Tithing…Is it a command?

[Sean]

I know you addressed him, but my biggest beef with it is that it is unscriptural to impose on N.T. believers. It is a stumblingblock to sinners and many dedicated saints. It should not even be mentioned as Apostolic doctrine in our churches. Freewill giving is fine and dandy though. Just NEVER with compulsion.


Nowadays, with the internet, we cant keep folks in the dark for years on end like the old days. We must "come clean" with this doctrine or the next generation will toss us out

[obriencp]

Originally Posted by anon5

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.

I don't believe he was "insinuating" that tithing was a waste. He was sharing his experience that tithing does not equal being blessed as many ministers teach.

[KeptByTheWord]

Giving is what should be taught in churches, and the 10% can be used as a guideline or personal preference, but not a heaven/hell measuring stick. The Apostle Paul had plenty of opportunity to teaching 10% giving of income, but he never did. In all instances, when money was mentioned, it was freewill giving, and never a specific amount or percentage.

Of course, one cannot obey the two commandments Jesus gave us which were to love the Lord, and love others without a giving heart. But giving doesn't have to have a dollar sign in front of it. Jesus mentioned a cup of cold water being given in His name. Giving is something so much more than a dollar bill.

If pastors would realize that they are actually hindering faith building and living by using the tithing doctrine to scare folks so that they don't go bankrupt, or worse be hell bound, they would perhaps begin to tap into to the unending waters of the fountains of the blessings of the Lord that are available, instead of limiting themselves to a doctrine that actually limits the blessings of the Lord, instead of increasing them.

And one more thing.... I don't know one apostle or disciple that died with much wealth to his name. It seems to me that the doctrine that Jesus came to introduce to mankind was one where self-sacrifice, loving others more than yourself, and being willing to die for the gospel was the hope of all mankind to live for - and to die for... and certainly the prosperity kind of gospel was not how the disciples interpreted Jesus' teachings... I wouldn't say dying a horrible death, being beaten, stoned, tortured, and persecuted sounds anything like the lifestyle of those who call themselves apostles, disciples, and ministers today.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Giving is what should be taught in churches, and the 10% can be used as a guideline or personal preference, but not a heaven/hell measuring stick. The Apostle Paul had plenty of opportunity to teaching 10% giving of income, but he never did. In all instances, when money was mentioned, it was freewill giving, and never a specific amount or percentage.

Of course, one cannot obey the two commandments Jesus gave us which were to love the Lord, and love others without a giving heart. But giving doesn't have to have a dollar sign in front of it. Jesus mentioned a cup of cold water being given in His name. Giving is something so much more than a dollar bill.

If pastors would realize that they are actually hindering faith building and living by using the tithing doctrine to scare folks so that they don't go bankrupt, or worse be hell bound, they would perhaps begin to tap into to the unending waters of the fountains of the blessings of the Lord that are available, instead of limiting themselves to a doctrine that actually limits the blessings of the Lord, instead of increasing them.

And one more thing.... I don't know one apostle or disciple that died with much wealth to his name. It seems to me that the doctrine that Jesus came to introduce to mankind was one where self-sacrifice, loving others more than yourself, and being willing to die for the gospel was the hope of all mankind to live for - and to die for... and certainly the prosperity kind of gospel was not how the disciples interpreted Jesus' teachings... I wouldn't say dying a horrible death, being beaten, stoned, tortured, and persecuted sounds anything like the lifestyle of those who call themselves apostles, disciples, and ministers today.

Awesome post....

[Rudy]

I guess I'll keep saying this till I die or it happens. We need to have an alternative to go to. Those with managing skills get moving. I'm looking to move south, I'm thinking Florida.

I was involved in a church here that was the fastest growing assembly in Indiana. Money eventually became the focus and may have caused its demise.

The praise and worship was something to behold. It doesn't take a lot of people to start one. If the group wants to assemble in a building it takes money. A rented place would do just fine until a decision is made on a building project. Once the word is out about a freewill giving assembly it may result in rapid growth.

Fasting and prayer coupled with praise & worship and letting the spirit move freely--exciting things should happen.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Giving is what should be taught in churches, and the 10% can be used as a guideline or personal preference, but not a heaven/hell measuring stick. The Apostle Paul had plenty of opportunity to teaching 10% giving of income, but he never did. In all instances, when money was mentioned, it was freewill giving, and never a specific amount or percentage.

Of course, one cannot obey the two commandments Jesus gave us which were to love the Lord, and love others without a giving heart. But giving doesn't have to have a dollar sign in front of it. Jesus mentioned a cup of cold water being given in His name. Giving is something so much more than a dollar bill.

If pastors would realize that they are actually hindering faith building and living by using the tithing doctrine to scare folks so that they don't go bankrupt, or worse be hell bound, they would perhaps begin to tap into to the unending waters of the fountains of the blessings of the Lord that are available, instead of limiting themselves to a doctrine that actually limits the blessings of the Lord, instead of increasing them.

And one more thing.... I don't know one apostle or disciple that died with much wealth to his name. It seems to me that the doctrine that Jesus came to introduce to mankind was one where self-sacrifice, loving others more than yourself, and being willing to die for the gospel was the hope of all mankind to live for - and to die for... and certainly the prosperity kind of gospel was not how the disciples interpreted Jesus' teachings... I wouldn't say dying a horrible death, being beaten, stoned, tortured, and persecuted sounds anything like the lifestyle of those who call themselves apostles, disciples, and ministers today.

[good samaritan]

I believe the tithe is a good starting point. Jesus in Mathew chapter 5 takes several laws and turns them around making them more difficult to follow. So many want to say that we are not bound by the law, but we must remember it was are schoolmaster. I believe the application and the motivation has changed.

In the Old Testament they followed the law for fear of the consequences, In the New Testament we obey because we love Jesus and seek to please him. If there is a problem with the teaching of the tithe it is that so many settle with just 10% an no more. The New Testament givers were giving all they had.

The principle of the tithe is good because people are taught a biblical place to start with their giving. If a person doesn't make a personal commitment to give, then he won't. I know in my own life if I just wait and see what is left over then I wouldn't be able to give at all. If I don't set a prayer time I won't pray, If I don't have a study time I won't study, etc.

I hope scholars who argue that tithing isn't for today are truly new testament givers and feel like God deserves so much more.If we are waiting till the right moment to give, that moment will never come. Most churches, I can't speak for all, use the tithes and offerings for the work of God.

I think we sometimes get the mindset that we are just giving it to a man, and if you are giving out of the fear of man you are. I don't think I have ever done this, but it would be good on payday to stop and seek God on what he wants us to do with it. I don't know, but I think that the way that people looked at giving would be changed. I also think that at the end of the year you would see much more the 10% of peoples gross going into the kingdom of God.

I am even a little nervous to ask God because I know how my God is. God will sometimes really put my faith to the test. So, in a nutshell, tithing is good place to start, but not to stop. Legalism is bare minimum thinking, and we shouldn't settle for bare minimum, but walk in the Spirit.

[Sean]

Well bro...... to start your post you misinterpreted the verse that says the Law is our schoolmaster...

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.



The Law is still in effect for sinners today(not for saints though), but if you want to quote the Law and live by it, you will be judged by it at the end. The Lord absolutely will not honor Mal. 3 when we ask the Lord to "rebuke the devourer in our lives". A saint cannot twist the Lords' arm to honor the Law in which Jesus died to disannull for the saint to be free from.

Hebrews 7:18
18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

The "principle of tithe teaching" is a completely fabricated myth, with its roots in Catholicism, (concerning the Church).

It is one of the greatest stumblingblocks the true oneness, Jesus name church has held on to that came from the dark ages for the world to stumble over.

It should not even be mentioned in the Church of our Lord, and I feel sorry for those that teach it. Grace does not cover the teacher, teaching the SAINTS that they must follow the Law....

Hebrews 7:5
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by good samaritan

I believe the tithe is a good starting point. Jesus in Mathew chapter 5 takes several laws and turns them around making them more difficult to follow. So many want to say that we are not bound by the law, but we must remember it was are schoolmaster. I believe the application and the motivation has changed.

