Tithes

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Kooks

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This might seem a pointless topic but I am getting really confused about tithes and when you have to pay them. For example, I have a part time job, working only one day a week, and am unsure as to whether I should be tithing my wages. I have tried looking for answers in both my bible and prayer and yet I am still unable to make up my mind. What do you think? Should I be paying the tithes to my church, despite only working a part time job? Or is my reluctance to do this just a symptom of my selfish nature?
 

tim_from_pa

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Jul 11, 2007
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This might seem a pointless topic but I am getting really confused about tithes and when you have to pay them. For example, I have a part time job, working only one day a week, and am unsure as to whether I should be tithing my wages. I have tried looking for answers in both my bible and prayer and yet I am still unable to make up my mind. What do you think? Should I be paying the tithes to my church, despite only working a part time job? Or is my reluctance to do this just a symptom of my selfish nature?
You should tithe. God will supply the rest. I lost a good paying job to one that basically pays half in this corporate downsizing world. And yet my wife and I still tithed (we actually increased our giving) and we take in more money than we used to. I don't tithe to make money, as I am rather conservative with it by nature and don't go out and buy the biggest and best. But my whole point is that God never neglected us, either. When one is afraid to give to God for fear of losing, that is effectively saying He won't take care of them, and actually that is a form of unbelief.
 

winsome

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Feb 15, 2008
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This might seem a pointless topic but I am getting really confused about tithes and when you have to pay them. For example, I have a part time job, working only one day a week, and am unsure as to whether I should be tithing my wages. I have tried looking for answers in both my bible and prayer and yet I am still unable to make up my mind. What do you think? Should I be paying the tithes to my church, despite only working a part time job? Or is my reluctance to do this just a symptom of my selfish nature?
Tithing 10% of your income is not Biblical. You don't have to do it. But you should be generous in giving to God, of time, money, skills.
 

Mighty Bear

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"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
 

tim_from_pa

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Tithing 10% of your income is not Biblical. You don't have to do it. But you should be generous in giving to God, of time, money, skills.
I agree with both, but since we are in the age of grace, "generous" with money should mean that 10% is a minimum or benchmark starting point. I was actually being easy on the kid. The average "Christian" gives a measly 1-2% of their income and then wonder why their lives are in shambles, sick and whatnot. Then atheists come on boards like this and mock our God that He does not heal or provide. And no wonder, I would not provide for a skinflint, either, if that's all they can show in return for giving Christ to die.
 

forgivenWretch

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Tithing:On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.I Corinthians 16:2Giving Reveals Our Spiritual Maturity:But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.2 Corinthians 8:7WHY GOD WANTS US TO GIVE (SEVEN BENEFITS TO OUR LIVES)1. GIVING makes me more like God For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:132.GIVING draws me closer to God For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matthew 6:213. GIVING is the antidote to materialism 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.I Timothy 6:17-194. GIVING strengthens my faith 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wineProverbs 3:5,9,10 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”Luke 6:385. GIVING is an investment for eternity 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.I Timothy 6:18-196. Giving blesses us in return 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. Proverbs 11:257. GIVING makes us happy 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”Acts 20:359 Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the LORD; and King David also rejoiced greatly.I Chronicles 29:9WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT TITHING:1. "Tithe" means "certain part"2. What is the difference between tithe and offering? *a tithe is giving 10% of our income *an offering is anything given in excess to our tithe3. Tithing was initiated before the OT law (beginning with Cain and Abel)18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: “ Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.Genesis 14:18-20 *More is required under grace than under law!
 

forgivenWretch

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WHY SHOULD WE TITHE?1.Because God commanded it. Leviticus 27:30 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD. 2. Because God commended it. Matthew 23:23 23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.3.Tithing demonstrates that God has first place in our lives. Deuteronomy 14:23 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.4.Tithing reminds us that everything was given to us by God. Deuteronomy 8:18 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.5.Tithing expresses our gratitude. Psalm 116:12 12 How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?6.God says that refusing to tithe is stealing from Him. Malachi 3:8-10 8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.7.Tithing gives God a chance to prove He exists and wants to bless us.Malachi 3:1010 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.8.Tithing proves that we truly love Him. John 14:15 15"If you love me, you will obey what I command. 2 Corinthians 8:7b-8 7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
 

