Finally, I feel like I have a moment to write about the chapter on tithing in Pagan Christianity by George Barna & Frank Viola. I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. If I had the time, I would have read it from front cover to back cover in one sitting- all 275 pages. There are many people out there that are against tithing, but not as many understand the spiritual, as well as functional discrepancies that tithing creates within the church. Frank Viola understands the discrepancies and portrays them in this book very well.
The whole theme of Pagan Christianity is an exploration of the roots of our church practices. Frank Viola goes through a whole list of things, and of course the topic of tithing was the most exciting for me to read. Let’s just get to the meat. Viola says,
“Under the Old Testament system, tithing was good news to the poor. However, in our day, mandatory tithing equals oppression to the poor. Not a few poor Christians have been thrown into deeper poverty because they have felt obligated to give beyond their means.”
The church has not only wrongfully integrated the tithe into the Church system today, but they’ve taken away the power to its most essential blessing- to take care of the poor. First, the Church budget and its wants are put in position above the needs of the poor. Second, we require the poor to contribute 10% of the little money that they have, which worsens their situation. Let’s face it, i know God is all powerful, but he hasn’t promised a never ending supply of oil and flour to the poor, because he’s given us a responsibility to care for them ourselves.
This next quote from Pagan Christianity talks about clergy salaries and raises a very good point. I had never thought about this until it was mentioned here,
“A further peril of the paid pastorate is that it produces clergy who feel “stuck” in the pastorate because they believe they lack employable skills. . . All of the schooling and training had been dedicated to studying and preaching the Bible. While these skills are noteworthy, they are of limited appeal in the secular job market. The major hurdle they now face is forging a new career to support their families.”
Guaranteed, steady salaries that employ full time pastors can create many stumbling blocks. The above mentioned is one of them. Some things to think about. One, should pastors be a full time staff member, so that when the time comes to leave the ministry, that they can provide for their family with some experience in practical skills? Two, does their steady income and lack of practical skills keep them locked in the ministry regardless if God is calling them out? What if ministers are asked to step out because of sin, or whatever else? Then what? Tell me what you think?
Jared,
I would like to kindly disagree with you on the broad nature of the statements that you have made.
I think the problem with so many statements that oppose tithing is the attempt to put all who believe in it into the same corner.
You see, I don’t receive a salary. I don’t know who in my church consistently tithes. There are differing plates up front, and they bring their monies and put them into the plates as they feel led to divide it up. Some goes to pastor, some to church, missions, etc. In the end, I get whatever goes into the plate marked “pastor”. That amount varies from week to week based on people’s income, but it is a liveable wage. I believe in tithing, but that does not mean that we have become a church that is stuck in a rut that will prohibit it from helping those in trouble. Sometimes we have taken offerings where I pastor for a month in every service simply to help a family having hard times.
Jared, this is where I take issue with you…not so much in that you disagree with tithing, but that you make such broad statements that simply do not represent all who believe in tithing.
By the way, I also have a few skills that are marketable…I believe. I know other pastors who are so, too.
Grace and peace in Christ.
You use grace AND PEACE IN YOUR FAREWELL BUT THE TITHE MANDATE WAS NOT UNDER THE NEW COVENANT OF GRACE BUT WAS UNDER THE COVENANT OF LAW AND WAS BASED ON A CONDITIONAL COVEANANT WHICH WAS NOT UNMERITED FAVOR. Therefore you appear inconsistent!
As a pastor your marketable skills might be more limited to telemarketer. Its a rare privilege to know a pastor who goes out with marketable skills and actually earns an honest living. I know a few of this type of pastor who when retired will then lead a congregation and only then is he not fleecing the flock.
Thanks for the comment.
When i speak of “church”, i am speaking of the church globally. Of course there are exceptions, such as your fellowship. For instance If i say that Church is being corrupted by pastors getting into pornography, does not mean i am pointing at every single pastor. I try to lay interesting material out there, but i can’t force you to be objective about what you’ve read.
i feel that tithing can put people in ruts that prohibit them from helping the poor. Functionally i think it has a higher capacity to get you into that rut as opposed to grace/spirit-led giving. I am not saying that you are in that rut. i wouldn’t know. But i do feel that tithing increases the tendency for us to ignore the imminent needs of other things that are not initially on the list to be a recipient of our tithing.
Maybe, here’s what i mean. imagine if you planned with 3 other people to go out and knock on 50 doors downtown to witness to unsaved. But along the way there was an accident and you were at a dead stop for an hour on the road. What if there was a person right there on the side of the road that needed some help changing a tire. Would we be so consumed with being late and not meeting our door to door goals enough that we don’t see that God has prepared an opportunity right there to witness?
