Comments for Aaron's Angle http://aaronallison.com Thoughts and Articles From Aaron Allison Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:23:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ Comment on Happenings The Last Few Days by Abbey Allison http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/15/happenings-the-last-few-days/#comment-467 Abbey Allison Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:23:00 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=913#comment-467 I love you Daddy! I love you Daddy!

]]> Comment on Can Good Come From Gulf Crisis? by Chris Lannom http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/25/can-good-come-from-gulf-crisis/#comment-456 Chris Lannom Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:54:39 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=934#comment-456 Well said Pastor Aaron. In my prospective, not only in the over building of condos along those beaches, but the rush to get this oil rig up - both were speed to greed. The gulf has some of the most beautiful beaches and water. I pray that God can help save His beautiful creations not only with the water, beaches but the dying wildlife as well as the innocent people that live there. Sad sad sad. Well said Pastor Aaron. In my prospective, not only in the over building of condos along those beaches, but the rush to get this oil rig up – both were speed to greed.
The gulf has some of the most beautiful beaches and water. I pray that God can help save His beautiful creations not only with the water, beaches but the dying wildlife as well as the innocent people that live there. Sad sad sad.

]]> Comment on Tithing is a New Testament Principle by shintoly http://aaronallison.com/2009/08/26/tithing-is-a-new-testament-principal/#comment-455 shintoly Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:05:04 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=563#comment-455 Hi I believe it all comes down to what God puts on your heart to do in all things God bless all Hi I believe it all comes down to
what God puts on your heart to
do in all things

God bless all

]]> Comment on Tithing – Gross or Net? by Jenni http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/10/tithing-gross-or-net/#comment-452 Jenni Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:40:58 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=905#comment-452 This topic of discussion never ceases to be interesting - no matter who the participants are. For me, personally, I began tithing not long after I came back to Christ after a long period of separation. I made the decision to tithe beginning with the next paycheck, only to find myself without a job before the paycheck came. After careful consideration, I decided to continue with my decision to tithe as an act of faith. I have never, not once regretted that decision. I have on occasion found myself in difficult financial situations of my own making, and yet each and every time provision was mine. (Provision was mine - not wealth untold - for I do not believe that the Lord rewards us for our poor choices. But I do believe that, if our motives are pure, He will save us from ourselves and make a way for us to dig ourselves out of the hole we've gotten into.) I firmly believe that provision was mine because I was faithful with my tithe always and with my offering over and above the tithe when the opportunity was there. Initially, I tithed on the net of my income. But, after hearing some teaching on the matter, I came to the conclusion that it was good and proper to tithe on the gross. The reasoning is that essentially my employer gives me money to pay for my taxes and insurance. My employer likewise is kind enough to go ahead and make those payments directly for me. It is much like having automatic debit set up for payment of expenses. Even though the money is not actually coming into my household, I am receiving the benefit of it. At the end of each fiscal year, my employer gives me a statement that sets forth the true compensation I receive from my employment for the year and it always includes my taxes, insurance, etc. in addition to just my take-home pay. So, again after careful consideration, I made the decision to begin tithing on my gross. It is another decision I have never regretted making. And I did not feel cursed because I only tithed on my net before. I did it because I believed at the time it was the right thing to do. I do not believe that the Lord holds it against us when we do something out of ignorance. I would encourage Richard to pray and seek the Lord's wisdom before he does anything, but I believe he will find his blessings to be that much greater if he begins to tithe on his gross. And, frankly, once I got the hang of it, I never missed the extra money. There are times when I look at the amount of money that I give back to the Lord, and I think "Man, I could do [this] and [that] with that money," and then I remember what my life was like before I began tithing. I think I'll keep on tithing ... because, simply put, it is a principle I believe in and that works for me. My husband and I have somewhat of a competition (only with ourselves) each year to see if we can outgive what we gave the year before, and then make a point to take the time to ponder what is being done in the Kingdom of God with the money we have given. It is such a rewarding experience, and one I would highly recommend to everyone. This topic of discussion never ceases to be interesting – no matter who the participants are. For me, personally, I began tithing not long after I came back to Christ after a long period of separation. I made the decision to tithe beginning with the next paycheck, only to find myself without a job before the paycheck came. After careful consideration, I decided to continue with my decision to tithe as an act of faith. I have never, not once regretted that decision. I have on occasion found myself in difficult financial situations of my own making, and yet each and every time provision was mine. (Provision was mine – not wealth untold – for I do not believe that the Lord rewards us for our poor choices. But I do believe that, if our motives are pure, He will save us from ourselves and make a way for us to dig ourselves out of the hole we’ve gotten into.) I firmly believe that provision was mine because I was faithful with my tithe always and with my offering over and above the tithe when the opportunity was there. Initially, I tithed on the net of my income. But, after hearing some teaching on the matter, I came to the conclusion that it was good and proper to tithe on the gross. The reasoning is that essentially my employer gives me money to pay for my taxes and insurance. My employer likewise is kind enough to go ahead and make those payments directly for me. It is much like having automatic debit set up for payment of expenses. Even though the money is not actually coming into my household, I am receiving the benefit of it. At the end of each fiscal year, my employer gives me a statement that sets forth the true compensation I receive from my employment for the year and it always includes my taxes, insurance, etc. in addition to just my take-home pay. So, again after careful consideration, I made the decision to begin tithing on my gross. It is another decision I have never regretted making. And I did not feel cursed because I only tithed on my net before. I did it because I believed at the time it was the right thing to do. I do not believe that the Lord holds it against us when we do something out of ignorance. I would encourage Richard to pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom before he does anything, but I believe he will find his blessings to be that much greater if he begins to tithe on his gross. And, frankly, once I got the hang of it, I never missed the extra money. There are times when I look at the amount of money that I give back to the Lord, and I think “Man, I could do [this] and [that] with that money,” and then I remember what my life was like before I began tithing. I think I’ll keep on tithing … because, simply put, it is a principle I believe in and that works for me. My husband and I have somewhat of a competition (only with ourselves) each year to see if we can outgive what we gave the year before, and then make a point to take the time to ponder what is being done in the Kingdom of God with the money we have given. It is such a rewarding experience, and one I would highly recommend to everyone.

