Comments on: My Testimony to the Tithe http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/ Pay off debt. Save. Give. Live your mission. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:36:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: devon http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22404 devon Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:57:35 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22404 There were 3 festival tithes that they spent on themselves. Also the tithe was never money. Only agrcultural products and the herdsmen tithed. Nobody else tithed. There were 3 festival tithes that they spent on themselves.
Also the tithe was never money. Only agrcultural products and the herdsmen tithed. Nobody else tithed.

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22398 Matt Jabs Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:13:20 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22398 Sounds like a great system Carol, it feels so great to give. Let us know if you end up doing this and how it goes. God bless. Sounds like a great system Carol, it feels so great to give. Let us know if you end up doing this and how it goes. God bless.

]]> By: Carol@inthetrenches http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22397 Carol@inthetrenches Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:55:06 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22397 Hi Matt. Thank you for sharing. I too notice a difference during the times I have not tithed. But, in honesty I have also had tough times while tithing and learned SO much. I also do not claim it on my taxes and tithe in cash so it's just between me and God. One thing I recently learned is that the Jews actually gave 20% not 10%. The first 10 went to the temple and the second 10% went directly to the poor. This is also found in the old testament. I am considering... it just seems like such a good idea. Yes, it will take some adjustments but what better way to use the money I earn? I heard of an organization that can put in a well in a town that has no money for $500. What a difference that would make to the lives of the poor. Hi Matt. Thank you for sharing. I too notice a difference during the times I have not tithed. But, in honesty I have also had tough times while tithing and learned SO much. I also do not claim it on my taxes and tithe in cash so it’s just between me and God.

One thing I recently learned is that the Jews actually gave 20% not 10%. The first 10 went to the temple and the second 10% went directly to the poor. This is also found in the old testament. I am considering… it just seems like such a good idea. Yes, it will take some adjustments but what better way to use the money I earn? I heard of an organization that can put in a well in a town that has no money for $500. What a difference that would make to the lives of the poor.

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22386 Matt Jabs Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:21:42 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22386 I view giving as a gift God gave me. It is a blessing to me when I give to others, and I'll never stop. I give joyfully to my church and to other believers in need. It just works. I view giving as a gift God gave me. It is a blessing to me when I give to others, and I’ll never stop. I give joyfully to my church and to other believers in need. It just works.

]]> By: devon http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22380 devon Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:58:53 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22380 Olivia, all I can tell you is things we have experienced. When I tithed for 21 years we struggled with no returns. When I quit tithing and trusted God with the verse I mentioned, the blessings started pouring in. Olivia, all I can tell you is things we have experienced. When I tithed for 21 years we struggled with no returns. When I quit tithing and trusted God with the verse I mentioned, the blessings started pouring in.

]]> By: Olivia http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22376 Olivia Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:21:30 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22376 I know sincere believers who feel the tithe is no longer valid. We haven't been convinced by their reasoning so are still tithing. It has been extrememly difficult at times financially and we certainly haven't had the wonderful financial "blessings" many of you experienced. It comes down to this for us, anything not from faith is sin. And guess what?, we're still here, we still have food and clothes and shelter. Tithing has been helpful in our keeping a budget as everything has to be accounted for. I'd like to make two suggestions. One is the riches of one person are meant to be shared to meet the needs of another first within the body of Christ. That's why the apostles appointed deacons, but that doesn't preclude our giving quietly to another brother or sister. We've found our own small "windfalls" come at just the time another within the body is really strapped. So if you know people like the brothers and sisters who expressed their difficulties, bless them with your extra, even if it's a cup of cold water. The second is the individual church's responsibility to remain financially transparent to the congregation. To do right in the sight of all men. Here is one way to do that, there are probably others. Our church prints up a yearly budget a month before a December congregational meeting. It includes the pastor's salary and benefits, deaconal disbursements (but not who they are given to), and all anticipated operating expenses. The budget designations are worked on by the trustees (those responsible for the physical property), deacons, elders and treasurer and are open for discussion and approved of by vote by the congregation. Plus, every month the current giving and expenses are printed in the church bulletin so that everyone knows if the offerings are "on target". Several people mentioned they are between churches. Usually these three "marks" are mentioned as something to look for. Is the word faithfully preached? Are the sacraments handled biblically? Is there biblical church discipline? I would add, do the people love one another? These are different from prefernces, such as worship style or demographics but should carry some weight in the decision as they are the things addressed most heavily in the epistles. We are a body and gathering together is God's means to sanctify (the body is built up as each member does it's part) and encourage one another (not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together... but encourage one another). It's really hard to be out there on your own. Hope this helps someone. Thanks Matt for starting the discussion. I know sincere believers who feel the tithe is no longer valid. We haven’t been convinced by their reasoning so are still tithing. It has been extrememly difficult at times financially and we certainly haven’t had the wonderful financial “blessings” many of you experienced. It comes down to this for us, anything not from faith is sin. And guess what?, we’re still here, we still have food and clothes and shelter. Tithing has been helpful in our keeping a budget as everything has to be accounted for.

