This is a MODERATED Forum. Your post may have to be approved before it is posted. In order to post a new topic, you must be registered and logged in. The links to register or log in are at the bottom of any page on this website. Although we often allow controversial topics to be posted, we urge you to follow the spirit of Matthew 5:23-25, Matthew 18:15-22, and Ephesians 4:29-32. We reserve the right to remove posts we feel are offensive.
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
| Author |
| |
Messages |
Sort: |
|
mark2002
Posts:1
|
|
Posted:11/18/2007 8:53 AM |
|
|
THe past couple of weeks i have noticed that Pastor David has really been pushing the issue of money. I dont mind giving and downsizing my life but i want to go to church for learn and fill my spiritual needs not get a lecture. When pastor doug preaches he saves the money issue for the end but actually fills me with the word for the rest of the service and i leave the church feeling refreshed. I have been going to BRCC for about three months now, is this normal? Sorry if this is uncalled for i just want to know if its just me or if others feel the same way.
|
|
| Stephen (guest) |
|
Posted:11/20/2007 11:41 AM |
|
|
I have also been going to the church for about 3-4 months and I have invited some friends to join. Unfortunately they have come to the service over the past two weeks and they are walking away because they said this church does nothing but ask for money. They were especially disturbed to be asked to give more than their means can afford. They also questioned all the travel abroad when their is so much need here in SA, Texas, the border towns and the US. I have no problems personally giving my weekly percentage giving. We give with a thankful heart and do what God as led us to do/give. I even plan to give above and beyond for the Beautiful feet project, but I really had no answers to give to my visiting friends. Can somebody also please advise?
|
|
| keliset (guest) |
|
Posted:11/20/2007 1:37 PM |
|
Peace. This "church" is trying to reach us at a DEEP level--FAITH. To know that we (everyone) make the "church". To continue to reach those coming to the church as well as the places they have decided to focus on outside of San Antonio AS WELL as helping HERE in San Antonio: Strong Foundation, Food Bank (my kids and I helped here this summer), etc. In the book of Acts it is written that those who were spreading the word were invited into people's homes and given a place of rest and food to eat. It REALLY does take people outside of the Pastors' role (to teach) to help the "church"/us. Here are some expenses: gas, transportation vehicles, PEOPLE to actually pass out the donated items, someone to purchase items needed, lawncare, electricity bill, water bill, mortgage, printed materials, the endless supply of pens, cleaning supplies, toiletries, trash pickup, maintenance of plumbing, etc--YOU KNOW all the things that require money at your own home. Now, add to that the places we are going to help. I mean really, I thought before "I'd really like to help. How exactly are funds used? I want to help." Yet, I never moved to help. I was stuck in my old way of thinking--critical and pessimistic: I don't have enough money, I don't have time, I don't have the energy, etc. All negative thoughts that keep us in the dark. I kept coming to the church and started to pray and this led to me being better at rearranging/prioritizing. And it IS working. When he is speaking about "monies" he is primarily speaking to the members/believers in the church. Those of us that are already convicted by our beliefs. He has also stuck to scripture regarding giving of money: Do it out of joy not pressure. Still, he must open our eyes so that we know or are reminded that there is a hurting world. These things can be overwhelming and hard to take, but they are facts/HARDtruths that we should not overlook or become complacent about. I pray that you will find the purpose and listen to the message at the core of your heart about you and your place in Christ's family (join a small group/help with the Fuel Ministry). As for Pastor Dave and the others they truly are CONVICTED by their beliefs and in the end know that what they do is all for the glory of God. With support or no support they will continue doing their job and God will know that they have done their job and telling and asking is one of those jobs.
p.s. I started giving 80.00 a month and have upped my goal each month and am at 5% giving.WOW--I used to think that $5 per week was to much lol(not even two gallons of gas). You know what? I don't need my 40.00 a month expense for Gold's Gym that I haven't even been to since June or the 80.00cell phone bill I get for two phones but only use one since May. Do I really need them---Uh NO! Cancelled.