]]> Comment on Randall Goodgame’s Visit To CIL by Abbey Allison http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/11/randall-goodgames-visit-to-cil/#comment-451 Abbey Allison Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:25:19 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=909#comment-451 I miss you too daddy! I love you SO much! Love, Abbey I miss you too daddy! I love you SO much!

Love,
Abbey

]]> Comment on Tithing – Gross or Net? by Gary Arnold http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/10/tithing-gross-or-net/#comment-449 Gary Arnold Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:57:35 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=905#comment-449 We each are limited to our own experiences. A good friend of mine was having financial problems and needed help with his rent, just for the ONE month, not a continuous problem. His own mother said she couldn't help because the money she had available was for paying the tithe. I have a family member that has come to me numerous times needing food money because they gave what they had to the church. My whole ministry is dealing with the topic of finances as I am a Money & Finance Minister. I see these type of cases all the time. We each are limited to our own experiences.

A good friend of mine was having financial problems and needed help with his rent, just for the ONE month, not a continuous problem. His own mother said she couldn’t help because the money she had available was for paying the tithe.

I have a family member that has come to me numerous times needing food money because they gave what they had to the church.

My whole ministry is dealing with the topic of finances as I am a Money & Finance Minister. I see these type of cases all the time.

]]> Comment on Tithing – Gross or Net? by Aaron Allison http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/10/tithing-gross-or-net/#comment-448 Aaron Allison Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:24:47 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=905#comment-448 Gary - I just haven't found half your argument to be practically true. I have worked with dozens of low-income families who have found tithing to be a joy and a key to break-through in their lives. Now, those with wealth often stop at 10% without letting the Holy Spirit lead them to greater amounts. That part is true in my estimation. Gary -

I just haven’t found half your argument to be practically true. I have worked with dozens of low-income families who have found tithing to be a joy and a key to break-through in their lives.

Now, those with wealth often stop at 10% without letting the Holy Spirit lead them to greater amounts. That part is true in my estimation.

