"Exegetically and thus dogmatically and ethically the New Testament is against tithing as a regulation in the new covenant. Desire for more money also for more money in the church and for the church must not blind our eyes to the ways employed for getting more money? Jesus does not want to be misunderstood".
Lenski, R. C. H., The Interpretation of St. Matthew’s Gospel (p.907-909):
4 comments:
Absolutely ... but I ususally am disagreed with on this one. It seems convenient to retain OT teaching insome instances...
In some ways it is a level of control to insist people tithe, especially when there's a building program on. But I do love Keith Green's approach of free concerts...if people choose to pay, then the ministry continues.
I also think we have far too heavy a reliance on finances in the church. I notice over at Darren's livingroom blog they have a recent post on this explaining that their emergent group meets in someones house and thus has no real need for money. Our group was the same.
Now this opens up a new possibility. Since there is an obligation on us to give of our own free will, we can then choose where that money might go rather than into a seemingly sterile collection plate. No one gets to enforce an OT tithe guilt trip on me and I can feel connected to the charity or mission of my choice. Anyhow, that's how we do it currently.
Linking in from Garth's blog to share my thoughts on this one too . . .
it's a biggie for most churched people - and an issue most emerging kinda people (for want of a better word) have to hash through at some stage
I think if you live your life with the mindset that 100% of yours is God's, then the whole tithe thing seems such a trifling matter
There are certainly places - and there needs to be - for both ways of doing church. A home church, while not reliant on finances, has restrictions in ministry styles due to the fact they are a "home" church. It is therefore an ovious step that in order to supply other ministries such as youth groups, craft groups, boys brigade etc... that there will need to be a certain level of facilities. I am from a church where the church has outgrown the facilites and we are currently building again. We have just recently had a 3 sermon series on authentic giving/genrosity and I was happy that thithing wasn't mentioned. It was the "100% Gods" mentality being preached.
Guys thanks for your comments. I agree with the 100% God'd, I also believe that you are to give as God has placed on your heart.
THe NT is so liberating - and freeing, that I have no idea how people could think to stifle its teaching (although none can live up to it).
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