Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
It seems that everyone who is vehemently opposed to tithing has a story to tell about how some pastor brow-beat them into tithing. I don't deny that these things happened, and I feel bad that they did. Offerings, in general, and tithing, in specific, are meant to be willing gifts given from a cheerful heart to God. Although many churches allocate the tithe to support the pastor, the tithe is given in honor of and belongs to God (several scriptures have been posted in this thread concerning this).
As to the actual record of the act of tithing, I have some interesting questions: did Jacob lie to God about tithing since no record is made of him fulfilling his vow? And if he did tithe to God, what possessions and increase did he include in his vow? Did he tithe according to the principles of the Order of Melchisedec or the principles that would eventually be established in the Levitical Law?
I believe that many actions and deeds are not recorded simply because there wouldn't be enough volumes to contain them. The diligent student is left then to decided whether those intents were actually followed through with.
Genesis 28:20-22
20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
Everyone who doesn't believe tithing is a requirement, you mean. Right? I haven't seen anyone opposed to tithing, let alone vehemently opposed.
I know where you're coming from with the connotation of tithing being a requirement; however, I do get the distinct impression that there are those participating in this thread who are flat out opposed to tithing. I hope that I've conveyed that I'm of a third camp where tithing is given and not paid, honoring God and not owed to a man. Only from the position of honoring God can tithing be considered part of worship. I do teach tithing from this standpoint and leave the decision about it to the hearers.
Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
Quote:
Originally Posted by HRea
I know where you're coming from with the connotation of tithing being a requirement; however, I do get the distinct impression that there are those participating in this thread who are flat out opposed to tithing. I hope that I've conveyed that I'm of a third camp where tithing is given and not paid, honoring God and not owed to a man. Only from the position of honoring God can tithing be considered part of worship. I do teach tithing from this standpoint and leave the decision about it to the hearers.
Re: Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Truthseeker
would you use someone that didn't believe in tithes but was a giver?
The simple answer is yes...and I am currently doing just that.
The longer answer is it all depends. To me, tithing is not synonymous with salvation. Tithing needs to be taught and considered after someone has been born again and begun to walk with the Lord. But, like holiness, it is part of their relationship with Jesus. And, like holiness, giving is one manifestation of spiritual maturity.
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