Cheerful Giving

Hello Huldah,

Is it right for a church to require members to give more than 10%?

L.B.

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Dear L.B.,

First, the 10% rule was required by God concerning the Israelites of the O.T. Typically, most churches today who teach tithing proclaim 10% to be a good rule to follow. Although it is required in the O.T., we see giving in a new light in the N.T.

2 Cor. 9:5-7 says:

So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness. Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Paul speaks of a bountiful "gift" being collected as promised. (If its required, it's something like... a tax!) Though not encouraged here, "he who sows sparingly" is obviously allowed to do so. Whatever a man decides to give in his heart, Paul does not desire it to be from pressure which can cause members to hold a grudge against the church.

It doesn't appear to be the churches duty to strong arm wallets from member's pockets. It also doesn't appear that they are to "require" giving at all. Giving should be a joyful experience for the wallet holder, and if it can't be, then God can make do without yours.

Maidservant Huldah

Kill and Eat!

Dear Huldah,

A Christian friend of mine doesn't eat certain meat because of the Old Testament laws. I read an article recently that says that it doesn't apply to the New Testament church. Is that true?

Thanks,

Dan

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Dear Dan,

That one confuses many. Here is what happened to Peter in Acts:

Act 10:9-16

On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. But he became hungry and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; and he saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air.

A voice came to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!"
But Peter said, "By no means,Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean."

Again a voice came to him a second time,

"What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."

This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into the sky.

Through this vision, God was releasing the Jews from the dietary restrictions He had placed on them years before.

Today, I see many people put upon themselves laws and rules meant for the Jews long ago, gentiles no less, who were never meant to follow them in the fist place! It is strictly out of ignorance.

If you search the scriptures with an open heart and mind, you will find that Jesus talks about freedom more than rules and regulations.

That being said, I don't make it a practice to try to reform them, unless specifically asked. It really does not affect ones salvation. If men choose to enslave themselves, what is that to me? The Bible simply tells us not to offend the one who is weaker in the faith.

I suggest you read 1 Co. 8:1-13 and Romans chapter 14.

Maidservant Huldah