]]> Comment on Tithing – Gross or Net? by Gary Arnold http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/10/tithing-gross-or-net/#comment-427 Gary Arnold Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:02:20 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=905#comment-427 This topic is more frustrating to me than upsetting to me. I know too many people who were taught they are robbing God if they don't tithe, and they just can't afford it. Some wind up paying the tithe anyway, and then go to friends and family to help them pay their bills. It is cruel to tell the poor that they are robbing God if they don't tithe. Yet, on the other hand, telling the well-to-do that God expect them to tithe can give them a false sense of security. Since the New Testament teaches generous, sacrificial giving ACCORDING TO ONE'S MEANS, for some that could mean 50% or more. If we use an OT law as our guideline, we are ignoring The Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, God wants our ALL. 100% of us. He doesn't want a tenth of our money or a tenth of our time or a tenth of our talents. Those of us who pray and are led by The Spirit find that we give a lot more than a tenth of our money (if we've been blessed with more than we need), time, talents, etc. to God in one way or another. While tithing is a burden to the poor, it can be a false sense of security for the well-to-do or wealthy. Having The Holy Spirit, there is just no reason to use an Old Testament law as our guideline. Before the law, the ONLY example of a tenth actually being given is Abraham giving a tenth of WAR SPOILS, not his income. That is NOT what the church teaches. This topic is more frustrating to me than upsetting to me. I know too many people who were taught they are robbing God if they don’t tithe, and they just can’t afford it. Some wind up paying the tithe anyway, and then go to friends and family to help them pay their bills.

It is cruel to tell the poor that they are robbing God if they don’t tithe. Yet, on the other hand, telling the well-to-do that God expect them to tithe can give them a false sense of security.

Since the New Testament teaches generous, sacrificial giving ACCORDING TO ONE’S MEANS, for some that could mean 50% or more. If we use an OT law as our guideline, we are ignoring The Holy Spirit.

In the New Testament, God wants our ALL. 100% of us. He doesn’t want a tenth of our money or a tenth of our time or a tenth of our talents. Those of us who pray and are led by The Spirit find that we give a lot more than a tenth of our money (if we’ve been blessed with more than we need), time, talents, etc. to God in one way or another.

While tithing is a burden to the poor, it can be a false sense of security for the well-to-do or wealthy.

Having The Holy Spirit, there is just no reason to use an Old Testament law as our guideline.

Before the law, the ONLY example of a tenth actually being given is Abraham giving a tenth of WAR SPOILS, not his income. That is NOT what the church teaches.

]]> Comment on Tithing – Gross or Net? by Aaron Allison http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/10/tithing-gross-or-net/#comment-426 Aaron Allison Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:34:02 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=905#comment-426 Gary - You are very well informed on this subject, and I appreciate your contributions. However, why is this so upsetting to you? You seem to have an "edge" when you write about your perspective on tithing. Ramona, I agree with your perspective. Tithing is a principal that has been established by God before the law, and I find it a joy to participate in. Gary -

You are very well informed on this subject, and I appreciate your contributions. However, why is this so upsetting to you? You seem to have an “edge” when you write about your perspective on tithing.

Ramona, I agree with your perspective. Tithing is a principal that has been established by God before the law, and I find it a joy to participate in.

