A couple of weeks ago I was reading another BLOG and someone mentioned that they didn't want a God who would allow bad things to happen to them. One of the reply comments suggested that they read the book The Shack. I did some research on the book and thought it could be interesting to see what others are reading to "help" them figure out who God is. The Bible is the best way, but we like to explore other avenues, which is how many believers get derailed and "seduced." So, you know me... If there is a false doctrine that is capturing people through fiction, I want to know about it so I can expose it.
There are mixed reviews on the book. I started it last night and I'm reading it for what it is - a fictional book. I've read other fiction that was great - This Present Darkness series was wonderful. I'm not sure it will measure up, but it is certainly the talk around the Christian community right now. Have you read The Shack? If so, what was your impression?
Preview The Shack - Read a little, maybe you will want to take the journey with me.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tithes and Offerings
So what does the Bible say about you paying tithes and offerings? Is it optional or a requirement? There is much discussion about this topic and I was asking myself, why are we so confused about money? Could it be that the church has mishandled money and the body doesn't trust the leaders to do the right thing? Or... is it that we want to find every excuse NOT to give in the offering plate?
I would say it's a little of both. It has been proven time and time again that there have been church leaders who have misused funds and there are probably some that are sitting under the radar. But what exactly is a misuse of funds... buying prostitutes, funding drug lords, paying whoever we like whenever we like and hiding it behind the ministry... Those are obvious offenses, but are our church leaders doing that? Or are they surviving while doing the work of the ministry?
Let's look at this in perspective... the state of the economy today is poor (getting better); isn't the reason we are in the shape we are in because someone, somewhere misused MONEY? Hmmm... There was a time when we were seeing government leaders, CEOs, Bank Presidents, etc. who were abusing their power in the area of finances. So it's fair to say that this problem isn't reserved for church leaders.
I've heard the question many times about if a person should pay their tithes and watch the preacher make off with the money. I'm sure it can happen, but I guess I don't worry about that as much. I think many believers (if you can call them that) are just looking for an excuse to control their financial situation. I say, do as you please and if that makes you feel better, then it makes me feel great because I know you aren't toiling with your decisions, or are you?
I'm rooted in my belief and I can tell you story after story about how God has taken care of me in my time of need and I know it is because of my obedience to Him, especially in my finances. You see, I have purposed in my heart to give and everything I give goes into the kingdom of God. I get to choose (with God's direction) what ground I'm going to sow my seed. I use criteria when deciding and it isn't much... I just need to know that what I'm giving is going to a ministry that is going to minister to those in need of a Savior. But my tithes - well they don't belong to me anyway and I'm required to give those in my storehouse (church). I wouldn't want to be in a church that wasn't reaching souls for the kingdom.
It would be foolish to think that ministry happens WITHOUT people. Someone has to carry the message - and the one who carries it should be rewarded for answering the call of God and for delivering His Word to the people. "How can they hear without a preacher." [Romans 10:15] Oh, we are all gung ho about getting the word out and evangelizing, but we forget that someone has to tell them, someone has to do the work. It's funny to me how we will give to Cancer Research and United Way and we don't question the leadership in those organizations and they get millions of dollars to help so many people. Yet, we will grill the man or woman of God if they buy anything for themselves.
I guess my question for this blog is why is the church held at a different standard than other entities and why is giving generously to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ such a debated subject? I have so many more questions, but I would love to hear your take on the subject. This one just came up in my spirit today and I love discussion.
I would say it's a little of both. It has been proven time and time again that there have been church leaders who have misused funds and there are probably some that are sitting under the radar. But what exactly is a misuse of funds... buying prostitutes, funding drug lords, paying whoever we like whenever we like and hiding it behind the ministry... Those are obvious offenses, but are our church leaders doing that? Or are they surviving while doing the work of the ministry?
Let's look at this in perspective... the state of the economy today is poor (getting better); isn't the reason we are in the shape we are in because someone, somewhere misused MONEY? Hmmm... There was a time when we were seeing government leaders, CEOs, Bank Presidents, etc. who were abusing their power in the area of finances. So it's fair to say that this problem isn't reserved for church leaders.
I've heard the question many times about if a person should pay their tithes and watch the preacher make off with the money. I'm sure it can happen, but I guess I don't worry about that as much. I think many believers (if you can call them that) are just looking for an excuse to control their financial situation. I say, do as you please and if that makes you feel better, then it makes me feel great because I know you aren't toiling with your decisions, or are you?
I'm rooted in my belief and I can tell you story after story about how God has taken care of me in my time of need and I know it is because of my obedience to Him, especially in my finances. You see, I have purposed in my heart to give and everything I give goes into the kingdom of God. I get to choose (with God's direction) what ground I'm going to sow my seed. I use criteria when deciding and it isn't much... I just need to know that what I'm giving is going to a ministry that is going to minister to those in need of a Savior. But my tithes - well they don't belong to me anyway and I'm required to give those in my storehouse (church). I wouldn't want to be in a church that wasn't reaching souls for the kingdom.
It would be foolish to think that ministry happens WITHOUT people. Someone has to carry the message - and the one who carries it should be rewarded for answering the call of God and for delivering His Word to the people. "How can they hear without a preacher." [Romans 10:15] Oh, we are all gung ho about getting the word out and evangelizing, but we forget that someone has to tell them, someone has to do the work. It's funny to me how we will give to Cancer Research and United Way and we don't question the leadership in those organizations and they get millions of dollars to help so many people. Yet, we will grill the man or woman of God if they buy anything for themselves.
I guess my question for this blog is why is the church held at a different standard than other entities and why is giving generously to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ such a debated subject? I have so many more questions, but I would love to hear your take on the subject. This one just came up in my spirit today and I love discussion.
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