HEB. 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

Mal.3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee?

In tithes and offerings.

he vast majority of ministers and organizations today use these scriptures to justify exacting tithes from their congregations. They proclaim that the writer of Hebrews was declaring that tithing was required from Abraham into the New Testament age of today. Then they use Malachi to shore up conviction that one must tithe or they rob God. Besides requiring tithes from the congregation , each individual is expected to participate without respect to their financial status. God always had the poor and less fortunate in mind when he instituted his financial planning for his people. The modern day church tithing message does not even reflect God's mercy toward the poor but taxes them immediately by a 10% wage reduction. This modern day tithing message must bear the trial of scripture to determine if it is from God or man. God gave us a rule for determining if a doctrine is true or false. 

Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.

Isa 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

If we take all of Heb. chapter 7 into account we find that it addresses the priesthood question and the temporary authority of the Levite tribe to lawfully collect tithes. The priesthood was instituted to offer sacrifice for the people’s sins and to minister the law to the people of Israel. The collection of tithes was for the government and welfare program in the nation of Israel. Under the law, only the landowners and the herdsmen were required to tithe. The tribe of Levi and the priesthood were supported by the tithes because they could not own land in the nation of Israel. Also the widows, fatherless and strangers in the land were supported to an extent by these tithes.

Tithing was not money but the tenth of the increase of the land and every tenth animal of the herd that passed under the rod.

The tithe could be sold for money to transport long distances, then changed back to tithes at the place chosen by God. Then it was used by the tithe giver to purchase the things that their hearts desired to partake of, along with support for the Levites.

widows & fatherless

stranger

Deut 14:24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Deut 14:25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose.

Deut 14:26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household.

Deut 14:27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.

A careful study of the scripture is necessary to find just what the purpose of tithes were and how they were used. Under the law of Moses we find that there were commandments that required the payment of tithes by certain individuals. The law had Israel working for their salvation and thus had them in bondage. Christians are free from the law and are under grace.

Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Heb. Ch. 7 tells us that the law is changed by a change in priesthood. Jesus made the transition of priesthood from the Levites to himself by his death, burial and resurrection. Today we have a permanent spiritual priesthood, not built upon carnal commandments, laws and ordinances of men that could never justify the people who kept them.

Before the law was instituted Abraham gave tithes of the spoils of a battle to the King of Salem and Jacob promised to give God a tenth of his prosperity if the Lord did certain things for him. Only after the law of Moses was in force did anyone pay tithes. Levi paid tithes while he was still in the loins of Abraham thus satisfying the law of Moses which pertained to their position in Israel. After the sacrifice of Jesus the law of paying was abolished with the Levitical authority.

Heb 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

Heb 7:10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him
It is not possible for a Christians to pay tithes. Now that we are under grace we may give a tenth (tithe) or any other amount. But, to be required to pay a tithe would put us back under the bondage of the law.

Caring for needy

The tithe was instituted for the government and welfare program in the physical nation of Israel much the same as the government and welfare programs in the United States along with other developed nations by taxes. All have had their shortcomings and corruption because they were and are executed by men. The United States did however adopt its government and welfare system in many respects like the tithe system was in Israel. The government is supported by taxes as was the Levitical system under the Law of Moses by tithes. It considered the poor by taxing only the people who attained a certain level of income. So by the taxes of the fortunate are the unfortunate supported or helped in many instances.

The support of the priesthood was only a fraction of the tithes. There were many points of support other than the ministry that the tithe afforded.

Num.18:26 & 28 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say to them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe.

28 Thus ye shall also offer an heave offering unto the Lord of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and thus ye shall give thereof the Lord's heave offering to Aaron the priest.

The priesthood received 10% of the tithes that was given to the tribe of Levi. The Levites gave to the priest, not the priest to the Levites. Be it as it may, the tithe law was abolished because the Levitical system was abolished, along with their authority to collect tithes. Many ministers at this point will say that tithe collection was transferred to the ministry of the New Testament. If this were so then we shouldn’t have any trouble finding scripture or examples in the New Testament declaring this transfer.

Organizations and ministers who impose a tithing law upon the congregations may do it with a pure heart and a clear conscience. This does not alter the fact that tithing was an act of the law, which was changed by the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

A sincere error is still an error in all respects. When error is repeated as truth, the number of people who believe it to be truth increases. We must ask ourselves a question. Why is Heb. Chapter 7 the only chapter in the New Testament that ever mentions tithing if it is a law to the church? There is a true and scriptural answer. The Book of Hebrews was directed to the Israelites because they understood the Law of Moses and had been governed by it before the sacrifice of Jesus. They were informed that the Levitical system was abolished and the gentiles were never subject to the Mosaic Law.

