Tithing

[Vic]

(02-06-2009 08:17 AM)ceebee Wrote:  I've read the articles on tithing and having never tithed wanted to check up whether I should or not. I would not give if it meant my family going without but I only have myself and give 10% of my pension between Guys Hospital for Sick Children in London, Revelation.tv.org based in London as I don't have a church and they have a show called Church Without Walls on skychannel 585 for people like me who are alone and don't have a church.
Recently I started to give a monthly amount to a ministry run by a woman called Christine Darg who seems genuine and is based here in Wales and also in Jerusalem. She preaches to arabs, jews and muslims and has been successful in many conversions. Christine and Peter Darg were with Rheinhard Bonnke in Africa for a few years then started their own ministry. Maybe I am merely funding there travels around the world or is that cynical !

I think one has to always check things out. It is really difficult sometimes to think that we might be helping someone deceive others. I had an event like that many years ago and it was devastating, because the last thing any of us wants, if we love Jesus, is to deceive others.

It is a huge step to have left the church and we understand--at least the admins and some of the other members, and many of the readers of my website, how difficult it can be. It's sort of feels like being a fish out of water, surrounded by hungry cats.

What I have learned is that the first place we must go is to the Lord about it, and through prayer seek His wisdom. That is closely followed by reading and studying the Word and asking the Holy Spirit to open our understanding. He is there to teach us and help us grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord. For many, although they had their Bibles and read them, there was dependence on the pastor to teach them, instead of Christ. Once you rely on Him to learn, it will be amazing I am sure, how you will grow in knowledge of the Word.

I think you may find, that just as the many I have heard from over the last ten years, that is is difficult to find a church fellowship that is teaching scripturally, always pointing to Christ and the Word as the source of doctrine. So many have brought in so much junk, that it is difficult to see how it glorfies our Lord. That doesn't meant they aren't out there--it just means they likely aren't going to be huge congregations. You need strong discernment to know and not get caught up in deception.

I have heard many simply study at home---which can be lonely, or they go to bible studies instead of a church per se, and that way can dig in---knowing that what is said must align the truth of the scriptures. Others, fellowship using the net. I have found those who contact me who really love Christ, there is an instant bond of unity in the Spirit. Unfortunately (from a fellowship standpoint) it is limited fellowship because, those who are in that situation, God is using to share the Gospel, and each seem to end up with some form of ministry to share Christ and the truth of the Scriptures. That is a good thing.

I think part of maturing in Christ is that we are all actually supposed to be ministers of the gospel and share Christ as He leads-soldiers of the cross. So often in churches, the focus is totally inward.

Anyway, on the tithing, I believe the tithe went with the bringing in of the New Covenant and all believers are the new priesthood. When we give, it is to be with the joy and understanding of what God has laid on our hearts--not to please others, but Him.