I am going to go to a church that has a lot of praise and worship music not hyms because that is the old day type music, anyway I am also want to go to one that uses the bible as a teaching lesson to help us become better people in our live and make better choices. Heres the question, does all churches require to tithe? I am more into giving into offering instead of tithe, if i do not does that mean the church will not let me go? I dont think i have to give the church a lot of money because I use money for God in other ways besides at a church and when it comes to offering I put money into that God tells me to do or what i can afford at the time. please help but please do not insult me .
2006-11-30 01:46:28 · 49 answers · asked by daisy322_98 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you for those of you being nice! I love you guys!
2006-11-30 01:51:05 · update #1
No, you don't deserve to be insulted, and for those who give negative answers, just give them a thumbs down and their answers won't show on your screen.
Okay, here is my take on tithes and offerings.
Take a look at the book of Malachi. Yes, it's old testament, but it has an interesting promise in it. It says to put God to the test on your finances. And you know what? It's the only time that God tells us to put him to the test, because he tries to show you what can happen when you do put your finances in God's hands.
I've found that this does work.
Examples: I put $50 into offering, and got an unexpected refund in the mail, plus savings on groceries we needed that week for the specific items I had on my list (and that's without checking for what was on sale). Quite often I've found that my finances get under control when I do put money in the offering plate, and they are out of control when I don't.
I like the same type of music you do, and I think you have to do what God shows you what to do. Tithing is not supposed to be "because God told me to, so I'll do it to look like a decent and honest person", it's supposed to be from your heart.
So, my recommendation is to pray and ask God to give you a specific figure that you can afford to put into the offering plate. Especially if God is showing you to put that money into other issues, that is what you should do (give the money where God shows you to give).
Finally, if your pastor or anyone else is specifically asking you what you are putting in the plate, that is wrong. That money is supposed to be between you and God. However, if you are writing a check, or putting it in the envelope iwth your name on it, they will track the totals. But that tracking should NEVER be done by a pastor and NEVER to see who is being naughty or nice in terms of giving to the church. That tracking is only supposed to be done to give you a yearly total so you can use that for as a write off for your income taxes.
So, ultimately, no church should make you feel guilty about what you are putting in or not putting in the offering plate. If they do, then you need to find a different church.
2006-11-30 02:03:28 · answer #1 · answered by Searcher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tithing is a routine of giving back to God a portion of that which he has blessed you with. Offerings/gifts are just that. They are an additional gift, much like giving a friend a birthday gift or Christmas gift, only there doesn't need to be a reason other than the love and appreciation of God. I know of no church that will remove someone for not tithing or gifting, if they do they are missing the meaning of being Christian. On the other hand, Christians are supposed to put God first, above everything. How "first" can God be in our lives if we don't give "something" back. Financial suffering is not a requirement of Christianity, but good stewardship is.
2006-11-30 01:58:15 · answer #2 · answered by hikerboy3 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, go to the church with praise and worship, but make sure you go to bible study also...The bible tells us to tithe other wise we are robbing God. You must tithe. All of the offerings and volunteer work are extra and I'm sure from the heart. The tithe is what pays the bills for the church. The gas bill, electric bill, water bill, transportation (church van), equipment, the pastors salary. I pray for every church to have faithful tithers, some day no pastor will have to work outside the church to provide for their families. That way they have more time to minister to the flock, not just on Sundays.
I believe that when I tithe I do so in love. I also believe that I get the money back in blessings all the time. Give and it shall be given onto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over.
2006-11-30 01:54:36 · answer #3 · answered by Adrienne C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Tithing was a part of the Mosaic law. It helped to support the Levites in the ancient nation of Israel. After the death of Jesus,the Law was done away with, including the the law on tithing. Many churches today still require tithing because the clergy wants their members to feel guilty if they don't give up a tenth of what they earn. It's all a scam.
If you want to know the truth from the Bible, you will not get it in church. All you will get is a bunch of man-made teachings that are not in harmony with the Bible. For example: the church you join probably will not tell you the truth about why it's wrong to celebrate pagan holidays like Easter and Christmas. They will teach you pagan doctrines like the trinity, hellfire and the immortality of the human soul.
There is only one true religion. You will not find it in church.
2006-11-30 01:49:12 · answer #4 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello There!
ooh, this is one i really had a bit of trouble with initially.
Many churches regularly ask for a tithe which is a 10th of you gross income. I always felt uncomfortable with this concept.
In fact it is a biblical principal found throughout the old and new testament. God says to 'bring the whole tithe into the storehouse' which is his kingdom. All true biblical obeying Christian churches take up regular tithes and offerings.
Offerings are anything Over and Above a tithe.
This tithe is set in place and instituted by God, Not man.
It is for the building of his kingdom, to feed the people that give their lives to the service of the church (that includes helping you grow in your faith)
To maintain the body of Christ and his message into the world.
Here is the bit that got me...
Its not really about what the church does with our money, but more about our obedience to God.
He looks upon the heart.
The fact is, as difficult as it is to part with our money into a church, its actually more beneficial its the one area in the bible where God actually lets us "Test Him"
"test me on this and see that i will open the floodgates of heaven, and pour out such blessing that you can't contain it"
and something like "Your barns (places of wealth) will be filled to overflowing'
The blessing on the 90% left over, stretches far better than the 100% without God;s blessing on our finances.
You say you are giving in other areas, that's good! But it is also very important that you give to your own church. Biblical scripture proves that when you are supporting your home church and giving to the kingdom of God there,, then it will bless you as well, and you will get more out of your own church, and its teaching.
Yeah, i know its a difficult to understand the logic behind it, but its Gods way, and the best way. When i trust God with my finances, everything else seems to run a lot smoother for me, i notice it every week in the 'little things'.
Blessings
(-:
2006-11-30 02:17:06 · answer #5 · answered by Dr. Phil 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you cannot afford to or you use the money in a way that makes you feel you are doing more for your God and your community than props to you. Give an offering to help cover the costs of the church but don't give the tithing. Hope this helps you. Good luck.
2006-11-30 01:53:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
All God requires of you is your best. If you don't want to tithe you are not sinning against God. If the Spirit convicts you to tithe you need to listen to Him. I do not know of any church that requires you to tithe. Giving comes from the heart, not from some requirement. I am happy for you that you are making right choices and taking the time to understand what God wants you to do. May God bless you.
2006-11-30 01:56:52 · answer #7 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes all churches rely on tithe. That is the way the church is able to pay for their expenses. Every year my church mails out request on how much a person will give during the coming up year. I understand why they do this, so they can budget for the coming year, but I never reply. The reason I don't reply is when Sunday comes I give because god wants me to and not because I'm obligated.
2006-11-30 01:54:35 · answer #8 · answered by cfursa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Churches cannot force you to tithe, and any one that tries is not biblically based. The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver, meaning that whatever you give needs to be done out of the desire to give, not grudgingly handed over because someone told you to do it.
Should you tithe? Definitely. It's a spiritual discipline for you, plus it helps the church do its work in this world. Giving God the first portion of what He has blessed you with is a way to honor Him, rather than give what you've got left over. Offering is money that is over and above tithes - any organization worth giving to will encourage you to continue to tithe to your local church and then consider donating to them.
2006-11-30 02:05:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe a church would actually require tithes. I'm not sure where all of the money goes, but I know part usually goes to support the church leader and his family. Church should be about community. I'm sure there are churches out there who do not require tithes made up of good people. You will have to do a lot of searching to find the best one for you.
2006-11-30 01:49:29 · answer #10 · answered by Angel Baby 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