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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Straight answer about tithe. | 2 Cor 9:7 | Beginner | 57610 | ||
I would like to find out about tithing or tithe. I was told that in the Old Testament someplace the tithe was actually 33 percent and that the New Testament states it is 10 percent. Well tithe means Tenth in accordance with good old Webster. I have not found or can find anything in the New Testament that says anything about tithe. I have found a few places that say about giving. A friend invited my wife and myself to her Church and it was very enjoyable and really made me feel I have to do something to get right with God. My problem is when I am told something I want to see it in writing. She made the statement about the 33 percent, she has also said that you should give 10 percent of your income before taxes and you should give this first before anything else. My question is how about bills that need to be paid. I asked her about if you just couldn't afford 10 percent would helping around the Church or donating food or time. She said no because you don't get to heaven by deeds, well I'm sorry to say I really don't think you get to heaven by buying your way there either. The dictionary states a tenth part of one's annual income, either in KIND or money, contributed voluntarily for charity or due as a tax for support of the cleryg or church. Any help or opinions would be highly appreciated. | ||||||
2 | Straight answer about tithe. | 2 Cor 9:7 | kalos | 57611 | ||
well over 20 percent "The total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent." New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. "Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary). "The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel. "Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation. "All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified. "New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government. "Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel. "The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." (www.gty.org Click on Issues and Answers. Then click on Previous Topics) For much more in-depth information on Tithing, including many Scripture references, look up Tithing in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Baker's Dictionary is available online at (bible.crosswalk.com) |
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3 | Straight answer about tithe. | 2 Cor 9:7 | glory777 | 58218 | ||
kalos- But weren't there things just understood, either by inspiration of the Holy Spirit or tradition that is never specifically stated in the bible? How did Abraham know to give a tithe to Melchesidek (sp) and as far as that goes, how did Abraham know what was "clean" and "unclean" as to offering sacrifices to the Lord - or Job for that matter? The sacrifices were paid in full by the Lord Jesus, but as far as the "guideline" for giving, the tithe - or tenth- if applicable in the O.T. and not specifically denounced in the new, would be a fair amount. Again, it is also a matter of the heart. If you feel you are forced to give that amount - keep it. If you feel you should give more, by all means go for it. I just think sometimes it is a matter of people wanting to hold on too tightly to things that are not theirs to start out with. It has been shown in polls that as income goes up, what is given to churches goes up at a much lesser level. I think that is saying something. Debbie |
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4 | Straight answer about tithe. | 2 Cor 9:7 | kalos | 58221 | ||
"What is written...?" You write: "But weren't there things just understood, either by inspiration of the Holy Spirit or tradition that is never specifically stated in the bible?" Debbie: The standard we will be judged by and held accountable to is what the Bible does say -- not by that which "is never specifically stated in the bible." Luke 10:26 AMPLIFIED Jesus said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it? NLT Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" GOD'S WORD Translation Jesus answered him, "What is written in Moses' Teachings? What do you read there?" |
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