Tithing - A Criticism Answered

[garyarnold]

The custom of tithing is a timeless practice of worship.

ONE example of tithing in the Bible, during a period of thousands of years, and you say that one example establishes the custom of tithing as a timeless practice of worship.  WOW!  What logic!  ONE EXAMPLE!

[garyarnold]

Malachi 3 contains the promises for us!

You mean you actually believe that Malachi 3 contains the promises for us even though we aren't following God's laws?  The promise was for those WHO FOLLOWED GOD'S LAWS.  Read Malachi 3:7.

[Lively Stone]

The custom of tithing is a timeless practice of worship.

ONE example of tithing in the Bible, during a period of thousands of years, and you say that one example establishes the custom of tithing as a timeless practice of worship.  WOW!  What logic!  ONE EXAMPLE!

We worship with our finances as we do with our entire lives. Not one thing should we withhold. I praise God that He has gently encouraged and led us to comply with the tithe. It has been one of the most blessed learning experiences of our lives.

[garyarnold]

We worship with our finances as we do with our entire lives. Not one thing should we withhold. I praise God that He has gently encouraged and led us to comply with the tithe. It has been one of the most blessed learning experiences of our lives.

I worship with my finances, too, but I don't tithe.  I give as the Spirit leads me to give.

You aren't "complying" with the tithe at all.  You have changed God's definition for His tithe, and change where you take it.  You are complying with nothing but man's false teachings.  Otherwise, you would be able to give scripture to show that tithing is on one's income and should be taken to the church.

[NTPREACHER4U]

THE FIRST TITHE
Leviticus 27:30-33 defines this tithe as a tenth of crops and animals in herds and flocks.
Numbers 18 gives the ordinances, or instructions, for this tithe, and commands this tithe be taken to the Levites.
Purpose of this tithe:  to support the Levitical Priesthood.

SECOND TITHE
Deuteronomy 14:22-27: aka The Festival Tithe - a tenth of crops, plus add to that the firstborn animals, and take for the yearly feast.
Purpose of this tithe:  "that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always

[Lively Stone]

We worship with our finances as we do with our entire lives. Not one thing should we withhold. I praise God that He has gently encouraged and led us to comply with the tithe. It has been one of the most blessed learning experiences of our lives.

I worship with my finances, too, but I don't tithe.  I give as the Spirit leads me to give.

You aren't "complying" with the tithe at all.  You have changed God's definition for His tithe, and change where you take it.  You are complying with nothing but man's false teachings.  Otherwise, you would be able to give scripture to show that tithing is on one's income and should be taken to the church.

I am happy to have heard from God on this one and am happy to obey Him. Everything belongs to Him, and He is our provider. When and if things get rough, I have His promises to rely on. He is already rebuking the devourer for our sake and He makes sure that we have more than enough. No worries here.

Blessings.

[NTPREACHER4U]

Malachi 3:7-12

Giving to God a Tenth Part
7 "From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My Laws and have not obeyed them.....

Did you actually read verse 7 above?  Pastor's seldom start with verse 7 because it totally destroys their tithing arguments.

Now, do you know exactly which laws the Israelites had turned aside from and not obeyed?  Try Leviticus 27:30-33 and Numbers 18, which God commands His tithe be taken to the Levites.

You see, if you are going to quote Malachi 3:7, what you are quoting is saying that if you don't follow God's laws, you will be robbing Him.  Do YOU follow God's laws and tithe from crops and animals raised on the Holy land?  Do YOU follow God's law and take the tithe to the Levites?  If you take the tithe to other than a Levite, per Malachi 3:7-10 YOU are robbing God.

We were living under a curse for not tithing, under a great deal of debt and trouble. That trouble was certainly not the blessing of God! Within a few months of beginning to tithe, we were completely out of debt. God honoured us and caused our dollars to go further than they would have had we not honoured Him first with our finances.

God's word is gold!

According to scriptures, you are not tithing unless it is food to be consumed by the Levitical priesthood. Also, the year of the tithe where you feed the father less, widows and the preists.

