Is Tithing Christian?
© 07-08 Born-Again-Christian.info
Must Christians Tithe?
Q: We attend a very good church. However, they teach, and insist, that tithing is mandatory today. I don't mind tithing, but my husband feels guilty (sinful) if he doesn't. They don't force anyone to tithe, but they removed someone from the praise team for not tithing. They won't listen; they are sincerely convinced. I just ignore this teaching. Should we stay?
A: They are wrong of course, tithing is an Old Covenant principle, written about in the New Testament, but certainly not imposed or mandatory. Christians are encouraged to give generously from their hearts, not under compulsion.
In any case, a tithe is ten percent, and that would be very stingy compared to what God has given us. Here's a longer reply (including references) to an E-pistle question on Tithing.
Should you leave?
If it really is a good fellowship, and the Lord is working there; it's growing fast, the sick are healed, demons cast out, and the Holy Spirit is allowed freedom to operate His Gifts; then submit, and don't fuss over it. If however, there are no miracles, no signs and wonders, no revival; then look for where the Lord is moving in your area.
Remember, you don't belong to a fellowship, you belong to the Body of Christ. Some Christians feel they have to support their local fellowship like they would a struggling football team. The Lord moved Smith Wigglesworth on several times, as fellowships he attended withered on the vine. Listen to Jesus, don't settle for second-best and shrivel.
If there isn't a decent Spirit-filled fellowship in your area, then start one. That's how the Gospel spread throughout the whole known world in the first century; word of mouth, house churches, and the Gospel proclaimed with signs and wonders following.
That's the Bible way.
It still works in China, and it'll work where you live too.
Persecution at work in the USA
Q: Friends who are Christians, and myself, are being bombarded with persecution in the workplace; lies, back-stabbing, accusations of stealing, and wrong-doing. All of which are not true. Then we are the ones who are reprimanded by management since the wicked have the "stage", so to speak.
Our deal is to treat with love. Not retaliate. How much is enough before we pack it in and leave? We are making no headway with what we are doing. In fact, we are the ones not sleeping, and continually upset even though we are trying to show compassion to those who are lost. Linda
A: You must get the answer directly from the Lord.
Remember He leads us in triumph (2 Co. 2:14). It would be tragic to quit the battle before He gives the victory. Make that verse your battle cry, and He will honour your faith. You are unsettled and fearful because you cannot see your Victory; look up, His Name is Jesus: Faithful, True, and Lord of all.
Thrill His heart; shout your triumph now in faith, He'll pull the walls down, and promote you.
He wants you to learn this lesson: How to be strong in the Lord.
Israel walked by sight, and quaked in Goliath's shadow. David was astonished at their ignorance, because he walked by faith to do battle with lions, bears, and Goliath.
They all fell defeated before him because of his simple faith in the Promises of the Word of God. The Lord gave him constant victory until he rebelled and doubted.
I suspect you are just feeling weary, you need to draw strength from the Lord, and get His vision for your workplace. Hebrews 12 is a wonderful chapter for battle scarred Christians. And remember your struggle is not against flesh and blood. Eph. 6:12.
Recall Corrie Ten Boom's reaction to brutal treatment by Nazi concentration camp thugs. Witnessing terrible abuse she wept copiously, praying for God to forgive and show her abusers what they face at the Judgement unless they repent.
Now that's having redemptive eyes, isn't it?
Only after Pentecost
Q: Did Jesus pray in tongues?
A: No, The LORD Jesus Christ lived and ministered under the Old Covenant. Tongues is a New Covenant blessing only made available after His Ascension and Pentecost. Ac. 2, as prophesied by Joel.
Christ limited Himself to operating under the Old Covenant in order to fulfil it perfectly, and then institute the New Covenant, which is far superior (Heb. 8:6) to the obsolete one (Heb. 8:13).
He certainly wants you to pray in tongues though (Eph. 6:18, 1 Co. 14:14-15), He paid a huge price to give you the Promise of the Spirit.
Powerful tool for witnessing to atheists
