T.R.A.S.H Talk

Truly Redeemed and Sanctified In Him

Today’s T.R.A.S.H. talk topic is one that is still met with controversy and confusion. 

To Tithe Or Not To Tithe?

Let’s examine scripture and see what and who tithing was for. Yep! I just said ‘was for’. Sit down, buckle up, keep your arms and legs inside the cart at all times as we embark on the Tithing train. Before you get your feathers ruffled, please keep in mind tithing is not the same thing as giving a free will offering or blessing.

Starting with scriptures from the Book of Hebrews which is part of the New Testament, we will then go back and take a look at what tithing was in the Old Testament and who it was originally intended for and for what purpose. 

The thing I love about the book of Hebrews is it encourages believers in Christ Jesus to stay the course that was set before them under the New Covenant. At the time of it’s writing, some Jewish believers were wavering in their faith and falling back into the ways of Judaism for various reasons, but most probably because they were listening to a deceptive doctrine taught by others. New Gentile converts were also being deceived and led astray by the knowledge of the Old Testament priesthood practices and sacrifices. The author of Hebrews sets them back on the course with Jesus, as He is our sabbath rest and the One final sacrifice. He is God’s plan for salvation of mankind. 

Chapter 6:1-12 begins with a warning on the peril of not progressing in faith and maturity and encourages readers to move on from the elementary principles (doctrine) of Jesus Christ to perfection (wholeness and completeness). If you are not familiar with what those principles are, you will want to study them on the blog here. https://awakegloriousbride.com/category/foundational-elementary-doctrines/

Let’s begin with:

Hebrews 6:13 – 7:13

For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.

Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood (the Levitical priesthood), have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but He whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there He receives them, of whom it is witnessed that He lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.  Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?

For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of who these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.

1. Melchizedek is referred as being made like the Son of God, as he has no genealogy, beginning or end.

• Abram had a relationship with God the Father and knew His voice clearly. He did not yet know of Jesus and hence thought of Melchizedek as being like the Son of God. That had to be one special encounter to believe this king was so much like Yahweh that he had to be like His Son.
• Melchizedek brought out the bread and wine and blessed Abram. (Symbolic for Jesus’ body and blood that would one day be offered as the ultimate sacrifice and blessing to mankind) 

2. Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils he plundered upon returning from the slaughter of the battle of the valley of Siddim. The spoils were things that had previously been stolen. People were also taken into captivity by Chedorlaomer and his forces. Abram recovered all the goods and the people who had been taken as captives (including his brother Lot and his family) (Genesis 12 through 14)

• At that time, there was no law in place regarding tithing and yet Abram recognized king Melchizedek worshiped Yahweh. As an act of worship to Yahweh, Abram’s heart was to give a tenth of what he had taken back. The law of tithing would come through Moses—or the Mosaic covenant 170+ years later.

3. There was another king who joined Abram and Melchizedek, king of Salem, on that day. It was Bera, the king of Sodom. He did not worship Yahweh but he thanked Abram and requested that he keep the plunder but return his people of whom Abram won back from captivity. Abram declined, saying, “I swore I would never take anything from you, so you can never say ‘I have made Abram rich.'” What Abram accepted from Bera instead was food for his 318 men and his Amorite neighbours.  Everything else was returned to Bera.

• Read Genesis 12 through 14 for the story.

So why does verse 5 say ‘and indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law…?

Well, let’s continue reading in Hebrews starting at 7:11-12 for the answer.

Hebrews 7:11-12

Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.

1. Under the Mosaic Law (read Numbers 18), only the Levites (those sons from the tribe of Levi) were appointed to attend to the tabernacle as musicians, gate keepers, guardians, Temple officials, judges, and craftsmen. Of the Levites, Aaron’s family was appointed as the priests and had specific duties to offer the sacrifices (many types of offerings), and burn incense continually. In addition, they were to lead, teach the law, and make annual atonement for the people’s sins etc.

• The tribe of Levi had not been given land as an inheritance which meant they could not grow food or raise livestock to feed their families.

