* There are two major entrapments of the middle class, he argues, which contribute to the detriment of the middle class. First, there is a strong tendency for middle class persons to reject because they are not susceptible to empirical verification. Anyone who subscribes to these doctrines will be looked down on for being weak and emotional. Second, there is a line of credit that is readily available to the middle class that has an extraordinary propensity to induce individuals into the shrine of the middle class ghetto. This ghetto forces the individual to live outside of God's will. In doing so, he deprives himself of the many blessings that God has to bestow upon those who live within His will.
* The solution to getting out of debt, Dr. Smith argues, is for the individual to embrace the practice of tithing. One of its greatest outcomes is that it will force the individual to become more disciplined in managing his financial affairs.
* This is an exceptional book. I strongly urge every church goer to read it. If you do, I guarantee you will not be the same.
Rev. Wayne Perryman, Consultant Confidential, Mercer Island, Washington, March 1994
Over the years, the Lord has richly blessed the church with many gifted scholars, teachers and preachers, who with their tremendous gifts and talents, imparted the mysteries of God to their brothers and sisters in Christ. Every avenue and every subject of the Scripture has been adequately explored except the area on ``the blessings in giving.''
Because some ministers have exploited their congregation financially, many pastors have chosen to ignore this area of teaching, fearing that they too would be classified as ``the pimping preacher'' rather than ``the loving servant of people.'' Unfortunately their effort to avoid such stereotypes has perpetuated the financial demise of millions of members.
Today economic hardship is as much of a problem among church goers as it is among non-church goers because very few understand financial management, particularly as it pertains to the Scripture. The Bible has much to say about finance and financial blessings through faithful giving, but very few ministers know how to approach the subject without being labeled as being ``manipulative to get their members' money'' or being called, ``pulpit beggars.''
How do you tell a congregation that in God's plan, the giver is the one who really gets, not the recipient of their gift? How do you explain to your members that giving to God is the key to getting from God? How do you tell an educated or an illiterate generation of people who are struggling with financial hardships that the best way to increase their income and spending power is to give money away through tithes and offerings? How do you tell people that the key to unlocking God's warehouse of blessings is through faithful giving?
You do it through a comprehensive study of God's Word. Not through a sermon every now and then or during a building fund drive, but through a formalized study. In addition to teaching on righteous living, every saint of God must be taught how to receive blessings through giving. Every member should be required to take a 10-week course (sponsored by the local church) on the Benefits and Blessings Through Faithful Giving or the Hardships in Selfish Living.
Professor J. Owens Smith's book, entitled The Power of Tithing: The Tither Is the Greatest Benefactor, provides a unique way of approaching this very sensitive and difficult subject. Written by a layperson to the layperson, his publication which integrates sincere personal testimonies with research, Scripture, and socioeconomic history, is one of the only publications on the market that offers pastors and teachers one of the most powerful tools ever created to get this difficult but much needed job done.
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