this we would use the Laws given to Israel through Moses as training ground.

It makes perfect non-sense!

Tithing is a kingdom principle , offering is a kingdom principle . Either you pay it or give it . It doesn't make a difference .

Joagbaje:

Tithing is a kingdom principle , offering is a kingdom principle . Either you pay it or give it . It doesn't make a difference .

This kingdom principle thing where does it come from and what is it?

trustman:

This kingdom principle thing where does it come from and what is it?

It comes from the vain imagination of joagbaje and other fraudulent tithe preachers who know that tithing in the church can't be justified by scriptures.

trustman:

This kingdom principle thing where does it come from and what is it?

Principles in Gods kingdom are revealed in scriptures . Right from genesis . Principles goes beyond commandment . They are spiritual truths revealed in the bible.

You don't pray because the law commands it, you pray because it's a kindom principle . You worship God not because the law commanded it, you worship because it's a principle . You give offerings to God because it's a kindom principle same goes for tithing , fasting . And other principles revealed in the bible . If you outdate tithing you must outdate offering and prayer and fasting and alms giving also .those against tithe have no single scripture to justify their error . You can't condemn one spiritual principle and leave the rest out.

Defining Principle, from google dictionary:

[size=20pt]principle[/size]

ˈprɪnsɪp(ə)l

noun

1. a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour or for a chain of reasoning.
"the basic principles of justice"

synonyms: truth, proposition, concept, idea, theory, postulate;

a rule or belief governing one's behaviour.

"struggling to be true to their own principles"

synonyms: morals, morality, moral standards, moral values, ethics, code of ethics, beliefs, credo, ideals, standards, integrity, uprightness, high-mindedness, righteousness, virtue, probity, rectitude, sense of honour, honour, decency, conscience, sense of duty, scruples More:
morally correct behaviour and attitudes.

"a man of principle"

synonyms: morals, morality, moral standards, moral values, ethics, code of ethics, beliefs, credo, ideals, standards, integrity, uprightness, high-mindedness, righteousness, virtue, probity, rectitude, sense of honour, honour, decency, conscience, sense of duty, scruples More

2. a general scientific theorem or law that has numerous special applications across a wide field.

Consider Joagbaje's definition of principle:

Joagbaje:

Principles in Gods kingdom are revealed in scriptures . Right from genesis . Principles goes beyond commandment (the dictionary says that principle is a rule or belief that governs ones behavior. The dictionary thinks prinicple is a rule or commandment and not something beyond a commandment. So we argue that tithing is a commandment, we are closer in defining it than you are) . They are spiritual truths revealed in the bible.

You don't pray because the law commands it, you pray because it's a kindom principle . You worship God not because the law commanded it, you worship because it's a principle . You give offerings to God because it's a kindom principle same goes for tithing , fasting . And other principles revealed in the bible . If you outdate tithing you must outdate offering and prayer and fasting and alms giving also .those against tithe have no single scripture to justify their error . You can't condemn one spiritual principle and leave the rest out.

So in other words, even if an unbeliever practices these "principles" of tithing he would be blessed. Abi? Just as when an unbeliever prays, fast, gives offering, etc, he would receive God's blessing but perish in his sins, abi?

The truth of the matter is that teaching tithing as a principle is another doctrine of man; just as teaching monetary tithes is beyond the pages of scriptures. This principle is better defined as a means to an end. It is the means to a blessing. And since the blessing is what many Christians worship today, the tithe is the prophet or principle or means to it and they must not let go of it. What baffles people like Joagbaje is that some people know they are blessed already and need not turn God's hand or favor in their direction for blessings.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Ephisians 1:3

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? - Romans 8:32

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: - 2 Peter 1:3

Thus tithing is very irrelevant for them and the tithing "principle" is simply hogwash.

I thank God I belong to that group of people.

Daily Manna
Thursday 26, June 2014

A Daily Devotional Guide - Daily Manna sets out to provide spiritual nourishment for those who are truly committed to seeking God and walking closely with Him. It's an extraction of God's word, and mainly serves to draw the sincere seeker closer to God on a daily basis.