]]> Comment on Tithing – Gross or Net? by Gary Arnold http://aaronallison.com/2010/06/10/tithing-gross-or-net/#comment-425 Gary Arnold Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:45:51 +0000 http://aaronallison.com/?p=905#comment-425 Ramona said, "In Prov 3:9, it says to honor the Lord with the first fruits of all your increase. To me, this means tithe on your gross. " If you use a Hebrew dictionary you will find that the words translated to "first fruits of all your increase" literally means the first produce from the crops. It has NOTHING to do with income, or a "person's increase." It is pastors who manipulate God's Word and make church goers believe that first fruits refers to their income. That, my friend, is NOT Biblical. The first time tithe is mentioned in the Bible is Abraham's tithe of pagan spoils of war, and Abraham kept NOTHING for himself. This was NOT an act of worship. The goods that Abraham gave the tenth from didn’t even belong to Abraham: Genesis 14:21 (NIV) - The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” Notice in verse 21 the king of Sodom didn’t ask Abraham if he would give back to him the people, but rather said GIVE ME the people and keep the goods for yourself. The way that is worded indicates that the king of Sodom was claiming that the people and the goods belonged to him and those he represented. Genesis 14:22-24 (NIV) - 22But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath 23that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share.” Notice in verses 23 and 24 Abraham also acknowledges that the goods belonged to the king of Sodom and those he represented. Therefore, it is clear that both the king of Sodom and Abraham acknowledged that the spoils of war did NOT belong to Abraham, yet he gave a tenth of the spoils to King Melchizedek. This would seem that Abraham did something wrong, if not even illegal, but Biblical historians agree that it was custom in Abraham's day to give the king a tenth of the war spoils. Had Abraham not given the tenth, he would have gone against custom. Conclusion: Abraham did NOT give a tenth of his income, or his wealth. Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of war that didn’t belong to him. That is NOT an example for Christians to follow today. The Levites were NOT like our pastors today. The Levites were the servants to the priests - they were the singers, musicians, ushers, janitors, etc. The tithe went to the Levites, and then they gave a tenth to the priests. Do YOU take the tithe to the singers, musicians, etc? The tithe was taken to the Levites to go into their cities, NOT to the Temple. The tenth of the tithe the Levites took to the Temple for the priests went to the storehouse. Neither the Levites nor the priests were full-time workers at the Temple. Again, false teaching by pastors. Are you aware that the priests and Levites only worked at the Temple about two weeks per year, on a rotational basis? NOT FULL TIME. The priests and Levites were divided into 24 "courses". See First Chronicles 24 for the priests and chapters 25 and 26 for the Levites. Each course only ministered in the Temple one week out of twenty four (1 in 24), and, depending on how many families were in each course, each family only ministered in the Temple two or three days during its courses’ week of ministry. See how little the pastors tell you in church? Tithing was canceled per Hebrews 7:5,12,18. NO ONE is tithing today using God's definition and God's ordinances. Just plain false teaching. Ramona said, “In Prov 3:9, it says to honor the Lord with the first fruits of all your increase. To me, this means tithe on your gross. ”

If you use a Hebrew dictionary you will find that the words translated to “first fruits of all your increase” literally means the first produce from the crops. It has NOTHING to do with income, or a “person’s increase.” It is pastors who manipulate God’s Word and make church goers believe that first fruits refers to their income. That, my friend, is NOT Biblical.

The first time tithe is mentioned in the Bible is Abraham’s tithe of pagan spoils of war, and Abraham kept NOTHING for himself. This was NOT an act of worship. The goods that Abraham gave the tenth from didn’t even belong to Abraham:

Genesis 14:21 (NIV) – The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”

Notice in verse 21 the king of Sodom didn’t ask Abraham if he would give back to him the people, but rather said GIVE ME the people and keep the goods for yourself. The way that is worded indicates that the king of Sodom was claiming that the people and the goods belonged to him and those he represented.

Genesis 14:22-24 (NIV) – 22But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath 23that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share.”

Notice in verses 23 and 24 Abraham also acknowledges that the goods belonged to the king of Sodom and those he represented.

Therefore, it is clear that both the king of Sodom and Abraham acknowledged that the spoils of war did NOT belong to Abraham, yet he gave a tenth of the spoils to King Melchizedek. This would seem that Abraham did something wrong, if not even illegal, but Biblical historians agree that it was custom in Abraham’s day to give the king a tenth of the war spoils. Had Abraham not given the tenth, he would have gone against custom.

Conclusion: Abraham did NOT give a tenth of his income, or his wealth. Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of war that didn’t belong to him. That is NOT an example for Christians to follow today.

The Levites were NOT like our pastors today. The Levites were the servants to the priests – they were the singers, musicians, ushers, janitors, etc. The tithe went to the Levites, and then they gave a tenth to the priests. Do YOU take the tithe to the singers, musicians, etc?

The tithe was taken to the Levites to go into their cities, NOT to the Temple. The tenth of the tithe the Levites took to the Temple for the priests went to the storehouse.

Neither the Levites nor the priests were full-time workers at the Temple. Again, false teaching by pastors. Are you aware that the priests and Levites only worked at the Temple about two weeks per year, on a rotational basis? NOT FULL TIME. The priests and Levites were divided into 24 “courses”. See First Chronicles 24 for the priests and chapters 25 and 26 for the Levites. Each course only ministered in the Temple one week out of twenty four (1 in 24), and, depending on how many families were in each course, each family only ministered in the Temple two or three days during its courses’ week of ministry.

See how little the pastors tell you in church?

Tithing was canceled per Hebrews 7:5,12,18. NO ONE is tithing today using God’s definition and God’s ordinances. Just plain false teaching.

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