1. The Holy Spirit is our new teacher, not the Mosaic law (Romans 12:8; Galatians 5:18-25)
2. There is no command for the New Covenant Church to tithe (Genesis – Revelation)
3. Tithing was used for the temple storehouse & ceremonial system (Nehemiah 10:37; Deuteronomy 12:17,18)
4. 10% giving is not an eternal principle nor a character trait of God (Romans 8:32)
5. The church is not commanded to follow the ordinances of Abraham and Moses (John 7:21-24)
6. A tithe only consisted of agricultural increase (Leviticus 27:30)
7. Tithing is not the minimum amount mentioned in scripture (Romans 12:1; Matthew 25:24-28)
8. An OT ceremony paralleled the future Church with a freewill offering (Deuteronomy 16:10)
9. We have new commands of giving (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 5:18-25)
10. I will leave out #10 and see what many of you come up with
Return to the Tithing home page
Related Posts
- 10 Solid Arguments Against Tithing
- 6 Reasons to Debate Tithing
- Tithing: Low-Realm, Obsolete & Defunct
- Liberty is Commanded
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Jesus said tithing was what the hypocrites do to try to full fill the laws.Not how much you give but like the widow,give all,from the heart and not because of what the temple/church head hypo said.God don’t need your money,men do.
yes, men need money to do God’s work. God was the one who gave you a strong mind or body to work and everything is His. Including us, He paid for us with His blood. Our lives belong to Him since we are living sacrifices.
Rod I totally agree with you. To quote:
The false teaching is that New Covenant elders and pastors are continuing where the Old Covenant priests left off and are due the tithe
Tithing failed national Israel and it has also failed the Church (Heb 7:12-19). Churches showcase success stories but fail to mention the testimonies of those who have tithed for generations without escaping poverty. Today the very lowest income class pays the largest percentage to charity. Yet most remain in poverty.
Meanwhile many atheists become wealthy by simply following principles of money management which also makes many tithers successful. Neither the lottery, nor the tithe is a magic get-rich-quick answer to replace education, determination and hard work. If Malachi 3:10 really worked for New Covenant Christians, millions of poor tithing Christians would have escaped poverty and would have become the wealthiest group of people in the world instead of remaining the poorest group. There is no evidence that the vast majority of poor tithe-payers are ever blessed financially merely because they tithe. The Old Covenant blessings are not New Covenant blessings (Heb 7:18-19; 8:6-8, 13).
I think that you need to be careful about what you say and how you may be taking all of these out of context. Jesus doesn’t NEED YOUR MONEY!! HELLo he has a whole kingdom. The bible clearly states tithing is part of showing your love for the Lord. You give back money to the church and that shows your appreciation for God and the sacrifice of his son. Tithing is not necessary to be saved but i have to say one thing…… your love for the lord is part of being saved and if you can’t sacrifice a mear two dollars a week on the lord instead of starbucks then obviously you have a heart issue. FIGURE IT OUT PLEASE BEFORE YOU POST THINGS THAT ARE CONFUSING AND MISLEADING!
From reading your angry comment, you are obviously a tither. The love that we show to God is rightly expressed in our giving (not a specific amount such as 10%) but more so in how we treat our brothers. I suggest you check you heart when you are writing comments.
Tithing still stands. In Matt 23:23 Jesus tells them they should have practiced the latter, (justice, mercy, faithfulness), without neglecting the former, (tithing). It’s not that Jesus said we don’t have to do it, He says we should do the others while not neglecting to tithe. Jesus also says in Matt 5:15 “think not that I have come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it.” Being under grace doesn’t mean OT law goes out the window. Being under the law of grace means that we don’t have to work for salvation because it can not be achieved through our works. The final work was done by Jesus the Christ on the cross. When you go on to read Matt 23 (the 7 Woes), Christ tears apart the “leaders” beause as Meg said, their hearts were not right. Tithing is a standard, OT set the standard, but your attitude on giving is between you and God. I’m not saying a fifth will not get you a blessing, but I’m pretty sure a fifth from the heart blessing can’t touch a tenth from the heart blessing. Remember 2 Cor 9:6-7 “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.” Tithing @ 10% shows oedience and faith. Obedience to God’s command and faith that He will provide if we obey. God doesn’t ask us to give what He hasn’t given us. We mismanage the 90% He alows us to keep then blame our bills and try to short change God. You should’ve thought about your tithe while charging up those credit card bills (sorry but I have to speak the truth). We want God to understand but we must understand that His word does not change to fit us, we must change to fit His word. Therefore, we must be willing to sacrifice our worldly possessions (this is what the Jesus told the young man that wanted to follow Him), buy what what we need, instead of what we want and tithing would be effortless. I can say this because this is my testimony, but it only came with maturity in the word and in my walk with Christ. Jesus says in John 14:15, “IF you love me, keep my commandments.” God commanded tithing, it may have been in the OT but nevertheless He commanded it. Sacrifices were commaned in the OT too, yet in the NT Jesus gave His life as THE sacrifice for you and I. We must remember, Psalm 24:1, “the earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof, the world and theythat dwell thereing.” You have it because God gave it. A tenth is not a lot to give back in return. Also, tithing a tenth is not always financial. Tithe your time & talents to your local ministry, God loves a cheerful giver.
Tithing:
Abraham commenced it – Gen 14:20
Jacob continued it – Gen 28:22
Malachi commanded it – Mal 3:10
Jesus commended it – Matt 23:23
Be blessed
Hi, Jesus said to the Jews that were present to tithe in Mathew 23:23 but please read the verse properly it says MINT AND CUMMIN. It was food that was used in Deutreronomy 14:22-25 and they ate it before the Lord , Food was mentioned in Malachi 3:10 and food was mentioned by Jesus in Mathew 23:23.
Its funny christians decided to change it into to money.
Please try and explain or get your pastor I dont care who he is to explain Deuteronomy 14:24-25. Pharasies that were following Jesus to try and bring an accusation against him knew all about the law of tithing given by Moses.Jesus was a Jew from the tribe of Judah for him to receive or ask for tithes He would have sinned according to the Mosiac Law.
