- The Holy Spirit is our new teacher, not the Mosaic law (Romans 12:8; Galatians 5:18-25)
- There is no command for the New Covenant Church to tithe (Genesis – Revelation)
- Tithing was used for the temple storehouse & ceremonial system (Nehemiah 10:37; Deuteronomy 12:17,18)
- 10% giving is not an eternal principle nor a character trait of God (Romans 8:32)
- The church is not commanded to follow the ordinances of Abraham and Moses (John 7:21-24)
- A tithe only consisted of agricultural increase (Leviticus 27:30)
- Tithing is not the minimum amount mentioned in scripture (Romans 12:1; Matthew 25:24-28)
- An OT ceremony paralleled the future Church with a freewill offering (Deuteronomy 16:10)
- We have new commands of giving (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 5:18-25)
- I will leave out #10 and see what many of you come up with
I found this website because I am so confused. I want to be an obedient Christian, I love our church, but last week the teacher said that if we don’t tithe, we are sinning and robbing God. This discussion here has at least opened my eyes to the main reason for the controversy: OT Law vs New Covenant. But man, I still am not sure what I believe as we so tend to trust those in the pulpit?
Jill, guilt and condemnation do not come from God. The bible says, Jesus told us the greatest commandment is Love. Not tithe. Tithing command isn’t in the bible. Scripture is distorted and taken out of context to collect tithes. Malachi is the most misused scripture ever. If you take the time to read earlier posts, there is a section on how to interpret Malachi and what “IT REALLY MEANS.” You are not robbing God or sinning if you do not tithe. Be free! It amazes me how the tithe is the only “old testament” scripture todays Pastors are adamant about! Don’t be deceive. I truly believe God is raising up websites like this one, to enlighten the deceived body of Christ. If a person wants to give they are free to give! I was so shocked when I recently (2 weeks ago) heard a Pastor say people had to be obedient and NOT pay their electric bill or their mortgate if it meant they don’t get to tithe! What?????????????????? Are you kidding me? Caution!!! The offerings a Pastor takes up or asks for, it can only mean one thing! The ministry is faltering financially! No doubt! They are living a lifestyle that means they are writing checks they can’t cash! I’m not saying don’t give, I’m saying don’t be coerced into giving. You alone can control what you give. Do it. Take control of your pocketbook. Many Pastors say, “If I’m not preaching the bible or the word of God you can leave this church.” Notice you will never hear them say, “If I’m not being a good steward with the offerings we take up, you can leave this church.” What is a false prophet? Is it those who preach the word of God and don’t follow it themselves? I think so. God bless.
You answered the question….yes love is the greatest commandment, and He also said, “If you love me, keep my commandments”. The command to tithe is in the bible. To try and discredit God’s word is of the devil himself.
Jill, most of us have been confused about this issue for so long. We are told that we are no longer under the old law but under grace. Yet, Malachi has been used so badly to emotionally extort money from the believers. It is very easy to become enamoured with these pastors and believe how we are to just hand over 10% of our income especially with the condemnation of how we are robbing God if we don’t tithe. Many Evangelical churches with the fancy hi-tech services for Sunday Service will have these heart-wrenching videos of how God blesses those who do tithe.
It is almost a Santa Claus mentality: be good and do what is told so you get your material reward. Not all people tithing are going to find their living expenses magically paid. I have also heard the testimonies in one church I used to attend of how a woman gave her last $25.00 to the collection basket despite a disconnection notice from the power company if the bill was not paid. Her claim was God told her to give that money and a man walked up to her after services with a cheque in an envelope for the exact amount (to the penny) for her bill. Mind you, the man supposedly was not to have known of this lady’s financial quandary. I find this a bit hard to believe. Call me a skeptic but this story is either not true at all or someone close to the woman flagged the other person re: her predicament and the money drop in exchange for the bill to be paid was just another PR stunt for the church to use. The churches have used shills before in the audience re: miraculous healings to get the people to return or to give moneys.
Jill, don’t trust those in the pulpit. If these men did not have the word “Pastor” before their names, they would be just another of the many seas of faces among the Average Joes out there. There is nothing special about them except they have a great gift for gab and know how to put the “feel good” talk on….or the guilt trip. Another ruse for these tithes is how the church is in so much debt (usually to a not-needed building extension). The mortgage is coming due of excess of $500,000 or more and the tithing message often comes along with the building fund talk. It happens in the Catholic Church as well when one long-time pastor of a parish built a lavish new church building and told people how they should feel ashamed to come to Mass in this new building unless they paid into the fund. Chances are that the majority of the people were not even asked if they supported such an expensive expansion.