Here’s another example. (this is all hypothetical, but practical) What if we were on our way to Church and had $50 for our tithe to give to the church. But along the way you stopped to get gas, and someone asked if they could have gas for their car so they can take care of their family? Would we say, No?
The thirty pieces of silver prophecy is about ‘salary’. King James says ‘price’. As I have been attempting to warn everyone, the putting of money into the storehouse is the same as putting money into the manna pot. The simple rebuke of Zechariah 11:12 is to just ‘forbear’ or ‘leave it alone’. In Christ it has all been done for us. This makes us free to give, free to love, free to live.
Jared,
I don’t have time to reply to all that you have to say.
I will say that I understand your approach a little better, though I do not agree with you.
Again, as I said on my blog, I appreciate your willingness to discuss this gracefully.
I trust that you shall have a wonderful day in Christ’s grace and mercy.
JLS
Hi I read Pagan Christianity a couple of years ago when I was learning the Truth about tithing and I agree it was a very enlightening book but I disagree on his view of the Shepherd/Pastor model. Although it was good informational studies I think he has allowed his experiences to shape his view of the Biblical pastor. Thanks God Bless
Wow You have given me another insight. I wanted to be a pastor but I did not want to have a lack of marketable skills. That is a problem. Paul could work with his hands and he lived in a primitive society yet he preached the gospel gave money to the poor and was imprisoned for the faith. All pastors should live like missionaries showing the exercise of offering their lives up everyday. I might just buy this book. In the meantime please keep giving us your insights. Thankyou
Great depiction – in total agreement with Frank on this one. I have fought the church model for 30+ years in multiple denominations. I have watched pastors get fat and retire and contribute nothing of what they were given back to the church. I have tithed and been condemned for not giving more than 10%. I have tithed and been accused of not tithing. I have seen the church laiety accused of not tithing being the cause of turmoil and calamity on the church. In all, God doesn’t need my money. If I give it in response to coersion, I’m a bad steward. So go forward Frank Viola and let the world know what tithing is really about and where the modern day tithe really originated!!!
Deacon and Usher – deaconandusher.wordpress.com
I have been in the pastorate for the last 15+ years and the last 7 in full time pastorate.
Until the last couple of years I have been very tight.
Deacon & Usher may be right that some don’t “contribute nothing of what they were given back to the church” but ALL pastor’s I know give back to the church and sacrifice more than most deacons.
Churches want someone to be there when a family member dies, has surgery or needs their runny nose wiped. They do not consider the time pastors must spend in study and prayer to do 2-4 messages a week. Then they don’t want to pay them what would be a decent wage any where else. I have pastored at places for years without any increase in pay whatsoever because of a gym the church built. My family sacrificed because the church didn’t want me to have another job.
What I am trying to say, Deacon & Usher, is that if people would support their Pastor better maybe then he could afford to give more. It is tough trying to support a wife and children on what churches pay. But those same churches want someone “full-time”. Then they complain about taking care of him… Read 1 Corinthians 9:14
What is a cost of a soul? God says it cost Him his son Jesus which is priceless. Now every pastors, missionary and evangelist should received a living wage. I pray that each one that was called by God to be bless, protected, strenghten, and full of the Holy Spirit with power and authority from on high in Jesus name Amem…
The above discussion is sad and shows how far off course modern day born-again Christians are. Blinded by longstanding traditions of men. For so many to be so fooled by the tithe lie, we must hardly be reading our Bible.
The New Testament Church met in houses, not in multi-million dollar worldly palaces. Not even in modest buildings that burden a poorer assembly. No conspicuous consuming on real estate means no money pressures to deceive ourselves and preach a lie.
There are two models for “pastors” (actually elders); Peter and Paul. Peter forbear work and lived in the houses of church members as prophesied by the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul primarily earned his own way, even supporting those he worked with, and was helped by established churches. No professional “pastorate” or staff. No worldly degrees granted by worldly seminaries placing unscriptural hurdles in the way and requiring money to be paid, borrowed, or granted.
The real Church has no overhead while the counterfeit church is defined by it. Giving in the real Church goes from people to people. The counterfeit church diverts resources from scriptural mandates (needy Christians, the poor, missions) and squanders it on buildings, maintenance, and unscriptural institutions and methods.
I have some questions to help you know if you are right or not about tithing. Jesus said, these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name —— mark 16:17-18. Who amongst you has any of these testimonies:
1. Any time a sick person is brought to you, you have consistently laid hands on them and they get healed instantly in the name of Jesus.
2. Through the power of the holy ghost, you prophecy to your congregation and it has consistently come to pass over many years.
