Tithing

[Test_F_i_2_Luv]

I notice at my church they preach tithing at the collection, but I think it is wrong to bind tithing on Christians. I don't want to stir up trouble, but if they teach and dwell on it that we should do it, I'll say something. Right now all the congregation thinks it is mandated, but no where do we see followers of Jesus exhorted to tithe in the NT or for the NT saints. We are encouraged to give generously. We are free to give as we purpose in our heart; we can give 100%, 50%, 20%, or 10% or less, but binding tithe on believers is like imposing the law and severing us from Christ.

Three types of tithes were given in O.T. times under Levitical law. Mal 3 occurred during that time.

If pastors preach tithing, then they should be demanded a Levitical, Festival, and Poor tithe...3 types of tithes, not one.

In the N.T., Paul could very easily have reminded Christians to tithe in 2 Cor 9. Instead, he wrote:

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -2 Cor 9:7.

Give as you can, give generously as circumstances allow, and give as you feel led.

If a church is mandating it, I'd recommend finding a different church.

 

[mailmandan]

Three types of tithes were given in O.T. times under Levitical law. Mal 3 occurred during that time.

If pastors preach tithing, then they should be demanded a Levitical, Festival, and Poor tithe...3 types of tithes, not one.

In the N.T., Paul could very easily have reminded Christians to tithe in 2 Cor 9. Instead, he wrote:

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -2 Cor 9:7.

Give as you can, give generously as circumstances allow, and give as you feel led.

If a church is mandating it, I'd recommend finding a different church.

It's interesting that you mentioned 3 types of tithes. John MacArthur makes some interesting points about tithing in his article below from the Grace To You website:

Does God require me to give a tithe of all I earn?

Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary).

The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel.

Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation.

All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified.

New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government. Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel.

The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." - https://www.gty.org/library/questions/QA144/does-god-require-me-to-give-a-tithe-of-all-i-earn

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

In the book of Exodus, Chapter 35, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the LORD looks for three things in the heart when it comes to giving to Him; a willing heart, a wise heart, and a stirred up heart for Him. Those who are wise in heart that tithe will be blessed!

 

[iFlourish]

A simple question to everyone. Was tithe instituted before or after the law?

 

[Burninglight]

In the book of Exodus, Chapter 35, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the LORD looks for three things in the heart when it comes to giving to Him; a willing heart, a wise heart, and a stirred up heart for Him. Those who are wise in heart that tithe will be blessed!

First of all, tithing was not considered giving in the OT, but when it comes to giving to Him, if we do it with a willing heart, a wise heart, and a stirred up heart for Him, we'll be blessed whether you tithe or not. The emphasis should be on giving not tithing as if to bind that on Christians. It is okay to tithe if you like, but those that would bind tithing to Christians as if it were Scripturally mandated, they are Spiritually misguided and in danger of being cut off from Christ, because that is not the message of the cross.

 

[Burninglight]

It's interesting that you mentioned 3 types of tithes. John MacArthur makes some interesting points about tithing in his article below from the Grace To You website:

Does God require me to give a tithe of all I earn?

Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary).

If it is compulsory, it is not giving; if it is voluntary, it is, but taxes and tithing are not giving because it is the law.

The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel.

Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation.

All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified.

New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government. Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel.

The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." - https://www.gty.org/library/questions/QA144/does-god-require-me-to-give-a-tithe-of-all-i-earn

Christians are more than tithing to the government, and it is mandated with compulsion lest you go to jail. So Christians should lose the term tithe and recommend being a cheerful and generous giver instead.

 

[Burninglight]

A simple question to everyone. Was tithe instituted before or after the law?

You know the answer. It has to do with Melchizedek, but what is the point of your question?

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

First of all, tithing was not considered giving in the OT, but when it comes to giving to Him, if we do it with a willing heart, a wise heart, and a stirred up heart for Him, we'll be blessed whether you tithe or not. The emphasis should be on giving not tithing as if to bind that on Christians. It is okay to tithe if you like, but those that would bind tithing to Christians as if it were Scripturally mandated, they are Spiritually misguided and in danger of being cut off from Christ, because that is not the message of the cross.

Hebrews 7:8 NKJV
8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there He receives them, of whom it is witnessed that He lives.

Many Christians want to be blessed in this area, but don't want to be address in this area! It takes faith to give the first 10 percent, not the last 10.

 

[Burninglight]

Hebrews 7:8 NKJV
8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there He receives them, of whom it is witnessed that He lives.

Many Christians want to be blessed in this area, but don't want to be address in this area! It takes faith to give the first 10 percent, not the last 10.

