Tithing

[StevenL]

If you truly believed what the Bible says about tithing, you wouldn't be giving money to a church and calling it The Tithe.

Sorry the curse is gone. Believe the Good News. Believe what the Scriptures actually say instead of what you've been told they say.

 

[Andyman_1970]

I do not want to debate, only to voice my opinion.

I believe in Tithing.
I believe what the bible says about Tithing.

I'm glad you indicate this is your opinion, but with all due respect it is not Biblical in a holistic sense.

I believe in my tithing to my home church, because I dont want to have cursed money in my pocket.

If you look at what was going on in Israel when Malachi was writing, their was a famine, and sense the Tithe (in it's Biblically holistic understanding) was grain/produce/animals to feed the Levites/poor/fatherless/widow/alien the whole robbing God thing boils down to these Israelites not taking care of the poor around them in their time of need.

The curse was never on money or currency.

I believe in tithing because it helps the church be ran, the electricity to be on, the music to be played.

This is what (in Jesus day) the Temple tax and your synagogue dues would do - the Tithe was all about feeding people not running things like the Temple or Synagogue.

So if you dont pay tithes you maybe shouldnt use the bathroom at church, the tissue paper, you shouldnt enjoy the music, you should sit with your eyes closed, because without tithe paying members of any church you wouldnt have these things.

This is what your offerings are for. If you want to give 10% of your income as an offering that's great but it's only a "tithe" in that it's 10% not a true Biblical Tithe (grain/produce/animals).

By the way, I can make a strong argument from the Text that Biblical giving for the follower of Jesus looks more like 50+% rather than "just" 10%.

 

[muffler dragon]

I do not want to debate, only to voice my opinion.

Okay.

I believe in Tithing.
I believe what the bible says about Tithing.

So, you believe that the tithe was only produce and livestock? Just asking, because that is what the Bible says about it.

I believe in my tithing to my home church, because I dont want to have cursed money in my pocket.

So you give out of expectation or fear. Is it one or both?

I believe in tithing because it helps the church be ran, the electricity to be on, the music to be played.
So if you dont pay tithes you maybe shouldnt use the bathroom at church, the tissue paper, you shouldnt enjoy the music, you should sit with your eyes closed, because without tithe paying members of any church you wouldnt have these things.

I'll do you one better. I don't attend church. I am actually starting to attend synagogue.

The tithe was never set up for operational costs by the way.

m.d.

 

[chanelle]

for me tithe is a way to support my church so it may continue to spread the Word of our Living God. God doesn't need money, he is God. I don't regularly pay tithe, but I think it is one great way to support your church. Another guideline God has given to help us succeed the best we can in the evil world, not a rule that we have to follow or God won't bless us. and about the 10% thing, i think thats just a cool guideline, an idea on a good amount to give. As if we can give a perfect 10%, we can't. if we had to give a perfect 10% then no one ever would be blessed or protected by God, cos we're sinful and not perfect. phew lucky Jesus died for us.

 

[muffler dragon]

for me tithe is a way to support my church so it may continue to spread the Word of our Living God. God doesn't need money, he is God. I don't regularly pay tithe, but I think it is one great way to support your church. Another guideline God has given to help us succeed the best we can in the evil world, not a rule that we have to follow or God won't bless us. and about the 10% thing, i think thats just a cool guideline, an idea on a good amount to give. As if we can give a perfect 10%, we can't. if we had to give a perfect 10% then no one ever would be blessed or protected by God, cos we're sinful and not perfect. phew lucky Jesus died for us.

Would you have any problem just calling it an offering (what you give)?

m.d.

 

[thirsty]

I tithe for the simple reason that my church supports ministries overseas and has a large youth group at the church. The youth group keeps many kids off the streets on Friday nights and has many activities throughout the year.
There is nothing wrong with freely giving to God.

 

[G4m]

Am feeling confused have been stuggling with different issues health etc and saw a new chruch started where I go to do some shopping offering free christian counselling on issues such as healing and deliverance and family issues,alcholism etc etc!!!!!
Was told I must attend seven weeks of three weekly meetings when I enquired bout counselling.
This church I released is penetcostal which I dont consider myself but thought ok I skip my church this sunday and go to an early 7am meeting.
Pastor at end of some coaching on faith started speaking on tithes and that it must be ten percent and that we can only ask for Gods protection etc if we are tithing 10 per cent.
I am not working due to having some health probs and on my own with my son and struggling financially.
I believe that the new testament says to give according to ones ability and that it is good to give and that we can give in many ways could be our time as well as finances etc.
Came away not feeling too great as the Pastor was saying about spiritual locustes destroying our things if we didnt give 10 per cent and that we could only really be blessed if we gave 10 per cent and could only expect Gods protection etc if we gave exaclty 10 per cent.
I noticed one lady left early and felt sad as there are a large number of people in this area of london with problems and I had been impressed that they had advertised free christian counselling thinking how many in the area would benefit. Yes I know that finances are needed in every organisation this church owns a large building and many others.