Paul is very clear, that those that preach the gospel live of the gospel. He didn't say the tithe.    

1Cr 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen

1Cr 9:10   Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

1Cr 9:10   Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

1Cr 9:12   If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.  

1Cr 9:13   Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

1Cr 9:14   Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.  

1Cr 9:15   But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.  

Nothing about tithing there and he is talking about money.

1Ti 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

Which confirms what Jesus taught as well

Luk 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Here is robbering in the NT.

2Cr 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages [of them], to do you service.

2Cr 11:9   And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].  

2Cr 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

and

1Th 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

Paul and those he sent was not burdesome to the church but preached the gospel with power and signs following.

Grace to all.

[Lively Stone]

Malachi 3:7-12

Giving to God a Tenth Part
7 "From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My Laws and have not obeyed them.....

Did you actually read verse 7 above?  Pastor's seldom start with verse 7 because it totally destroys their tithing arguments.

Now, do you know exactly which laws the Israelites had turned aside from and not obeyed?  Try Leviticus 27:30-33 and Numbers 18, which God commands His tithe be taken to the Levites.

You see, if you are going to quote Malachi 3:7, what you are quoting is saying that if you don't follow God's laws, you will be robbing Him.  Do YOU follow God's laws and tithe from crops and animals raised on the Holy land?  Do YOU follow God's law and take the tithe to the Levites?  If you take the tithe to other than a Levite, per Malachi 3:7-10 YOU are robbing God.

We were living under a curse for not tithing, under a great deal of debt and trouble. That trouble was certainly not the blessing of God! Within a few months of beginning to tithe, we were completely out of debt. God honoured us and caused our dollars to go further than they would have had we not honoured Him first with our finances.

God's word is gold!

According to scriptures, you are not tithing unless it is food to be consumed by the Levitical priesthood. Also, the year of the tithe where you feed the father less, widows and the preists.

Paul is very clear, that those that preach the gospel live of the gospel. He didn't say the tithe.    

1Cr 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen

1Cr 9:10   Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

1Cr 9:10   Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

1Cr 9:12   If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.  

1Cr 9:13   Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

1Cr 9:14   Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.  

1Cr 9:15   But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.  

Nothing about tithing there and he is talking about money.

1Ti 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

Which confirms what Jesus taught as well

Luk 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Here is robbering in the NT.

2Cr 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages [of them], to do you service.

2Cr 11:9   And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].  

2Cr 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

and

1Th 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

Paul and those he sent was not burdesome to the church but preached the gospel with power and signs following.

Grace to all.

According to God I am tithing. Thanks.

[garyarnold]

According to God I am tithing. Thanks.

Many claim to hear from God.  But there is only ONE way to confirm whether it is God we are hearing from, or some other spirit.  IF it matches scripture, then it is from God.  If it contradicts the scripture, then it is not from God.

The scripture is clear as to what constitutes God's tithe, and who that tithe is to be taken to.

You might have heard from the Spirit that you should give a tenth of your income to the church, but I cannot believe that the Spirit told you to "tithe."

[Lively Stone]

According to God I am tithing. Thanks.

Many claim to hear from God.  But there is only ONE way to confirm whether it is God we are hearing from, or some other spirit.  IF it matches scripture, then it is from God.  If it contradicts the scripture, then it is not from God.

The scripture is clear as to what constitutes God's tithe, and who that tithe is to be taken to.

You might have heard from the Spirit that you should give a tenth of your income to the church, but I cannot believe that the Spirit told you to "tithe."

I take it you are not familiar with rhema.

Tithing after the law does not do away with the law, but establishes it. Are you honestly blessed to where you can give generously on every occasion? Or are you like so many that can't give the way they would like to be able to?

There are those who say that the tithe is not covered in the New Testament, but in Hebrews 5, 6 and 7, one of the main subjects spoken of is the tithe--who receives it and how to become mature through paying it.