Think about it, Please read your bible and do not be spoon fed by pastors who deceive christians for financial gain. Jesus said mint and cummin, and he said that tithing was in the law of Moses in Mathew 23:23. DO YOU WANT TO TELL JESUS HE WAS WRONG ?
or maybe He did not know that tithing was not in the law of Moses because your pastor said so. WAKE UP, AND STOP BEING STUPID! The love of money is the reason why pastors and people who are teaching tithing changed the scriptures for their own financial gain. Many christians are deceived because of greed and lust for your neighbours money. We cant serve God and money thats what Jesus said.
Have a Peaceful day
Loni,
The number one problem i had when i once believed in the tithing mandate was that all i could see was the consistency and repetitiveness of tithing. I could not see the other inconsistent, and incompatible errors it has under the new covenant. Anyone can see the similarities of any screwdriver and any screw, but it’s inconsistencies that will tell you whether or not a screw driver will fit the screw.
- jared
meg is right, careful of what you’re saying..
Meg and Levie,
i don’t recall the part where i said, “do not give”. I am here to spread the truth, and if the truth comes across as misleading then continue to criticize me.
- jared
You are REALLY reaching to get out of your responsibility to God!
No Vicky! REALLY reaching is twisting and changing the tithe’s purpose without any command to do so.
You’ve changed:
When you give the tithe (Deuteronomy 26:12- The tithe was only given at certain times of the year)
Who you give it to (Nehemiah 10:38- the tithe could only go towards the Levites the poor, or festivals; not towards buildings or pastors)
Where you store it (Nehemiah 10:38 – The tithe could only go into storehouses/silos, not churches)
What you give as a tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22- The tithe only consisted of food and animals)
How it was used for parties and festivals. (Deuteronomy 14:23)
What tithing includes (Leviticus 27:32-33Tithing never contained the first fruits)
How the tithe is used (The tithe was never used for building construction or maintenance.)
Vicky,
Am I reaching? I don’t think so! You can’t find any of the changes we made about tithing anywhere in scripture.
- jared b
i agree with tithe,do you know where your money goes really to the pocket of the misleaders,do you actually know where the money goes,it is very important to understand the scriptures about tithes.thank you for this information,me and my friend were talking about that we are tryting to really understand that.
I have to correct you.
1. Mal 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house,…”. The storehouse in this day is the church. Meat spiritual food provided in the house (church) of God. The tithe “should” be given to keep the house running (lights, heat, etc.) so God’s word may continue to go forth without hinderance.
2. 2 Cor 16:2 “Upon the firstday of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” At the end of the week each man was to tally his earnings and calculate how much God had prospered him. Every week could have been different, so on the 1st day they were instructed to “lay them side” until it was time to present them, which very well could’ve been during those certain times of year. But now we have the opportunity to present them on the spot as God prospers us. We don’t have to wait.
3. Lev 27:30 ” And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.” vs 32. “And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.” This acknowledge that God was owner of the land and it is He that provided the increase.
4. Firstfruits do apply. Deut 18:3-5 “And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.” You are a priest according to 1 Pet 2:9
5. Deut 14:22-23 “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings (FIRSTFRUITS) of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.”
The tithe went to the Levites because the were the one who went before God for the people. Now the people can go to God for themselves
I feel you should be spirit lead in the offering that you give.
Have you ever found yourself in church and did not feel the holly spirit moving?
Besides some of your own evangelistic outreach, did you ever feel that your church was not meeting up to it’s responsibility in reaching out to your community in reaching lost soul’s?
Do you ever find it easy to tithe because the spirit is moving you to do so then other times you feel your money is not going towards what God intended?
I’m really being pulled on this subject because when the spirit is leading me I have no problem giving my money, in fact this past year our church could not pay the fuel bill, I felt led to give 2,000 towards it.
I really feel it is a matter of your heart and spirit, we must listen closely to what the spirit is telling you.
Well anyways there is my 2%. :)
John
yes we do feel that way that is why it is important to really follow the spirit what he saying about that,thanks for posting
Sorry I agree on being lead by the Spirit on the offering you give, but not the tithe. Tithing is a command. Look at it like this, you go out to dinner you must pay the bill, that’s the tithe. It’s your option to leaave a tip, that’s the offering. Depending on the kind of service you receive, determines the tip you leave. So, depending on how the Spirit moves you, depends on your offering.
Granted some churches and pastors may abuse the tithe, but what about the churches who do rely on the tithe to pay for the bills or community events so they CAN be free for the poor? Who’s gonna pay for that? If you recall the tithe was also to pay the Levites, whom were the priests, who in context to today are pastors. God said that some of the money was to go to them.
Also, I would like to hear your dissecting on Malachi chapter 3 please.
Well I attend a small church where the pastor does the majority of the tithiing. Sometimes the pastor is the only one that tithes. I know this because I am responsible for collecting the offerings at the end of service. Our pastor does not receive a salary nor has asked for it. The money is used to pay bills at the church, help less fortunate, and also used to help the youth of our church with back to school expenses. I am not saying that there are not crooked pastors because I went to a church where there was one, but not all pastors abuse the offerings. Some actually use it for the church and the church members.
Paul explains in 1 Corinthians the Rights of the Apostle – He makes it clear how preachers should look at their line of work and should do it freely. He also states that it is commanded by God that anyone who preaches the Gospel should receive their living from the gospel. Earn their living and wages from preaching the Gospel. In today’s world this is not the fact. Pastors and preaches work full time jobs while making the commitment to God and his work to become part-time. There seems to be a lack of faith on their part that God will provide for their needs if first they seek the Kingdom of God, and all shall be added onto you. Church members are unfortunately question their giving and wondering what the motives are and where the money is going. The bible states by reading the word of God that we shall gain understanding and discernment. The spirit will guide you in your heart and discern from false prophets. Unfortunately when preachers work in the world satin has the opportunity to violate their anointing and impacts their family’s, members,community and growth of the church. Obviously these comments do not pertain to all preachers because there are preachers out there that still make it there job only and make their living from it. It my opinion that church members would rally around their preachers if the fruits of faith, commitment, devotion and were a part of their everyday life. Man can not serve 2 masters….
Thanks John
Hey,
I really appreciate you digging into the Bible to find the real answers, not just the answers men tell you we already have.
The thing I’ve realised most since I’ve grown up and tried to find my own path with Jesus is that Christians are more than willing to tell you their traditional/socially accepted way of viewing the Bible and its truths. However, no one encourages you to look into the Bible for the answers and ONLY the Bible. The Christian church accuses Catholics of separating the church hierarchy from the masses by continuing to employ the use of Latin Bibles.
