The Lords Tithe – Should A Christian Pay Tithes To The Church? – Part 1

30 Responses to “The Lords Tithe – Should A Christian Pay Tithes To The Church? – Part 1”

1. JOE on January 5th, 2009 6:09 pm
   

   did the bible not say we have been delivered from the curse of the mosiac laws and translated into the kingdon of hgis dear son? why are we then being compelled to pay tithes today?
2. A Watchman on January 6th, 2009 12:33 pm
   

   The only person in the Bible that calls the Law a curse is Paul.

   Deuteronomy 27:26
   ‘ Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

   Matthew 5:17-19
   17″Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
   18″For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
   19″Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

   Matthew 7:23
   “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

   Matthew 13:41
   ” The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness,

   Matthew 23:28
   “So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

   Matthew 24:12
   “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.

   1 John 3
   1See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
   2Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
   3And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
   4Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.
   5You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.
   6No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him.
   7Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;
   8the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
   9No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
   10By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.
   11For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

   The TRUE Tithe that our Heavenly Father ordained (The true tithe has nothing to do with money) is merely an outward evidence of the two Greatest Commandments in action:
   Matthew 22:37-39
   37And He said to him, ” ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’
   38″This is the great and foremost commandment.
   39″The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
3. Glenda on January 6th, 2009 12:51 pm
   

   Jesus has the last word and assures us in the last chapter of the last book of the bible that the curse will be removed in the world to come because there will be no lawlessness/sin there that attracts the curse, because evil will first be destroyed in the lake of fire
   Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

   (’there shall be’ is future tense and clarified as being when the old earth passes away and there is a new heaven and new earth)

   This agrees with first words of Jesus on this topic so 1st and last agree
   Mat 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
   Mat 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
   Mat 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
   Mat 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
   Mat 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
   Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

   Until then, those who persist in sin ie lawlessness are cursed
   1JN 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
   JN 7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
   MT 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
   2PET 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
4. larry on January 9th, 2009 4:41 am
   

   I have such a hard dilema right now with our church. All of our tithes has gone to clothe, feed, mortage of the pastor. We have a small church just under a 100. The pastor decided to go fulltime yet our income toward the church has been sporadic. No tithe is able to be devided to the small amount of ministries that we have… mens, womens, childrens, monthly fellowship ect. Can someone give me a really good scripture that describes how the church should devide it.

   Thanks and God Bless
5. Glenda on January 9th, 2009 9:40 pm
   

   During the life-ministry of Jesus, there was always material support available for Jesus and his apostles from followers (including the child who gave the bread and fish), but Jesus said that that external material support would finish when he was gone and apostles would have to supply their own wallet and scrip etc:
   LK 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

   Notice that Jesus tells them to take their own ’scrip’ and clothes rather than other peoples’ scrip and clothes … no demanding or expecting any tithe from others or the shirt off their back. Since the chosen 12 who spread the gospel weren’t expecting or demanding any tithe, then no other person who spreads the gospel should expect or demand it either.

   Whatever resources the disciples had, they shared jointly.
   ACTS 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

   Money was not used to enable any personal mortgage for any preacher. Everything was joint property. Look how many people co-existed/abode in limited space
   Act 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
   I bet no modern preacher would promote that!
   Any disciple house was ‘common ground’ and disciples went from one to another eating together …
   ACTS 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

   Any available funds went towards supplying food for all, since apostles referred to ’serving tables’ regarding the daily ministration
   ACTS 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

   The apostles set Godly men to oversee the food sharing arrangements. The apostles left it to others to do the work of waiters and waitresses, while apostles performed service of prayer and ministry. Acts confirms ministry ‘included’ aiding welfare by healing people eg Acts 3:6 and raising the dead eg Acts 9:40 as well as sharing gospel and converting Gentiles Acts 10:45,11:1 (who were told by angel to specifically ask for Peter only Acts 10:5 because God chose Peter to be apostle to the Gentiles Acts 15:7)

   The apostles commanded that the poor be aided with whatever any disciple could afford to give
   Act 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
   Gal 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

   Where should your money go? Certainly not to any selfish preacher’s mortgage. Apostles were told to use their own wallet and did so. Apostles confirmed the command of Jesus, to give whatever funds were available to the poor and needy. Material means are to supply material needs.
   Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

   Think hard about what Jesus said … the POOR have the gospel preached to them! Poor people may not have any money, let alone a tithe that a preacher wants to spend on his mortgage! The poor are meant to be given what is available rather than have whatever they have taken from them by a ravening wolf in sheep clothing. MT 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
6. A Watchman on January 10th, 2009 10:03 am
   

   Larry: The Lords Tithe is food. It Never was Money.