Jesus teaching

Therefore none of the apostles were compelled nor instructed by the Lord to retain the tithe law. They did not require a tithe of Jewish Christians in Israel, nor yoke the gentile Christians with a law that didn’t affect them in the Old Testament and especially not in the New Testament Church.

Bible

Simply speaking, there was no longer a particular nation that required a tithe for a welfare program. Though the nation of Israel continued tithing through tradition, the law was abolished because no legitimate priesthood existed there any longer. There was no longer an earthly priesthood to offer any sacrifice for sin. Christians are under grace not the law.

Christians are not to be subject to any ordinance of the law that pertains to a covenant that had priests who offered sacrifices of bulls and goats that could never take away sins.

We as kings and priest in particular are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God which is our reasonable service, Rom. 12;1.

Heb 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Heb 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Heb 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified

Jesus offered himself once while on earth for the sins of mankind therefore we have no legitimate earthly priesthood that can offer any sacrifice for us. There is no earthly priesthood or nation that requires tithes to support it. No ministry or organization can claim this right. We as Christians are a royal priesthood and a holy nation, spiritually, but not a physical nation.

IPet. 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Now concerning the support in the church and of the ministry, there is sufficient scripture to determine how it should be done.

ICor 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care of oxen?

ICor 9:10 Or saith it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes no doubt, this is written: that he who plowed in hope; should be partaker of this hope.

Paul told the Christian church that the ministry should be supported by the church that was being ministered to. Some churches are not large or wealthy enough to totally support a minister and many times the minister may seek employment to help him subsist. This causes a situation of employment time, taking away time for pastoring duties. Therefore the best situation is when the church can give enough to totally support a pastor. But, this does not justify a requirement of paying tithes which was required under the law for support of a tribe of people and the ministry that were essentially the government of Israel at the time.

Many ministers will cry foul at this point.

One Sunday morning I heard a minister say that congregations in the past have tried to keep the preacher poor. He then appealed to the congregation by saying,” Do you want me dressed in overalls when I have to go before people in high places in your behalf.” This was done while he scolded the congregation that tithing was a requirement to make heaven one’s home

His message that morning seemed to proclaim, pay your tithes so I can have a certain income, appear a certain way and you can be saved. Many times these ministers become some of the most wealthy people of the congregation and are not moved that many poor people are required by them to give out of their needs for their wants.

Jas 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

Jas 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

Jas. 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Jas. 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Jas. 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Jas 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Jas 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called

The congregation cares how ministers care for the flock and not so much how they appear before judges and magistrates. Ministers do not have to be wealthy to dress well. Christians will see to the needs of the pastor without being condemned into paying tithes. Ministers should consider how the early church ministry was supported and how they appeared on the same level as those they ministered to.

Two by two

Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Luke 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

Luke 10:4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

Luke 10:6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

Luke 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Luke 10:8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

This sounds very different from most evangelistic ministries of today and the way they receive their support. Ministers will be supported by the giving of godly people without being forced or condemned by a tithe law.

ICor 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

ICor 9:8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

ICor 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

ICor 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

ICor 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

ICor 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

ICor 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

ICor 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel

I Cor 9:7-14 Gives an overview of how the ministry should be supported. The vast majority of ministers and organizations will still try to justify a tithing law by saying that the people already knew tithing was the law and it did not have to be addressed in the New Testament. Think again! Paul was the apostle to the gentiles and they did not have knowledge of the Old Testament laws nor were they subject to them. Paul never in any of his letters instructed anyone to receive or give a tithe.

Paul

None of the other apostles were compelled to require tithing in any of their epistles or even mention it. We fail to find any mention of tithing throughout the Book of Acts. Also, we fail to see Jesus asking for a tithe to his ministry in the gospels. Jesus was under the law and knew full well that the Levites were the only ones commissioned to receive tithes under to the law. Something as important as the support in the church and support of the ministry would surely have been addressed in all these writings from Matt. thru Rev. Surely it was many times and without the command of a tithe law.

II Cor 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

IICor 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver.

