Christian Men discussion

I am half way through this book and already excited about how good the author differenciates between the Old Testament law and New Testament grace. Tithing is clearly a part of the old covenant and was not meant for the New Testament church. The author makes clear the difference between tithing and giving voluntarily what you have determined in your heart. Christ has provided us freedom from the law and we are no longer under any obligation but free to live for Him through the guidance of the Spirit.

True.

The key to understanding how God wants us to give to the Church is found in 1 Corinthians 16:2,

"On the first day of the week [Sunday] each of you should set aside whatever he can afford,"

and in 2 Corinthians 9:5-8,

"So I thought it necessary to encourage the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for your promised gift [donation], so that in this way it might be ready as a bountiful gift and not as an exaction. Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work."

So true Thadeus. Because of grace we no longer have to tithe according to the law, but we give as we feel lead. Not a requirement but out of love and a desire to give.

Great Points! Giving that is not free of guilt or pressure is really not freely giving.

The church I go to currently does not "pass the plate" during service. They simply have boxes in the back for free giving.