A Passionate Intercessor

TEXT: LAMENTATIONS 5:1-22

"Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old" (Lamentations 5:21)

The physical tragedy which Jeremiah saw and made him to launch into the great lamentation we read in today’s study is not different from the spiritual havoc that has befallen our age through sin. Jeremiah is lamenting and interceding over the tragic consequences of sin that brought about the invasion and captivity of Judah.

In the text, Jeremiah compassionately brought the detestable lifestyle of the people to God, stating the consequent misfortunes that follow and urging God to forgive their iniquities. He remembered the heritage God granted them and sincerely confessed the shame which had come upon Jerusalem because of her many-sided transgressions. He stated the litany of woes which sin had midwifed in the land such as the oppression unleashed by Egypt and Assyria. The ravishing of the city’s esteemed women folk by strangers and the displacement of highly prized old men at the city gates depressed the prophet. The reader cannot but empathize with a burdened servant of God who was evidently torn apart by the mind-boggling problems plaguing his people. He pleaded with God not to forsake His people completely.

If our world was peopled by a higher number of burdened and compassionate prophets like Jeremiah, God’s mercy and favour might have been more pronounced. Sadly, righteous men are few. Many so-called men of God who could have been interceding for their congregations are obsessed with exploiting their hapless members and rendering them bankrupt through unending payments of “tithes and special offerings” to gratify their oversized appetites.

Yet, God is looking for those who would make up the edge and stand in the gap to avert His judgment upon the world. Dare to possess a burdened mind like those of Jeremiah and Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. Ultimately, the believer’s life will be measured not by material possession, but by his godly influence on people.

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

Thought for the day: "He who will be truly great before God will be a burden-bearer for others"

See more at:

What is a church supposed to do with the offerings it receives? Does the Bible say how the Church is supposed to manage/spend the money it receives?

- http://www.gotquestions.org/church-offerings.html

I invite folks on this thread, the mother of all tithe thread on nl, to peruse the text below being proposed for a tithe tract to be published by members of nl.

DrummaBoy:

[size=16pt]SHOULD YOU TITHE TODAY?[/size]

The answer to the title of this tract is “No” and we shall be explaining “why” in the remainder of the tract. The subject of whether Christians are to tithe or not to tithe is a deeply contentious one today, and obviously so because it involves money. This tract shall be offering biblical proofs to the thesis that “Christians are not obligated to tithe today”.

The Biblical Tithe

When we hear the word “tithe” today, our minds are drawn to the concept of 10% of a person’s income. Unfortunately, this is not the definition the bible offers for the tithe. In fact from Genesis to Revelation there is no account of anyone giving a tithe of his income to anybody; neither was the tithe money in the bible, even though there are ample evidences to show that money was being used since the days of Abraham. The word “tithe” had been mentioned in the story of Abraham and Jacob in the book of Genesis, but it was not until Leviticus 27:30-32 would we find something close to a definition for the tithe.

30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S:  it is holy unto the LORD…   32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

The tithe is defined here as “seed of the land”, “fruit of the tree” and tenth of the herd. The biblical tithes were agricultural products or food, they were never money. This so called definition for the tithe is accepted by many because Leviticus 27 is the first time in the bible God would mention the word “tithe” and while mentioning it, he describes it as holy and he tells us what it consisted of.

Later in other books of Moses, we find passages of scriptures that help us to comprehend the biblical tithe better. Numbers 18:20-28, Deuteronomy 14:22-29 and Deuteronomy 26:12-15, showed us that the biblical tithes were a tenth of the agricultural products Israel harvested off the holy land God had given them. The tithes were to be given to the Levites. Levi was a tribe in Israel God had separated to serve him and who had no inheritance in Israel; the tithe was their inheritance. In the process, the Levithical tribe, that included the Aaronic priests, were the people involved in the administration of the civil and the religious life of the nation of Israel. This duty was to be full time and therefore they could not work the fields and harvest crops to eat. The tithes became something close to our own kind of tax with which the Levithical tribe was provided for as they served the people. The aforementioned scriptures also showed that the tithes were given to the poor, the widows, the orphans and the stranger. Therefore this class of people was exempted from tithing. At other times, the tithe was even eaten by the tither himself. Every scripture in the bible that referred to tithes showed that the tithe was food. When God mentioned the bringing of tithes in Malachi 3:10, he also said “that there might be meat (food) in my house”. When Jesus mentioned the tithe in Matthew 23:23, he enumerated “mints, anise and cumin”. These were spices for food.

