Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
Quote:
Originally Posted by seekerman
Prayer and worship was introduced before the Mosaic law too but we're not to cease practicing prayer and worship.
We have the perfect sacrifice to offer, the Lamb of God, who put an end to animal sacrifices. Prayer, worship and tithing, all introduced before the Mosaic law, are still in effect.
I agree it's error. Tithing was introduced before the Mosaic law.
Alot of things were introduced before the Decalogue.
I agree with a previous poster that tithing is a principle; but it is only that. Remember, the post-exile priests in Malachi's day (due to the land not being kept and crops and temple worship neglected by those that had returned to the land) were going hungry.
It was a reminder from the civil law to the people to bring food for the priests in a tithe. There was no other way the priesthood was supported. They had no land of their own, therefore no means to sustain crops, water, etc. It came from the people of Israel.
So what New Covenant equivalent can you show me from the New Testament? Priesthood; that which we all are?
Since most people demanding a tithe are pastors, is it Pastorhood ? Full-time ministryhood?
Let's face it. Although financial giving is a principle in order to "move" the ministry, there is no New Testament injunction for it. Supporting the "work of the ministry", of course-can include offerings of other types. Most tithing has been preached in order to supply the preacher with wages, missing the principle by a country mile.
Additionally, sacrifices of praise and worship are interactions and spiritual intercourse (look up the word) of the body, soul and spirit to the Creator of all flesh. How does tithing fit? And of course praise and worship were before the Mosaic Law! Adam and Eve communed with God...it's part of our likeness of God to want to commune with Him!
Although Noah WORSHIPPED God there is not a hint that he also felt the need to tithe, for if tithing is an interpersonal component with our relationship with God - as you imply - then certainly even before Abraham this would have been mentioned.
__________________ The Gospel is in Genesis
Last edited by Sabby; 08-09-2011 at 12:38 PM.
Reason: grammar
Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
It seems that everyone who is vehemently opposed to tithing has a story to tell about how some pastor brow-beat them into tithing. I don't deny that these things happened, and I feel bad that they did. Offerings, in general, and tithing, in specific, are meant to be willing gifts given from a cheerful heart to God. Although many churches allocate the tithe to support the pastor, the tithe is given in honor of and belongs to God (several scriptures have been posted in this thread concerning this).
As to the actual record of the act of tithing, I have some interesting questions: did Jacob lie to God about tithing since no record is made of him fulfilling his vow? And if he did tithe to God, what possessions and increase did he include in his vow? Did he tithe according to the principles of the Order of Melchisedec or the principles that would eventually be established in the Levitical Law?
I believe that many actions and deeds are not recorded simply because there wouldn't be enough volumes to contain them. The diligent student is left then to decided whether those intents were actually followed through with.
Genesis 28:20-22
20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
Everyone who doesn't believe tithing is a requirement, you mean. Right? I haven't seen anyone opposed to tithing, let alone vehemently opposed.
I know where you're coming from with the connotation of tithing being a requirement; however, I do get the distinct impression that there are those participating in this thread who are flat out opposed to tithing. I hope that I've conveyed that I'm of a third camp where tithing is given and not paid, honoring God and not owed to a man. Only from the position of honoring God can tithing be considered part of worship. I do teach tithing from this standpoint and leave the decision about it to the hearers.
Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
Quote:
Originally Posted by HRea
I know where you're coming from with the connotation of tithing being a requirement; however, I do get the distinct impression that there are those participating in this thread who are flat out opposed to tithing. I hope that I've conveyed that I'm of a third camp where tithing is given and not paid, honoring God and not owed to a man. Only from the position of honoring God can tithing be considered part of worship. I do teach tithing from this standpoint and leave the decision about it to the hearers.
Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Truthseeker
would you use someone that didn't believe in tithes but was a giver?
The simple answer is yes...and I am currently doing just that.
The longer answer is it all depends. To me, tithing is not synonymous with salvation. Tithing needs to be taught and considered after someone has been born again and begun to walk with the Lord. But, like holiness, it is part of their relationship with Jesus. And, like holiness, giving is one manifestation of spiritual maturity.
? Full-time ministryhood? 
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