Comments on: My Tithing Testimony http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/ A blog about stewardship, finances, and the tithing debate in the Church. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:37:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Stefanie http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-2133 Stefanie Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:36:00 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-2133 Unlike your parents, when I started tithing, I was getting out of debt, not sinking myself furthur in it. I was able to throw over $1k at it every month until it was gone. Because I had been so unresponsible starting my adult life, tithing made me meditate on how I had gotten where I was. To be honest, the amount I was paying in tithe, was less than what I had been paying to go out to eat every month in my previous lifestyle. When I got my first house, the lender said "I know you are looking for a house in X range, but you could afford SO MUCH MORE." This is the bullfish that so many people have swallowed by greedy lenders. I ran the numbers in advance of my home purchase and got something I knew I could afford while putting away savings every month. I agree that basic economics is important for Christians. High school kids should be taught basic life skills like balancing a check book. If tithing causes you to go furthur in debt, then you need to evaluate how you are spending your other money. Tithing helped me look at that in my life. Unlike your parents, when I started tithing, I was getting out of debt, not sinking myself furthur in it. I was able to throw over $1k at it every month until it was gone. Because I had been so unresponsible starting my adult life, tithing made me meditate on how I had gotten where I was. To be honest, the amount I was paying in tithe, was less than what I had been paying to go out to eat every month in my previous lifestyle.

When I got my first house, the lender said “I know you are looking for a house in X range, but you could afford SO MUCH MORE.” This is the bullfish that so many people have swallowed by greedy lenders. I ran the numbers in advance of my home purchase and got something I knew I could afford while putting away savings every month.

I agree that basic economics is important for Christians. High school kids should be taught basic life skills like balancing a check book.

If tithing causes you to go furthur in debt, then you need to evaluate how you are spending your other money. Tithing helped me look at that in my life.

]]> By: God Before Mortgage | Tithing & Stewardship http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-2126 God Before Mortgage | Tithing & Stewardship Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:46:39 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-2126 [...] reminds me of my tithing testimony. My parents had 8 children, and my father was basically the only one working. He had a blue collar [...] [...] reminds me of my tithing testimony. My parents had 8 children, and my father was basically the only one working. He had a blue collar [...]

]]> By: Stefanie http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-2043 Stefanie Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:31:33 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-2043 Why can't it be both? If I willfully ascribe to giving 10% of my money to the church, and I do so with a thankful heart for the blessings God has given me, then I don't see why that is a problem. We don't live in an age of livestock and harvests, but as a salary earner, my increase is money which can be traded for such goods. I realize that as a New Testament believer, I am not bound by the old law, but if you read in the New Testament, new believers sold EVERYTHING they had and gave it to the church. You don't really see many people doing that nowadays, even though it is biblical. My testimony is simple regarding tithing. I lost my job and had to move to another state. I was $14,000 in debt. I found a steady job that paid half of what I made at the first job. I had to move back in with my parents. I had never tithed before, but I felt like it was the next step in my personal walk with God. My parents were strongly against me giving a tithe since I was in debt. However, I felt that it was what I was supposed to do. It took me over a year to get out of debt. I didn't spend money on games, entertainment, expensive food or clothes. I worked hard to put as much of my debt behind me every month. Within my first year of tithing, I started a job which paid more than the first job I had. I continued to tithe and after 2 years, I was making 20% more a year from receiving 3 raises. This was miraculous because my company has been tight about money and yet I was blessed again and again. I am not a millionaire, but I feel secure in my God. Whenever my car has broken down, or I've needed money, I've had enough in savings to cover it. Sure, it's frustrating to have very little at times, but I always have enough to take care of problems that arise. I believe that I am blessed because in obedience to God I started to tithe. I lost my first job I believe because I turned my back on God and the church. I think God wanted me to be more committed to Him this time around and giving Him my money just furthur solidifies my committment and love for Him. Everything I have is His and yet he asks for so little in return. I think this is something each of us work out as part of our salvation and our walk with God. I personally do not like freewill giving because it is emotional in response, just like impulse shopping. Giving regularly is a more disciplined action. Done in the right context, it is actually a very beautiful thing that can draw you closer to God. Why can’t it be both? If I willfully ascribe to giving 10% of my money to the church, and I do so with a thankful heart for the blessings God has given me, then I don’t see why that is a problem.

We don’t live in an age of livestock and harvests, but as a salary earner, my increase is money which can be traded for such goods. I realize that as a New Testament believer, I am not bound by the old law, but if you read in the New Testament, new believers sold EVERYTHING they had and gave it to the church. You don’t really see many people doing that nowadays, even though it is biblical.

My testimony is simple regarding tithing. I lost my job and had to move to another state. I was $14,000 in debt. I found a steady job that paid half of what I made at the first job. I had to move back in with my parents. I had never tithed before, but I felt like it was the next step in my personal walk with God. My parents were strongly against me giving a tithe since I was in debt. However, I felt that it was what I was supposed to do. It took me over a year to get out of debt. I didn’t spend money on games, entertainment, expensive food or clothes. I worked hard to put as much of my debt behind me every month. Within my first year of tithing, I started a job which paid more than the first job I had. I continued to tithe and after 2 years, I was making 20% more a year from receiving 3 raises. This was miraculous because my company has been tight about money and yet I was blessed again and again.

I am not a millionaire, but I feel secure in my God. Whenever my car has broken down, or I’ve needed money, I’ve had enough in savings to cover it. Sure, it’s frustrating to have very little at times, but I always have enough to take care of problems that arise. I believe that I am blessed because in obedience to God I started to tithe. I lost my first job I believe because I turned my back on God and the church. I think God wanted me to be more committed to Him this time around and giving Him my money just furthur solidifies my committment and love for Him. Everything I have is His and yet he asks for so little in return.

I think this is something each of us work out as part of our salvation and our walk with God. I personally do not like freewill giving because it is emotional in response, just like impulse shopping. Giving regularly is a more disciplined action. Done in the right context, it is actually a very beautiful thing that can draw you closer to God.

]]> By: Dori http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1276 Dori Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:41:40 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1276 I agree with your belief in Spirit-led giving. Just this week, I have been confronted with a choice. Pay my tithe to my church, where my pastors manage with their own faith to hold down a million dollar home and a few luxury cars (which I am in no way criticizing them for) OR buy new school clothes for my godson. This is a child that I met at a birthday party of a friend in the projects. He is very poor, his mother practices bi-sexuality, parties all the time, and is very physically abusive to all three of her children. I listened to the Lord and got involved in this child's life. Believe me, I have paid a price for this decision. I've had the Dept of Children & Families called on me 3 times (always ending up in my favor) since my godson came to live with me. People just don't understand why some white girl wants to take care of some ghetto black boy. But, I just did what was in my heart. It was not the most "opportune" time either, when he came to live with me (I am a single mother with two sons of my own). I have struggled a lot financially and had my faith challenged on a whole new level. I've been criticized and persecuted by many, especially those close to me, some who don't want the little black boy around. But, they don't know what this boy and me have been through together or how close we are now. He's my son. And recently he has been telling me how God has been speaking to him (and its true, I am a witness) Now, you tell me, do I send my little boy to school for another year of humiliation because he has old worn out clothes and make part of my pastor's Hummer payment or, do I get to experienc the true joy (I hold back tears now) of giving so passionately from my heart to my godson. I already know the answer for me, my godson and I are going shopping this week and nothing gives me greater pleasure. And I believe God is smiling too. Why would the Lord withhold blessing from anyone who would use it not just to give to a charitable cause, but would use it to be a witness to a young child and say "this is how much God loves you". I haven't just given this boy money, I have given him my whole heart. I will never leave him nor forsake him. I agree with your belief in Spirit-led giving. Just this week, I have been confronted with a choice. Pay my tithe to my church, where my pastors manage with their own faith to hold down a million dollar home and a few luxury cars (which I am in no way criticizing them for) OR buy new school clothes for my godson. This is a child that I met at a birthday party of a friend in the projects. He is very poor, his mother practices bi-sexuality, parties all the time, and is very physically abusive to all three of her children. I listened to the Lord and got involved in this child’s life. Believe me, I have paid a price for this decision. I’ve had the Dept of Children & Families called on me 3 times (always ending up in my favor) since my godson came to live with me. People just don’t understand why some white girl wants to take care of some ghetto black boy. But, I just did what was in my heart. It was not the most “opportune” time either, when he came to live with me (I am a single mother with two sons of my own). I have struggled a lot financially and had my faith challenged on a whole new level. I’ve been criticized and persecuted by many, especially those close to me, some who don’t want the little black boy around. But, they don’t know what this boy and me have been through together or how close we are now. He’s my son. And recently he has been telling me how God has been speaking to him (and its true, I am a witness) Now, you tell me, do I send my little boy to school for another year of humiliation because he has old worn out clothes and make part of my pastor’s Hummer payment or, do I get to experienc the true joy (I hold back tears now) of giving so passionately from my heart to my godson. I already know the answer for me, my godson and I are going shopping this week and nothing gives me greater pleasure. And I believe God is smiling too. Why would the Lord withhold blessing from anyone who would use it not just to give to a charitable cause, but would use it to be a witness to a young child and say “this is how much God loves you”. I haven’t just given this boy money, I have given him my whole heart. I will never leave him nor forsake him.

