So where can I reply concerning the tithing thread?

[Guest Guest]

The reason it matters what one calls it is because there is a vast difference between the OT command to Jews that they MUST tithe and that NT Christians are told to give as the Lord leads.

Often "as the Lord leads" seems to be used as an excuse not to give, or to give only rarely. Most of the "tithers" I know use the tithe as a base line and give "as the Lord leads" on top of that. The tithe is used so that "they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." and to upkeep the building etc. Paul himself compares that to the the priests living of the things the temple(ie. tithes) in the OT. If even half the people in the average IFB church gave 10%, most of the churches would have a whole lot more money. That leads me to think that the average person who says they only "give as the the Lord leads" rarely feels led that way... Of course I am sure there are plenty of exceptions to that...

[John81]

The fact that some Christians listen to their own will rather than the Lord's is no reason to ignore Scripture. Most who say they believe they are to tithe, don't.

The church we attend now doesn't preach we are to tithe and yet this church never lacks the funds necessary to carry on, and even expand, it's ministry (from building and maintenance funds, to missionary funds, radio broadcasts, pastor's salaries, etc.).

In any church led by and filled with true Christians the Lord is going to move the hearts of those who submit to Him to make sure the church is funded.

New Testament Christians are to give out of submission to the lordship of Christ in their lives, not out of compulsion as demanded by a law.

Those Christians who refuse to pay heed to the leading of the Holy Ghost with regards to their giving are sinning just as much as those who refuse to pay heed to the Holy Ghost when He tells them to avoid pornography, or not to date or marry an unbeliever, or to not "take" (steal) 'little' things from the workplace, or to witness to your new work partner, etc.

[Guest Guest]

My hubby and I always tithe 10% and above---aside from the monthly missions giving, and offerings. How else is the church supposed to operate? They can't count on the government, can they? This is Christian charity to us. I do know that people are different, though. So, this is not my business to interfere---it is God's business. :smile

Coming from the RCC (both of us) we feel blessed and very happy that our money is going directly to our local Independent Baptist Church...rather that to the Vatican. Now that is a crime! :amen:

[Guest Guest]

New Testament Christians are to give out of submission to the lordship of Christ in their lives, not out of compulsion as demanded by a law.

True, but that is also true in every other aspect of the Christian life.

[John81]

We used to tithe until the Lord led me to actually study this out and the Lord showed me the tithe was for OT Jews, not NT Christians.

The last time this subject was discussed (and various people kept accusing those who don't tithe as not giving) I figured out what our giving would have been based upon tithing (even factoring in giving beyond tithing) and our NT giving was/is above that figure. That's nothing to boast about because I/we give as the Lord leads so it's to His glory and honour that it amounts to what it does.

I'm thankful the Lord blesses us and enables us to help promote the cause of Christ with our giving.

[John81]

Which is why we need more discipling, preaching and teaching directed at changing the heart of believers rather than preaching to obey the law. If our hearts are submitted to Christ we will be walking in the Spirit rather than in the flesh.

[Guest Guest]

We used to tithe until the Lord led me to actually study this out and the Lord showed me the tithe was for OT Jews, not NT Christians.

Well, I don't agree, but like I said, it really doesn't matter to me what someone calls it as long as they do give and with the proper spirit. :Green

[John81]

If one calls it tithing yet they don't tithe then that's dishonest and misleading which is part of the reason it makes a difference what one calls it.

Scripture is so clear that we Christians are to give, not out of necessity (law, commandment, compulsion).

The only way the tithe can be taught for Christians is to wrest verses specifically given to Jews out of context. We are not under the law, we don't support the temple and priesthood and their servants as the Jews did. We are under grace and we are to pursue holiness which includes submitting to the leading of the Spirit so that we give as He leads, and we do and live as He leads.

In the NT, Christians are not tithing and are never commanded to tithe. Rather they are submitting to Christ as Lord and giving abundantly as the Spirit leads. We see how when one church would find itself in need, other churches with an abundance would help. All were provided for and without any demand of a tithe.

[Guest Guest]

If one calls it tithing yet they don't tithe then that's dishonest and misleading which is part of the reason it makes a difference what one calls it.

Tithe means a tenth. If one is habitually giving a tenth as a base line and offerings above that then they are tithing. Nothing dishonest or misleading about it. :Green

[Guest Guest]

Tithe means a tenth. If one is habitually giving a tenth as a base line and offerings above that then they are tithing. Nothing dishonest or misleading about it.

Seth! And, some Christians give far above that when they tithe. They do it with a cheerful heart. There are VERY generous people in the world, that want to give to their local IFB churches to keep them strong. :thumb

[John81]

Tithe means a tenth. If one is habitually giving a tenth as a base line and offerings above that then they are tithing. Nothing dishonest or misleading about it. :Green

That's true. However, most people who talk about tithing, or believing in tithing, don't actually tithe. There are even some who recognize that tithing isn't for NT Christians yet they call their giving tithing even though that's not what they are doing just for the sake of being able to use the same term some others do.

If someone is tithing, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with them saying they are tithing.

[Guest Guest]

Well...I have known people who have given in other ways to the church. They give a LOT of their time. For example, I have known unemployed couples that have worked in the local IFB church to make up for the tithe...so to speak. Then, when they get back on their feet...they continue to give financially. As they can.

[Guest Guest]

That's true. However, most people who talk about tithing, or believing in tithing, don't actually tithe.

Well, I have always heard "tithing" spoken of and taught as 10%, because that is what it means. If it is less than 10% of your increase it isn't a tithe, it is an offering, and if it is more than that, the amount over 10% is an offering not a tithe. Most people I know do mean 10% when they say "tithe". As has been pointed out though, that certainly doesn't mean that 10% is the limit on their giving as a whole.

[John81]

Well...I have known people who have given in other ways to the church. They give a LOT of their time. For example' date=' I have known unemployed couples that have worked in the local IFB church to make up for the tithe...so to speak. Then, when they get back on their feet...they continue to give financially. As they can.[/quote']

Since Christians are under no obligation to tithe, there is nothing to make up for, yet if we are surrendered to Christ He generally leads us to do more than just give financially. Typically, those surrendered to Christ are called to help with church events, outreaches, basic helps, etc. This is all part of giving our all to and for Christ.

Scripture is clear that all who do for the Lord, regardless of what it is they are doing in His service, are a part of His plan. The church needs custodians and grounds keepers too!

[trc123]

Straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel!