Tithes and Offerings

(MyTwoCents;57949)
What an excellent time we live in that we can have such a resource to fellowship with Christians from all over! Sorry, I'm just glad I can ask this online, as I'm sure I'd get different responses asking a church, and I like to keep my tithing secret.I have a long story that, if I stay active on these forums I'm sure yall will eventually hear, but for the sake of this post, let me say that I have been very spiritual, then had a spiritual drought of about a year, maybe a little less, and within the last month or two I have pulled out strong, and now stand in test for perserverence once again.Because of the time I missed my tithes, my spirit has been tugging at me. I started out keeping track of how much I "owed" God, and it eventually piled up and I lost track. I thought for a while what to do about it, I was going back and trying to find out how much I had stolen from God, but it was more money than I could handle, and I have to give it all or nothing, so I prayed a lot about it and God told me to figure out my net worth. Calculate all my bank accounts, the worth of my automobiles, my tools, my debts, and figure out what I had, and give ten percent of it. So I did that, and now I have this big check.Well I'm new to my area, and haven't joined a church yet, so here's the dillemma.(sp)I have a charity that I am super passionate about, but what I have learned from Pastors is that the ten percent tithe is to go to the church. Anything else you give is an offering, but always give the 10% to the church. Who believes this, who doesn't? I'm really torn where this money should go...I found a church that I go to, and I know that God is there. There is a business meeting coming up discussing where their money goes, and I can't wait to attend. I really think about these things, like where my donations to the church are going.I want to give it to the hungry children. If God wants me to give it to a church in America so they can have another church building set up with sound systems, projector screens and huge ceilings for Americans who have a hundred churches in their town already, then that's what I'll do, for it's his will I seek, not mine. But I really want the money to give a starving child some rice for the week, maybe some clothes to wear in the winter. What a better use of money it seems...So torn...please help...I pray for wisdom on this matter, please join in.ray3:
I think it's important to give where you are taught. If you are taught God's Word at a church give to them or if you are taught God's Word by a TV or radio ministry, give to them. At least part of the money anyway, some could easily go to a starving children mission project.
"But I really want the money to give a starving child some rice for the week, maybe some clothes to wear in the winter.
Otherwise, the children are a mission.

You know... doesn't it say to bring the tithe into the storehouse so that there will be food?I think, personally, that can mean BOTH spiritual food (church) and physical food (missions). I know we give to the Christian Relief Fund and received word not long ago that one of the children we're sponsoring accepted Christ and was baptized in His Name. Isn't that what Christ said to the Apostles was to go forth and make disciples of all men? Baptizing them? Unfortunately, I can't go to South Africa and do it myself, but the workers there that I support CAN!I say split the money evenly between the Church you attend and the Mission (if they share the Word of God with the ones they feed)... otherwise, all to the church. But in either case, we have to let it go with no feelings that we have to know how every penny is used. Once it's released from our hands, it's THEIR responsibility to handle it wisely.God Bless You!!!

Give it to the Priest. Who is that? That is you and your fellow saints that are going through trials and tribulations for our sanctification. Find someone that has been LABORING in the Lord's work and that really needs a blessing and bless them with it. Know you not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost (Church). You are the true church and Jesus has made us a King and a Priest of our Church. (Rev. 1:5-6), (1st Corth. 3:16), (2nd Corth. 6:16-18) P.S. Give it to someone who really needs it and God will be greatly impressed.

Tithes was for the Temple and poor. Money was not used. No one in the new testiment paid tithes except for non believing jews, and thay paid tithes with livestock and from crops. Tithing follows under old testiment law. We are to give from the heart like Paul daid in 1 Cor.16:1-4. Paul was a jew and knew about tithing. He doesnt talk about tithing, only giving. If God tell you to give half of everything givr half. Or maybe he tells you to give something to the poor. We are not under jewish rule or laws.Jews had to give tithe because law we give from the heart. The church has abused tithing and some churches are turning from it. It is very scarry for a church to give up tithes because only 20% of people in the church pay it.I have studies on tithes if anyone wants to read them.

Let me say something about tithes. Technically that is in the Law although it was practiced even before then (e.g. Genesis 14:20, Genesis 28:22).We are now under grace and as such the tithe can be used as a benchmark as to the amount God wanted. Some people claim we are no longer under law and therefore we do not have to tithe. OK, I'll agree. But what does that then mean? For most Christians (or so-called) it becomes a license to cheapen their giving---- I believe the average giving rate is a measly 1-2%. I can see a person giving only that in faith if they are financially strapped until the day comes when God blesses them enough to eventually give at least a tenth. However, living under grace is actually a license to give more. One is not doing wrong by giving only a tenth, as that is the old requirement, but when the Spirit of Life enters a person they stop keeping track of it after a while and give even more---- that is starting to happen with this family now I actually give more even though I lost a good-paying job to one that basically pays 2/3's the income.Now let me say this to those who say we are under grace. The principles of grace and the promises that the present grace is based off of antedates the Law by far. In other words, the "New Testament" is really "older" than the Law, but was just not fully revealed as Paul taught. This is why the Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant and all such OT covenants to the physical nation of Israel are in full effect yet. Only the Mosaic (Old) Covenant was replaced with the New.So, what says the scripture? Abraham gave Melchisedek tithes of all. Hebrews clearly equates that with a type of Christ and Abraham was practicing grace before the Law as Levi (the OT priests) tithed while in the loins yet of Abraham. Therefore, by this passage alone one really ought to practice the same in this age of grace, even though it is not a Law per se, but is now in the Law of our hearts.As for you missing tithes, I would ask forgiveness and not beat myself up over it. Just pick up where you left off. God will bless you and then you'll probably end up giving more, hence making up for the lost tithes.

Tithing was for the Levites. They didn't have an inheritance in the Promise Land as did the other tribes. In the new testament, Jesus and Paul taught us to give from the heart. Some churches use the scripture in (Mal. 3:8) to condemn someone that doesn't give a tithe. God wasn't talking about money, he was talking about the person's value. He was talking about gold and silver being offered in righteousness. We have robbed God by not being purified by the refiner which is Jesus. Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptation, (FOR THE TRYING OF YOUR FAITH IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD.) As you put on the nature and character of God, you can give God an offering of praise or whatever offering you would like to give. You become accountable to the will of God and that adds vaue to the Kingdom of God. If you don't allow Jesus to refine you, it is called robbing God.Logabe

I agree, Christians tithing a formula-based 10% is not Biblical. There is a lot of errant teaching on this. Some may be called to give all. Some may be called to give little monetarily for a season. But all we are and all we have are the Lord's and we can lay no claim of our own on any of it. Pastors need money to run churches, and I understand why they teach the 10% rule but I believe many are misguided. Not out of greed, but out of a desire to spread the gospel and the misguided notion that the gospel can only spread with money.

(tim_from_pa;57989)
Let me say something about tithes. Technically that is in the Law although it was practiced even before then (e.g. Genesis 14:20, Genesis 28:22).We are now under grace and as such the tithe can be used as a benchmark as to the amount God wanted. Some people claim we are no longer under law and therefore we do not have to tithe. OK, I'll agree. But what does that then mean? For most Christians (or so-called) it becomes a license to cheapen their giving---- I believe the average giving rate is a measly 1-2%. I can see a person giving only that in faith if they are financially strapped until the day comes when God blesses them enough to eventually give at least a tenth. However, living under grace is actually a license to give more. One is not doing wrong by giving only a tenth, as that is the old requirement, but when the Spirit of Life enters a person they stop keeping track of it after a while and give even more---- that is starting to happen with this family now I actually give more even though I lost a good-paying job to one that basically pays 2/3's the income.Now let me say this to those who say we are under grace. The principles of grace and the promises that the present grace is based off of antedates the Law by far. In other words, the "New Testament" is really "older" than the Law, but was just not fully revealed as Paul taught. This is why the Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant and all such OT covenants to the physical nation of Israel are in full effect yet. Only the Mosaic (Old) Covenant was replaced with the New.So, what says the scripture? Abraham gave Melchisedek tithes of all. Hebrews clearly equates that with a type of Christ and Abraham was practicing grace before the Law as Levi (the OT priests) tithed while in the loins yet of Abraham. Therefore, by this passage alone one really ought to practice the same in this age of grace, even though it is not a Law per se, but is now in the Law of our hearts.As for you missing tithes, I would ask forgiveness and not beat myself up over it. Just pick up where you left off. God will bless you and then you'll probably end up giving more, hence making up for the lost tithes.
TimThe tithe Abraham gave Melchisedek was a special tithe from the booty of war not from their crops. Abraham gave the other 90% to his men and kept none.We need to give more from the heart than Jewish tithing. The church is very afraid to give up tithing, because it has gotten very used to collecting it.I believe the church has made a big mistake using tithe guilt to collect it instead of teaching people to learn how to give from the heart.

My two centsYou dont have to repent over not paying tithe. Just start asking God what he wants you to give. I will send you a couple of good articles on tithing and you can judge for your self.Its really a different challenge to give from the heart instead of having to do something.

Crooner is right the tithe used to be that approximately 10% ...that is the outside perimeter of the field was not harvested but left for the poor to gather this was the OT tithe.However as others have said this is the age of GraceIn this age of grace the famine of the the End times is for the true Word of God so one should tithe where they learn the true word if you are tithing to to a church that is not teaching Gods Word you giving money to the Enemy If you are in doubt or want to give more, the poor and the needy are always a good place to give as this is what the original tithe was for.

