Money/Finances/Gambling/Investments/Tithes/Offerings

It is okay to gamble?

Question:

Why not gamble?

Answer:

The Bible says in Proverbs 28:20, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but HE THAT MAKETH HASTE TO BE RICH SHALL NOT BE INNOCENT.” There is one purpose to gambling — to get rich quick. The Bible says that person will not be innocent.Continue reading

What is the difference between tithes and offerings?

Question:

What is the different between tithes and offerings? The reason for this question is, when you pay tithes can you ear mark it for an item like a piano etc.? In my opinion that is like telling God what to do with your tithes. I would think that if you wanted to specialize on what you want your money used for, then it should be an offering rather than tithes. Another point is when you pay your tithes is it the churches’ responsibility to decide on what to do with the tithes? Please straighten me out.

Thank you.Continue reading

Is it gambling to invest in the Stock Market?

Question:

I understand that gambling is wrong, but someone just asked me recently if “playing” the stock market is gambling. With so many people using the Internet to invest and trade…isn’t the main reason also to make “quick” money, not just necessarily investing for the future?

Answer:

You have brought up a very good question, and one in which motives (which we do not always know) play a very big part in the answer.Continue reading

Is it proper for a Pastor’s increased support to be called a “housing allowance” for the purpose of a tax break?

Question:

Is it proper for a Pastor’s salary increase to be called housing expense to avoid paying taxes on it? Can you give me Scripture, that would indicate that it is OK or not OK to do this?Continue reading

Is tithing still required in the Church Age?

Question:

Is tithing still required in the Church Age?

Answer:

In the Old Testament, the tithes were used to sustain the work of God (providing for the priests, needs for the Tabernacle or Temple, etc.). Nehemiah 12:44 says, “And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for THE TITHES, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities THE PORTIONS OF THE LAW FOR THE PRIESTS AND LEVITES: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.”Continue reading

Why did Jesus say to make “friends of the mammon of unrighteousness?”

Question:

In Luke 16 the steward of the first seven verses is commended by the lord (small “L”) for his worldly wisdom, it seems in verse eight. Then in verse nine it is stated by Jesus, it looks like (because He is speaking), to make friends of the mammon of unrighteousness that when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. Am I misreading this? If not, can you please help me in resolving what feels like a conflict of the usual character of instruction from our Lord? Because the best I can make of it is advice to have a rich friend or friends for ‘insurance’ in time of trouble which, of course, just doesn’t sit well. (nothing against friends that are well off – just for the wrong reasons).Continue reading