[Sean]

Originally Posted by good samaritan

We do have some common ground then. I do believe that we should not poke and prod, but people will not know unless we teach them which is something you have expressed already about the OT knowledge you say everyone knows so much about.(it is a shame but most people don't know much about either the old or new.) If I don't teach to give and don't give any methods on how to give there is going to be people who should financially do more and won't; not because of a impure heart, but ingnorance.

I didn't ever say that we should omit NT teachings. Matter of fact the method I see from the NT givers would exceed that of tithing. People sold all they had without worrying about there own priestly family and devoted their entire lives to the ministry (I don't know anyone doing that today?). We have people grumbling that 10% is too much and the church is just greedy to teach such a thing.

We need to teach people from the Bible. The NT testament and the OT is for the church today, but we must study it. Matter of fact I think you should have a ballanced amount of study between the New and the Old. I would like to see the people who are proclaiming to have this early church revelation living like the early church. You will find there is very few who are living where God would have them.

Brother, if I was in your situation, from now on, I would just ask the saints to set aside what the think would fit into their budget, any percentage they feel to give. Just let them know that "responsible" giving is greatly needed for church bills and future growth.

Some that have a lot will give alot, some that have a little will give a little.

If someone cant give at all, they are still valuable to the work of the Lord. They can still fulfill the great commission and out give the givers of money.