TITHING

[BrnSuga]

I know we've had this topic before however, I'm always interested to see how others feel about it.

I was raised to believe that no matter what, I am always to give atleast 10% of my earnings to the church. I have gotten to a point where I've tried to tithe at the point where I want to be. For instance, I'll increase the amount that I tithe believing that God will give me that increase in my earnings.

Do you believe in tithing? What are some of your inspirational stories pertaining to tithing?

[GorgeousNgreen]

I have heard people argue about this topic a lot.

I believe you should tithe out of relationship with God. If he tells you to tithe, then tithe. The only reason i say this, is because of the old and new covenant debate that comes from the tithe issue. Some people say that we are not under the old covenant and we dont have to tithe. Others swear by it. I say do what you are led out of relationship and seeking Him for the answers.

Also, what I dont like is pastors who condemn their congregation bc they do not tithe. Thats just me.

[BrnSuga]

Oct 1, 2008 20:20:05 GMT -5 GorgeousNgreen said:

I have heard people argue about this topic a lot.

I believe you should tithe out of relationship with God. If he tells you to tithe, then tithe. The only reason i say this, is because of the old and new covenant debate that comes from the tithe issue. Some people say that we are not under the old covenant and we dont have to tithe. Others swear by it. I say do what you are led out of relationship and seeking Him for the answers.

Also, what I dont like is pastors who condemn their congregation bc they do not tithe. Thats just me.

I agree completely! This is why many people feel that the church is only about $$$$$.

[GorgeousNgreen]

yeah....there is this church here ..the pastor just condemns his congregation. I went a few times with my ls's. I was irked.
He kept saying that the reason why things go wrong in peoples lives is because they dont tithe...and he kept talking about how members have the nerve to buy a outfit, or a car, but cant tithe. His role is to deliver the word and not judge. That is why it is so important to read for yourself. It is also important for people to develop their relationship with God. God may tell you to give someone 1,000$ or tell you to go and speak to the man or woman in line at Walmart - all out of RELATIONSHIP.

A pastor doesnt need to punk his or her members into giving. - that particular pastor - all he talks about is how the 'numbers' are low and people dont give, yet he is almost always never at church bc he is going on "sabbaticals".

Sadly, tho - people do things religiously or just to be doing it/tradition. Relationship with God is key and is everything.

[BrnSuga]

Very good points!

[Highly Favored]

I do believe in tithing. I have done so faithfully for the last 18 years.

I believe that, if God blesses me to have increase, it's not too much to ask for me to bless His work with 10% of what he has blessed me with. I believe that tithing demonstrates that I trust God to meet all of my needs.

I believe that I've gone from financial bondage to financial freedom as a result. I've moved from being afraid to answer the phone for fear of bill collectors, underemployed, bad credit, etc. to not being behind on anything and being able to walk into any setting and easily buy whatever I want on credit. I believe it to be the work of God because I honestly don't know how I moved from a bad situation to my now good situation. It happened in a very short time span (less than a year) and I cannot attribute it to an increase in salary, a windfall, etc. It seemingly just happened. In addition to that, I found favor with my present employer. I have nearly tripled my salary during my employment here and my starting salary was not at all bad. I am one of only a handful of people (and the only black person) who has had such a large increase. Management has literally created opportunities for me and I have basically determined my own job description. Some might attribute that to talent and hard work and I am not saying I am not those things, but others are equally as talented and work just as hard, but have not had the same advantages.

Two years ago, my husband and I opened a small ministry and I have really learned to value tithing. Our tithes are basically sustaining the ministry while it grows. If I had not conditioned myself to tithe, it would be hard for me now. As it is, I don't give it a second thought. I never have, but that's just me.

[Search1906]

All I will say is this....while I don't think Pastors or preachers should beat their congregations up everything that they preach will not make you feel good. Sometimes the word cuts and convicts. In terms of giving based on your relationship and faith why would you not give...he blesses us to be a blessing. I never understood why people had a problem giving back a portion of what God has giving you. The more you give the more he blesses you with but if you hang on to the little bit you got then you will never have empty hand for which God to fill. And the other thing is tithing/giving/offering isn't solely about money its about your time and talent to. If we a are being honest its all God's anyway he is just letting you hold it. The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. -Psalms 24:1. That means you, me, all people, places and things. Stop being stingy and give as the spirit leads you but just know if you ingnore the spirit and don't give you may be blessed but not how you would have been had you been obedient. Stop believing the lie that we aren't called to give or be a blessing. Its not biblical. We can debate tithing all day long whether you should or shouldn't but one thing is for sure God has called us to bless other and make a difference....heal the sick, clothe the naked, feed the hungry...Last time I checked those things cost something. Ministry cost...stop being cheap and making excuses people.

*Hops off my soapbox*

[dashriprock]

A lot of people have a very big misunderstanding of Tithing. My brother is a minister and we have had this discussion in-depth. Growing up I was told you have to tithe your 10% is mandatory. Going to college and sort of dropping out of the Church to pursue a secular lifestyle I thought there was no way I was going to give a church 10% when the preaching was trying to get me into heaven and he was on the express train to hell. I was not going to put my hard earned money into his pocket. But as I grew older and began going back to church regularly I purposefully looked for a church that was doing good work in the community. Providing food and assisting with shelter for the homeless or downtrodden. Doing community outreach to really try to help their community. When I found this, I gladly gave my 10% because I felt the money was going to the right place. My brother did explain that if you realize when this was written, money was not the object of tithing. There were very rich and very poor, Tithing was if you had money you gave money, this helped the rich feel they were doing their part, but for the poor who had no real money, tithing was the giving of time or a farm animal if you had it. The new church had in my opinion confused tithing with you have to give money. I believe that GOD will bless you bountifully if you give you money to a extremely worthy charity, your church or if you donate your time to a good cause, like feeding the homeless or mentoring the young. It is said GOD loves a cheerful giver, it didn't say a cheerful giver of money!

My two cents.

[Cambist]

I don't have a church to tithe to so I don't. At least not in the traditional way. When I tithe, i'm not tithing to "God", not necessarily. I'm giving to help run the church. If there is a full time pastor and I choose to attend that church then i'll give. If I find a church that has a ministry that I belive in (even if I dont' attend) then i'll give.

I don't believe that God really cares about my material wealth. Not that he wants me to suffer but I don't see God really caring about those things.

We tithe to support the institutions that spread the Good News. That's it.

This is why I have a SUPREME problem with "prosperity preaching". You are stealing from the people who give out of love. You are stealing from those who, by your own tongue, are expecting some FINANCIAL increase due to their tithe and/or offering.

Even if you make your money by selling your tapes, DVDs or CDs that seed money was still used to help create the empire.

Tithing is a mechanism. Ironically, those that tithe gain because they actually KNOW where their money is going now. Before tithing, many people never even had a budget. Think about it, it's hard to give 10% if you don't know where the other 90% is going!

Tithing is to support the church and the diffusion of the Gospel. That's it. God don't need a Bentley.

[LejaOMG]

m'eh. Donate to the preaching work, yes. Mathematical formulas? Absolutely not.

and to Search's point, it's definitely not a good look to try to strongarm your congregation into tithing. Why? According to Galatians, those who insist upon coercing adherance to Mosaic law principles will not benefit from Jesus' fulfillment of the mosaic law. Of course, some principles in the law are beneficial for us, but it's important to recognize that we're simply not under it any longer. Since the ransom sacrifice took place, God judges people as righteous by our faith and works pursuant to that faith, NOT adherence to black letter law.

[LejaOMG]

another thing, if your church isn't doing anything to promote the gospel to those OUTSIDE the regular attendees, what exactly are you donating to? In my observation of a few local churches: The pastor's bentley

[Bathroom Model]

Ya'll talking nothing but TRUFFF!

[Search1906]

Funny thing is there is a local pastor witha a Bentley in the area...it was on the news and everything when something went down at said church. :smh:

[Cambist]

<<=== wiill not get on his Pulpit Pimp rage today but i'm being pushed that way.....

<<===i'm close to the edge....

<<===...trying not to lose my head...

[Search1906]

LOL @ Camel.

[LejaOMG]

Oct 2, 2008 12:18:42 GMT -5 Search1906 said:

Funny thing is there is a local pastor witha a Bentley in the area...it was on the news and everything when something went down at said church. :smh:

you know we talkin' bout the same dude. Folk prolly thought it was hyperbole. Nah yo. Real rap. A bentley!

[jay0heavenly]

Oct 2, 2008 12:28:11 GMT -5 Cambist said:

<<=== wiill not get on his Pulpit Pimp rage today but i'm being pushed that way.....

<<===i'm close to the edge....

<<===...trying not to lose my head...

Pulpit-pimps.org

One of my favorite sites.

[jay0heavenly]

Oct 2, 2008 13:07:54 GMT -5 LejaOMG said:

Oct 2, 2008 12:18:42 GMT -5 Search1906 said:

Funny thing is there is a local pastor witha a Bentley in the area...it was on the news and everything when something went down at said church. :smh:

you know we talkin' bout the same dude. Folk prolly thought it was hyperbole. Nah yo. Real rap. A bentley!

*Jeopardy Music*
Categories: I want a Hot Dug, Why I don't go to Mondawmin Mall, Do you really have Gold Fronts and Empowerment Temple Shenanigans.

Me: I'll take Empowerment Temple Shenanigans for 200 Alex!

Alex Trebec: The Pastor that pimps the dog out of his flock, wears 10 thousand dollar outfits and has a big ole church in B-more.

Me: Who is take Jamal Bryant?

Alex Trebec: Correct! Whats your next selection?

Me: Alex, I'll stay with Empowerment Temple Shenanigans, but for 2 thousand.

**DAILY DOUBLE**

***Crowd oohs***

Alex: What is your wager?

Me: Lets make it a true daily double Alex

Alex: Answer...The minimum number of times Jamal Bryant tells you to "touch yo neighba" in an average sermon.

Me: What is 58?

Alex: CORRECT!

Me: *Starts doing the running man* ;D

[LogAKAlly <3'n Keef]

Oct 2, 2008 14:53:03 GMT -5 jay0heavenly said:

Oct 2, 2008 13:07:54 GMT -5 LejaOMG said:

you know we talkin' bout the same dude. Folk prolly thought it was hyperbole. Nah yo. Real rap. A bentley!

*Jeopardy Music*
Categories: I want a Hot Dug, Why I don't go to Mondawmin Mall, Do you really have Gold Fronts and Empowerment Temple Shenanigans.

Me: I'll take Empowerment Temple Shenanigans for 200 Alex!

Alex Trebec: The Pastor that pimps the dog out of his flock, wears 10 thousand dollar outfits and has a big ole church in B-more.

Me: Who is take Jamal Bryant?

Alex Trebec: Correct! Whats your next selection?

Me: Alex, I'll stay with Empowerment Temple Shenanigans, but for 2 thousand.

**DAILY DOUBLE**

***Crowd oohs***

Alex: What is your wager?

Me: Lets make it a true daily double Alex

Alex: Answer...The minimum number of times Jamal Bryant tells you to "touch yo neighba" in an average sermon.

Me: What is 58?

Alex: CORRECT!

Me: *Starts doing the running man* ;D

^^^^That was FUNNY!!!!

[LejaOMG]

OMG, JayO you are SO dumb!

[GorgeousNgreen]

lol

[DSTspr98]

Oct 2, 2008 8:56:50 GMT -5 Search1906 said:

All I will say is this....while I don't think Pastors or preachers should beat their congregations up everything that they preach will not make you feel good. Sometimes the word cuts and convicts. In terms of giving based on your relationship and faith why would you not give...he blesses us to be a blessing. I never understood why people had a problem giving back a portion of what God has giving you. The more you give the more he blesses you with but if you hang on to the little bit you got then you will never have empty hand for which God to fill. And the other thing is tithing/giving/offering isn't solely about money its about your time and talent to. If we a are being honest its all God's anyway he is just letting you hold it. The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. -Psalms 24:1. That means you, me, all people, places and things. Stop being stingy and give as the spirit leads you but just know if you ignore the spirit and don't give you may be blessed but not how you would have been had you been obedient. Stop believing the lie that we aren't called to give or be a blessing. Its not biblical. We can debate tithing all day long whether you should or shouldn't but one thing is for sure God has called us to bless other and make a difference....heal the sick, clothe the naked, feed the hungry...Last time I checked those things cost something. Ministry cost...stop being cheap and making excuses people.