It is also about the greed of the man in the pulpit even if he has justified it to himself re: tithing. Most of these men live very good lifestyles at the expense of the church. I am not saying a cleric should live in substandard housing but it does not look good if the Head Fathers are living large with their families while many of their congregates can barely afford to get by every month in this recession while being told that a $20 weekly donation is still not enough. Also, the tithes of Malachi was not solely moneys but bringing crops to the synagogue to help feed the priests/rabbis. Offer to bring ten percent of the groceries bought to feed the poor and see what response that gets.
God expects each of us to take care of ourselves the best we can. Going without to support a building was never part of God’s plan. The Temple in the OT was a community centre of sorts where everyone benefited rather than a select few. I am glad I have woken up and seen the “light” re: tithing. It was ridiculous that I should skimp on heat during this extremely chilly Winter because I felt obligated to give 10% of my monthly income to the church, an expansive building that is only used one day out of the year.
Jill,
-I personally feel the Lord leads me to tithe. I believe in the promises of the prophet Malachi still apply today. I believe as I tithe, God has in return blessed me in many ways, to include financial increase for my family and I.
-I love my church, my pastors, and my congregation. It is true that our church, like probably every church, has electric bills, water bills, rent to pay, ministries to fund. Very few things in America are free these days. I believe my money that I give to church is used for incredible things, but the most incredible thing of all is that every week new people come to our church and each week new people accepts Jesus as their savior. I can’t think of a better investment — Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
-Jill, to me the most important thing is to spread the words of Jesus and for us as Christians to fulfill the Great Commission — Acts 1:8 (NIV) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – We are to be witnesses of Jesus to the ends of the earth. My tithe support my church that supports my community, that supports this great commission of Jesus. I am thrilled that my money supports my pastor as more people come to Jesus, the Christ, each week. My church is growing. When our church first started it was in one location, and now 19 years later (today) we have four additional satelite churches throughout the city of Oceanside, CA, with a fifth church site being established this fall. Additionally we have the Hispanic services. On top of that, our church supports numerous worldwide mission fields. My tithe here on earth is an investment that will pay off throughout eternity. My money helped other people find Jesus to be their Savior. Aren’t you glad that people at your church invested their tithe in your church, otherwise you wouldn’t be saved. Isn’t your tithe worth having others receive salvation? As a Christian, you now have God’s gift of grace; don’t you want to invest some of your money so others can receive the same gift that you received? Don’t you want to pay it forward?
-Jill, life is a test and a trust. Someday in the future every Christian in heaven will be required to stand before Jesus at the Mercy Seat of Christ, and he will examine every aspect of your entire life, every thought every action, every word said. Everything of no value (sin) will be burned up leaving behind only the things of value, the pleasing things to God. Jesus will reward you with crowns for your good acts. Don’t you think Jesus would find treasure (value) in you giving money to the church that you call home? God tests us daily. He watches what we do, how we treat people, etc. God provides you talents (also a bible word for money) and he watches to see what we do with them, and trusts you will do the right thing.
-This is the first time I have ever saw this website, but to me it seems to be filled with bunch of sour grape Christians bloggers. If these tithing complainers can’t find a church they can trust to tithe to then I would think they would want to find a church they could trust. Yes, I know there are a lot of tele-evangelists who are completely untrustworthy, and I am sure there are local churches that have pastoral staff that do the same. Again, then if that is the case these Christian people need to find a new church, but that doesn’t make tithing to be some awful thing like this website makes it out to be.
-Jill, disregard the concerns of man, do what is pleasing to God. If you think tithing is pleasing do so, if you feel tithing has no impact then don’t.
-Everything comes from God, everything belongs to God, he is just borrowing it to you right now, including your money. – Today Jill, how will you make your investments of your time, talent and resources that will impact eternity? Think about it next Sunday when the collection plate goes by.
-This article is called 10 Reasons Why Tithing Is Not Required, but the real question should be is this: Why would a Christian want to pass up the rewards received by tithing?
keep in mind, tithing was before the law, incorporated into the law, and is a principal in the NT. You won’t go to hell for not tithing but God promises to bless you when he sees your faithfulness in returning to him, 10% of what he gave to you. God gives us everything, he only asks that you give 10% back to him through the local NT church. He blesses the world with the gospel through you when you give. I feel so sad for these people that denounce giving back to God after He gave us everything.
Tithing is an act of faith!
How much faith and trust do you have in God to give to Him first and then trust that He will meet all your needs?
One reason I am hesitant to join a churc
God already knows your finances, he is interested in your faithfulness. God tells us to tithe in the word of God, sacrificially giving is weaved throughout the bible. Jesus even reminds us in the NT when he addresses the religious leaders that was one of the things they “ought” to have been doing. It is God’s way of teaching us stewardship of the blessings he gives us, we in turn give back only 10% which he will use to spread his gospel through his local church when it is done correctly. If you follow Romans 12:1 you won’t have a problem giving back to God what he has blessed you with. Be blessed
Marty and Nuevonacida are absolutely correct, go back and read what they have said. It is biblical and on point. WE ARE NOT commanded in the NT to tithe. End of story.
Tithing doesn’t get you to heaven, but as a Christian why wouldn’t you want to tithe? Why wouldn’t you want to support your church, and help other people receive salvation through Jesus. There are some financial costs associated with spreading the gospel, and I am happy to spend some of my earnings (that I received from God) to support the Great Commission of Jesus.
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, the apostle Paul was writing to the congregation at Corinth as they had been boasting that they had the right to do anything they pleased. This is what Paul wrote to them in verse 12. “Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me – but I will no be mastered by anything.”
– Derrick, you are correct, it is permissible for you not to tithe, but is it beneficial?
-Why wouldn’t you want some of your income to go towards having your church help a person find salvation and eternal life in our Lord, Jesus? Why wouldn’t you want some of your money to go toward putting a dent in hell? All churches need some money. Your tithe, the money a person gives to his church is an investment in eternity. Matthew 6:19-21 (Red letters – the actual words of Jesus) 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”
You are right tithing is not commanded in the NT, but remember, where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
In Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 Jesus referred to tithing as something that should not be neglected…
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
In fact, this is the only time Jesus specifically mentions tithing. And note: this is NOT a tenth of income, but of produce: mint, dill and cummin. And he was addressing the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees. He was making the point that they were meticulous when it came to religious practice (legalism) rather than what was closest to God’s heart: Justice, mercy and faithfulness.
Throughout the Old Covenant, tithing was used only with regard to what was produced on the land. It was not handed over as money.
For example, “Put some of the first produce from each crop you harvest into a basket and bring it to the designated place of worship–the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored.” (Deuteronomy 26:2)
Many thanks to this website for unpacking this whole topic. I am sure it is helpful to many. Incidentally, I had never heard of the practice of tithing until I attended churches that had spent huge amounts on new buildings, and needed to get out of debt!! The early Church, by contrast, met in people’s homes, or even in the Temple outer courts. If money was collected back then, it was to be given to the poor!
Thanks for this post, I’m glad people are studying the Bible for themselves to learn the truth about things like tithing, I have not heard a singular pro-tithing argument that could stand up to Biblical light.
Jonathan,
– Someday, when you stand as a Christian before Jesus at the Mercy Seat of Christ and he examines your every thought, word and action. Will Jesus truly be satisfied with how you used your money? I know, I know, how you spent your money on earth does not impact your salvation, as tithing has no impact in determining if you are saved or not….But, the question now is: Will Jesus be PLEASED that you gave no money to support your church, but on the other hand you made a website posting against tithing. I ask you, is the non-action of not-tithing PLEASING to God? As you stated, tithing is not required or commanded, but I on the other side argue that tithing is pleasing to God, even if it is not required?
Matthew 6: 19-21 (NIV) Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. — Here on earth, right now Jonathan, you have this treasure of money in your back pocket right now; what are you going to do with it? Something worthwhile and eternal? For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. I don’t know, is your heart in your wallet in your back pocket?
– I tithe to my church because my pastor brings new people to find salvation in Jesus each and every week, and that makes tithing a completely worthwhile and eternal investment for me. I just love the idea that the money I give to my church is helping other people find eternal life in Jesus. What a fantastic investment!!!
The word of God is sufficient enough to convert. And it is arrogant to assume that Jonathan does NOT give %10 of his income to a church or perhaps to the Gideon. The point is that the bible doesn’t require us to give a tenth of our monetary income.
How do you know about what he has done with his finances. Very assuming on your part.
