Boanerges

How many here support your church on a regular basis? I don't think that dropping one or two dollars in the plate counts (unless that's all you have in which case God is more than pleased)- sometimes I think we take for granted how much it costs to run a church- salaries ,utilites, maintainence and on and on- be a blessing- we should sow waht we can into building the Kingdom of God- what a priviledge to support and be a part of what God is doing- the Lord God doesn't need our help but it is not only a blessing to do so it also demonstrares our heart towards God- remember God loves a cheerful giver!

Bassmasa

Absolutely. Giving a tithe (at least) is so very important for many reasons. First and foremost, we are instructed to do so. Quite honestly, that's the end of the conversation. Interestingly, God specifically tells us to test him when it comes to tithes...I don't believe He does that in any other occassion and, in fact, tells us not to put the Lord our God to the test.

Malachi 3:10--
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

I think God understands how possessive we can become and has to reinforce His wisdom. Other than an act of obedience, our tithes sustain a church and its mission. As a member of my church's Leadership Team, I can't emphasize how important regular "cash flow" becomes. We were extremely blessed that our congregation is faithful and we've never faced any financial obstacles. Many churches have beg for tithes, which points to another host of issues.

Lastly, giving is so very important for us spiritually. God knows this. The act of giving, and giving WILLINGLY, is fulfilling more than any other act. To show God that you value His Word more than money is an act of worship and praise, not just helping the church. And remember, the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.

On a personal level, I'm a financial planner and can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that my clients that tithe and give regularly are so much happier than those who do not. I've seen the results of the "test" God tells us to put Him to countless times. Those that give freely receive freely, but those that hoard their wealth are miserable with their money. It's an absolute paradox, but I promise it's 100% true. Even stranger, those that are literally worth millions of dollars with a hard heart feel poor and insecure. But, those that have much less but give freely have peace of mind.

And, believe me, the ones that give freely still have more than enough to enjoy life. In fact, many have set up trusts to specifically leave substantial gifts to churches or missions after their death. Through obedience, their generosity will literally save souls for countless years after they leave this world....how wonderful is that?

I didn't mean to get on a soapbox here, but my life is so much fuller because of obedience in this area. I encourage each one of us to test God as He says. You will NOT be sorry and you will be absolutely stunned at how He provides. I'm not a proponent of "Feel Good Gospel" that proclaims once you're a Christian life becomens a picnic with endless blessings and no problems...that's just not right. However, when it comes to tithing, God specifically tells us that through obedience, He will pour out countless blessings, not all financial. He's 100% true to His Word, as always.

It's nothing short of miraculous.

Padelford

I don't exactly support it with money (flat broke ) but I do help out with the childrens services. I help to take out, put back and control the sound system, projector and laptop.

Carer

Hmmmm Tithing, yes I definitely agree with it, but I wonder
about something.

Does everyone automatically assume that 'tithing' means giving to
the 'Church' ?

If you give part of your income to 'Charities' on a regular basis,
does that not count toward your 'tithing' ?

Is not tithing meant to be 'sharing' what you have with others.

Which would God prefer, you give your money to a Church who may
decide to spend it on something it does not really need - or you give
your money to a charity that will help to feed those in other
countries who are starving.

__________________
A little understanding, friendship and love to share,
so you will know, when you're in need, there's somebody who cares.

Boanerges

If your into the tithing thing than 10% goes to your local storehouse the church, anything else is considered an offering above and beyond the tithe- I am not bound by an old testament system but I still use it as a good place to start- I want to fall into the cheerful giver catagory and not by compulsion although a little exhortation doesn't hurt

Bassmasa

In my case, there is no better steward of my money than my church. I know those that make decisions well and actually chair the committee that oversees the finances of the church. I know exactly where our money is spent and can make suggestions when necessary, though that's not very often. I know that our finances are directly related to reaching others for Christ...what better use of funds is there?

As a church member, you have an obligation to make sure the church is using members' tithes in an appropriate member. If you believe your church is not responsible with money, then that leads to a much bigger question of the health of your church. I'm not saying you need to attend every budget meeting, but get a copy of your church's finances and look over it. If they won't give it to you, be very suspicious.

Remember, God does not need your money to accomplish His work. As Boanerges said, giving with a joyful heart is the most important. We must support our local churches financially, but the decision to divert funds elsewhere is between you and God.

Here's an article that goes into serious depths about tithing, supporting Boanerges's postion.

http://www.layhands.com/MustChristia...TenPercent.htm

Boanerges

Same here Bassamassa- After Katrina our Pastoral staff worked months for no pay- they are on fire for God and completely dedicated to building the kingdom of God- the fruit of thier labors is readily apparent as witnessed in thousands of changed lives and testimonies from all over the globe are a witness that they are sacrificaily giving of themselves and thier resources.

glenn316

Well I have supported my church financially from the day I started attending. Just a little at first, way below a tithe, but each year I have increased my giving. My wife also supports the church. We also are active in the choir, and I team teach an adult Sunday school class.

__________________
"Who I am is God's gift to me.
What I do with it is my gift to God."
Warren Wiersbe;

LindaR

My husband and I are members of a very small Independent Fundamental Baptist church in rural Mississippi. We are very much involved in our church. We are the webmasters of the church's website and my husband preaches and teaches when the pastor is absent. Our pastor has been with us for a little over a year and the church is growing, both spiritually and numerically. We are up to almost 50 active members now!

Boanerges

awesome sister!