I say the Christian church is doing one worse – set by the standard that the more you know the more you are accountable for. The true views on wisdom, real leadership, humility, drinking & vices, faith, sin, unbelievers, etc. expressed in the Bible are rarely taught by churches (for the most part) in a way people A. can understand or B. can back up thoroughly with scripture.
I work at a church and it is a job requirement (not to mention if you ever want a raise) to tithe 10% of everything to the church. They check all employees records every month and before reviewing someone for a ministry position they will verify your tithe records.
If you tell me your church doesn’t do this, you are deceiving yourself.
Now I’m not so much of a revolutionist to say we all need to stop tithing and paying taxes. These systems are already instituted – I suppose respect is due. The modern day church relies on tithes much the same way the government relies on taxes. Irresponsibility is always present in any man-organised, people-funded organisation but on the same token, in order to do any good in actively ministering to the electronically twisted generation we’re in, the money must be present.
There are quite a few things my church is doing and teaching that I don’t agree with. Not because I’m on a high horse or I think I know it all, but because I know firsthand that the church relishes in tradition much more than anyone could ever bring themselves to admit. I must tithe here, I guess that’s proper submission. I don’t want to stand up for a principle that will only cause discord in the end.
Which brings me to my point.
The truth must be known, no matter what we choose to do with it.
The only thing we can really achieve by clinging to our own ideas and not giving any real weight or thoughts to opinions contrary to your own is self-deception. All you who disagree, please, before you start the next post to disagree with me or with John, examine your point of view in light of the Bible. Match it up. Really search for both sides of the story. Pray for wisdom, discernment and good judgement. No one can benefit in the lasting, joyful ways God intended if we only defend one point of view or one way of looking at something without really and earnestly searching the Bible for something.
If you have your own doubts about what you are told in church, if you feel like something is going on that is being justified as scriptural but you know it can’t really be, if you feel like a subject is being taught incompletely (maybe not blatantly wrong) and you don’t know if you should just believe and continue on or you should do something; DO SOMETHING. Look it up in the Bible. It has the answers. Not men. Really.
Don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either –
don’t be a fool! Why should you die before your time? So try and walk a middle course –
but those who fear God will succeed either way.
Ecclesiastes 7:16-18
So don’t take pride in following a particular leader. Everything belongs to you.
Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future.
Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
1 Corinthians 3:21-23
Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgement.
Proverbs 4:7
As God’s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest your estimate of yourselves,
measuring your value by how much faith God has given you.
Romans 12:3
“Experience is never to be the basis for theology; rather, sound theology should be the basis for our experience.”
- Pastor Greg Laurie
“We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard.”
Acts 4:20 –
The more words you speak, the less they mean. So why overdo it?
Ecclesiastes 6:11
“Never trade what you don’t know for what you do know.”
-Pastor Chuck Smith
No one can know what anyone else is really thinking except that person alone, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit.
And God has actually given us His Spirit (not the world’s spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
I Corinthians 2:11-12
For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God’s power.
I Corinthians 4:20
It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t miss out on anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.
But you must be careful of this freedom of yours. Don’t cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble.
I Corinthians 8:8-9
All verses were from the first edition NLT version.
Just remember that everything belongs to you. The truths of the Bible belong to you. Please really try and find them. Then you’ll really find joy and peace. He promises you that.
Thanks John,
Love Ashli
Jared,
Reason #10: There are more important things than tithing.
Jesus said to the tithing Pharisee, “For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith (NKJV).” ~ Matthew 23:23
You see? There are more important things than tithing.
1. Justice
2. Mercy
3. Faith
Do you have those attributes? Have you mastered them yet? If not, maybe you should work on those and take control over them before you even start worrying about the tithe.
Marty’s last blog post..Pleasing Men or God?
Oh dear Brother Marty.
Are you suggesting that if a man has not mastered priciples like faith or understood the balance between Justice and Mercy that he should ignore God’s other commandments until mastery has been attained? Do you think that is what is meant in this verse?
Of course there are more important things than tithing but I hope you don’t think that equates to God repealing the Law of the Tithe. Ah, who am I kidding, of course you use this as a justification to not preach the Law of the Tithe.
When I read this I see something completely different than you. I hear an apostle of the Lord chastening the clergy for following the “letter of the law” not the “spirit of the law” They are “going through the motions” sorta speak. God gives NO law that is not spiritual at it’s root. The Pharisee’s were not tuned into the spiritual purpose of the tithe, hence the rebuke. If he were trying to tell the world that tithing was a defunct law why did he not just say. “Ye understand not that Christ hath fulfilled the law and now only requires a broken heart and contrite spirit.”?
Elder Joshua, If you are a Mormon what are you doing here? You use the book of mormon not the bible, Go sell your rubbish somewhere else.How can you argue about the bible you do not even use in your church. Joseph smith is your prophet go follow his lies and deception.
Elder, I want to alert you that the windows of heaven you are referencing has nothing to to with the interpreatation of money blessing. The blessing in Malachi is Rain from the sky. Once you study the hebrew of the text in question, you’ll find that the verse windows of heaven is talking about the the sky and rain for Isreal crops and herds. A tithe is always food not money. Once you study the tithe from the original Hebrew, you will resign from tithing as did and become a true New Covenant giver. See why
http://blackchristiannews.com/bloggers/2009/12/how-to-resign-by-dr-frank-chase-jr.html
Hey Marty.
I understand what you’re saying, but you’re using that verse out of context.
Matthew 23:23 and 25 (NLT)
“How terrible will it be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you are ignorant of the important things of the law-justice, mercy and faith. You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things…” and in verse 25, “You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy-full of greed and self-indulgence!..”
