One cant help the oneness and unity of LA residents as mountains of donations from private individuals pour in at Sta Anita park. That is simply amazing. No wonder USA is such a great country due to its sense of kindred, generosity and charity.
God bless America and the recent fire victims at LA
We often hear of tithing (tenth of the income of the believer) in other churches. And we see stories of great wealth of the church leaders: lavish homes, helicopters, and lifestyle worthy of kings and royalty for the said church leaders. We hear of an evangelist with house in Highlands and 3 houses in a posh village.
Another evangelist, said in his TV program (they too have great wealth now because they have become very popular with outreach overseas) says in his program, a bible exposition that TITHING is nor required under the New Testament. But we have to give graciously. (Is there a difference)
This article from Bible Org expounds on the same thing. Tithing which was part of pre Mosaic and Mosaic law, requires tithing from every one. The New Testament under Jesus Christ does not require. But we have to give generously
The Bible infant gospels (when Jesus wass born) referring to St Joseph, Mary and Jesus reminds us of the temptation and the grace in the experience of the Holy Family. When Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant despite not having personal relations yet, that is time for resentment. And yet when he learned from his dreams that Mary would be the mother of the Messiah, he was grateful. And it was the season for tragedy, they had to flee to Egypt to escape the murdering soldiers of Herod, the temptation is that of resentment. The grace that we must acquire is that of generosity.
It is very timely because of this difficult times. As with the Sendong typhoon, many blaming and cursing and breast beating is taking place, ie resentment. May be even resentment vs God for bringing in the rains and the flood. But who are we to blame God? May be we are to be blamed for this disaster. The flood was, as we learned from the analysis, a disaster waiting to happen.
But we are glad, many are endowned with grace of generosity. A lot of them are working hard to bring the city and its residents back to dignity. Thank you
