As we continue our ‘Tithing on Trial’ series, we will evaluate the most common tithing arguments used to defend its practice. So let’s evaluate another argument used to promote tithing.
Argument: Israel Gave their Tithes to the Storehouse, So We Should Give our Tithes to the Church.
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.”
There are good principles we can draw from Malachi 3, but using the storehouse as an argument to bring tithing to Church is not accurate. Yes. We should supply ministers and the Church body with food and provisions for their needs, but the principle in Malachi 3:10 is about supplying for the needs of others; it is not about giving 10% to a Church. Here are 3 areas to review on why the Church is not a storehouse for tithing.
Only 1% Made it to the Temple Storehouse
The temple storehouse only received 1% of Israel’s increase, the other 9% was stored in Levitical cities – not at a place of worship.
Nehemiah 10:37-38 to bring the firstfruits of our dough, our offerings, the fruit from all kinds of trees, the new wine and oil, to the priests, to the storerooms of the house of our God; and to bring the tithes of our land to the Levites, for the Levites should receive the tithes in all our farming communities. And the priest, the descendant of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes; and the Levites shall bring up a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms of the storehouse.
The Israelites were responsible for giving their tithe to the Levites and in turn, the Levites were then responsible for giving a tenth of the tenth towards the temple storehouse. 1% of Israel’s increase was used for the support of those ministering and serving in the House of God. I’m sure the percentages today do not come anywhere close tho this figure. The latest giving statistics state that 85% of the offerings received by Churches are used for internal operations. The Priests only absorbed 10% of what was given to the Levites (or 1% of Israel’s increase)
The irony of all this is that the decree in Malachi 3:10 was not addressing the whole Israelite nation. It was only addressing the Levitical tribe since they were the only ones responsible for the 1% that was supposed to bring food to God’s StoreHouse. As a word of wisdom to leaders in our Churches who may be reading this – In Malachi 3, it was those who received the tithe that was neglecting their duties to give. Considering 85% is spent on internal operations, I don’t think we’re any better off than those in Malachi were . . . what a scary thought!
If you wish to read more about the Levitical cities, they are first outlined in Numbers 35:2-3, while other references can be found throughout scripture in regards to the storage of tithes and offerings within these cities as well.
Did Your Church Build a Storehouse?
A storehouse actually STORES something. Duh! Right! If you had a storehouse for your farm, that means you are safekeeping your grain to be used later for feed or for seed. The Church building, is not used as storage to preserve or distribute anything. Quite simple to understand, don’t you think?
Most people don’t pick up on the fact that Malachi 3:10 mentions two different places. First, God mentions a “storehouse”; then, God mentions a separate place and calls it “my house”. The two are exclusive of one another. God’s house is NOT the storehouse, and the storehouse is NOT God’s house. Did you think the grain was sitting in the Holy of Holies? Maybe they stored some of their corn in the ark of the covenant? There was no Shekinah Glory sitting above the grain house. God’s house was not a place to bring your goods or possessions. Neither was it a place to make transactions.
Matthew 21:12-13 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
God kicked ALL the money changers out. There were no exceptions for those who were honest and those who were dishonest. Jesus statement was that in the presence of God, there was to be prayer, not business.
I know that I stated the temple is not the Church building today, so it’s not like these restrictions in the Temple are applicable to worship buildings today, but this means if these restrictions aren’t applicable, then it also means that the Church building is not a resemblance of the Storehouse or the Temple.
The storehouse was was not considered a holy place or part of the worship process. The only reason why a storehouse was needed was because there was food to store. If you are unaware of the temple tax; it was a monetary offering required for everyone to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the House of God. The temple tax was never kept in a storehouse. So, God doesn’t need a storehouse in order for us to have a reason to give to support His work.
One last note. If you observe the New Testament, there is no reference to a Church storeroom to bring your tithes or offerings. Nor was the word ‘storehouse’ mentioned whatsoever.
Our Storehouse is Not in This World
Let’s set aside the technicalities and semantics and focus on the spiritual application of a storehouse. Some of you believe that the Storehouse in the Old Testament, through spiritual meaning, is comparative to a church today. I get why this thought occurs to most people. But let me show you two significant differences between a church and the Temple and a storehouse.