We see a Christian rule for giving to support the ministry or any need in the church. Paul appeals to Christians to give bountifully and also not of necessity, which would not be possible if there was a necessary required amount such as a tithe. Notice! Paul did not appeal to any tithe law, which would have been so convenient if there had been a tithe law. Therefore Paul’s advice concerning giving was to do it cheerfully as the Spirit moves one, without condemnation from a tithe message. Also, the giver gets a reward for giving any amount, no matter how large or small. The only effect the personal amount would have is on the reward-reaping factor, not their salvation, as some would declare. Therefore the poor would probably reap more than the rich because they would generally give out of their need instead of their abundance as the rich would generally do. But, both would reap if they gave cheerfully and not grudgingly.

The widows mite

Now we must understand that in Israel, there was a guide for the distribution of the tithes that were collected. God made specific rules for the tribe of Levi to follow for the maintenance and welfare of the nation of Israel, the Levite tribe and priesthood. Today, in the church age, if there were a law to collect 10% of everyone’s wages there would also be rules for disbursements. With the vast amount of cash revenue that would be generated in a fairly large congregation there would be specific scriptural standards to disburse it. We can safely say that we have no such guidelines in the New Testament because there is no scripture to support such a work.

Many ministers say that God has trusted the Christians to pay tithes and that God has entrusted the ministry with directing them. A big problem arises with this declaration also. There is no scripture to support this claim.There is not one scripture that records anyone tithing in the church or to the ministry, period!

Jesus mad with money dealings in the Lord's house ...

Only Levites had the authority to collect and distribute tithes. Hebrews Ch. 7, nor any other scripture transfers this authority to the ministry of the New Testament. Also there is no scripture that changed the tithe from produce and livestock to cash money. If the ministry of today, declares it must have this much money to minister, then they are entitled to much more than the Levitical priesthood. With tithe collection they would also be responsible to the widows, fatherless and strangers among the church. Now Mal. 3, becomes very clear if tithing is a New Testament law. Today’s ministry does not want to go there. There is no scriptural foundation for what ministries of today call tithing. There is a scriptural foundation however to support the ministry and help the needy among the church by the generosity from the church itself.

Paul appealed to the church to give to support the ministry and particular needs in the church. The church was admonished to give to the poor, the fatherless, the widows and also to entertain strangers charitably. This was encouraged by all the apostles.

Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Acts 5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles' feet.

Ac 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Acts 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came.

Acts Chapter 5 gives us an example of a man and a woman who sold a possession to give to the church. They lied to God and kept back part of the money. They died because they lied, not because they kept part of the money. Peter explained that even if they had given it all to the church that it remained in their power. Many times in the Book of Acts we find people bringing things and money and laying it at the apostles feet but we also can know for a certainty that the church still had authority to distribute to every man according to their need. Therefore the church not the ministers had the power over these offerings. Note! these were offerings not tithes. Many ministers use this scripture to scare people into paying tithes and pledges. The main theme of the church was to see to the needs of the less fortunate, not to make sure the ministry was rich or had extravagancy. Remembering the poor and the less fortunate has always been an opportunity for the church to practice their faith through Christian works. Not one place in the scripture do we find that money was taken from a congregation to support the ministry outside of their local assembly. We do find where there were offerings to relieve the poor elsewhere.

Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

Remember that this contribution was for those saints that were being persecuted and in the middle of a famine. This also included those in the ministry and not the ministry only.The scriptures suggest that this was a one time contribution but we cannot be sure.

Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Gal 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

Large Buildings

In Gal 2:9-10 Paul said after receiving the apostles right hand of fellowship that they encouraged him to remember the poor and he testified that he was vigilant to do so. They received the right hand of fellowship, not a bank account for missions. Many times we find extravagance in buildings and all sorts of things while there is neglect of the very thing we were told to be mindful of. Organizations, foreign missions and programs seem to take the center stage as popular places for revenue in the church today. The scriptures never give us a charter of monetary support outside the local assembly. This does not mean that we can’t support other programs but not to the neglect of the poor around us. While foreign missions may be important, it is the mission of the church to reach and keep reaching for those lost souls within our area. Missionaries should be motivated by their calling and a burden to win the lost. Not by a certain lifestyle that must be maintained by the support of many other congregations. Pastors tell their congregations that they must support missions to promote the preaching of the gospel and that tithing is so important in promoting the gospel. This however is contrary to scripture. The true gospel never was promoted by money. It was promoted by a calling and a sincere desire to win the lost. The ministry subsisted by the support of those that were being ministered to and many times by their own gainful employment. Many times, ministers declare their authority must be obeyed by the congregation in all matters because the scripture said, obey those that have rule over you.

Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you

Many ministers love the above scripture and will use it as a play for power and wealth if used to shore up the tithing message or their desire for any unscriptural purpose.

Rev 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

Mystery Babylon

Rev 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Rev 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration

Rev.17:4 speaks of a church of extravagance and it seems that most ministries are prone to respect this. Even John wondered with great admiration until the angel asked him why he marveled and revealed the truth about this false church and the foundation of its extravagance. The large and more extravagant things of this world are prone to capture men's hearts and admiration. Many ministries and organizations realize this and promote this mindset.

We must be scripturally careful how and what we obey.Now we know that the church isn't persecuting or killing saints today but God is not pleased at any unscriptural ploy by the ministry to gain by exploiting a law upon the sheep of his pasture.

2Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Praying and Studying

ICor 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ

Even Paul was careful enough to advise the people to follow him as he followed Christ. Trust no flesh, only the word of God.

Jer 5:30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;

Jer 5:31 The Prophets prophesy falsely, and the priest bear rule by their means ; and my people love to have it so; and what will you do in the end thereof?

what ever you say ....

This is an amazing truth! Many people are lead with joy and accept what the ministers say as the law and will of God without question because they trust them and do not study the scriptures themselves. People just want someone to look up to and trust, with a group to fit into. Many people love a yoke and are offended at the liberty of others. Some will even continue under a yoke just to justify their years under it in the past, because they do not want to admit they were wrong.They sometimes feel they have to justify family members who have passed on. The ministry shouldn’t exploit this mentality for gain.

what will you do in the end thereof?

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were true.

If everyone did this type of study on tithing, line upon line, precept upon precept, their eyes would be opened and their yoke broken from a tithing law and condemnation from the ministry. But, most people do not study on any subject or they may be reluctant to profess anything that may challenge standard tradition that might reap the disdain of the ministry.

This is why there are so many multi-million dollar ministries and organizations in the world today. Preachers require tithes as the law of God and some build powerful organizations and super cathedrals that boggle the imagination. Many organizations today are equivalent to preachers unions. Everything is geared to support of the ministry and justified as promoting the preaching of the gospel. There was never a command to have an organization. This was conceived in the hearts of men to organize for strength, prosperity and a way to preserve certain doctrines. This was not to say that some good things have not come out of this. But, it was not the plan prescribed in the bible. Many organizations are supported by the tithes of congregations within its framework. This tithe is imposed on all, as well as the poor, while the ministry becomes wealthy in many instances.This is why there are so many professional preachers who have chosen through education to be ministers instead of being called of God. Many times they see it as an employment opportunity because of the potential income it can and has produced for many ministers.

Many small congregations are yoked with the tithe law instead of the liberty to give as they purpose in their hearts. As the scripture teaches, there is no tithe law today and if there were, it would have a guideline for the welfare of the poor in the church. The just shall live by faith and the ministers who exact tithes of the people limit their faith in God and the people of God. By their traditions they make the commandments of God of non-effect. They are in error and the people who follow are also, in this matter.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

The church is to a large extent responsible for the ministry receiving tithes from them. The general ministry and congregation calls what they give to a ministry, giving to the church. Most churches have cast off their responsibility to help those around themselves and especially those of the faith. Giving at the church meetings have been equated to giving to the church. The congregation seems to employ the ministry to see to less fortunate in the church but it generally doesn’t happen. Therefore the discretion of the ministry is accepted as the will of God and the church. The individual saint is more aware of the less fortunate around them than most ministries. After the ministry receives the tithes or offerings, they often direct it to programs, organizations and ministries. Therefore the local assembly and the ministry are guilty of neglecting the poor around them in many instances. The ministry collects the tithes and the congregation pays the ministry to take their responsibility, thus their conscience is clear. Most ministries encourage the saints to practice their faith by helping those around them. A special offering may be taken but usually the tithes and offerings taken in the church meetings aren’t for support of the poor in the church.