In the Old Testament they followed the law for fear of the consequences, In the New Testament we obey because we love Jesus and seek to please him. If there is a problem with the teaching of the tithe it is that so many settle with just 10% an no more. The New Testament givers were giving all they had.

The principle of the tithe is good because people are taught a biblical place to start with their giving. If a person doesn't make a personal commitment to give, then he won't. I know in my own life if I just wait and see what is left over then I wouldn't be able to give at all. If I don't set a prayer time I won't pray, If I don't have a study time I won't study, etc.

I hope scholars who argue that tithing isn't for today are truly new testament givers and feel like God deserves so much more.If we are waiting till the right moment to give, that moment will never come. Most churches, I can't speak for all, use the tithes and offerings for the work of God.

I think we sometimes get the mindset that we are just giving it to a man, and if you are giving out of the fear of man you are. I don't think I have ever done this, but it would be good on payday to stop and seek God on what he wants us to do with it. I don't know, but I think that the way that people looked at giving would be changed. I also think that at the end of the year you would see much more the 10% of peoples gross going into the kingdom of God.

I am even a little nervous to ask God because I know how my God is. God will sometimes really put my faith to the test. So, in a nutshell, tithing is good place to start, but not to stop. Legalism is bare minimum thinking, and we shouldn't settle for bare minimum, but walk in the Spirit.

I see no command from the word of God in your post to bring a tithe of money. It seems you are assuming what God wants. If you want to use The Mosaic Law to tithe from grow a garden. When it's time to harvest find a Levitical city to bring it to.

[good samaritan]

Originally Posted by Sean

Well bro...... to start your post you misinterpreted the verse that says the Law is our schoolmaster...

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.



The Law is still in effect for sinners today(not for saints though), but if you want to quote the Law and live by it, you will be judged by it at the end. The Lord absolutely will not honor Mal. 3 when we ask the Lord to "rebuke the devourer in our lives". A saint cannot twist the Lords' arm to honor the Law in which Jesus died to disannull for the saint to be free from.

Hebrews 7:18
18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

The "principle of tithe teaching" is a completely fabricated myth, with its roots in Catholicism, (concerning the Church).

It is one of the greatest stumblingblocks the true oneness, Jesus name church has held on to that came from the dark ages for the world to stumble over.

It should not even be mentioned in the Church of our Lord, and I feel sorry for those that teach it. Grace does not cover the teacher, teaching the SAINTS that they must follow the Law....

Hebrews 7:5
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

Originally Posted by Sean

Well bro...... to start your post you misinterpreted the verse that says the Law is our schoolmaster...

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.



The Law is still in effect for sinners today(not for saints though), but if you want to quote the Law and live by it, you will be judged by it at the end. The Lord absolutely will not honor Mal. 3 when we ask the Lord to "rebuke the devourer in our lives". A saint cannot twist the Lords' arm to honor the Law in which Jesus died to disannull for the saint to be free from.

Hebrews 7:18
18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

The "principle of tithe teaching" is a completely fabricated myth, with its roots in Catholicism, (concerning the Church).

It is one of the greatest stumblingblocks the true oneness, Jesus name church has held on to that came from the dark ages for the world to stumble over.

It should not even be mentioned in the Church of our Lord, and I feel sorry for those that teach it. Grace does not cover the teacher, teaching the SAINTS that they must follow the Law....

Hebrews 7:5
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

I didn't misinterpret the scripture, all I said was the law was our schoolmaster

I fully understand were people say that tithing is of the law so we don't have to do it. I agree we shouldn't settle for a tithe. After all that Jesus has done we should give so much more than a mere ten percent. I fear that many of the reasons why people are so objectionable to paying tithes is because they don't want to give anymore than what is left over after they have indulged their self.

Also I have noticed many sinners who don't live for God send their tithes to the church. Tithing seems more controversial among Christians than sinners.
For those who don't believe to tithe I hope you are giving as the Lord has prospered you.
1Cor.16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come