Oh No. Money Again....?

 

Oh no, we are talking about money.

But do me a favor and read this post for today.

You may be glad that you did, if you have not heard it before.

 Taking tithes and offerings in church, the least place we should have to give.  Right?

Wrong. But let me suggest this to you. In many churches, it is taught that God expects us to give 10% of our income or even more to them. One so called pastor told his congregation that the reason why Jesus has not come back yet, it is because they have not given enough to "his ministry."  

Sadly, many people fall for this stuff that the pastors they trust are teaching. And while many are really not able to give according to these teachings, they do it. And guess what? They suffer.

While the pastors get rich.  

However, the Bible does not teach that we have to give a 10% of our income to the church. 

But don't take my word for it.

No, lets see what the Bible actually says about this subject. 

What does the Bible say about Christian tithing?

Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized; in others it is rarely mentioned, and believers may be unaware of the biblical exhortations about the joy of giving. The actual “tithe” is an Old Testament command to Israel, but giving to support the work of ministry, as well as giving to those in need, is generally part of the good stewardship that God expects of each of us.

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe (or tenth) was a requirement of the law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament law required Israelites to tithe at different times and for various purposes—to support the Levites (Numbers 18:21, 24), to celebrate the feasts (Deuteronomy 14:22–27), and to care for the poor of the land (Deuteronomy 14:28–29). Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites.

Jesus Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law. The shadow of the ceremonial system was completed in Him. The temple was no longer needed for worship. Instead, “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). Collectively, all who put their faith in Christ make up the church, which was instituted after Jesus’ ascension. The church is both global and uniquely expressed in local gatherings of believers.

As part of the Mosaic Law, the tithe ended with the fulfilling of the law. New Testament believers are not mandated to give 10 percent, but we are still called to financially participate in the work of the church and to care for those who spiritually care for us. First Corinthians 9:13–14 explains, “Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” First Timothy 5:17–18 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’” Our giving is also intended to support the work of missions (Philippians 4:10–19) and help those in need (2 Corinthians 8; 1 Timothy 5:3).

The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should give. Christians are not obligated to give a 10-percent tithe. But Scripture does encourage believers to regularly set aside money to give “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2; cf. 2 Corinthians 8:12). God promises His blessing on the giver: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7). Some Christians consider the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe as a “recommended minimum” for their giving.

Although the tithe is not obligatory for the Christian, the New Testament emphasizes the importance and benefits of freewill giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of giving (see James 1:5). However much we give, we should offer it with pure motives, a cheerful heart, and an attitude of worship.

(source: gotquestions.org)

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It is true. The church does need money to keep the lights on and the doors open. If the pastor's ministry solely depends on offerings of the people in the church, they need to be paid from the tithes  and offerings. 

However, if he is preaching false messages about tithe and living in a mansion while those giving, suffer because they can't afford to give, that is wrong. But sadly, it goes on in many churches. 

Looking at the life of Jesus and his disciples, they were not rich.

No matter how a preacher presents it as truth.

It isn't truth.

It's a way to empty your wallet into his. (or hers) 

Thanks for coming by today, Friends.

Have a blessed day!

What About Alcohol?

 

Hello Friends. I am switching topic gears today and will tackle some other ones that we all may have questions about. Today the topic is on drinking alcohol. 

Is it a sin to drink? That is a question that a lot of Christians would answer yes to. But is it really? Does the Bible say anything about drinking alcohol? Let's go to what questions.org has to say about it.

What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol?

Scripture has much to say regarding the drinking of alcohol (Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; Deuteronomy 29:6; Judges 13:4, 7, 14; Proverbs 20:1; 31:4; Isaiah 5:11, 22; 24:9; 28:7; 29:9; 56:12). Included are multiple warnings against the misuse of alcohol, but Scripture does not necessarily forbid a Christian from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. In fact, some passages of Scripture discuss alcohol in positive terms. Ecclesiastes 9:7 instructs, “Drink your wine with a joyful heart.” Psalm 104:15 states that God gives wine “that gladdens human hearts.” Amos 9:14 discusses drinking wine from your own vineyard as a sign of God’s blessing. Isaiah 55:1 encourages, “Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”

What God commands Christians regarding alcohol is to avoid drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). The Bible condemns drunkenness and its effects (Proverbs 23:29–35). Christians are also warned against allowing their bodies to be “mastered” by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19). Drinking alcohol in excess is undeniably addictive. Scripture also forbids a Christian from doing anything that might unnecessarily offend other Christians or encourage them to sin against their conscience (1 Corinthians 8:9–13). In light of these principles, it is impossible for any Christian to honestly say he is drinking alcohol in excess to the glory of God (see 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Jesus changed water into wine. It even seems that Jesus drank wine on occasion (John 2:1–11; Matthew 26:29). In New Testament times, the water was not very clean. Without modern sanitation, the water was often filled with bacteria, viruses, and all kinds of contaminants. The same is true in many developing countries today. As a result, people often drank wine because it was far less likely to be contaminated. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul instructed Timothy to stop drinking water exclusively (it was probably causing his stomach problems) and instead drink wine. In that day, like today, wine was fermented and thus contained alcohol—but not necessarily to the degree it is today. It is incorrect to say that the wine was simply grape juice, but it is also incorrect to equate it with the wine commonly used today.

