I have long been wondering about the issue, or rather the biblical truth of tithing, first fruit, etc.
So if you never have issue with the above issue.. you probably won't need to read on.
let me first admit that the 10% is indeed not easy.
the first fruit is of course even more challenging.
I truly admire those who faithfully and cheerfully give.
Bless them!
And they probably won't need to read on as well.
I am convinced that as they sow generously into the Father's field, they will reap bountifully too.
The question here is more towards the way today's churches instruct their members to tithe.
How not tithing is similar to robbing God of His right, and the curse/blessing that goes with it.
Is this teaching.. biblical?
a quick googling will lead us to various write ups. Some for, some against.. the teaching.
Some point out that tithing is part of ceremonial law (along with those clean/unclean food, etc ).
It is, firstly, meant for the Israelites. Which, in my layman terms, have been overridden by the Cross anyway.
Sure.. we can observe the ceremonial law if we want to.
But somewhere in NT it's written that if you were to observe it, you have to observe the entirety of the law.
There is no point to only observe a part of it.
And even somewhere in OT there are passages like the ones below (Micah 7) that hint at what really matter to God.
Either way.. it's been taught across so many churches. Maybe the teaching is biblical after all.
I simply feel that the Grace of God is so.. much.. more than how it's being pictured thru the teaching.
So if you never have issue with the above issue.. you probably won't need to read on.
let me first admit that the 10% is indeed not easy.
the first fruit is of course even more challenging.
I truly admire those who faithfully and cheerfully give.
Bless them!
And they probably won't need to read on as well.
I am convinced that as they sow generously into the Father's field, they will reap bountifully too.
The question here is more towards the way today's churches instruct their members to tithe.
How not tithing is similar to robbing God of His right, and the curse/blessing that goes with it.
Is this teaching.. biblical?
a quick googling will lead us to various write ups. Some for, some against.. the teaching.
Some point out that tithing is part of ceremonial law (along with those clean/unclean food, etc ).
It is, firstly, meant for the Israelites. Which, in my layman terms, have been overridden by the Cross anyway.
Sure.. we can observe the ceremonial law if we want to.
But somewhere in NT it's written that if you were to observe it, you have to observe the entirety of the law.
There is no point to only observe a part of it.
And even somewhere in OT there are passages like the ones below (Micah 7) that hint at what really matter to God.
6 What can we bring to the Lord?
What kind of offerings should we give him?
Should we bow before God
with offerings of yearling calves?
7 Should we offer him thousands of rams
and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
to pay for our sins?
What kind of offerings should we give him?
Should we bow before God
with offerings of yearling calves?
7 Should we offer him thousands of rams
and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
to pay for our sins?
8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Someone posed a very good question. Cheerful giver pleases God.
But how can we be cheerful giver when subconsciously we are reminded of those curses that await those who do not tithe?
So much so that we even wonder how to count that 10% correctly (e.g. before or after tax?).
Either way.. it's been taught across so many churches. Maybe the teaching is biblical after all.
I simply feel that the Grace of God is so.. much.. more than how it's being pictured thru the teaching.
Well.. just a thought.
Comments
* I used to be those who believe and practice T and FF. Until I found out about the truth. (truly, if you want to learn about tithing, study the whole bible; may Holy Spirit open your eyes). I still continue the giving, but now no longer out of thinking that I do my obligation of obeying His Law. I do it because I am free to give or not. No law binding, no curse awaiting. Just pure joy that God, in His mercy, set me free with His truth.