Were tithes ever required by Jesus or the Apostles?

[COOPER]

Originally Posted by philjones

Coop,

What was the evidenced method of giving in the early church (think Acts of the Apostles)? Are you willing to do as they did and "have all things common?"

When you get your paycheck this week, just bring it on down and we will take care of the deposit for you! And by the way, go ahead and sell that fine Dodge Charger you have and your house and all your possessions and give that into the treasury as well.

After all, we are talking a lot about what isn't taught or demonstrated... Why don't we talk a little about what is taught and demonstrated?

This is happening in Cult communes today.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by COOPER

Just for the record, I was a very faithful tither and giver while in the UPC.

I commend you for your faithfulness then.

But what about right now, Coop? Setting aside the idea of tithing, how many churches would be able to reach the lost if every member was living, attending, and supporting like you are?

You offer much criticism, but your criticism would carry more weight if your walk was a little different.

[COOPER]

Truth needs to be truth....

If tithing is not an Apostles doctrine, why teach it?

Why not just preach that it is a tradition to pay tithes....but it is not a biblical requirement to be saved or to be a member of the church.

Why not teach to give with out pressure or guilt? Thats the way the Apostles taught it.

Give and it shall be given....NOT "give or you are robbing God"

[COOPER]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I commend you for your faithfulness then.

But what about right now, Coop? Setting aside the idea of tithing, how many churches would be able to reach the lost if every member was living, attending, and supporting like you are?

You offer much criticism, but your criticism would carry more weight if your walk was a little different.

I speak truth regardless... Love me or not Coon....


Tithing as YOU teach is a lie.....

You teach a lie......Tithing is not a biblical requirement, nor is the person robbing God if he does not pay tithes.

This is the issue ........The issue is "THE LIE BEHIND TITHES"...

[COOPER]

Oh that men of God would be honest about the word.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by COOPER

I speak truth regardless... Love me or not Coon....


Tithing as YOU teach is a lie.....

You teach a lie......Tithing is not a biblical requirement, nor is the person robbing God if he does not pay tithes.

This is the issue ........The issue is "THE LIE BEHIND TITHES"...

Where did you get the idea that I don't love you?

Please don't descend into that kind of flakiness, brother.

And I don't believe you have ever heard me preach or teach, so you really don't have much of a clue about how I go about teaching tithing.

I actually don't even mention it very often. People who love God and are committed don't have to be berated about giving.

And I refuse to do that anyway, so it doesn't matter about the other kind.

If anyone wants to miss their blessing, that is their decision.

[COOPER]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Where did you get the idea that I don't love you?

Please don't descend into that kind of flakiness, brother.

And I don't believe you have ever heard me preach or teach, so you really don't have much of a clue about how I go about teaching tithing.

I actually don't even mention it very often. People who love God and are committed don't have to be berated about giving.

And I refuse to do that anyway, so it doesn't matter about the other kind.

If anyone wants to miss their blessing, that is their decision.

Well good then...makes me feel better.

If I were to lead a church..I would teach that no one is required to tithe 10 percent.

I believe it would set people free to give from the heart.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by COOPER

Well good then...makes me feel better.

If I were to lead a church..I would teach that no one is required to tithe 10 percent.

I believe it would set people free to give from the heart.

I teach that God blesses cheerful givers, and that tithing is a Biblical principle that many godly men in the Scripture followed and affirmed, and which God has blessed.

I have tithed my whole life, long before I ever started preaching. I have been blessed through the practice.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I have never been able to figure out why any born again believer having experienced the grace, mercy, forgiveness of and relationship with a God who is so awesome and powerful and bestows such blessing, favor and anointing on us ......... could possibly resent giving 10% of what they earn.

Doesn't make sense to me.

Whether a preacher preaches/teaches tithing in a legalistic way or not, the idea of resentment of giving that little portion on the part of a believer leaves me astounded.

If nothing else, it's a great plan for giving. The church and ministry have to be supported some way. To have a streamlined plan that applies to everyone evenly and fairly seems sensible and good.

10% - a tithe. And then of course we can give offerings on top of that and also through faith (like the faith promise plan) become a vessel that God can use to bring even greater financial blessing to the church.

God is pleased with a cheerful giver. Not a resentful stingy fist folded "I shouldn't have to do this" kind of giver.

Great post!!!!

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by COOPER

I speak truth regardless... Love me or not Coon....


Tithing as YOU teach is a lie.....

You teach a lie......Tithing is not a biblical requirement, nor is the person robbing God if he does not pay tithes.

This is the issue ........The issue is "THE LIE BEHIND TITHES"...

Let's ease up on the accusing, here.

You are correct that there are local congregations and even movements that teach incorrectly on this topic. If you find yourself in such a situation, and awakening to the notion that your self-respect and sanity can no longer cope with the cognitive dissonance, IT IS TIME TO CHANGE CHURCHES. If you stay, you will eventually become embittered sufficiently to fall into the sins of backbiting and inciting rebellion. It is NOT time to fling away principles with wild abandon. If anything, a time of such momentous change should be a time of deeper prayer, fasting, commitment, and meditation.

I wish I could help you. I recommend you seek a place of balance.