I Cor. 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that when I preach the gospel, I make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Many ministers would avoid Paul’s convictions and will not take on a church if the salary isn't agreeable to them. What power was Paul talking about? Specifically it was the power to extract money from the people to the point of abundance and leaving a legacy that would profit the ministry and harm the truth of the gospel. Paul knew the law and wrote most of the epistles in the New Testament. Suppose he had used his authority as some do today. He did not demand a tithe of the church. Paul didn’t promote putting the congregation in debt to build buildings or take the church money for organizations and programs outside the local assembly. Every magnificent church building was conceived in the heart and mind of the ministry and those in power.

Then it was promoted to a congregation as the will of God and something that was needed. Many times it is just competition to have bigger and better than the one down the street. Who is the ministry trying to attract anyway? God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and said that not many noble, mighty or wise are even called. As many ministers become financially superior to the general church attendant, they often lose the connection with the poor. I have heard ministers say,” If we go after the ones that nobody wants then God will send us those who everybody wants”. This mentality shows the heart that is in those men. This is the heart that imposes tithes on the church today. It also reveals that man’s heart to be a respecter of persons and declares a wish for the rich and notable.

Truly if God does not call a person then they cannot come to him. Everybody that God sends should be the one that everybody wants, whether rich or poor.

The business of the church should not be burdensome on the ministry and the ministry should not burden itself with the business.

Big Buildings

Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word

In Acts 6:4 The apostles said that they would give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. It is the job of the ministry to (build temples- convert souls) not (palaces-buildings)that put those souls in debt to this world. It may seem popular to build extravagant buildings to impress others or compete with others but it always comes at a cost, spiritually and financially.

Wesley's Chapel

Wesley Chapel in Cincinnati, Ohio found themselves in great debt because of ministries mismanagement of credit. After many programs to try to overcome this they saw no light. Then they instituted the Storehouse Tithe that ultimately caused a turnaround. Therefore tithing revived as common practice in 1895 in U.S. churches. This is according to Christian History Magazine, Vol. 7, #3, Issue 19.

No wonder organizations and ministers proclaim that tithing is required today. One morning while I was in Sunday school the minister said that tithing is the best method of checks and balances he knew of. Of course he did since he was profiting from it and it afforded him a certain lifestyle. Also he gained clout by giving to programs within the organization he was a member of.

With the money given he receives acknowledgement with prestiege at these conferences. The general church attendant who pays the tithes has no power over the funds nor any say in the distribution of them. Required tithing is the modem for financial prosperity in most churches today. This does not alter the fact that it is wrong to cover unscriptural practices with an unscriptural practice. Many organizations and ministries are geared to prosperity and serious about it. Of course it affords them an unscriptural cash flow laden upon all the congregation and upon the poor who are the most likely to suffer under their unscriptural tithe law. A tenth of a millionaire would not harm his status as being rich but to require a tenth of a poor person may harm their livelihood and prevent them from giving cheerfully and not grudgingly. If the rich or the poor give out of necessity then their reward is robbed from them because it is perceived as debt. If we pay a debt then why would we be rewarded. Also, if we pay a debt then we are buying something. If we are paying tithes then we are purchasing our salvation. God forbid!

Luke 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Some ministers tell their congregations that if they do not pay their tithes then they cannot make it to heaven. Thus we must buy our salvation also? God forbid! Many ministers declare that the tithe is the ministers and the offerings are to support the other church functions. Even if ministers only get a portion of the tithes from a large congregation, the salary could be astronomical. This has caused many ministers to become wealthy and powerful. They often direct the financial dealings thus they often love this power and prosperity that is born upon the shoulders of the congregation and an unscriptural support system. They declare this system is the law and will of God. Jesus, though rich, chose to become poor to be able to minister to his people. So many times the ministry is so financially positioned above the average person in the congregation till they lose their conviction to remember the poor. There would be nothing wrong with a minister becoming very prosperous and blessed of God except it is done on an unscriptural foundation such as a tithe message. The poor should be helped by the church, not taxed by a law that supports a ministry that many times has little or no sympathy for needs of the poor. When a minister tells the church that tithing is required, check who gets the benefit of the money. Are the poor of the church helped by the money or the ministry and their organizational programs.

Acts 15:10 Now therefore why temp ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bare.

Acts 15:24 For as much as we have heard that certain that went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law : to whom we gave no such commandment.

A careful study of Acts the 15th chapter would give insight to believers who were converted from gentiles and help explain why Paul nor the other apostles ever write in their epistles about a tithing law except the writer to the Hebrews who told them the law was changed.