There seem to be so many church pastors about that are putting their sheep into guilt and fear by demanding a “tithe” when what they call a “tithe” is different to what it was in the Old Testament anyway, that I cannot see a Revival taking place unless we get back to the Truth of Giving what we want CHEERFULLY which will set us free again. I call on all “Tithe” Pastors who are living in luxury from their teachings whilst some of their sheep who are giving 10% of their meagre incomes are struggling to make ends meet, to study the Word correctly and show some Christian compassion on the poor in their midst, remembering the parable of the Good Samariton.
Jesus Exalter,
I pray you soon find a church where the pastor doesn’t use the tithes to afford a luxurious lifestyle. Then you won’t have to go on a website like this to complain about it. I hope for find peace in this matter quickly.
Luke 6:38 Give and it shall be given ….good measure, pressed down,shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bossom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured unto you again.
We spend too much time debating and not enough time loving!!! Love will cover a multitude of sins!
Children, let us not love with word, nor with tongue, but in deed and in truth. I John 3:18
Janet,
is reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness outside the realm of love?
Well said Steward,
I’ve just read your blog from 7/25/2010.
George Muller who regularly gave 5% of his income whilst looking after loads of orphans out of love for Christ was well looked after by God, even in the hard times. But according to a lot of ‘tithe’ teachers, his finances should have been cursed by God as he gave less than 10% !
Well said Janet, The apostle Paul Loved and Debated in Love though!
I think many of us are missing the point. I serve a HUGE, GREAT, MARVELOUS, HOLY, AMAZING GOD. Who has loved me and saved me and allowed me to call him “Father”. Why would I not give him MORE than 10% of the money that HE blessed me with in the first place. So yes, I am a tither and an offering giver, and pursuant to His Word (2 Cor.9:6-10, etc), I do expect to be blessed, but that it is not my motivation: I give as an expression of my love and submission to Christ. I look forward to being able to give more and more!
Shaunda,
The point is that it’s not about hitting a percentage above 10% or below 10%. It’s not about going to church twice a week, praying before each meal, and reading at least 15 minutes of your bible every day. These mechanical ordinances may have been required once, but ever since God developed a personal relationship with his children that allows us to petition the will of God without legalism getting in the way.
– jared
Well summed up Steward. Or is it Jared ? ?
Jared, I love to tithe to my church because my pastor brings new people to find salvation in Jesus each and every week. I find this to be a fantastic investment that provides eternal dividends. If the money I give to my church helps another person find salvation through Jesus it is worth every cent.
– I have noticed that none of the anti-tithers on this website list anything positive about tithing, only the negative. For me, the most positive thing about tithing is that others will find salvation in our Lord and Savior.
Would you promote the positives of circumcision for those who thought it was still required even though you knew it wasn’t? So why would i do the same for tithing?
Jared, the problem with this article, and the problem with this website you created is that it creates such negative energy in people – look at the negative replies posted to this article from Marilyn and Nuevonacida; these two alone create a posted worldview that all clergy are evil money grubbers. I know you know that is the farthest thing from the truth.
You are right, the point is that it’s not about hitting a percentage above 10% or below 10%, the point should be that Christians should do everything possible to put the largest dent possible into the kingdom of hell, so in doing, increase the Kingdom of Heaven. The money I gladly give to my church I get to see new people become new Christians each week. It is a fantastic investment that I make in eternity.
Jared, the problem I see that you have created by writing this article is that you have developed a gathering point for those types of Christians who don’t want to give with a cheerful heart, and in so doing they share their perceptions of how churches (mostly large) manipulate their emotions for money, but yet there has been no mention in these posts of the good and positive things that happen with money given to a church.
In reason #9 of your Top 10 Reasons Why Tithing is not Required you use Galatians 5:18-25 (NIV) to support your point that tithing is required. It reads, (18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (which I am sure you are using verse 18 to justify your point) (19) The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; (20) idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (21) and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (24) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (25) Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
I argue that by writing and posting this article you have created a venue for people such as Marilyn and Nuevonacida to be guilty of at least six of the acts of the flesh mentioned in verses 20 and 21; which would be hatred, discord, jealously, dissensions, factions and envy in their disagreement with the tithe.
And for you Jared, by writing this article you definitely have created discord and factions.
Verse 22-23 is a list of the fruits of the Spirit. That list is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It’s just my thoughts, but its hard for me to think that if someone really had these fruits, that they would be so against giving some of their money to their church. I would think those “fruitful” people would put some of their money where their “fruit’ is.
