Featured is Tithing for today?

Using the Advanced Search function, with keyword "tithe," and for titles only, it yields 22 threads on the subject.

 

No. For the same reason circumcision isn't.

 

Tithing is not commanded for the New Testament believer. If they want to tithe, good for them. But it's wrong to claim that God commands us to tithe.

 

Yes, yes, and yes!

When I had two kids going to Christian school the tuition was way more than 10% of my income. To me that was a good reason to not start at 10%. I ended up giving about 7%-8% most of those years.

You shouldn't because it's not a sin if you don't give 10%. People need guidelines though, so it's OK to suggest 10%.

As long as we're on the subject of giving....along with tithing I don't find Biblical support for the "Faith Missions Promise".

 

Can't comment on the tithing percentage.
But people who are anti-tithing seem to characterize the church as being greedy for money or something--when, really, that money actually goes toward the church's goals, y'know? Many churches support local ministries and maybe even serve as the home church for missionaries. Others who are part of a head convention or organization send money to them, which goes toward missionaries abroad. They do have to use some of it for necessary expenses of running a building and facilities every week, too.

 

Serving in the church is more important than giving, IMO. Plenty of people give...few serve. It's sad when the same handful if people are in the children's ministry and never get to attend a service in a church with hundreds of people.

 

The pie charts of churches I've seen mirror more corporate or 501(c)3 status. Most churches are run more like a business and less like a ministry.

 

This is true. (Personally I appreciate the opportunities to serve at my church. I feel like I'm doing something.)
But funding is important, too.

 

I personally wouldn't attend a church that didn't support at least one ministry.

 

It's not Biblical, either.

OK, if it's simply supporting missions, just have people give to the general fund of the church, then have the church leaders decide how much of that money goes to missions.

The churches that I've attended with these things skate right to the edge of it being mandatory. Sermons on the subject, handing out pledge cards, having the people put their filled-out pledge cards in the offering plate, etc.

What I've seen is churches with a building fund, a bus ministry fund, a Sunday School fund, a faith missions promise fund, a vacation Bible school fund, etc. etc. and separate appeals for money for these things. You know what? That affects my 'cheerful giving' attitude. I'd rather they simply have an offering, a budget, and dole the money out as they see fit.

 

No!............

 

What he said....double double:thumbs:

 

Let's look at Luke 11:44

Isn't Jesus endorsing tithing in this passage? If he is, when did he say we don't have to any more?

I'm sorta curious, too. Are there any of you who don't believe the tithe is a Biblical mandate, yet tithe anyway? If so, explain what influenced your decision.

I''m assuming that all of us agree that some sort of proportional giving is appropriate. How do you arrive at the proportion you give? Does it vary for any reason? Does it come out of your income first, or later, if there's anything left over?

 

First, He was addressing those who were under the law. Second, this was agriculture. It is wrong to take that saying in context and apply it to money and to those no longer under the law. We can't pick and choose which OT laws to keep either if we plan on living under it.

 

The Jews/Israelites were under obligation to tithe. The tribe of Levi were selected to do the services of the temple and as such received no part of the land of promise, instead there were given the tithe. I believe in the passage quoted Jesus Christ, while commending the tithe but chastising the Jews for their hypocrisy.

I have belonged to two different churches. In both the promise to tithe was a requirement to become a deacon, as was the promise to attend all Church services unless providentially hindered. my experience is that some who tithe consider themselves superior "Christians" to those who don't. I don't believe the tithe is required under the New Covenant so I never served as a deacon.

In one church I served as Director of Church Training for several years. I noticed that most of the deacons did not participate. Realizing their feeling of spiritual superiority I asked the pastor if he would be willing to teach something for the deacons. He readily agreed, anything to increase Sunday night attendance. He and I met with the deacons to submit the idea to them. Being a practiced diplomat I noted that they had signed a statement pledging to attend all church services so you can imagine the success I had!