It takes more faith to give 20% and even more faith to give 100% Jesus said, So likewise whosoever he be of you that forsake not all that He has he cannot be my disciple Luke 14:33. I have done it, and I was blessed like never before, but anyone who binds tithing on NT saints errs from truth.
HEB. 7:12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.

Melchizedek is a type of Christ, and Abraham’s giving to Melchizedek is an example of new covenant giving, which is not legislated or mandated. Ministers of greed threaten believers with the curse of Malachi, but they will be judged for binding the OT laws on believers causing Christians to be severed from Christ.

AS PAUL TEACHES all our giving should come from a grateful heart. He mentions nothing about tithing or robbing God. Abraham gave from what he already had. He not only gave but he first received blessings of bread and wine along with a word from Melchizedek.

 

[Denadii]

A simple question to everyone. Was tithe instituted before or after the law?

That's not even relevant. The tithe in the Old Covenant was mandated..In the New Covenant its not but the principle still applies...Give to God and He will give you more. How complicated is it?

 

[Burninglight]

That's not even relevant. The tithe in the Old Covenant was mandated..In the New Covenant its not but the principle still applies...Give to God and He will give you more. How complicated is it?

I didn't answer his question because iFlourish didn't give a reason for the question. Before the law, Abraham's tithe wasn't mandated as the law. It is proof of one giving freely as he felt led and that is the way it is for the NT saints.

 

[Denadii]

I didn't answer his question because iFlourish didn't give a reason for the question. Before the law, Abraham's tithe wasn't mandated as the law. It is proof of one giving freely as he felt led and that is the way it is for the NT saints.

It is true though that the tithe came before the law, though I don't see the relevance...Willing to learn though

 

[oldethennew]

Tithing is not always in the form of 'money'...simple, but so hard to conceive for so many...

 

[Denadii]

Tithing is not always in the form of 'money'...simple, but so hard to conceive for so many...

True...How much of your time to you tithe? Scary thought hey?

 

[Test_F_i_2_Luv]

It's interesting that you mentioned 3 types of tithes. John MacArthur makes some interesting points about tithing in his article below from the Grace To You website:

Does God require me to give a tithe of all I earn?

Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary).

The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel.

Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation.

All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified.

New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government. Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel.

The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." - https://www.gty.org/library/questions/QA144/does-god-require-me-to-give-a-tithe-of-all-i-earn

Yes, MacAruthur and I are on similar pages when it comes to this issue. I noted this in my pro-giving(and anti-tithing) group here on CC.

We definitely don't see eye-to-eye on some other issues, though. I am, for example a Charismatic(and he's not) and I'm not a Calvinist(whereas he is).

What to do...what to do..

 

[Test_F_i_2_Luv]

Tithing is not always in the form of 'money'...simple, but so hard to conceive for so many...

Some people give whatever amount they want and call it a tithe. Where does this strange thinking come from?

A tithe is 10%. Not more and not less.

Anyway, when done by O.T. standards, 3 types of tithes are due.

When giving is done by N.T. standards, there is no limit or minimum.

 

[oldethennew]

True...How much of your time to you tithe? Scary thought hey?

=======================================================

den,
what an 'un-kind' assumption that you have, saying words that only seek to try and hurt another...
scary? hardly, tithing is 'giving' as one is led by The Holy Spirit, for He only knows what good/goods
one has to offer in order to help their brothers and sisters who are in need...

 

[Denadii]

=======================================================

den,
what an 'un-kind' assumption that you have, saying words that only seek to try and hurt another...
scary? hardly, tithing is 'giving' as one is led by The Holy Spirit, for He only knows what good/goods
one has to offer in order to help their brothers and sisters who are in need...

What? I did not point that at anybody....What I find is a scary thought is simply that we have been given so much and we give back so little to the Lord. Are you so paranoid that when someone says something its a slam on you?

 

[Test_F_i_2_Luv]

Hebrews 7:8 NKJV
8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there He receives them, of whom it is witnessed that He lives.

Many Christians want to be blessed in this area, but don't want to be address in this area! It takes faith to give the first 10 percent, not the last 10.

Where is the command to give the first 10%?

Don't look at my signature line.

And if you're going to mention first-fruits, you may want to investigate what those are.

 

[oldethennew]

What? I did not point that at anybody....What I find is a scary thought is simply that we have been given so much and we give back so little to the Lord. Are you so paranoid that when someone says something its a slam on you?

======================================
den,

you are so transparent brother, - go for the gold instead of wanting to
come back at some one with un-kindness,,,do you truly NOT see this in yourself?