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NASB | Acts 13:39 and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 13:39 and through Him everyone who believes [who acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Savior and follows Him] is justified and declared free of guilt from all things, from which you could not be justified and freed of guilt through the Law of Moses. |
Subject: tithing |
Bible Note: Dear Johnny, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I did read the thread very carefully. The only person in this thread that equates tithing with 'requirement' or 'absolute amount' is you. Please tell me, in your church, are even the very poor encouraged to give 'love offerings' to God? Is it taught that even a small portion (say, 10 percent, which is less than most governments require of their citizens) of a small salary is a door to many blessings? Are all the saints in your fellowship, both poor and rich, exhorted to receive the following Scripture?: "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." 2 Corinthians 9:6,7 NASB If the answer to these three questions is 'Yes,' then you are also teaching the principle of the tithe, even if you do not call it by that name. If, however, your church preaches that the poor are exempt, and the rich are to support the church, then you rob the poor of their blessing, and exault the rich, thereby stealing their blessing, too. Giving must not be tied to circumstance! Brother, the term 'tithe' is a 'rule of thumb' or 'basic suggestion,' not an exact amount. It just so happens that this is about the minimal amount that any Christian could give, but enough that those who have a hard time parting with their cash would be tempted to claim as 'too much.' As to those who can afford to give more, they are required by God to ask how much He wants. These 'fortunate' souls must never 'announce' their giving record, and the pastor should never reveal these things to the congregation. The rich are always tempted to be proud of their money. Truly, we should not 'require our members to tithe,' but encourage our members to give. If asked what that means, I always answer that 'entry-level' giving according to Bible precedent is 10 percent of your whole income, given from the heart without pressure from man. I have never heard of 'Heaven Can't Wait.' Please answer to me about your church's teaching of 'love offering.' In Christ Jesus, charis |