Here is an idea for the title of your next article: If you Don’t Like Your Church Asking for Money, Find Another One You Do Like that Doesn’t Ask for Your Money, Then You Don’t Have to Complain and Cause Others to Stumble.
Ken, i understand what you’re saying, but acting in a apathetic, ignorant, or passive manner against abuse and untruth within God’s house is not the action that Christ took when his anger flared at the money changers at the temple.
I want to spread the truth. i want to unlock shackles although unfortunately, those who are not filled with the Holy Spirit prior to reading this article will respond in a bitter manner.
It’s no different than a person bitterly responding to God giving their child cancer. Or the fact that he ordered the Israelites to kill thousands of women and children. Or that he’s gonna send countless children who lived just a few short years on this earth to burn forever and ever in a lake of fire. Or that thousands of girls are being kidnapped and raped every day for sex slavery and God is not stopping it.
All these realities could cause bitterness in my heart to manifest itself. Should we not call out the sexual abuse of priests or the perversion of pastors who have lured children into the privacy of their life only to abuse them because we are worried about causing discord and strife in the Church? Is that truth not as worthy as truth about tithing?
If the truth is not worthy enough to cause discord, then i believe you undervalue truth. Truth is more valuable to me than making sure that we are all sitting around a campfire singing Kumbayah.
Truth is what sets people free. In saying that, it means that people are in bondage and enslaved. If there’s any lesson that we can learn from Abraham Lincoln’s pursuit of the Emancipation Proclamation is that you cannot set a slave free without discord. I would almost say it’s impossible.
Blood will be shed, tempers will flare, people will get hurt. Those who have abused their power will not relinquish it without a fight. Their power is too important to them.
In the case of tithing, too many religious leaders wouldn’t dare relinquish the right to enslave the wallets of believers. They lack the faith in God in allowing the Holy Spirit to lead people’s hearts. Instead, the control of funds and safety-net of tithing is a carnal craving that has shackled the Church for far too long.
I will try to bestow as much grace as possible, but it is high-time for an emancipation proclamation within the Church. We need to be free from the shackles of tithing.
Lol, that’s quite a weak response to the article, Ken. And a very one sided response too.
I, for one, was guilt stricken with a false (negative) view of God because of this whole tithing issue. It wasn’t until articles like this “randomly” fell in my path and helped me to better understand things. These articles helped remove the veil of condemnation bought on by incorrect thinking. And after 3yrs of heaviness, I was getting free. And the God I’ve come to understand now is much more like the God I read of in Jesus.
But it wouldn’t have been possible, if truth wasn’t provided. Truth is liberty, and that’s what I got through these articles, and those similar.
So I disagree with you. This wasn’t a negative post.
Excellent post, totally agree.
Excellent post, totally agree!!!!
The principle underlying tithes is that God’s people are to honor Him with the first-fruits of their increase, the first ten percent. In our day, this is usually in the form of money. I do not believe tithes is a law per se. I believe it is a matter of faith. It is walking in faith and honoring God. While I do agree that what we give or don’t give does not mean we are doomed yo Hell, I do believe that it is a personal thing. I also believe that where a man’s heart is is where he tends to put his money. One may say that the giving of the tithe was for a specific purpose, so maybe we should invest in things of today that pursue that purpose. I tithe, and I am not a pusher of my opinion. The one thing that I am really big on is making sure that what I do is spirit led. Everyone should consult God in their giving and give cheerfully or not at all. This is what I believe.
Hi Reesie,
If I lie and misrepresent myself or promote any product for financial benefit from anyone that means I committed FRAUD, Do you agree ? Yes or No ?
Then if I delibrately misinterbret the bible for financial gain, it is also called FRAUD, Do you agree ? Yes or No ?
Who do you think gave the power to politicians to make and pass the legislation concerning FRAUD ? Jesus said no power is given unless its from His father.
God is ultimately behind the Legislation passed to protect people from FRAUD
The reason there are mechanical guidelines for Christians is because if there weren’t, people wouldn’t give, or pray, or read their bible. When the bible says give cheerfully, it doesn’t mean don’t give if you’re not cheerful. Just because the tithe is an OT principle doesn’t mean it’s bad. We use the tithe as a minimum guideline, and give over and above when we feel led. And honestly, if you have to choose between your gas bill and giving to God’s work, I’m willing to bet there are some poor spending habits involved.