*Hops off my soapbox*

We've discussed this...and our views are in sync!

[Search1906]

^^^ That's my e-woman.

Jay..you had me cracking up. The troof will set you free. Sadly I wasn't talking about Rev Bryant although he fits the bill. There is another dude here in B-more that pimped...I mean was blessed by his congregation with a Bentley. LOL

[jay0heavenly]

LOL... I bet there are others...they come a dime a dozen.

[Search1906]

Pimps in the pulpit. :smh:

[denounced]

Not one scripture based on tithing. What is seen here is one's personal experiences, what they have heard, what their momma, grandmama, pastor, etc. said. For the one's who cracked jokes, I am not addressing those particular posts.

Tithing is not commanded by Jesus or the Apostles. It is not even taught as a part of the New Covenant. If you want to give 10%, 5%, 2%, 25%, matters not. It is the teaching of tithing that is the problem. Even if it based off ANY Old Testament, MONEY was never the object of tithing.

Genesis 14, 28, Leviticus 27, Deuteronomy12, 14, 26, Nehemiah 10, 12, 13, Amos 4, Matthew 23, Hebrews 7, etc. are just some of the scriptures on tithing.

[Cambist]

<<== agrees with denounced

**checks his temp for fever**

LOL!!!

[Highly Favored]

Oct 3, 2008 15:57:58 GMT -5 denounced said:

Not one scripture based on tithing. What is seen here is one's personal experiences, what they have heard, what their momma, grandmama, pastor, etc. said. For the one's who cracked jokes, I am not addressing those particular posts.

Tithing is not commanded by Jesus or the Apostles. It is not even taught as a part of the New Covenant. If you want to give 10%, 5%, 2%, 25%, matters not. It is the teaching of tithing that is the problem. Even if it based off ANY Old Testament, MONEY was never the object of tithing.

Genesis 14, 28, Leviticus 27, Deuteronomy12, 14, 26, Nehemiah 10, 12, 13, Amos 4, Matthew 23, Hebrews 7, etc. are just some of the scriptures on tithing.

Actually, personal experience is what was requested.

The original poster asked...

"Do you believe in tithing? What are some of your inspirational stories pertaining to tithing?"

I could launch off into detailed scripture, chapter, and verse discourse if I wanted to, but that is not what she asked.

I do agree that tithing isn't all about money and I would definitely have a problem with a pastor who seemed more concerned about my wallet than my spiritual condition. But, as Search said, it takes money to do ministry and I don't count it robbery to give 10% and more, as well as dedicating my time, talents, and other resources.

Fortunately, I have been blessed to have pastors who were not the "pulpit pimps" that you have described and I have seen the difference my tithes have made in the church and community. It is always blessing to give and, if I couldn't trust the pastor and officers of my assembly to do the right thing with my money, I defintely wouldn't trust them with my soul, which is the only thing I will have forever anyway. JMHO.

[T-Rex91]

Oct 2, 2008 9:48:49 GMT -5 dashriprock said:

A lot of people have a very big misunderstanding of Tithing. My brother is a minister and we have had this discussion in-depth. Growing up I was told you have to tithe your 10% is mandatory. Going to college and sort of dropping out of the Church to pursue a secular lifestyle I thought there was no way I was going to give a church 10% when the preaching was trying to get me into heaven and he was on the express train to hell. I was not going to put my hard earned money into his pocket. But as I grew older and began going back to church regularly I purposefully looked for a church that was doing good work in the community. Providing food and assisting with shelter for the homeless or downtrodden. Doing community outreach to really try to help their community. When I found this, I gladly gave my 10% because I felt the money was going to the right place. My brother did explain that if you realize when this was written, money was not the object of tithing. There were very rich and very poor, Tithing was if you had money you gave money, this helped the rich feel they were doing their part, but for the poor who had no real money, tithing was the giving of time or a farm animal if you had it. The new church had in my opinion confused tithing with you have to give money. I believe that GOD will bless you bountifully if you give you money to a extremely worthy charity, your church or if you donate your time to a good cause, like feeding the homeless or mentoring the young. It is said GOD loves a cheerful giver, it didn't say a cheerful giver of money!

