However, speaking on living In the Zone and bringing our tithe into the local church was a tough message to preach. Not because it isn't true or because we shouldn't walk in the truth of the Word, but because any time you speak on money, there are all kinds of reactions:
- Disagreement - "Tithe is Old Testament" or "I don't need to bring the whole tithe to the church."
- Anger - "That's all church is about - wanting my money!"
- Misunderstanding - "Church is all about rules!"
- Depression/fear - "I could never afford to tithe!"
- Mistrust - "Pastor is just trying to line his pockets!"
And realize - while Sunday's message was hard to hear for some, for me, it is much harder to preach. BUT I am excited to elaborate and clarify more this weekend, talk about money management next weekend, and then on Memorial Day weekend to communicate Vision Inside the Zone - when you and I and this church get into the zone, what great things can happen!
It was a good day - we were missing some people due to illness, but we still had 161, and God continues to bless!
One last note - if you would wish to further discuss what's been taught, feel free to comment and leave your questions on this blog - I would love to hear some questions and help us understand some more ways that God can bless this church.
2 comments:
Disagreement - "Tithe is Old Testament" or "I don't need to bring the whole tithe to the church."
So true. Tithe is old testement. Tithing was under the law. How much more should we be givers above and beyond 10 percent?.... We who are under grace ! It's a good thing for us that God didn't give just 10 percent huh? 10 percent salvation, 10 percent forgiveness. 10 percent of blessings in the heavenly places. "God forgive us for our calculated giving back to You"
A little harsh I think.
Givers - we are BRINGERS (remember the message?) - who understand that all we have comes from God. It's not about the 10% beyond the fact that is what God asked us to do (Mal. 3:10; Matt. 23:23) - so to a very real extent, the 10% is important - don't knock a God-given gauge.
But as the bar is raised in the NT (again, remember Sunday's message), it IS about our treasure and our heart - Matthew 6:24. It is about managing all that God has given to us (the parable of the talents). It is about cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 8). That's why Matthew 23:23 is a great statement by Jesus - there is more.
I pray that we as a church body have the boldness and confidence in God's promises to walk in bringing the 10% God asks. I don't slight 10% - it's a great place to be, and as we bring our tithe to God, we do become people who are known for our generosity.
Don't be so quick to judge those who are willing to start with 10%! That is like the teenager criticizing a toddler for not running fast - when the Parent is overjoyed to just see the toddler using all his leg energy and laughing and going.
God deliver us from being too harsh - help us to walk in grace!
-Pastor
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