Why do Christian churches still collect TITHES from Christian members when …?
in fact, TITHING was a law given to ISRAELITES only and NOT to Gentiles nor Christians. The 11 tribes of Israel were commanded by God to give their tithes (10% of their best crops and livestocks) to the Levite priests because that is the Levites inheritance from God. Then, after collecting those TITHES, the Levite priests will offer the 10% of those tithes as burnt sacrifice to the LORD. Also, the tithes and offerings were brought to the TEMPLE of God. God’s temple was destroyed already. No any worship building no matter how grandeur it is in our time now is worthy to be called as temple of God because our HOLY BODIES are now the temple of God.
We call ourselves as Christians because we are under the Law of Christ. Christ replaced the priesthood of the Levites. Therefore, the law about TITHING was also changed. HEBREWS 7:12 “And if the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed to permit it.”
So, TITHING is NOT applicable in our time anymore since we are Christians (NOT Israelites) and Jesus is our High Priest now (NOT Levites), we are told to do the following instead:
2 Corinthians 9:7 ” You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
James 1:27 ” Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing the world to corrupt you.”
I understand that as Christians, we are commanded to help each other and be generous to each other. So when it comes to worship building expenses, mothly bills, allowance of pastors and working ministers, snacks for church assembly and some other expenses, NO QUESTION that members should contribute or give offerings. But TITHING should never be obligated among CHRISTIAN members now and NOT be told to members that TITHING is for GOD when in fact we know GOD is ALMIGHTY who NEVER need our money for he owns the whole world. Best crops and fat livestocks are blessed by GOD and worthy only to be offered to HIM but NEVER the money which has pictures of human presidents. GOD DID NOT EVER REQUIRE money to be offered even from ISRAELITES!
The people who work for the Lord like pastors and other ministers are the ONES who need money and NOT GOD. They are just using the name of GOD so that the members will be diligent in giving their Tithes to the church WITHOUT question. Poor Christians. Being deceived by their greedy dogs (pastors). The Holy Bible warn us against them.
There are 2 kinds of workers for God : some pastors do not accept salary from the church because they want HEAVENLY treasures and rewards; and, some pastors who will accept earthly reward rather than heavenly reward by accepting salary from the church members. Whichever they prefer to choose in compensation for their service for the Lord is okay because that’s their own choice.
For Christians, Paul is the best model for a true servant of God. He continued working as tent maker while preaching in order not be a burden to the members and also because he chose heavenly rewards.
If ever a Christian will insist to give TITHING to GOD, it’s better you give those tithes to the poor, needy, widows, and orphans around you and NEVER entrust your TITHES to anyone else.
James 1:27 ” Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing the world to corrupt you.”
I am so glad to read someone that thinks like I do.
whoa man youre intense, it just helps the church pay the bills
Correct.
No Christian should be tithing.
Tithing is OT law. We are under grace, not law.
So whoever teaches others to tithe, is wrong on that point of doctrine.
The NT says to give what you want cheerfully, and if you don’t want to give, then you don’t have to give anything
Tithing is a requirement in the Old Testament to give at least 10%.
Instead of this, in the New Testament, each person is to give as he has purposed in his heart.
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
This free-will offering is given on the first day of every week.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 says, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.”
This is the only way and the only time the New Testament instructs the church to collect money.
In the church of Christ you will find this practice.
During our gathering on Sunday (and only on Sunday) we will pass the collection basket down each row.
If you wish to give, you may do so. If you cannot, or have chosen not to give, simply pass the basket to the next person and nothing will be said. It is your choice.
The church does not collect any other collections during the week. Also we do not raise money by selling things, raffles, bingo, carnivals, or any other method.
Tithing is actually still in the new testimate– Read Malachi 3
& Luke 18:12 also Hebrews 7:1-28