re: Do you think tithing (10%) to the church is a Biblical requirement?

Yes

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Also my understanding is that the 10% rule is in the Old Testament.

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It is, and it all stems from a tribute from Abraham to Melchizedek. It later became something to support the Levitical priests, but we are under a completely different covenant that does not include the 613 laws of Moses reserved for the Jews living back before the Messiah came and “Fulfilled The Law” and paid your sin debt on your behalf on the cross.

Confusion comes when man tries to mix Jesus and Moses. We were never and are never under the Mosaic law, a law none of them could keep and neither can we. The Law requires perfection and the only one to achieve that is Jesus, and so He is our righteousness. We aren’t.

No.

It's a reasonable guideline.

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Sorry, I suppose I am hijacking a bit and should not be. I am on a tangent. Clarity of Bible (re: Tithing as example). Some say Old Testament. Some interpret differently. You bring point that Bible is clear. Yet many are debating. Why? People are reading into it and should not be; it is clear. Nevermind. My bad. Just struggling with Bible, the Word to eternal salvation, as written leaves a lot of discussion for clarity. And that is just Christians in English (before non-Christians read and in many different languages). Seems words could/should be made ultra crystal clear for such significant consequences for God's creation. Post for another day. Thanks for your response!

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No worries dude, glad to have the discussion and just wanted to make sure I understood you correctly.


As for the misunderstandings and differential interpretations, I’m not sure I’m ready to fully accept that something lacks clarity because of the consumers inability to interpret clearly. We can look at all sorts of things with human beings where we don’t even agree universally on what a woman is or isn’t. It doesn’t change the fact that what a woman is is objectively pretty clear.


As for the salvation issue, I’d encourage you not to get too wrapped up in issues that are tertiary. In short, I think you can have a lot of theological missteps on certain issues and still be saved.

Osteen looks like Tim Allen in the Krunks

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Anyone that gives to non-denominational megachurches with fake "pastors" is the biggest sucker alive

They are literally stealing your money

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If you want me to give my money to Jesus, how come I’m making the check out to you?

I agree, those personal ministry guys (and gals) are some kind of professional hucksters.

I don’t think it’s a requirement of salvation. But I do think it’s biblical.

I’ve tithed since I had my first job in high school. And my family has always seemed to be taken care of and blessed financially. I also belong to a church that I fully trust to appropriately allocate the congregations finances.

I always think of it as a sure fire way to tell God that you trust him and that you’re going to give him your first fruits no matter what (maybe go read the story of Cain and Abel).

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I can guarantee you they aren't giving $2,000 to the church every Sunday morning

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Actually I can guarantee you many are

Anyone giving 10% of their income to a church is a moron

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Just about every night of the week, there's an event of some kind at the church. Sometimes it's recovery, sometimes prayer gatherings, community service projects, outreach to the community, student ministry, etc.

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All of these cost next to nothing. You are paying for drums,geetars and them high-falutin headsets. Anyone who gives 10% in Baton Rouge doesn't recall the Swaggart years.