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NASB | Malachi 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Malachi 3:10 "Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it. [Mal 2:2] |
Bible Question:
Mal 3:10 says to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. Does "the storehouse" mean one's own fellowship? Would money given to ministries outside your local fellowship count as part of your tithe? Paul told us to give regularly and proportionately (1Co_16:1-2). If I have chosen to give 10 percent regularly and proportionately would money I give outside my fellowship be considered part of that 10 percent? Thanks, retxar |
Bible Answer: Dear retxar, Greetings in Jesus' name! The New Testament does not say very much about the amount, but says a lot about the attitude of giving. My own understanding is that the tithe was for the priests, thus would correspond with your local church, i.e. those who shepherd you and those with whom you share a commitment. Offerings are that which God speaks to your heart by the Holy Spirit, and can be given to any person or ministry that He leads you to. Personally, I do not hold too much faith in 'para-church ministries,' but I have given to those outside my fellowship on many occasions. This was in accord with the leading of the Holy Spirit, and I will continue to seek His counsel. Again, as to tithes, I believe it is for the building and maintenance of your local church, and especially for those who watch over your soul. By the way, I do not believe in 'special appeals' for money that come regularly. While I agree that there may be a time when the Lord will lead a minister to ask his flock to provide for a special need, I see many churches that have special needs all too often! This speaks to me of poor management of God's resources, and fleecing an already shorn sheep! :-) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |