Tithing, The Law, and Church Misgivings

THE LIE OF THE 10% TITHE

The next time I hear the pastor of a church use Old Testament scripture to tell you to tithe 10% to their organization I am going to get up and LEAVE.  I believe with all my heart that concept is a LIE and driven by their worldly fear of not being able to pay their bills and obligations.  This means they are not walking in FAITH.  You prosper because you are rightfully doing the Lord's work.  You don't prosper by laying a "guilt trip" on people who are no longer under the "Law" of the Old Testament and expecting them to give under penalty of death!  That is completely of the devil.  And I am going to tell you why.

But first let me lead you to this excellent write up of Tithing throughout the history of the Bible including Old Testament Tithing under the Law and New Testament GIVING after the atonement. 

If you have the time this is an excellent study of the entire subject backed by scripture.

SEE:
http://www.solidrock.net/library/anderson/sermons/ot.tithing.vs.nt.giving.php

You see under the Old Testament Law you had to "Tithe".  But under the New Testament you are to "give" to the best of your means.  "Giving and Receiving" and "Tithing because it is the Law" are two completely different concepts.

A Basic Lesson in Human Psychology is in Order

We've all been deluged by information about Church "bad behavior" and we are told to consider ourselves to be "held guiltless of sin" because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. BUT then you are told you must tithe 10% to be compliant with the Law of the Old Testament which applies a principle of guilt under penalty to the equation.  Most human beings, even the "common folk", will sense a paradox in this "preaching".  It simply does not make any sense.

WHAT IF!

Can you imagine how people would feel if the Pastor instead said:

Under the New Covenant you are not required to tithe 10%.  In fact, dear followers of Christ, you are not required to give at all. Instead you are asked to give to the best of your ability. Indeed the Lord only wants cheerful givers and while we hope you will find it in your heart to give for the saving of souls, please do not feel obligated.  But here are some of the wonderful things were are doing with your contributions to Jesus' work.

Then "list" a few things that the church is doing and give a few testimonies, and ask people to consider giving because God will Bless them for it.  But stop with the guilt trips.

What will these churches do when the US goes into deep depression and Martial Law is instituted?  In the beginning people will all run to the church for comfort and answers, but when they hear the same old stories, and the Pastors don't know what to tell them - many will simply "fail as businesses" if the Satanic run "state" doesn't shut them down first for spreading "propaganda" because they forfeited their First Amendment rights by becoming unequally yoked with Baal by signing their 501c3 agreement.

http://www.theantichurch.org/501c3churchinfo.htm


WHAT IS THE REAL MESSAGE OF "GIVING" UNDER THE NEW TESTAMENT

There is the grey area in the Bible where Jesus was trying to transition the Jews from their Old Testament directives and see the "bigger picture".  Jesus will often refer to the "Law" of the Old Testament to make a point. But you must grasp this challenge.  He was speaking to Jews and using their bad behavior under the "Law" to guide them in a greater understanding of things.  Here he rebukes the Pharisees about how they tithe "goods" (not money) but the ignore the bigger picture of Love and Goodness.  He aptly points out it is because they seek "worldly" things like "good seats" and "recognition".  This would be the equivalent of a current day church pastor wanting to drive a nice car, or be recognized as a leader in his church by his nice suits, and the company he keeps (with other great Pastors, or should I say more appropriately "notorious" pastors as Jesus likely would have said).

Luke 11:42-43


42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.

NKJV

Here are some excerpts from the article linked to above that are excellent and warrant mention:

1 Corinthians 16:1-2: "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 let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come."

In our text the Apostle Paul directs the church of Corinth in their collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem to give proportionately to how they have prospered. Though there is no mention of the saints in Corinth giving a tithe, they are instructed to give proportionate to their prosperity. The point is simple -- those who have more to give should give more.

Acts 11:27-39: "Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea."

Notice in the narrative that the brethren in Antioch gave to the suffering brethren in Judea proportionate to their means. In other words, they gave according to their ability. Those with more money, gave more. Those with less money, gave less. It was that simple.

2 Corinthians 9:7: "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver."

Here Paul directs the church to give what they have purposed in their heart. Notice that the Apostle does not tell them how much to give, or give them a fixed percentage as a standard. He simply tells them that whatever they have decided to give they should go ahead and give. Many times when we see a need we determine to give a certain amount, but are tempted to go back on it later when the time to give rolls around. Paul teaches us that we should be faithful to make good on what we have purposed in our heart. But notice as well that the apostle Paul leaves the amount up to the Corinthians. We are not to allow others to manipulate or intimidate us so that we give out of guilt or pressure. There is to be no compulsion in our giving; the amount must be our own decision.

RAISING THE BAR

In all fairness it is important to understand that primary difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament is that the atonement of Jesus and his commandment to truly Love one Another was a divine act of "raising the bar".  The reason we don't need Mosaic "Law" and "Ten Commandments" is because under Christ and after being born-again, the Holy Spirit should lead us to a divine desire to do MORE than they which were condemned to death through their sin.  When Christ died for our sin and upon you receiving Christ into your heart - there is a divine change of heart that is expected.  This raises the bar.  Nobody needs tell a born-again believer not to KILL someone.  If you accept Jesus into your heart and are truly "born again" these things become automatic.  And I warn you - if they do not become automatic - then you better re-evaluate if you were truly born again.  Because Jesus said if you are not born-again you shall not see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3).  And moreover he says that once you are born-again you are "of the spirit" meaning that the Holy Spirit that resides IN YOU, will lead you to do the right thing. (John 3:7).  Also understand, while controversial amongst various churches, there is a concept of "Inheritance" you should explore.  This concept of Inheritance strongly indicates that while you are SAVED by GRACE, you do not automatically "Inherit" the Kingdom.  You may get "everlasting life" but you might not like what you end up doing during that "everlasting life" if you don't behave as you have been commanded by God - who is Jesus Christ!
 
ONE LAST THOUGHT

Things that are done in secret are evil and of the devil.
Things that are done out of Love have nothing to hide.
Churches should be proud of their contributions to the Lord's work.
So should you, but don't do it to boast and remain humble.

But be careful out there because there is much deception.
MUCH

BE BLESSED IN JESUS NAME