----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2004 9:59
PM
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Kingdom
Come
Blaine: But the
early members of the Church of Jesus Chrst of Latter-day Saints did try the
United Order, Terry, and it failed eventually for many of the same reasons
it failed in the original Church--mostly persecution, but also some saints
were not ready for such. We also believe it is the order of
Heaven, which means sooner or later, we will all have to live it.
It is what we consider part of the "higher law." Tithing is
a part of the "lesser law," as you pointed out, but as a
substitute, it is the only one we seem able to handle
at this time. This is simple wisdom--As the Lord says, "My wisdom is
greater than the cunning of the devil." We accept his wisdom in this
matter, even if you as a non-participant do not.
BUT--We also believe that
until a person actually tries something, he has no place in criticizing
it. Have you ever tried paying tithing? I recall a man who did,
even though he was not a member of my church, and he became very
prosperous--he attributed it to the Lord's having blessed him for living
this law. I believe he was a Protestant, like some of you on
TT.
Try it!! You'll
like it!!
===============================================
I think you might have me
mixed up with someone else Blaine. I do not recall mentioning
tithing.
As for your suggestion; I
have tried it. I did not like it. I much prefer to give to those
in need and do for those in need as members of the early church did.
Our church meets in our home. We do not tithe to pay preachers and
music ministers and janitors and lawn mowers and bug sprayers. We do
not need flowers for the alter or a sound system for the speaker or a temple
to meet in, or money to pay the mortgage. When we give, it is to meet
a need, not to put the Lord in debt to us.
For those who feel
obligated to tithe however, I offer this suggestion. Since the tithe
was to support the priests, and since now, according to scripture, I am
a priest, just send me your money and wait for the
blessings.
Terry
