by Bret Capranica | Sep 8, 2010 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry
Local Church Giving from Bret Capranica on Vimeo. Unfortunately, as soon as I bring up the topic of money, as a pastor, some will associate the subject with the Benny Hinn”™s and Robert Tilton”™s of the world. Forget these charlatans. Let”™s simply be honest about what the Bible does say about Christians and giving. The Bible Says Much About Money I won”™t take the time to mention all or even most of the passages, but Jesus and the Apostles often used one”™s positions and wealth as a firm illustration of where one”™s heart is (i.e., Matt 6:24; 1 Tim 6:6-10, 17-19; Luke 12:13-21). Our Spending Says Much About Us Any examination of my checkbook will expose a wealth of information about what is important to my family and me. In this country, there is a tremendous amount of financial freedom in contrast to the rest of the world. We spend money on what we want. And what we want reveals much about our heart”™s desires. Tithing or Free Will? Inevitably, when Christians discuss the subject of giving, the issue of tithing will come up. No small debate exists among modern American Christians about whether the Bible, particularly the New Testament calls us to give ten percent (a tithe) of all we bring in, or if giving levels are merely left open to the Christian”™s conscience. Before I speak about my position, let me review a few biblical points Tithing Was a Principle Before It Became a Law Before Moses commanded it, the patriarchs practiced it (Gen 14:17-20; Gen 28:20-22). In fact other religions before and during the patriarchal era...
