The New Testament nowhere assigns a certain percentage of income to set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with his income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The Christian church has essentially taken the 10% figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Although the New Testament does not identify a specific amount or percentage to give, it does talk about the importance and benefits of giving. They should give as they are able, “in keeping with his income.” Sometimes that means giving more than a tithe, sometime that may mean giving less than a tithe. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom as to whether to participate in tithing and/or for how much he or she should give (James 1:5). “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
2007-04-15 17:56:38
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answer #1
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answered by Freedom 7
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yes and yes.
For the first part, it does depend on what the church does with the money. If you see your preacher driving in an expensive car and you know they don't do any thing else. or there's a lot of lights and glamor at church, then I'd be suspicious. Churches are supposed to used that money for basic needs, church bills and so forth. Some times those donations go towards disaster relief. But the best churches provide without such much as any recognition. Unfortunately some don't believe in "not letting the right hand know what the left hand is doing.
every Christian is require to pay "Tithing", as it states in the scriptures, to whom and how much is up to the individuals. However, if yor really think about it it Gods money anyway, and you can't take it with you when you die.
2007-04-15 13:51:25
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answer #2
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answered by Coool 4
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Of course it is OK for a church to collect money. Folks who attend the church are the ones who keep the building going and in repair. They also support other ministries. It is the expected thing to do to give tithes to the Church. God blesses those who are cheerful giver.
2007-04-15 14:19:33
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answer #3
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answered by angel 7
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The tithe was done away with when Jesus went to the cross. The churches use the tithe to keep ppl in bondage. Every scripture reference they use to collect it is from the OT.
Organized churches also use other technics to gather in the funds. My personal favorite is "You can't out give God. Prove Him in this. Give and see." While the word tells us NOT to tempt Him!
Mt 4:7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
The testing was for the Jewish ppl, not for the gentiles.
A Christian is supposed to give joyfully and of his increase, not a tenth, not a fifth, not any specif amount.
II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
If someone desires to give to a religious organization (church) there is nothing wrong in it, however the giving is not required.
One other thing...these very ppl that will say "Oh yes. We have to give the tithe" will also say that the law is done away with. It cannot be both ways.
2007-04-15 14:09:27
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answer #4
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answered by Belize Missionary 6
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When you give tithes and offering you are obeying Gods commands, those who love God obey. God already owns everything anyway. Giving shows God and you that you trust Him. Giving blesses the giver and God can never break his promises. He promises if we trust Him He will meet all our needs. Try tithing 10 % just for 1 month and watch Him bless your life. Read Matt 6:19-21 Matt6:25-34, Matt, 6: 33-34 Malachi 3:8-10 Luke 12 : 16-21 Also a great book to help you understand why giving is so important for growth as a true follower of Christ is Randy Allcorns book The Treasure Principle
2007-04-15 14:11:19
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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If a church is up front about what the money will be used for, then certainly it is all right to accept donations.
If you follow Christ's teachings, they tell you that Jesus wanted us to be in community. Jesus called all of us to be in the church and part of the current church culture is that we pool some of our resources to keep the church running and to give to the needy. If you do not believe in the causes a particular church has for their funds, you may want to seek another place of worship. You are never asked to donate, but you should ask yourself why you do not want to give money to the church's causes.
2007-04-15 13:56:43
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answer #6
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answered by Link Correon 4
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Yes... and no.
Jesus told a parable about the widow giving her two "mites." To the hearer of the story, it sounded like an awfully small amount, but Jesus then said that for the woman, it was ALL she had... 100%!!!
It is not unChristian to refuse to donate money to a church because you may have legitimate reasons and concerns not to support that church, even if it is the one you belong to. If it is, however, I might suggest you prayerfully consider leaving that church if you are unwilling to donate to the support of it.
If you are UNABLE to donate, due to financial reasons, there is no penalty in that.
I knew someone who did not donate to their church because she was the church secretary, and she felt that she "donated" of her time instead of her "treasure" in that way. I happened to disagree with that, because in her case, she was a PAID secretary. If her time was DONATED and she did not get compensated for it, that would be a different story. In her case, I felt she was being petty. But our pastor did not look "down" on her because of it. It was better for her to keep coming to church than to "reject" her and then she would not have the chance to see things differently. He was more concerned with her soul than with her purse.
2007-04-15 14:35:59
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answer #7
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answered by wyomugs 7
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It is OK for a church to collect money. You don't have to "donate" money to any church. The bible talks about tithing but I believe that is between you and God.
2007-04-15 14:00:35
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answer #8
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answered by Patti C 7
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Giving is for the blessed, maybe you cant give monetarily, but if you feel wrong not giving, like you should be doing something, you can talk to the Pastor, and ask if there is anything you can do, maybe dust the pews, or vacuum or something to help if you really feel a desire to *repay* the church, i went through a rough time myself, and i wasn't able to donate for a few months, but when i have a few spare dollars, (and i actually go to church) i toss em in the plate. God bless you, good luck in your spiritual growth.
2016-05-21 00:29:52
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answer #9
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answered by ashlee 3
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It depends what the church wants money for. I believe that we are supposed to pay tithes..10 percent of our earnings..to help keep the church doing what it is supposed to..and I know the bible says we are to give offerings. I believe that in order for churches to help the community and spread the gospel, they do need funds to pay for things..however I disagree with those ministries that haul in millions and have gorgeous buildings and ornaments etc.
2007-04-15 13:53:04
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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