Subject: Tithe vs Debts |
Bible Note: Hello kalos, I would like to address these points. Quoting from the article; “'The New Testament nowhere mentions the tithe system and nowhere recommends that New Covenant believers follow it.” I would disagree with that statement, Matt 23:23, Heb 7:8-9 mentions the tithe, that is New Testament. The people were aware of what it meant, and Paul gave instruction on the subject. 1 Cor 16:1-2, Also in, Luke 18:12 '… I pay tithes of all that I get.', This verse is saying “I pay a tenth part of all I receive“. Now, I understand this man was trying to exalt himself, but this verse has a secondary teaching, he knew of the tithe, and people were aware of it. It also did not say whether or not the other man had tithed, but Jesus was pointing out his justification in the humble position he took before God, in not puffing himself up by his own deeds. quote , "The Christian church took the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving." How arrogant, to teach such a thing, were they trying to get rich off of their own people? Or, were they were giving Holy Spirit inspired scriptural instruction, as to how to give properly, as they had prospered, to receive the blessings that God would give them, and to prosper even as John wanted for the saints, 3 John 1:2. What a lovely gesture. quote , "However, New Covenant believers should not feel obligated to always give 10 percent. They should give as they are able, “in keeping with his income”." They say "in keeping with his income", that is exactly what was being taught by Paul, 1 Cor 16:1 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper,…” The NASB translation says, "as he prospers", that was what the tithe came from, what you had prospered. How could one such as Paul, instruct without some sort of directive? The teaching on tithing is found in the Old Testament. Or could Paul have been the first to teach, give out of your need? Quote, “It all depends on the ability of the giver and the needs of the church.” What the Bible says is; concerning the collection for the saints, 1 Cor. 16:1-2 “On the first day of the week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” Follow the Bible instruction, would Paul have taught, that if you were in excessive debt, not to give as much the next time they pass the plate, I don't think so, and I don't think that it is putting someone under compulsion, if you are teaching them correct, and proper ways to give of their increase, to tithe. It is in the definition of the word, it means one tenth. If you receive 100 percent, how hard can it be to give 10 percent back to God, He only wants a small portion of your increase. He gives you air to breathe, strength to move about, and the ability to prosper, He is not asking you to give something you don't have. Quote, "'Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom for how much he or she should give (James 1:5).” (James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.) I would agree, This scripture is talking about getting God’s wisdom, diligently pray AND SEEK God's wisdom, What does God's Word (His wisdom) say about how much an individual should give? Duet 14:22,29, 2 Chr. 31:3,6, Gen. 28:22. Quote, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor 9:7). I don't feel reluctant or under compulsion to pay the tithe, I gladly give that portion. I am telling you, so that you may prosper. Pay the tithe! However, I must admit I have my own selfish reasons, I want there to be; food in His house, and all these things that He has promised us, who are His. Read Malachi Chapters 3 and 4. So , What does the Bible say about tithing? Every where I look concerning this subject it says to give a tenth of your increase back to God. Have I harmonized the scripture so that it is agreeable to itself? Or, have I done violence to His Word by giving you the truth and then nullifying it by leavening it, so it is confusing and of none effect. Praise Jesus, he doesn't put a heavy burden on us, wordoer |