1. A Building was Where God Dwelt – Isaiah 66:1-2, 1 Chronicles 17:6, 1 Kings 8:27
Our Soul Is Where He Dwells Now – Acts 7:48, John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
In the Old Testament, the temple was known as the House of God, but in the New Testament, we know that God does not dwell in houses made with hands. We are the temple of God.
2. A Storehouse Stores Corruptible Things – Luke 12:16-21, Matthew 6:19
Heaven Stores Incorruptible – Matthew 6:20, Matthew 19:21, 1 Peter 1:3-4
The earthly Storehouse symbolizes the purpose of an eternal storehouse, it does not symbolize a worship building or any other form of infrastructure you may have for the local Church. The storehouse symbolism is perfectly described in Matthew 6:19-20 where Jesus commands us not to store up treasure on earth, but to store treasure in heaven.
It’s a disservice to consider your worship building God’s Storehouse. I know there are many great programs and actions that come through some local churches and their facilities, but certainly, God did not want us to focus on earthly legacies. He wanted us to focus on eternal legacies. If anything, Malachi 3:10 should be a reminder to lay up treasures in heaven, not to bring a check to the next service.
Review
Here is a review of the key points from the article.
- Only 1% of Israel’s tithing increase was used to support the service in God’s house while 9% was NOT used within God’s House
- The Temple was not a building to store money or goods, and was not used for any financial transactions. A Storehouse was Not needed unless there was something to store.
- God no longer resides in a building and our storehouse is found in heaven, not on earth.
If a Church wants to consider itself a storehouse for tithing, then by all means make sure they follow the guidelines in the Old Testament. Otherwise, let’s not call the Church building a storehouse. In the mean time, let’s encourage one another to give as God leads us. May it be sacrificially, liberally and cheerfully.
You Be the Judge
Now that the evidence has been given in this court of law, it is your turn to decide
Linda Finch says
when the offering is taken Malachi 3 is always brought up and we are told that our tithe is owed and is commanded and that there is no blessing in giving the tithe but the open window of blessing comes thru our offering not the tithe. I believe that any effort that comes from a honest heart and is given from a grateful heart as a token of honor will be blessed and acknowledged by the Lord. I am considering leaving this church because the push for money is relentless…thank you
earl says
I agree the church has changed from a storehouse to a penthouse that all belongs to the preacher.i think this is why we see so many churches popping up everwhere.ive saw a big change in the last 50 years.
Linda says
My sister argues that all tithes must be put into the church that you attend. No matter what happens to it…and what they do with it..God sees that she paid it. That she did what she was told to..put the tithes in the storehouse. Which they say is the church you attend. I go there…but send my tithes to another church because I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to send it to this one church who is restoring an old school to become their church. They are wonderful folk..there…and help with food pantries and clothes for the poor…for nothing. So I send each month a certain amount..and I feel good about it. My sister said my struggles in finances and home..are because I don’t send tithes to the church I attend. I don’t listen to that stuff….but she thinks shes right. Anyway…the work of God goes on in many churches…and I feel that I have listened to The HOLY SPIRIT and done what HE said to do. I might be struggling in finances and other things…but I know what I heard in my heart. And I just have to wait on God Blessing…don’t I??
I know things that the church I attend does wrong…with monies…paying folk who are employed there and they don’t do the work well at all..they are some sorry stewards of Gods monies..in my eyes..and I feel that I don’t want to put any more monies in their pockets. My sister seems to think…”Just close your eyes and put your head in the sand”..and drop the envelope in the offering pan…and don’t think about it anymore. Now that “to me” isn’t being a good steward of my increase God has blessed me with…He also said…to put it in “good soil”. That’s what I feel I have done…I might not know totally what the tithes are use for at the other church…but I do know some…of what it does…and I don’t worry that it is being used in a good manner. You opened my eyes on the “storehouse” meaning…lol. But most churches continue to hold on to the assumption that the building they attend as church…is the “storehouse”. I sent the article to her to read…hope she gets the BIG PICTURE.. Thanks…
Josh says
Linda, I am happy and thanking God that you have been set free from the bondage of tithing. I know it is a hard road as you may get rejected by those who are in positions of authority in your local church. However, there are some great churches out there that do not believe in tithing, but instead believe in giving as you purpose in your heart and that all your blessings come through Jesus. I encourage you to trust in Jesus for your blessings and do not put your trust in anything else. Let the love of God flow through you as He has already given all things to you freely. Now you can live a life of thanksgiving and the love of God can flow out of you in grace and generosity towards others. Blessings
Guest says
God will help you for free even if you can’t pay one dime inn church. Romans 8:32 God with Jesus FREELY GIVES US ALL THINGS!
