Tithing - YES or NO?

[Sherrie]

Hello. I am new here. So Please don't get too mad at me yet.

I do believe we should tithe. God gives us responsibilities. I only know from my heart what is right. God has convicted it. Whenever I give my 10% it not only feels right...but I believe it is. I find that God takes care of my every need. And because of this I show my faith by giving of my 10%. It is all Gods to begin with.

When we learn to submit ourselves wholly to Gods way....that is become totally dependant on Him can we even begin to understand about tithing.

It isn't that God does not have enough money...but What God says is we are to trust Him. Jesus teaches us that while in the desert and the devil tried to tempt Him....That all was already His. And That God gave Him all the Power and Authority. If we believe in Him We become as brother and sisters and he our Father. Well Jesus says He will never forget or forsake us. If we ask we shall receive.

By giving this 10% we are saying we trust you father, we know you will take care of us.

I don't believe always my whole 10% should always go to the church. I do see other needs in different places. Jesus says whatever we do...do in His name and annonymously. So when I see a need somewhere I give it in the name of Jesus. And I will ask if they will except it in His name. I always try to be annonymous. That is really the hardest part of it all. See I didn't do it...God did. And God takes care of me and trusted me to love my neighbors and share His love.

 

[Lorelei]

Tithing is not required. Giving cheerfully is.

Those of us who don't believe that tithing is required still give to the church. Don't be too quick to judge and assume we are giving less then 10%. Some are giving a lot more and they are doing it out of love, not necessity, as we are told to do.

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

~Lorelei

 

[LittleBrother]

tOO tired to say much or quote much but I have also struggled with this question for years and now have seen a great light which tells me that when we live in the flesh we do the things of the flesh, and as religious people we tithe. We must to keept the pastors and ministers and church buildings and missions alive and growing. And we struggle, most of us with our avarice.

But when we live in the Spirit of Christ the things of the law (carnal christian) do not apply to us. Why? Because, being born again, being filled with the Sprit, being a child of the Kingdom, -not only a child but a fellow worker (as Paul called his many friends) WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE A RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH EXCEEDS THAT OF OUR RELIGIOUS FRIENDS. For us it is not a matter of a tithe or an offering. It is a matter of GIVING. We are called to GIve ALL we possess if the Lord requires it of us. It is our habit to give, and a soul burdened with such a habit of giving never counts the cost -or rarely does. Because of the giving, the giving exceeds the tithe and the offering to such an extent that they do not even appear for the count. This is the joy of life in the Spirit. This is the joy of the coming kingdom when He appears. And this is the kind of people that we are called to become. I don't know anything, but that is my opinion and this is becoming my experience. It is only possible when as I discussed in the forum of SEPARATION, we are finally separated from the world and its desires and in a age of Stadium Seating with 5.1 surround sound this is not an easy road to take nor is it popular. Let us take away those things which rob God's kingdom of our money and turn the dough over to investing into the kingdom of God. Wow! This is living.

 

[PackerBacker]

Originally posted by Aaron:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by PackerBacker:
Scary logic

Scary only to the covetous soul.</font>[/QUOTE]I don’t think your quote is just scary to the covetous soul. It's also scary to people who are leery of circular reasoning. I do happen to give more than the ten percent but the tithe was not what concerned me. It was your circular reasoning using two verses in different contexts and then mixing it together with the comment: "In that sense the Tithe is in effect. If we would do honor to Christ's priesthood, we would bring Tithes."

Kenneth Copeland also does some swell circular reasoning using Abraham. He goes the other direction though. He says heirs of Abe are also heirs to the promise of personal blessing (wealth). If you base your reasoning on the fact Abraham did it, you can fill in the blank with many other things Abraham did. Let's see, he sacrificed, slept with his wife's servant, he planted a tamarik tree before calling out to the Lord in Beersheba, he had concubines, etc, etc.

Just because Abraham did something does not make a case that others must do the same things. People can and do make the Bible say anything they want using the same logic you used to back up your point.

