Is Tithing Money?

[gundee123]

I have engaged in conversation with many God fearing Christians about the way that tithing is practiced in today's churches. The question that I have repeatedly asked is "When did the tithe law change from something that was edible (corn, herd, grain, wine, etc.) to money? And is this change supported by biblical stripture?

I am under the opinion that the way that tithes is practiced today is man-made. For those that believe that this view is wrong, please show me where I am inaccurate (according to stripture).

If you would, please limit your views to tithing. At a later time, I would like to discuss offerings and Grace giving.

 

[steyou]

The answer lies in believing. What are you believing in? Is it law, legalism or Christ. The law was a tudor to show how to live before Christ. We are dead to the law now, if you have faith or "are believing" in Christ. How about this? Should there even be an offeratory or should we trust in Christ to supply or needs?

 

[steele mama]

I have engaged in conversation with many God fearing Christians about the way that tithing is practiced in today's churches. The question that I have repeatedly asked is "When did the tithe law change from something that was edible (corn, herd, grain, wine, etc.) to money? And is this change supported by biblical stripture?

I am under the opinion that the way that tithes is practiced today is man-made. For those that believe that this view is wrong, please show me where I am inaccurate (according to stripture).

If you would, please limit your views to tithing. At a later time, I would like to discuss offerings and Grace giving.

Well, I think it slowly changed to $$ over time and is different in different cultures. Here where most people don't grow crops or have animals to bring as their tithes, they bring a part of their income. Other cultures may still tithe crops and animals. We are commanded to bring our "tithes" plural into the storehouse. In the old testament times they would give a tenth of everything. We don't even give a tenth of our income much less a tenth of our time and possessions. God said he loves a cheerful giver. I truely don't think he is measuring the amount in percent but the attitude of the heart. I do love this scripture in Malachi.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse , that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this ," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you th e windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it . (NKJ)

I think that we should indeed decide ahead of time an intentional amount that we will commit to give back to God since it is all his anyway. Then give it cheerfully and as an act of worship to Him who owns it all! Give wherever he leads you to give it. I do believe in supporting the local church you are active in as they support you and your family. Sometimes it is a struggle to give but God said "prove me now in this". He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and he has promised to meet all my needs. Philippians 4:19.

 

[gundee123]

The answer lies in believing. What are you believing in? Is it law, legalism or Christ. The law was a tudor to show how to live before Christ. We are dead to the law now, if you have faith or "are believing" in Christ. How about this? Should there even be an offeratory or should we trust in Christ to supply or needs?

Thank you for your response. I believe in Christ (John 1:17). I also agree that the old law has been abolished (Eph 2:15). Therefore, I do not understand why Christians are practicing a manmade revision of the old law by tithing money, instead of tithing according to scripture (Deu 14:22-23). Lastly, I believe that we should trust in Christ to supply our needs?Again, thank you for taking the time to response to my question.

 

[steele mama]

Thank you for your response. I believe in Christ (John 1:17). I also agree that the old law has been abolished (Eph 2:15). Therefore, I do not understand why Christians are practicing a manmade revision of the old law by tithing money, instead of tithing according to scripture (Deu 14:22-23). Lastly, I believe that we should trust in Christ to supply our needs?Again, thank you for taking the time to response to my question.

If Christians today tithed according to Deu 14:22-23, what would that look like?

 

[gundee123]

Well, I think it slowly changed to $$ over time and is different in different cultures. Here where most people don't grow crops or have animals to bring as their tithes, they bring a part of their income. Other cultures may still tithe crops and animals. We are commanded to bring our "tithes" plural into the storehouse. In the old testament times they would give a tenth of everything. We don't even give a tenth of our income much less a tenth of our time and possessions. God said he loves a cheerful giver. I truely don't think he is measuring the amount in percent but the attitude of the heart. I do love this scripture in Malachi.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse , that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this ," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you th e windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it . (NKJ)

I think that we should indeed decide ahead of time an intentional amount that we will commit to give back to God since it is all his anyway. Then give it cheerfully and as an act of worship to Him who owns it all! Give wherever he leads you to give it. I do believe in supporting the local church you are active in as they support you and your family. Sometimes it is a struggle to give but God said "prove me now in this". He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and he has promised to meet all my needs. Philippians 4:19.

Thank you for your response. I agree that the tithe has changed to money over time. However, is this change according to biblical scripture or according to man's idelology? If it is manmade, then why are Christians following it today? The verse you quote in Malachi are referring to the Levi priests. I trust that you would agree that this verse is in no way referring to money, but to something that is edible (which is what Tithes has always been). I also believe that we should support our local churches. However, I think that Christians have been misled into believing that this should be done by tithing, a concept that has become man made. The standard for giving to the church can be found in 2 Cor 9:7 where it states: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Again, I thank you for your kind response to my question.

 

[Rudyjohn]

The days of bartering and trading ended long ago. You can't pay for programs, music, curriculum, salaries, utilities, rent, and missions sent to Africa or Chile or inner city poverty with corn and grain. Also, religious facilities/organizations rely heavily on volunteers to get most of the work done, but they still need steady income (tithing) to budget and make ends meet for the "membership," so to speak. Inflation hits religion too.

 

[steele mama]

I will enjoy talking more about this tomorrow. For now, good night.

 

[gundee123]

If Christians today tithed according to Deu 14:22-23, what would that look like?

Thank you for your response. You asked a very good question? I would say that Christians should not be following the old law of tithing because it was abolished (Eph 2:15). The new standard for giving can be found in 2 Cor 9:7. Also, look at what Jesus said about tithing (Mat 23:23-24). Notice that He was not talking about money. I hope that I have answered your question.

 

[steele mama]

Thank you for your response. You asked a very good question? I would say that Christians should not be following the old law of tithing because it was abolished (Eph 2:15). The new standard for giving can be found in 2 Cor 9:7. Also, look at what Jesus said about tithing (Mat 23:23-24). Notice that He was not talking about money. I hope that I have answered your question.

I still don't fully understand what we should be giving? I don't have any grain or fruit. I agree with johnrudy in her comment below. I agree with you regarding 2 Cor 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Still the question is why would giving money be wrong as long as you do it cheerfully.

The days of bartering and trading ended long ago. You can't pay for programs, music, curriculum, salaries, utilities, rent, and missions sent to Africa or Chile or inner city poverty with corn and grain. Also, religious facilities/organizations rely heavily on volunteers to get most of the work done, but they still need steady income (tithing) to budget and make ends meet for the "membership," so to speak. Inflation hits religion too.