Finally, the injunction to tithe under Moses was part of the Mosaic laws that were done away with through the sacrificial works our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross (Romans 10:4; Ephesians 2:15; Hebrew 8:13). If we must tithe today, we should also keep every other aspect of the laws of Moses (Galatians 5:3; James 2:10 ). If this is not practical, then it is simply not practical to tithe today.

Abraham’s Tithe

When the errors of tithing according to the Mosaic laws are pointed out, some again resort to the incident of Abraham’s tithing in Genesis 14:20. In Genesis 14, Abram had gone to war and returned with spoils of war. On his way, he meets Melchizedek who is said to be King of Salem and Priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek blesses Abram and Abram gave him a tenth of the war spoils.

This incidence is what some would refer to as a descriptive account in scripture and not a prescription for Christian practice. The story of Abraham is recorded in scripture because he would become the progenitor of two major religions that would come from God: Judaism and Christianity. For Christians, it is Abraham’s faith that is prescribed to us to imitate (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6-7) and not everything that he did in life – many of which were not exactly exemplary. Abraham tithed of war spoils and not his own possessions or income. In Genesis 17 God commands Abraham to circumcise himself, his son and all males in his household and that this practice was to be an everlasting ordinance with Abraham and his descendants. By the time we come into the New Testament we have the apostles of the Lamb insisting that the Christian faith was not to be ratified by circumcision (Acts 15; Galatians 5:3-4; Phillipians 3:3). They never taught anywhere that we should not be circumcised according to the Law of Moses but can be circumcised as Abraham did. For them, circumcision was circumcision. Despite the fact that this passage was prescribing a practice, the New Testament reveals that such prescription is not relevant for Christians.

Hebrew 7 shows the Christian church the reason why Abraham is recorded to have tithed in Genesis 14. God knew that in the days when his Son Jesus would come to redeem Israel and the world at large there would be another high priest functioning, that of Aaron. He therefore set up this scenario to show the Hebrew people that the priesthood of Christ is greater than that of Aaron, and the need to change “allegiance” from Aaron to Jesus. Psalm 110:4 describes Jesus as having a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. It didn’t say that Jesus was Melchizedek and there is no scriptural evidence to support that position. Thus if Melchizedek would bless and receive a tithe from Abraham, then Melchizedek is greater than Abraham and therefore greater than Aaron. And so Jesus was greater than Aaron. Hebrew 7 goes further to show that “For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.” So Jesus is not only greater than Aaron, the whole priestly order under Aaron had been changed to a new order under Christ. That of Aaron was carnal and needed carnal things to sustain it like tithes; but that of Christ is immortal and therefore does not need a tithe to sustain it (Hebrew 7:16). And to buttress this point, Jesus, who lived out his full potential as God, man and priest during his earthly sojourn on earth was never recorded as collecting tithes from anybody. Our Lord could not do this because those instructed to collect tithes were from the tribe of Levi but Jesus was from the tribe of Judah; a fact that Hebrew 7 emphasizes also (verse 14). Hebrew 7 does not teach tithing for Christians.

Tithing and the Gospel

Ideally the subject of whether Christians should tithe or not should not occupy a central space to warrant publication on a tract, if not for the fact that the practice of tithing is threatening the Christian gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is shown clearly in the New Testament to be a free gospel (Romans 8:32; 2Peter 1:3). The idea that salvation can be purchased is strongly repudiated in the bible (Acts 8:20). Unfortunately, this is the impression that modern day practice of tithing is giving the world. There are many Christian churches today that make tithing compulsory. They go to the extent of saying that people cannot be members of churches except they are “faithful” tithers. Apart from the fact that such a position is foreign to scripture, it also betrays the central truth of the bible that our salvation is no longer fully paid; rather, it gives the impression that there are things we must add to it. In the days of the bible some thought to add good works to their salvation; in our days pastors are asking us to add tithing to our salvation.