Titheing does not always have to be money mytwocents I know many that when they go to the store they spend a few dollars each week on can food and donate it to the food closet one a month.you are supposed to tithe about 10% of your left over income after you take care care of your responsabilies I do not mean go out and buy a large screen T.V, and then whats left give to God,but you are to take care of your food housing family needs. If you dont have money, tithe your time to the church.homeless ect. God doesnt have a calculator figuring if you gave 10% of your total income what he wants is your effort from your heart to help take care of those who need it If your church pastor is going to buy another new car while you are riding a bike the tithe to the church wont get you any favors. On the other hand if you attend a good church that feeds you (spiritually) you should help them out if you can.

(crooner;57999)
TimThe tithe Abraham gave Melchisedek was a special tithe from the booty of war not from their crops. Abraham gave the other 90% to his men and kept none.We need to give more from the heart than Jewish tithing. The church is very afraid to give up tithing, because it has gotten very used to collecting it.I believe the church has made a big mistake using tithe guilt to collect it instead of teaching people to learn how to give from the heart.
The principle is still there about giving a portion to God.As for giving it from the heart, that was the crux of my post if you read it carefully as opposed to a legalistic 10%. However, when people claim they give freely, that is often an excuse to give less. I'd say that 10% is basically a starting point. In the age of grace we ought to do even better because we have the Spirit than someone who tithed from the flesh under human power alone in the OT. Again, I would not say that one who is truly finanacially strapped need to give that much, but if done in faith with whatever they could give, I believe God would bless them enough to eventually give a tenth or more.

(MyTwoCents;58008)
I don't know if I don't have to repent, because I kept my tithes and offerings out of fear that I would not have enough, my repentence was not based on not following the law of tithing, rather the lack of faith that God would provide my daily bread.
What Law of tithing???? The Jewish Law of Moses????We are not under the Law of Moses. We are under God's grace.If you feel you are under the Law of Moses then you have placed yourself under those Laws and, according to Paul, you have fallen from grace and are responcible for keeping all the Laws. The children of God are free of the Law. They are under God's grace.Gal 5:1-65 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. NKJVThe only gifts we are to give are free will gifts from the Heart, and they don't have to be money. They are gifts given out of love.Gifts given to satisfy a law are not given in love but are given so that the giver can reap some reward for them.

HEBREW 13:8 IF JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVERThen Malachi 3:8-11 Still ApplyIf there are two things we brethren should be legalistic about it's Giving our Tithes to the Lord and Hearing and Feeding upon the Word of God.

Were talking about jewish law not God, even though it relates to God. Jewish law is not the same to day. It is finished. We are under grace.

Blessings to all who read and hear what I have learned from God about the tithe.The tithe is for today, and every day.I will explain how the tithe preceded the law (therefore is not cancelled by the absence of the law). I will show that God has given us a call to tithe and a blessing that comes from fulfilling the call to tithe. I will show that Jesus approves of the tithe.Tithing is simply something we can do to please God--it is an act of faith that not only blesses us in heaven now, but in eternity to come. Tithing is an act of faith more than just a monetary gift. It tells God "I know you will bless me more by giving this away than by holding onto it." Tithing is about doing what God wants, and trusting him for the blessing that will come from it. I love to tithe, and I know that I am better of spiritually and financially for it.1. The tithe precedes the law.If we don't tithe... it's not just that we aren't giving God some of our money--It's that we are robbing him. Most people have been in a church where the plate is passed for collection. Using this as an illustration, it isn't that we are simply *not giving* when the plate is passed... it's that when it is passed, we are actually taking money out of the plate. If we don't tithe, we are robbing God (not just choosing not to give our money--we are stealing). Particularly if we have been given understanding of the tithe, but refuse to do it. But, why wouldn't we tithe? God promises that we will actually be *better off* if we do tithe.2. God affirms the tithe, and promises a special blessing from tithing.3. Jesus approves of the tithe, and in fact, tells us it should not be left undone.According to Jesus... justice, mercy, and faith are matters of the law. Should we neglect them, since we are under grace?Jesus didn't rebuke them for tithing... on the contrary, Jesus told them not to leave it undone. Jesus rebuked them for neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. We are under grace, praise the Lord. And I'm thankful he has allowed us the grace enough to allow us to tithe, trust Him in doing so, and receive a special blessing for it! For anyone who chooses not to tithe in the future... I will simply say you will rob God, and miss out on a blessing that He promises from it.There was a time when I didn't tithe... until I was moved by God to begin doing so. When I began to tithe, I didn't plead for forgiveness for not tithing in the past because I was ignorant of the tithe. I didn't understand the tithe. Besides, I was missing out on past blessings...Before I tithed I too thought "we are under grace, are we not?" But, fact of the matter is, just as I showed above, it isn't a matter of grace or not. We are called to tithe, period. We are blessed for it, or conseqently not blessed for the lack of it, period. We should do it out of the joy of our heart, knowing that it pleases God, and in anticipation of the blessing He will bring us for it .Tithing is like trading 10% so that you can get 15% back... or 20% back. It's like trading $10 for $15... or trading $10 for $20. On top of that, your tithe is going to serve God's people... It's an easy investment. Why wouldn't you do it? It doesn't make sense (or cents) not to tithe.