In Hebrews 5:11-14 it states "...that you've become dull of hearing and that you should be teaching the first principles, but instead you have need of milk, and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the Word of righteousness, for he is a baby." This is preceded by the statement that Christ himself has become High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. In Chapter 6, it goes on to state that once you have been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift--once you have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good Word of God--if you still fall away it is impossible to be renewed again to repentance, seeing that you crucify again for yourselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame.

What is this good Word of God? This Word is "rhema" which means the spoken or revealed Word of God. His Word has been revealed to you concerning Jesus as High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, meaning that Jesus has become High Priest over the tithe, (and your life) forever (vs. 20). Chapter 6 further states (vs. 9-19), that God blessed Abraham by saying "With blessings, I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." He also promised immutability (unchangeableness) of His counsel and confirmed it by swearing an oath that by these unchangeable things, we might have strong consolation and lay hold of the hope set before us. Verse 19 states that this hope we have is an anchor for our soul (mind), both sure and steadfast. I am convinced these two unchangeable things are both God's promise to bless us and our promise to tithe back to Him. Chapter 7 states in verse 8, "Here mortal men receive tithes, but there He receives them of whom it is witnessed, that He lives."

Chapters 5-7 deals with the ministry of Melchizedek and that Jesus is the priest forever according to Melchizedek. We know Abraham gave tithes of all that he possessed. We know in the Law of Moses, tithes were commanded. After the Law, Hebrews states that Jesus is the Lord, not just of the past, not just of the present, but forever. Hallelujah! He is the Lord of the tithe, forever.

Seeing that Jesus is the Lord of the tithe, is He our lord? If He is, there should be no question that we tithe unto Him. I can just hear someone saying, " If Jesus was my Pastor, I would tithe," but Hebrews 7:8 states "that men (subject to death) receive tithes on this side; but on the other side, Jesus Himself receives them." Why should we look for ways to excuse us from what we know we should be doing? Let's be about establishing and not doing away with His Words. The tithe was, and is and shall ever be holy unto the Lord.

[garyarnold]

Hebrews 7:8 (KJV)  And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

The Book of Hebrews was written before the Temple was destroyed, and the Israelites kept tithing to the Levitical priesthood until the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD.

And here men that die receive tithes - the Levites
But there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth - Melchizekek.

The Bible CLEARLY SHOWS that the tithe ENDED at the cross in the Book of Hebrews.  In the first nine verses of Hebrews 7 the words tenth or tithes appears SEVEN TIMES.  The ONLY place in the Bible, after Calvary, that tithing appears is in Hebrews 7.

In Hebrews 7:5 we are told that Levi (the Levites) took the tithes under the law.  In Hebrews 7:12 we are told that when the priesthood changes, the law will change.  Hebrews 7:18 is telling us that Numbers 18 was disannulled.  Numbers 18 established the Levitical priesthood, and part of that establishing included tithing.  When the Levitical priesthood ended (at Calvary, or at least in the year 70AD when the temple was destroyed), all laws that established that priesthood were canceled.  If Numbers 18 wasn't canceled, we would still be under the Levitical priesthood.

You asked, "Are you honestly blessed to where you can give generously on every occasion? Or are you like so many that can't give the way they would like to be able to?"

My answer:  Yes.  Being Spirit led, I find myself giving much more than a mere tenth of my income.

[Lively Stone]

Hebrews 7:8 (KJV)  And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

The Book of Hebrews was written before the Temple was destroyed, and the Israelites kept tithing to the Levitical priesthood until the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD.

And here men that die receive tithes - the Levites
But there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth - Melchizekek.

The Bible CLEARLY SHOWS that the tithe ENDED at the cross in the Book of Hebrews.  In the first nine verses of Hebrews 7 the words tenth or tithes appears SEVEN TIMES.  The ONLY place in the Bible, after Calvary, that tithing appears is in Hebrews 7.

In Hebrews 7:5 we are told that Levi (the Levites) took the tithes under the law.  In Hebrews 7:12 we are told that when the priesthood changes, the law will change.  Hebrews 7:18 is telling us that Numbers 18 was disannulled.  Numbers 18 established the Levitical priesthood, and part of that establishing included tithing.  When the Levitical priesthood ended (at Calvary, or at least in the year 70AD when the temple was destroyed), all laws that established that priesthood were canceled.  If Numbers 18 wasn't canceled, we would still be under the Levitical priesthood.

You asked, "Are you honestly blessed to where you can give generously on every occasion? Or are you like so many that can't give the way they would like to be able to?"

My answer:  Yes.  Being Spirit led, I find myself giving much more than a mere tenth of my income.

That's great! One tenth goes to the storehouse, the local church, and the alms is the remaining portion that we have freedom to designate as we wish.

However, the tithe is our pleasure to worship God with.

[garyarnold]

One tenth goes to the storehouse, the local church, and the alms is the remaining portion that we have freedom to designate as we wish.

Not according to:
Nehemiah 10:37-38 (KJV)
37And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
38And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

So the scriptures tell us that the tithe went to the Levites, and the Levites gave a tenth of the tithe to the priests.  Only the tenth of the tithe went to the Temple storehouse, not the whole tithe.

[Lively Stone]

The full tithe is to go to the storehouse---the local church.

Malachi 3:10-11
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
      That there may be food in My house,
      And try Me now in this,

[garyarnold]

The full tithe is to go to the storehouse---the local church.
That's not Biblical.

Malachi 3:10-11
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
      That there may be food in My house,
Notice the word FOOD in my house?  FOOD, not money.
     

      " If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
      And pour out for you such blessing
RAIN.  The blessing was RAIN so that...
      That there will not be room enough to receive it.

       11 " And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
      So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
      Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,

[Lively Stone]

The full tithe is to go to the storehouse---the local church.
That's not Biblical.

Malachi 3:10-11
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
      That there may be food in My house,
Notice the word FOOD in my house?  FOOD, not money.
     

      " If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
      And pour out for you such blessing
RAIN.  The blessing was RAIN so that...
      That there will not be room enough to receive it.

       11 " And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
      So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
      Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,

[garyarnold]

No changing is happening. It is revelation--rhema.

It is nothing but your mind.  You've been brainwashed.  That's all there is to it.

But if it makes you happy, maybe helps your ego, you will do what you want to do and rationalize it.

Jesus paid the whole price.  Those who think tithing is appropriate today are generally cheapskates.  They give a tenth and think they have done their part.

You can use the Old Testament as your guideline if you wish.  I will continue to use the Holy Spirit and be a generous giver, from the heart, as the Spirit leads me.  I have been blessed financially (and in many other ways) beyond my dreams without ever tithing.  Yet I know many who believe in tithing and have trouble making it from paycheck to paycheck.

[Lively Stone]

No changing is happening. It is revelation--rhema.

It is nothing but your mind.  You've been brainwashed.  That's all there is to it.

But if it makes you happy, maybe helps your ego, you will do what you want to do and rationalize it.

Jesus paid the whole price.  Those who think tithing is appropriate today are generally cheapskates.  They give a tenth and think they have done their part.

You can use the Old Testament as your guideline if you wish.  I will continue to use the Holy Spirit and be a generous giver, from the heart, as the Spirit leads me.  I have been blessed financially (and in many other ways) beyond my dreams without ever tithing.  Yet I know many who believe in tithing and have trouble making it from paycheck to paycheck.

Actually it is the anti-tither that tends toward cheapness. I find it insulting that what God has spoken to me and my husband you denounce as brainwashing. Of course it isn't at all.

Paying the tithe is the outward expression of inner commitment — or lack of it. It is material and financial surrender prompted by spiritual surrender.

The tenth is only the start.

We know that God owns everything and he has given us the role of stewardship, with the firstfruits returning to Him. It is a pleasure to honour and worship God in this way.

I don't know ANY tithers (and most people I know are tithers) who live paycheck to paycheck and have financial difficulties. God's promise of provision comes into play for them.