Apart from the above, the impression that the world is getting about the church is not good at all. Many people have discarded the gospel message because modern gospel preaching does not only require for them to submit their lives to Christ, it also demands for them to submit their bank account to church. So that the tithe which members give to the church is the minimum people bring to church. Outside the tithe, there is also the mandatory yearly Firstfruit that members must pay as they give their whole salaries to churches in January. There are building pledges to be redeemed. There is the mission offering to be given. There are gifts that must be bought for the pastors at key occasions in their lives. At the end of the day, the ministers are the ones smiling to the bank, while church members are groaning. The lie is continually sold to church people that God blesses giving. Even though he does, these preachers should be reminded that giving is not the central subject of the bible. The implication is diverse but one of them is the proliferation of churches all around and the fact that many young people, who should be using their youthful years to be productive and make clean wealth, branch out to ministry for quick gain.

Despite the abuse the gospel of Jesus Christ has suffered in the hands of false teachers, its basic content remain unchanged. Jesus Christ died on the cross for all men so as to save men from sin. All that is required to enjoy the blessings of the cross is for the individual to understand this truth and to repent of his/her sins and believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. By believing in him you will be saved. God does not require a penny from you to be saved; neither does he demand a kobo from you to keep you safe. The salvation that Jesus Christ purchased for the world has been fully paid for, we need not add a tithe, a firstfuit, pledges, a giving, or any kind of good works to make it complete. The salvation you receive by faith is a complete one (Colossians 2:10). All that God requires of you is to repent and believe. I trust that if anyone reading this tract is not saved, they would take advantage of this free offer of salvation. And for those who might need further understanding on the subject of salvation, you can refer to the contact address below this tract.

Christian Giving

While tithing is not a New Testament obligation for Christians to observe, it is our duty to give to support Christian works anywhere we find them beginning with our local churches. Indeed God instituted the tithe in the Old Testament to teach us the basic principle of giving. And the New Testament encourages Christians to give and give without inhibition. This was the position of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:

13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple?  and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?  14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Please note that while the apostle refers to the Law to pursue the position that Christians should give for the support of ministers, he never mentions tithes. Paul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, could never ask for people’s tithes. Rather he uses the principle of giving in the Old Testament, where the Levites were giving offerings, tithes, and firstfruits, as a principle to teach the fact that Christians must give to their ministers and to Christian works. We see from the scriptures that this giving is free will giving. When Jesus sent out the evangelists in Matthew 10 and Luke 10, he did not ask them to live off people’s tithes. Rather he instructs them to eat anything that is giving to them – free willed giving. And this is what played out in Acts 4 when the Spirit came in power. We see people giving everything they had to support the gospel. In the days of God’s power, people will be willing to give. If they are not giving willingly we should ask what has happened to God’s power and not resort to twisting the scriptures for monetary gain.

This tract is not discouraging giving. In fact it is not out of place for people to give a percentage of their income to support Christian works. It could be a tenth or any other percentage. There is nothing wrong with this. It becomes wrong, however, when the tenth is made mandatory and called the biblical tithe.

Further Study

A tract like this cannot contain everything that needs to be known about the biblical tithe. I therefore refer the readers to some readily available materials on the internet for you to study more on the biblical tithes:

1. Gary J. Arnolds works on www.tithing101.com
2. Matthew E. Nerramore’s works: www.tekoapublishing.com.
3. Dr. Russel Kelly whose PHD theological thesis was on tithing: www.tithing-russkelly.com

Contact Address:

(As shall be agreed by the publishers of the tract).

EDITED

www.nairaland.com/1810931/design-anti-tithe-tract-50/1

OLAADEGBU:

What is a church supposed to do with the offerings it receives? Does the Bible say how the Church is supposed to manage/spend the money it receives?

