Christian tradition and scriptures seem to make it clear that we should be.
Jesus said where we spend our money shows our heart.
Why don't we tithe?
I don't know who all reads this but please give some response.
Thanks.
Also look for ebenemerson.com soon.
3 comments:
Biblical tithes were only used to pay the salaries of Levites and priests. They were never used for misssionaries or temple expenses.
Tithing is NOT a portion of our income. True biblical HOLY tithes were always only food from inside Israel which God had miraculously increased off His HOLY land. Tithes could not come from what man produced, from Gentiles or from outside Israel (Lev 27:30-34).
Tithing is NOT a way of learning to trust God and honor him. It was cold hard Law expected from food producers who lived inside Israel.
Tithing is NOT a command of God upon the Church. It was only commanded to Israel who was commanded NOT to share its covenant with Gentiles. Those who received Levitical tithes were not allowed to inherit or own property in Israel (Num 18:21-28).
Though money was essential for sanctuary vows and poll taxes, money was never tithed (Ex 22:25; 30:13).
Tithes could not be used to buy building material for the Temple or to send out missionaries.
The test of Malachi 3:10 is the test of the whole law. Obey all to be blessed; break one to be cursed (Deut 27:26; Gal 3:10).
Nothing about OT biblical tithing is taught today. NT giving principles are: freewill, generous, sacrificial, joyful, not by commandment and motivated by love for God and lost souls (2 Cor 8 and 9).
I'm glad you brought Malachi 3 into your post. I can see that you do no believe in the tithe. What did Paul mean when he said "in keeping with your income?" 1Cor. 16:2.
I tithe. I was brought up to tithe in the Baptist Church and also in The Salvation Army. Now as a Catholic, and as a Catholic priest, I do the same. Anything I give beyond 10% is my offering.
I see this as being first, the OT requirement and second, the generous offerings mentioned by St Paul.
God blesses all, the rain falls on the good and the evil, but he has asked us to give, give with a heart turned to him because everything we have comes from him.
I think of anything I have as simply something of a loan and needs to be kept well, as a good steward. I will be asked what I did with what I have for the sake of the Kingdom.
Fr Brad
Post a Comment