[garyarnold]

I don't know ANY tithers (and most people I know are tithers) who live paycheck to paycheck and have financial difficulties. God's promise of provision comes into play for them.

I know of some tithers who are financially well off, but I also know many who live paycheck to paycheck.  In fact, I had tithers ask for my financial assistance.  I finally had to tell one of them that if he wanted me to help his family financially, they would have to stop tithing because if they didn't tithe, I wouldn't have to help them so much.

I also know of many atheists who are doing very well financially.

I find absolutely no connection between tithing and a persons finances other than many tithers are more careful with their money to begin with.  Some are probably better stewards of their money. 

As a Money & Finance Minister, I do teach that God does bless those who give from the heart.  However, I also teach that God will bless who he wants and for whatever reason he wants, and just because someone is a giver doesn't mean God will bless them financially.  I have known some who tithe but are terrible stewards with the 90% left.  No wonder God doesn't bless them with even more money. 

But God is not a slot machine.  The motive for giving should be the gift, NOT that you will or might get something back. 

A history of tithing in the Christian Church reveals that getting more money was the motive to teach tithing around 1870, not that it was correct.  It was, and still is, all about the money.  Money has corrupted our politians.  Money has corrupted the church.  Money has corrupted people in general.

I've had meeting with several pastors about their teaching of tithing.  One was honest enough to tell me he knows that tithing is not appropriate today, but he feels that people just don't want to give so he teaches robbing God if you don't tithe, knowing all along that he is teaching lies.  And this is one of the most respected pastors in this area.

[Lively Stone]

God blesses those who obey Him, and those he deems trustworthy to Him. Those who reject the tithe will obviously not have any right to expect God to honour His promises that go along with it.

As for me and my house, we will worship and honour God with our tithe and we can hold God to His word concerning it.

[garyarnold]

I find it insulting that what God has spoken to me and my husband you denounce as brainwashing.

I don't believe it was God who spoke to you and your husband.  The reason I can't believe it, is because it contradicts God's Word.

Furthermore, just a few years ago I was asked by a pastor if I would teach a Sunday School Class in finances.  I agreed.  While preparing for the class is when I discovered that everything I had been taught about tithing was wrong.  I went back to the pastor and told him what I had found.  He said he would do his own research.  Days later he stopped teaching Malachi 3, and a few weeks later he stopped teaching tithing altogether.

When I saw the scriptures contradicted everything I have been taught about tithing, I prayed and prayed and prayed and ask the Lord to please show me the truth.  The Lord spoke to me and explained that tithing is on HIS miracles and NOT man's income.  He told me to "tell the people" that He never intended man to tithe on his income.

What I heard matches up perfectly with the scriptures.  What you heard does not.  The tithe was only on God's miraculous increase of FOOD from crops and animals.  Wage earners did not tithe.  Jesus, as a carpenter, did not tithe.  Until one gets the revelation from God that the Biblical tithe ALWAYS came from God's miracles and NEVER from man's income, one will never understand the Biblical tithe.

[Lively Stone]

I find it insulting that what God has spoken to me and my husband you denounce as brainwashing.

I don't believe it was God who spoke to you and your husband.  The reason I can't believe it, is because it contradicts God's Word.

Furthermore, just a few years ago I was asked by a pastor if I would teach a Sunday School Class in finances.  I agreed.  While preparing for the class is when I discovered that everything I had been taught about tithing was wrong.  I went back to the pastor and told him what I had found.  He said he would do his own research.  Days later he stopped teaching Malachi 3, and a few weeks later he stopped teaching tithing altogether.

When I saw the scriptures contradicted everything I have been taught about tithing, I prayed and prayed and prayed and ask the Lord to please show me the truth.  The Lord spoke to me and explained that tithing is on HIS miracles and NOT man's income.  He told me to "tell the people" that He never intended man to tithe on his income.