Kooks

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I agree with both, but since we are in the age of grace, "generous" with money should mean that 10% is a minimum or benchmark starting point. I was actually being easy on the kid. The average "Christian" gives a measly 1-2% of their income and then wonder why their lives are in shambles, sick and whatnot. Then atheists come on boards like this and mock our God that He does not heal or provide. And no wonder, I would not provide for a skinflint, either, if that's all they can show in return for giving Christ to die.
Doesn't that contradict the idea of generous and loving God, if we have to 'pay' Him to bless us? (that may not be what you were implying but that is how I read that reply...) Aren't we supposed to look upon the rough patches in our lives as being sent by God to test us? (Sirach 2:5 'For in fire gold is tested and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation'). Also, you seem to place a lot of value on giving materially to Jesus as thanks for His sacrifice and condemn those who pay only 1-2% of their material income - how can you be sure that they do not donate more of their time and love etc?I am not trying to cause an argument or seem to be attacking your views on Tithing, particularly as I am so undecided and confused on the subject, but I really did not understand the answer that you gave. Perhaps you could explai it further for me please?
 

crooner

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Aug 11, 2007
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Paul was a jew brought up tithing the temple 10%. But he never mentioned tithing in the new testiment only setting aside monies on the first day of week.Tithing is part of jewish law, not to be confused with the church giving through the heart in new testiment. Jews actually gave more tithe than 10%. I see no evidence of tithing in new testament.Tithing was paid only with food from crops or animal or livestock not monies. There was currency at that time. Very important tithes were paid every other year to the temple priests and every other year to the poor in Jerisulem and the seventh year there was no tithe because the land had to rest no crops no tithes.I believe everyone should give generously because God asks you to not because of a Jewish law that does not belong to the church.I believe the modern churches are ripping people off by butting them back under old jewish temple law to keep monie coming by the streams of guilt insted of doing what Paul the Jew ask us to do.I love giving but I also want to understand how were suppose to give.I have plenty of information and scripture to back this up if any one want to study this.
 