Scripture does not forbid Christians from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. Alcohol is not, in and of itself, tainted by sin. It is drunkenness and addiction to alcohol from which a Christian must refrain (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12).

Alcohol, consumed in reasonable quantities, is neither harmful nor addictive for most people—the exception being those who struggle with addiction. Some doctors advocate drinking small amounts of red wine for its health benefits, especially for the heart. Drunkenness and addiction are sin. But consumption of alcohol is a matter of Christian freedom.

So, believers should give careful thought to their use of alcohol, considering how it affects them and their walk with God (Colossians 2:16–23; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Timothy 4:3–5), how it impacts others (Romans 14), and what it means for their witness for Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31–33). In all things, we should seek God’s wisdom in prayer and follow His leading (James 1:5).

(credit: gotquestions.org)

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I agree with gotquestions stance on this subject.

Truthfully, I don't drink alcohol myself.

I didn't come from people that drank.

It was not a temptation for me growing up.

But I did marry a man that drank.

And if anything turned me away from it,

that fact did.

It almost but for the grace of God

would have ruined our lives back many years ago.

I did try it one time.

But didn't like the taste.

And then in time,

came to hate the smell 

and the sound of a can of beer

being opened.

Today I am not around anyone that does drink.

And for those that do,

I am not opposed to it.

I just pray that they drink biblically and

responsibly.

And so those are my opinions and beliefs.

Maybe yours are different.

Thanks for coming by today.

Have a blessed day!

When We Are Tempted....

 

3. There Is a Way out of Temptation

The Bible tells us that God provides a way out from temptation. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV). In this instance, if you’re already living together and are a professing believer and follower of Christ, the way out is to move out. 

Start fresh, take the initiative for a godly marriage, and do things in the right order. Honor God and your fiancé in this way. This isn’t about legalism—this is about your heart and your future spouse’s heart. Do the right thing—which is often the hard thing—and commit in obedience to God’s word. If you’re thinking about moving in together and are Christians, don’t do it. Resist the lies of the enemy prompting you that its not that big a deal. It’s a very big deal.

4. The Marriage Bed Is Sacred

The Bible tells us the marriage bed is to be undefiled. “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4 ESV). We’re told to guard our marriage bed. That doesn’t mean just from other men or women while we’re married, but even from ourselves. Jumping into bed before marriage is still defiling the marriage bed. Stay out of the sheets until after the ceremony—you won’t regret it.

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Thanks for coming by to day, Friends.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Family Visiting

 No Post today. Will be back  tomorrow.

Run, Run, Run.....

1. Flee from Sexual Immorality

The Bible warns us to flee from sexual immortality. “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18, ESV). The definition of “flee” is “run away from a place or situation of danger”. It’s sort of difficult to run hard and fast from danger when it’s literally in your house and in front of you every day.

2. Abstain from Sexual Immorality

The Bible instructs us to abstain from sexual immorality. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God…” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 ESV) If you’re under the impression that you can live together with your fiancé and not have sex until after the wedding, you’re mistaken. The odds of success in this area are highly unlikely. Besides, why make it harder on yourself? Why intentionally set yourself up for temptation to fall into sexual sin? The Bible says to control our bodies in holiness and honor—it’s foolish to think you can do this when constantly living in the face of temptation.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

(source)

Betsy St. Amant Haddox

iBelieve Contributing Writer

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God gave us these commands to take away all of our fun. Right?

Wrong. He gave them to us for our protection.  Its no wonder there are so many births outside of marriage these days. Not to mention abortions.  

And what about venereal disease?

These kinds of things run rampant in our society all because the human race thinks it is better to do their own thing, rather than follow God's laws. 

It's sobering, to say the least. 

The good news is, that where there is our disobedience to His laws, 

there is also forgiveness when we ask Him.

Thanks for coming by today, Friends. Have a blessed day!

Living Together Before Marriage? Good Question

 

Hello Friends. If you read my post yesterday, you know that the evening before, I had an accident in my home. So, I took yesterday off from creating content. I pretty much stayed in bed all day yesterday and am still not up to par. However, I am a bit better today and want to continue the question about living together before marriage.

I have a site that I will be going to for a few days to see what biblical and perhaps their own opinions as to why a couple should not live together until marriage. 

For today, I will just give you their short introduction and then continue on each day with their points. 

I know for those of you that this subject is not an issue because you are married, perhaps it will help you to know what to say to those in your own circle of family and friends that are involved in this kind of relationship or considering it,

So, let's get right into it.

Why Christians Shouldn't Live Together Before Marriage

You’ve met an amazing guy and you’re debating moving in together.

Or maybe you and your boyfriend are already living together, but you’re starting to wonder whether you should live together and if it’s okay for Christians to live together without being married.

What does the bible say about living together before marriage? Is living together a sin?

Should Christians live together before marriage? And is it really a big deal?

In this blog post, we will talk about Christians living together before marriage, including:

• What the Bible says about living together unmarried
• Whether living together before marriage is a sin
• What to do if you are already living together before marriage
• Living together but not sleeping together
• Whether you should live together while engaged
• Sleeping in the same bed before marriage

(source)

Fun & Holy

https://www.funandholy.com

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Thanks for coming by today, Friends. Have a blessed day! And remember, God is always faithful