GIVING/ OFFERING

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Publican

Active member
Oct 1, 2024
438
213
43
#21
Your stubborn unwillingness to learn isn't going to serve you well in life.
"And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High"

I'll take my lesson from Christ on this one. But thanks for your input.
 
Nov 12, 2021
1,699
594
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#22
Many people need to do some soul searching when they give their tithe and offerings to their Church ---God does not need our money ----We give because we Love God and He calls for us to give freely and cheerfully --not because we expect to get a portion back from this worldly system -----

As many people give their tithe and offerings because they can collect a portion of their donation back as they can claim it on their income tax ===they do it as a charitable donation ----

So actually anyone who does this is really not trusting God in their Giving ---they are giving because they will reap a benefit from their giving at income tax time ----

Where is our trust in our giving ----In God whose Promise is this ---it says ----Give and It WILL BE GIVEN --this is God's promise ---------Or is our trust in the Worldly Government System ---of give me a receipt and you get back some of what you gave ----

Where is our Trust in our return ---is the Real Question ----

Luke 6:38

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I wonder how many would stop their giving to the church if there was no return on their income tax ???????
 
Nov 12, 2021
1,699
594
113
#23
Interesting read here Usury

https://www.gotquestions.org/usury-Bible.html
What is usury in the Bible?

Usury is, by modern definition, the illegal practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest. Usury is usually carried out with the intention of the lender, or usurer, gaining an unfair profit from the loan. A modern slang term for a usurer is loan shark.

Somewhat complicating the matter is the fact that, before the creation of usury laws, usury could refer to interest in general. Now, usury refers to exorbitantly (and illegally) high interest rates. The King James Version uses the word usury in its now obsolete sense. For example, in Exodus 22:25, the basic rule regarding interest is “If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury” (KJV). However, in the English Standard Version, the same verse reads, “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.”

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were forbidden from charging “usury,” or interest, on loans to fellow Jews (Deuteronomy 23:19), but they were allowed to charge interest on loans to foreigners (Deuteronomy 23:20). The earlier iterations of this law in Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35–38 make it clear that it deals with loans made to fellow Israelites who were experiencing poverty. Having to pay back the loan with “usury,” or interest, would only put them further into debt and was not beneficial to the economy. Loans to foreigners, however, were considered more of a business deal—such loans were seen as international commerce and therefore allowed. This law served as a reminder to the Jews that helping those in need is something that should be done without expecting anything in return.

Many of the loans we are familiar with in modern times come from banks, and the Bible doesn’t say much about this. While the Bible does not prohibit the charging of interest, it does warn against becoming too concerned with money, telling us that we cannot serve both God and money at the same time (Matthew 6:24). We are reminded that the desire to be rich leads to destruction and that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil (1 Timothy 6:9–10).

In addition, God’s wisdom includes a warning not to take advantage of the plight of the poor. “Sharks” who gouge the needy in the time of their distress will not enjoy their spoils for long: “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor” (Proverbs 28:8, KJV), or, in another translation, “Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor / amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor” (NIV).
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,401
13,746
113
#24
"And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High"

I'll take my lesson from Christ on this one. But thanks for your input.
That verse tells you nothing about either "interest" or "usury". Since you choose to be ignorant on the matter, I see no reason to attempt to enlighten you.
 

Publican

Active member
Oct 1, 2024
438
213
43
#25
That verse tells you nothing about either "interest" or "usury". Since you choose to be ignorant on the matter, I see no reason to attempt to enlighten you.
"Lend, expecting nothing in return."
This is the final word on the subject for me. But I do appreciate your input.
 
Aug 23, 2024
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#26
Our friend and fellow advocate, who has a deep personal connection to the protagonists of this story—Prince Peter of Denmark, Italy, Greece, Gets Married Off To Maud Angelica Behn, has brought their plight to our attention. They face an unfair burden from societal perceptions of their relationship and the limitations imposed by royal family traditions and expectations. This situation represents a clear case of injustice we cannot overlook. Societal norms unfairly overshadow their love story, and it's time we stand up against this injustice.

1. In a society where love knows no boundaries, it seems outdated to interfere with two people's marriage decisions just because they met on a reality TV series called "The First Date Series." The circumstances surrounding their meeting are far less important than the genuine connection they have forged.

Reports from the Council of Europe, a leading human rights organization, indicate a significant societal shift toward accepting relationships and marriages formed through unconventional means, with over 60% of people across Europe supporting such unions (Council of Europe Report, 2020). This change reflects the democratic values we uphold, emphasizing the freedom to choose one's partner and the liberty to decide when and how to solidify a relationship, independent of external validation.

Given this transformative landscape, we, as supporters and well-wishers of Prince Peter and Maud Angelica, must come together to support their love story. Your support is not just important. It's integral. With your collective action, we can make a notable difference. We must stand together to respect their choices, protect them from undue pressure, and champion their right to love and marry on their terms. Your support is crucial in this fight for love and equality.