crooner

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$ $Are you Giving to God with a Cheerful Heart or Tithing by law to Benefit Yourself?Have you been promised a great return if you give money to God through a church or a TV ministry? Maybe you heard some testimonies of people getting rich and you were drawn to give whatever you can because someone said that if you sow your seed into their anointed ground it bring a hundred fold return. The stories and testimonies are endless and so are the devastated lives from the unfulfilled promises to them.There are two different groups of people on different sides; those who see these men as scam artists and are questioning the validity of their practices by the Bible and the other group believes whatever they say, thinking it is biblical and they do not question a thing.Many preachers, churches and ministries have become very wealthy - especially television evangelists from practicing what they call seed faith. Many today live as king's in what would be called palaces and justify their opulence by using tithing as the law of God to have these blessings. However in closer examination there is no comparison between the enjoyers of the prosperity teaching in the modern day church today and the life Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, or how the Apostle Paul lived. Don't get me wrong, we should give, it is important to give (not just money). I assure you I'm not saying you should not support the church that you go to or ministries that do God's work. What I am asking you to do is two things. Question what your motive is in giving or more importantly, what is their motive in why they are telling you to give? And second: to look into the Scripture to see if what they are saying is Biblical by its context. Both of these will be covered in this article.God does bless truth and people who want to give with the correct motives. Isn't this what it is all about motives--the givers motive and the receiver's motive.Tithing for Israel is not the same as the tithe that we hear of today-- in fact tithing was rarely money. There were three tithes in the Old Covenant. More often tithes were the crops, the produce of the soil was to be tithed, grains, the fruit of the trees, every year new wine and oil, the firstborn of their herds and flocks (Leviticus 27:30-33). If the place the nation of Israel were to tithe and was too far away to carry their goods (such as Jerusalem), it could be exchanged for money. They were to use their money to buy anything the owner chose: cattle, sheep, wine (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). Every third year the tithe was to be reserved as a festival tithe where they brought out all the tithe, and their produce where the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, the widow, the poor who were in their town, could come and eat and be content (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-15). You can expect not to see those who teach tithing as an obligation to practice the third year tithe.The degree that prosperity teachers manipulate God's people is more than most schemers in the world would dare to do, and they do it without shame. It's all done in the name of our God. The apostles made it clear “But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth”(2 Corinthians 4:2-3).No other Scripture has had greater mileage than Malachi 3:10 “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.” Malachi 3 has been greatly misused for God's blessing to come to his people. A closer look of this verse in the context shows that it has nothing to do with wealth or material blessings. We first find this same term used by God back in Genesis 7:11 the windows of heaven were open and rain contributed to the flood, as the fountains of the deep were broken open. In Genesis 8:2 it says the windows of heaven were stopped and the rain from heaven was restrained. Isaiah 24:18 it also mentions the windows from on high; this phrase is consistently used for water. In Genesis it was a judgment. In Malachi 3 it was to be a blessing on their crops. The nation lived by their agriculture (Husbandry) and depended upon the rain. God's blessing had to do with his provision of water; no rain and they would starve. If they did not give God their tithes which was part of the blessing in the Mosaic covenant God would bring a curse on them, the ground would not yield food because he would not allow it to rain.By the nation Israel tithing under the Law of Moses, they were to trust God acknowledging that everything belongs to Him. It is impossible to tithe as given to Moses, for it was mostly agricultural. Today we hear that we are to obey the tithe law. The tithes were not gifts, they were taxes, tithes were given in addition to other numerous offerings which ended up to be over 22% (not just 10%). Under the law if you were only giving 10 percent on your tithes you would still be robbing God. One tithe was used to support the Levites (Numbers 18:21-32), who were not allowed to own property like the other tribes of Israel. However, this tithe from the people brought to the Levitical priests was not just money. The goods the Levites received would provide their living for their work in the tabernacle. They also were to tithe on part of the goods that they received, and were to dedicate to the Lord a tenth to the office of the high priest (Numbers 18:21-28). It was the Levites who were to “bring up the tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse” (Nehemiah 10:38). The Malachi passage that so many use to prove we are to tithe is not rebuking the people, he is rebuking the Levites for keeping the tithe that went to them. When modern day prosperity teachers use this verse on the people to be faithful, but they are really pointing at themselves-except they are biblically ignorant to recognize what it's actually saying. 