Bob Thiel, the non-ordained self-appointed false prophet today is using unconverted so-called Christians to support his requirement for tithing in his mini personality cult.
The non-ordained false prophet regularly mocks Christians outside Armstrongism as unconverted or "so-called" Christians. Over all he sees them all as ignorant buffoons, unless of course one of them says something that supports his own beliefs.
Today, he is trumpeting out a Presbyterian minister because the guy claims tithing is still mandatory. Despite tens of thousands of articles, books, and videos debunking tithing as a new covenant requirement, Thiel still can't get this head out of the sand. Thiel's little personality cult will not be able to survive with offerings sent in according to what people want to give instead of what he requires.
Thiel is unable to rely on his god to bring his ministry to fruition. He cannot see past the money anymore than Dave Pack can. Both are obsessed with getting as much as they can.
John Ortberg is pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. A reader somewhat recently sent me an article he wrote on tithing. Here are some excerpts:
What if tithing is actually one of God’s great gifts to us? What if tithing isn’t opposed to grace, but is actually a vehicle of it?…
There were three “tithes” collected from Israel—one to support priests and Levites (Num. 18:21); another for a sacred celebration (Deut. 14:23); and a third—collected only once every three years—to support the poor, orphans, and widows (Deut. 14:28-29; 26:12-13). So the actual income percentage given was closer to 23 than 10…
Some people argue that since tithing is found in the Old Testament we can discard the whole concept. Jesus, however, was quite clear that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. In the early church, no one’s attitude was “Thank goodness grace takes us out from under the Law—now we don’t have to tithe anymore! We can give far less than 10 percent!” The early church was so overwhelmed by God’s grace and generosity, it went far beyond the tithe. http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2013/spring/tithing-law-or-grace.html
I plan to do a sermon on tithing in the future and it was interesting to see this Presbyterian minister’s perspective.