]]> By: Willow http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1170 Willow Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:08:30 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1170 If the tithe includes money and/or acts/deeds. My question is: How many people actually give 2 hours and 24 minutes (a tenth of each day) to acts/deeds for God? I know if I tithe 10% and then have to worry the rest of the week how I'm going too pay bills and feed my family then I'm not a cheerful giver. If the tithe includes money and/or acts/deeds. My question is: How many people actually give 2 hours and 24 minutes (a tenth of each day) to acts/deeds for God?

I know if I tithe 10% and then have to worry the rest of the week how I’m going too pay bills and feed my family then I’m not a cheerful giver.

]]> By: Tithing and Still Broke by Niral Russell Burnett http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1177 Tithing and Still Broke by Niral Russell Burnett Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:25:23 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1177 [...] come from an old testament law is similar to convincing you that you are not real. That tithing testimony is so real to them, that scripture will not convince them [...] [...] come from an old testament law is similar to convincing you that you are not real. That tithing testimony is so real to them, that scripture will not convince them [...]

]]> By: Speaking Truth http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1173 Speaking Truth Fri, 30 May 2008 13:52:50 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1173 Sorry <b>Ken</b> - I was addressing <b>Tim's</b> post, not yours. I agree with you :-) Sorry Ken - I was addressing Tim’s post, not yours.

I agree with you :-)

]]> By: Speaking Truth http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1172 Speaking Truth Fri, 30 May 2008 13:51:07 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1172 To me, the fundamental question is are we bound to giving to the pastor or to the needs of our brothers and sisters (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:35-46;&version=49;" rel="nofollow">Matthew 25:35-46</a>)? The reality is that many pastor see the tithe as a revenue stream - period. They don't trust us to give from the heart (as scripture commands in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209:7;&version=49;" rel="nofollow">2 Corinthians 9:7</a>), so they tie the bondage of the law around our necks, twist <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=malachi%203;&version=49;" rel="nofollow">Malachi 3</a> and declare that we're cursed for witholding it, and <a href="http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/17889869.html" rel="nofollow">some pastors are even kicking people out of church</a> if they don't consistently give their 10%. So <b>Ken</b>, no one is arguing about giving - especially grace giving. But if your defending the "tithe", then you either support it as a 10% tax (which as we all know, tithe means "tenth"), or you support giving from the heart as the Lord leads. To me, the fundamental question is are we bound to giving to the pastor or to the needs of our brothers and sisters (Matthew 25:35-46)? The reality is that many pastor see the tithe as a revenue stream - period. They don’t trust us to give from the heart (as scripture commands in 2 Corinthians 9:7), so they tie the bondage of the law around our necks, twist Malachi 3 and declare that we’re cursed for witholding it, and some pastors are even kicking people out of church if they don’t consistently give their 10%.

So Ken, no one is arguing about giving - especially grace giving. But if your defending the “tithe”, then you either support it as a 10% tax (which as we all know, tithe means “tenth”), or you support giving from the heart as the Lord leads.

]]> By: freewillgiver http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1175 freewillgiver Fri, 30 May 2008 06:22:19 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1175 Tim Green Which is it? Is failing to moneytithe 10% a sin or not. If monetithing is what Jesus requires then we are in a grave sin for telling people that they are not required. If monetithing 10% is manditory then please present verses in the New testement. We don't want to be in sin so enlighten us. However if you are wrong then I declare that you are in sin for teaching an error which is a stumbling block to the givers of the moneytithe and a bigger sin for the recievers of the moneytithe. The old testament people had money and crops but they were never required to moneytithe 10%. Your view of tithing sounds like freewillgiving if one can give 4% of their income. Just come right out and admit that Preachers are wrong when they demand a moneytithe of 10%. Would you ever proclame that folks are in sin if they do not monetithe 10% of their money? You know that so many churches do exaclly that or they allow their congregations to get the impression that they must give 10% of their money or they are in sin. Take a stand are preachers who allow people in their congregations to think that they are in sin if they don't tithe 10% of their money stealing or not? Are you hot cold or lukewarm over this issue of moneytithing? You cannot have it both ways because there really is no middle groud. Freewillgiver. please respond Tim Green