1 Timothy 1:5-7 “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.” The New Testament teaches grace giving, tithing was not a freewill cheerful giving, it was a commandment in Moses' law to a nation under God, Israel. Nowhere in the New Testament does it require any obligation or a legal portion of ones income.Prosperity teachers who promote tithing like to point out that Jesus commanded tithing. In the New Testament tithe and tithing are found eight times (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-6,8-9). All of these passages refer to the Old Testament usage under the law. Tithing was still practiced under the law when Jesus was on earth, however, the only time Jesus mentioned the tithe was a rebuke to the religious leaders “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. In Matthew 23:23 he explains they “have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” These you ought to have done” Here Jesus makes it clear that living the life of faith toward God included love toward man and was more necessary than what you give to God; and this was under the law, not grace. Think about what is Jesus addressing? Justice, the Pharisees were unfair in the in dealings with the people, they ripped them off in their sacrifices brought to the temple. Mercy, they had none, everyone had to be as religious (spiritual) as they were. They constantly looked down upon people, remember the story Jesus told of “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.” The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-- extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess. “And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:10-14).So we see giving is not enough to make one justified before God, yet many have been convinced to rely on their obedience in this area to have God's blessings.The Pharisees said they have faith but they were more interested in the money, in fact Jesus said: “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.” ( so did Judas John 12:5-6). Then Jesus scolded them saying “what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God,” and He then summed it up by giving another parable--the rich man and Lazarus. The poor man entered where the faithful were, finding rest in Abraham's bosom but the rich man entered torment. The rich man was punished, not because he was rich but because he lived for self, he had no compassion for poor Lazarus whom he walked by and ignored each day as he sat by his gate.The weightier matters of the law, what are they? The Christians are to focus on giving to those in need. “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these” (Mk. 12:31; Gal. 5:14). “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). The principle is to help others, especially the less fortunate brethren (following in principle Deut.14,26)You'll notice that those promoters of tithing will always use the Old covenant law to justify their teaching this method of blessing. What the prosperity teachers do is bring people out from grace and under law. Under the New Testament covenant there is no specific amount required to give, you determine the amount you can freely give. “Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.”So on the question of tithing in the New Testament. Nowhere does Paul or any other apostle mention a required amount. On the other hand, Israel was under the law, being a theocratic nation they were obligated to tithe. Jesus had kept the law before He was crucified, for this reason Jesus had Peter pay the temple tax (Matthew 17:24). After Jesus was crucified the New Covenant began and the Old was finished (Heb.8:7,13). New Testament Christians were NEVER under the Old covenant law? One cannot conclude tithing is required under the New Covenant the same as the Lord's Supper and Baptism. Not once does any epistle contain any admonitions or a rebuke for failing to tithe. The necessity of giving is mentioned but only with the right attitude, to help and support others. You do not have to tithe to have God's blessing, in fact, those who are well off are asked to give away their things away when necessary. “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).Today we find the poor desiring to be rich and the rich often look upon themselves as blessed and using their abundance as proof of their spiritual condition. They have trained themselves in covetousness ignoring Mark 4:19: “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” One can have an abundance of material blessings and still be bankrupt in their spirituality. We have Jesus saying this about the church of Laodicea. We have too many examples of spiritual giants who have followed this path of abundance to their own demise, Solomon for one. Jesus spoke about money probably more than any other subject, but often with warnings and rebukes, not as a blessing promised for all who follow Him. From today's prosperity preaching one would never know Jesus said to “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15-2). We are cautioned through the whole body of Scripture to be careful of coveting and pursuing riches. Solomon who had more money than most of us will ever see wrote in Proverbs 28:20-23: “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him. He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue.” Solomon gave both sides of this issue, being poor and being rich. A faithful man is one who serves the Lord no matter what he has, much or little. In other words, we are to be content no matter what we have. We can mistakenly focus our pursuit on only the blessings without realizing that we have abandoned a spiritual life and moved ourselves into a position of severe chastening. Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? We already have promised what we need according to the love and provision found in Christ Jesus.It is doubtful we can pinpoint where or when tithing as a legalistic requirement came into the Church, but we can certainly trace its current popularity to the modern prosperity teachers with their promotion of seed faith giving. Many teachers use Mark 10:30 as a promise that anything we give to the Lord will be multiplied one hundred times back to us. Jesus was not speaking about giving, but leaving these things and relatives to follow him. In fact, neither money nor giving is mentioned in association with the hundredfold found in Mark. There is no excuse for teaching this and leading the congregation into collective coveting by their giving. Read the passage carefully! Regardless of what they say it says, did you ever consider that it is because they only want to be on the receiving end? Solomon wrote, “The leech has two daughters--give and Give!” (Proverbs 30:15).Some teach tithing is the only way the local church is to be supported and tithing to the local church determines a person's spirituality, some have gone as far as to suppose that tithing is a requirement of salvation, if one does not give 10% they are not a true Christian. Some teach from Malachi 3 that you are cursed! What manipulation. If you want to understand the book of Malachi, read Malachi 4:4, “Remember the Law of Moses…” its not just tithing. If you choose by obligation to submit yourself to even part of the Law of Moses, you are obligated to keep it all. For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, to perform them” (Galatians 3:10). It is actually the opposite, if you tithe by obligation then you are bound by all the law. Galatians 5:4 explains “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”If you run into financial difficulties and are unable to feed your family or pay the mortgage, you are not obligated to continue giving 10% to the church. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Tim 5:8, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” This is ones first ministry; rest assured the church will get along without your money.If you have set aside money for your family needs, but do not use it for them and instead pay it to a church or a ministry as tithes, or as an offering of seed to get out of debt your are not being a good steward. If you owe money on your house don't fall for the scammers that say the $1,000 you have saved for the mortgage will not pay for the house so send it in as a seed to get more money. They are feeding on your carnal nature and making you covet--be responsible to God. Scripture does not teach to give more than you can afford, nor give so God can give you more. There was no mention of the poor becoming rich in the gospel, Jesus did not promise a hundred-fold blessing. “For there are many unruly, vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucere's sake” (Titus 1:10-11). Their motivation is money, what is your motivation? It has been said “He that serves God for money will serve the Devil for better wages”(Roger L'eStrange). What did Jesus tell us, you can't serve God and Mammon at the same time.If your family is hungry and you need help to pay the rent you shouldn't be obligated to tithe the church should instead be helping you-willingly. That is what they are there for. We have this example in the early church (Acts 4:37). It is to be the “love of Christ that constrains us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). For it is the heart of God to help those in need, in money if necessary. We as the church should be looking for opportunities to give to those less fortunate around us not to those who already have it all. I hear of too many stories of rich ministries being supported for years and then someone who is hurting asks for some help and they get none. Where is your motivation? Is it of legalism, by law, or from the heart. It is to be the Lord Jesus reaching out and meeting the needs of others through us -- love is the principle that governs the Christians life, it is active not passive. “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not (His) love, it profits me nothing (1 Corinthians 13:3). Yes you can actually give it all away as required and still not do it as a response from your heart.Then there is the rich young ruler who gives us all an example. Mark 10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” The man could not do this. Jesus did not tell the man to tithe to him. After the rich man left Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23) Those who had less were often able to respond more easily because it did not get in the way, they had less to give up to follow Him.Jesus did not teach to give to his ministry but to help the less fortunate “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail” (Luke 12:33-34). Zacchaeus understood this and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham” (Luke 19:8-9). Want to be blessed, don't give to get more, give from your heart to others that are needy because it is the right thing to do.We should not be supporting false teachers and those who abuse the money and the gospel for gain. We should be looking to support those who are sincere and are in need of help in doing the Lords work. Those who are involved in full-time ministry are to be supported by the people they serve (1 Cor 9:7-14, 1 Tim 5:17-18), and those who do ministry and mission work need to be supported by those who are home with the goods. A careful review of New Testament giving reveals to us that our contributions should not only be to support our local church and ministries, but also meet the basic needs of our fellow Christians (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-13; 1 Tim. 6:17-19). There was organized giving within local assemblies to care for believing widows and orphans who had no other family to rely on (Acts 6:1-4; 1 Tim. 5:1-16).There is NO example of the early Church (book of Acts) “tithing.” In Acts 4:32-37, there were many wealthy Christians who sold portions of their assets and put the money at the Apostles' feet. Was it for the apostles? No, but for the Christian community, those in need. The apostles distributed it. The only time we find a judgment having to do with money is in Acts 5:1-11. Ananias and Sapphira were condemned for lying, because they held back part of the proceeds from the sale of the land that they had promised along with everyone else. This had absolutely nothing to do with “tithing,” as much as it had to do with keeping their word, let your yes be yes, and no, no.Proverbs 22:16 “He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.” The prosperity teachers increases their wealth by giving unbiblical promises of becoming prosperous to the poor and those giving their money to them are doing what this Scripture says not to. The poor, the homeless, the fatherless, and the widow have always been the focus of God (Exodus 23:11; Deuteronomy 14:28-29, 24:17-22; Psalm 12:5, 72:4,11-12). Today they are neglected you can expect not to see those who teach tithing as an obligation to practice the third year tithe. Every third year the tithe was to be reserved as a festival tithe where they brought out all the tithe, and their produce where the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, the widow, the poor who were in their town, could come and eat and be content (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-15). How much consideration we have for the poor and needy, is an indication of our spiritual condition (1 John 3:17, James 2:1-9). Seen any poor or needy invited to any big parties at the ministries expense lately?Our giving is to be voluntary, willing, and cheerful as an offering. As believers we are to be generous by sharing our material possessions with the needy and support Christian ministries (authentic ones). Every Christian should give to the place they are fed by and support the work that is taking place in their own community by the local church they attend. Giving to our church, missionaries, wherever we think the need is greater or where the Holy Spirit may put on our heart. Other offerings would be for ministries they would like to bless in their work. In principle, 10 percent may be a good goal; some may be able to give much more, some less. One should not be made guilty for whatever amount they give; the only requirement in the New Testament is to give cheerfully and willingly (Romans 12:6,8; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Tithing to get out of debt is not the answer for relieving anyone of any money problems; it's not a Biblical practice but a myth started by the prosperity teachers of seed faith. We need to teach responsibility in handling our money. It’s time to give to those who really need the support for God's work.The New Testament when it speaks about giving goes against “tithing as a doctrine. 2 Cor. 9:7 says, “Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.” Notice there is no amount mentioned, it what you have settled in your own heart. The Greek word for cheerful is hilaros, it is the English word “hilarious,” meaning give in a joyful, cheery, and exuberant manner. We should be happy and joyful to give to expand God's Kingdom. We are specifically told not to give grudgingly. The Greek word for grudgingly is lupe. It carries the meaning of sorrow, grief, being annoyed. If you are compelled to give, or give out of necessity and you have sorrow and annoyance in your heart don't give. If someone has convinced you or forced you to give by making you feel guilty or promised you a greater return, then you are no longer a cheerful giver.The Apostle Paul also says in 1 Cor. 16:2, “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. Again, it is not “tithing,” only giving as one has purposed in his heart and as one has prospered, you choose the amount. God does not pressure us, or manipulate us by guilt or hold a bonus out to us to motivate us to give. Have you ever noticed Jesus did not take any offerings!Love is to be our motivation, not compulsion or legalism (Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; Mark 12:28-34; 1 Cor . 13:1-7). The more a person loves God the more he will want to give to see his work exp and, and this not always mean money.Again I'm not saying ministries do not need support, they do, but to twist the word of God to mean something it does not to get this support by promising hundred/ thousand fold blessings is seditious. Money itself is not the issue, but how you relate to money; God is looking at our heart, what's our motivation. We are not to look to the “here and now” for our reward, but toward heaven where our treasure is being stored up. If you give to get more, to increase that is giving for reaping on earth. Where are you looking, where is your heart today? Jesus said: “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our Motivation is what is important; we should not give up something for the purpose to get something better, and neither should we give something to get something.We should all support those we can in ministry, we should support the churches work, we should also look where God can use us to support those in need.Under the conditional covenant of the Old Testament tithing was a necessity. It is not a command in the New Testament, it is a principle -- we give out of love, from the heart because we are under a new unconditional covenant not the Old Testament law.(Excerpts from the book The Empty Pulpit) © 2007 No portion of this site is to be copied or used unless kept in its original format- the way it appears. Articles can be reproduced in portions for ones personal use. Any other use is to have the permission of Let Us Reason Ministries first. Thank You. We always appreciate hearing from those of you that have benefited by the articles on our website. We love hearing the testimonies and praise reports. We are here to help those who have questions on Bible doctrine, new teachings and movements. Unfortunately we cannot answer every email. Our time is valuable just as yours is, please keep in mind, we only have time to answer sincere inquiries from those who need help. For those who have another point of view, we will answer emails that want to engage in authentic dialogue, not in arguments. We will use discretion in answering any letters. Let Us Reason MinistriesWe thank you for your support in our ministry
 

crooner

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Question 12.31: How does tithing work in Judaism? Answer: The Torah requires tithing from every crop grown in Israel, not other income. There is a custom, which perhaps is a Rabbinic Law (there is a difference of opinion about it) to tithe 10% of one's net income to helping others. This excludes the synagogue, religious education for your own kids (but might include the extra tuition required to cover those on scholarship)--that is, it is just for helping those in need. The biblical obligation to tithe involved a number of portions to be given out: * The first portion, called "terumah", was given to a kohein (priest, a descendent of Aaron). It could be any amount, although typically it was 1/50th, and normal range was between 1/40th and 1/60th. * 10% of what remained was given to a Levite (ma'aser). * The Levite in turn gave terumah from his take to a kohein (terumas ma'aser). * In the 3rd and 6th years of the Sabbatical cycle, 10% of what was left (ma'aser ani) was taken to Jerusalem and eaten. One could see the produce and carry only coins to Jerusalem and buy the food there. * In the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th years, the 2nd 10% (ma'aser sheini) is given to the poor. On the Sabbatical year farmers don't grow anything, so there is nothing to give. In addition, farmers had other charities they had to give. The first is called leket: if, while harvesting, one or two stalks fall at once, the owner must leave them for the poor to gather. Over the course of an entire field, this will add up. There was also Shich'cha: if one or two sheaves were forgotten in the field when the harvest was brought in, those too must be left. Lastly, there was Pei'ah--ne corner of each field must be left for the poor to harvest. Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Jewish Thought (6/12)Previous Document: Question 12.30: What is the purpose of life? Why did G-d create man? Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: SCJ FAQ Maintainer
 

tim_from_pa

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Also, you seem to place a lot of value on giving materially to Jesus as thanks for His sacrifice and condemn those who pay only 1-2% of their material income - how can you be sure that they do not donate more of their time and love etc?
It matters not if they give of their time and love or whatever. Let's compare that to the Levite. In the Old Testament the Levites carried out the service of God, as we should as well. In the New Testament, the believer is compared to priests:1Peter2:5: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.OK. Was the Levites service enough for God? The bible tells us in Numbers 18:Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe. And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.So the "service" argument does not hold, since the Levites did the same and yet were expected themselves to tithe, even though they collected tithes for their living. Likewise, the man of God, or Pastor, should do the same.Again, if other folks want to debate that the Christian should not tithe, I concur as long as the offering is not less than the tithe (ie. the tithe ought to be the minimum). Oftentimes, though, the argument is merely trying to figure a way out of giving God His due, and trying other substitutions in its place. And again, I think that 1-2% is being a skinflint. We pay more for a tank of gas or a "Happy meal" and think nothing of that (and are sowing to the flesh and mocking God according to Galatians 6) than what some put in the offering plate. I'll make a bold statement here: such a person really is not a Christian---- and not a mature one if they are new Christians and in that case, have to grow a lot yet.
 

crooner

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It matters not if they give of their time and love or whatever. Let's compare that to the Levite. In the Old Testament the Levites carried out the service of God, as we should as well. In the New Testament, the believer is compared to priests:1Peter2:5: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.OK. Was the Levites service enough for God? The bible tells us in Numbers 18:Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe. And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.So the "service" argument does not hold, since the Levites did the same and yet were expected themselves to tithe, even though they collected tithes for their living. Likewise, the man of God, or Pastor, should do the same.Again, if other folks want to debate that the Christian should not tithe, I concur as long as the offering is not less than the tithe (ie. the tithe ought to be the minimum). Oftentimes, though, the argument is merely trying to figure a way out of giving God His due, and trying other substitutions in its place. And again, I think that 1-2% is being a skinflint. We pay more for a tank of gas or a "Happy meal" and think nothing of that (and are sowing to the flesh and mocking God according to Galatians 6) than what some put in the offering plate. I'll make a bold statement here: such a person really is not a Christian---- and not a mature one if they are new Christians and in that case, have to grow a lot yet.
TimOr you could say you dont understand salvation or maybe you dont under stand tithing. That bold statement is so legalistic its sicking Tim. You seem much brighter than that on most of your other post.Lets debate this tithing. I just posted two articles one of wich was written by a jewish Rabbi. I have many studies if you want more, but the more you study tithe the more exciting it gets. Its a lot more fun to give like Paul suggest than the old Moses law.Crooner
 

tim_from_pa

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TimOr you could say you dont understand salvation or maybe you dont under stand tithing. That bold statement is so legalistic its sicking Tim. You seem much brighter than that on most of your other post.Lets debate this tithing. I just posted two articles one of wich was written by a jewish Rabbi. I have many studies if you want more, but the more you study tithe the more exciting it gets. Its a lot more fun to give like Paul suggest than the old Moses law.Crooner
So, you give more than 10%? If the legalistic Law could give that much, then how much more under grace! I thought I was making it easier if I only said 10%.
 

