Tithing: A touchy subject

OK...someone wanted to talk about this so I decided that we would. Money has always been a touchy issue within the church as a whole. So many times people see some TV evangelist asking for money and then many times trouble follows. For many money should not be mentioned in the church but it is the most talked about subject in the Bible. Since tithing is a Biblical concept, I wonder why there are so many Christians out there who do not tithe. I know that some will say well we just dont have it, but that doesn't show faith that God will take care of you. Tithing is not about the money it is about the heart, and having faith that God is going to take care of you but he must come first. Everything belongs to him anyways, right...? Thoughts anyone.

Is the stock market gambling?

I have been thinking about this for sometime now. I had talked with an older pastor not so long ago who said that if a person in his church won the lottery, the church would not accept any money from them. We started talking about retirement and how the stock market had affected some of his gains from the 90's, that's how we got on the subject of money. How is buying a lottery ticket any different then putting your money into a retirement fund and wait to see what the gains or losses are? Isn't both of them going along the same concept: one puts money into a system hoping to get something in return. Just curious.

Why don't Christians show more grace and love to others

I was talking with a non-Christian not to long ago and they asked the following question: Why do so many Christians seem unhappy with life and why don't they show more grace and love to others?
This seems to be a legit question. I know as a pastor I deal with hurting people and at times hurt myself but I think there is a differece between someone who is hurting and someone who does not show Christ's love to others. In church's all over, there is a lot of negativity that floats through the people. I remember talking with a lady at a coffee shop who wondered the same thing. Why is it that on Sunday's when the "christians" come in all hell breaks loose? They do nothing but complain and do not even tip. Why don't they show Christ's love and grace as he has shown to them?
It has made me think about how I treat others, along with what and how I say things to others. We are so short on grace at times. So are Christians really unhappy with life, or are they just forgetting that Christ showed love and grace while here on earth? It reminds of the adultrous women whom the people wanted to stone to death but then Jesus stepped in and said, "The first one without sin, go ahead and throw the first stone." Of course no one could throw one because we are all sinners. So it comes back to the question: Why don't more Christians have joy, grace and love in their lives, instead of being negative, unhappy and finding something to complain about? Again, this is something that someone asked me that was not a Christian, what would you say to this.

Cussing: Just Words

Well...we have had some great discussion so far. There are many who have read this blog but not responded so I thought I would give a topic where everyone can get everyone involved:) This is something that I have been thinking about for awhile and when I was at Seminary there were many who thought that cussing was just fine. To them, it did not affect their relationship with others in anyway positive or negative. However, if I am on the golf course (which I love to be!!!) and I am playing with someone and the ball goes out of bounds and I drop a few bombs &^%$ and *&^% is that ok to do? There is nothing in the Bible about these words specifically, or is more about the attitude instead? If that is the case then when I say dang instead of *&^%, is that just as bad? If we think it, should we just go ahead and say it? Once again I will leave it up to the experts out there. Also, is there anything out there that some of you might want to talk about that I could post? Let me know.

How to decide who is the best in college football

OK. We had some great discussion on the first topic, but I want to go to a lighter side of things....college football. There are some who care nothing for it but I want to have a blog with different subjects. So here is my question: how does the BCS allow computers to pick the national champion? In my opinion a playoff format just simply makes total sense to me. In reality only the top 5 teams have a legitamate shot at the title. So why not pick the top six/eight teams and have a playoff? It all boils down to money would be my guess. Look what a playoff system has done for sports such as Nascar and I think I have heard golf talking about doing some kind of format. It does not leave it up to writers or computers but the teams get to decide it on the field. Auburn was robbed (last year) when they had an undefeated season and a tougher schedule then USC but the media darlings ended up with the title. Any thoughts? Playoffs just make sense! Go Notre Dame!!!!!

new at this

OK. I am now in the blogging world and I hope that you will accompany me on this journey. I want to use this blog as a place where people can come with different ideas, new ideas and all the above when it comes to variious topics (sports, Christianity, life etc). I just someone to start with a topic.

Drinkng: Spiritually Acceptable

As a young adults pastor, this is one question I have come across numerous times. There are many who may want to join the Wesleyan church for example but have decided not to because of this issue: drinking every now and then. The Bible does not say you cannot drink but says do not get drunk. Does the church need to catch up to the times and understand that drinking wine with dinner is alright? I had someone tell me the other day that me, as a pastor, could not do it because I am in a leadership position. My question to them was this: As Christians, shouldn't we all be the ones to lead. I am still working this one out and would love to hear what everyone has to say. What do you think?