Follow what is said in the New Testament about giving and stop listening to your sister. She needs to understand what Covenant she is under and what is meant by Paid in full as in it is finished. Saved Christians should give as they are Spirit led. Malachi was not speaking to one saved redeemed from the curse of the law Gentile. Grace robbing tithe advocates need to get a clue
Anthonia Vincent says
I have made research on the storehouse and d church is not. Also, we are the church not a building . Jesus said, where two or three are gathered together in his name , he is there. Also, tithe is a law given to d isreal and has to do with farm produce and animals. Jesus , never mentioned tithe to the church. He only commanded us to give and to take care of those blessing us spiritually. Many men of God has used tithes and offerings to make lots of money. The bible says if we continue in his word , we shall know d truth and d truth shall set us free. I believe your explanation . We should give to help people as God leads us
Son of Yah says
We are not under the Levitical priest any more.
Jesus is now our high priest. Levites were the only one who could collect tithes.
William Cook says
Praise the Lord Linda for freeing you from the bondage of tithes enforced by churches and their leaders. Now the many pro-tithers on here need to wake up and study God’s Word for themselves and stop believing everything their pastors teach regarding God commands 10% of your income for the Church. That’s a lie from the pit of hell!
Bill says
Hi Jared, I appreciate the info you have going here. I have been looking for a while for something concrete that distinguishes for sure if the tithe has to come to the storehouse and if that is in fact the church. While you make a good point in the Nehemiah scriptures I’m not 100 percent that is what that means though.
The initial part of that of that promise from God’s people starts at verse 35. And says…”And we made ordinances to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, to the house of the Lord; 36 to bring the firstborn of our sons and our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and our flocks, to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God; 37 to bring the firstfruits of our dough, our offerings, the fruit from all kinds of trees, the new wine and oil, to the priests, to the storerooms of the house of our God; and to bring the tithes of our land to the Levites, for the Levites should receive the tithes in all our farming communities. 38 And the priest, the descendant of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes; and the Levites shall bring up a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms of the storehouse.
So to me that reads like they planned on honoring the Law. Bringing all the firstfruits, first born, first herd etc. etc. to the Temple of God and to the storerooms PLUS give the Levites a tenth of the farming. And in return they give a tenth of what they receive to the Temple?
To me it looks like they would give a tenth in every category to the Temple basically and the farming stuff straight to the Levites. And they would follow the same action that what they received or (got paid) they would give a tenth to the temple?
Do you think that is incorrect? That’s just what I gathered when I read that. And btw, I really hate when a preacher bullies people with the Malachi scriptures. So I am eagerly looking for the truth..
Josh says
Hello,
I think it is great that you are searching for truth. If you read Nehemiah carefully then you will see that they decided to follow the ordinances. Tithing was included in this ordinance.
Originally, tithing was listed among the ordinances in the law of Moses in Numbers chapter 18. This is what Nehemiah was trying to follow except originally there was no storehouse because there was no temple.
However, again in Malachi 3:7 God is upset because the priests have failed to follow the ordinances which is what they were suppossed to do. Why do I bring this up.
Because for New Testament believers, we are not under the ordinances of the law of Moses as Jesus nailed them to the cross as per Colossians 2:14. So be free.
It is fun to study and look back to see just how the Jews did it but the reality is that either way, we are not under any of the ordinances of the law like circumcision, sacrifices, feast days, or tithing.
Be blessed
Son of Yah says
Jesus only did away with the Levitical part of the Law. The rest remains
Guest says
Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the Grace of God for if righteousness comes thru keeping the law Christ die in vain.
When Christians fully understand Jesus fulfilled the law when he said It is finished same as Paid in full, that will be a day of rejoicing. Truth is God with Jesus freely gives us all things according to Romans 8:32 and we can be led by the Spirit in all things even in our giving!
