As I stated in an earlier blog entry, I can be quite controversial. Read at your own risk!
In my last blog, I challenged each of us to begin to consider "why" we believe "what" we believe. Well, this time I'm asking for some input in regard to a particular issue.
As you (and I) know, each and every Sunday a small number of individuals make there way through the ranks of the congregation with polished metal plates. As the plates are passed from row to row, people place various amounts of funds into these plates. These funds are generally termed as being "tithes" and "offerings".
My question is this: Is tithing still applicable to the modern church under the new covenant established by God through our Lord Jesus Christ?
Regardless of your answer, would you PLEASE take the time to share with me "why" you believe "what" you believe?
There's ALWAYS a reason for such lines of thought!
Ken
6 comments:
1. Tithing and the Old Covenant law were only given to national Israel. Lev 27:30-34.
2. NT giving principles to the Church after Calvary: freewill, sacrificial, generous, joyful, not by commandment or percentage and motivated by love for God and lost souls. 2 Cor 8 and 9.
3. Although money was common in Genesis and essential for sanctuary worship, it was never included in 16 texts which describe the contents of the tithe.
4. OT tithes were always only food from farmers and herdsmen who lived inside Israel. Tithes were not accepted outside of Israel or from Gentiles.
5. Those who received the OT first tithes were not allowed to own or inherit property. Num 18:21-28.
6. Nehemiah 10:37b says that tithes went first to the Levitical cities where 98% of the Levites and priests needed them for food. Malachi 3:10 only makes sense if it refers to priests who had stolen from God in Mal 1:13-14 and Neh 13:5-10.
www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com
Russell Earl Kelly, PHD
Now, Im not that smart, but I know from experience when we acknowledge that all that we have is from God and give Him back a portion, He provides and blesses in some pretty amazing ways. I think it is a trust thing. When you tithe, you are saying, "I trust God."
I don't know Greek or Hebrew. I don't know OT/NT history and theology or anything fancy like that. But, I'll just share what my daddy always said, it kinda sums up the long, drawn out, wordy thoughts that tend to flow too freely from my mind.......
Daddy always taught me, "You CAN'T outgive God."
That has proven true in my life.
Well, I can say at certain times years ago when we were poorer...and thought we were to poor to give....God always continued to take care of us.
However, once we started to give again...God continually blesses us in so many different ways that we are always amazed. We are not rich or wealthy but we are always taken care of in ways that could only be God.
It makes me regret not giving in those days because I wonder what we missed out on.
I do think it does all come down to trust...and Shana's dad is right..YOU CAN'T OUTGIVE GOD....EVER!
I want to add one more thought to my previous thought.
During the times that we didn't tithe we still always felt like we were supposed to. We felt quilty for not doing it.
We just made a really bad decision not to do it...
Well, my accountant husband, who shares Shana's theology and Biblical historical knowledge says we operate on being taught we're supposed to do 10% of our gross. Anything above and beyond being an offering.
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