Now tithing was the law. But the tithing law was abolished by a change in the priesthood. Many will say tithing was practiced before it became law thus it is required today.

Animal sacrifice, circumcision, Sabbath keeping, tithes and many more things were practiced before they were law. Why do ministers only choose to require the tithe law and omit the other commands in the law? Some do it ignorantly, yet they will condemn Christians by manipulation of the word of God. They will even resort to calling people stingy, robbers of God and embarrassing them. Some of these ministers tell the congregation that they check the tithe records and know who is FAITHFUL. If they are faithful to the house of God and pay their tithes is the standard most ministers use to determine an individuals Christianity. The Word Of God never portrayed this as a standard but did reveal that a life lived in service to God and neighbor was.

Many will even tell the children that they owe a dime out of every dollar they receive to the church, therefore teaching a mindset from their youth up.

Matt.6:1 Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Matt.6:2 Therfore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have the glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.

Do not think for a minute that passing the plate for an offering or asking for a pledge by standing or a raise of the hand for money under the watchful eyes of the pulpit and congregation, does not add extra dollars to the offering. This is a peer pressure tactic the ministry uses on everyone. After all of this some of these same men will declare that the church is not a welfare organization. Tithing and welfare were always synonymous to each other.The church has always been a welfare organization by looking to the needs of the less fortunate.

Calling someone more faithful than someone else over money is one reason God inspired the rule for giving.

Men can judge by a law but they cannot judge a heart. If ministers know who gives the largest offerings, do not be surprised if they become partial towards those who contribute the most. Therefore the rich would generally carry the clout in the church, a practice to be avoided by all biblical instruction.

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits

It would be best if ministers did not know who gives what.

If you are a member of a fairly large and financially successful congregation, when was the last time you saw the pastor socializing with the less fortunate in the church.

This is why they can call some the ones that nobody wants and refer to others as the ones everybody wants. Who do you think most ministers are going to socialize with.

Money has a profound effect on those who really should be socially blind and spiritually minded.

The bible generally portrays money matters to be controlled not by the ministers, but by other authority in the church.

There is one conclusion. Many ministers today cannot perceive that they could survive without a tithe law. What ever happened to faith in the Word of God?

There are prosperous congregations today who have been set at liberty concerning this matter. Many ministers also fear that their financial livelihood would be destroyed or severely adjusted if they must depend on faith instead of an unscriptural tithe law.

Now those who would preach condemnation and judgment by a tithe law, Paul would call preachers of false doctrine and be guilty of filthy lucre, I Tim.3:8.

Now who are the covetous ones and who are they that compel God’s people to keep the law? Did not the scriptures say, “In so much as you do unto the lest of these you do also unto me.”

Suddenly the condemnation that the ministry put upon the congregation with a tithe law has turn to accuse them. Truth is not always received with joy.

Pro 22;16 “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.”

Most ministers have done this through ignorance and not malice. That as it may be, with whatever judgment they dish out, they must be careful or it may turn into their judgment. Some require tithes of the congregation to gain clout in organizations and the church community with extravagant buildings and programs. Some even take the money of the congregation and support organizations while there is need in their own assembly. Yet they are esteemed highly by these organizations and the community at large as prosperous ministers. Many ministers justify the contributions to organizations and missions as the way to promote the preaching of the gospel instead of scripturally tending needs in the local assembly. I’ve heard the justification that we must give to missions so they can retain a lifestyle.

The scripture does not declare this. The congregation or people should determine their salary and their calling to preach the word of God should dictate their continuance in a locality. Again the congregation of the missionary should support them.

It is a good thing to support missionaries but it should be done voluntarily by those who personally know them or agree to help, not by a minister or organization that by required tithes support ministers with monies from congregations that have local needs.

The local church should have power over the finances, not the minister. The minister or pastor should however give scriptural instruction to those who direct the business of the finances.

Maybe through ignorance brought on by tradition or not really considering it could be any other way, have ministers required a tithe of the people.

As with any other revelation in the Word of God we are expected to act upon it and obey it. Let us preach the liberty of Christ from the law. Even now there are churches that have received this revealed truth and are flourishing.

Ministers will be surprised also at the bounty of cheerful givers that are not under the law and are not being judged by a law to give. Christians know that all the money is the Lord’s and will by the Spirit give cheerfully. By faith they will give knowing that they will receive reward instead of it being a duty to a command of the law.

TITHING WAS THE LAW

BRO. ED FORMAN