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Bondman · 06-26-2008, 06:29 AM

I'M DUBBING THIS: "POST OF THE MONTH!"! *beatific smile*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffy

I tithe because I am a "part of something". Oh, I dont know how to explain this. I am a part of the Body of Christ, and it is my way of contributing. Does that make sense? I just feel like its not quite conveying what I am thinking.
Its my way of participating in what my church is doing. How's that? We are a small congregation, but we sponser several different misisonaries around the world.
But you've made some really good points, Bondman, about it not being mandatory. And some churches use it only for material gain. Sad. We should do it because of our relationship with God and what He wants us to do, and not from anything dictated by man.

A beautifully thoughtful post, dear heart!

I know you know that NEVER EVER do I want to upset anyone concerning their relationship with the Lord.

"I tithe because I am a "part of something". Oh, I dont know how to explain this. I am a part of the Body of Christ, and it is my way of contributing. Does that make sense?"

Yes, it does! You ARE part of something, something amazing! The church is the Body of Christ on earth, and you feel that your tithe is part of your participation and idendification with His Body here. That's exactly why in my message I posed the question: "So can you still tithe if you want to?" with the answer being: "Of course!" - just so long as it's FREELY GIVEN, and NOT by "must", REQUIREMENT or OBLIGATION!!

"Its my way of participating in what my church is doing. How's that? We are a small congregation, but we sponser several different misisonaries around the world."

I simply ADORE hearing of small churches who comparatively give more than anyone does, and MOST OF ALL when you find them outward-looking in supporting missionaries overseas - in contrast to many of the larger churches which have often become so inward-looking, seemingly having LOST THEIR VISION of SACRIFICING for others.

"But you've made some really good points, Bondman, about it not being mandatory."

I know you'll forgive me for this, Fluf, and be understanding of what I'm saying and why, which is this: I am utterly and completely DISINTERESTED in "point-making" (whether good OR bad *hee!*). Rather I'm aiming SOLELY to convey to any who wish to listen, what it seems to me the Lord God IS CLEARLY SAYING in the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures.

"And some churches use it only for material gain. Sad. We should do it because of our relationship with God and what He wants us to do, and not from anything dictated by man."

"...because of our relationship with God and what HE wants us to do, and NOT from anything dictated by man": Yes, yes, yes... and after that yes and yes!!!

Bless you abundantly with SPIRITUAL blessings direct from the heart of your God, dearest Fluffy!!!

With much love!

- BM