Tithing

[Vic]

(08-01-2009 08:59 AM)Mark Wrote:  I hate to use old phrases that everyone has heard time and again but;

I wish I had known then what I know now!


Seriously though, these are exactly the points I questioned with my pastor at the time. I could not find the use of money in any of the scriptures referring to tithing. He told me that it was because now we don't have the same system as they did for income and that now our paychecks are our firstfuits. I couldn't believe that God was interested in my paychecks and considered them my firstfruits! I was very angry with Him. I thought He was a money-hungry God. It really hurt to think that finances were His first concern and that my salvation hung on my tithing (my pastor actually told me that if I didn't pay tithes, I was robbing God and that is the equivalent of being a thief and that thieves do not get into heaven). It really hurt my relationship with God.
But now, thanks to God's grace and mercy (I love those twins!) He has lead me to understand His Word so much more deeply (thanks largely to this website and the knowldegable and unbiased people who post here!)
Do I know everything I need to know? Certainly not! But my journey is getting a lot better being free from some of the teachings that bound me. This topic was a big one for me. So, it is onward with a lighter heart and a deeper love of God and His Word. Keep up the great work everyone. This website is truly a blessing and I really see God's hand at work here.

Thank you Mark, for the kind encouragement to the other posters, admins and myself.

I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that we all have to take a look at what we have been taught and what we have believed and have had to test it and evaluate it all to the Scriptures. It's what we are supposed to do. And I can state that there are so many things yet to learn and understand. We never fully 'get there'. But we can mature in the faith and that's wonderful.

And at times, I am sure all will attest of being deceived or believing something that just wasn't Scriptural. But it is part of running the race. I used to say I didn't even know where the field was where we were supposed to run.

So glad you are growing in grace and knowledge of Christ and His Word. It encourages us all I am sure.