i live in the bible belt please explain to me about tithes, page 1

reply to post by proteus33

Tithing is a biblical principle without a doubt, and it has a number of reasons.

The first being simply a matter of up keep. Churches don't charge admissions, they don't generate revenue from advertising, but they do have a mortgage on the building, they have all the expenses a business owner has save taxes. The staff has walked away from a professional career to instead feed into your soul, and expose you to the truth. Before my conversion, I thought pastors just sat around all week, then showed up on Sunday to speak his mind for thirty minutes, but after getting to know the pastor at the small church I attend now, and the huge one I used to attend, I see that (a good pastor, at least) works as much as anyone; should he not be paid? All those out reaches, and the financial help that local churches provide, where do you think the money comes from? When you go into a place of business, realize that all the employees, the air-conditioning and heat, lights, and everything else is afforded by your contribution, and non-profits are no different.

Next is the spiritual issue. Abraham payed the tithe to Melchizidek (hope that's spelled correct) as a tribute, out of thanks and honor to him, and we pay the tithe to God through the church for the same reason. Psalm 24:1 teaches that the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. It was his providence that provides all that we need, and committing what we have to him is the acknowledgement of that truth. Out of gratitude, out of thanks we give. Jesus also taught us that where your heart is, there also will be your treasure (Matthew 6:21). Show me your check book, and I will show you what you value. If the greatest command is to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength, what's the problem with giving ten percent, when we give the government more than that? Where do your loyalties lie?

And we must realize that in order to love God, we must love his people, namely the church. Are they perfect? Far from it; This is why we needed a Messiah to live and die on our behalf. Are all who proclaim the name of Christ truly of Him? By no stretch of the imagination, Jesus specifically tells us to watch for wolves in sheep's clothing, and that not all that call on His name will be saved (Matthew 7:15-23). But on the other side, we cannot assume someone is evil because they ask for money. We all go to work every day with the expectation of pay, and the pastor and church deserve the same. They provide a much needed service to the community.

1 John 4:20 puts it best when he says, "If anyone says 'I love God' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." No one by the name Christian should stand idly by and watch his fellow believers struggle. Granted, there are the mega churches who have millionaire pastors, but I only put my money where I think it is of good use, and there are countless churches in America with pastors who love God and men, and have a hard time feeding their families because of those who say they love Christ but refuse to contribute. In a nutshell, we love God by loving His children. I can't tell a woman with children "I love you, but I hate your stupid kids!"

I'm not saying this is you, but there are many who would discourage you from contributing simply because of some unsubstantiated prejudice.

{end rant}