3. You have trained your spirit to hear every time the spirit of God communicates to you and respond to him.
4. Any thing you get involved in, must turn out successful, nomatter what happens to the economy of the world.
Do not call any Christian poor because poverty is not the abscence of dollars and cents, it is a state of mind which is dealt with when you are born again. Even if he/she still has the poverty mentality, they only need to understand the scriptures.
Christians cannot be blinded by doctrines because no one that has Christ walkes in darkness.
I disagree with your perception of tithing. All that the bible talks about in the book of Malachi, concerning tithing is true, that has been my experience and am ready to share it with any one that will contact me.
God bless you all.
Hi, Kalu
The old covenant God had with the nation of Israel was exclusively for children of Israel only. No gentiles were allowed to go near the Sanctuary or the Temple that God commanded Arron and Moses to build. Only the tribe of Levites were allowed by God to go near the temple.
Please read (Numbers 18:1-3 ) Not even people from other tribes from the nation of Israel were allowed to go near the temple.
Jesus himself was not allowed to perform as a priest or a high priest when he was here on earth or he would have sin according to the Mosiac law. (Hebrews 8:4)
The veil in the temple was torn when Jesus died on the cross. That signifies that the old covenant was cancelled because the curse of the law was laid on Jesus. He redeemed all humanity from the wrath of God according to the old covenant with his sin offering with his precious blood that God the father accepted.
Please do not mix the PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS with blood of animals that was used in sin offering according to the old Levitical priesthood by combining the new and old covenant.
DO NOT MIX JESUS SACRIFICE WITH animal sacrifice JUST TO QUOTE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES TO MANIPULATE CHRISTIANS TO PAY FOR YOUR HOUSE AND MATERIAL POSSESIONS. ( 1 Timothy 6:5 AMP ) is very clear on that .
Have a restful day in the lord.
Kalu,
Believe me Kalu, with all of the emails and comments that i have received, i can promise you that every positive experience you have with tithing, there is also a negative one.
I have a question, how do you define success? Would you define dying on a cross a success? Would you define being stoned to death a success? Would you define living off of locusts and honey in the wilderness a success?
I think you need to re-read the bible about your beliefs.
This is a hot topic and one worth taking note of! The way is narrow and few find it! Russel Kelley gives a great exegetical break down of all passages relating to tithing, tithe, tenth, etc.. If any one truly wants to learn the truth rather than believing in opinion and here say then get this book and read it and study the texts and passages as they are properly read in the correct text. Money was never used for tithe even though their was money used in biblical time. For lack of knowledge people perish! If we as Christians are pursuing truth then we must get back to studying God’s Word and not just reading it. We are to be students of Christ’s model not readers of it so we can regurgitate it back with nothing behind it. WE are commanded to make disciples not save the lost that is what Christ does. Tithing is bondage when done with the wrong attitude but when we give because we want to to what ever we want to it releases a joy that only God gives. Come let us reason together my fellow pursuers of the faith! shalom!
Too many broad and self righteous opinions confuse the Truth and lead people astray.
Tithing may not be a NT law but the people of faith, beginning with Abraham, practiced it as a free-will offering. God’s community and God’s ministers have always supported what God is doing in a community. It makes sense that those who partake of the fullness of a community should and must support it financially, whether by tithing or some set way of giving. A ‘member’ who contributes nothing is not a member and has not thought through the practical needs of a body and its programs and those who staff them. Who do non-payers think is paying the bills? It doesn’t fall out of heaven.
It is in my view pure ignorance to say we should all meet in houses becuase that is how the first church did it. The history is.. that for the first 50-100 years, most of the population of the church was still Jewish and they met in Synagogues as well as their homes. Jesus Himself attended Synagogue services as well as the rituals of the temple.
There is no longer a temple but there will always be a need to meet en mass as well as in small groups. The combined resources of the Church (the people) have often demonstrated to the world the compassion of Christ through outreach and even BIG works of mercy. Hospitals, orphanages, etc. were the idea of the Church of Jesus Christ.
The people must come together to woship (forsake not the assembly) in whatever venue is made available. Sure the Africans meet outside under trees, but they do it in a warm climate and they do it by the thousands, which also produces needs.
While the extravagance of some church buildings is lamentable and not a good demonstration of stewardship, the general state of the church in America is not waste and wealth but just small churches endeavoring to keep a presence in a community while working hard to demonstrate the love of God by being involved with large and small groups of believers and reaching out to the unbelieving population.
It is an established fact that the majority of churches (like 90 %) in the US are small congreations of 100 or so people. Their pastors are generally hard working, self sacrificing men and women who forgo the “good life” for the sake of the gospel. They are not losers who can’t do anything else, in life.
