Interesting Questions-119

Not Tithing

Letter to the Editor:
GOD'S MESSAGE, January 2005, p.3

IN   ONE OF YOUR ISSUES,   I Saw the pictures of some of   your "houses of worship" around the world. Objectively speaking, I have to admit that they are enormous    and    magnificent.    Some say, however, that your members  are forced to tithe or give ten percent of their income which is the reason why you can afford to build such edifices. Is it true?

Berna Sebastian
General Santos City, Philippines 

Editor's reply:

Although   there are many   religions that  practice tithing,   the   Church   of Christ is definite and firm in its stand that such  kind  of   monetary  contribution   is  not what God commands  for true Christians.

The truth is, members of the Church of Christ are taught to offer voluntarily according to what  their  hearts   have decided.  Even non-members who are studying   and  observing   this   Church could testify that Iglesia ni Cristo members are never coerced, forced, or manipulated to offer ten percent of their income. The Church   members   instead faithfully follow  God's commandment to His servants in the Christian Era that says:

"Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion ..." (II Cor. 9:7, The Amplified Bible)

Knowing   that   the  Lord    is pleased   by   fulfilling this   commandment   (Heb.   13:16),   members   of   this Church  voluntarily and   joyfully give their offerings. And it is through these voluntary offerings that the Church is able to do its holy functions like constructing edifices where  God   expects His people to worship Him:

"I intend to  build  a   great  temple, because our God is  greater than any other god.

 "I am  building a temple to honor the Lord my God.  It will be a holy where my people   and   I   will worship him ..." (II Chr. 2:5, 4, Today's English Version)

"Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.'"  (Isa. 56:7, New King James Version)

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Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind.