Tithing:

[Trish1947]

I believe that Jesus teaching on whatever you sow that shall you reap wheather good or bad is just the principal of the kingdom of God that Jesus taught. If you sow financially, you shall be financially supplied, if you sow time, you shall have all the time you need, if you sow kindness, you shall reap kindness, if you sow love, you shall reap love, if you sow the gospel, you shall reap the harvest of it. We are to spend ourselves so there is no lack, so we are able to spend ourselves again.
If you sow nothing then you reap nothing. A seed planted cannot grow up and say I'm still a seed, it grows up as a tree.

It's all about sowing and reaping. A principal that Jesus taught. Anything that you give shall be given. It's just a principal of the kingdom of God, and how it works. This is the whole principal of give and it shall be given, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

When this principal is put into action by your faith and love, the very last thing you should ever have to think about or make your priority, or concern, is lack of anything.

 

[Andry]

First, I believe in tithing. I tithe 10% of my gross income (read: first fruits). I do so because it is a direct commandment from God. Since I love God with all my heart, I want to honor his commandments. That's the attitude with which I tithe. I never consider tithing as an obligation. It's all in your attitude, and God knows your heart.

With respect.....why stop at 10%, since you "love God with all your heart"?

I'm not questioning your love for God. But what's to stop you from giving more than 10%? What percentage would equate to your love of God? Just so it's clear, I'm not looking at this as your 'obligation, or that it's a burden.

 

[probinson]

With respect.....why stop at 10%, since you "love God with all your heart"?

Hmmm. Since you decided to stop reading my post halfway through, let me repost it for you:

That said, I believe that tithing is just the beginning. Many times, God will speak to me or my wife to give to a person or a ministry. This is what is called an offering. These amounts are between me and God. But my tithe is non-negotiable.

I never said that I stop at 10%. I give obediently, according to God's direction and leading. I simply said that I believe that the 10% is a requirement, but giving it should not be viewed as a burden or an obligation. It should be viewed as an act of obedience as children to our Father whom we love. With obedience comes blessing.

 

[Andyman_1970]

First, I believe in tithing. I tithe 10% of my gross income (read: first

First, I believe in tithing. I tithe 10% of my gross income (read: first fruits). I do so because it is a direct commandment from God. Since I love God with all my heart, I want to honor his commandments. That's the attitude with which I tithe. I never consider tithing as an obligation. It's all in your attitude, and God knows your heart. .

So if you as you say observing a direct commandment of God I take it you take your grain/produce/animals to Jerusalem to the Levites, that is if you’re observing a direct command from God.

He tells us to bring all the tithes AND offerings into the storehouse and see if he won't open the windows of heaven and pour a blessing out that you won't have room enough to receive. But is it simply for personal gain? No. It's so that you will be able to be an even bigger blessing in the future. .

You realize the passage in Malachi is referring to people bringing grain/produce/animals to the Levites at the Temple in Jerusalem, it was NEVER currency – God’s Holy inspired infallible Word gives specific instructions as to what the tithe is and isn’t.

I have seen over the years in my own life, that no matter what financial setbacks we've experienced, God has always provided a way of escape. I believe this is because it also states in Malachi that when you tithe, God will rebuke the devourer for your sake. Why on earth would God do away with tithing when it is clearly an avenue for him to bless us?

A lot of people say they can't afford to tithe. It's been my experience that you can't afford not to tithe.

God does not need us to tithe to bless us, that assertion has not contextual basis in the Bible, this is a classic case of lifting God’s Word out of context in order to twist it to say something the original authors did not intend.

 

[probinson]

OK, let me try this logic:

You realize the passage in Malachi is referring to people bringing grain/produce/animals to the Levites at the Temple in Jerusalem, it was NEVER currency – God’s Holy inspired infallible Word gives specific instructions as to what the tithe is and isn’t.

You realize that the people bringing grain/produce/animals to the Levites were bringing 10% of their LIVELIHOOD to the temple in Jerusalem. These people were farmers. To give away 10% of what they would sell for money or use themselves was an act of obedience and an act of their faith in God. Whether it was money or grains to be sold for money, it was an act of obedience and faith. I, however, am not a farmer. So I give 10% of my livelihood as an act of obedience to God, and because I am faithful to do this, God blesses me more than I could ever imagine.

God does not need us to tithe to bless us, that assertion has not contextual basis in the Bible, this is a classic case of lifting God’s Word out of context in order to twist it to say something the original authors did not intend.

OK, How bout this:

God needs us to tithe to bless us, that assertion has contextual basis in the Bible. This is a classic case of lifting God's word out of context in order to twist it to say something the original authors did not intend.

 

[SNPete]

So if you as you say observing a direct commandment of God I take it you take your grain/produce/animals to Jerusalem to the Levites, that is if you’re observing a direct command from God.