Which is it? Is failing to moneytithe 10% a sin or not. If monetithing is what Jesus requires then we are in a grave sin for telling people that they are not required. If monetithing 10% is manditory then please present verses in the New testement. We don’t want to be in sin so enlighten us. However if you are wrong then I declare that you are in sin for teaching an error which is a stumbling block to the givers of the moneytithe and a bigger sin for the recievers of the moneytithe. The old testament people had money and crops but they were never required to moneytithe 10%. Your view of tithing sounds like freewillgiving if one can give 4% of their income. Just come right out and admit that Preachers are wrong when they demand a moneytithe of 10%. Would you ever proclame that folks are in sin if they do not monetithe 10% of their money? You know that so many churches do exaclly that or they allow their congregations to get the impression that they must give 10% of their money or they are in sin. Take a stand are preachers who allow people in their congregations to think that they are in sin if they don’t tithe 10% of their money stealing or not?

Are you hot cold or lukewarm over this issue of moneytithing? You cannot have it both ways because there really is no middle groud.

Freewillgiver. please respond

]]> By: tithe http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1174 tithe Fri, 30 May 2008 01:59:11 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1174 Ken, Thanks for stopping by. I love it when their defense is just a bunch emotional discharge of empty proof. It's interesting to me that the majority of sermons that are accompanied by testimonials are the ones about tithing. That's partly because the pastor can't get too deep into scripture on the topic otherwise people start asking questions. - Jared B. Ken,
Thanks for stopping by. I love it when their defense is just a bunch emotional discharge of empty proof. It’s interesting to me that the majority of sermons that are accompanied by testimonials are the ones about tithing. That’s partly because the pastor can’t get too deep into scripture on the topic otherwise people start asking questions.

- Jared B.

]]> By: Ken http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1176 Ken Fri, 30 May 2008 01:14:57 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1176 It's amazing how defensive people who tithe get when they are faced with the following.... 1) Why tithe when Christians never tithed 2) Which tithe do you tithe, do we even have a right to not tithe two of them? 3) What do you do during the seventh year when NO tithe was required? 4) Do you give your tithe to a Levite, a tithe to the poor and do you tithe for the festival? 5) How do twist scripture so that tithe is MONEY? ..this is just the beginning.... What God wants is us to care for each other. The Levites portion was the tithe... the poor (who were not required to tithe) were also the recipients of the tithe. If you are going to "tithe" biblically, then you better make sure you are doing it by the book. For those of who have been freed from the law of sin and death, our whole being is for God's glory, our time, talents and money. Only God can make a claim on any of these three and He does it through the Holy Spirit that lives deep within each one of us who are called and held by Jesus. It’s amazing how defensive people who tithe get when they are faced with the following….
1) Why tithe when Christians never tithed
2) Which tithe do you tithe, do we even have a right to not tithe two of them?
3) What do you do during the seventh year when NO tithe was required?
4) Do you give your tithe to a Levite, a tithe to the poor and do you tithe for the festival?
5) How do twist scripture so that tithe is MONEY?
..this is just the beginning….
What God wants is us to care for each other. The Levites portion was the tithe… the poor (who were not required to tithe) were also the recipients of the tithe.
If you are going to “tithe” biblically, then you better make sure you are doing it by the book.
For those of who have been freed from the law of sin and death, our whole being is for God’s glory, our time, talents and money.
Only God can make a claim on any of these three and He does it through the Holy Spirit that lives deep within each one of us who are called and held by Jesus.

]]> By: tithe http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/comment-page-1/#comment-1179 tithe Thu, 29 May 2008 01:26:19 +0000 http://churchtithesandofferings.com/blog/my-tithing-testimony/#comment-1179 I hope you didn't get the idea from my blog posts that i wanted to throw out the law or that i don't want people to give. Of course we should all be sacrificial in our giving. I hope you didn’t get the idea from my blog posts that i wanted to throw out the law or that i don’t want people to give. Of course we should all be sacrificial in our giving.

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