- http://www.gotquestions.org/church-offerings.html

Question: "What is a church supposed to do with the offerings it receives?"

Answer:

Every church receives some type of tithes or offerings. Be it via “passing the plate” or setting a box in the back of the sanctuary or some other collection method, a church needs funds to operate. How the church uses those funds is important, as the church has responsibilities to its members, to its surrounding community, and to God.

First, a church has a responsibility to its members. The very first church, the one begun in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, took special pains to meet the practical needs of their members: “God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need” (Acts 4:33–35). We see that the money was brought to the leaders of the church, who were responsible for the distribution of the money based on need. Food was also being distributed to the widows among them (Acts 6:1).

The apostles in Jerusalem, in affirming Paul’s ministry among the Gentiles, asked that he should “continue to remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10). So, charitable work to benefit the poor within the church should be part of a church’s budget. Later, Paul lays out some guidelines on who should receive aid from the church and who should depend on another source for their sustenance (1 Timothy 5:3–16).

Various local churches in the first century also took up offerings to help other churches in need. Specifically, the church in Jerusalem was suffering from persecution and a famine, and the church in Antioch pitched in to help (Acts 11:29). Paul later took love gifts from Galatia (1 Corinthians 16:1), Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:3), and Macedonia and Achaia (Romans 15:25–26) to Jerusalem. He was accompanied by emissaries from Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe, and the province of Asia (Acts 20:4).

Second, a church has a responsibility to its surrounding community. Outreach is necessary. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). This verse sets the priority—God’s family first—but we are also to seek ways to “do good” to everyone. Of course, this must involve evangelism (Acts 1:8.) A healthy church should be sending out missionaries (see Acts 13:2–3) or at least supporting missionaries in various fields of service.

A church that loses its outward focus, as evidenced by where it spends its money, is showing signs of spiritual weakness. Church consultant and author Thom S. Rainer, in his book Autopsy of a Dead Church, states that one of the symptoms of a dying church is that the percentage of the budget for members’ needs keeps increasing, while the money earmarked for outreach decreases.

Third, a church has a responsibility to God. Our Lord knows His church (Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19), and He commands that His Word be preached (Romans 10:14; 2 Timothy 4:2) and that “the mystery of Christ” be proclaimed (Colossians 4:3). Delivering the gospel is job one. Anything that furthers that goal should be given priority, and paying the pastor is part of that goal. “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages’” (1 Timothy 5:17–18). Those who faithfully minister the Word of God should receive due compensation for their work (see also 1 Corinthians 9:11).

Wisdom regarding a church’s expenditures is necessary, and we should be praying for that wisdom (James 1:5). It is common for churches in Western society to have costly equipment inside even more costly buildings that require costly maintenance and are sure to need costly repairs. There is nothing sinful about a fine building or nicely kept grounds, and we have nothing against steeples or pipe organs or cappuccino bars or laser light shows. But we wonder sometimes if the money would be better spent supporting another missionary or aiding the poorer churches around the world.

The goal of the church should be to do the work of God in the world. And everything should be done to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Perhaps these actions—spreading the Word, fellowshipping with one another, observing communion, and praying—should be a basic guide to how a church uses its offerings.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/church-tithe.html#ixzz37iAxg5I6

OLAADEGBU:

Question: "What is a church supposed to do with the offerings it receives?"

Answer:

Every church receives some type of tithes or offerings. Be it via “passing the plate” or setting a box in the back of the sanctuary or some other collection method, a church needs funds to operate. How the church uses those funds is important, as the church has responsibilities to its members, to its surrounding community, and to God.

First, a church has a responsibility to its members. The very first church, the one begun in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, took special pains to meet the practical needs of their members: “God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need” (Acts 4:33–35). We see that the money was brought to the leaders of the church, who were responsible for the distribution of the money based on need. Food was also being distributed to the widows among them (Acts 6:1).