Yes, this IS saying that there are more important things than tithing. But it is a direct passage to the TEACHERS who are overemphasizing tithing 10% to the temple, which is what a lot of churches in our day preach in regards to their own churches. It shows a lack of trust for the Lord to truly multiply their faith, and their congregations money, to demand or manipulate anyone into tithing. Tithing (which literally means ‘tenth’) is a precept given to the Jews, along with circumcision, dietary laws and cleansing rites. There are a few verses in the new testament but nothing that commands gentile Christians (That’s us) to tithe the same way that we are commanded to love our neighbor, obey our father and mother and other such inward principles. Jesus certainly didn’t stress the tithing issue while he was here. He did stress the dangers of religion and people setting standards for other people. Giving is a Christian principle that we are encouraged to do as much as we can in all aspects of our lives. Even giving to the church and supporting pastors is mentioned and encouraged; being generous. There really just is no law or accountable standard for 10% of anything – your paycheck every week, 10% of your tax return, 10% of your birthday money, 10% of the change you find on the floor, 10% of your cashed savings bond…if you begin to live by a man-enforced and emphasized law then you are required to adhere to that law in every circumstance – this is what the Jews had to do. This is why Jesus laid down a new law. Tithing was not just money either, right? It was all the fruits and veggies from your garden, sheep and cattle, grain, even sometimes sons or land.
We just have to understand what the Bible is trying to tell us and keep our minds always open to new ideas about what God may be trying to tell you.
“The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
“Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully considers their steps.” Proverbs 14:15
“If you reject criticism you will only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.”
You don’t have to agree with me, just please consider the possibility of it.
“Ears to hear and eyes to see-both are gifts from the Lord.” Proverbs 20:12
“Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God. So don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another persons path.” Romans 14:12-13
Also, Paul presents the true way to preach about supporting pastors, tithing and giving in 1 Corinthians 9:11-27
No matter what we believe, this is the principle at the end of the day, “Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition…But whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.” 1 Philippians 1:17-18
“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others better than yourself.”
These are what we should spend our time on as Christians…that, and praying for wisdom and understanding…
we are always supposed to be open to whatever God is telling us, he doesn’t have a ‘formula’ for good Christianity, it’s a walk. It’s different everyday. It’s not about having our own opinions, it’s being aware of the world around us and how we can best represent Christ to unbelievers.
Anyway, that’s what I feel God is showing me.
Oh, I forgot that last scripture reference. It’s Philippians 2:1-3
Thanks!
Oh, man. You might be getting annoyed with me now. Okay, I went and studied Malachi Chapter 3. In Malachi 3:8-12 Malachi urged the people to stop holding back their tithes, to stop cheating God. According to God’s laws given to Moses (Leviticus 27:30-24; Deuteronomy 14:22), the Levites were supposed to receive some of the people’s tithe because they could not possess their own land (Numbers 18:20-21)During Malachi’s day, the people were not giving tithes, so the Levites had to work to support themselves. Because of this, they neglected their God-given responsibilities to care for the Temple and for the service of worship. Though we are no longer under the law today, we should recognize that everything we have is from God. Instead of robbing God of his own possessions, we should be pleased to use what we have to further his Kingdom – in whatever that way may be.
Ashli,
I do not believe that I am using that verse out of context. You are putting emphasis on the tithe, I am not. I am merely emphasizing exactly what Jesus was emphasizing. The problem is that’s what the Phraisees were guilty of and so are you.
I see that you even agreed with me in you second paragraph; so did you continue to do emphasize the tithe for the rest of your post?…even down to Malachi; which God’s rebuke directed towards those crooked preists, not us…the modern church!
The reason Jesus said, “You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things…” is NOT because it was “a direct passage to the TEACHERS who are overemphasizing tithing 10% to the temple.” It was because the Pharisees were under the Mosaic Law!
You must know that the Law was not written or even given to Gentile nations. It was for Israel only. Gentiles were not obligated to tithe to the Jewish Levite priests.
Do you know why Jesus certainly didn’t stress the tithing issue while he was here? It’s because He didn’t tithe! Paul never tithed, neither did any of the apostles! Why? because ONLY farmers, people who owned crops, gardens and cattle owners tithed; and they only tithed when they had an increase! They never tithed on the decrease of their goods. The tithe was never money and it was ALWAYS food and it was always eaten in front of the Levites! People who had jobs such as fishermen, carpenters and masons were not obligated to bring 10% of their tools, wood or fish to the Storehouse or Temple.
We are not commanded to tithe, nor are we expected to tithe. Jesus commanded that we love God with all our each other heart, mind, soul, strength; love our neighbor as ourselves and each other. It is love that is what fulfulls the Law, not tithing!
However, we are to be givers. Generous givers, NOT because we have to give or are commanded to. That’s religion and not Holy Spirit led. We are to give to the poor and those who are in need of help.
Not once in the NT did any apostle or preacher say that we were obligated to give 10% of our income to any church! There is no biblical Scriptures for that. You can’t bring the Law into the church, it doesn’t work!
Tithing doesn’t work; it’s too hard on the poor and too easy for the rich!
I give when I am led to give by the Holy Spirit with purpose and for those who are in need. I don’t do it out loud or call attention to myself. Jesus said we should give charity to the poor, in private.
Ashli, I will never tithe ever again. Why? because we have a new priest; a preist that reigns forever in the order of Melchizidek.
“So if the priesthood of Levi, on which the law was based, could have achieved the perfection God intended, why did God need to establish a different priesthood, with a priest in the order of Melchizedek instead of the order of Levi and Aaron?”
“And if the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed to permit it. For the priest we are talking about belongs to a different tribe, whose members have never served at the altar as priests. What I mean is, our Lord came from the tribe of Judah, and Moses never mentioned priests coming from that tribe.” ~ Hbrews 7:11-14
So, do you see? Tithing does not prove anything to God. Tithing cannot make you right with God. Tithing cannot save you. Tithing cannot make you righteous. Tithing more or on-time or every week doesn’t prove anything to God; all it says that is that you are religious! It means you will give religiously every week down to tiniest frikin’ mint leaf but you cannot even master the more important things like justice, mercy and faith!
Ashli, no offense; but I believe you don’t know anything about the tithe other than what your preacher has told you. Do some Old Tesament research on the tithe and you’ll find the truth.
Stop tithing! Give with love, generously to the poor and the needy!
Marty’s last blog post..Strange Relics from the Depths of the Earth
I think the writer is correct in his assessment. We really must rightly divide the Word of God. Proof-texting scripture is not a valid way to study scripture. I am a giver. I am beyond tithing. My pastor asked me about this one day. I told him why I am a giver. I then said, if you want me to tithe, then I will have to give less. Do not limit God!!! Also, you must relate the text to the people of that time. Then you must see how it applies to you. Also, some things are not for us to follow, but to take away valuable lessons from. We are not Jews of Mosaic law. I am saved, sanctified and filled with God Holy Spirit. Also, good sent me to a great seminary to go deeper. Before you criticize, please study. Get your Hebrew and Greek word study Bible and study line by line to get the true meaning. Reading just want do, you have to study. Lord Help your people!!!!!