What I heard matches up perfectly with the scriptures.  What you heard does not.  The tithe was only on God's miraculous increase of FOOD from crops and animals.  Wage earners did not tithe.  Jesus, as a carpenter, did not tithe.  Until one gets the revelation from God that the Biblical tithe ALWAYS came from God's miracles and NEVER from man's income, one will never understand the Biblical tithe.

Actually it was indeed God who has spoken to us about tithing. There is nothing contradictory about it. It is right and good that we fully trust God with EVERYTHING!  It is an act of worship and honour to the Father, Jehovah Jireh, and we thank and praise Jesus Christ for leading us to tithe, and for the many wonderful blessings from His hand that we have incurred since we began.

[garyarnold]

Actually it was indeed God who has spoken to us about tithing.

If that is what you believe, so be it.  But you have no scripture to back up your belief.  I have scripture to back up my belief.

You can say all you want, but if you don't have scripture to back it up, your words are meaningless to me.

[Lively Stone]

Actually it was indeed God who has spoken to us about tithing.

If that is what you believe, so be it.  But you have no scripture to back up your belief.  I have scripture to back up my belief.

You can say all you want, but if you don't have scripture to back it up, your words are meaningless to me.

I have the entire Bible, thanks! God's words.

[garyarnold]

I have the entire Bible, thanks! God's words.

And so do I.  And I can't find even one verse where anyone ever tithed on their income.  I can't find even one verse where a church building is the storehouse referred to in the Bible.  I can't find even one verse where God gave anyone, other than the Levites, permission to receive His tithe.

The tithe was taken to the Levites who were the servants to the priests.  They were the ushers, musicians, singers, janitors, etc.  The workers.  Then the Levites gave a tenth of the tithe to the priests.  Is that the way you do it?

Give me some scripture to show me what you do is Biblical.  What you are telling me is that God gave you instructions that differ from those in His Word.  If the aren't different, then quote the scripture.  Give me scripture to show that God commanded other than FOOD from crops and animals to be tithed.  Give me scripture to show that God commanded anyone other than the Israelite farmers and herdsmen to tithe.  Give scripture, not words with no backup.

If you can't quote the specific scriptures, then how is anyone supposed to believe what you say is truth?

[Lively Stone]

I have the entire Bible, thanks! God's words.

And so do I.  And I can't find even one verse where anyone ever tithed on their income.  I can't find even one verse where a church building is the storehouse referred to in the Bible.  I can't find even one verse where God gave anyone, other than the Levites, permission to receive His tithe.

The tithe was taken to the Levites who were the servants to the priests.  They were the ushers, musicians, singers, janitors, etc.  The workers.  Then the Levites gave a tenth of the tithe to the priests.  Is that the way you do it?

Give me some scripture to show me what you do is Biblical.  What you are telling me is that God gave you instructions that differ from those in His Word.  If the aren't different, then quote the scripture.  Give me scripture to show that God commanded other than FOOD from crops and animals to be tithed.  Give me scripture to show that God commanded anyone other than the Israelite farmers and herdsmen to tithe.  Give scripture, not words with no backup.

If you can't quote the specific scriptures, then how is anyone supposed to believe what you say is truth?

What you do is accept that God is able and does often visit His people with rhema and He expects them to obey Him. It comes from the reading of His word and is a personal revelation. Millions of Christians around the world from the beginning receive rhema from the Holy Spirit about myriad matters, and tithing is just one.

You have to respect that and not mock His power to do so.

[garyarnold]

You have to respect that and not mock His power to do so.

God has the power to do anything.  But how can I possibly believe that he tells you the opposite of what he tells me?  How can one know what to believe IF you can't back it up with scripture?  How does one know if it is God's Spirit or another spirit talking to them?  There is only ONE way, and the Bible tells us so.  We must compare what we hear WITH THE SCRIPTURES. 

God's Word does not change.

Mark 7:13 (NIV)
13Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.

[Talking Donkey]

When they can't find support in Scriptures for their theology... They pull that old fashioned Rhema word.... "God told me".  That is a sure sign, they are aware they can't find any verse to back up what they are saying.  That is why I love ISA 8:20 and Acts 17:11.

