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Post by 1seekeroftruth on Jun 17, 2010 19:28:18 GMT -5
Seed Faith Giving: Is it biblical A) Question…… On the subject of seed faith giving, some men erroneously equate the word “seed” mentioned in scripture to exclusively mean that of money, to the neglect of other clear definitions . In Genesis 8:22 the scripture says that as long as Earth remain there will be seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, night and day. These are literal definitions; all other renderings are implicit and thus subjective. In citing this text,in support of seed faith giving, I believe teachers err. If not , what are the spiritual connotations of the rest of this scripture? In the gospel of Luke 8:11 Jesus says that the seed Is the word of God and the ground is the heart. Lastly, 1 Corinthians states that God always supplies seed to the sower. Contextually, this is the only scripture where seed can be rendered to imply money. To apply this particular meaning in the other texts, would be dishonest at best and exploitive at worse. Contrary to popular teaching, there is no biblical teaching that one can plant a financial seed or money, wait/time, and reap a guaranteed money/harvest of thirty, sixty, or hundred fold. To those that do subscribe to such teaching, I sincerely ask, “Have you gotten your hundredfold return, yet?” Has it worked for you like it seemingly has worked for those that teach such doctrine. Nevertheless, We are constantly reminded that God is not a respecter of persons! Right?
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Post by lrtillis on Jun 18, 2010 8:32:48 GMT -5
I have the same questions about seed faith giving. Much of it seems manipulative to me but there are a lot of people that teach it because that's what they have been taught and that's just the way it is. Not sure if it REALLY is working for any of them.
I agree that the Scriptures you mention about sowing are not correct intrepretations to support the seed faith movement. I do believe that they are erroneously applied to giving. However, you mention the Scripture in 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 says this:
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God
This is the only Scripture out of the one's mentioned on seed giving where the analogy of seed in place of substance or money even applies. Now while this may be the only viable Scripture that even half supports the seed faith giving we have to realize that the Scripture was referring to giving to those that were in need and as a consequence of their willful giving God would in return provide everything that they needed because of their generosity towards their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. God would make all grace abound to them in all things and they would not themselves have want so that they would be able to continue in the generous ministration for thost that are in need. When Paul says God gives seed to the sower is simply saying, it is God who provides everything that is needed for the farmer who sows his grain and then allows it to grow for food. And if He does then how much more will He not provide for the ones that give to those in need generously. So essentially Paul was encouraging them to give a good gift and be a bountiful blessing knowing that God would supply ALL things to them (one way or the other).
I am sure this is clear as to how it differs from the teachings of the seed faith giving. From what I have heard, if you need a financial blessing from the Lord then you need to sow a seed in faith in order to receive that financial blessing. I believe that it is wrong to sow or give anything with the mere expectantcy to receive something in return. Any blessing that we receive in return for giving to "those in need" (whether it be the poor, or the widow next door, and in even to a particular ministry or minister that you know is truly doing the work of the Lord) should be seen as somewhat incidental to us. For instance, I have heard people say "I need this that or the other financial increase so I need to sow a seed." The first thought is, I need then the second thought is I will sow. Is this giving out of a pure heart when the reason we are giving is because we expect something for ourselves?
It has been established in the Scriptures that God will provide for us (even financially as He deems necessary) and that is the blessing that have in serving such a wonderful Father. I believe He wants to provide for us just as He gave His children manna and water in the wilderness but we have allowed this teaching to creep in like the leaven of the Pharisees and it has corrupted the pure and sincere gift of giving (giving is a blessing to us in and of itself even if we never receive anything in return).
All in all, we have to be led by the Lord in our giving. Everybody that asks for money or badgers us for money or curses us if we don't give up the money or even says God told them to tell us to sow into this that or the other may not be hearing from God cocnering this themselves.
I don't know much of the background of seed faith giving but it seems to me that it arose out of greed. People wanting money so they persuade people to give them money in promise of money. And that is hogwash and a travesty that so many are caught up into it ignorantly.
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Post by 1seekeroftruth on Jun 18, 2010 19:51:39 GMT -5
Tika, I couldn`t agree with you more. Also, referring back to IICor 9:7, we are told that we are not to give grudgingly or out of "Necessity"(or need). However, some pastors say that if you have a need, you are to plant a seed. I think I will stick to giving cheerfully as the Holy Spirit leads me to.
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