Hey…I was actually advocating NOT tithing.
I just wanted to list a bunch of verses to be taken in whatever context it looks like they should be taken in.
Giving as the Lord leads us (what is impressed on our heart; paying someone’s bills, buying groceries, supporting a ministry or help network, your family, whatever) is the only way I see, Biblically, that we should handle our money and honor God.
I had a very, very bad experience at a money-hungry church that would mention the utmost importance of tithing and free volunteer cleaning every Sunday and Thursday night. It got really old and my faith did too.
I was completely fed up with the religion, the hate and the hypocracy so my husband and I left. I was the worship leader and graphic designer there. I just took up and left. I knew God was calling me to do this.
It’s been 2 months since I’ve stepped foot in man’s so called ‘church’ and let me tell you, when you really let go and trust God with all your heart it makes a huge difference. My husband and I believe that the Bible is not a religious text, what a fallacy! But rather a mystical book that encompasses every wonder, concept and wisdom imaginable.
Everything you think, isn’t. Everything you think isn’t, really can be. We don’t know anything as an absolute, God does though. We simply can’t make statements like ‘If you’re gay you may or may not go to heaven’ or ‘Tithe 10% minimum and God will bless you, any less, and you’re in rebellion’ or ‘You took magic mushrooms and said God showed you something! No, God would not approve of mind-bending sorcery like that!’
These are all wrong. Tithing being so pushed and relyed on in these last days is just one more symptom of the world’s ignorance and selfishness. No one cares for reaching the soul inside, relating in a normal, comfortable way. You have lost my generation. They hate church. They hate God. They hate religion. They hate the governement. They hate everything that is good and honest.
The only way to reach the people that we still can is to abandon all the preconceived notions of what godliness is and start hearing from God. Stop lying to your selves. We simply have to put our selves aside, more than any other time in history.
War has been declared by the enemy and today’s Christian nation (which is supposed to be God’s army) are a bunch of snivelling, namby-pamby, fake-kindness, self-decieving, judgemental group of pure worldliness. We have to wake up. We just have to.
Tithing is included in the New Testament. Jesus told the Pharisees that they should operate in justice, love and mercy without neglecting the tithe. – Matthew 23
Hi, Mathew 23:23 clearly states that tithing is included in the Mosiac law.Jesus is a Jew,for him to tell His disciples not to tithe is a sin against the law of Moses.He spoke of tithing before his death in Galvary.
One thing you need to understand ,when Jesus said that TITHING IS IN THE LAW OF MOSES,no one on earth can change that.Jesus is the Word of God turned in to flesh.
Jesus cancelled the old covenant God made with the Jews only so that everyone (gentiles)can receieve salvation and have a relationship with God through the blood of Jesus.
Gentiles DO NOT QUALIFY to go near the old covenant God had with the Hebrews in the old testament.The bible teaches that JEWS ONLY were GODS people.
Mose went to Eygpt to save the Hebrews only.Please stop deceiving yourselves thinking that in (Malachi 3:10) God was speaking to Gentiles.God was speaking to the high priest and levites who stole from him.Gentiles had no covenant with God in the old testament.
Why I said that God was speaking to High priest and the Levites because of the book of Numbers 18:1-3.Malachi 2:8.
All those who think that God was refering to GENTILES or CHRISTIANS in the old testament are sadly being deceived.
When Jesus died,the veil in the the temple was torn.The old Levitical priesthood was changed because the curse of the law was removed by Jesus sacrifice forever.
Dont forget,God commanded Arron and the high priest to put the veil to separate the most holy place in the temple in the old testament.God himself tore the veil when Jesus died in Galvary because no man including a high priest can remove or tear the veil for certain they would have died.
Hav a Good Day
Here is the best way to resign from tithing
http://blackchristiannews.com/bloggers/2009/12/how-to-resign-by-dr-frank-chase-jr.html
Wow – you’ve trod on a sacred cow here. It takes a brave person who dares touch the idea that tithing is an OT principal and not a requirement of the NT church. I appreciate your points, and I feel you are simply stating Bible facts as they are written. It is a terrible thing to challenge the New Testament law of tithing. My husband and I are generous “givers”, which is the only thing that gives me the strenth to challenge it myself. Otherwise we would be accused of being stingy an not loving God. I have no issue with giving, but I do not feel I am under the law of tithing. It so does not apply to me, a new testament non-agrarian Christian gentile. I was not raised as a Christian, and it’s taken me years to try to understand the relationship between the old and new testaments. It is always made more difficult by other Christians who have no idea why they do what they do, but are sure they are right. Thanks for your willingness to state what you believe on such a sensitive topic.
Matthew 6
1 Take heed, that ye do not your rightwiseness before men, to be seen of them, else ye shall have no meed at your Father that is in heavens [else ye shall not have meed of your Father which is in heavens].
2 Therefore when thou doest alms, do not thou trumpet before thee, as hypocrites do in synagogues and streets, that they be worshipped of men [a]; soothly I say to you, they have received their meed.
3 But when thou doest alms, know not thy left hand what thy right hand doeth,
4 that thine alms be in huddles, and thy Father that seeth in huddles, shall requite thee [shall yield to thee].
5 And when ye pray, ye shall not be as hypocrites, that love to pray standing in synagogues and [in] corners of streets, to be seen of men [that they be seen of men]; truly I say to you, they have received their meed.
6 But when thou shalt pray, enter into thy bedchamber, and when the door is shut, pray thy Father in huddles, and thy Father that seeth in huddles, shall yield to thee.
7 But in praying do not ye speak much, as heathen men do, for they guess that they be heard in their much speech.
8 Therefore do not ye be made like to them, for your Father knoweth what is need to you [for your Father knoweth what is needful to you], before that ye ask him.
9 And thus ye shall pray,
Matthew 5
17 Do not ye deem, that I came to undo the law, or the prophets; I came not to undo the law, but to fulfill. [b]
18 Forsooth I say to you, till heaven and earth pass, one letter [one i, that is the least letter,] or one tittle shall not pass from the law, till all things be done.
19 Therefore he that breaketh one of these least commandments, and teacheth thus men, shall be called the least in the realm of heavens; but he that doeth, and teacheth, shall be called great in the kingdom of heavens.