   Deuteronomy 12
   18But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

   Deuteronomy 1422Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
   23And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

   28At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
   29And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

   The Lords Tithe is food which is to be eaten in love and fellowship with thanksgiving.

   The money that you are giving to clothe, feed, pay the mortage of your pastor is not the God ordained Tithe. It is a man-made tithe that has been set up by corrupt men to benefit themselves.
7. Glenda on January 10th, 2009 12:34 pm
   

   I have a ‘practical’ problem that I need help with please.

   It is a joy to obey God and it is a joy to share as God intends, with those who God intends (rather than wrong recipients).

   I have some tomato plants growing which I hope and expect will fruit. My son intends to buy me 2 laying hens in about a month. I hope and expect to be blessed with minor primary produce when tomatoes and chooks become productive. I would love to be able to give God the 1st and best primary produce that He blesses me with. ‘Practical’ problem … how do I do this? Local relief agencies toss food and only use authorised food sources (eg Red Cross even tosses sandwiches that locals bring for CFA while fire-fighting, and other relief agencies that I’m aware of also reject non-authorised food sources). Leaving food out with any ‘free’ sign could result in misuse of food for egg-throwing etc. How can I share 1st and best with those who God intends sharing with? Can I send food to brethren here so we can joyfully praise God for what He provides or send to someone that brethren can suggest? Any other options? Advice please?
   thanks and blessings
   Glenda
8. larry on January 12th, 2009 8:30 am
   

   I thank you for the scriptures and thoughts. I really want to be sound about this when I speak about this situation.

   Have a Blessed day.
9. Robert Percuoco on February 15th, 2009 8:53 am
   

   Tithing predates the law. Abraham gave a tenth before there was a law. Even though the book of Proverbs is written in the Old Testament, Proverbs is not a book of law, but a book of principles. Proverbs 3: 9, 10 says, ” Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” This is not law; it’s a principle. Galatians 3:24,25 says, “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith, but after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (law).” Under the law, people were “tutored” to give a tenth. Hebrews 8:6 says, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” We are under a better covenant; however, not being under the law does not mean we are exempt from the principles of Gods Word. Even in Malachi, 3:10 when it talks about bringing the tithe into the storehouse, the Word does not say, “… bring the tithe into the temple,” or “bring the tithe into the synagogue.” God says, “… that there may be food in My house. The storehouse is where the food is stored and dispensed. Today, it is the local church. If every Christian believed they did not have responsibility to give (at least a tenth, and whatever your faith directs beyond that), no church would survive. The difference between the tithe in the Old Testament and the New is that, in the Old Testament, you were obligated to give. In the New Testament, you’re expected to use your faith to give. We’re expected to believe that “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness” (2 Corinth. 9:10); and “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2Corinth. 9:6-8) The church does not provide a fee for service, like a bank or a supermarket. It exists solely on the offerings of its members. Tithing is the manifestation of the principles of giving found in the book of Proverbs and throughout the New Testament. If you can’t trust the Lord with your money, what makes you think you can trust Him with your life? I’m not a pastor, but I am a tither. I find that most people who preach against tithing never give anything. My wife and I have 9 children, three in College, and we’re debt free. We are middle income and simply use our faith to give and to operate under the principles of God’s Word. If using your faith were easy, everyone would do it. It involves trusting God that He will do what He says He will do in His Word. Set a goal to give a tenth. Tell God what your goal is and “prove” His faithfulness. (Malachi 3: 10) Start with what you can give and whatever is returned to you beyond your regular earnings, give a tenth to Him. This includes raises, birthday or holiday money, graduation money, known savings on repairs because of a great deal, etc. Once you realize you can trust a living God with your finances, no one will be able to convince you that you should not be tithing.
10. Glenda on February 15th, 2009 4:07 pm
    

    Hi Robert, it is an interesting comment that you made that “I find that most people who preach against tithing never give anything.”
    Since monetary gifts are commanded to be secret according to Jesus, how would you know, or even be able to guess, who is giving anything or not? The only assumption that can truly be made is that you may be unaware of what gifts anybody may be giving in secret.

