Harvey Gypem’s Tithe Deductions Video
This video is a funny analogy of how people try to get out of tithing, but at the same time, it makes me wonder why these excuses aren’t legitimate if we are apparently in the grace age of required tithing.
Kids Offering Time Video
Just in Time to get you pumped up for your offering tomorrow at church.
Rich Pastors Not Common, But Not Endangered
Associated Baptist Press – Matt Kennedy
Rich pastors not common, but not endangered species
What a life to live. The luxurious lifestyle of being a pastor! Rich pastors will never be endangered. They will always exist. Why? I don’t know? Why do you think? Is it ok that some pastors are walking around with expensive watches, and suits? If one’s earned it, don’t you think that it’s okay for them to keep what they’ve earned? Why should everyone bash on TD Jakes, Joel Osteen, and Creflo Dollar? I mean, God’s given that to them, hasn’t he? They have a right to choose to keep that which God has given them. Why should we make them feel guilty about taking so much, when we’ve taken so much in our own lives. Of course not as much as them in the amount, but proportionately, we have. At least I feel that I have.
I wish sometimes that there was no such thing as “things”. I wish it was just all dirt to me. What if they look at that stuff as dirt? Do you think that some of those pastors that live in mansions could actually be right? Do you think there’s anyone that can be justified for what they’ve got? Do you think it’s okay for any Christian to live in any mansion? How much do you think is the right amount for all pastors to make?
This article does talk about tithing. but it mainly is referring to pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. He lives off of a reverse tithe. That means he lives off of 10% of what he makes and gives 90%. You’ve gotta hand it to the guy for doing this. Do you think Rick Warren is challenging other rich pastors by giving a reverse tithe? I would think Rick Warren would have more authority in finances just because he’s shown that he’s handled the grip of money so well. On the other hand, when other rich pastors are preaching tithing, it’s hard to listen.
Church Turns Gopher Holes into Golden Harvest
Argus Leader News Article: Church Turns Gopher Holes into Golden Harvest
Now, this is what I call practical. A church decides to turn a field that is deemed useless because of all the gopher’s holes, into something useful. They turned an empty field into an acre full of corn crops. The church is planning on donating a tithe of the whole crop to the community and neighbors. What’s the point of telling people that we have everlasting food when we have a hard time providing them the temporary food? It’s good to see that many of the churches have something to hand out instead of ask for at the end of the day. I’m all for giving our money to foreign missionaries, but if our neighbors don’t see our generosity, then we might as well move our location to where our generosity is going.
I think this is a good use of resources. It really doesn’t take much TLC to plant some crops. There are basically two big tasks – planting and reaping.
What do you think the benefits will be from doing something like this? How do you think the community will react? Do you think your church is capable of a task like this?
The Tithing Challenge
“And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing.” (Malachi 3:10)
Has anyone read about the tithing challenge? What’s the big deal about this tithe challenge thing? I mean really? Isn’t the validity of all of God’s promises always on trial? What if God says prove me, “I am going to reward you in heaven for your good works”? Everyone acts like God is double dog daring us to do something out of character.
Isn’t this another way of God asking us to once again hold him to his word? If God says he’s gonna do something in return for what we do, then it’s up to us to prove that he’s telling the truth. All God is saying is, “believe me when I say that I will do something.” In other words, he’s saying, “if you don’t believe me, then prove me wrong.” God’s been saying this throughout his eternal existence. We act as though the bible is the written account of everything that God has said at all times. As if this is the only time God asks us to try him. Isn’t our act of obedience a form of proving God, and holding him to his word? The word “try” here is more of a form of accountability. It is not to be mistaken as tempting God.
In Deuteronomy, it says, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God as you tempted Him in Massah.” Well, in Massah (Exodus 17:7), Israel was murmuring and complaining and it was testing the patience of God. In Malachi, Israel was told to prove God on his promises of tithing. They weren’t given permission to provoke God to act against his character and will.
You have permission to test God in all of his promises. Hold him to his word. He wants you to see that he is truthful and just. As a challenge name some other areas in your life that you have already tested and proved God in?