Biblical Use Of Money
Today, tithing is not a commandment for New Testament believers. When Jesus Christ shed his blood it initiated the New Covenant and the Old Covenant (The Law) was done away with. Now that we are under the New Covenant, we live not by a set of rules but by the Spirit. In other words, we are not accountable to a set of law in which God says, "Do this and you will live". We live by the Spirit because God has written his laws on our hearts. This is why the Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that each one of should give whatever we have decided in our heart to give.
When God gave the Ten Commandments the people thought, "I don't murder; I don't commit adultery". They only did what the written law required, not realizing that the law required much more. They failed to realize that hating someone is the same as murder and lusting is the same as adultery. Many pastors are hurting their churches by giving people a scapegoat when it comes to tithing. What I mean is, I believe there are many people who probably feel like they should give much more than 10%, but because they are taught that 10% is all that God requires, they only give 10%. It's their excuse not to give more. Also, I believe there are those who for various reasons are struggling with finances and really can't afford to give 10% but they are put back under the law by these pastors who tell them they must tithe 10% or they won't be blessed. This is simply not taught in scripture. Give what you can and what you have decided between you and God and let no man judge you. I believe John Wesley says it best when he says, "Give all that you can".
Continue reading >>> Comments (0)04-28-2008 01:23
Youth Ministry As I See It
I was thinking recently about Youth Ministry in America and the way in which it has evolved. Since the 1970's the church in America has been trying it's hardest to compete with the world. It began with the Jesus Movement which targeted hippies through their music. The church hasn't stopped and ever since that time the church has been trying harder and harder to make the unbeliever feel comfortable, un-judged and accepted unconditionally. The whole Gospel is rarely ever shared, biblical knowledge and personal devotions are at an all time low. Some statistics indicate that less than 35% of so called Christian people today read their bible more than once a week.
Continue reading >>> Comments (0)04-25-2008 19:44
Persistent Prayer
If you've been around the church for any length of time you've probably heard the sermons that tell us that we need to be like the persistent widow in Luke 18 that came to the judge day and night. We are told that this is an example for us of how we should pray. However, when you look at the story more closely you see that we don't relate to the widow at all. Here's some things to consider:
Continue reading >>> Comments (0)04-25-2008 17:51
Having A Healthy Marriage
I listened today to Focus on the Family because there was nothing else on the radio. I'm not trying to be negative, it's just my personality to analyze everything and compare it to the bible. One thing that has been happening over the past few decades is a move towards Christian Psychology as a way of understanding how to act and function in our relationships. The problem with Focus on the Family and most other "Christian" counseling is that it really is a great thing if your not a Christian. What I mean is, if you take out Jesus from the whole Christian Psychology thing, you still have a good way to handle marriage problems. Sure these Christian people say you need Jesus to help you accomplish these things, but it's almost as if it's an after thought that they stick on there so they can call it "Christian Counseling".
Continue reading >>> Comments (0)04-25-2008 17:42
Church of the Nazarene Doctrine
I was born and raised in the Church of the Nazarene and I continue to be involved with it in many ways. My grandparents have left after being members for over 65 years and my aunt after 50 years. My aunt said, "I love the doctrine but the people just aren't living it". The Nazarene church is unique among so many churches because of their strong belief in Entire Sanctification. I strongly believe in entire sanctification but keep in mind that does not mean outward perfection. Below is from the Wikipedia on The Doctrine In Wesley
Continue reading >>> Comments (0)04-25-2008 17:29