Tithing

[spiritseeker]

aj4u I am sorry that Moses David and The Family International has hurt you. But , a false prophet does not negate that there is a true prophet alive today on earth. I wish that you could know the security a true prophet gives in a world filled with such chaos. I believe you were hurt very deeply I see it in your post and my heart goes out to you. You are here on LDS net for a reason I believe God wants to heal that hurt. That healing will come when you forgive what the false prophet did to you and when you are able to accept the true Prophet of God Forgiving does not mean forgetting but it does mean moving past the hurt for your sanity... I testify to you that Thomas Monson is a true Prophet of God. I know about "The Family" so I do understand where you are at, I send you my prayers and friendship.:)

[aj4u]

That is fine for you and I can respect that. I, however, would like to rely not only on scriptures but on my belief that we have and have had modern day prophets who receive revelation from our Heavenly Father. That our prophet Thomas S. Monson receives revelation even today that is relevant to the times. One of the revelations received by Joseph Smith was the reinstatment of the Law of Tithing.

It's what I believe and I'm sticking with it. I respect your belief but please have the courtesy of respecting mine as well.

What would make you think I don't respect your belief?

[aj4u]

aj4u I am sorry that Moses David and The Family International has hurt you. But , a false prophet does not negate that there is a true prophet alive today on earth. I wish that you could know the security a true prophet gives in a world filled with such chaos. I believe you were hurt very deeply I see it in your post and my heart goes out to you. You are here on LDS net for a reason I believe God wants to heal that hurt. That healing will come when you forgive what the false prophet did to you and when you are able to accept the true Prophet of God Forgiving does not mean forgetting but it does mean moving past the hurt for your sanity... I testify to you that Thomas Monson is a true Prophet of God. I know about "The Family" so I do understand where you are at, I send you my prayers and friendship.:)

I thank you for your understanding. I am long over the hurt. I left in the mid seventies. When I was in COG, I was so sure David was the end-time prophet. At first, I doubted but a sister in the group showed me a verse that confirmed he was the latter-day prophet (so I thought). The verse was in the OT. It is where God said, "I will raise up my servant David in the latter days and you shall consider it" I knew it wasn't talking about King David. David Berg was Jewish so things really began to make sense. All of us in the group were forsaking everything going into the entire world to preach the gospel. It was like living out acts. I would tell Jehovah Witnesses who have been hurt by their cult experience losing their children because they couldn't take blood. I would tell them “I know you have been hurt by CT Russell the false prophet, but I can assure you that Moses David is the real deal. Come into his fold and be healed” He is the last day prophet. I left the group shortly after the Jim Jones incident! I have told ex- Jws that I had lost my aunt who wouldn't take blood. She was a JW too. Yes there are many modern day prophets and some may be true blue, but I will trust Jesus Christ and test every spirit to be sure it is of God! Edited May 9, 2009 by aj4u

[bytebear]

The difference is that the LDS Church does not force tithing on anyone. It is completely voluntary. But, so is the Word of Wisdom, church attendance, scripture reading, prayer, temple attendance, and pretty much everything else. No one forces anything on anyone. But, many know the great blessings that come from obedience. And tithing is a great example of the that principle. People don't pay tithes because they fear retrobution, but rather, because they know blessings will follow.

By the way, tithing was not established during the great depression. it was just reemphasized. It was established in 1831 by revelation to Joseph Smith and set forth "until the coming of the Son of Man". (Doctrine & Covenants 64:23)

Oh, one recommendation too, if you have time, do some volunteer work Perhaps you can even exchange some time in the church's social services instead of actual money.

Edited May 9, 2009 by bytebear

[aj4u]

The difference is that the LDS Church does not force tithing on anyone. It is completely voluntary. But, so is the Word of Wisdom, church attendance, scripture reading, prayer, temple attendance, and pretty much everything else. No one forces anything on anyone. But, many know the great blessings that come from obedience. And tithing is a great example of the that principle. People don't pay tithes because they fear retrobution, but rather, because they know blessings will follow.

By the way, tithing was not established during the great depression. it was just reemphasized. It was established in 1831 by revelation to Joseph Smith and set forth "until the coming of the Son of Man". (Doctrine & Covenants 64:23)

Oh, one recommendation too, if you have time, do some volunteer work Perhaps you can even exchange some time in the church's social services instead of actual money.

I was not referring to the LDS church! Besides, neither did the group I was in force tithing. It was a volunteer thing. I said they manipulated us by telling us it was God's will. After a while they would hold back the latest prophet's word from us. They were manipulative through mind-control. I couldn't see it when I was in the group because I was in a subjective situation. When I got out (thank God) I could see objectively for who they really were and what they were doing. I do give my local church of my time and money cheerfully. Giving is a good thing, but not when we are told by people we are disobedient if we don't tithe. Besides, all I have belongs to the Lord anyway. He has made me His steward over it. Thanks for responding.

[Hemidakota]

Tithing is a precursor to what other principle?

[Hemidakota]

I was not aware of this mandate made to Mormons at the turn of the 20th century. This mandate is also made to the fundamental congregation of churches by many pastors, but according to the Scriptures in the Holy Bible, I believe it is unwarranted and cannot be backed up Scripturally speaking!

