God put it on my heart to take a bit of a detour this morning. A prolonged debate has been ongoing, particularly intensifying in recent years, regarding the necessity of tithing in the present era. Many argue that tithing is merely an Old Testament command to comply with the law, even asserting that, since Jesus fulfilled the law, tithing is no longer required. However, I prioritize this particular line of reasoning – "If Jesus said it; it is true."
This is what Jesus said concerning tithing in the New Testament texts of Matthew and Luke:
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." (Matthew Ch.23 v.23, NLT)
Yes, tithing is necessary. It is the channel through which the tither's blessings flow: the key to heaven’s windows of abundance. However, the institutions to which we contribute our tithes must also bear in mind that the intent behind the 10% tithe is not for self-indulgence, but rather for "the more important things" such as providing for and supporting the less fortunate (compassion, justice, faithfulness). Tithing and providing assistance to the impoverished are interconnected: One does not eliminate for the other.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! (Malachi Ch.3 v.10, NLT)
The manner in which church leaders handle the tithe is a matter between God and themselves. God has already decreed His retribution against shepherds who fleece the flock. (Ref. Malachi Ch. 2 & Hosea Ch. 4)
Don't sabotage your own blessings due to conjectural philosophy or lack of understanding.
This is what Jesus said concerning tithing in the New Testament texts of Matthew and Luke:
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." (Matthew Ch.23 v.23, NLT)
Yes, tithing is necessary. It is the channel through which the tither's blessings flow: the key to heaven’s windows of abundance. However, the institutions to which we contribute our tithes must also bear in mind that the intent behind the 10% tithe is not for self-indulgence, but rather for "the more important things" such as providing for and supporting the less fortunate (compassion, justice, faithfulness). Tithing and providing assistance to the impoverished are interconnected: One does not eliminate for the other.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! (Malachi Ch.3 v.10, NLT)
The manner in which church leaders handle the tithe is a matter between God and themselves. God has already decreed His retribution against shepherds who fleece the flock. (Ref. Malachi Ch. 2 & Hosea Ch. 4)
Don't sabotage your own blessings due to conjectural philosophy or lack of understanding.
Strengthening the church through the gospel truth
WORD OF GOD
Thanks be to God
When your rewards and blessings are based on your giving, why should you complain about what you get when you give what you give? (2 Corinthians Ch. 9 v.6)