I’d like to make two suggestions. One is the riches of one person are meant to be shared to meet the needs of another first within the body of Christ. That’s why the apostles appointed deacons, but that doesn’t preclude our giving quietly to another brother or sister. We’ve found our own small “windfalls” come at just the time another within the body is really strapped. So if you know people like the brothers and sisters who expressed their difficulties, bless them with your extra, even if it’s a cup of cold water.

The second is the individual church’s responsibility to remain financially transparent to the congregation. To do right in the sight of all men. Here is one way to do that, there are probably others. Our church prints up a yearly budget a month before a December congregational meeting. It includes the pastor’s salary and benefits, deaconal disbursements (but not who they are given to), and all anticipated operating expenses. The budget designations are worked on by the trustees (those responsible for the physical property), deacons, elders and treasurer and are open for discussion and approved of by vote by the congregation. Plus, every month the current giving and expenses are printed in the church bulletin so that everyone knows if the offerings are “on target”.

Several people mentioned they are between churches. Usually these three “marks” are mentioned as something to look for. Is the word faithfully preached? Are the sacraments handled biblically? Is there biblical church discipline? I would add, do the people love one another? These are different from prefernces, such as worship style or demographics but should carry some weight in the decision as they are the things addressed most heavily in the epistles. We are a body and gathering together is God’s means to sanctify (the body is built up as each member does it’s part) and encourage one another (not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together… but encourage one another). It’s really hard to be out there on your own.

Hope this helps someone. Thanks Matt for starting the discussion.

