Blasphemy

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TODAY'S QUESTION:
I have heard there is one sin that won't be forgiven. Is this true, and if so, what is it?

True. The unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The general definition of blasphemy is: speaking about God or sacred matters in a disrespectful or rude way. The true sin of blasphemy is to attribute the work of God to Satan, or the work of Satan to God. To do so is to, in effect, call the Holy Spirit of God the unclean spirit of Satan. God finds this unforgivable. (for Biblical examples of blasphemy see Matthew 12:24-29; Mark 3:22-30 and Luke 11:14-23) What does all of this mean to us today? I think we are called to carefully examine all things religious that we come in contact with to determine if they are from the Holy Spirit of God, or from the unclean spirit of Satan. We are not to judge people, but we are to judge their works, with the test always being the Word of God.


Relevant Scripture
"But whoever blasphemies against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit." 
Mark 3:29-30





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Must I tithe a full 10%?

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Question: As much as I want to, I can't always give a full 10% of my income to the church. I feel bad about it but sometimes there is just not enough money.  How much trouble am I in?

Not much, depending on your attitude. The concept of tithing (giving 10%) is Old Testament teaching. There is nothing in the New Testament where God tells believers they should give 10% of their income to the church. The New Testament suggests giving by grace. We are to give freely as we have been given freely to. (see Matthew 10:8) This is an attitude thing. For some this will be less than 10% and for others, those materially blessed by God, the amount will exceed 10%. (see 2 Corinthians 9:7) I do believe the Old Testament tithing concept should be used as a guideline or a goal we should strive for even if we are struggling financially, but if you are truly giving what you are able you are making God happy. Remember, He knows your heart. More important than the amount of money you are giving is that you have given yourself to the Lord. Only then will you have a proper perspective on money.


RELEVANT SCRIPTURE:
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12


Be blessed,
Wayne
http://www.Capstone-Ministries.org

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