Articles
Finances
The Open Door Position on Tithes and Offerings
So, what about tithes and offerings - Were they just for Old Testament times? Should New Testament Christians tithe and bring offerings? If so, how much? Where? What are they used for? The following article is The Open Door position on tithes and offerings and it will answer all of the questions proposed above and more. If you want an even more detailed teaching on tithing, read the article titled Should New Testament Christians Tithe?
Should New Testament Christians Tithe?
I’ve noticed a very disturbing trend in the body of Christ; the lack of tithing. On May 19, 2003 the Barna Research Group published a study showing that tithing is down a whopping 62%. I believe this is the result of two things: First is all the begging by men of God in our churches and on television. Second is all the erroneous teaching about tithing that is out on the internet. I can’t do anything about the begging men of God, but I would like to deal with the erroneous teaching.
The Stewardship Principle
In conversation I often hear people say “my car” or “my house” or “my children.” The reality is that none of those really belong to them. 1 Corinthians 10:26 (NIV) says, “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.” Whether we realize it or not, we own nothing. We are just stewards for God.
Christian Living
It's Time to Get Out of the Boat
I’ve been reading John Ortberg’s book: If you Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat and the Lord has been speaking to me about the state of the American church. In Romans 13:11 (NIV), the Apostle Paul writes “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” The American church is slumbering when it should be up and active. That means that those of us who are part of the American church need to WAKE UP!
Mountain Moving Faith
In January of 2000, Karen, my wife, and I found ourselves $120,000 in debt. We had never been extravagant, but with five children, several times of unemployment, and some bad business decisions, we found ourselves with a mountain of debt. Everyone around us (even other Christians) said we should declare bankruptcy and start over, but we knew that the Bible says that we should pay back what we borrow (Psalm 37:21), so we inquired of the Lord through a time of prayer and fasting. In that time the Lord gave us the first step - sell our family home.
Marriage
The Seven Virtues of a Godly Husband
As I interview and counsel married couples, there seems to be one key. Men have not been taught how to be godly husbands.
Worship
Warship
I'm sure you've probably enjoyed a good worship service at church, but did you know that you could do battle in the heavenlies through worship? This article will give you an interesting new perspective.
Christmas
The Whole Christmas Story
So, you think you've heard the Christmas story, right? Mary and Joseph traveling to Behlehem only to find no place to stay. The baby Jesus born in a stable and placed in a manger. Angels speak to shepherds who come to see the baby. A star leads the Magi to the baby, to whom they present expensive gifts. Sound familiar? Well, that's not the whole story, so if you want to whole Christmas story, read on.