Featured Retraction

Welcome to the world of the free.

Good debate can lead to edification.

Give, as was given to you, the full measure.

God isn't consumed with money, but he desires the full heart, the might of the body, the intellect of the head, the full dedication of you.

Surely, where the heart is, there the treasure will also be found.

:godisgood:

 

When you realize that it all belongs to Him anyway, it's much easier to let go of.
When I thought I was "giving" God my tithe, I was fairly proud of my obedience; now it is a joy to give !!!

 

I also agree that we have not been placed back under OT Tithing system, but if someone is persuaded by the Bible, as you were, that westill are under that, wouldn't that person be blesse of God to do as he sees fit to do? Wouldn't the Lord still honor such a person, as giving with right motivation/attitude?

 

:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

 

It is no longer tithing but giving.

 

As long as somone holding to the tithe though still gives out of joy and thanksgiving to the Lord, is it really that bad a thing?

 

No, I don't think so, the guiding principles of giving are:

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth acheerful giver.​

While it does not require a tithe neither does it forbid it as long as the stated principles are guiding the individual.​

the preceding verse 6 is important as well - look it up.​

HankD​

 

I'm seeking information here.

For those of you who used to tithe, but no longer believe it's mandated for NT believers, do you now give
More than 10%
Less than 10%
About the same
It varies

If it varies, what principle guides you as to the amount, if any?

If you hold that tithing is not a NT principle, please exegete Luke 11:42, which Jesus is excoriating the Pharisees. He noted that they were so meticulous, that they tithed even the mint and rue and every herb, while neglecting justice and the love of God. Jesus said "these you ought to have done, without neglecting others." Didn't Jesus endorse tithing here?

I guess what I'm looking for here is how one determines how much to give.

I understand the argument that giving should be out of love and not of obligation. I just want to know how much I should give, and how do I arrive at that figure?

 

The amount is as lead by the Holy Spirit, and no doubt, it will result in more giving with a better attitude than the OT guilt trip. Of the few sermons I have heard on giving, I equated them with me going to my boss and asking for a raise.

 

believe that we in the Body should NOT divide over this issue, as see it under the principle of IF one is persuaded and convicted by the Bible to tithe, they should, but under joy/thanksgiving, IF persuaded no longer under it, same joy.thanksgiving applies!

problem is regardless of the side taken, most Christuians give FAR less than 10%, think average more like 3 %! that is in baptist like circles, liberal churches/others give less than that!

 

It varies. Each of us should give as we have decided, cheerfully and not under compulsion. This doesn't always mean just money either. Time serving and possessions are also included in giving. We first think its money only, but it would serve the church equally well for someone to serve in meeting needs of the church just as much as giving money.

 

good point, that we tend to see as just being in money, but the Lord wants to have all of His talents/gifts put to use!

To one who much has been given to, much will be demanded of him though also...

 

I never tithed, as I don't believe in it but I'll still weigh in here. The amount that I give to my local church on a regular basis is about 9.1%. That's just the usual amount that I give on a weekly basis divided by my income. I didn't come up with a guideline, "hey I should give 9.1%" it was more like "I feel I should give "X" amount per week".

I should mention that I have one child in Christian school and that costs $480 a month for tuition and more for extra curricular activities. This school is not affiliated with my church. This amount is a factor in my ability to give to my local church. In years past I had two children at this school and that definitely impacted my ability to give, but I gave the same amount as I do now (wasn't easy).

My wife recently got a rebate check on an auto lease we had. The amount was $486. We both felt led to give it to our missions program at church. We decided to pray about it and ask God how much we should give. I felt we should give $500 and my wife said $400. We ended up giving $400 to the church.

So for us there is no set formula. A number seems to pop into our heads and we give it. Not grudgingly, but happily.

 

Good post. This is about the same way I handle it.

 

I love it when people choose to step out from under the tithe and begin giving biblically.. which is sacrifically and therefore more than 10%.

Praise God for people who have committed themselves to NT giving.

 

Since the Bible speaks of the people of Israel to give more than the tithe, which was only for the Temple upkeep and supply, but more like 25% of their income, which included all the other offerings prescribed in the Law, I would think most Christians would gladly be willing to offer a mere 10%. While I agree, there is no New Testament "set piece" for giving, I think 10% is a minimum. Otherwise, where is the sacrifice? That is the purpose, as God told Israel.

Malachi 2, NASB
10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows." ​

Does that give us a motivation to give 10%, so we can have "the windows of heaven" open and pour out blessings on us? No, of course not! But if we were not to give at least as much as Israel, given we have the fulfillment of the blessings of Christ whereas they knew only of the promise of Messiah, why would the words of God to Israel be preserved in a Christian Bible?

I will not claim tithing is a command for the Christian, but at least a "tithe" -- ten percent of gross income -- is a necessary guideline, or why bother?

 

Guideline = compulsion. Since the tithe was grain, produce and livestock (not money, the Bible is clear on the distinction when the offer to buy back the tithe is given) we have no guideline as a NT believer.