|
|
| Need in SA (guest) |
|
Posted:11/20/2007 1:54 PM |
|
|
It is awesome that your friends notice the need here in SA. How are they personally involved in helping meet those needs? They can always share that with BRCC so that others can lend a hand when their schedule allows. BRCC has chosen to focus on the handful of places to be able to channel more effort(church members) and goods to these places. It's too sad that the only message they got out of the service was "to give their money". Pray for them and they will find God's will for themselves (also pray for me that I may use the right words). Find encouragement in scripture to continue inviting others and don't worry if they choose not to return. Peace and love.
|
|
| Connie Garza (guest) |
|
Posted:11/23/2007 10:07 PM |
|
Any and every church needs money for operating expenses. There is no way that a church can operate and provide the ministries that it does day in and day out without the tithes and offerings. And, above and beyond this, God blesses the church that extends its hands to the poor and needy, both near and far. The question of whether the church is in trouble is not the true question. Perhaps the question should be, "Are we ready to invest in God's kingdom causes to see the lost find their way to Christ?"
The money that is given with a cheerful heart is truly blessed by God; He says He will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:10) If anyone feels guilty or resentful, then there is something going on inside themselves that is causing these feelings. In my 40 years of experience there has never been anything lacking in my home because I give my tithes and offerings to the church. Of course, this does not mean that things always run smoothly. But I do KNOW THIS: see quote by Charles Spurgeon, "I am sure that I have derived more real benefit, permanent strength, growth in grace, and every precious thing from the furnace of affliction that I have ever derived from prosperity."
Giving money is part of our worship to God. It's about obedience. It's not all about me and my wants and desires. God will always provide what I need.
|
|
| eph 611 (guest) |
|
Posted:11/26/2007 11:29 PM |
|
Malachi 3:10. 10% of what you produce (earnings) is to be given unto our Lord. It is written all over the old testament. How have you given unto your Saviour. He GIVES us the World and everything in it, but to make sure that we bring the tithes(tenth) to the house of the Lord. My child goes to the FUEL monday nights and comes back full of questions about how to act and react to other people in church, school, etc...you name it. And I have more than enough opportunities to talk to my child about Gods Word and how God wants us to be. That is what your tithes and offerings go to. The tithes helps my child and about 500 other children every monday night be able to play, fellowship, worship, eat pizza, enjoy her child hood with other children who may not be there to learn about God, but will hear Gods word when they CHOOSE to come to fuel. My child also evangelises when she gets to school and talks about monday nights and invites her friends to come and join her. She is being made to have the light of Jesus shine through her and at this point doesn't know how much she is being a blessed and being a blessing to others. My little Tenth and offering doesn't compare to what the Lord has already given me and my family even before I even have a chance to write out my check.
p.s. the lord doesn't want you to give what you can't afford. what is a tithe? 100% - 10% is still 90% left over for you, and you're still blessed more by God with the 10% that is already Gods (you can't give something that isn't yours to give. remember everything is Gods and he just made you a steward over it). If you give your tithe (which is already Gods) what have you really given him? Offerings are what God wants to see. Keeps you from loving money and the THINGS, instead of Loving the Creator of Things.
anyways....it's late and this string just sparked a chord in my heart....some of this is grammaticly correct, but I hope you get the picture. read up on malachi 3:10 and listen to some tithe and offering sermons; they'll put into more perspective than I can at this point.
peace and be blessed,
Eph 611
|
|
| heffyrod (guest) |
|
Posted:12/03/2007 7:45 PM |
|
All pastors close each service with "If you are a member or a regular member of our church,remember you tithes and offerings. Bless others with a portion of which God has blessed you with. If you are a guest, this service our gift to you."
Most churches pass the offering plates more than once during each service and BRCC does not do that.
Please tell your friends to come back and we are not after their $$$$. Pastor Dave and others want you and all to give from the heart cheerfully. If you dont want to give, please dont feel that you and your friends have to give by guilt or any other reason.
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
ActiveForums 3.0
|
|