The Scripture says several things about paying the teachers and pastors to do their work. And they are generally not paid what they are worth.
Paraphrased instences of Scriptures concernign paying pastors…
You shall not muzzle the ox when he is treading out the grain.
The one who preaches the gospel should get his living by the gospel.
If you are partakers of our spiritual things, is it any big thing that we should partake of your material things?
Those who labor in the Word are worthy of double honor.
Just to name a few.
But the precedent set by God’s household both Old and New Testament is one of support for the gifts that train the members for the ministry.
People like to hear that no one has to give and that no one is responsible for the ongoing work of the Church, because they can then quit going, quit giving and may I add, quit growing.
God invites us al to be participants in great giving and thus become partakers of His divine nature. I speak as one who was bankrupt and raising a family when I came to Christ, and when prompted by God to begin giving (not necessarily tithing) it was a hard thing. But joyful obedience created a heart for giving and now I give over 22% of my living and am debt free, while making much less than any other pastor I am aware of. I would rather not have health insurance, a big house, and lots in the bank than give up my support of God’s grand work in the earth.
Be careful of what you say and what ignorant judgments you make.
Friend Teresa
Adam Where are You?
I am going to ask dozens of Questions just to provoke everyone and Teresa to more questioning in Jesus. please anyone those who disagree pick one or two to try to practice the tradition of Christian debate which is often quite healthy. You don’t even have to be nice but please ponder our evangelical traditions. Please Take up your cross to follow my arguments!
It is the Christian Duty to examine doctrines of everything. I am a Black Republican and it took allot of Questioning of traditions to arrive at my political positions. Remember U.S. history it was the lack of Questioning leaders that helped Slavery and Racism be preached as good things in Churches by hard working Clergy with congregations that questioned very little. Teresa who are you calling ignorant friend are you sure you know about as much of the topic of giving as those who disagree with you on this blog. We did not mean to offend but mearly to edify the body of Christ. Sister you read most of those tithe scriptures? From which one do you find The idea that some priest must give 10% to other priest in Jesus in the New testament. I think you might not be questioning enough but I could be wrong please enlighten everyone reading and myself. Friends i also believe that many folks think that this sight is ignorant! Wow please reply could folks ponder that we love the Body of Christ too. I don’t expect a reply but I could be wrong please friends in time, and my sister, write after reading this long rambling post. Sorry for any offence.
Pagan Christianity Crossing Questions
Why don’t Conservative Christians question where there money is going in non profit institutions called churches more? Pagan Christianity questions the cross training in our modern fellowships of Jesus. The book also explains that so much questioning is missing today. Friends I too argue The spiritual Christians judge all things. Today in mega churches and in top down leadership organizations judgment is lacking. On this site We do not judge aim to judge unfairly. We don’t want to judge by unreasonable standards that are impossible but by the Holy Scriptures and the Spirit of Christ. There are around 3700 Questions in the Bible.
Cross Fellowship involves difficult questioning
The disciples asked Questions of Jesus and he questioned them. This is true discipleship. Our traditions have made preachers the main show in forums where questioning is limited. Have anyone ever questioned the sermon? Pagan Christianity opened my eyes that modern fellowships are very poor at discipleship. They did most of the teaching at work traveling or in homes. We put so called leaders into spotlights and expect them to teach humbleness while entitling them to money. Dose anyone see any questionable traditions that we currently hold or are constructing. Questions that’s what we need more of like Paul publicly denouncing Peter and the rest of the disciples in Galatians and the Bureans challenged Paul the writer of most of the new testament? Paul praised them for questioning him! The greatest Christians should be the most open to Questions to have an answer for every man. Where is that today? We don’t even know each other in modern big buildings enough to truly question hard with our traditions. They ate at each others houses and lived with there teachers often. Lots is exposed in that kind of training. Can anyone see a difference with biblical training and our modern Church traditions?
Christian Dicipleship involves Hard Questioning
Teresa sister disciple, you are so correct that many professional preachers are very hard workers and they sacrifice allot to do their jobs. However is being a pastor a job for hire? Is there anything wrong with the traditions we have for Christian leadership? These Teresa are some of the Many Questions that the Book Pagan Christianity tackle in great detail?
Whats wrong with the phrase going to church and whats the big deal about professional clergy being looked to as the prime movers of ministry isn’t it natural that God wants top down leadership? These are the kind of issues the book addresses. Teresa and all my evangelical friends Can people realize that Questioning leadership is the job of every Christian. We are suppose to know who are the best leaders. What measuring stick should we use traditions or the pattern and the words of Jesus. The Good Sheppard lay their lives down for the sheep and they are not hirelings. What is a Hireling.