Let us unite in urging the relevant authorities and societal influencers to embrace this change, dispel the stigma surrounding unconventional love stories, and celebrate the union of two souls in marriage, irrespective of how and where their love story began. I encourage everyone to sign the petition today; your support is vital in allowing Prince Peter and Maud Angelica to make their most loving decision. Remember, your signature is not just a mark on a page but a powerful statement of support. Together, we can inspire meaningful change, and your action can be the spark that ignites this transformation!
 
Aug 23, 2024
620
344
63
#27
Our friend and fellow advocate, who has a deep personal connection to the protagonists of this story—Prince Peter of Denmark, Italy, Greece, Gets Married Off To Maud Angelica Behn, has brought their plight to our attention. They face an unfair burden from societal perceptions of their relationship and the limitations imposed by royal family traditions and expectations. This situation represents a clear case of injustice we cannot overlook. Societal norms unfairly overshadow their love story, and it's time we stand up against this injustice.

1. In a society where love knows no boundaries, it seems outdated to interfere with two people's marriage decisions just because they met on a reality TV series called "The First Date Series." The circumstances surrounding their meeting are far less important than the genuine connection they have forged.

Reports from the Council of Europe, a leading human rights organization, indicate a significant societal shift toward accepting relationships and marriages formed through unconventional means, with over 60% of people across Europe supporting such unions (Council of Europe Report, 2020). This change reflects the democratic values we uphold, emphasizing the freedom to choose one's partner and the liberty to decide when and how to solidify a relationship, independent of external validation.

Given this transformative landscape, we, as supporters and well-wishers of Prince Peter and Maud Angelica, must come together to support their love story. Your support is not just important. It's integral. With your collective action, we can make a notable difference. We must stand together to respect their choices, protect them from undue pressure, and champion their right to love and marry on their terms. Your support is crucial in this fight for love and equality.

Let us unite in urging the relevant authorities and societal influencers to embrace this change, dispel the stigma surrounding unconventional love stories, and celebrate the union of two souls in marriage, irrespective of how and where their love story began. I encourage everyone to sign the petition today; your support is vital in allowing Prince Peter and Maud Angelica to make their most loving decision. Remember, your signature is not just a mark on a page but a powerful statement of support. Together, we can inspire meaningful change, and your action can be the spark that ignites this transformation!
sorry just ignore this its my brother he has autism
 
Oct 7, 2024
53
34
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#28
Our church is very organized with a transparent budget a board of Directos, and members who can vote, etc. it has allocations and line items which shows how much is coming in and how much is going out for certain things. Similarly you can don’t designate where you want your offering to go you can designate for example for the church building structures and maintenance or you can designate missionary work, or you can write it in.
this is great and an amazing way of showing transparency
 

Billyd

Senior Member
May 8, 2014
5,217
1,622
113
#29
Many people need to do some soul searching when they give their tithe and offerings to their Church ---God does not need our money ----We give because we Love God and He calls for us to give freely and cheerfully --not because we expect to get a portion back from this worldly system -----

As many people give their tithe and offerings because they can collect a portion of their donation back as they can claim it on their income tax ===they do it as a charitable donation ----

So actually anyone who does this is really not trusting God in their Giving ---they are giving because they will reap a benefit from their giving at income tax time ----

Where is our trust in our giving ----In God whose Promise is this ---it says ----Give and It WILL BE GIVEN --this is God's promise ---------Or is our trust in the Worldly Government System ---of give me a receipt and you get back some of what you gave ----

Where is our Trust in our return ---is the Real Question ----

Luke 6:38

View attachment 269737

I wonder how many would stop their giving to the church if there was no return on their income tax ???????
 

Billyd

Senior Member
May 8, 2014
5,217
1,622
113
#30
"I wonder how many would stop their giving to the church if there was no return on their income tax ???????"

I've been giving all my life (and 10% minimum for many years) and never received a return on my income tax. Every time I get close enough to qualify for a return, God raises the amount to qualify for a return.

I give because I love Jesus, and he has blessed me with more than I will ever need.

I wonder how many people could give 10%, but find an excuse not to give. It took me more than 30 years to discover just how easy it is.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,401
13,746
113
#31
As many people give their tithe and offerings because they can collect a portion of their donation back as they can claim it on their income tax ===they do it as a charitable donation ----

So actually anyone who does this is really not trusting God in their Giving ---they are giving because they will reap a benefit from their giving at income tax time ----
Sure, there are worldly people who give to various causes in order to reduce their overall tax burden, but that has nothing to do with the Church.

"Trusting God in our giving" is giving when, how, where, and how much God says to give, and trusting that He will supply both the full need for the recipient and for all of your needs. It has nothing to do with tax refunds.

Just because the laws of some nations permit us to claim church donations as tax-exempt does not mean we are giving "because" we "will reap a benefit from their giving at income tax time". If the government offers you a rebate and you don't take it, you're being a poor steward. At least take it and give it right back to the church, if you choose.