Some people don't want anything to do with Jesus and Christianity. They think Christians have to go to church and believe that churches are just after their money. If you watch some TV evangelists you can easily get that impression. Many churches give that impression too. Most churches promote tithing. What churches call tithing is the act of giving 10% of your income to their church. This practice is not found in the Bible. Tithing was actually an Old Testament law that the Israelites had to follow. The tithe was always paid with food, never money They ate the tithe. They also gave the tithe to the poor. Christians don't have to tithe. The New Testament does talk about giving to help others, but here is what it says.
2 Cor 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
The Bible says that WE are to decide how much to give. Not the pastor or the deacon or the preacher on tv.
We are also to decide WHERE our money should go when we do give. God wants us to give cheerfully. We can't do that if we feel like we are being forced to give.It could be that some churches are just after your money, but Jesus isn't. You don't have to pay anything to be accepted by Jesus. As a matter of fact, Jesus paid something that you could never pay. The Bible says the wages of sin is death. We are under a death sentence because of our sin. Jesus gave His life to pay that debt that we all owe. He did all the work; He paid the price in full, period.
Don't let the greed of some people keep you from a relationship with Christ. He loves you right now, regardless of how much or how little you have, regardless of the condition of your heart. Even if you are a liar and a cheat, a blasphemer, an adulterer or a murderer. Jesus loves you. He will forgive you. It's not about church and it's not about money. It's about putting your faith in Jesus and what He did for you on the cross.
The Bible says that we must repent before we can be saved.
"The time has come" he said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news."Mark 1:15
Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19
Peter replied, "repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.Acts 2:38
Salvation is a free gift from God. You don't have to go to a church to receive it. Just repent of your sins, pray to God and ask for forgiveness and put your faith in Jesus Christ your Savior. Start reading the Bible for yourself and let the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth.
For more detailed articles on tithing go to:
www.tithing.christian-things.com
www.stoptithing.com