It does mentioned it in the NT. Read Luke chapter 18 and Acts.

[aj4u]

It does mentioned it in the NT. Read Luke chapter 18 and Acts.

I'm sorry but the Scriptures you gave me does not teach or mandate tithing, and the only mention of actually doing it was in Luke and Matt. when Jesus called the religious leaders on their hypocrisy of how careful they follow the OT laws, and Jesus tells them you tithe and mint, these things you should do but not leave the other parts of the law undone, and Abraham tithing in Hebrews to the big M, but even in these scenarios, tithing wasn't being taught or mandated in the NT. Jesus did, however, teach forsaking all to follow Him. I have experienced doing that. I have learned we need to do that on a daily basis to be Christ's disciples. Tithing is simply not taught in the NT plan and simple. Edited May 9, 2009 by aj4u

[pam]

It is better to loose a house than to loose your salvation.

But if you "loose" a house it might fall down. You want a house to be sturdy not loose. hahaha

[Hemidakota]

Got to love the brain and how it chooses words. LOSE! Thanks...

[Hemidakota]

I'm sorry but the Scriptures you gave me does not teach or mandate tithing, and the only mention of actually doing it was in Luke and Matt. when Jesus called the religious leaders on their hypocrisy of how careful they follow the OT laws, and Jesus tells them you tithe and mint, these things you should do but not leave the other parts of the law undone, and Abraham tithing in Hebrews to the big M, but even in these scenarios, tithing wasn't being taught or mandated in the NT. Jesus did, however, teach forsaking all to follow Him. I have experienced doing that. I have learned we need to do that on a daily basis to be Christ's disciples. Tithing is simply not taught in the NT plan and simple.

Are you really sure! Or perhaps, it requires some heavenly help in making the appropriate interruption. It does mention tithing and it is a precursor to the eternal law of Consecration.

[aj4u]

Are you really sure! Or perhaps, it requires some heavenly help in making the appropriate interruption. It does mention tithing and it is a precursor to the eternal law of Consecration.

It does mention tithing, but it doesn't teach it or mandate it nor mention that it is a precursor to anything eternal if you read it in context. However, there is nothing wrong with doing it as long as you don't bind it on those who are free from the law, but why stop at just 10%?

[pam]

We've never been told that we can only give 10% and that's it. If we feel we would like to give more that is totally up to us. We are just required to give 10% as a minimum.

[Vort]

but why stop at just 10%?

Because anything more or less than 10% is not tithing. Tithing means "a tenth". You can give as much as you choose, but tithing is required as a minimum for those under the covenant.

[aj4u]

We've never been told that we can only give 10% and that's it. If we feel we would like to give more that is totally up to us. We are just required to give 10% as a minimum.

I thought you told me, oh, never mind. I know that you are required to give 10% that what tithe means, but all I am saying is I don't see any support for it in the NT. Mainstream Christianity would get on my case about this too. It is just my observation. I could be wrong. I would rather make my own interpretive mistakes than someone else's.

[Jim108]

Because anything more or less than 10% is not tithing. Tithing means "a tenth". You can give as much as you choose, but tithing is required as a minimum for those under the covenant.

I never knew that. Makes sense. Learn something new everyday.

[aj4u]

Because anything more or less than 10% is not tithing. Tithing means "a tenth". You can give as much as you choose, but tithing is required as a minimum for those under the covenant.

What covenant is that?

[Vort]

What covenant is that?

The baptismal covenant.

[Just_A_Guy]

Tithing is simply not taught in the NT plan and simple.

Ananias and Sapphira would beg to differ.

[aj4u]

Ananias and Sapphira would beg to differ.

Ananias and Sapphira were not about tithing. They lied to the Holy Spirit which was lying to God. They could have kept back half of their possessions if they were honest in saying this is all we want to give! Luke 14:33 does not say we should tithe; it says we should give all we have if we truly want to be disciples of Christ! Half will not do; a tenth will not do! He gave all. We must give all! Being a Christian is impossible for human ability, but with God all things are possible.

[Guest Lovely12]

When my husband I had financial difficulties and we paid our tithing, it always worked out. One time we received two checks in the mail, because we had overpaid on our utilities. It just always worked out somehow. Also, I would be honest with the bishop and let him know. And, of course, pray on it.

[prospectmom]

My parents are a good example of paying tithing when it seems ther is no money to do it... It always worked out they were always blessed.

[aj4u]

When my husband I had financial difficulties and we paid our tithing, it always worked out. One time we received two checks in the mail, because we had overpaid on our utilities. It just always worked out somehow. Also, I would be honest with the bishop and let him know. And, of course, pray on it.

That is a testimony of God's faithfulness and His love for us. That doesn't change with respect of how much money we give or if we pay tithe or not.

[prospectmom]

it is about our obedience and our faithfulness

[aj4u]

it is about our obedience and our faithfulness

That may be true if one believes they must tithe. Everyone must operate according to their faith. For whatever is not done in faith is sin.