What It's Really All About

[Cal]

"God's plan for solving the problems of the world has never been government. It has always been the Church."

"If every church member tithed the Church would collect another $165 billion a year, which would solve the world problems of hunger, thirst, literacy, mission funding... with $100 billion left over."

[testallthings]

Igzy,

it seems that there are two issues in your posts: giving and solving the problems of the world.

I believe you, and others, have correctly pointed that this is what God demands to all His children. It seems that no one (?) had a problem with this except in how much give. In the O.T. God said to give 10%. In the N. T. there is not such commandment. Some have argued (not those who have posted here) that the New Testament believers should offer more than those under the Law.

The second issue is the following:

Originally Posted by Igzy

"God's plan for solving the problems of the world has never been government. It has always been the Church."

"If every church member tithed the Church would collect another $165 billion a year, which would solve the world problems of hunger, thirst, literacy, mission funding... with $100 billion left over."

While there is strong evidence from the Bible to support the first point (giving), I do not see that God's plan for the Church is to solve the problems of the world. If the Church cannot solve its own problems, and there are so many, how could her help others? One of the exception is the Roman Catholic Church which, by the way, is a State, too.

There are examples of individuals who have helped to solve some problems of the world (G. Mueller, H. Taylor), based on their absolute dependence on God (without advertising their needs). I believe works of faith of some Christians, who feels so under the clear direction of God should have all the support, from other like minded Christians, they “deserve”. But for the Church as such, I do not see, from the N.T., that this is God's plan.

[Cal]

Originally Posted by testallthings

While there is strong evidence from the Bible to support the first point (giving), I do not see that God's plan for the Church is to solve the problems of the world. If the Church cannot solve its own problems, and there are so many, how could her help others?

Thanks for your thoughts. The point above seems to be similar to the idea that we should not help others until we've taken care of ourselves. This is the very reason some people never give. The poor widow gave out of her poverty, that's why the Lord praised her. So should we.

My church, ACF, was in debt when we began moving toward giving away 50% of money collected in offerings to other ministries and needs. We paid off our debts when we hit around 25% or so. Now we give away 50% and are not in need.*

This is God's REAL economy.

*Please note that ACF is in an upper middle class community. We have lots of members who can afford to give a lot. Still only about 18% give significantly.