Aren't we being a tad legalistic here? The spirit of giving to the Church and pastors is shown in 1Cor.9

You realize the passage in Malachi is referring to people bringing grain/produce/animals to the Levites at the Temple in Jerusalem, it was NEVER currency – God’s Holy inspired infallible Word gives specific instructions as to what the tithe is and isn’t.

Hmm. see Deut 14:24-25. As my momma use to say; Never say never.

God does not need us to tithe to bless us, that assertion has not contextual basis in the Bible, this is a classic case of lifting God’s Word out of context in order to twist it to say something the original authors did not intend.

From your posts, I perceive that you do not give any money or time to the Church or the work of the Lord. Am I mistaken in this assumption?

 

[Andyman_1970]

OK, let me try this logic:



You realize that the people bringing grain/produce/animals to the Levites were bringing 10% of their LIVELIHOOD to the temple in Jerusalem. These people were farmers. To give away 10% of what they would sell for money or use themselves was an act of obedience and an act of their faith in God. Whether it was money or grains to be sold for money, it was an act of obedience and faith. I, however, am not a farmer. So I give 10% of my livelihood as an act of obedience to God, and because I am faithful to do this, God blesses me more than I could ever imagine.

Since currency was around since Abraham buried Sarah, the logic that they "gave what they had" is historically inaccurate, not to mention Biblically as well. Also the tithe was off the increase, something they received without working for, unlike our income which is money paid for services rendered.

So again the tithe for today does not hold up to historical, or cultural context of the Bible.

 

[probinson]

Currency may have been around since Abraham buried Sarah, but that does not negate the fact that grain and animals had/have monetary value. Have you bought any groceries lately? I bet it wasn't cheap.

Tithing is a principle. Whether it's animals, money, time, expertise or anyting else you may think of. It's the law of sowing and reaping. The idea that tithing was done away with with the law is misguided and causes many christians to not live in the fullness of the blessings that God desires them to have.

I have experienced what happens when I stop tithing. It's not pretty. I would start to think that I couldn't afford to tithe and that I would have enough money if I just cut my tithe. That's when you have to start relying on your own means and that's when you get in trouble. Not tithing is basically saying that you don't trust God and that you have to take care of things on your own.

I should state at this point that no one will change my views on tithing. If we must "interpret" what the Bible says, then I believe that I have a valid interpretation. But I have more than that. I have proof of it in my own life. When I tithe, I am blessed. The Bible says you will know them by their fruits.

 

[JimB]

My favorite tithing scripture (and one preachers never quote) …

22 Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. 23 Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always. 24 But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the LORD your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the LORD will choose to put his Name is so far away), 25 then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. 26 Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice. (Deut. 14.)

​

~Jim

 

[SNPete]

Since currency was around since Abraham buried Sarah, the logic that they "gave what they had" is historically inaccurate, not to mention Biblically as well. Also the tithe was off the increase, something they received without working for, unlike our income which is money paid for services rendered. Ahem! Increase means income, be it money or farm produce.

So again the tithe for today does not hold up to historical, or cultural context of the Bible.

I want to know your position, so I repeat my question:

From your posts, I perceive that you do not give any money or time to the Church or the work of the Lord. Am I mistaken in this assumption?

 

[probinson]

Actually, my pastor has quoted that scripture.

But how does that in any way change what was said in Malachi? Malachi clearly states that if we bring the tithes and offerings into the storehouse that God would pour out a blessing that you wouldn't have room enough to receive, and He would rebuke the devourer for our sake. Are you suggesting that this is no longer true today? Because I certainly want God on my side when it comes to the "devourer".

I asked this before and no one answered, so I'll ask again; Why would God do away with this? This is a promise from the Father to his children that if we are faithful to give back to God a mere tenth of what He has given to us, He will pour out blessings and rebuke the devourer for us. I realize that God does not need my 10% to function. But it is the act of my obedience to Him that opens up the windows of heaven.

 

[JimB]

I want to know your position, so I repeat my question:

From your posts, I perceive that you do not give any money or time to the Church or the work of the Lord. Am I mistaken in this assumption?

Do you really believe this about Andyman, Pete, or are you just baiting him into an argument?

This is so Christlike.

(I hate these grade school debating tactics.)

~Jim

 

[SNPete]

Do you really believe this about Andyman, Pete, or are you just baiting him into an argument?

This is so Christlike.

(I hate these grade school debating tactics.)

~Jim

Well, to start with I can't really withdraw my question.

I am curious how he views the issue of giving based on his responses to my and other people's posts. Now I understand what you are saying and agree in principle, but this a debate setting.

