Podcast Notes: The Teachable Woman Podcast –
Episode Highlights on The Church and Tithing
Introduction:
In this episode of The Teachable Woman Podcast, Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana P. Cherry take us on a journey to understand the deeper meaning of "The Church" and the principles of tithing. Tackling misconceptions, they uncover the spiritual and practical aspects of these teachings, sharing biblical insights and personal experiences that have transformed their lives.
Key Highlights:
I. The Church is the People, Not the Building: Rev. Michele emphasized that the true church isn’t a physical structure but the body of believers. While buildings provide spaces for worship, the essence of the church lies in the people who follow Christ and live out His teachings.
II. Unity Beyond Denominations: The church transcends race, culture, and denominations. It is a unified body of believers who come together to serve God and one another, emphasizing inclusivity and shared faith in Jesus Christ.
III. Purpose of the Church: The church is a place for guidance, learning, and spiritual growth. It serves as a space to develop one’s gifts and talents, work in ministry, and align life decisions with God’s direction.
IV. Tithing’s Spiritual and Practical Purpose: Tithing supports both the practical upkeep of church facilities (utilities, maintenance, etc.) and the broader mission of spreading the gospel. Rev. Michele highlighted that the tithe helps sustain a welcoming and functional environment for worship.
V. Personal Transformation Through Tithing: Both Rev. Diana and Rev. Michele shared testimonies about how their financial lives changed when they committed to tithing. They saw blessings like improved financial stewardship, reduced waste, and a greater sense of sufficiency, even without increased income.
VI. God’s Promise in Tithing (Malachi 3:8-11): Tithing is both a command and an invitation to test God’s faithfulness. Through tithing, believers can witness God rebuking financial "devourers" and opening the windows of heaven with blessings.
VII. Financial Discipline and Freedom: Tithing led to profound financial discipline in their lives. Rev. Diana spoke about eliminating credit card debt, paying cash for cars, and maintaining financial freedom—all rooted in the principles of stewardship learned through tithing.
VIII. Tithing as Obedience and Trust in God: Rev. Michele Owes and Rev. Diana Cherry emphasized the spiritual importance of tithing, rooted in Malachi 3. Tithing is not just a financial act but an act of obedience, gratitude, and trust in God to provide and bless.
IX. Tithing the Reflects Heart Condition: The act of giving, regardless of the amount, reflects the giver's heart and faith. The widow’s mite is an example of how giving from scarcity out of faith pleases God more than large sums given without sincerity.
X. God’s Generosity vs. Our Stewardship: God only asks for 10% of income as a tithe, leaving 90% for us to manage wisely. The importance of stewardship over what remains, avoiding waste or indulgence, and living within God’s provision was stressed.
XI. Thanksgiving as Gratitude for God's Sovereignty: The conversation highlighted gratitude not just for material blessings but for God's role as Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence are reasons to continually give thanks.
XII. Comprehensive Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving should extend beyond food and fellowship to include acknowledgment of God’s provisions in every aspect of life, from natural blessings like air and water to spiritual blessings like grace, salvation, and freedom from sin. Believers should be thankful for their spiritual identity as part of God's family, justified, freed from sin, and empowered to overcome challenges. Thanksgiving is a celebration of God’s mercy, grace, and transformative power in believers' lives.
Summary:
This episode sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the church and tithing, with Rev. Michele and Rev. Diana offering biblical wisdom and personal stories of transformation. They remind listeners that the church is a living body of believers and that tithing is both a spiritual act of obedience and a practical means of supporting God’s work. Their testimonies serve as a powerful example of how embracing God’s financial principles can lead to personal and communal blessings.
Reflection Question:
How might adopting the principles of tithing and stewardship reshape your relationship with God and your finances?
