I wanted to start the day with something funny. Instead, I listened to Living to Honor God Pt 2 by Frank Damazio. This was his sermon from last Sunday which can be heard online @ http://www.citybiblechurch.org/
I have spent the morning tearing my clothes and pouring ashes on my head as I weep out side of my local Starbucks. These poor poor people. How has money become everything to them? According to Frank, "if you don't tithe at least 10% of every check you get, then you put a cap on God. God simply can not bless you. He is powerless to bless you."
Sure, God created the heavens and the earth. Sure, Jesus was born of a virgin. Sure, He sacrificed his Son to die on a cross. But, if you don't give to the local church, then despite the desires of God's heart, HE can not bless you. You have taken the power from God. (Let’s hope that Satan doesn't find out about this).
Now, I know that God will bless those that give, but it never says that He will bless you with more money. And why is the only way to give through tithe to the church? Let’s see what my friend the Bible says… Matthew 6:19-22 and 31-33 19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."