Steve

[ July 30, 2002, 08:50 AM: Message edited by: PackerBacker ]

 

[GODSMAN02]

Well in my BIBLE in Exodus 22:29 is simply says "You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe produce and your juices.The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me".

Now that simply states to me that of everything that we get the first portion should be given back to GOD in gratitude for giving us what we have.This is what we give back to help strengthen the body and GOD's bride(church).So me personally feel compelled to give that 10% back because God has blessed me abundantly and I have the faith that GOD will grant the increase after I have planted the seed.

God bless ya,
GODSMAN02

 

[Aaron]

[ July 30, 2002, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: Aaron ]

 

[latterrain77]

Great replies by all - thank you! Let's assume that we ARE to seperate funds for some Christian purpose. Let's forget, for the moment, debating over whether it is called; a "tithe" or an "offering." Now the big question is; WHERE does the seperated funds go?

Are WE to be our own stewards of the funds, distributing as WE see fit? (Luke 16, Luke 19: 11-28). Or, are we to hand it over to the "church" and let the pastor or board of deacons, or whomever, distribute those funds?

Some of you have said that you give MORE than 10%. Who do you give it to? People in need? The church? Thanks!

latterrain77

 

[Abiyah]

I tithe. I see it as not only something our God
said to do but also as a guide to me as the one
who takes care of the budget.

We are far from wealthy. If it were left up to me,
in my selfish tendency, all our money would go
to us, us, us. But I believe that the work of our
God must be supported, and the poor must be
fed, housed, and clothed.

Re how the money is divided up, my husband
and I are members of different places of wor-
ship. As a result, our tithe is divided between
the two. Any additional giving is placed where
we see the need: sometimes to an individual
or family, sometimes to an organization, etc.
Since my synagogue (yes, it is Baptist-based,
thus my presence here) directly supports cer-
tain poor of our congregation, I often choose
to allow the extra funds to go there.

Someone, at the beginnning of this thread, said
that the rabbis laugh at believers for the fact
that we tithe. Well, some of the rabbis also
laugh at our Lord; does that make Him obso-
lete? The pastors at my synagogue have every
earthly right to the title, Rabbi, although they
have rejected that title, and they are not laugh-
ing at tithing. Rather, it is taught.

 

[HankD]

Hi Aaron,

Without saying how much I give (Jesus said not to let it be known to men), if we look at the spirit of the Law and not the letter we should give to the needy (imo).
I designate my giving in unmarked envelopes to people.
Missionaries not the mission board, I know many give to mission boards and that's also good (imo), without them there would be far fewer missions.

In addition I almost always give an undesignated cash offering and leave the distribution to the Lord.

I don't claim any of this on my taxes.

HankD

[ July 31, 2002, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: HankD ]

 

[HankD]

Dear Brother Rockwell Butler,

Going through the posts I just realized what you were saying on your charts.

A person can work in gospel related work (without pay) for the Lord to supplement or tithe the equivalent amount of money.

For instance if you want to tithe by faith but don't seem to be able to balance the budget then work at the church (for instance) about 4 hours (tithe of 40 hours) doing odds, ends, whatever.

Hey, why not!?

HankD

[ August 01, 2002, 12:18 AM: Message edited by: HankD ]

 

[blackbird]

I give a tithe and offering of my income--16% of $45,000.00/year! I'm not ashamed to say how much--neither do I try to keep it a secret!

Now, when I tithe I do it as a worship experience in the light of what God's word teaches in Hebrews 7! Everytime I drop my offering in the collection plate--I am telling the congregation around me "Jesus is alive! He's alive!" Folks, noone in his right mind would throw money at a dead man! But, by faith I throw my money at Jesus(through the church) and by the church's faith--Jesus receives that tithe and offering. Hebrews 7: 8 teaches, "And here men that die receive tithes; but there He receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that He liveth." Wimping out on the tithe is equated with wimping out on Jesus! Wimping out on the tithe sends the congregation gathered a message, "He doesn't think Jesus is alive! He don't think that Jesus rose from the dead!"

