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Why Every Christian Should Tithe
Contributed by Charlie Ellison on Nov 28, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: A message on the subject of the Bibical Tithe
Why Every Christian Should Tithe
In a resent study its was revealed that only 3% of church members tithe in America. If this is true, then perhaps we have discovered one of the reasons why America is in such a terrible spiritual dilemma
The purpose of this article is to share why every Child of God should give tithes to the Lord..
• God established the principle of tithing, 430 years before He gave the Law to Moses. (Gen. 14:20)
• He then included this plan of giving in the Law. Malachi 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”
• Jesus, also commended tithing in the New Testament. (Mat. 23:23)
What Does Tithe Mean
The word "tithe" means "a tenth part" or "10%". In the Bible, God teaches, that we are to return the first ten percent of all we receive back to Him. Giving less than ten percent is not tithing.
Should I Tithe on Net or Gross Income
The amount that actually comes to you as wages, profits, dividends, gifts-- increase of any kind-- this is what you personally pay taxes on-- and should pay tithes on. Which do you want God to bless, your net or your gross? Proverbs 3:9 says we are to honor God with the first part of all our income. I believe that means the gross income. II Cor. 9:6 “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
Tithing is a great way to Slow your Love to God
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
IJohn 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
When Should I Pay the Tithe
I Cor. 16:2 "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."
Where Should I Pay the Tithe
Your Church. Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
What About Un-Paid Tithes
I have never tithed. Does God expect me to catch up on unpaid tithes of the past? I John 1:9. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Is Anyone Exempted From Tithing
No. This is the reason God set the standard of only 10%. Everyone can give this amount, The rich as well as the poor. We should be able (with God’s Blessings) to live on the remainder 90%
What is the difference between “Tithe” and an "Offering"
A tithe is 10% of your total income. An offering is anything you give in addition to your tithe, such as gifts for special projects, Faith Promise Mission, Building Fund, etc. Tithing is God’s minimum standard, the starting point. As God prospers you, you’ll want to give more.
What If I Can’t Afford to Tithe
If you are in debt, you can’t afford not to tithe! You need God’ s help to get out of debt. There are many financial principles in the Bible but the starting point is to be honest to God by beginning to tithe. Tell God you’re going to put Him first in your finances, that you are willing to obey the principles in His Word, and you are trusting Him to help you get out of debt.
Why Don’t You Bow Your Head and Pray This Prayer of Commitment:
Father, I know you love me and want what’s best for me. I recognize that all I have, or will ever have comes from you. I am more interested in pleasing you than having more possessions. I want you to have first place in my life and I am willing to begin tithing as you have commanded. Out of gratitude for all you’ve done for me, I commit myself to returning at lease 10% of all you give to me, back to you. I want to begin investing for eternity. Help me to remain faithful to this commitment. In Jesus name, AMEN.