My two cents.

Exactly Dash! Mybiggest problem with the tithing convo is that giving of one's time in service as a legitimate form of tithing is typically not considered, only the financial expectation. It's ridiculous that we have 5000+ member churches and can't get 10 people to serve in a ministry. I think this is because the service aspect is not consistently stressed as a Chritian duty in the same way giving 10% of your income is.

Additionally, even if people do tithe, that does not mean they have the proper relationship with God. I have had people tell me they tithe for the tax benefit so what does that say? It's not always the action, but the motive.

[suavesince1911]

I am a million years late with this, but I found this topic to be very interesting.

I have been researching this practice over the last month, and my eyes have been opened.

First of all, tithing was ONLY for the children of Israel; it does NOT APPLY to the followers of Christ under the New Covenant.

The tithing system was established under the Mosaic Law. Many tithing radicals/proponents will say, "but Suave, tithing predates the law as Abram and Jacob did so."

My response is that neither Abram nor Jacob was commanded to tithe. Abram gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizidek, and he returned the other 90% of his plunder to its original owner. He could have kept everything, and he would not have been cursed, as there was no law (nor Godly commandment) to curse him. Abram's giving was a ONE TIME occurrence. He NEVER gave a tenth of his own possessions: only that which he seized after battle. Read Genesis 14.

How can this be used as an example or precedence for perpetual "tithing" when it was 1). not a Godly commandment? 2). not from his own possessions? 3). only done ONCE (NOWHERE in the bible is it recorded that Abram repeatedly tithed).

Tithing was done by husbandmen in ancient Israel. They gave a tenth of their cattle and produce to support the Levitical priesthood (the Levites had no inheritance, and they were given food from the Israelites for compensation of their ecclesiastical duty) as well as the orphans, widows, strangers, and the poor. Tithing was NEVER given in the form of MONEY; it was in the form of edible products to FEED PEOPLE.


These ministers are LYING (or they just do not know). When they quote the ever-so-popular Malachi 3:8 "will a man rob God?," they are taking the scripture WAY out of context to "guilt-trip" us into giving. According to 2 Corinthians 9:7, we are to give what we have decided in our hearts to give (or what the Most High has laid upon our hearts to give). If you want to give 10% of your paycheck, then fine. If you only want to give 2%, then that too is fine. There is no set amount because the Most High wants us to give from our heart: not out of compulsion or necessity. Think about it: how can we give from our heart when the minister is telling us that we will be "cursed" if we do not? That sounds like we are giving out of fear and guilt.

They say we will be cursed for not tithing, but they conveniently neglect Galatians 3:13.


When you are giving 10% of your paycheck, technically (and biblically) you are NOT tithing. You are only giving. Remember, tithing was done ONLY in the form of food.


As for my "personal experience." I really do not have much to report. Not long ago, a pro-tithing minister asked me if I have noted any signifcant increase in my financial situation due to tithing. I told him, with sincerity, that I have not noticed any appreciable difference in my finances because I gave a tenth of my paycheck to a local assembly. Oftentimes, I felt like giving was a "burden," and I even felt that maybe something was wrong with me because I did not really experience a financial blessing the way the ministers told me I would. Eventually, I realized it was all a lie. The ministers told me what I wanted to hear just so I could give cheerfully. I was given false hope, and the "cheerful giving" was only an emotion I felt at the surface because at the core I felt burdened and in bondage.

The ministers are selling tithing as if it is a slot machine. More often than not, the slot machine does a lot more taking than giving.

Now that I know the truth about tithing, I will never again adhere to this false doctrine. There are poor people who have been giving nearly all their lives, and they are still in the same financial turmoil in which they were before their tithing began. Tithing (in the way today's ministers are selling it) does not work, and it has no biblical precedence.