Wednesday, March 25, 2009

TARP: For The believer

TITHING…

I was encouraged to begin this blog by a friend who thought others would benefit and be interested in hearing / reading some Christian studies as well as take part in the study via blogging.

I was in my office last week and I was reading the bible prior to the start of my work day and a friend of mines came into my office. We begin to have a conversation about tithing, a topic that I was studying. His perspectives on tithing caught me totally off-guard and we began to dialog far into the morning. His perspective was “tithing is strictly under law the Old Testament and we are under grace, therefore, tithing is not mandatory and giving should be from the heart.”

This was interesting to me because I hadn’t heard this perspective in over 20 years and particularly from a Christian. My spiritual teaching and training was grounded in tithing and giving offerings. The sacrifice of such is considered as a part of our walk with God. The community of Christians that I am affiliated with believe in the same.

As we quickly near the end of the first quarter of 2009, we’ve heard much talk about the “the Bailout Plan, the Rescue Plan, the Stimulus and the TARP. As our new President, Bracka Obama and his designated leaders make attempts to get control of this economical crisis; many have lost faith in the government and its ability to manage, delegate and spend dollars that they have been trusted with.

As a result, of the economical crisis that our nation faces, banks, corporations, small businesses and agencies are suffering and churches are not exempt. Faith fuels tithing, offering and service which are major components for the sustainability of the church. When one or any of those components shrinks it make an impact.

My biblical study of Malachi 3: 7-12 is to enter into and interrogate the text by asking the right questions.

Today’s Questions: Should tithing and giving be from the heart? Does God expect people to tithe today? Do you believe that church service / church work can be substituted in the place of tithing? What are your views and scriptures references on Tithes, offerings and giving? Distinct