crooner

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So, you give more than 10%? If the legalistic Law could give that much, then how much more under grace! I thought I was making it easier if I only said 10%.
Tim2 Cor9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Every man according as he purposeth (5736) in his heart , so let him give; not grudgingly , or of necessity : for God loveth (5719) a cheerful giver .Necessity out of law etcTim Paul was a Legalistic Jew bebore he was converted. He knew tithing laws.Its about the converted heart. Now he's talking money and not crops or animals. Do you see the difference?We have to learn to act in a new way. Faith, grace not law and necessity.This has nothing to do with salvation. Maybe a higher place in Heaven, but never salvation. Dangerous words from the heart of a Christian.God is so full of grace for all of we sinners. He wants us to experience good giving. It has nothing to do with 10%. Some people it all. Some have nothing to give. Some can give time.Let every decide for themself and not boast about their measley 10% necessity tithe.
 

crooner

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Doesn't that contradict the idea of generous and loving God, if we have to 'pay' Him to bless us? (that may not be what you were implying but that is how I read that reply...) Aren't we supposed to look upon the rough patches in our lives as being sent by God to test us? (Sirach 2:5 'For in fire gold is tested and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation'). Also, you seem to place a lot of value on giving materially to Jesus as thanks for His sacrifice and condemn those who pay only 1-2% of their material income - how can you be sure that they do not donate more of their time and love etc?I am not trying to cause an argument or seem to be attacking your views on Tithing, particularly as I am so undecided and confused on the subject, but I really did not understand the answer that you gave. Perhaps you could explai it further for me please?
KookHe gave you life on this planet before you ever gave him a dime.He always blesses us first, before we want to give. We are sinful people that need a God who loves us enough to come to us first. He then gives us a choice to accept Him. We do nothing good enough for Him, only a gesture of thanks, and sometimes we fell the blessing. We are worthless sinners, maggots, scum, But become rightous because of his deeds. I would suggest you might do the same before your day is up my friend.
 

tim_from_pa

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Tim2 Cor9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Yes, I am well familiar with the teaching on this. The word "cheerful" is where we get our word "hilarious" from. Literally, God loves a hilarious giver:G2431ἱλαρόςhilaroshil-ar-os'From the same as G2436; propitious or merry (“hilarious”), that is, prompt or willing: - cheerful.
Paul was a Legalistic Jew bebore he was converted. He knew tithing laws.Its about the converted heart. Now he's talking money and not crops or animals. Do you see the difference?We have to learn to act in a new way. Faith, grace not law and necessity.
The principle (no pun intended) is the same with money. With the second tithe, the person could convert his substance to money so that he did not have to take all that stuff to Jerusalem. This tithe, of course, went for the festivities for one's family could enjoy (but also some given to the Levite). At home, there were Levites living all around so that animals, food and whatnot could be transferred just as one does in bartering.
God is so full of grace for all of we sinners. He wants us to experience good giving. It has nothing to do with 10%. Some people it all. Some have nothing to give. Some can give time.
I'll agree that one should not give 10% legalistically. I certainly do not. Rather, it is a benchmark like I stated for an idea where to start---- what does God expect, in other words? As for the "time" part, that is what scares me the most about what you say and others Christians say as well. Nine times out of ten, these Christians will vote for volunteering "time" over giving money and the ulterior motive is to escape the offering plate. The bible mandates both are required ---- from the heart and not under compulsion---- if that makes you feel any better about this. Or, as I would say it, they should be a hilarious giver to God. But if one does not offer both in that manner, I have to question whether the Spirit of God truly has that person's life to begin with.
 

crooner

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It doesnt matter Tim what they give. just be glad your a cheerful giver. Nothing is going to change until the Lord come back and rids us of selfishness and self rightousness.Thank God our salvation is not based on that. Just teach salvation by grace to people because we all need to hear were sinners and Jesus died for what we should havedied for. Salvation is free to us sinners by the blood of Jesus. If we could only see our own sin on our most rightous day of the week we would throw up realizingwe are sic in sin. Only to be taken away at the 2nd coming of Christ.