Is tithing imposed on the gentiles in the new covenant?

[LightningClap0002]

Or since we are discussing the Bible, I'll let it speak on this.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Personally(where I am led), giving 10% is historically considered wise in the Bible. An amount that requires personal sacrifice, but not excessive loss. It also helps me to put God first iny financial life. All decisions are made with what remains after giving God, it's not something that is replaced or diminished when times are tougher.

As for leaders abuse of church income, it saddens me to hear of such things. I have thankfully never encountered this directly. My church now is very transparent and also takes 10% of the money given to the church and gives it to causes outside of our church.

 

[jaybird88]

i dont see why tithing is such a big deal. give what you can and move on. if your putting this much thought into the money your giving IMO you are missing the message of Jesus.

 

[fredoheaven]

I sowed money bountifully for years. Lived in poverty with 3 kids for those heart ache years. I looked at those scriptures closer. Talking about forgiveness and mercy.

I discovered that i cannot 'buy' God's blessings. They are free. I learned to listen to the Holy Spirit on money giving instead of struggling with a percentage. I learned that i was worse than an infidel for taking the very food out of my childrens mouths to finance the exorbitant life style of the one leader, so esteemed, who had the religious title.
Jesus started directing me to help the poor here and there. Not dump cash on a titled man that should be working and not lording it over His heritage. Acts 20. Thats a no no! 'There you go again Yet! Using those rediculous scriptures'!

I also took note that business men and contractors were doing real good financially. Did you know that their incomes were not frozen? Wage earners are.

Hi Yet,

Have you not experienced God's blessing like the widow woman in I kings 17? Message of the story, a poor widow can still give to the servant of God and be blessed!

Here's the scripture for consideration:

1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
2And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,
3Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
4And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.
5So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
6And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
7And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.
8And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,
9Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
10So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.
12And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
14For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day thatthe LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.
15And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.
16And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.
17And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.
18And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?
19And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.
20And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?
21And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.
22And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
23And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.
24And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thouart a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

 

[fredoheaven]

Please note that a Christian is NOT a Gentile:

Galatians 3:28,29
Ephesians 2:11,19

Hi peacenik<

Just to add, I am a gentile believer and belong to a local church but certainly a gentile, a jew and church is rightly diving the word of truth.

God bless

 

[Test_F_i_2_Luv]

I'm hoping for a general response less the dissertations

If NT belivers are going to be obligated to tithing, then they should be giving at least 3. That means they're giving far more than 10%.

There were multiple types of tithes required in O.T. times, not just one.

 

[FranC]

I'd have to agree with Jaybird88.
Nothing, and no worry, should take away our attention from the Lord.

Also, I'd have to bring in the Covenants here.

It could be argued whether or not the New Covenant replaces the Old or Mosaic Covenant.
Personally, I believe it replaces it.
Hebrews 8:13

Jesus abolishes the civil and ceremonial Laws. The Moral Law is kept, but He fulfills that too.
So to me it would seem that the Old is replaced - how could one keep two opposing Covenants?
One by Works - one by Grace.

So, if Jesus abolished civil and ceremonial Law - and tithing would fall under civil law, this would mean that the necessity and demand to tithe does not apply to the church.

The New Covenant speaks to the heart. Jeremiah 31:33
So giving must be done with the heart - not with a mathematical equation.
(10% = Pleasing God)
What pleases God is the joy with which we give.

As support for this view, I'd think Colossians 2:16-17 could apply:
Paul is speaking as to food and drink and feasts, but it could be applied to any man-made rule that is taken from a Law in the O.T. to be applied to the N.T.

and Mark 2:27-28
Jesus is Lord even of the Sabbath - He is Lord of all and fulfills all.

Fran

 

[FranC]

If NT belivers are going to be obligated to tithing, then they should be giving at least 3. That means they're giving far more than 10%.

There were multiple types of tithes required in O.T. times, not just one.

Could you please post what they are?

Fran

 

[PurerInHeart]

No, tithing is under the old law not the new. HOWEVER, we still have to give to God. Our rule, unlike their 10% rule, is that we must choose the percent in our heart, and whoever gives little will receive little, and whoever gives much will receive much.

But food for thought; our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. They gave 10%. Does that mean we must give more than 10%? I know it is not just the amount, but the intention- to give out of a cheerful heart. The Pharisee's intention was to brag through false humility- to be seen and honored by men.

God says if your mother is in need of a doctor, do not say to her, "Sorry, this money is set aside for God." But you also can't spend it on something that is not important and call it an emergency. In other words, use your best judgement. God knows all the thoughts and intentions of the heart. He knows who's being greedy, and who's doing right.

God says if we have the intention of being rich that we will not go unpunished. That does not mean it's wrong to have decent things, it's just wrong to have expensive things, status symbols. How do I examine my intention? God knows you need money, and provides, but you can't LOVE money and love God at the same time. "He who loves money will never have money enough." Is there a point where you would be satisfied? And is that point of satisfaction extravagant? We are here to love, do we love God and others with our money?

 

[peacenik]

Hi peacenik<

Just to add, I am a gentile believer and belong to a local church but certainly a gentile, a jew and church is rightly diving the word of truth.

God bless

The NT shows that a Christian is not a Gentile

 

[Word_Swordsman]

There is no New Covenant doctrinal basis for imposing tithes on Christians. As for offerings, we are free to give sparingly, then reap sparingly, or give generously, and reap generously beyond what we've earned. Choices abound! Give nothing at all to become convinced there is no such thing as a blessing from God.

Choosing to associate with a Church congregation that does impose tithing places the member under
such obligation, like if you choose to buy a house by mortgage, you pay the fees. The idea is if you are not in
one accord with them, leave, go somewhere else for your own peace of mind, and theirs.

Churches that teach and receive tithes tend to be the most effective towards the Great Commandment, reaching the lost in greater numbers, doing significant works.

Churches that exist on unpredictable donations tend to be too involved in raising funds through "Free car wash" events, spaghetti suppers $2 a plate plus "generous donations", raffles of donated items, etc. Many are reduced to a more or less position of beggars to keep their organization open. The result I've seen is many of those give up, stay home, have nothing more to do with the Great Commission other than to say "Amen" when a WalMart greeter says "Bless you".

New Testament scripture imposes a responsibility of Christians who have a pastor serving them to support their pastor and whatever "ministry" they agree that goes with that pastor.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (KJV)
[SUP]13 [/SUP] Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
[SUP]14 [/SUP] Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Verse 13 is given for contrast to verse 14, even as those ministering at the Jewish Temple lived off the things brought to the Temple, the New Covenant minister has the same right to total support of those ministered to. If that is only possible by a congregation yielding up a consistent 10% tithe plus offerings, then that's what will please the Lord concerning "them" and keep that work going. Tithe blessings then go to "them" for their obedience and big-hearted benevolence.

By all means, if giving a pastor enough to serve full time availability causes resentment in the giver, keep that $5 bill in your pocket. Don't risk insulting God or man.

It's all about commitment to a cause, this one being one's part in working as a team with others to promote the Kingdom of Heaven around us.

 

[Word_Swordsman]

.......God says if we have the intention of being rich that we will not go unpunished. That does not mean it's wrong to have decent things, it's just wrong to have expensive things, status symbols. How do I examine my intention? God knows you need money, and provides, but you can't LOVE money and love God at the same time. "He who loves money will never have money enough." Is there a point where you would be satisfied? And is that point of satisfaction extravagant? We are here to love, do we love God and others with our money?

I was with you up to there. God is pleased for people to have expensive things, much more pleased if used to bless the Kingdom of Heaven.
John 12:1-11 (KJV)
[SUP]1 [/SUP] Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
[SUP]2 [/SUP] There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
[SUP]3 [/SUP] Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
[SUP]4 [/SUP] Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
[SUP]5 [/SUP] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
[SUP]6 [/SUP] This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
[SUP]7 [/SUP] Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
[SUP]8 [/SUP] For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
[SUP]9 [/SUP] Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
[SUP]10 [/SUP] But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
[SUP]11 [/SUP] Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

It's easy to enter into sin by resenting the possession of or use of wealth by anyone, not knowing their motive or what God will accept of them.

 

[Word_Swordsman]

The priesthood order of Melchisedek was abolished in Hebrews 7 and the entire congregation is now a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). On that basis the law of tithe was abolished as most Christian meetings during the apostolic era were conducted in homes, not temples. If you tithe you would be paying yourself and that would make no sense at all.

Therefore, tithe is no longer required. Giving is all voluntary.

That same passage of scripture teaches that there were two priesthoods acceptable to God.
The Eternal Priesthood (of Melchizedek) met by Abram came first.
Then God instituted the mortal Aaronic Priesthood, ordaining the tribe of Levi to serve. That didn't replace the older priesthood.
Then came to the front again the Eternal Priesthood, the same one that was of Melchizedek, the High Priest Jesus.

The mortal priesthood of the Temple in Jerusalem was positioned to serve the greater Priesthood in Heaven.

Jesus' priesthood is still very much alive, the other a mortal one that died. Heavenly Great High Priest Jesus is still in that office, ministering keenly to his ordained ones ministering at the altar for us.

Tithing originated in the Eternal Priesthood, was made Law 430+ years later, and has not been repealed within the Eternal order. He still receives tithes of the faithful. Tithers with a pure conscience, with no regrets, are rewarded with blessings non-tithers are blind to. However, there is no curse associated with not tithing today, as was under the Law. Those curses were nailed to Jesus' cross. Any curse remaining is based on what comes out of the mouth.

 

[PurerInHeart]

I was with you up to there. God is pleased for people to have expensive things, much more pleased if used to bless the Kingdom of Heaven.
John 12:1-11 (KJV)
[SUP]1 [/SUP] Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
[SUP]2 [/SUP] There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
[SUP]3 [/SUP] Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
[SUP]4 [/SUP] Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
[SUP]5 [/SUP] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
[SUP]6 [/SUP] This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
[SUP]7 [/SUP] Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
[SUP]8 [/SUP] For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
[SUP]9 [/SUP] Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
[SUP]10 [/SUP] But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
[SUP]11 [/SUP] Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

It's easy to enter into sin by resenting the possession of or use of wealth by anyone, not knowing their motive or what God will accept of them.

Where in the bible does it say that? In 1 Timothy 2:9 He tells women not to wear expensive clothes. This is at least a 'expensive no', can you find anywhere it says 'expensive yes'? (In the New Testament)

 

[AllenW]

When push comes to shove, the all powerful pastor calls on his mercenary force to carry out the one decenter out of the building.
Then the all powerful pastor looks down at his congregation from his high podium and says one word; "MALACHI".
In great reverent fear, the congregation quietly listens as the all powerful pastor tells them the "truth" of tithing and all it's implications.

He starts with the day of judgment; It will be quick to those who do not help the widows and the fatherless. Quick to those who do not fear God.
Then the all powerful pastor moves on to "robbing God".
He then describes "YOU"!
We rob God with tithes and offerings.
He says you are robbing God with tithes and offerings and you are now under a "curse".

By this time you are hanging your head in shame and are wishing you had never been born at all.
Then the all powerful pastor starts talking about the day of the Lord, how soon it will come, and how you had better start giving 10% of all you own to him and him alone or you will end up in hell for all eternity.

This all powerful pastor has just defeated every Christian in his congregation that believes what he says.
They then look to give the all powerful pastor all the money they have so that they can get right with God.

And someone asked "Is tithing imposed on the gentiles in the New Testament"?
Does what I say here sound like it comes from God?

 

[PurerInHeart]

When push comes to shove, the all powerful pastor calls on his mercenary force to carry out the one decenter out of the building.
Then the all powerful pastor looks down at his congregation from his high podium and says one word; "MALACHI".
In great reverent fear, the congregation quietly listens as the all powerful pastor tells them the "truth" of tithing and all it's implications.

He starts with the day of judgment; It will be quick to those who do not help the widows and the fatherless. Quick to those who do not fear God.
Then the all powerful pastor moves on to "robbing God".
He then describes "YOU"!
We rob God with tithes and offerings.
He says you are robbing God with tithes and offerings and you are now under a "curse".

By this time you are hanging your head in shame and are wishing you had never been born at all.
Then the all powerful pastor starts talking about the day of the Lord, how soon it will come, and how you had better start giving 10% of all you own to him and him alone or you will end up in hell for all eternity.

This all powerful pastor has just defeated every Christian in his congregation that believes what he says.
They then look to give the all powerful pastor all the money they have so that they can get right with God.

And someone asked "Is tithing imposed on the gentiles in the New Testament"?
Does what I say here sound like it comes from God?

When we give in church we are not giving to the minister (paster is an elder not the minister), we are giving to God. God in turn chooses what to do with His money, and one of the things is to provide for the minister. In the Old Testament the Levites were to get a certain portion of the sacrifice. I think this represents today.

Because God gives to the minister out of the offerings, the minister COULD have the intention of putting pressure on the congregation to give more so that he can benefit from it. I agree that is possible. But if the minister reads to us where the poor woman gave all that she had, he is just doing his job that God gave him to do. You know what is also possible? For members of the congregation to judge him, assuming he has bad intentions, when they could be wrong. What then will God say to them? "Who are you to judge another Man's servant?!"

You don't think that God knows the intentions of all of us, and has discipline in store for evil thoughts carried out? God does discipline, He disciplines those He accepts as a son or daughter. But it's up to Him to discipline His servant- not you, if in fact His servant is guilty of wrongdoing.

As far as you are concerned, if you gave in church, and the minister had intentions of greed or misused the money, God still credits it to you that you gave to God so that He can provide for the poor and for the minister's needs. As far as he goes, if he has bad intentions God will not let him go unpunished- but that's between him and God. But if you have proof of evil behavior on his his part, and continue to give knowing that money is being used for evil, then you would be supporting that evil. In that case you confront him, if he doesn't listen you take a witness and confront him again, if he still doesn't listen you then take it before the whole congregation. Meanwhile, you are still required to give to God as you've prospered. You could mail it to another congregation explaining there's a problem where you are, and that you cannot currently give your contribution to God here.

(Any congregation whose preacher lives in a mansion has proof of wrongdoing.)

"He who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism."

 

[AllenW]

When we give in church we are not giving to the minister (paster is an elder not the minister), we are giving to God. God in turn chooses what to do with His money, and one of the things is to provide for the minister. In the Old Testament the Levites were to get a certain portion of the sacrifice. I think this represents today.

Because God gives to the minister out of the offerings, the minister COULD have the intention of putting pressure on the congregation to give more so that he can benefit from it. I agree that is possible. But if the minister reads to us where the poor woman gave all that she had, he is just doing his job that God gave him to do. You know what is also possible? For members of the congregation to judge him, assuming he has bad intentions, when they could be wrong. What then will God say to them? "Who are you to judge another Man's servant?!"

You don't think that God knows the intentions of all of us, and has discipline in store for evil thoughts carried out? God does discipline, He disciplines those He accepts as a son or daughter. But it's up to Him to discipline His servant- not you, if in fact His servant is guilty of wrongdoing.

As far as you are concerned, if you gave in church, and the minister had intentions of greed or misused the money, God still credits it to you that you gave to God so that He can provide for the poor and for the minister's needs. As far as he goes, if he has bad intentions God will not let him go unpunished- but that's between him and God. But if you have proof of evil behavior on his his part, and continue to give knowing that money is being used for evil, then you would be supporting that evil. In that case you confront him, if he doesn't listen you take a witness and confront him again, if he still doesn't listen you then take it before the whole congregation. Meanwhile, you are still required to give to God as you've prospered. You could mail it to another congregation explaining there's a problem where you are, and that you cannot currently give your contribution to God here.

(Any congregation whose preacher lives in a mansion has proof of wrongdoing.)

"He who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism."

As far as I'm concerned, let the pastor go out and get a real job like everyone else.
I've never met one that's ever earned a paycheck before.
And why should it be at my expense?
If I can't a insurance, I should pay for his?
If I can't afford health insurance, I should pay for his?
If I can't afford a mortgage, I should pay for his?
If I can't afford a vacation, I should pay for his?
And then all their church expenses are a big secret?
I'll tell you what, you go spend all your money on this guy and I'll eat, drink. and be merry, because this is my lot in life.