20 And I say to you, that but your rightwiseness [shall] be more plenteous than of scribes and of Pharisees [c], ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heavens.
21 Ye have heard that it was said to old men, Thou shalt not slay; and he that slayeth, shall be guilty to the doom [shall be guilty of doom].
22 But I say to you, that each man that is wroth to his brother, shall be guilty to doom; and he that saith to his brother, Fie! shall be guilty to the council; but he that saith Fool, shall be guilty to the fire of hell. [But I say to you, that ever-each that is wroth to his brother, shall be guilty of doom; forsooth he that shall say to his brother, Raca, that is, a word of scorn, shall be guilty of council; soothly he that shall say, Fool, that is, a word of despising, shall be guilty of the fire of hell.]
Luke 16
13 No servant may serve to two lords; for either he shall hate the one, and love the other; either he shall draw to the one, and despise the other. Ye be not able to serve to God and to riches. [b]
14 But the Pharisees, that were covetous, heard all these things, and they scorned him.
15 And he said to them, Ye it be, that justify you before men; but God hath known your hearts [soothly God knoweth your hearts], for that that is high to men, is abomination before God.
16 The law and the prophets till to John; from that time the realm of God is evangelized [from that time the realm of God is preached], and each man doeth violence into it.
17 Forsooth it is lighter heaven and earth [for] to pass, than that one tittle fall from the law [than one tittle fall of the law].
18 Every man that forsaketh his wife, and weddeth another, doeth lechery [doeth adultery]; and he that weddeth the wife forsaken of the husband, doeth adultery.
19 There was a rich man [Some man was rich], and was clothed in purple, and white silk, and ate every day shiningly.
20 And there was a beggar [And there was some beggar], Lazarus by name, that lay at his gate full of boils,
21 and coveted to be fulfilled of the crumbs [c], that fell down from the rich man’s board, and no man gave to him; but [and] hounds came, and licked his boils.
22 And it was done, that the beggar died, and was borne of angels into Abraham’s bosom. And the rich man was dead also, and was buried in hell.
23 And he raised up his eyes, when he was in torments, and saw Abraham afar, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried, and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he dip the end of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 And Abraham said to him, Son, have mind, for thou hast received good things in thy life, and Lazarus also evil things; but he is now comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And in all these things a great dark place is stablished betwixt us and you; that they that will from hence pass to you, be not able [d], neither from thence pass over hither.
27 And he said, Then I pray thee, father, that thou send him into the house of my father.
28 For I have five brethren, that he witness to them, lest also they come into this place of torments.
29 And Abraham said to him [And Abraham saith to him], They have Moses and the prophets; hear they them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham, but if any of dead men [shall] go to them, they shall do penance.
31 And he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither if any of dead men [shall] rise again, they shall believe to him.
God does not change, the God of the Old testament is the God of the New testament. God does not need our money, he can speak things into creation. so why tithe? Because he is after our hearts. God knows that our wallet reveals where our heart is. If you are trying to figure out why you should have to tithe then you might better check out where your heart is. The reason most people do not want to tithe is that they think their money belongs to them. Its not. All things are his. We are free from the law because we have the holy Spirit. If we are truly transformed, and filled with the Spirit then tithing is no longer a chore, it is something we desire to offer to God
Well said. Giving of tithes is a window to the soul. The most important principle to follow in reguards to the tithe is that we recongnize God is the giver of all we have, the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the air we breath. If someone cannot tithe and does not understand that tithing is a spiritual law and argues vehemently that others too should not tithe, then are robbing Gods childrens of the blessings of heaven.
Is there any others on this blog that, even if they don’t believe that tithing is a law in full force today, believe that it still opens the windows of heaven to those who chose to follow this law? The spirit forces me to say that some of you are more interested in the intelectual thrill of the chase than you are in providing those you teach with avenues to attain blessings. It truely makes me sad to think about this.
Joshua J holdstock, If you are keeping the tithe law,what about the other laws that was given to the Israelites, sabbath, sin offerings cleansing ceremonies and 600 other Mosiac laws.
Is this where we pick and choose which one is better for our bank balances ?
Mathew 23:23 teaches that in the time of Jesus food was still required for tithes. Money was available at the time Jesus was here but the Jews paid their tithes with food. Mathew 21:12-13 declared Jesus additute towards money.
What makes you think we can just change it to money or maybe God changed his mind because we have to deposit the tithe into bank accounts now.
Greed and lust for our neighbours money brought this change and then we twist and misinterbret scriptures to deceive people to part with their money. A LIE COMES FROM THE FATHER OF LIES.
When Jesus was here on earth no one paid their tithes to him. BUT NOW HIS FOLLOWERS ARE TEACHING THAT THEY COLLECT THE TITHES FOR GOD.
In the secular world if you are caught doing this conducting business you might end up in jail.Its called FRAUD, but in church you can deceive people and get away with it because we can argue that its our church doctrine and belief.
Satan IS A THIEF, he does not change.satan wants christians to be cursed and still remain under the law so that the curse of the law will be on them. ( Galatians 3:10-11 )
I ask this, to you who are christians did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law or through faith ?
Evreything we receive from Christ is through FAITH not from keeping the law.
A man shall live by FAITH.
The woman with the issue of blood, was she healed because she was a keeper of the law or was it her FAITH ?Jesus did not comment on how she tithed or kept the sabbath because she was a gentile,he marveled at her FAITH.
All these christians who want you to tithe and keep all the old covenant laws are dragging you into the curse in Galatians 3:10 because non of us can keep the whole law.
THATS WHY JESUS CAME TO SAVE US. Only JESUS CAN FULFILL THE LAW.
You and I CAN NOT KEEP THE WHOLE LAW
Paul taught that the LAW IS NOT OF FAITH Galatians 3:12
I stopped tithing after 30 years. There is an error most everyone makes when explaining tithing. It has always been food, eatable items, not money. God never asked for a tithe in the form of money from the Isrealites. He always asked for a food tithe for the Levites and the levites gave a food tithe from their tithe. That is as simple as it gets. You simply cannot just change what God wants as a tithe to money because its convenient to do so. When the first temple was built in Exodus, it was built with offerings, not tithes. Money was also in the OLD TESTAMENT. And everyone (Male) 20 years and older God asked for a money offering. To claim, that isreal was 100 perent argricultural society is a bogus argument made to people who do not know the land, the language and literature fo the Hebrew people. If you want to read how to resign from tithing read this:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewshortstory.asp?id=46946
let’s clarify some facts by responding to the ten msunderstood reasons about not to tithe.