Hebrews 7: 9-10 teaches, "And I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him." This verse teaches that every Levite who ever lived tithed--ahead of time! Before they were even born! It teaches me also that way back in the early 1960's and '70's--when my daddy tithed and gave an offering--his unborn Grandchildren also were givers! In a spiritual sense, when my daddy tithed he was sending his 10 year old boy a message that said, "This is how much I care about my Grandchildren! and their spirituality!" Now, in the year of our Lord, 2002, when I tithe and give an offering--I am sending my 9 & 7 year old children a non-verible, spiritual message that says, "This is how much I care about my Grandchildren!"

So, you Liberals out there who say the tithe doesn't belong in the church age--you're sending a message to your Grandchildren that says _________! You are sending your church a message that says _________ ! (You fill in the blank!)

That's what I think about the tithe and offering!

 

[PackerBacker]

Originally posted by blackbird:
Wimping out on the tithe is equated with wimping out on Jesus! Wimping out on the tithe sends the congregation gathered a message, "He doesn't think Jesus is alive! He don't think that Jesus rose from the dead!"........That's what I think about the tithe and offering!

You’re entitled to your opinion, Blackbird. The nice thing about this Board is that we are all entitled to our opinions and thinking on a subject. Therefore "I think" your comment above is all wet. Come on now, those that so-called "wimp out on the tithe also don't think Jesus arose from the dead?????" Please, save us the dramatics.

Steve

 

[HankD]

In another post concerning tithing someone made an observation...

"threads about tithing don't end well, usually becoming a spiritual one-upsmanship contest".

HankD

[ August 01, 2002, 12:45 PM: Message edited by: HankD ]

 

[Sherrie]

Just for an instance lets think this out. I totally believe in tithing. So lets just clear that up first. But lets think:

What if No one person tithed? Not one person tithed on earth.

1. Churches could not possibly open there doors. Unless someone paid the bills. Say preacher why don't you pay the bills...your the one who wants to preach! What Sunday school books? Who will pay the presses? What hymns will we sing? No Overhead or books. Ahhhh the electric bill wasn't paid. No organ...electric guitar. Preacher says he can say what he has to say in the dark. He aint pay'n no bills.

2. Missionaries cannot go overseas. They can't pay the fare. Yeah....let them pay for it....they wanted to go! Oh....and where are the Bibles? Didn't anyone buy a Bible? Eat? "What eat? I barely can feed my family..If they are real hungry let them get out there and find some of that heavenly manna! They was the ones who wanted to go!"

3. Homeless...hungry...abused....sick.....school supplies...prison needs....members of the churches needs....summer camps...retreats...Why your right! Let them get it the same way you did or not all. "It aint my job to raise you. I raised my kids already. Man...get a life!"

4. Outreach would not even be. Picking kids up on Wednesday is no longer. Van drivers don't want to pay for the gas themselves. Oh and on Sundays...Social Security decided that the Seniors you have been picking up, cannot declare that gas money on there medicare. So I guess Sunday pick up is out too.

I know this is comically presented. But it is more real than not. If no one pays...Who or what will.

Everyone is right. Jesus never said "Hey you guys, you need to pay 10% or 16%." But He did say everything was Gods. He gave examples of loving neighbors. Sharing of fish and bread to thousands. He showed us John the Baptist in the wilderness. He gave Paul the wisdom and knowledge to share with us a plan to help each other. Deciples...decons...evangelist....preachers...they were all designed with a purpose to help each of us. Each had a job. No job greater than another. There were rules for taking care of widows..little children...neighbors...and even enemies and theives.

Before Jesus left He promised us His Comforter. Who would come to us and teach us all that He hears from the Father. He will pray our prayer correctly to our Father. HE will convict our hearts and lay His laws down in it. To pay tithe or not to tithe? It does not have to be written down on paper. It is taught to us in our hearts. It is not a show. It is a trust of responsibility as a christian to tithe on all that we have.

When tithed correctly...it is a reward to the tither. I will gladly give all for my Jesus. I trust you Father! I will give you all the Glory. You have provided the very tithe I give....for me to give.