Jared Brian says
I am not sure if i can answer you correctly since i’m not positive i understand your question.
There are three main points to the article
1. The temple storehouse only collected 1% of Israel’s increase, so we cannot make the analogy claiming God wants the whole (10%) tithe to go to the Church. I don’t agree that the Church is a storehouse period; but just to make a point that if one DOES believe that the temple storehouse is symbolic of the Church, then one needs to also true to the fact that the temple storehouse only received one-percent (1%) of Israel’s harvest and animals. In Malachi 3, the prophet was rebuking the Levites for not bringing the tithe of the tithe to the storehouse. How it worked was that the Israelite farmers and herdsmen brought the tithe to the Levitical cities across Israel, then the Levites brought a tenth of the tithe to the temple storehouse. The storehouse also held various other offerings such as the first fruits. These offerings were typically exact amounts for everyone, not percentages that fluctuated.
2. The storehouse was a place to keep food to take care of hunger for the ministers serving and for the poor. Basically, the #1 priority of the tithe was only to feed people food. It was completely humanitarian.
3. If the OT was analogous to anything it’s analogous to the future kingdom of heaven.
Guest says
Why are Christians talking about the Store house and Malachi as if they lived under the Leviticus law and not the guidance of the Holy Spirit? I’m just amazed at the fact many Christians do not realize what Covenant they are under! They do not realize all those laws in Leviticus had to be kept as a package deal. Jesus called tithing the least of the laws in Matthew 23:23 and he was speaking to Jews still under the law before he said it is finished as in Paid in full on his cross.
Why can’t brainwashed tithe legalist understand Galatians chapter three verse thirteen “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law…that includes all curses even the one in Malachi 3
Son of Yah says
The curse of the was judgement and punishment of the law. He did not on yo destroy the law Matt. 5:17-20
Bill says
I think we are looking at two different points of view because the Israelites were bringing their firstfruits to the Lord… And bringing something as well to the Levites. And in return whatever the Levites received they also gave a tenth to the Lord.
I don’t have a problem with tithing at all and totally believe in it. I only question the storehouse (or what is the storehouse?) vs. giving to other ministries that feed the hungry or supply water wells etc. etc.
As for the “we are no longer under the Law comment…” People kind of take that out of context. As someone who has received Christ we are not under the eternal consequences however that doesn’t mean that we can just disobey the law and do as we please.
We should not murder, steal, lie…etc. etc. and those are all commandments under the law.
Further here is what Jesus says about the law…
Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
So hear Jesus makes a clear distinction that we should not just do “part” of it and neglect the other parts. He says we should do both.
So, as for the original comment….I’m not sure that we should look at it as only 1% went to the temple. I think it says that the Israelites gave 10 % or (the firstfruits) to the Lord plus gave a 10% of something specific to the Levites. And in return the Levites gave a tenth of what they received to the Lord as well. So the system was the same. Am I making sense now?
Thanks for the replies,
Bill
Jared Brian says
what do you think the storehouse is? Must it resemble something from the NT? If it’s the temple storehouse, and the people are the temple of God, then maybe something within us a storehouse? I don’t know. You tell me.
I don’t know if it’s taken out of context, i just think that some things are lost in translation when we interpret what others are saying. Unless you believe the person stating ‘we are not under the law’ forgot that stealing is bad, and that it is still in effect even though it was stated in the law.
You need to take some time to read the whole passage. Begin in Vs 1 but pay attention to vs 3, where Jesus tells the disciples to obey the Pharisees because they sit in Moses’ seat. You can’t categorize parts of Matt 23 and claim vs 3 is strictly a command for the Disciples during the Mosaic law period and then take vs 23 and assume that Jesus is switching narratives and is now speaking commands to the born-again Church. No one pours new wine into old wine skins.
One cannot look at only what was given and not at what was received. Either the Storehouse temple (the house of God) received 1% of Israel’s increase, or it did not. Sure, Israelite farmers and herdsmen gave 10%. BTW, if you did not own land or animals, you did not tithe. (read leviticus 27:30) Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Lawyers, and Doctors did not give a tithe.
