I am told that a Christian robs God when he does not give each first day of the week. Malachi 3:8 is given as the proof text. I can understand how the Jews could rob God because God considered that he owned the land (Lev. 25:23.24)and was owed the tithe as rental. Since robbery is the taking of what rightly belongs to another how do Christians rob God today? Peter states in Acts 5:4 that the land and the proceeds of it sale belonged to Ananias.

The quote from your web site on the six areas of life "The Christian understands he owns nothing in this physical life, not even himself. God owns it all. He also understands that he will give an accounting for the way he uses God's possessions loaned to him. He is a steward of God." seems to contradict Peter's statement. I need help in getting my logic lined up. I will appreciate any thoughts you might have - Jon

-- Jon A. Darrow (jadarrow@cox.net), June 28, 2004

Answers

Hi Jon,

Thank you very much for posting in this forum. I wish more people would do so.

First off, when preachers talk about robbing God today they are talking about withholding money from the plate on "The Lord's Day." This is a tradition that we in the Church of Christ have followed through the years, yet have no biblical authority for such. 1 Cor. 16:1-2, is taken out of context and used as "authority" for taking up money from others to be spent by the Eldership on the Big business they run.

Second, we know that everything on earth belongs to God. I know you know these scriptures so I won't quote them, but simply give the verses.

Gen. 1, Deut. 10:14, Psa. 50:10-12, Psa. 95:5.

Then there are scriptures and parables that talk about our stewardship. 1 Peter 4:10, for instance.

"Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name (to the glory) of God." Would this not include the way we spend the money God blessed us with?

"....give your body as a living sacrifice to Him."

From these and other verses I came to the conclusion that what we have is God's and we are to use what we have to glorify Him. Of course, our taking care of our family glorifies God. When we help others with our time and money we are glorifying God.

Have I answered your questions, Jon? If not please clarify.

Love to all,

Nelta

http://www.hal-pc.org/~prime/ Bible discussion list: 1stCen-Christianity-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Psalms_Proverbs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com GospelAdvocatingForum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Old_Testament_Prophesies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

-- Nelta Brock (nib@hal-pc.org), June 29, 2004.