Do you need mechanical guidelines in order give to the ones you love here on earth?
I dont know wether to laugh or feel sorry for you,
Listen when you find a guideline how to line your pastors pockets with money defrauded from christians please let us know..lol
Here is a good one, Jesus gave alms to the poor, these days pastors take money from the poor so they can live life of excess and greed..lol
attempted to tithe for about three months. I am fortunate to where I am not broke but it did cause havoc with my finances for about that time. It is assumed how it is easy for anyone to just tithe despite cost of living soaring in the United States and how a lot of us pay out-of-pocket for health insurance. The church I attended is in debt due to a hefty mortgage for a new building. The pastor lives an opulent lifestyle in a gated community in this area. First thing, this new building addition was not needed. The church had gone to one service and the sanctuary still 1/3 empty on Sundays. God has expected all of us to be good stewards of our money…not just the congregation while the pastor and his administrative committees have made decisions that were not financially prudent. I have returned to the faith of my upbringing where it is not preached how a certain percentage is expected in the Sunday collection basket. There are also no music directors and their bands or auditorium-like settings. The church building is very nice but also humble at the same time. We do not need to whoop it up with “praise music,” see videos, or have fancy lighting to praise the Lord. During the year I was with an Evangelical church, I have witnessed so much greed attached to tithing. How many churches have added more buildings to their property that are only used one to two days out of the week? Where is the reverence for the worship when it has become more of an entertainment hour? I do not believe the clergy should live like paupers but no minister/pastor should live in fancy surroundings while asking his flock to contribute a hefty amount of their income monthly. It is really sad how it is 2012 and people, who can least afford it, are still being targeted by guilt to throw that money into the collection basket every week. If tithing blessed every person who participated, there would be no more poverty worldwide.
our responsibility is to be obediant. we cannot be responsible, nor are we responsible for someone else’s obediance or lack thereof. God doesn’t want our money. He doesn’t need our money. He wants us to have a heart that gives because we are told to; a heart that gives because we want to – – because we recognize that the money and possessions we have are not ours in the first place, and will not travel with us when we die.
granted, i also believe the tithe is between you and God. He knows your heart; He knows what you are sincere about – just as the woman in mark 12:44 who gave “all she had” or at least, all she was able to give
Yes, we are to be obedient to God and cannot be responsible for anyone else’s behaviour. Many people use this attitude stating how they tithe moneys they cannot afford to give to an expensive church stating how the greedy pastors will be held responsible for their actions. That is true; however, God gave us brains and, hopefully, common sense. If people are giving beyond their means, there will not be a magical blessing to make up for the bills which do not get paid. Don’t tithe to the church and write a list of the good and bad things that happen for the next two months. Mots people will find that the bad vs good things are life on life’s terms and not God punishing us for refusal to tithe.
Marilyn,
Instead of raining negative energy on tithing, you should be content that you are now comfortable in returning to the church of your upbringing, and end your negative dwelling about the problems of your old church. God wants all his churches to support each other. Now that you have left your old church, you should consider praying for your them that the Holy Spirit guides them in proper financial stewardship; and that way you won’t harbor such negative emotion against your old church.
-As for myself, I love my church, and at my church we “whoop it up” with praise music, we see videos, and we have fancy lighting. — as you should know, there are different churches for different people, none are wrong if they preach the gospel. Also my church is growing and seeing more people each week discover salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ. My church started with one church building 19 years ago and today, we now have four satelite churches located strategically throughout the city, and a fifth satelite being set-up this fall, so more people can get to church closer to their homes. My church also has Hispanic services, and our church support numerous mision fields overseas. The main thing my money (tithe) does is that it brings more and more people to Jesus, and that is what it is all about. It is an investment in eternity.
-I pray that someday your financial house will be in such order that you will be able to give something as a blessing to help others. – Maybe for now all you can give is your time and your talents. God would be pleased with that. My church asks weekly for an offering, but the pastor makes it clear that not everyone can give, or give all the time. The church is designed to help out others. I hope you find peace in these matters.
Praise the Lord! wow great conversation. When I discovered the truth about Christians not required to pay tithes, I took the idea to my church leaders. Needless to say I was ostracized and heavily persecuted by my pastor. To the point I had to leave that church and eventually back slid. Thanks be unto God that He saw fit to redeem me again and restore me. Tithing is a cruel trick of the enemy to bring confusion,and condemnation. Paul the apostle didn’t spend any time on the subject of tithing because it wasn’t an issue with him. It wasn’t an issue with our Lord Jesus either. It is oppressive and a false teaching that is prevalent in the church today. We need God to bring us to the light on this subject. Thank You Lord…I love you for truth.
