Where In The Bible Will I Find:

How The Church Funds Are To Be Raised?

Under the Old Testament, the "house of God" was the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus drove out money-changers from the temple, and those who bought and sold animals, saying to the people: "Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise" (John 2:16).

In the New Testament, we read, "the house of God, which is the church of the living God" (I Tim. 3:15). The church is not the building made of wood and brick, the church is people, and the "house of God" is built of "living stones". The principle still stands, though: "Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise." That is simply saying that the church is not to engage in merchandising, buying or selling, bingo games, raffles, or such like. Not even soliciting funds from non-members of the Lord's church.

God does not permit His servants to beg for money as these radio and television religious racketeers are doing. These people will try to make you think that by sending money to them that it is for the Lord's work, but each dollar that is sent to them is another dollar in their pockets to be used for their own pleasure. God has made it very clear through the Holy Scriptures just how funds are to be raised for His church. "Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper" (I Cor. 16:2). That is simple, and easy to understand.

Church funds are raised when members of the church (individuals) give as God prospers each one. Each one purposes what he or she will give, then each one gives as he or she can (II Cor. 9: 6-8). "Tithing," along with all the old law, ended at the cross. The command to give a tenth part of the income, was never given to Christians. Although most of God's people today live under better conditions than did the Israelites, God has caused them to prosper more and therefore He requires more from them. "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver" (11 Cor. 9:7).