1. The Holy Spirit is our new teacher, not the Mosaic law ?
at the first gance of the question the advocator of non-tithe system may have been a triune god believer teachings that the holy spirit was another entity of the Godhead composed of the father, the son and the holy spirit which is UNSCRIPTURAL!
the only location you can find the introduction of the Godhead can be found in John 1:1.
let’s read:
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2He was with God in the beginning.
see! no trace of holy spirit in this introduction.
this teachings of the trinity has been the core of debate that resulted to the mass walk out of its member and set-up of their own.
they only learned that it came from the Pagan Rome of the ancients times before the christians era.
so what is the holy spirit of God in a true sense?
Luke 24:49
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
it’s undeniably the holy spirit of God.
since when did the tithes became part of the mosaic laws?
Genesis 14:20
And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
to prove the exisence of tithes regardless of the old covenant we have learned that the covenant made through moses was abrogated during the captivity of the northern and southern israel LONG before the coming of jesus. and yet we read in Mathew 23:23 that he taught the jews how to live with tithes through the spiritual gift which is the holy spirit.
see the evidence of the tithing sstem was still in force after the covenant was broken.
Russel lost his argument and can not anymore come up with good reasonings.
2. There is no command for the New Covenant Church to tithe?
how are we sure that there was no command to tithe during and after jesus resurrection?
or shall we reverse the question if there was an annulment of tithes in the christian era?
did jesus really teach the annulment of tithes in the NT times?
during the dispensation times of the apostles they preached the gospels with the first scriptures brought with them, the only material they used in preaching.
was there a command that abrogate the tithes in the FIRST scriptures?
3. Tithing was used for the temple storehouse & ceremonial system (Nehemiah 10:37; Deuteronomy 12:17,18)
4. 10% giving is not an eternal principle nor a character trait of God (Romans 8:32)
5. The church is not commanded to follow the ordinances of Abraham and Moses (John 7:21-24)
to end these doubted beliefs of its existence we must read the hebrew book of Paul about the priest melchizedek in the NT teachings.
1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,
2and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything.
we can say that the first human being who received the tithes was the Priest Melchizedek and not the levite priest.
who is now the Melchizedek of the NT that authorize the tihing system?
Heb 7
14For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
15And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.
17For it is declared:
“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”
it was jesus christ who will assume the Priest in the order of Melchizedek!
therefore the tithes are still in command even after the old covenant system.
6. A tithe only consisted of agricultural increase?
did abraham tithe his increase from the agricultural products?
7. Tithing is not the minimum amount mentioned in scripture (Romans 12:1; Matthew 25:24-28)
Romans 12
Living Sacrifices
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship.
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
…..2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world..
does that mean the tithes are worldly things?
Num 18
28 In this way you also will present an offering to the LORD from all the tithes you receive from the Israelites. From these tithes you must give the LORD’s portion to Aaron the priest. 29 You must present as the LORD’s portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you.’
…..the LORD’s portion the best and holiest part of everything!
the best and holiest are the ultimate descriptions being described to the tithes of God.
why the best? because God knows there would be some who will teach that the tithes are done away.
why the holiest? if God is holy, therefore the tithes are even higher than anything else.
what do you mean a perfect living sacrifice to God?
nobody knows what exactly the living sacrifice to God except his HEART!
like i said, tithings, the first harvest and the first ofspring from the old covenant times are the examples of heart’s lust bashing to prevent us from idolatry.
BECAUSE the heart comes the evil feelings that eventualy led you to commit such that sin.
8. An OT ceremony paralleled the future Church with a freewill offering (Deuteronomy 16:10)
i don’t know what you mean by that but the freewill offerings are hand in hand with the tithes and without each of them tithes would be a useless things.
Mal 3
8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’
“In tithes and offerings!
…in tithes and offerings – see the differences of these human doctrines against to God’s.
9. We have new commands of giving (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 5:18-25)
giving is a spiritual element required to the commandment of God.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
and love is giving!
10. I will leave out #10 and see what many of you come up with.
in numbers 31 where Russel stated that the 10 percent has been compromised wth these fractions 1/500 and 1/50.
we can play these two fractions by turning them to 50/500 to be 1/10 or 500/100 to 10.
but to tell you the truth there are 3 tithes out of these fractions and not a .01 allegedly claim by Russel.
1/500 is 1/10 and 1/50
1/50 and 1/50 are 2/100
but 100 can be made 10 x 10
therefore we have a 1/10 and 1/10 and 1/10 to become 3 tithes.
solution:
675000 x .1 = 67500
67500 x .1 = 6750
6750 x .1 = 675 for the lord!
Loni
Turning phrases that sound good does not make you biblically correct. In fact you are committing unethical exegesis of the scripture.
Abraham commenced it – Gen 14:20
Jacob continued it – Gen 28:22
Malachi commanded it – Mal 3:10
Jesus commended it – Matt 23:23
So let me correct you on the context of each verse you cited. Abraham tithed the spoils of war, which included people. Abraham never tithed any of his personal wealth. Plus, Abraham tithed once in his entire life and he was in his 80s when he first tithed. There is no record to prove he tithed ever again. His tithe before the law was different the the tithe God set up during the Law. To Follow Abraham’s example, then all believers should tithed when they get into their eighties.That’s Abraham’s tithig example, a one time shot. That sounds good to me but I bet no pastor would go for that.
Jacob made a pact with Yehweh that he would only tithe after God Blessed him. We have no scripture showing he performed the act of tithing. Plus using Jacob’s logic, every christian can go to God and say make me wealthy first then I’ll give you a tithe. Every Christian should ask God to make them rich first. Until then they don’t have to tithe until God sends the millions. No preacher would ever teach Jacobs vow format of tithing because they would have to wait until God sends the millions to the members. How come no pastors ever suggest Jocob tithe vow as an option? You should try it and see what your pastor says.