• God commanded the other tribes to give to the Levites a tithe (which means a tenth) of their produce and livestock as their inheritance in return for the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 
• The Levites were commanded by God to not sin lest they should die.
• From their portion of the tithe received, they were commanded to offer a tenth of it as a heave offering to the Lord, which would be from the prime produce, grain, and livestock; and, the manner in which it would honor God was by giving it to Aaron.
• This practice would continue (though corrupted practices crept in) through to the time of Jesus’s death and resurrection at which time the Levitical priesthood and Mosaic law came to an end for those who follow Jesus under the New Covenant.

2. Aaron was the brother of Moses and God appointed Aaron to be priest of the people and to make atonement for their sins. He caved in to the masses when Moses did not return quickly from one of his trips up the mountain to be with I AM. He foolishly collected gold jewelry and vessels and melted them to build a golden calf. The next day he declared a festival to the Lord and the people considered the golden calf their god. His act of disobedience by allowing idol worship led to the death of 3,000 people by God himself. His man made festival was an abomination to God.

• This was the first major failure of the Levitical priesthood.

3. Two of Aaron’s sons at one point offered strange fire to the Lord and were immediately killed by the fire (by God himself). Aaron and his remaining family were told to not even think about mourning their death or they too would die.

• Another failure in the Levitical priesthood.

There were a few priests such as Zadok and Jehoiada who diligently attempted to remain faithful to Yahweh in their duties over the years, but for the most part there was failure upon failure with dishonoring, greed and idolatry. The Levites failed to keep charge of the temple in a holy manner with their greed and idolatry. Yahweh had a plan!

Hebrews 7:14 – 22

For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies:  “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 

For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn and will not relent, You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”), by so much more Jesus has become a surety for a better covenant.

We can confirm by reading the Old Testament that there were a lot of reasons why the tabernacle made with hands, which was originally made in accordance to the pattern I AM gave to Moses, was not able to be maintained and tended to with full honor and glory to God. 

Why do so many Pastors like to use Malachi 3:10 to convince (trick) their congregations of the need to tithe in order to receive a blessing?

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. (Mal 3:10)

It is important to remember what and who the tithing was originally for. The Levites who attended to the tabernacle and the priests under the Mosaic Law, as they had no land inheritance! What were their duties? Were they to sin, steal, profane that which is holy?  How did they do?  Also, keep in mind that Malachi is Old Testament and written somewhere between 410 and 415 B.C. That’s almost 400 years prior to Jesus being born.

The book of Malachi is first and foremost a very strong rebuke from God to the corrupt priests of the Levitical covenant. Because of their corruptness and lack of reverence for Yahweh, they brought a curse upon themselves, and the people became lazy in their giving to the Levites which in turn brought a curse upon themselves.  It’s the same old thing–when people see hypocrisy in the organized church, they become slothful and reverence of God is lost.  But the redemption God promised us would be coming soon. He would be the Messenger of the covenant and He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers soap. 

I have always found it interesting that pastors forget to read the full message in Malachi when they are asking the congregation to tithe to their church. Perhaps they have never read the book themselves or perhaps they are still under a Judaism mindset which places a veil over their eyes. If they had read it, they would certainly not be using it out of context if they had true reverence for the Lord. Are they any different than the Levites who corrupted God’s holy tabernacle?

For those who have never read the context of Malachi, I am happy to share it below:

Beginning with Malachi 1:8-11, the Lord speaking to the Levitical priests:

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor?

And if I am a Master, where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts to you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘ In what way have we despised Your name?’ 

“You offer defiled food on My altar, but say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ By saying, the table of the Lord is contemptible.’ and when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?” says the Lord of hosts.

But now entreat God’s favor, that He may be gracious to us. While this is being done by your hands, will He accept you favorably?” says the Lord of hosts.

“Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” says the Lord of hosts. “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.”

“For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles: In every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations,” says the Lord of hosts.