So what do others think
about tithing???

Deuteronomy 14
22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:
25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,
27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

The things I note about tithes in this scripture, is that money is not tithed. The tithes are eating by the tithers. Some tithes are given to the Levites as they had nothing.

 

[G4m]

Would you have any problem just calling it an offering (what you give)?

m.d.

Good point!

 

[muffler dragon]

I tithe for the simple reason that my church supports ministries overseas and has a large youth group at the church. The youth group keeps many kids off the streets on Friday nights and has many activities throughout the year.
There is nothing wrong with freely giving to God.

True. There is no problem with an offering.

However, there are a few problems with the modern-day tithe doctrine.

m.d.

 

[StevenL]

"The things I note about tithes in this scripture, is that money is not tithed. The tithes are eating by the tithers. Some tithes are given to the Levites as they had nothing."

A fine observation indeed! Why, the tithers consumed their own tithe didn't they? Let's integrate this into our tithe teaching....how about it?

 

[Ann M]

So if you dont pay tithes you maybe shouldnt use the bathroom at church, the tissue paper, you shouldnt enjoy the music, you should sit with your eyes closed, because without tithe paying members of any church you wouldnt have these things.

The Church is not a 'user-pays' system please.

Our Bible says:-
[Bible]James 2:2-9[/bible]

 

[chanelle]

Would you have any problem just calling it an offering (what you give)?

m.d.

no problem at all. I give an offering most weeks, but that money to me seems to be a more informal giving, just giving what you have and what you feel at that moment. for things to do with outreach, charity etc. any visitor can give an offering. tithe seems to be a more formal giving, that you would most probably give more of, and on not such a regular basis, and if you're a supporting member of a particular church. Also I've realised that tithe gives a small indication how many supporting members of the church there are. Helping to pay for a pastor at the church and other things like that.
A church I used to attend only had a 'part-time' minister as we didn't have enough members/tithe-paying members to be able to pay a 'full-time' pastor. This sounds kinda dodge, except for the fact that why should there be a full-time pastor for such a small congregation. I think tithe is a great way to show committment levels of members. but i don't think it's something that is very important in the church.

I do have to say that a lot of my comments are based on just what I've experienced and my own personal thoughts, not what i have read in the bible about it. So I shall get on to that.

 

[jangnim]

Oh my. I normally stay out of these things because they get me into trouble, but here goes head first.


Tithing is a concept trumpt up by the early "Christian" church after it became an acceptable institution. It was basically decided that the churches had to have income to support their professional clergy and to pay for buildings etc. So basically the whole thing boils down to economics.

I don't know about the rest of you, but any time we mix worldly institutions with heavenly ones we see sparks fly. In my experience anyway, the church has got itself into a bit of a pickle. They convinced people that they have to attend a meeting in a certain building, so they can collect offerings to pay for the building. Then they hire some poor soul to be the professional clergy of the church, who is supposed to be in charge, but is actually at the beck and call of each and every member of the church. They directly attach His/Her income to the income of the churches weekly offerings. So it becomes the pastors job to make the churches parishioners give, while not offending them so much that they either leave, or worse yet invite him/her to leave.

Imagine for a moment how a God, who is so powerful as to speak things into existance, might need us to create such an institution. I can't. Why? Simply put the denomination/church assembly is a worldly institution. Most church assemblies are incorporated, as non-profit businesses. One reason for this is so professional clergy and staff can draw a salary. Another is to achieve a tax exempt status. I do not think anyone had that in mind when the New Testament was written.

So tithes are not a requirement. Are they a good thing? Yes, for those who you bless with the tithe they are good. If that is your church assembly then they are truly blessed. Does God in any way need your tithe? No way. I would venture to say at this point that God could make wealth and all that it means disapear in an instant, and everyone would be on the same common ground, if He so wished.

I think it might be good to offer a reminder as to our mission, as the church. It is simply to spread the good news, to care for the poor, and to offer ourselves to God. A tithe, if we give it, should go to local missions, to food banks, to those who need the money to perform their God inspired duties this includes evangelists and missionaries but not professional clergy. If God deals with you to give the entire tithe to your local church, do it. If God tells you to give an offering do it. If you are so poor that you can't make ends meet, and you think giving a tithe is responsible, think again. God tells us to owe no man.