    You said ” the Word does not say, “… bring the tithe into the temple,” or “bring the tithe into the synagogue.” God says, “… that there may be food in My house. The storehouse is where the food is stored and dispensed. ”
    It is true that tithes should be used for food, rather than line the pockets of church officials. Churches are not normally food store-houses, but are usually financial businesses. I can’t imagine they’d be thrilled if a can of baked beans was placed in the offering plate, rather than cash.

    I am pro-tithing but not to line the pockets of any church. We can trust God but not man. Many charities do a better job of fair food distribution than what churches do, and charities don’t pretend to be religious.

    Speaking of ‘birthday money’ etc, there are better options available than ever receiving birthday money or material gifts. Some charities (eg Oxfam) can be accessed to buy things for poor people as a ‘birthday gift’ eg, for your birthday, you could ask everyone to buy you a well in Africa through a specified charity. In this way we can do as Jesus said and ensure poor people benefit from our celebrations.
11. A Watchman on February 15th, 2009 4:14 pm
    

    Hi Robert,

    I am not against tithing.

    As I said in the post:
    “The word of God is full of promises stating that if we tithe, according to the commandments of the Lord, that He will lead us to take possession of a land “flowing with milk and honey”.

    I have a problem with evil preachers that have taken the commandment to tithe and twisted it to suit their own evil desires.

    – * – Show me a scripture where YHVH allows houses and cars to be purchased with the tithe.

    Or church buildings with all the latest in high tech equipment and creature comforts for that matter.

    – * – Show me a scripture where YHVH ordained that a tithe of money be given rather than food shared in fellowship.

    Preachers have taken the Lord’s Tithe, a prescribed feast of fellowship, and lied about it and used it to line their own pockets.

    Contrary To What The Preachers Tell You Robert… Melchizedek Tithed To Abram – Not the other way around.

    Read the scripture in context:
    Genesis 14:
    18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said:
    “ Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
    Possessor of heaven and earth;
    20 And blessed be God Most High,
    Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
    And he gave him a tithe of all.

    More information here:
    http://www.onlinechurch.com.au/the-lords-tithe-should-a-christian-pay-tithes-to-the-church-part-3

    And although the priests will tell you that Malachi chapter 3 was a rebuke to the congregation for robbing YHVH … Malachi chapter 3 is in reality a rebuke to the priests for robbing YHVH.

    And they are still robbing Him to this day.
12. Glenda on February 15th, 2009 4:18 pm
    

    Interesting observation … ” If every Christian believed they did not have responsibility to give (at least a tenth, and whatever your faith directs beyond that), no church would survive.”
    I hope if churches don’t use available funds to benefit the poor and needy of society, rather than benefit comforatble church officials, that they don’t survive. Communities happily support charities that put money where it is truly needed. Most communities see no reason to support churches, since most church funds are dispersed inwards rather than outwards.
13. Stan Lucas on May 22nd, 2009 4:06 am
    

    A major turn-off to working-class people attending church is that churches always want their money. I have heard that a lot of churches make sure that they are always in debt so they can keep asking their members for more and more money.

    I can’t think of anything more to turn people off to christianity than to demand money from them. Why can’t churches save some of the tithe they get and invest it in good solid investments and in due time use the profit they make to fund church operations? Any extra left over could be distributed among the members of the congregation.

    Of course, if you like a fancy church building with heat and ac and all the trimmings then you certainly should help to pay for it.
14. Julie on June 10th, 2009 4:22 pm
    

    After many years away from church I returned a few years ago to a different church. My memories of church used to be that of a place to worship-a place of happiness and peace. I am feeling at the moment that I shouldn’t be attending the church and should be just being with God in my own presence as I do give money to my church but not the 10% that they push every week to give. They make you feel guilty that you don’t give 10%. I would not have a problem with the money I give except that the church always seems to be spending to look better than others. My church has investment property and rents out the church. The pastor is always purchasing books, Cd’s and DVD’s-more than is required for our small congregation. On top of this 10% of our money is given to another church that is run by children of the pastor’s friend. I would actually give more if the money was used only to keep our church going and if any was left over give it to missionaries for their work.
15. Glenda on August 8th, 2009 11:40 am
    

    Since salvation is of the Jews, I looked to Jewish sources and found something fascinating and exciting about tithes.