 

[peacenik]

That same passage of scripture teaches that there were two priesthoods acceptable to God.
The Eternal Priesthood (of Melchizedek) met by Abram came first.
Then God instituted the mortal Aaronic Priesthood ... Tithers with a pure conscience, with no regrets, are rewarded with blessings non-tithers are blind to. However, there is no curse associated with not tithing today, as was under the Law. Those curses were nailed to Jesus' cross. Any curse remaining is based on what comes out of the mouth.

And since the entire congregation is now a royal priesthood that means that if a tithe is to be paid, it is to be distributed among the entire congregation.

 

[PurerInHeart]

As far as I'm concerned, let the pastor go out and get a real job like everyone else.
I've never met one that's ever earned a paycheck before.
And why should it be at my expense?
If I can't a insurance, I should pay for his?
If I can't afford health insurance, I should pay for his?
If I can't afford a mortgage, I should pay for his?
If I can't afford a vacation, I should pay for his?
And then all their church expenses are a big secret?
I'll tell you what, you go spend all your money on this guy and I'll eat, drink. and be merry, because this is my lot in life.

Every member of the congregation has a right to know how church funds are being distributed. At our congregation we get a printout of offings made, and where that money went.

Again, it is giving to God- not giving to the minister. When Cain and Abel brought their sacrifice to the alter, were they bringing it to a man? No, they were bringing it to God. God accepted Abel's offering, but not Cain's offering. How then can you have hope that God will accept your offering, being that there isn't even one there?

Its God's business what He does with HIS money- whether it is to feed the hungry, provide for the minister, or build a tabernacle like He did in the Old Testament. Do you know His people contributed so much gold that they had to be told to stop because it was too much? Can you imagine that today? Members giving so much that they are told please, it's too much?

Jesus says give to Cesar what is Cesar's (taxes for the land in which we live) and give to God what is God's (church offerings). If you do not give God His portion, without good reason - like your mother being sick, that is in fact stealing from God! You are talking about the minister's greed (even though God decides to give him that money), what about your greed that has no excuse at all?

 

[PurerInHeart]

And since the entire congregation is now a royal priesthood that means that if a tithe is to be paid, it is to be distributed among the entire congregation.

It is- they have a building to meet in to shelter them from the elements, complete with electricity, and a pew to sit on. Any member in need of food or clothes will not be overlooked, if they are, how can the love of God be in that congregation? But if the minister is spending his time studying and preparing sermons, how can he also work to provide for his family? If he chooses to work also, or chooses not to accept his God-given portion- that's up to him, but it is rightfully his, God provides it for him. Are you jealous? Does not God also provide for you? Does not the minister also have to give back to God from which He has provided? If another member is blind they might feel the same way- why does he get sight and I don't? Like Job said, the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away, but I will love and honor Him the same no matter what.

 

[jsr1221]

Every member of the congregation has a right to know how church funds are being distributed. At our congregation we get a printout of offings made, and where that money went.

Again, it is giving to God- not giving to the minister. When Cain and Abel brought their sacrifice to the alter, were they bringing it to a man? No, they were bringing it to God. God accepted Abel's offering, but not Cain's offering. How then can you have hope that God will accept your offering, being that there isn't even one there?

Its God's business what He does with HIS money- whether it is to feed the hungry, provide for the minister, or build a tabernacle like He did in the Old Testament. Do you know His people contributed so much gold that they had to be told to stop because it was too much? Can you imagine that today? Members giving so much that they are told please, it's too much?

Jesus says give to Cesar what is Cesar's (taxes for the land in which we live) and give to God what is God's (church offerings). If you do not give God His portion, without good reason - like your mother being sick, that is in fact stealing from God! You are talking about the minister's greed (even though God decides to give him that money), what about your greed that has no excuse at all?

A: I can just go and feed the hungry myself and minister to them directly.
B: God spoke directly to people in the Old Testament. Hence, the sacrifices.
C: The original tithes were the land.
D: If a guy works minimum wage to feed his family of four (him, his wife, and two kids), and they sometimes don't even have enough to live, it's still expected to give money he doesn't even have? As said above, I think God would know what constitute as an emergency (my kids and wife will starve) versus not an emergency (I want to buy a brand new tv).
E: The church is the body of people. We don't need to "go to church." We are church. Where did they meet in the Old testament? In people's homes. Since when did a building become a church?