For those who think tithing is not for today, I would say, you have the spiritual freedom to make that choice. God is by no means going to go against what He told Paul. If you want to give alms, or offerings, instead of a tithe, that too is fine. God our Father is much greater than anything we can imagine, and surely has absolutely no need for your money. However, if you are in Christ, and you acknowledge Him as your savior and king, then all that you have is His, and you must do as He leads you to do.

Personally, my take on this whole issue is that we should be searching for ways to give to the work of the kingdom of God. When we see a place where He wants us to give, be it time, money, property or whatever, we should give it and without a second thought as to personal cost. While I haven't yet arrived, I try to do this myself.

Keep in mind that the love of money is the root of all evil, and if we resist giving to the King of kings what is already His, it makes a statement of whose side we are on. You cnnot serve God and Mammon.

 

[YahwehLove]

Dear Holy Roller:

Would it ever bother you if you happened to find out that the tithe was an unbiblical principle for today?

There is a distinction between offerings, giving and tithing. Keep that in mind.

m.d.

I never could understand why the church has held onto the tithe like some dying man grasping for one last breath.
It was part of the old coventant.

Heb 7:5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to collect tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brothers, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;

If people are clinging to the tithe aspect of the Old Covenant, it seems they are required to fulfill the whole law.

The Law was a shoolmaster to bring us to faith.
The tithe was a lesson from that schoolmaster teaching us to give.

Somehow I dont think it was Gods intention for people to give to the point of not being able to feed their children as some have been persuaded to do.
But greedy men behind the pulpit seem to teach just that.

 

[shari54]

jangnim
thank you...i have a much better understanding of the tithe now

 

[muffler dragon]

If people are clinging to the tithe aspect of the Old Covenant, it seems they are required to fulfill the whole law.

The Law was a shoolmaster to bring us to faith.
The tithe was a lesson from that schoolmaster teaching us to give.

Actually, the dismissal of the tithe has little to do with regarding your dismissal of the "old" covenant. The tithe is irrelevant regarding today's doctrine, because:

1) the tithe was never currency.
2) the tithe was for the Levite, the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner in your midst.

That has nothing to do with "Old" or "New" covenant.

 

[YahwehLove]

Actually, the dismissal of the tithe has little to do with regarding your dismissal of the "old" covenant. The tithe is irrelevant regarding today's doctrine, because:

1) the tithe was never currency.
2) the tithe was for the Levite, the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner in your midst.

That has nothing to do with "Old" or "New" covenant.

I will agree with your observations, but seeing that it was part of instruction in Leviticus and not the NT, I would conclude that it is obsolete with the New Covenant regardless.

When did tithing to the Levite become old news?

 

[muffler dragon]

I will agree with your observations, but seeing that it was part of instruction in Leviticus and not the NT, I would conclude that it is obsolete with the New Covenant regardless.

When did tithing to the Levite become old news?

The point I was trying to make without stating it overtly is that I disagree with your understanding of "New" Covenant. Furthermore, I consider it irrelevant to the tithe discussion.

The reasons being: the Temple no longer stands. With the Temple no longer standing, there is no Levitical priesthood that must be sustained through the original tithe consideration. The Levites were neither allowed to own property nor raise livestock. Therefore, they could only survive off the tithe of the Jews.

That, in and of itself, has nothing to do with the "New" Covenant.

 

[YahwehLove]

The point I was trying to make without stating it overtly is that I disagree with your understanding of "New" Covenant. Furthermore, I consider it irrelevant to the tithe discussion.

The reasons being: the Temple no longer stands. With the Temple no longer standing, there is no Levitical priesthood that must be sustained through the original tithe consideration. The Levites were neither allowed to own property nor raise livestock. Therefore, they could only survive off the tithe of the Jews.

That, in and of itself, has nothing to do with the "New" Covenant.

It is relevant.
Even if the Temple WERE standing the tithe is still OLD NEWS.
It is part of a system that is OBSOLETE.

 

[muffler dragon]

It is relevant.
Even if the Temple WERE standing the tithe is still OLD NEWS.
It is part of a system that is OBSOLETE.

You make no sense with that statement.

IF the Temple were still standing, and IF the Levitical priesthood were still in operation within the Temple, and IF they were still not allowed to own property or livestock; THEN how do you suppose that they would live?

Would you like to go back through Scripture and evaluate the purpose of the tithe?

Dismissal of the tithe due to some purported understanding of the Mosaic covenant being obsolete is fallacious.