    COLLOQUIALLY in Judaism, the scriptural TITHE of the ***increase*** (net rather than gross) which God supplies, is called *****’CHARITY’***** and is set aside for the poor and needy!
    http://judaism.about.com/library/3_askrabbi_o/bl_simmons_tithe.htm

    (’charity’ is certainly promoted in scripture, before and after the ministry of Jesus)

    Judaism recognises greed as the basis for Christian churches wanting tithes

    Jesus recognised greed as a problem in Pharisee Judaism where the non-needy religious were ensuring they benefitted from religious gifts.

    Orthodox/Pharisee Judaism ***still**** allows deducting personal ‘business expenses’ and ‘family Torah education’ etc from the tithe while other sects of Judaism reject such selfish personal benefit and promote the tithe be used as ‘alms for the poor’ (and clarifies this as a ‘good work’ which doesn’t make sense why anti-good-works Cristian churches demand tithes=good works)

    What does our Teacher/Rabbi Jesus promote?
    Luk 14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
    Luk 14:14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

    Jews can also show scripturally that charity ‘atones for sin’

    Farmers have other scriptural charitable obligations as well as the tithe eg leaving corners of their fields and secondary harvest for the poor and also how in sabbatical years there is no tithe since the land rests.

    There is some confusion about tithing because of discrepancies in scripture
    This link may help clarify the issues http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=227&letter=T

    Judaism clarifies that money for a religious institution equates to ‘temple tax’ rather than ‘tithe’ and if anyone hands over any part of a tithe to a religious institution, then that institution should distribute it to the poor and needy
    (this is not what the financial institution of Christianity does)

    God commanded that religious (rather than charity) gifts were NOT to be directed to any worship centre EXCEPT the one that God chose Himself and this was Jerusalem ONLY.

    God clarified that human-choice localized religious expenditure was unacceptable.

    Jews recognise this and confirm that local synagogues are NOT ‘the Temple’.

    God assured us that we MUST support His choice of financially poor and land-less priest … and our priest is Jesus and he confirmed he was land-less (Mt 8:20, Lk 9:58) and also clarified how we are to support him … or not support him
    Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
    Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
    Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
    Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
    Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
    Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ****ye have done it unto me****.
    Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
    Mat 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
    Mat 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
    Mat 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
    Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ****ye did it NOT to me***.

    There is no temple tax or Levitical priestly portion due to maintain the workers of earthly buildings since the Jerusalem temple was destroyed, however, observant Jews persist with the ‘charity’/tithe ie ‘alms to the poor’

    So observant Jews tithe the net increase God provides, to the poor in almsgiving as commanded, while Christians tithe gross income to financial religious institutions as God commanded against
    (Physical welfare matters and is why God commands tithe/charity. God’s Own Words convert us after we are attracted to hear them by seeing ‘lights’ of good/God-works people in this dark world. Jesus is the light who attracted me and I heeded his words AFTER seeing his good/God (only God is good) works which glorified YHWH … that doesn’t seem to be what ‘church’ is about … it’s about money and empty/action-less talk … Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree … no point being a fruit tree if empty of fruit … no point being a virgin if no light-fuel in lamp … only darkness)
16. Nchoba Moleko on December 7th, 2009 4:17 pm
    

    My concern is on the issue of paying tithe which is most of the time taken by prist. This state of affairs creates problems because the love for money for money by the priests seems to be increasing all the time.
17. pastor on December 8th, 2009 2:40 pm
    

    Does anyone have any scriptural evidence for churches paying tithe?
18. Dave on December 11th, 2009 1:15 pm
    

    Matthew10- 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Mark 12:13-17

    Paying Taxes to Caesar

    13Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
    But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”
    “Caesar’s,” they replied.

