Definitely. Tithing (and giving offerings! tithing is giving God what is His to start with - offerings are a way of saying "thank you") is very clearly taught in the Bible - to disregard any part is to disregard it all. I do know, however, that many people don't know better - they're taught you don't have to do it, and so they don't. I guess a simple look through the Bible would fix their error, but many don't even do that...so yeah, I guess it is pretty much a direct reflection on where they are spiritually.

I hear you, regarding making a lot of money annually and having a lot more coming in inheritance. Thing is, though, they should be tithing on that inheritance, which DOES put some of it back into the work of God.

I know of a few (not many, though!) very wealthy people that are Christians. Most are quite liberal with their money, helping out when special needs arise and such. I often think that is why they are wealthy, is because God can bless them financially without them using it selfishly or getting greedy. In other words, they use it to further others, not just themselves.

I take it you're going to a Baptist church? I had a friend that was in Awana and he was Baptist (he was killed a few years ago - threw his g/f out of the way of a speeding truck and got killed himself).

 

I'm done work for the day - I'll continue from home as I get time. I'm going away (probably) this weekend so am not sure when I'll answer again. Hopefully tonight and tomorrow morning/afternoon - after that, not 'til Sunday night.

 

i wont be on til Mon,
talk to you then

 

one more thing,
not a baptist...I attend an Evangelical Free Church. Pretty much we are an independent Bible Chuch that belongs to an organization that all agree on the same doctrinal statement.

 

Holy crap you guys are still going!



This is way to much seriousness for the Corner!
It's now time for , , and

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by qmahmudapex
[B]one more thing,

 

JonBoy,
Welcome back. Hope you had a good weekend. You were asking about the EFCA. Our church belongs to the Evangevical Free Church of America, which is an association of about 1300 churches in the US, which all operate autonomously. We have the organization for support and assistance for our needs, but we (our own church) have total control of our church. For example, we select our own pastor and elders, we own our own property, we recieve no financial support from the EFCA and are free to leave at anytime. We agree to the same doctrinal statement. It is essentially a group of like-minded churches who have formed an alliance. To be honest, I personally would like it more if we were just an independant Bible church. By the way, what type of church do you attend? Just to keep it on topic, are there any women priest there?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by qmahmudapex
[B]JonBoy,

 

Based on what we have talked about, I would venture to guess that our churches share the same or very similiar theology. My church completely runs itself from within. The EFCA is nothing like the SBC, the UMC, the COC, etc. When you get a chance look them up at www.efca.org . I have friends that have been to Africa, and have told me about the amazing situtaions going on over there. our church supports the Sudan relief fund. We hear about 10-20,000 people coming out for food, medical assistance and to hear God's word. Incredible. Our church has about 40 actual members aand about 100 people who attend on a regular basis. I am very anti-megachurch. Another example of something I can find no eveidence of in the Bible. With the exception of 2 or 3 times , Jesus spoke and taught in small groups. It is hard to teach groups of 5,000.
Thoughts?

 

huh? my word on what?