The apostles in Jerusalem, in affirming Paul’s ministry among the Gentiles, asked that he should “continue to remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10). So, charitable work to benefit the poor within the church should be part of a church’s budget. Later, Paul lays out some guidelines on who should receive aid from the church and who should depend on another source for their sustenance (1 Timothy 5:3–16).

Various local churches in the first century also took up offerings to help other churches in need. Specifically, the church in Jerusalem was suffering from persecution and a famine, and the church in Antioch pitched in to help (Acts 11:29). Paul later took love gifts from Galatia (1 Corinthians 16:1), Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:3), and Macedonia and Achaia (Romans 15:25–26) to Jerusalem. He was accompanied by emissaries from Berea, Thessalonica, Derbe, and the province of Asia (Acts 20:4).

Second, a church has a responsibility to its surrounding community. Outreach is necessary. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). This verse sets the priority—God’s family first—but we are also to seek ways to “do good” to everyone. Of course, this must involve evangelism (Acts 1:8.) A healthy church should be sending out missionaries (see Acts 13:2–3) or at least supporting missionaries in various fields of service.

A church that loses its outward focus, as evidenced by where it spends its money, is showing signs of spiritual weakness.

Third, a church has a responsibility to God. Our Lord knows His church (Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19), and He commands that His Word be preached (Romans 10:14; 2 Timothy 4:2) and that “the mystery of Christ” be proclaimed (Colossians 4:3). Delivering the gospel is job one. Anything that furthers that goal should be given priority, and paying the pastor is part of that goal. “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages’” (1 Timothy 5:17–18). Those who faithfully minister the Word of God should receive due compensation for their work (see also 1 Corinthians 9:11).

Wisdom regarding a church’s expenditures is necessary, and we should be praying for that wisdom (James 1:5). It is common for churches in Western society to have costly equipment inside even more costly buildings that require costly maintenance and are sure to need costly repairs. There is nothing sinful about a fine building or nicely kept grounds, and we have nothing against steeples or pipe organs or cappuccino bars or laser light shows. But we wonder sometimes if the money would be better spent supporting another missionary or aiding the poorer churches around the world.

The goal of the church should be to do the work of God in the world. And everything should be done to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Perhaps these actions—spreading the Word, fellowshipping with one another, observing communion, and praying—should be a basic guide to how a church uses its offerings.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/church-tithe.html#ixzz37iAxg5I6

I love this article, clear, precise and absolutely the mind of the Father.

Very apostolic. The sole purpose of Christians is to reveal the nature and character of Jesus, money is down the ladder and should be used as a tool to further advance the gospel.Satan knows this and is using this weapon to divide the church.

When peoples focus is on money rather than on the gospel...divisions,strife and dissensions abound.God help us.

Bidam: I love this article, clear, precise and absolutely the mind of the Father.

Very apostolic. The sole purpose of Christians is to reveal the nature and character of Jesus, money is down the ladder and should be used as a tool to further advance the gospel.Satan knows this and is using this weapon to divide the church.

When peoples focus is on money rather than on the gospel...divisions,strife and dissensions abound.God help us.

The thing is, us who teach that God does not require tithe of money are not focused on money... we are focused on TRUTH.


Since the preacher passes the plate or bucket every Sunday, telling people God requires tithes of money, it is obvious the preacher is focused more on money than we are.

MarkMiwerds: The thing is, us who teach that God does not require tithe of money are not focused on money... we are focused on TRUTH.


Since the preacher passes the plate or bucket every Sunday, telling people God requires tithes of money, it is obvious the preacher is focused more on money than we are.

Nope, i don't think so...I noticed the reason why folks like you are attacking ministers is simply because they don't have other business on the side to support themselves. I know of some who do and money is the least of their problems.

Olaa's posts has answered your fears on money management in the church..Pls do refer to it for clarity. Stay blessed.

Bidam: Nope, i don't think so...I noticed the reason why folks like you are attacking ministers is simply because they don't have other business on the side to support themselves. I know of some who do and money is the least of their problems.
Olaa's posts has answered your fears on money management in the church..Pls do refer to it for clarity. Stay blessed.

Ministers need to get a Job and stop shamelessly living off the income of their congregation.