Please research this. Tithing and first fruits are completely separate offerings. No theologian would disagree with you if they knew their bible because it is plain as day. The tithe and the first fruit offering were given at different times, had different purposes, different portions, different qualifications, and different meanings. The tithe was not the first or the best. Leviticus specifically states that the 10th one was separated, not the first, and that they were not to distinguish between good or bad.
Bill, i don’t mean to sound rude, but read, read, read for yourself. I can’t give you the answer. No one can. When i first started studying this topic, i had to come to conclusions on my own. You’re not going to listen to me and we’ll just wind up arguing back and forth. I’ve had too many of those debates that end nowhere. I can tell you that i am overwhelmed by the scriptural support there is against tithing. At first, when i practiced tithing, i was in denial, but i had to let scripture take the reigns. That is all i can tell you to do. Read books for and against tithing if you’re not sure where to start. Some of the things you are stating above it is obvious that you have not researched enough. Research the differences between first fruits and offerings. Research when the tithe was given, who it was given to, and what was given.
Josh says
“I don’t have a problem with tithing at all and totally believe in it. I only question the storehouse (or what is the storehouse?) vs. giving to other ministries that feed the hungry or supply water wells etc. etc.
As for the “we are no longer under the Law comment…” People kind of take that out of context. As someone who has received Christ we are not under the eternal consequences however that doesn’t mean that we can just disobey the law and do as we please.
We should not murder, steal, lie…etc. etc. and those are all commandments under the law. ”
Hey Bill,
I am glad that you are looking for truth so let me tell you some. If you want to know what to do with the commandments that you listed then read Romans 13:8-10. It shows that Love fulfills the law. What does that mean? It means that if you love your neighbor then you would not kill him, or steal from him. If you loved your neighbor then you would not commit adultery with his wife or covet what he has, nor would you lie to him.
In the New covenant we are under the law of Love because on this law hangs all the others (Jesus said that in Matthew 22). We have been elevated to that law and its glory is far above the law of Moses according to 2 Corinthians 3.
You are right in quoting Jesus but in that quote of Matthew 23:23 Jesus said that those things were according to the law. Again, I will tell you we are not under the law of Moses. (Romans 6:14, Galatians 5:18, and all of Galatians 3)
While there is nothing wrong with you giving ten percent of your finances to the church or to any organization that you so choose, you are free to give it to whoever you want. The law you are under is one, be led by the Spirit, and two be moved with compassion just like Jesus. Let love be the motivation. If you love then you will give but it is not a commandment, 2 Corinthians 8:8.
I just hope you are trusting Jesus for your blessings and not in anything that you can do. The only way is through Jesus so I encourage you to trust him and not what you or I could do. You are blessed by your faith in Him.
I know that is off the subject but I just wanted you to know that because I love you as a brother and I want you to see Jesus clearly. He is awesome!
Guest says
You totally miss the difference in being spirit led and led by the law. Romans 10:4 Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for all who believe.
Jesus fulfilled the law when he said it is finished
R Nelson says
And STILL, tithing IS NOT a command, ANYWHERE in the Bible depending, I suppose, on what version you own….
Bill says
No worries…to either one of you. I’m not really a debater. I was just having a discussion. My initial question was….if you thought the storhouse was the church and about the 1%. I have read a lot and believe me I’ll keep reading. This topic is a distant second to how divided people are over eschatolgy, but still pretty divided. So that means I’ll just keep reading until I feel I have enough substance that tilts me one way or the other.
Thanks fellas..
Bill
Josh says
Sorry Bill that I did not answer your question,
I also was not trying to debate. I hope it did not come off that way. I can not tell you what to believe but I can tell you what I believe. I do not believe that the modern church is the storehouse. The reason is because God no longer dwells in temples made with hands. He now dwells in you and in me. We are now the temples of God.
As for the one percent. Its true that only one percent of the tithe ever went to the temple. The rest went to the Levitical cities where the Levites lived in order to feed the. This brings up the point that tithing in the Bible is never money, it was always food. One percent of that food was used at the temple for sacrifices and the daily taking care of the temple and those who worked in it.
I hope that helps.
Be blessed
Josh
RAMIRO CUSTODIO says
Hi I don’t have a problem understanding the principle of Thithing. nevertheless, I struggle for quiet some time as to who gets it and what he or she does with it. Churches demands tithe, offering, first fruits, special sacrificial offerings, other offerings to pay bills, to help the needed. the list goes on and on.
