In Malachi 3:6 God stated "For I am the LORD, I change not, therefore you are not consumed." Then later in vs 8-12 the never changing God chastises his people for robbing him of the tithe which are to be paid of the firstfruits to the local church (vs 10, storehouse). Giving money to charity or missions is not tithing.
Before the law of Moses was given, Abraham paid tithe. See Hebrews 7. Even if you believe the law of Moses was ended with the death and resurrection of Jesus, it doesn't follow that tithing ended with the law of Moses.
I've known the blessings of being faithful in tithing, and I've known the consumption of resources from robbing God. Tithing is a real requirement that comes with a real blessing.
Dean - 2 years ago
I think the church gets hung up too much on the "10%" aspect of giving. Although there are references to giving "a tenth" of everything (crops, livestock, oil) the idea is giving back to God what is His to begin with for the furtherence of His kingdom and doing it with a heart of joy and gratitude. There should be no limit as to how much we give as long as it is done with the right perspective in mind.
Yehuda - 2 years ago
Tithing is a powerful principal. God sees it as an act of faith, when it is done with the right attitude. God has honored my tithing many times in my life. I believe 10% is a fair and just amount and biblically referenced in both the old and new Covenants. I don't believe the state should demand more than God does, but they are a "world system" and don't know any better. I have heard testimonies of tithing actually breaking the curse of poverty in one's life. Always tithe first to ministries that are feeding you spiritually, then to others.
In Malachi 3:6 God stated "For I am the LORD, I change not, therefore you are not consumed." Then later in vs 8-12 the never changing God chastises his people for robbing him of the tithe which are to be paid of the firstfruits to the local church (vs 10, storehouse). Giving money to charity or missions is not tithing.
Before the law of Moses was given, Abraham paid tithe. See Hebrews 7. Even if you believe the law of Moses was ended with the death and resurrection of Jesus, it doesn't follow that tithing ended with the law of Moses.
I've known the blessings of being faithful in tithing, and I've known the consumption of resources from robbing God. Tithing is a real requirement that comes with a real blessing.
I think the church gets hung up too much on the "10%" aspect of giving. Although there are references to giving "a tenth" of everything (crops, livestock, oil) the idea is giving back to God what is His to begin with for the furtherence of His kingdom and doing it with a heart of joy and gratitude. There should be no limit as to how much we give as long as it is done with the right perspective in mind.
Tithing is a powerful principal. God sees it as an act of faith, when it is done with the right attitude. God has honored my tithing many times in my life. I believe 10% is a fair and just amount and biblically referenced in both the old and new Covenants. I don't believe the state should demand more than God does, but they are a "world system" and don't know any better. I have heard testimonies of tithing actually breaking the curse of poverty in one's life. Always tithe first to ministries that are feeding you spiritually, then to others.