There is a big difference between periodic intervention to support ministers, but a consistent dependence on the tithe and offering for one's welfare is theft and wickedness, especially when you almost always promise them 100 fold return which 90% never realise.

You must be a huge beneficiary of the tithe and it is time to repent.

frosbel:

Ministers need to get a Job and stop shamelessly living off the income of their congregation.

There is a big difference between periodic intervention to support ministers, but a consistent dependence on the tithe and offering for one's welfare is theft and wickedness, especially when you almost always promise them 100 fold return which 90% never realise.

You must be a huge beneficiary of the tithe and it is time to repent.

I partly agree that ministers need to support themselves just as Apostle Paul supported himself and wasn't a burden to anyone by tent making.

I am no beneficiary of tithes but just a giver and a lover of God.Thanks.

MarkMiwerds:

The thing is, us who teach that God does not require tithe of money are not focused on money... we are focused on TRUTH.


Since the preacher passes the plate or bucket every Sunday, telling people God requires tithes of money, it is obvious the preacher is focused more on money than we are.

But I have not see you contribute to any thread other than on tithes and offerings thread on this forum, no?

Bidam:

I love this article, clear, precise and absolutely the mind of the Father.

Very apostolic. The sole purpose of Christians is to reveal the nature and character of Jesus, money is down the ladder and should be used as a tool to further advance the gospel.Satan knows this and is using this weapon to divide the church.

When peoples focus is on money rather than on the gospel...divisions,strife and dissensions abound.God help us.

The love of money is the root of all evil simultaneously money answers all things. Where do we draw the line?

Bidam:

Nope, i don't think so...I noticed the reason why folks like you are attacking ministers is simply because they don't have other business on the side to support themselves. I know of some who do and money is the least of their problems.

Olaa's posts has answered your fears on money management in the church..Pls do refer to it for clarity. Stay blessed.

I hope he takes that advise.

Bidam:
Very apostolic. The sole purpose of Christians is to reveal the nature and character of Jesus, money is down the ladder and should be used as a tool to further advance the gospel.Satan knows this and is using this weapon to divide the church.........

.....with pastor as intermediary

OLAADEGBU:

But I have not see you contribute to any thread other than on tithes and offerings thread on this forum, no?

That is because God has given me a ministry to expose the false teachers of the monetary tithe requirement doctirne... such as you.

MarkMiwerds: That is because God has given me a ministry to expose the false teachers of the monetary tithe requirement doctirne... such as you.

hahahahaaaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha, God has given me a ministry, you people will not injure people with jokes one day.

And one day, the people of God will all be free from the modern-day pharisees that teach for doctrine the commandment of man. Many already are freed from teachers of the monetary tithe and cheerfully give as prescribed in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

1.According to the bible and Paul specifically , if any man does not work he should not eat.

2.According to the Tithing association of casino gamblers , if any man does not tithe he should not eat.

3.According to the Pastors association of Tithe collectors, if any pastor does not work he should eat bountifully a hundred and even thousand fold.


Person type No. 1 is a wise man
Person type 2 is a Mumu
Person type 3 is a crook


Disclaimer : not applicable to those who genuinely think tithing is right , but even so use the monies collected to meet real needs. Also this does not in anyway apply to those who give expecting nothing in return .

Joagbaje:

That's true . The problem is that those who are influenced by Satan this way would not even know. "They will wear out the saints "

. . .and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws. . .


Jesus says it will get to a time that those who persecute you will feel they are doing God service.

This prediction is very true.

OLAADEGBU:

The love of money is the root of all evil simultaneously money answers all things. Where do we draw the line?

The focus should be on the message.Jesus is the one building his church.money cannot advance the kingdom of God.

Zikkyy:

.....with pastor as intermediary

,,Maybe you should ask Paul why he had to collect money from the churches he ministered to

MarkMiwerds: That is because God has given me a ministry to expose the false teachers of the monetary tithe requirement doctirne... such as you.

you mean you have stopped preaching salvation message abi My bro stop deceiving yourself here what yu stated is not a ministry but your lust and carnality