Malachi should be read from Chapter one to see who God is talking to. The command is written to the Jewish high priests and the Levites not to Gentiles in the New Testement.. When you read all the chapters it is clear that God is talking to the priests who are robbing God. Plus the tithe in Malachi is food not money, that’s why God said “that their be meat (Food) in my house. The meat in Hebrew is food not money. If you examine the KJV which says, “You are cursed with a curse”, you have a problem, Your pastor should have told you that words in italic in the scripture mean they were added by the translators to protect the soviegnty of God. When they did this some the scripture text meaning changed. So you must read the verse in context like this without the word “are”. You curse with a curse. When you read the Chapters of Malachi from Chapters 1 thru 3 you will see the priest were cursing God, the levites were cursing god and the people were cursing God. Guess who GOD is coming after first, for changing His word about the contents of the tithe, PASTORS! The tithe requirement is food only, see Leviticus 27: 30-33. God never changed the tithe to money, the catholic church did by using fear to extract money to build Cathedrals. This is well documented in History that they changed the Word of God. The command to tithe was to the Jews only. ALERT, Only Herders and Crop Growers tithed, that is farmers.
Jesus commeded tithing for the Jews only because it was required for them under the TORAH but he was not talking to Gentiles who knew nothing of Jewish Law. Jesus told them that because they were growing crops. Jesus could not tithe because he was not a farmer or a herder. He was a carpenter. If you look the context of Mathew 23:23 he wa rebuking them for their action not commending them in a positive way.
You arguments that Abrahan commenced it – Gen 14:20, Jacob continued it – Gen 28:22, Malachi commanded it – Mal 3:10, and Jesus commended it is out of context, which is isisgesis (private interpretation), and proof-texting which as been the pretext of the false teaching of money tithing since the forth century. You must go back and study to show your self-approved, rightly dividing the word of truth instead of wrongly dividing the Word. A tithe has always been and shall always be a tenth part (of crops, cattle, sheep, oil, wine and grain from the land, not ten percent of gross income called greenbacks. Money is for offerings, food is the biblical tithe. I tithed for 30 years and was never blessed by it. Not I know why. God never asked for money tithe but I should have brought a cow to church as my tithe but since I am not a farmer guess what he requires, an offering of money.
Heres a non biblical thought about tithe….
A church is a group of people who are rallying together with a common goal or cause. We all want to see change come to the community and reach out to help others. Isn’t it only fair for everyone to put in to help that goal or cause – other wise the church cannot possibly run! No money = No food support program, No counceling services, No payment of electricity bills ect.
But isn’t it fair of all people give the same percentage to help that cause? Other wise the pastor might have to make up for the slack with say 50% of his pay. Is that fair? he does so many other things in the church!
I am from a church that promotes tithe. We are a small church, but we have a big vision to see change. Food support programs, counceling services, a community market, a community garden, youth and childrens programs, play groups and even a school…ect. All of these services have costs involved! And our church has invested in properties such as a child care centre in order to bring in extra revenue. However this is not enough to satisfy the bare minimum costs involved. Most of the people running the church do not get full pay for all the days work they do. And our youth leaders & childrens workers are completely volounteer. I am an assistant youth leader. And since we reside in a low socio economic area we commit to ensuring our youth programs are cheap. The only cost we have is $5 which barely covers dinner, and children who cannot afford this come and eat free. Most of the time the leaders end up spending out of their own pockets for game equiptment and snacks. And when we have events, we pay for any children that have never been to youth before to come for free.
Yes our giving should be holy spirit led, agree completely! – but honestly, if you are part of a team working towards the same goal, wouldn;t you want to contribute a fair amount? Isn’t it fairer for people to all chip in the same percentage of their pay, rather than a few people giving say 30%?
Fairness and equality is another issue to consider with money.
I know that every $ i give is being used effectively to help bring change to my comminity. And i dont mind paying for equiptment and children to come to events because i want to see change in their lives! We dont have big flashy equiptment, we try to use the money we get to be effectively used to see change in our community, so really in my opinion, asking for 10% is really nothing when you look at the grand scheme of things! Because what your sowing into is so much bigger.
Lisa,
One of the greatest things about Spirit led giving is the form of checks and balances it brings. Have you heard a statement similar to this, “Whatever God calls, he pays for”? In the same sense we need to keep in mind that if the Holy Spirit is capable of calling ministries to action, He is also capable of calling others to support it.
This is important because false ministries that claim to be led by the Spirit would not be able to impose giving regulations that prohibit others from using spiritual discernment with their giving.
Can you see the problem when i say, “The Holy Spirit is leading me to start this ministry, and now you are biblically required to fund it.”
- jared
I’ve been out of work since 10-16-09 because the company I worked for closed down and moved to New Jersey. I would like to know what to give as a tithe to God if you don’t have money to give and if the person isn’t a farmer to give land or livestock?
What we can know now is that most pastors in favor of giving tithes. But most lay intelligent Bible Researchers do not aggree with tithing. The question is Should a Gentile Christian Schould give tithe? All Pastors including Dr. Frank Chase Jr. should look at what you teach in the Church. You are the people who say we are no longer under the law, we are saved by The Blood of Jesus Christ. You are the people talking about the New Covenant and why you introduce the burden of the Law that even Jews were not able to bear. Pls read your Bible again Lev. 27:34, Malakhi 1:1; Acts 15;10.
And what all should do is to go back and see what Apostles were doing or not doing. Did they encourage gentile Christians to give tithes?
Again, we all should look at the Bible Act 15:20 which is a new law for Gentile Christians that all Apostles set a side. It is better to read 15:1-21. Act 15:10 is remarkable.
And, let’s look at who really introduced tithing in the Church again? Were they not Church leacers? Of course they were. What was in their mind? It is clear and simple…
Can’t the Church today help our members find and create jobs etc. so that they may be able to give offerings willingly even more than the amount of what the OT Jews were giving?
Funny thing is Pastors unwilling to do so intead they will say the are spiritual leader. They are not responsible for such material thing and yet they put a heavy burden to their members to bring their tithes, material thing or money. Jesus did both spiritual and material: teaching, healing, and feeding.
Pastors, pls read the Prophet books and you will see God’s warning against Pastors (Shepherds) their corruption, greed and negligence. They (shepherds or pastors) are fat but their sheep are skinny and even scattered without shepherd.
Pastors, just have faith and trust in the Lord. Try to help your members so that they may be blessed. If we truely love your members why whould you worry about other things? They can give their offerings and share their blessings even more than their 1/10 of their income.
God Bless pastors