I appreciate Wright’s hermeneutic and epistemology (i.e. critical realism).

I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. Glad we could connect.

Do you do Skype?

Did you like this book? I really enjoyed it, but for me “Jesus and the Victory of God” was stunning.

….The missional church always thinks of the long haul rather than the quick fix.”

I’m sure if you ask anyone in the traditional churches, they would say they’re in it for the long haul. That brick building downtown has been there more than 150 years, and the denomination even longer. They have a sense of permanence and in a way their right. If two or three member families move out of town in the traditional church, it keeps right on going; if they leave a group meeting in someone’s home, that could be the end of that.

I know brick and mortar is the wrong kind of permanence. I’m just wondering about how do we get across the sense of being part of something eternally permanent,(and part of something bigger than a few people around my dining room table) especially to those young in the faith? Just something to think about…

On one hand, the ten percent rule and the notion of tithing in and of itself was done away with, this is true. However, Jesus commissioned His believers to give with a cheerful heart and with gladness. If anyone asks anything of us, we should give it to them. I think this would apply to us today. We should not be so greedy with what we have, and that included money.

Some might say, “Well, they don’t share. They’re not living right.” Or, “I called so n so church for help, and they wouldn’t help me. They aren’t a good church or christians.” These things are so very common throughout our nation. I think that we human people rely far too much on our own thoughts about the poor or needy (“She/He has been here every month asking for help. Why don’t they try to help themselves?” – or – “We have to set guidelines for our assistance programs because otherwise people would be calling us day and night and would bleed us dry in no time. Then, what would we have to help somebody else? We have to use these guidelines so that everyone gets an equal share.”) People say things like this because they are not relying on the Divine leading of the Holy Spirit or the voice of the Lord in giving!

I must admit, I’ve been to a charity or two in my day, when things were very tough. And you know something? Not once, and I repeat, not once, did any of them stop, find a quiet place, be still or humble before the Lord, and pray for me and with me before giving any assistance. That is sad, but true.

Also, I have never read anything in the bible related to charity or giving where it says that one should equally dish out, in tiny amounts, assistance to individuals, provided they meet certain criteria. Some might point fingers of blame and say, “How can any Christian person pass by a sick homeless person on the street and barely give them a glance, let alone a dollar or two?” To answer them I would say, they pass by because they either are not led by the Holy Spirit to give to that person at that time OR they are so far removed from a personal relationship with God that they can’t hear Him when he calls.

The idea of a ten percent rule is the easy way out, I think. I’ve heard people say, “Well, I don’t have to give to such n so, because I’ve already gave my ten percent out of this week’s check.” I’m guessing some of your readers have heard the same, or even said it themselves. It is too often used as an excuse not to give, and even more often, viewed as a chore, drudgery, requirement, or commandment. Jesus said to be a cheerful giver, yet so many open their hands and plop their offerings in while they cringe in the act. Why give anything to the Lord if you despise the act? Does not the Bible tell us that, with God’s own voice, we were told that He detests the offerings, the sacrifices, the feasts, the songs and dance, because they are not done with a right heart or right mind?

I will say one more comment, and then I must go. I can’t tell you how many times I had money in my wallet, not really needing it for a specific or pressing issue, and I hear that still small voice prompting me to give it to some complete stranger or use it for some strange purpose. And you know, I would much rather give by the prompting of my Father, regardless of if its 1% or 50% or 100% than to delude myself into thinking I’m all great and wonderful by giving a dictated 10% at a place where I think is right, at my convenience, where everyone can see me. No, I would rather know that my gift went where it was supposed to go, according to God’s will, not my own. I’d rather stay away from the tax deductions for charitable religious giving (end-of-year tithing envelopes).

Does the Bible abolish the 10% rule? Yes. Should we stop giving? No! And to be honest, we should give even more now than ever before.

Great post, Matthew!

Jesus says that tithing is one of the ‘matters of the Law’ (Mat 23:23). This is conformed in Heb 7:5

Yes the pharisees ‘ought to tithe’ …but let us look at what they tithed (herbs and not money)
Anyone who teaches that tithing is a ‘spritual principle’ is saying that Jesus was not correct.

As a matter of the Law we have no right to ‘change one jot or tittle’…or Jesus says we will make ourselves ‘LEAST in the kingdom of heaven ‘ (Mat5:18-19). The Law itself warns strongly against this.

Who then authouised the following changes:-

1) Tithing was only to be produce of the promised Land (Lev 27:30&32)…who changed it to money as preached today
2) Tithing was only ever to be given to Levites (Numbers 18:21-24) under a covenant….who authorised ‘pastors’ and church organisations to touch it
3) Tithes were given to Levites because they forfeited their inheritance…who said people who own property can touch it?
4) Tithes were for Israel only (Lev 27:1 & 34)…who said Gentiles should tithe contrary to Acts 15 and Gal 2:10?
5) Tithes were to be eaten by the giver and shared with the POOR…Deut 14:22-29….who authorised this change?

Pastors and churches propogating this deception REPENT or you will ensure that your lifes work earns you NO rewards in eternity

regards in Christ
Chris

I am about two weeks into it. Have another week to go. I’ve lost some weight and I feel better so no complaints here.

The only bummer was eating fruits and veggies alone for 10 days. Bring on the chicken!