Sufficient Self's Bible Study Group

[Wifezilla]

I don't recite the pledge. People assume it is because I am an atheist and it contains the "under god" phrase. Nope...I just never recited that one line, even in grade school. It's because I know its origins and will not recite a socialist mantra.

 

[Wannabefree]

I don't recite the pledge. People assume it is because I am an atheist and it contains the "under god" phrase. Nope...I just never recited that one line, even in grade school. It's because I know its origins and will not recite a socialist mantra.

It is very socialist, but I had never really thought about it. We're America, land of the whoever from wherever, of course we're going to have an extremely diverse culture I bet there are loads more things that are considered socialist, and a lot more originated from paganism and just about any other ism you can imagine. I always felt it was respectful to say the pledge. No one here was ever MADE do it, we wanted to.

 

[Beekissed]

What book/chapter of the Bible are you all in right now in your studies? Last night I read 2 John....each book in the New Testament seems to be better than the last one as I read. Getting near the end and it will be the most exciting of all. I was surprised at how short 2 John was and that it was addressed to a woman.

Funny, but when I was younger reading the Bible seemed such a drag and boring to the max, but now I can't wait to read it and am trying to pace myself so I can absorb the words better.

 

[BarredBuff]

What book/chapter of the Bible are you all in right now in your studies? Last night I read 2 John....each book in the New Testament seems to be better than the last one as I read. Getting near the end and it will be the most exciting of all. I was surprised at how short 2 John was and that it was addressed to a woman.

Funny, but when I was younger reading the Bible seemed such a drag and boring to the max, but now I can't wait to read it and am trying to pace myself so I can absorb the words better.

I need to start back.

 

[Wannabefree]

What book/chapter of the Bible are you all in right now in your studies? Last night I read 2 John....each book in the New Testament seems to be better than the last one as I read. Getting near the end and it will be the most exciting of all. I was surprised at how short 2 John was and that it was addressed to a woman.

Funny, but when I was younger reading the Bible seemed such a drag and boring to the max, but now I can't wait to read it and am trying to pace myself so I can absorb the words better.

I need to start back.

I'm rereading the Gospels, and well...most of the New Testament. Revelation is our Sunday School material, so I am reading it again as well. I'm pretty much everywhere

 

[Beekissed]

What do you all do about tithing? I've recently changed my attitude towards tithing and I'm wondering what others are doing about tithing the proper amount?

 

[Wannabefree]

What do you all do about tithing? I've recently changed my attitude towards tithing and I'm wondering what others are doing about tithing the proper amount?

I tithe without fail, simply because I want to, not because it is a requirement. Someone has to keep the lights on in God's house. As a member, I feel it is as much my responsibility as anyone elses. I also tithe of my time, or try my best to do so. In the OT they tithed spices, look in Matthew 23:23. The Pharisees were not on God's good side, and they were tithing, but they "have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith." So, I gather from that, that tithing is not of the utmost importance, never was, rather is one symptom of being a true Christian. I am my brothers keeper. It's not what makes us Christians, tithing alone, can't define our faith, but if we walk in ALL ways according to the example Christ set, tithing is a blessing in and of itself. It is one of our many freedoms given to us through the blood of Christ. God is not going to turn away from those who love Him, and show their love for Him, however they show that love. But we should WANT to show Him love, in ALL aspects of our lives, money and time investments included. JMHO.

 

[Beekissed]

I've always tithed, either to the church or to someone who needed it in the community....but I've never tithed the full 10% of my income like we are supposed to do. I guess it was a lack of faith on my part because I couldn't "afford" to do it and still pay my bills. But...I often wonder how many times I could have witnessed God's glory in providing for me if I had just tithed properly.

I am now attempting to do so but I'm still having trouble in one way....I get paid twice a month and I don't know what my paycheck will be, as it is different each time. Do I wait until I get paid and tithe a lump sum or should I tithe what I think it will be each Sunday until the last Sunday of the month and then round out the difference?

Is it all supposed to go to the church or can one place some of their tithe towards doing good works for the poor and needy? Or should one just trust the church to do that? What if you find or want to start a worthy place to put those funds that will do God's work as well? Could you split your tithe between your church and that worthy cause? Do you guys do that?

 

[Wannabefree]

I don't know where to tell you to put your money, that is between you and God. You should pray about it, and do as He leads. I tithe 10% to the church, and more in fuel and my time with the time consuming tasks I do as outside of church ministries. It is what I feel led to do. I help others any way I can, whenever the opportunity arises, and it arises God provides for our needs, and then the needs of others through us, constantly, consistently, and we always feel like we are getting the brunt of the blessings. I can tell you firsthand from my own experiences, He WILL see to your needs when you are being obedient, and has came through for us many times when we thought there was no hope of making it work around here. We have went from frustrated and concerned to elated and suprised within a few hours God works on His own time, and we are simply to learn to let go of the wheel. So, I would say, let go. Be quiet, and listen to what He is telling you, and look for what He is trying to show you, and then just follow through in obedience. It has worked for us time and time again.

 

[Beekissed]

So...I didn't get any answers regarding how to total up the exact tithe when you don't know what you will make from check to check. Do you all just total your pay for the month and tithe the 10% from that month to the next month and so on and so forth? Or do you tithe each check....say $150 the very next Sunday or do you split it between the two Sundays until you get paid again? I don't want to miss tithing the right amount by getting confused about what to tithe and when.