My motive is to understand what and why Andyman is saying what he is says. Is he arguing a fine point of doctrine or has he found a justification to not give time or money to the work of the Lord?

I will accept his yes or no answer with grace and figure what he does is between himself and God. I think that Jesus would ask a fellow these same questions, were He in this thread.

 

[SNPete]

Actually, my pastor has quoted that scripture.

But how does that in any way change what was said in Malachi? Malachi clearly states that if we bring the tithes and offerings into the storehouse that God would pour out a blessing that you wouldn't have room enough to receive, and He would rebuke the devourer for our sake. Are you suggesting that this is no longer true today? Because I certainly want God on my side when it comes to the "devourer".

I asked this before and no one answered, so I'll ask again; Why would God do away with this? This is a promise from the Father to his children that if we are faithful to give back to God a mere tenth of what He has given to us, He will pour out blessings and rebuke the devourer for us. I realize that God does not need my 10% to function. But it is the act of my obedience to Him that opens up the windows of heaven.

I don't think the principle of giving in faith has disappeared. If we honor God with our time and money, He will protect us in those areas. Now by protect, I beleive that means we are not immune from attacks and setbacks. I believe it can mean anything from simply meeting our needs to prospering us. It is all according to His will

 

[probinson]

Hey Pete, (incidentally, that's what the "p" in probinson stands for)

I respectfully disagree with one point:

I beleive that means we are not immune from attacks and setbacks. I believe it can mean anything from simply meeting our needs to prospering us. It is all according to His will

While I agree that we are not immune from attacks and setbacks (I've had my share of setbacks), I do not agree that God wills for some to be prosperous and some to just get by. That would make God a respecter of persons, which we know He is not. God's Word is His will, and I've never been an "if it be thy will" kind of guy because I know God's will. He was thoughtful enough to write 66 books explaining his will for me.

I believe that we as human beings do things that cause us to "miss it" from time to time, and that is why some are prosperous and others just live paycheck to paycheck. Almost every one of my financial setbacks can be attributed to some bad decision that I made. It's because we go out and buy that brand new car or whatever that we can't afford that causes us to not prosper. It's not God's will that any should struggle, but that we should all live in abundance with more than we have need of so that we can be a blessing to others. However, God gives us free will to make dumb choices, which, unfortunately, most of us do.

 

[Andrew]

Actually, my pastor has quoted that scripture.

But how does that in any way change what was said in Malachi? Malachi clearly states that if we bring the tithes and offerings into the storehouse that God would pour out a blessing that you wouldn't have room enough to receive, and He would rebuke the devourer for our sake. Are you suggesting that this is no longer true today? Because I certainly want God on my side when it comes to the "devourer".

I asked this before and no one answered, so I'll ask again; Why would God do away with this? This is a promise from the Father to his children that if we are faithful to give back to God a mere tenth of what He has given to us, He will pour out blessings and rebuke the devourer for us. I realize that God does not need my 10% to function. But it is the act of my obedience to Him that opens up the windows of heaven.

Amen! ALL the promises of God in the Old Covenant remain. If they had it in the old inferior covenant that God found fault with, we certainly have it or something even better in the New Covenant. Christ redeemed us from the curses, not the blessings.

 

[JimB]

I am not sure I understand this giving-to-get rewards logic. Why should God ‘reward’ us for giving back to Him something that already belongs to Him? Should we expect a reward for not stealing?

~Jim

 

[probinson]

Jim,

Consider the following scriptures in Malachi 3:

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. 12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

This is really a cool area of scripture because God is saying to us, "Go ahead! Test me! See if I won't bless you!" God is telling us to give our tithes and offerings to Him so that he can bless us. It sure sounds to me like God is saying that there are rewards for those that tithe.

Do I give to get? Yes and no. I would be foolish to give and expect nothing in return when God tells us that he will pour out a blessing on us. God is telling us how to tap in to His supernatural provision. But on the other hand, I do not give primarily for my own personal gain. I give because I want to be blessed, but also so that I can be a blessing to others. God knows the motive of the giver, and that's the difference.

 

[Andrew]

I am not sure I understand this giving-to-get rewards logic. Why should God ‘reward’ us for giving back to Him something that already belongs to Him? Should we expect a reward for not stealing?

~Jim

that's God's grace. He takes every opportunity He can get to bless us!

 

[swifteagle]

So if you as you say observing a direct commandment of God I take it you take your grain/produce/animals to Jerusalem to the Levites, that is if you’re observing a direct command from God.

You realize the passage in Malachi is referring to people bringing grain/produce/animals to the Levites at the Temple in Jerusalem, it was NEVER currency – God’s Holy inspired infallible Word gives specific instructions as to what the tithe is and isn’t.

Andyman ~ Produce and animals were the currency of their day!!

FYI

swifteagle ><>