Minister Neal,
I love to tithe. I am not confused by tithing, or think of it as a cruel trick. I love o invest my money in eternity. I am thrilled to know that the money I give to my church helps other people find salvation in our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
I love to invest my money in eternity.
Ummm…. I’m not sure I get your arguments… Help me sort them out, please.
You have argued on your site that “Abraham was under an Old Testament covenant” and his example of tithing would be considered a standard and not a principle. [Generally “the Law” is considered the “Old Testament covenant”… you seem to place the “old” as the entire time between creation and church…]
Yet in Romans 4 Paul uses Abraham as an example of someone who was justified by faith before the Law (“old covenant”). Following your argument would then seem to place salvation by “faith” as an old covenant standard.
James says that our faith is demonstrated by our behavior. Abraham demonstrates his faith by tithing.
Another old covenant practice that is upheld by the “new covenant” is found in Hebrews 4:11… the Sabbath (also Old Testament Law/covenant) is a physical reality reflecting our spiritual state (in other words Sabbath = heaven).
I guess your argument seems to hinges on two things. 1.) the old “dispensational” view that what is from the old dispensation does not influence the new dispensation. This seems to be a dichotomy that argues from silence. One could flip the question and ask where tithing is PROHIBITED to the church under the new covenant/dispensation. [Paul’s arguments about the Law are in context to circumcision and attempting to earn/maintain salvation through works.] 2.) that freedom from the old covenant means we are NOT grafted into a SINGLE spiritual line (see Romans 11) where the same God (yesterday, today, and forever) has ALWAYS maintained the same standards/practices/principles for salvation and behavior according to that salvation. Instead by using the dichotomy between “old” covenant and “new” covenant we are then a new tree instead. [This makes your argument of a dichotomy sound heretical since there is no other legitimate spiritual line.]
In another place you note that the only “practices” of the church are baptism and communion…. and tithing must be excluded as a “practice.” Lay aside the subtle shift in labels… (“practice” rather than “ordinance”) and a very important detail of the story seems to be ignored: Melchizedek shows up with bread and wine (reflecting the future church practice of “communion”) and Abraham responds with a tithe (a symbolic recognition that God owns everything). If Moses is to be believed… then the tithe is not a “standard” as you call it… it is a response of gratitude and respect for God.
In another place you note that tithing was to do three things… support the priests, fund the festivals, and care for the poor. Yet the command to tithe in Malachi 3:10 is in context of “I the Lord do not change” (3:7) and “Will man rob God?” (3:8) This is all in context of a sound condemnation of a rejected priesthood and festival practices [see Malachi 1:10]… yet God still INSISTS on the tithe to be given to this rejected system. This does not make sense unless the tithe were part of the “moral” code (such as the upholding of the Sabbath principle) of the “old covenant” (in other words, it was a “principle” and not a “practice” — your terms).
If we want a “new” response to salvation, then as believers in Christ’s shed blood as the atonement for our sin we understand that God owns EVERYTHING (not just 10 percent). The tithe is symbolic of that ownership and that owner God has the right to ask ANYTHING of us at any time. The tithe is “earnest money” so to speak that when the Holy Spirit moves us to give, it is cheerfully and unconditionally obedient to whatever God tells us to give.
What stands to follow is that withholding the tithe is denying the Lordship of Jesus.
I would just like to point out to everyone who says that they tithe, that it is impossible to tithe if you live OUTSIDE the land of ISRAEL, since the tithe was never accepted from anyone living outside of Israel. And even if you live INSIDE ISRAEL, the tithe was ALWAYS paid in AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE by farmers, herdsman and shepherds etc. So you can say you give 10% of your net or gross income, but you can’t call it a TITHE!
Jesus Exalter,
For argument sake, I will accept all that you said that you can’t call it a tithe if you don’t live in Israel, I live in the U.S. For your point, whatever it is called, I personally and very gladly give money to my church to help put the biggest dent possible in the kingdom of Hell. I don’t want anyone to go there. So, the money I give, I believe is an investment in the kingdom of Heaven, an eternal investment. My church is great, I trust the pastors, the sermons, the praise and worship, and I love to see people come to salvation and eternal life in our Lord, Jesus. Whatever you want to call it, it doesn’t matter, I just know my little bit (of money) works to the sum of the whole at our church and we see new people becoming new christians each and every week. It’s fantastic!