The Cross involves Leadership Discernment
Everyone who thinks it is best to not thoroughly question Christian leaders are upside down what the Bible teaches in my opinion. Research and challenge me if you think I am wrong. Judgment begins in the house of God for if we judge ourselves we will less need to be judged of the world. We are suppose to evaluate who is a good Christian (Full of Christ) and who are not so we can avoid the weak ecept to lift them up and learn from the strong.
base Well research the bible and there are numerous expmles. In the Bible it states somthing like this i dont know the refreence offhand so do the homework The the hirlings cant wait till they get paid and the slaves cant wait untill sundown. Who works harder those for money or those for hire. All Christians are slaves of their master Christ! The best slaves stoop the lowest to help the lowest. The last are first.
Leaders in Cross training should have the most Dicipline
I have read the Book Pagan Christianity and I loved it so much I gave one to a friend and now I have the audio book which is free on Audible.com. Nobody on this site is upset or putting down true pastors. However many and I would argue most of the folks called pastor in the world are not pastors by the definition set in the Bible. Remember the word Pastors only occurs once in the new testament. Our traditional definition of preachers entitled to money money tithes of 10% gross or net income from other fellow priest is nowhere in scripture. If a leader loves the most they should be most disciplined in cross training, and willing to suffer the most. Our traditions make christian leaders into local chief community organizers connected to a real estate property. They seem too much like entertainers and politicians. Why should we put so much faith in titles “Pastor” will such titles make more disciplined leadership in Jesus? In Closing, are many who we think as pastors preaching hirelings? Leaders in Jesus must endure many crossing Questions!
The last should be first and the first should be last in Jesus!
I meet with “pastors” on a weekly basis and have found that the structure that we have erected over the past 2000 plus years has shaped us into a restricted legalistic mold. We adhere strictly to the letter of the law and miss the spirit of what the body is supposed to be. Paul put it in simple terms in 1cor. 9 when he commented about the corinthians having many teachers, but not many fathers and he went on to say that fathers sacrifice for the the children and not the other way around. I don’t expect my children to pay up for the effort I give in preparing them for life. When I am old, I trust that they will care for me with love because I love them. When my wife and I decided to have children, we accepted the responsablity of raising them and we do this in love. We have turned the body of Christ into a business and when you turn a body into a business, that is called prostitution. FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLK THAT HE GAVE [NOT TOOK] HIS ONLY BEGOTTON SON… The first thing out of a pastor’s mouth when I debunk the idea of our present structure is not scripture, but a human reasoning that starts with how will I earn a living. We expect all prostitutes to get out of the business when they come to the knowledge of the truth;Right?
Go your way and sin no more!
Love
Thank you Mike!
Mike I will now use some of your reasoning and people if you disagree please defend your Ideas using scripture or sound logic. Mikes idea was that many preachers start with the Idea of what makes them a living and thus the Idea that other “Laity”priest ministers in their fellowships must give 10% of their income to the “Clergy” is taught as a principal. Teresa I welcome your response as you have time sister!
I been in the position of not having a penny to my name, and I wanted to give offering, tithes, and help the poor to obey God’s word, (yes I was bless to have a roof over my head ) but there is the poor that have no place to stay or eat. God spoke to me and said I know you don’t have the money to give, so your worship to me is enough. Today God has bless me and now he has lead me to help a Pastor that in the same position as I was:, not having a penny to his name. God is good and faithful give freely to His kingdom.
Are Christian Churches following Scripture? Is buying a beautiful mansion, a new luxury car, building large churches, or an airplane part of God’s Divine Plan?
You don’t have to go to Church to be close to God. ~Matthew 6:5-6.
You don’t need an intermediary [Priest, Pastor, Reverend, Bishop, Pope, etc.] to know God. ~Matthew 6:5-6.
You don’t have to give money to the Church. ~Luke 10:4.
“…Leave your purses behind!” ~Jesus speaking to his ministry in Luke 10:4. In other words, don’t take any money, don’t ask for any money, and don’t bring any money back.
Tithing was not giving money, it was sacrifices [sheep, goat, cattle], offerings, gifts, and contributions to feed the poor. ~Proverbs 3:9-10; Exodus 23:19; Deuteronomy 18:4; Numbers 18:12-13. cf. Acts 12:24.
The only priesthood allowed to receive money were the sons of Levites, and although the Bible mentions over 3000 times; tithing, seed, sacrifices, etc., it never once mentions giving money. ~Cf II Chronicles 31 4:5, Titus 1:10-11, I Timothy 6:6-11.
Tithing was under and is under the law with a curse for Christians seeking salvation under the law, Galatians 3:3-13, Malachi 3:1-18. When pastors and priests lie by quoting tithes in Malachi 3:1-18,under the law IN OLD COVENANT which was a prime contribution for the Levite tribe and Leviticus Priesthood, how many Christians line up to be served with food when tithes and offering under the law are given? Is the storehouse pastors’ and priests’ house or the Church being the body of Christ? Saved Christians by grace IN NEW COVENANT who are lead and taught by the Holy Spirit are not under law or in generation curse in the law. Tithes in Malachi 3:1-18 were primarily for the tribe of Levi which was not allocated land for sharing among themselves , Numbers 18:20-28 . Those who simply imply Christians are under curse for not tithing put into question about unfinished work of redemption (SALVATION) by Christ Jesus on cross of Calvary which is bought and maintained continuously in tithes paid to them. Yet Christ is not ashamed to call us brethren whom He has sanctified. Hebrew 2:9-13.We have been redeemed from the curse of the law, Jesus Christ being made a curse for us : for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree. Galatians 3:8-13. Christians saved by grace are ministers of the new testament born of love with exceeding glory which surpassed the glory that was in law with Moses. We have been redeemed from the curse of the law to adoptions of sons in Royal Priesthood. Pastors ,Priest and Bishops who are servants of God cannot subject sons of God in Royal Priesthood to tithe taxes which is absolutely illegal for we are not under the curse of the law, Galatians 5:1, Galatians4:4-5,2 Corinthians 3:1-18. Sins sacrifices ,offerings under the law, curses, and generation curses under law in the old covenant remained up to death of Jesus Christ on Calvary when He fulfilled the requirements of the law. Salvation under the law one attains it at last breath on earth having done all that pertains to the law which is hard for one to accomplish. Even the tithe which was given by Abraham was under the law of sin and death from the fallen state of Adam and Eve at the garden of Aden. Those who lie would like to deceive Christians that tithe was before the law but before which law. When Christ our High Priest was born He was given gifts and not tithes Mathew 2:11-12. Jesus Christ our High Priest and Apostles of Jesus Christ did not ask for tithes. To whom do they pay allegiant to for them to justify asking for tithes today? Salvation under spiritual law of love by grace is freely given and attained with free miracles from God our Father, Ephesians 2:4 -9, Ephesians 2:13 -20. Under Leviticus priesthood which belonged to the tribe of Levi, tithes were given to Levites priests for use by the whole tribe of Levi and tithe of tithe to the high Priest for they shared no land apart from the walled towns they were allocated to stay in for their continuous sacrifice to God, Numbers 18:20 -29. Widows, strangers ,fatherless and orphans benefited from tithes and offerings given to Levites, Deuteronomy 14:22-29. In Christianity widows were asked to be catered by close brethren to ease burden to the Church. There were also tithes of different kinds in Israel. There was also a tithe where a family had to eat all before the Lord, Deutreronomy12:6-7. In Christ Jesus we are saved by grace to adoptions of sons in Royal Priesthood of Christ (for Christians saved by grace )and not by works of law ,Galatians 3:8-13,Acts13: 38-39, Galatians 4: 4-5, Galatians2:16-21, Galatians 5:18. Sons have direct access to the Father and free common inheritance not bought or worked for from the Father. For servants ( Pastors and Priests) are servants of God worthy all respects and due help. Much preaching is done in grace and love to Christians at early stages who are later sleeking entangled and enslaved in fear under the bondage of law in tithes emphatically taught by many in seeking dwindling fortune entrenched in tithes falsehood. The Church of Christ is founded in love by grace and a worker is worthy his labor. The Apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ understood from onset of Christ’s Ministry that they were not under Leviticus Priesthood and had no share in Leviticus Priesthood allotments. Thus questions were raised of their take and benefits in the Royal Priesthood of Jesus Christ Ministry in the New Covenant, Mathew 19:23-30 . Leviticus Priesthood which was upheld under the law without partiality had allotments which existed before well-known and were already defined in obliged tithing. God had also to deal with wayward priesthood and a rebellious nation under the law. Malachi 2:1-17, Malachi 3:1-18. Christians were never left under leadership of Leviticus Priesthood. Christians are humbly called upon to support tithes sweetened falsehood purposed to enhance good glorious intentions communicated a smart way which forms practically some mega success which should not divert Christians from free spiritual giving. The essence of Christians righteousness in salvation by grace in the Loyal Priesthood of Jesus Christ is more falsely tied to tithes by the clergy and the bar raised often higher as they become masters of confusion in tithes falsehood teaching. Even Judas Iscariot is not recorded asking for tithes. We firmly stand by the truth our mouths being boldly louder and we faint not as we manifest the truth to man’s conscience to God without honoring personality clout in uncovering tithes falsehood taught,2Corinthians 4:1-2. They keep asking what is wrong with us to be at pains on tithes falsehood? There is nothing wrong with us and we have wronged no one except those who stumble on the truth who want to appease in falsehood.
IN NEW TESTAMENT two priesthood are compared and the need to replace the old covenant expounded. Hebrew7: 7-28, Hebrew8:6 -13, Hebrew 9:6-9, Hebrew 10:8-23. Leviticus priesthood under the law with tithes, death, discontinuity and its acceptance under glory of law without the great commission was done away in Christ and the Holy Priesthood of Christ without tithes, death and discontinuity with exceeding glory under which Christians are in salvation being a Holy nation and Loyal Priests to preach to the world GOD being their Father in New Covenant Ministry. In that He said, a new covenant He has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxed old is ready to vanish away Hebrew8:-13. God related with Adam and Eve in the garden of Aden under command of not eating from tree of knowledge and evil , Abraham related to God in faith when he was called out of Ur. The Israel related to God under law given to Moses under old the Covenant and we saved Christians relate to God under Spiritual law of love by grace in Jesus Christ in New Covenant where we get our salvation. Tithing weakens the Royal Priesthood of Christians in Christ where Christians are supposed to give themselves as living sacrifice in the mission vision fields. The Christians Royal Priesthood in Christ Jesus is internally weekend from within ,fought and economically drained mostly for indoors ministries under revival of Leviticus priesthood by pastors. The Royal Priesthood is internally spiritually emaciated and trodden upon.2 Corinthians2:1-13, 2Peter 2:5-9. Priesthood involves sacrifices and Jesus Christ did not choose Priesthood among the five fold ministry since all saved Christians are in the Royal Priesthood of Christ and we have been asked to give ourselves as living sacrifice. The priesthood was changed from the old covenant( Leviticus Priesthood) to the new covenant (Loyal Priesthood of labor in Christ without tithes allocations which is not appreciated) and the law governing it was changed Hebrews 7:7-12. Christ requested His disciples to give the crowd food to eat , Matthew 14:15-16. Jesus Christ told Peter look after his lambs and later to look after His sheep ( service) in clear shift from Leviticus priesthood which does not apply to Christians, John 21:15-17. JESUS CHRIST our High Priest is the mediator of the better New Covenant established upon better promises. Hebrew8:6-8. Under Leviticus priesthood an animal for sacrifice was alive between the altar of sacrifice and the Levite priest holding the sacrificial knife. Sheep remained alive for a period of time only when they were delivered many animals for sacrifice and the altar could not hold them all for sacrifice .We are dead to sin and alive in Christ who live in us being a living sacrifice to God. Christians saved by grace in love of Christ Jesus in Royal Priesthood within the New Covenant cannot be dragged back to curses enslavement in the law in Leviticus Priesthood in Old Covenant. The Royal Priesthood of labor of service in Christ Jesus is loathed by many clergy who opt for Leviticus Priesthood of waiting at the sanctuary for provision given for altar sacrifices. It is only through concealed falsehood that the clergy merge the Leviticus Priesthood under law in old Covenant ( which remained hostile to Christians), with the Royal Priesthood by grace in Christ love liberated in New Covenant. The Royal Priesthood of Jesus Christ bears no self-restrictions or inhibitions in fear of men in preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ since it has no people driven demand support pegged on expectations anchored under the law. Christians should give liberally in love as God has blessed us ,2 Corinthians9 :6-7, Galatians 5:1. Galatians6:6-10. Tithes crusader teach well packaged tithes falsehood from the pulpit managed humbly in sheep skins. Christians are increasingly facing common mounted front in tithes falsehood which is demanded by elites clergies as a Christian doctrine in Churches. It is easy for many unsuspecting Christian to take it as the Gospel truth. The remnant few faithful Christians must firmly remain in the narrow highway of faith and teach Christian doctrine on giving bearing in mind they stand on highways of interests of elites clergies on tithes falsehood taught with awkward elites church elders support . The humble craving of comfortable falsehood artistically and passionately taught on tithes by the clergy should not make Christians lose focus in Christian giving in love. Bishops, pastors, priests, church elders and those read the OLD TESTAMENT (Covenant ) BLINDED BY THE VAIL that is in law that was done away in Jesus Christ keep Christians in fear under bondage of law which is abolished and miss the righteousness in liberty sanctified in Jesus Christ. 