My question is……. Does the Tithe and offerings should be enough to cover expenses to run on a daily basis the church building and the pastor serving?…… I feel that in some congregations they take advantage of the good will of the followers and they just take them for a ride and squeeze as much money as possible to live a grand life because no one asked them what they do with the tithes because according to them it’s theirs and they can do whatever they wish to. I DON’T AGREE..
PLEASE correct me if i am wrong….. and if not I need proper scriptures that back it up.
May God Bless You!!
Anneliz says
Thank you for presenting the case for the “Church” not being a storehouse. I also take issue with the fact that so many “Christians” are focused on “going to church” instead of being the church.
The Church which our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ came to establish is not an organisation, a ministry or a building, it is a people, those called out of this world (the kingdom of man under the influence of Satan) into the Kingdom of Heaven to be under the influence of the one, true living God.
Yvette Plummer says
I see myself as tithing when I give to the homeless on the streets. If they had money and were able to take of themselves they wouldn’t be begging for money on the streets. Now, if smell alcohol or sense drug use, I don’t give. Giving gentle used clothing to the church, shelters, and some theft stores is another way to tithe in your community. Mentoring a foster child or adopting a child in another way of tithing. Visiting the sick and shut in is another way to tithe your time. Now your if you are a regular member at a church you should pay tithes to help pay the utilities, light, gas,and water etc. Then there’s rent or mortgage and any building maintenance service that has to be paid. Yes,this should fall under tithing. I don’t think the church tithes should pay for over the top life styles for pastors. I’m okay if pastor’s finance they own lavish life style. If they have earned income outside of the church. But if church members have to pay for jets, airplanes and multi- million dollars homes, that no one in the church can utilize and live but them. Then I have a problem with. Jesus want us to share our wealth with others. I don’t think Jesus meant for the pastor to be the only one in the church to live a lavish life style.
janette Ward says
You have explained the truth about TITHING in its truest form however, people has been BRAINWASHED for FINANCIAL GAINS,by the SHEEP In WOLVES CLOTHING and as a result, they fail to understand MONEY was NEVER placed in the STOREHOUSE Malachi:3:10 said “FOOD” in my HOUSE.
K says
The Church I attended for 5 years, never focused on tithe, and never required us to tithe. They blessed us instead and the wider community.
I do think that giving is important, but I still struggle to see the old testament living and how to apply the now day- so new covenant (not under the law) giving. The best example I have seen is the church I spoke of just giving as they heard of a need and actually being Christ in the community and not passing judgement.
Paul says
i believe paster should work the money should pay for the building at other things
Paul mclucas says
forward to my other comment i think things would change paster make to much money
Shawn says
I like tithing at my home church. My church does great things locally & throughout the world. I read a lot of good points here. How I cannot wait to be with the Lord. For me, if I’m tithing to the wrong place, then this is what my heart is telling me.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So, what is best then ? Let’s not tithe because the church isn’t the storehouse, or let’s tithe somewhere else ? Will I not be rewarded for storing my treasure into his kingdom ? I only make $50,000 a year & have a mortgage and etc, etc, etc! Money is tight! But isn’t my God Yahweh Jireh (The Lord my provider) Yes! Yes! And I put my faith in him, even when my circumstances are saying different, my faith is in him! And he has been faithful & has provided to me. I live in a mobile home. But do you know what the truth is ? I am rich! I’m an American, with running water, electricity, food in my 6 foot tall refrigerator. I’ve never been happier as a tither, why ? I know I’m storing my riches where it counts.
I’ve been faithfully tithing for 3 plus years now. The 1st year I tithed mainly to the church I attend. My personal income did not increase after that 1st year of tithing ( My testing period is how I saw it) The 2nd year I split my tithe into 3 separate parts & gave to 3 very good sources I felt. Again, my personal Income did not increase. At that point I heard a great teaching from Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway church on the blessed life series. Well can’t go into that right now, but I recommend every Christian to get that teaching! Anyway, through that teaching Robert explained, Biblicaly, how we were supposed to bring the WHOLE tithe into the storehouse, not a partial tithe, not splitting the tithe up & giving a little here, a little there like I was doing, even though it was 10% of my total income. So I decided after hearing that message to give the full 10% to my home church, which I know is good ground! After an entire year of doing this, I saw my personal Income finally increase by almost 20%.
As far as I’m concerned, I am storing my treasures in heaven by what I’m doing. Well that’s what my heart is telling me anyway. I know my tithes are going into good ground. If your going to a church where you feel the money being received there is not going into good ground, that may be a clear indication for you to look for another church maybe ? I would pray about that.
I don’t disagree with anyone here. May God bless you all in everything you do!
Dorothy says
I thank God so much in Jesus name because the truth was revealed.
I started a research to see if I was the only one believed in the
truth about tithes in the new testament, the new covenant and the
new contract which Jesus Taught. It is Spiritual and Not Natural
I Love the Lord and I do believe in giving according to Jesus
teaching in the New Testament.
Jeremy says
With understanding we are no longer under levitidal law and tithe is not required, how then does the modern church survive? Also, sidenote Jesus said give to Caesar what is Caesar’s but give to God what is God’s, what is Jesus referring we give to God then if not the tithe?
Carol says
For those who make excuses for not paying tithes have you really thought about trying it for yourself without murmuring and grumbling. If you do it and don’t want to then it is vain. I have seen God’s blessings when I did not have money to pay bills because I paid my tithes. To me, to find excuses for not paying is not of God it is from the devil. The devil wants to destroy the lives of people especially those who come against what God and what He commands us to do. Many times people get too literal in what scriptures mean in the word of God instead of asking God to give us a deeper spiritual understanding of it’s meaning. When you read that God gives the ministers the keys to the kingdom this is so they can give a deeper meaning and understanding of the word. In Proverbs it says.with all your getting get understanding. Stop having those itching ears listening at only what you want to hear and have a heart for the true and living God who will never lead you wrong. You have to be a person following after God to do what is required of you and not be swayed because someone is teaching some new thing. God’s word is still the same.
John says
I’m sure that ISIS believes they are following God’s law also. The original intent of tithing was to provide food for the poor. It was not to make pastor’s bank accounts swell and build grander churches. Pastor’s are called to preach, it is not a full time job with a 60k plus salary. Now they have paid administrators, organists, pianist, janitors, nursery workers, networking staff, av staff. I have seen the waste of tithes in churches purchasing and wasting computer audio visual, and networking resources. This is not what tithing was meant for. It appears that their flocks are easily brainwashed into this belief. Better would be to love thy neighbor who is down on their luck and assist them. Give to the church if you wish, just not under any sort of tithing law.
The government takes around 33% of our pay, and provides disability, food stamps, and housing for the poor. The Old Testament law is not under the circumstances it was 2000 years ago. There are a lot better things that could be done with your tithe. Provide clean water, purchase livestock for the poor, help drought stricken areas, etc…
Pull the veil back, open your eyes, and quit living in ancient times.
Abiodun Olufemi says
Thank God for a topic like this, many pastors have brain washed their followers with the wrong interpretation of malachi 3v10 because of what they wanted to gain, they have forgotten that when God said will a man rubb God he was actually talking to them because the purpose for tithing and offering which is giving to the poor, the needy, the widows, etc have been neglected. It is only the 10% of the tithes that is for the priest while the remaining ones are for the needy, those in the prisons, hospital etc just to show that God is Love and he has a ministry of giving. Nowadays pastors buy houses and private jets while their members are suffering, hmm God will judge.
Rick Thoreen says
I have been frustrated by this “storehouse” concept for years. I do, however, believe based on Jesus stating that the Pharisees should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former (which was tithing), that the expectation in the Spirit led life is that through His strength, we continue to be generous, which should actually go beyond the generosity of a law-based 10%. I realize this was before Jesus actually died and rose again, but I don’t believe we can discount portions of his teaching as pre-cross as desired. However, churches demanding you give the entire 10% of your gross (and that’s another topic of discussion for another day…..is it really your increase if the government takes it away) entirely to them to be in obedience is ridiculous. This is a legalistic approach to giving which binds the people in the church but carries no weight on the other side of legalism for the church actually being required to behave as said storehouse and meet your needs in times of crisis. If the church is exempt by grace from meeting every tither’s needs in times of crisis, than tithers are exempt by grace from giving all of their money to one place.