ISA 8:20. To the law and the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, there is no light in them.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, (to see) whether those things were so.

We did search the Scriptures to see if there was a tithing law before Moses or after the temple was destroyed and guess what... It isn't so.

That is quite clear, isn't?  Lets make sure we don't lose sight of that.  That is the litmus test for doctrine.  If it goes against our written marching orders, it is ok to ignore it.

Peace

[Lively Stone]

You have to respect that and not mock His power to do so.

God has the power to do anything.  But how can I possibly believe that he tells you the opposite of what he tells me?  How can one know what to believe IF you can't back it up with scripture?  How does one know if it is God's Spirit or another spirit talking to them?  There is only ONE way, and the Bible tells us so.  We must compare what we hear WITH THE SCRIPTURES. 

God's Word does not change.

Mark 7:13 (NIV)
13Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.

[Talking Donkey]

The ares of blessing spoken in the Bible concerning the tithe are only for farmers in Israel that bring 1/10 of the produce of their land to the Temple in Jerusalem.  There is no one on the planet doing that.

If I have a Rhema word that God will bless those that give 1% of their income to widows... If that is the case... (hypothetical situation)...

1.  Will God keep his blessings from everyone that do not give 1% of their income to widows?
2.  Will God call me to preach to the world a new blessing that is not in the Bible?
3.  Will God call me to refer to it as a law, an actual,  unscriptural law that is in effect even though it is not in the Bible?
4.  Will God establish a new law that is not in the Bible, to a church that is not under the law?
5.  Am I accountable to a law that is not in the Bible?
6.  Am I accountable to a Rhema word?

That is the issue here.

[garyarnold]

Let me say this also: even an evil sinner who tithes receives certain benefits because there are promises of God built in.

I guess you mean the promises listed in Malachi 3 - RAIN and protection from LOCUSTS.

[garyarnold]

The promises in Malachi 3 are to the NATION, as a whole, not to any individual.  If the NATION did not follow the laws properly, the NATION would be curses.  If the NATION followed the laws, the NATION would be blessed.

[Lively Stone]

The ares of blessing spoken in the Bible concerning the tithe are only for farmers in Israel that bring 1/10 of the produce of their land to the Temple in Jerusalem.  There is no one on the planet doing that.

If I have a Rhema word that God will bless those that give 1% of their income to widows... If that is the case... (hypothetical situation)...

1.  Will God keep his blessings from everyone that do not give 1% of their income to widows?
2.  Will God call me to preach to the world a new blessing that is not in the Bible?
3.  Will God call me to refer to it as a law, an actual,  unscriptural law that is in effect even though it is not in the Bible?
4.  Will God establish a new law that is not in the Bible, to a church that is not under the law?
5.  Am I accountable to a law that is not in the Bible?
6.  Am I accountable to a Rhema word?

That is the issue here.

The blessing is for anyone and everyone who takes God at His word. All promises are guarantees and all stand forever.

[garyarnold]

The blessing is for anyone and everyone who takes God at His word. A all promises are guarantees and all stand forever.

Instead of just making your own statements, why not back up what you say with scripture?  Nobody cares what you say or think.  Nobody cares what I say or think.  What matters is WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY.  Now, quote it for a change!

[Lively Stone]

The blessing is for anyone and everyone who takes God at His word. All promises are guarantees and all stand forever.

Instead of just making your own statements, why not back up what you say with scripture?  Nobody cares what you say or think.  Nobody cares what I say or think.  What matters is WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY.  Now, quote it for a change!

I care what people say and think. That is why I am a member here. I think your rudeness is overwhelming and not indicative of godly character.

I have provided scripture and explained how God has spoken to our family as well as countless other believers.

You are not convinced. That's OK. Holy Spirit has not spoken to you about this, or He has and you have turned a deaf ear.

That is between you and the Lord. It is not my job to convince you of something Holy Spirit has the power and authority to do.

I am simply sharing what the Lord has spoken to us. Rejoice with those who rejoice and be done with it.