Yes tithing, giving 10%, is first taught in the Old testament. Tithing was mentioned before the law was given, when the law was given and Jesus in the New Testament, commended those who were obeying the practice of tithing. Tithing helps to remind us that everything we have actually belongs to God and we are to be good stewards of what He has given us. Deuteronomy 14:23 (LB) “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” Tithing reminds us to always put God first in our lives. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34. I have found that there are two kinds of people in the world, givers and takers. Givers are always happier people. Tithing helps us to keep our hearts close to God who is a giver. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...”
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There are hundreds of different religions and beliefs that all seem to promote that their path is the path to God. Most of these religions do recognize or acknowledge Jesus as a great teacher or prophet. Jesus is a great teacher and prophet, but he is more than that. Jesus is also God who became flesh. The One True God who has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit came to earth as Jesus the Son of God. Jesus then said this, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” There may be many ways for a person to come to know about Jesus but knowing and accepting Jesus is the only way to God the Father who is in Heaven. A great teacher would not proclaim a lie as the truth. If you want to connect with God you will need to come through and by trusting Jesus. I grew up, graduated from high school, own property and pastor a church all right here in Charlotte. I feel that I have a right to express my concerns on this or any issue that is going to affect my community. I spoke and shared my concerns from both a Biblical and secular viewpoint. I shared how it really doesn’t matter how I feel about this issue, but it does matter how God feels. I proceeded to share some Biblical support that warns against the dangers associated with this issue. Then I supported the Biblical warning with alarming statistics from states that have already gone down this road. Every law we have is founded on the basis on what someone deems right or wrong. God’s Word was not sent to enslave us but to protect us and point us toward our Savior. I hope more Biblical informed citizens will let their voice be heard. The origin of yoga mediation is directly linked to Hinduism and Buddhism. According to the Ministry of External Affairs government of India web site, “Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline”. When any person practices a spiritual discipline apart from connecting with the One True God taught in Judeo-Christian teachings, they are opening themselves up to false gods or demoniac presence. Yoga exercise and meditation was established to be a spiritual discipline that has nothing to do with the God of the Bible. This will probably get some folks upset but I have found that this little rhyme has been very helpful. “If in doubt, leave it out”. I would agree with what some of these other Christian leaders have warned about. |
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