]]> By: devon http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22356 devon Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:03:37 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22356 'He who gives bountifully shall reap bountifully. He who gives sparingly shall reap sparingly'. I do not believe that this means receiving money ot material supply. I believe it means spiritual blessings, knowledge, wisdom, understanding and the like. Let me explain my own experience. I gave and gave and gave for more than 2 decades. Never seen any monetary return of any note. In fact we struggled for those years just to keep head above water. So I went to God. We had it out. He empressed on me that I was already blessed. All things are Christ's and I dwell in Him so all things are mine in reference to my needs being met. He gave me one verse to back that up. '..and we know the GRACE of our Lord Jesus in that though He was rich yet for our sakes He became poor that we through His poverty might be rich[have all of our needs and even some desires met'. Note the word GRACE in that verse. Does that tell you something. You cannot earn His provision by works or giving money away. We should always be willing to distribute to those in need as He speaks to us. So I tried it on for size. I prayed and quoted that verse to God daily for about 6 months. Over the course of the next year I received 2700 dollars out of nowhere because at various times I needed the help desperately. I also am attentive to His voice when I'm out and about. Many times He has directed me to help someone I see. But this does not buy me favor with God. I already have favor with Him from the day He brought me into the family of the redeemed. Are you seeing it? You cannot by His blessings by the false tithe or by giving your money away. Giving to get some would say. We are blessed already whether we have much money at the moment or not. Take that verse and pray on it and talk it over with God every day.We give to help the missionary and the poor as He prods us but that's because He says all things in Christ belong to us. He already paid for it. Quit trying to earn God's favor as it is falsely taught in most churches. Much seeking God on this is the only way to lay hold of it. ‘He who gives bountifully shall reap bountifully. He who gives sparingly shall reap sparingly’. I do not believe that this means receiving money ot material supply. I believe it means spiritual blessings, knowledge, wisdom, understanding and the like.
Let me explain my own experience. I gave and gave and gave for more than 2 decades. Never seen any monetary return of any note. In fact we struggled for those years just to keep head above water. So I went to God. We had it out. He empressed on me that I was already blessed. All things are Christ’s and I dwell in Him so all things are mine in reference to my needs being met. He gave me one verse to back that up. ‘..and we know the GRACE of our Lord Jesus in that though He was rich yet for our sakes He became poor that we through His poverty might be rich[have all of our needs and even some desires met’. Note the word GRACE in that verse. Does that tell you something. You cannot earn His provision by works or giving money away. We should always be willing to distribute to those in need as He speaks to us.
So I tried it on for size. I prayed and quoted that verse to God daily for about 6 months. Over the course of the next year I received 2700 dollars out of nowhere because at various times I needed the help desperately.
I also am attentive to His voice when I’m out and about. Many times He has directed me to help someone I see. But this does not buy me favor with God. I already have favor with Him from the day He brought me into the family of the redeemed.
Are you seeing it? You cannot by His blessings by the false tithe or by giving your money away. Giving to get some would say. We are blessed already whether we have much money at the moment or not. Take that verse and pray on it and talk it over with God every day.We give to help the missionary and the poor as He prods us but that’s because He says all things in Christ belong to us. He already paid for it. Quit trying to earn God’s favor as it is falsely taught in most churches. Much seeking God on this is the only way to lay hold of it.

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22355 Matt Jabs Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:31:10 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22355 Yep, I understand this Arthur. When I wrote this back in 2009 (I reposted it because I'm busy moving to NC) I wasn't clear on the topic. Now I "give" according to the New Testament. The point I'm really trying to make is that that you just cannot go wrong giving to the Lord's work or to other believers in need. Yep, I understand this Arthur. When I wrote this back in 2009 (I reposted it because I’m busy moving to NC) I wasn’t clear on the topic. Now I “give” according to the New Testament. The point I’m really trying to make is that that you just cannot go wrong giving to the Lord’s work or to other believers in need.

]]> By: Arthur Sido http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-22345 Arthur Sido Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:50:20 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-22345 Matt I appreciate your desire to be faithful and your frugality. However.... The law of tithing ti support the Old Covenant priesthood and temple no longer applies to Christians. Most telling there is no example of giving to the "local church" for the purpose of sustaining that organization. Rather the model was a complete sharing among Christians so that all benefitted and none were went without, not the majority of Christians giving to pay the salary of one or a few men. All of the giving in the New Testament went to meet the material needs of believers or in one case to support an itinerant worker ministering in a far off land. There is just not a command or example anywhere in the New Testament for "storehouse" giving. Christians are not called to tithe but to radically share with one another. Matt

I appreciate your desire to be faithful and your frugality. However….

The law of tithing ti support the Old Covenant priesthood and temple no longer applies to Christians. Most telling there is no example of giving to the “local church” for the purpose of sustaining that organization. Rather the model was a complete sharing among Christians so that all benefitted and none were went without, not the majority of Christians giving to pay the salary of one or a few men. All of the giving in the New Testament went to meet the material needs of believers or in one case to support an itinerant worker ministering in a far off land. There is just not a command or example anywhere in the New Testament for “storehouse” giving. Christians are not called to tithe but to radically share with one another.

