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What we need to know - what the Bible teaches.
The word "tithe" means "a tenth part" or "10%". In the Bible, God tells us that we are to give the first 10% of all that we earn back to Him. Giving less than 10% is not tithing.
Click on the following questions for more information.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "TITHE" AND AN "OFFERING"?
WHY SHOULD I TITHE?
WHAT SHOULD I TITHE?
WHERE SHOULD I GIVE MY TITHE?
WHEN SHOULD I TITHE?
ISN'T TITHING AN OLD TESTAMENT JEWISH LAW THAT WE CAN IGNORE?
WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD TO TITHE?
THE REAL ISSUE
If you have any questions or thoughts about tithing and would like to discuss it further, I can be contacted on 3333298 or email me: margaretlane@btinternet.com or speak to me after a service.
Rev Maggie Lane
30th May 2010
A tithe is 10% of your income.
An offering is any amount you give over and above that amount.
An offering is anything you give in addition to your tithe, such as gifts for special projects, the church building fund, missions, etc. Tithing is God's minimum standard, the starting point.
Back to Tithing Questions
REASONS FROM GOD'S WORD
1. Because God commands it!
"A tithe of all you produce is the Lord's and it is holy." (Lev. 27:30)
2. Because Jesus commands it!
"Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn't leave the more important things undone either." (Matt 23:23) Tithing was the only thing Jesus commended the Pharisees for doing!
3. Because tithing shows that God has first place in my life!
"The purpose of tithing is to teach you to put God first place in your life". (Deut. 14:23 (LB)) If God does not have first priority in your finances, He isn't really first in your life.
4. Because it reminds me that everything I have was given to me by God!
"Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the ability to produce wealth." (Deut. 8:18) Rather than feeling "I'm giving God 10% of my money," realise God is letting you keep 90% of HIS money. Without God's help, you would have nothing.
5. Because tithing expresses my gratitude to God for helping me earn income!
"How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?"(Ps. 116:12) Here's the answer: "Each of you should bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you." (Deut. 16:17)
6. Many of us are unaware but the bible teaches that refusing to tithe is actually stealing from God!
If you don't tithe, God says you are using money that rightfully belongs to Him. "God says: "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me!' But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' God says: 'In tithes and offerings. Bring your whole tithe to My house.'" (Mal. 3:8-19) (God has a right to whatever He asks for from you.)
7. Because tithing gives God a chance to prove to you that He exists and wants to bless you!
Bring me your tithe. Test me in this," says the Lord, "and see if I won't throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it, I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and the vines in your fields will be protected from plagues."
This is one of the most amazing promises in the Bible. God actually offers you a challenge. He says "I dare you!" Start tithing and watch what happens!" He not only promises to bless you with more, but He also promises to protect what you already have! In the Bible, tithing is the only way given that you can prove God exists. Start tithing and get ready for God's blessing.
8. Because it is essential to our spiritual growth!
(2 Cor.8:7) "Just as you grow in everything ~in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in earnestness and love...see that you also grow in the grace of giving." Many Christians remain spiritual babies because they are unaware of God’s call to tithe and or choose to disobey God by not tithing.
9. Because tithing shows we really love God!
"Where your treasure is, your heart will be also." (Matt. 6:21) Wherever you put your money is where your affection is going to be. Every time you give back to God you are drawn closer to Him. We may say we love God, but 2 Cor. 8:8 says that our giving tests the sincerity of our love.
We can give without loving but we cannot love without giving.
Jesus said, "If you really love me, do what I command." (John 14:15)
10. Because tithing is an investment for eternity!
Jesus told us to "Store up treasures in heaven." (Matt. 6:19-20) How do we do that? By investing our money in helping to build the kingdom of God and in reaching people with the Gospel. Most of the things we spend our money on will not even last for ten years, much less last for eternity.
11. Because we cannot out give God!
There are more promises in the Bible connected to giving than any other subject. Giving unlocks the promises of God in our lives. When we give, God always gives back to us in a greater degree. Jesus said, "For if you give, you will get. Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure. Whatever measure you use to give it will be used to measure what is given back to you." (Luke 6:38)
Back to Tithing Questions
The first 10% of your earnings. "Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns...to overflowing." (Prov 3:9-10) God doesn't want our "left-over" income at the end of the month. He wants first place.
Back to Tithing Questions
The Bible is very clear that God expects the tithe to be given back to Him at the place where we worship. In the Old Testament, they brought their tithes to the temple. In the New Testament , the tithe was given at the synagogue or church. While there are many fine organisations, charities, and ministries, the church is God's institution. We may support other ministries with additional offerings.
Only gifts given to God as an act of worship at the house of worship are considered tithes.
Back to Tithing Questions
1 Cor. 16:2 (LB) says: "On the first day of every week, set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you to earn."
Back to Tithing Questions
No. That's just an old excuse with no biblical basis.
2 Corinthians 9:6 says: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously."
If you are in debt, you can't afford NOT to tithe! You need God's help to get out of debt. There are many financial principles in the Bible but the starting point is to be honest with God by beginning to tithe. Tell God you're going to put Him first in your finances that you are willing to obey the principles in His Word, and that you are trusting Him to help you get out of debt.
Back to Tithing Questions
There are many reasons why people do not tithe today but it can usually be boiled down to three motives.