    17Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
    And they were amazed at him.
    I would honestly have no problem helping the poor hungry children clothing ppl if i could see where the money went to but not an obligation i always stand by Jesus and his example he lived humbly he never charged anyone anything and I am sure he would expect the same from us If u feel it in your heart that this is your giving your calling do it Like once not so long ago i remember a preist saying in the mass “And the little 5c coins people put in the collection leave them for Bingo”
    what about the old people on the pension or people who simply can not afford to donate just had enough petrol money to make it to church comeon what has it all turned into do you think That humble Man who would preach to so many people with such Love filled in his heart expected it to turn into this…. Did he not destroy the markets they had build around the church LEAVE TO CEASER WHAT IS HIS AND LEAVE TO MY FATHER WHAT IS MY FATHERS!!!
19. A Watchman on December 12th, 2009 11:09 am
    

    Thanks Dave…
    That is a great analogy.

    “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

    YHVH did not make the money. That’s why he did not ask for money in the tithe to the Levites. He only asked for the things that His earth had produced. The things that He had created and given Freely to man.
    Not Money… Man created money.
20. Terry on January 1st, 2010 3:52 pm
    

    Ok,we can pull out all sorts of scriptures for and against titheing.The main drain on the churchs bank ac is and always will be wages for leadership.This in turn makes the church quiet ineffective at meeting the needs of the needy,poor,lost etc,etc.Even if their were money left over im sure leaders would prefer to spend it inside their church rather than on the community.Oops sorry to inform the pastors,priests etc but the church is actually gods house not your personal and prideful business to operate your way!The last time i checked approx 80% of tithe income was spent on wages,woefull & shamefull!
    The reason most leadership will always favour tithe giving is so they keep their paid jobs at the expense of the people jesus told us to minister to.Take a look at the apostle paul he had to work with his own hands and also recieve from some brothers and sisters to make ends meet as he moved around ministering.Imagine Gods house where there were no paid employees,a box in the corner to give of your on free accord,in turn those proceeds dispersed into the community as required.A team of elders to oversee operations,the whole church involved in decisions,voting etc.Now most would be employed outside the church,by the way,you are the church and you take it every where you go.You all come together weekly to praise,worship god and to plan operations,sort of like gods army.And the church bank ac is open to all to see at all times.
    Ask your pastor,preist etc if they would preach for free if they were employed outside the church,i dont think so for obvious reasons.
    I pray those with open ears hear this meesage and shout it from the rooftops as i surely will be doing.
    In Jesus beautiful name,
    Terry.
21. Dave on January 17th, 2010 1:15 am
    

    It should be like those times like Paul taking up Gods work full time and devoting your life to him does not mean you need to be financially compensated to take up his vocation it should be an honour a privilege In my opinion I see no reason why a pastor could not work like a normal person and be a pastor also……..
22. Vikram on February 18th, 2010 9:10 am
    

    Hi A Watchman!!!
    Thanks for all this knowledge!!!
    Today I am very much sure that GOD is near me and listens to me.
    Because since last a few days, I was very much confused about tithing and today accidentally I approached your website. And I am very much Glad to read all about tithing.
    THANKS a lot.

    Could you please help in one more thing?
    Like the book of HEBREW in Bible has some doubtful scripts, so i am confused about the REAL WORD OF GOD. so please help me to choose what should i read OR which translation of Bible should i read?

    Thanks in advance..
    GOD BLESS YOU!!!
23. Norman on May 28th, 2010 9:47 am
    

    I am a pastor and it is sad to read from this website the many people who felt duped by pastors/priests. I used to work as a General Manager in North Hollywood but now I am a full time pastor. Our church is a part of a denomination so our denomination has oversight on how we manage our finances. We are required to have a budget and the total salary (pastors and staff) should not exceed 45% of the church’s income from tithes and offerings. Missions and special offerings are not taken into account when calculating salary. Now aside from the denomination, within the local church we have accountability group that manages the finances and sets up the salary of the pastor and all the staff. Our policy is this: The Pastor is paid last. So I receive my allowance near the end of the month – that is if there’s something that the church can afford to pay me.
    I brough this up because your chart does not show justice to many pastors and priests who are faithful to the call of God. We preach the Word of God (Gen-Rev). When I took up this position in our church, I intend to be bi-vocational but our congregation does not want me to. So for seven years my wife and I are full time in the ministry and we continue to keep all salaries under 45%. We are a small church of 50 people and our average gross offerings is under $7000 per month. I am not the only paid staff so just imagine what is left for salary (less 10%). I have 4 kids and we live near San Francisco (not cheap). But we were able to live within our means debt free for seven years and counting.
    I believe tithing works. But I do not agree that churches should force people to tithe. No one should be force to do, give, or say anything in the church. Jesus never force us to receive Him. The church should be a place where people hear, learn, and practice the Word of God. The church should provide opportunities for people to exercise their faith.
    I say tithing works because it is in the Word of God. It works for me and my family so I see no reason that it will not work for other people. God’s Word never fails if we obey it with all of our heart. God said, “I the Lord do not change.” Therefore, His promises will not change too.
    When I practice tithing, a lot of things changed in me. I learn to live within the 90%. I stop wasteful spending by cutting down on going out to the movies, eating in restaurants, and trips. I definitely cut the habit of upgrading my car to newer model and buying gadgets that I really don’t need. I used to do those stuff when I was working as a manager of a company. We still manage to have fun as a family by spending more time at home or at the local park.
    This is why I am very surprised when you said “you have 15,000 in the bank before you join the church and then 15,000 in debt when you left.” What happened? Did you give it all to the church? Were you forced to give it all and 15,000 more on top of that? Was the tithe really to blame here for the 15,000 debt? I am not understanding this because the tithe should be taken from the “increase” and not from what remains. If you have no income, then you should not tithe. If you have no money in the bank, you should not give to the church at all. God can take care of His church.
    Rather than bashing all the pastors, I think we should educate the body of Christ to support churches or ministries that have accountability in place and are transparent on how they use the finances of the church. In our church we give monthly reports to the accountability group and we have bi-annual membership meetings to report all church activities and every member receives a copy of our financial records. Every member is also welcome to come into the office and look at the records any time.
    Finally, what is more difficult to explain to all people; …that God will transform our mortal bodies into imortality and we will have homes in paradise or that God will open the windows of heaven and pour out the blessing to those who give their tithes and offerings? You see… both of these requires “faith” to work.
24. The Lion on June 12th, 2010 1:44 pm
    

    The poor widow gave into the offering-two mites (Mark 12:42 & Luke 21:2). Jesus, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9- Matthew 8:20).

    While reading your article, I searched thoroughly to examine Malachi closer to the root, and reading carefully for myself; you are correct. The communication was to the Pries, from the LORD. I was taught by a pastor degreed in the highest level “Doctor of Philosophy” graduate of SMU.

    His instructions to our bible class was to always read the biblical text, understand the text by researching the contents-carefully. Understand, the cultural, audience, and then review the text again, and then you ask the question-How is this text applicable to me now, in this modern day, in this culture.

    Here is my breakdown accordingly:

    Malachi 1:6-7 (The LORD was speaking to the Priest)
    Malachi 2:1 (Priest, this commandment is for you…)
    Malachi 2:8 (The Priest caused many to stumble-Corrupted the covenant of Levi)
    Malachi 2:12-13, 16, 17 ( reading these scriptures opened my eyes wider. ..covereth violence with his garment…saith everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD…WOW!)

    Malachi 3:2-9 Who shall stand when He appeareth…

    Malachi 3:4 (then the offering…)

    Malachi 3:8 (God asked the question of the Priest that were out of order…Will a man rob God…)

    The Priest were warned concerning the curse…I will curse your blessings…Malachi 2:2

    Malachi 2:17 & Malachi 3:13 (Partner scripture that support the case-THIS IS A MUST READ OF BOTH SCRIPTURE without blinders…OPEN YOUR EYES and see Spiritually!

    The same goes for Malachi 3:15 & Malachi 2:17

    I understand in the east that the men go to the temple and pray and the women remain at home. Here in America many ministers and churches do not support and believe in women preachers.

    Should a woman pay tithing in the church, since she is a woman and the man is the head? If the woman is single and without a husband/the male head of the family should she pay tithing or simply give an offering?

    When paying taxes, if the woman is single but classified as the head of the household…is this law of the land a violation of our biblical position and should we discontinue marking Head of Household and ask them to change that saying to “Only Parent in the home/house or Help Meet?” After all, the woman is simply a Help meet.

    Jesus had to make a payment and he had no money on him, but in the mouth of the fish—there were coins to pay the taxes due.

    Did Mary, the mother of Jesus pay taxes or tithing?
    Did Queen Sheba pay tithing?
    Did Mary Magdalene pay tithing?
    Did Mary and Martha pay tithing?
    What woman in the bible paid their tithing?

    Hebrews 7:22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 8:1-3 (3), 3(3)

    Hebrews 8:4-7 (The first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second…)

    The Mosaic Rites – Hebrews 9:1-28, 10:1-16

    Understanding from years of my spiritual journey and now reading the scripture for myself-the man that is a born again believer is considered the priest of his home. Knowing and understanding that position, should the man be the one that is responsible for paying the tithing to support the storehouse as the LORD instructed the Priest in the book of Malachi?

    I stand to be corrected but, I don’t believe, rather, I have not read in the bible where there was a woman serving as a priest.

    Finally, should we have church out side in the openness under the heaven? Jesus spoke the parables to the multitude on the seashore, and then in the ship, which was out in the openness of nature. Thanks for the article, it helped me to better understand Malachi.
25. The Lion on June 12th, 2010 1:50 pm
    

    The poor widow gave into the offering-two mites (Mark 12:42 & Luke 21:2). Jesus, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9- Matthew 8:20).

    While reading your article, I searched thoroughly to examine Malachi closer to the root, and reading carefully for myself; you are correct. The communication was to the Priest, from the LORD. I was taught by a pastor degreed in the highest level “Doctor of Philosophy” graduate of SMU.

    His instructions to our bible class was to always read the biblical text, understand the text by researching the contents-carefully. Understand, the cultural, audience, and then review the text again, and then you ask the question-How is this text applicable to me now, in this modern day, in this culture.

    Here is my breakdown accordingly:

    Malachi 1:6-7 (The LORD was speaking to the Priest)
    Malachi 2:1 (Priest, this commandment is for you…)
    Malachi 2:8 (The Priest caused many to stumble-Corrupted the covenant of Levi)
    Malachi 2:12-13, 16, 17 ( reading these scriptures opened my eyes wider. ..covereth violence with his garment…saith everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD…WOW!)

    Malachi 3:2-9 Who shall stand when He appeareth…

    Malachi 3:4 (then the offering…)

    Malachi 3:8 (God asked the question of the Priest that were out of order…Will a man rob God…)

    The Priest were warned concerning the curse…I will curse your blessings…Malachi 2:2

    Malachi 2:17 & Malachi 3:13 (Partner scripture that support the case-THIS IS A MUST READ OF BOTH SCRIPTURE without blinders…OPEN YOUR EYES and see Spiritually!

    The same goes for Malachi 3:15 & Malachi 2:17

    I understand in the east that the men go to the temple and pray and the women remain at home. Here in America many ministers and churches do not support and believe in women preachers.

    Should a woman pay tithing in the church, since she is a woman and the man is the head? If the woman is single and without a husband/the male head of the family should she pay tithing or simply give an offering?

    When paying taxes, if the woman is single but classified as the head of the household…is this law of the land a violation of our biblical position and should we discontinue marking Head of Household and ask them to change that saying to “Only Parent in the home/house or Help Meet?” After all, the woman is simply a Help meet.

    Jesus had to make a payment and he had no money on him, but in the mouth of the fish—there were coins to pay the taxes due.

    Did Mary, the mother of Jesus pay taxes or tithing?
    Did Queen Sheba pay tithing?
    Did Mary Magdalene pay tithing?
    Did Mary and Martha pay tithing?
    What woman in the bible paid their tithing?

    Hebrews 7:22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 8:1-3 (3), 3(3)

    Hebrews 8:4-7 (The first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second…)

    The Mosaic Rites – Hebrews 9:1-28, 10:1-16

    Understanding from years of my spiritual journey and now reading the scripture for myself-the man that is a born again believer is considered the priest of his home. Knowing and understanding that position, should the man be the one that is responsible for paying the tithing to support the storehouse as the LORD instructed the Priest in the book of Malachi?

    I stand to be corrected but, I don’t believe, rather, I have not read in the bible where there was a woman serving as a priest.

    Finally, should we have church out side in the openness under the heaven? Jesus spoke the parables to the multitude on the seashore, and then in the ship, which was out in the openness of nature. Thanks for the article, it helped me to better understand Malachi.
26. The Lion on June 12th, 2010 2:26 pm
    

    I thought of one other observation; when we as Gentiles were accepted into the Beloved, He died for the remission of our sins…Hebrews 9:20-24, 28. The resurrection took place many years ago, but his death is applicable for those that believe, and those that shall confess that Jesus is Lord and he died and was raised on the third day being the child of God.

    Elijah and the woman at the gate, that teaches me that God is always working behind the scene with established provisions to support the appointed promise. Now that I now and understand what I know about Malachi, I must search the scripture concerning tithing in the New Testament, which is active after Jesus was resurrected and not before.

    Luke 18:10-14 Jesus speaks of the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, one was justified and one exalted himself . The Pharisee said he give tithes. The publican was standing afar off, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner…humble.

    Hebrews 7:5, 6, 8-9 (opening my understanding the more concerning the priest, and the Levi, the Law and Abraham…)

    Tithing was done according to the Law, and we are no longer under the Law, we are under Grace.

    If there are other scriptures in the bible concerning tithes after Hebrews, I am unaware and I stand to be informed.
27. Suzanne on July 30th, 2010 5:49 am
    

    These Scriptures speak for themselves. Pray for a Revelation of Grace (unearned favor and what Jesus meant by paid in full)

    John 1:16 “And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace”.

    John 1:17 “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”

    Acts 13:39 “and through him everyone who believes is FREED from ALL THINGS, from which you could not be freed through the law of Moses.

    Galatians 3:10 ” All who rely on the law are under a curse, for it is written cursed is everyone who does Not continue to do EVERYTHING written in the book of the law.

    EVERYTHING INCLUDES: Keep the Sabbath by resting from all activity on Friday night to SATURDAY Night and attend Church on Saturday not Sunday, NO pork, circumcision of male babies on the 8th day which Abraham also did!

    Will you tithe boasters get a clue, there is no mention of mandatory tithing after Jesus died and said Paid in full. Matthew 23:23 Jesus placed mercy before tithing but he had not yet died on the Cross and please note the Pharisees were still under the law this was said Before the Cross !
28. Suzanne on July 30th, 2010 5:58 am
    

    I grant you that Abraham gave a one time tenth of someone else’s property from what God caused him to win from the loot from the war but how is voluntarily giving a tenth one time a good example of continual faithful tithing. God did not ask him so this was not a mandate by God. Abraham was also circumcised and circumcised his son on the eight day! Be consistent or else you come off as twisting the bible to suit the tithe law so you can boast of tithing. I give according to 2nd Corinthian 9:7 As I purposed (some bibles decide) often it is even more but I never try to pay call for what Jesus already said paid in full for.
    Until people get a revelation of Grace (unearned favor) and that we can ask for Grace (favor for free in Jesus name) the pride, greed and prosperity gospel will continue to be a blight on the body of Christ and steal the Lord’s glory for the payment he alone made!
29. Suzanne on July 30th, 2010 6:01 am
    

    Some bible translations say in 2nd Corinthian 9:7 Decide same as purpose, This is obviously an instruction to voluntarily GIVE not to pay what Jesus already paid for!
    Know the truth (Jesus) and the truth will set you free!
30. Angus on August 8th, 2010 7:22 am
    

    Why do pastors think that they have a priestly role? We have a High Priest in the line of Melchizedeck and because we all have access to intimate relationship with him we need no other itermediary.
    The role of pastor is to provide an example to lead us into this relationship with our High Priest.
    The terrestrial role of priest is actually upon us all as intermediaries between Jesus and the world who don’t know him “we are a priestly nation”.
    Even Paul had a income earning vocation while he was working as a missionary and when he did benefit from the gifts of the beleivers it was in the manner of the ox treading the grain or the workers taking advantage of the produce left in the corners of the paddocks.
    My take on this whole giving thing is that if we regard ourselves as having being bought for a price by our Lord, and if we have freely placed our selves in servitutde to him, why are we concerned about how much we give of our time and money? It is all his anyway. Beleivers should share everything so that nobody experiences need and if the work of the Lord interferes with a persons ability to provide for their family we should provide for them according to our own ability. This is the way the early church operated.

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