2Corithians3: 6-18 . Successful prosperity based on falsehood cannot be accepted as blessing in holiness. Truth is easily dismissed but never nullified on tithes falsehood openly taught by the clergy. Christians must remain Pentecostal and evangelical in the Royal Priesthood of Jesus Christ without entangling themselves in Leviticus Priesthood bound in bondage of the law. IF SAVED CHRISTIANS WHO ARE LOYAL PRIESTS (clergy under Loyal Priesthood of Jesus Christ) ARE SUBJECTED BACK TO THE LAW,THEN THEY SHOULD EQUALLY SHARE TITHES WITH THE CLERGY FRATERNITY. Christ came to not to destroy the law and the prophets but to fulfill so as the enmity that was against us in the law was abolished on the cross. Falsehood is taught that Christ came to strength the law. A way in love by Grace in Jesus Christ’s love for mankind was established for our salvation after Christ fulfilled the prophecy and the law and He defeated the enmity of law that was against us. Without fulfilled prophesy and law there would be no room for grace. Before HIS DEATH THE LAW WAS UPHELD TO THE LETTER .Mathew5:17-19, Ephesians 2:4—20. He paved the narrow highway of righteousness in salvation by grace, Isaiah35:1-10. Tithes falsehood nullifies grace and love bestowed on them by Jesus Christ. Those who want to seek salvation under law with curses of the law should continue in glory of the law and fulfill the whole law without entangling salvation by grace in Christ’s love with law in any lewd manner since the glory in law in old testament at fault (where God found faults with them) was to be done away and was abolished, 2Corinthians 3:1-18 Galatians2:16-21, Galatians3:1-13 ,Galatians4:4-5, Hebrew8:6-13. The Church of Jesus Christ is established by grace in Christ’s love in the glory of the new testament that excels. Christians must move forward Spiritually Holy away from all forms of non-doctrinal spiritual slavery exploitation honored and established .
Luke 6:46-49
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
So we must do what the Lord tells us to do. How do we do that? Know what he tells us to do. Do it.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
So the scriptures, and Paul’s example.
In this type of discussion I’ve been challenged with, “Where does it say to follow Paul’s example?”
It’s implied by the above and…
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Plus Philippians 3:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:9
Since we are supposed to follow Paul’s example in scripture, how is it that so many who profess “born again” Christianity, deride the argument that we should follow the examples set by the New Testament congregations AS INSTRUCTED AND LED BY PAUL? Why do they argue against scripture by saying, “they were under intense persecution,” and thus invalidate the NT congregation’s example as an aberration? Just how much of NT doctrine and practice are they willing to obliterate with this universal escape clause?
Or bring up errors that Paul scolds congregations over, as a reason not to follow the NT congregations approved examples? Or bring up extra biblical examples, such as meeting in catacombs, and then use this straw man to argue against following the NT congregations’ examples? I’ve even had someone refer to air conditioning in this type of discussion.
“Born again” churches say that scripture is very (supremely) important. If so, why this obsession with archeological evidence? The Lord Jesus Christ Almighty knows how accurate or inaccurate it is. Just stick to his scripture. What did the NT congregations do within the Apostles approval?
And despite holding up its importance, it seems to me that “born again” contemporary churches don’t really know their scripture well. They’re too dependent on their pastor’s spoon feedings. He’s not an apostle, you know. And sometimes it is a rather thin gruel.
They study many Bible studies, but studying the Bible itself, without a superhero Christian author’s book to read, not so much.
A bible study that rightly divides the word of truth, is useful for a Christian infant. Or youngster? (I found J. Vernon McGee’s, Walk Through The Bible, very helpful.) But sometime the training wheels should come off. Read the Bible in its entirety without the blinkers and filtering. Then again. Read once through every year. Then year after year.
Get a gut level knowledge of all scripture, all its beams and joints standing together. Compare spiritual with spiritual. Eventually you will be able vet your pastor and super duper author’s teachings and doctrine against scripture.
For me, I’ve found that the voyage makes today’s “born again” churches stranger and stranger. Today’s churches have some attitudes more in tune with worldly media, than with New Testament believers (old testament believers too.)
501(c)(3)s that encourage a believer to report their giving, rather than the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. Ponderous burdens of Mortgage, or huge consuming givings. A money pit of chronic worldly costs. A real estate asset at play in the worldly casino of real estate property. Devouring inheritances and fights over carpeting, pews, organs, etc… (or is that just in nominal christian denominations?)
Versus NT congregations that met publicly, and in believers homes or apartments. Giving that went exclusively to poor needy Christians, and probably the poor in general. Believers who fed and lodged itinerant preachers in their homes, thus fulfilling Christ’s prophesy. (How the Ox and Corn, how the preacher got his meat, the double portion was done.) An Apostle who funded his ministry primarily by the earnings of his own profession, with help from congregations, and commanded that Elders (today’s pastors) do the same.