I close with....Psalms 23.
The Lord is my Shepard
I shall not want.........

 

[miss mucket]

Come on you guys - really now. And the post by Saved by Grace? We are under the New Covenant - We are not giving to the Levitical priesthood. Please keep in mind the context of Scripture. Paul says to give from your heart.

Actually, we were never under the Old Covenant, because we are not Jews, folks, but we were given grace because Jesus is Grace. But we still try to put on the "old clothes" of the Jews! The Jews couldn't even keep the Commandments. How in the world do you suppose we could?

Miss M

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I believe we should be thrilled about giving, we should shout AMEN when we are passed the plate. We should give sacrificially, just like Jesus gave his life for us. Aren't we to be Christ-like in everything ? (New testament, there.)

Give, and trust that God will supply the needs of your life.

 

[blackbird]

This is ole Blackbird on his perch! I tithe/give and offering of my income and use it as a worship experience toward the Lord Jesus Christ. I base this worship experience on what is written in Hebrews chapter 7. And, yes, my giving is dramitic. I simply take the concepts of titheing found in Hebrews 7--Abraham giving--and those Levites giving--and apply them to my life and my family spiritually--and when I do that--lo and behold--what was done spiritually manifests itself physically in the form of money in the collection plate.

 

[HankD]

Just an observation:

The Levites did not give tithes.
They had no inheritance.
The tithe was figured on the agricultural products of the land.
Wage earners did not have to tithe.
The Levites had no land and it was impossible for them to give a tithe of the increase of the crop from the land.
The other 11 tribes brought their tithes to the Levites who received them for the LORD.
The Levites were allowed to live off what was brought (including the sacrifices, they could eat of the sacrifices).
God's complaint in Malachi "will a man rob God?" is against the Levites who, after they collected the tithe from the other 11 tribes, kept it ALL for themselves, instead of bringing it into the storehouse.

HankD

 

[rlvaughn]

Originally posted by blackbird:
So, you [Conservatives]out there who say the tithe doesn't belong in the church age--you're sending a message to your Grandchildren that says _________! You are sending your church a message that says _________ ! (You fill in the blank!)

I'm sending a message to my Grandchildren that says the law of the tithe was for Israel, not the church! I am sending my church a message that says the law of the tithe was for Israel, not the church! Please be careful not to equate believing we are not under the law of the tithe with believing we should not support the church and the Lord's work.

 

[Illinoisboy]

Tithing? I have a question to those who don't believe tithing is for the church.
First, I will say that I am a pastor in Nebraska who also works a full-time job (45 hours
per week, minimum). My question is do you think the church has an obligation to support
it's pastor so he doesn't have to work? I have ran into this mentality out here of the
pastor should work so he will know where his people are coming from! Before being called
into the ministry I worked at a factory in Wis. making $20/hr and tithed and gave, so my
reply to him was that I believe every layman should quit his job, sell his house and move at
least 8 hours away to Bible College. While there he can take 15-17 semester hours and work full-time for at least 2 years. Then he'll know where his preacher is coming from!! My point is that if noone tithes then, true, the church can't support itself, missionairies, the needy etc. This
is what the storehouse tithing was for in Malachi (to support the temple and priests). However,
I tithe for the same reason Jacob did in Gen 28:22 (pre-law) simply out of appreciation for what
God did for him. I also feel that whenever the N.T. restates some O.T. laws, principles etc. it is
always made more narrow (ex: adultery goes from outward act O.T. to lust in heart being the
same Matt 5). The O.T. speaks of tithing, or law as some of you say. However, the N.T. never
does. It does however teach we give our all (life, money, ALL). The widow gave her all the rich
gave of abundance. Whom did the Lord speak well of? I know some of you do give even though you don't believe in tithing, and praise the Lord for you. But, some of you use "the law" as an excuse to not give and maybe make yourselves feel better by "working" at the church
instead. If we are not willing to give everything at any moment we are a miserable generation of "christians".
Illinoisboy