– (the red letter words of Jesus) – Matthew 6:19-20 – 19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
Question: Today, where is your treasure?
If anyone who claims Christ as a Savior, and then decides that He isnt worth giving 10% as a starting point for giving, has decided that his money is more important than God, as its all God’s anyways. Remember how God received it when Cain decided “just a little bit” is enough to give? Well, I do.
Mark, I agree. If we don’t pray 3 times a day for 15 minutes minium. Also if we don’t read your bible a minimum of 30 minutes a day. And one last thing . . . if we aren’t serving Jesus and the community a minimum of 10% of your waking hours, then you are one pathetic christian. Jesus gave us 24 hours in a day, so how can Jesus not be worth a minimum of 2.4 hours every day?
Many Christians pay tithes in order to get the heavens open over them according to Maleachi 3, 10. But according to Ephesians 2, 6 we as believers are seated with Christ in the heavenlies. Where, if not there, are the heavens open? And that for free! You have only to believe in Christ. And what about blessings? Yes, they are also Yes and Amen in Christ (2. Cor 1, 10) for free, not in the paying of tithes.
God will get it from you, one way or another! If you are walking in God’s word, there are endless tithing/giving opportunities. If I give $100 per month to China Aid (helping persecuted Christians), and three hours a week to advocacy (supposing I’m a tradesman and my time at work pays $20 or $30/hour), plus an offering at church, plus volunteering with local youth…it all adds up, and per conventional accounting practices perhaps much more than 10% Who knows? Are you keeping track? There’s nothing wrong in tithing to your church, but it is emphatically NOT a commandment to do so: you could be “tithing” to several Christian charities at once – does this money not count? Or “tithing” your valuable time and skills – which amounts to the same thing. Right? The point is giving freely – and sensibly – without expectation of return, since we owe EVERYTHING to Jesus Christ anyway.
Give as you prosper. We are not under the law. Our pastor has the absolute right to be provided for, for overseeing our souls. We are under grace and when we feel the love of Christ so much and all the blessings come, it’s a personal choice. I give because I’m blessed financially. I don’t give so God can bless me. God absolutely wants you to take care of your family first, like food, bills, clothing and shelter. Give as you prosper but be a cheerful giver. Godbless!
Ken,
You keeping missing a central point made by some of the writers who are against tithing. From what I read, no one is saying don’t give, don’t support the ministry, pastor, preaching of the gospel or saving of souls. Rather, they repeatedly said the opposite – support these causes. However, they are saying that we are NOT commanded to tithe. That’s a big difference from saying don’t give. What you are doing is associate the concept of giving only with tithing. I am 100% in agreement that God did not command us to tithe in the NT scriptures. However, we are commanded to give cheerfully.
Give what you want, but know the truth. Most Christians are not taught that tithing came from the bounty taken in war from neighboring tribes. Also, the 10% tithe was only presented to the Levites who were the priesthood because the Levites stayed behind to maintain the temple and did not go to war.
There were 4 types of tithes:
1. The 1st tithe Gen 14: 16-24 was a one- time event before the Law of Moses. The scriptures clearly states that that tithe did not come from Abraham’s own possessions: It came from the bounty taken in war. (Abraham presenting a tenth of the war spoils to Melchizedek)
2. The 2nd tithe Num 18:1,& Num 18: 21-26 is known as the Levitical tithe. Moses decreed/ made law, that Aaron and his household from the tribe of Levi would abstain from war to maintain the priesthood. When the 11 other tribes came back from war, they each gave the tribe of Levi, a 10% tithe of their bounty.
3. The 3rd tithe Deut 14: 22-27 is the tithe of the feast, also called the feast of tabernacle and the festival tithe. It occurred once a year and it talks about not eating swine.
4. The 4th tithe Deut 14: verse 28, & 29 is a tithe for the poor to be done every 3rd year. The purpose of this tithe was; to feed the strangers, the fatherless, and the widows.
Tithing was a Jewish practice that ended in 70 AD when the temple was destroyed by the Romans. That is why tithing is no longer practiced in Judaism. Then around 1860, churches needed money so they re-started the practice of tithing; even though they don’t follow any of the other Laws of Moses other than collecting tithes.