Tithing…Is it a command? - Page 40

Aquila · #**391** 07-09-2014, 07:12 AM

Forced tithing is no different from forced circumcision. I'm not against encouraging people to commit to giving 10% of their increase as a way to become a covenant partner in ministry. But to dangle them over Hell if they don't is bringing them under bondage to the Law. A pledge or vow to give so much or to give 10% is very important. And breaking a vow or pledge is just as much "sin" as not tithing was under the Law.

Deuteronomy 23:21 (ESV)
“If you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin."

The point is... we should give as we have determined in our hearts. And we should commit to supporting the ministry as financial partners. And yes, we are responsible to God for our commitments. We can fail God and the work of God by not fulfilling our vows or commitments as it relates to the body.

Giving is still a very serious matter, even under grace.

Sean · #**392** 07-09-2014, 08:49 AM

Amen, bro., If they even "suggested" a percentage ONLY to those that are able without any arm twisting, (not marginalizing the poorer folks), they could allow the Lord to bless as folks give willingly and as they are able. The problems that arise is these pastors gravitate towards the rich and cater to them, showing partiality.(like Peter did the Jews when Paul rebuked him) One pastor I know, named a building after a brother that donated the funds and oversaw the construction. The saints thought it strange to have his name over the building for all to see.(he got his reward right here on earth)...The Lord must "trip" on us...

Originalist · #**393** 07-11-2014, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anon5

Back on topic: The bottom line with me and tithing is even if the preacher preached against it and ordered me not to do it I still would tithe. I don't know the true motivations of most preachers on the subject, but I do know that ANYONE who tithes on a regular basis and has experienced the bizarre effects of it, are completely sold in the subject and don't see it as extortion at all.
Extortion hurts people and ultimately leaves them with less, not more. Regardless of the preachers motivations, the tither is still left with more.
When it comes to the preacher in question, the best way to find out WHY he wants you to tithe is to find out whether or not HE tithes. That little tidbit of info will tell alot.

I tithed faithfully. For 2 years I tithed the gross of my business income. In Dec 2011 I went under financially and have been in poverty ever since.

I could have done better with financial discipline, but I did not live high on the hog or beyond my means.

Sean · #**394** 07-11-2014, 10:02 PM

Bro. It dont work. If we try to challenge the Lord to honor Malachi 3, it will just echo in our cavities...If you have extra $, find a precious saint, bless them and you are blessing a fellow priest unto God. Then you will be blessed!

obriencp · #**395** 07-12-2014, 08:02 AM

I've found that often times we are taught to place faith in our "faithfulness." What I mean is that people make poor financial decisions because they've been faithful in their giving and they "step out in faith" and make purchases to "prove God." The "the Lord will provide" mentality is why too many in the conservative states (mostly south) are poor. I believe it is a direct result of misguided faith and inaccurate teaching concerning giving.

DaveC519 · #**396** 07-12-2014, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Originalist

I tithed faithfully. For 2 years I tithed the gross of my business income. In Dec 2011 I went under financially and have been in poverty ever since.

I could have done better with financial discipline, but I did not live high on the hog or beyond my means.

Hello Originalist,

Just out of curiosity, why did you believe you should tithe on the gross of your BUSINESS income?

Thanks!

revrandy · #**397** 07-14-2014, 02:22 PM

Tithing is an excellent principle...

shag · #**398** 07-15-2014, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revrandy

Tithing is an excellent principle...

Kinda outa hand when it's inclusive of the poor, fatherless, and widows that are paying it to the mannaGod and to keep the lights on and things looking 'up to par' at the holy temple.

Aquila · #**399** 07-15-2014, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revrandy

Tithing is an excellent principle...

So is grace giving. In fact... it's also biblical for the NT saint of God.

2 Corinthians 9:1-15
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; )
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

If one wishes to make a vow to tithe of their own free will, I can respect that. Many do. However, I believe it must be a personal decision made as one has purposed in their heart.

anon5 · #**400** 07-15-2014, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Originalist

I tithed faithfully. For 2 years I tithed the gross of my business income. In Dec 2011 I went under financially and have been in poverty ever since.

I could have done better with financial discipline, but I did not live high on the hog or beyond my means.

How did tithing a mere ten percent of your income cause you financial ruin? Or are you not necessarily saying it did, but that tithing just doesn't help? How can giving NOT result in good, and when in Gods universe does a positive EVER equal a negative? If you pay tithes faithfully and don't properly manage your finances, which God also commands we do, then that is a negative. A positive and a negative CAN equal a negative.

It amazes me on here how some can insinuate quite strongly that tithing is just throwing ten percent down the hole, risking bankruptcy, yet don't even blink when advocating for something like yet MORE taxes, sometimes close to 40% of income.