]]> By: Pastor Bobby Dufrane http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18741 Pastor Bobby Dufrane Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:23:01 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18741 Look what happened to Ananias and Sapphirah when they refused to hand over their money. Both were dead within hours. Look what happened to Ananias and Sapphirah when they refused to hand over their money. Both were dead within hours.

]]> By: devon http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18627 devon Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:32:53 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18627 What I find surprising is how todays tithing doctrine cannot be validated by the old or new covenants. Through 36 years of observation I have seen more folks hurt by tithing than those who seemingly get a wind fall. What I find surprising is how todays tithing doctrine cannot be validated by the old or new covenants.
Through 36 years of observation I have seen more folks hurt by tithing than those who seemingly get a wind fall.

]]> By: Bryan http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18585 Bryan Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:15:56 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18585 Well the government sees the two incomes and concludes that you now have double the income, therefore you are now "rich" LOL!!! Well the government sees the two incomes and concludes that you now have double the income, therefore you are now “rich” LOL!!!

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18294 Matt Jabs Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:29:41 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18294 That can only be answered by each individual according to their personal relationship with Christ. Technically it is giving, but it's the motive that is important to the Lord, and that is different with every individual and each gift. That can only be answered by each individual according to their personal relationship with Christ. Technically it is giving, but it’s the motive that is important to the Lord, and that is different with every individual and each gift.

]]> By: devon http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18292 devon Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:27:00 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18292 2 things that God never told me to do. 1:Go to church. 2:Pay tithes. It was men that me to do these 2 things. God had already revolutionized my life completely but He never impressed upon me those 2 items. So I obeyed man and it screwed my walk up with God for about 27 years. I am now free. 2 things that God never told me to do. 1:Go to church. 2:Pay tithes. It was men that me to do these 2 things. God had already revolutionized my life completely but He never impressed upon me those 2 items. So I obeyed man and it screwed my walk up with God for about 27 years. I am now free.

]]> By: Barbara Weatherly http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18277 Barbara Weatherly Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:17:17 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18277 I had a running debate with my sister about my buying goods for church pantry. I say it is not tithing she says yes who is right. I had a running debate with my sister about my buying goods for church pantry. I say it is not tithing she says yes who is right.

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18023 Matt Jabs Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:02:27 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18023 Cancel cable and lose the cell phone. I haven't had either for over a year. That will free up over $100/month. Use Google voice for free over your computer instead, that's what I do - for business and personal. Instead of TV, read personal finance books to gain motivation. Cancel cable and lose the cell phone. I haven’t had either for over a year. That will free up over $100/month. Use Google voice for free over your computer instead, that’s what I do – for business and personal. Instead of TV, read personal finance books to gain motivation.

]]> By: Asil Saxon http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18017 Asil Saxon Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:18:36 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18017 Matt, I have rent, car payment, car insurance, electric, gas, cable, cell, student loan. I am praying about moving into something cheaper (renting a room). Matt,

I have rent, car payment, car insurance, electric, gas, cable, cell, student loan. I am praying about moving into something cheaper (renting a room).

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18013 Matt Jabs Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:58:50 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18013 What bills do you have? What bills do you have?

]]> By: devon http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-18000 devon Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:06:03 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-18000 Asil, who told you that you are suppose to tithe? Asil, who told you that you are suppose to tithe?

]]> By: Asil Saxon http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/my-testimony-to-the-tithe/#comment-17991 Asil Saxon Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:14:54 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=151#comment-17991 Good morning My heart is heavy and truly convicted! I know I am supposed to tithe. Can I work up to a tenth, or does it have to be the full tenth? I will admit that I am scared. I live paycheck to paycheck, and my physical eyes don't understand how to tithe when I have bills that must be paid. Is this called faith? I am even more scared of not being obedient to GOD... Good morning

My heart is heavy and truly convicted! I know I am supposed to tithe. Can I work up to a tenth, or does it have to be the full tenth? I will admit that I am scared. I live paycheck to paycheck, and my physical eyes don’t understand how to tithe when I have bills that must be paid. Is this called faith? I am even more scared of not being obedient to GOD…

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