Wow! Did you see the mic drop moment here? Remember the tithes were originally food from produce, grain, and livestock for the Levites and the Priests—for sacrifices and their families since they had no land inheritance. The people gave the Levites a portion (tithe) of their finest food and the Levites in turn were to give a tithe to the priests of their finest. What was happening was the Levites kept the best for themselves and offered the least (blind, sick, and lame animals) as sacrifices. Why do you suppose the people had tithed the blind and lame to begin with? Had the Levites been doing their job faithfully, they would have never received the poor tithes and the people would not have considered anything less than their best to give. There would have been true reverence to Yahweh in the tabernacle and it would have flowed down to the masses as a pure form of worship to the One who delivered them out of slavery.

God announces right here in Malachi 1:11 that His name shall be great among the Gentiles and nations.“For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles: In every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations,” says the Lord of hosts.

At no time were the Gentile nations ever required to tithe or adhere to the Mosaic Law. Tithing was strictly a part of the Mosaic Law for Judah and Israel. The Gentiles put their faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and were told in Acts 15:28-29 “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.” 

Malachi 1:12-14 continues:

“But you profane it, in that you say, ‘the table of the Lord is defiled, and its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’ You also say, ‘Oh, what a weariness!’ and you sneer at it,” says the Lord of hosts.

“And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick” thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?” says the Lord. “But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished—For I am a great King,” says the Lord of hosts, “And My name is to be feared among the nations.”

Chapter 2

“And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name”, says the Lord of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.”

I trust you are starting to understand the context of Malachi and the real issue of sin Yahweh was addressing is to the priests. I ask that you continue to read Chapter 2 on your own and in the essence of time and the topic of tithing, I want to jump to Chapter 3 because this is the one that confuses the body of Christ today.

Malachi 3

“Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me, and the Lord, who you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming.” says the Lord of hosts.  (Prophecy regarding John the Baptist preparing a way for Jesus and Yahweh)

“But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to the Lord, as in the days of old, and in former years. And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien—because they do not fear Me,” says the Lord of hosts.  (God is announcing the coming of His Son, Jesus the Messiah, who will deal with the sons of Levi and through His redeeming love give them a chance to sanctify themselves and walk in His righteousness. It is Jesus who was to be the offering of Judah and Jerusalem which was pleasing to the Lord.)

Now, here is a reality check for those who have ears to hear. God (Yahweh) is still talking about the sons of Levi here and although every one of us will stand before God in judgment for our works, lifestyles, lack of fear of the Lord, etc., He is addressing corruption in the priesthood. In chapter 2, God addressed the adultery and divorce, but it’s even harder to grasp that fact that there were sorcerers in the temple along with perjurers and the priests who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans.  By the time of Jesus stepping into His ministry, the synagogues and temple was so defiled and corrupt that He drove out the money changers and prophesied He’d destroy the temple. The priests hated Jesus because they knew they were guilty but too proud to repent.  Again, if the Levitical priesthood covenant had been working there would have been no need for Jesus and a New Covenant.

Malachi 3:6-12

“For I am the Lord, I do not change. Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob, Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.

“But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’ Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the window of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says the Lord of hosts; “and all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of hosts.

Again, we see that a curse had been brought upon first the Levites and priests because they turned the things that were to be holy in the tabernacle into ordinary things without any reverence to Yahweh. The people became wise to the corruptness of the priests and stopped giving their best because they knew the keepers of the tabernacle weren’t forthright in their duties. In a sense, they cut off their nose to spite their face. It’s like the saying, ‘If they don’t care, why should I care?’

It’s rather sad that today we see so many pastors stand at the pulpit in church buildings (and even some at homes) and push the concept of tithing every week. Heck, some can make you feel so awful that you almost feel sick if you can’t give 10% of your earnings. Did you know that in realty, under the Mosaic Law, there were three tithes required; two were annual and one that came every three years. Back in the day, the tithes were to support the priests and Levites and also widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deut. 14:28).  There are some church organizations that have a benevolent fund, but rarely is it used for God’s glory in helping the widows, orphans, and foreigners, or those who have a desperate need. Where are the tithes going? Why do we still have drought, plagues, and famine?

Jesus Christ came because the old covenant was not sufficient any longer. Just as the scripture says in Hebrews 7:9 – “Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.”

You see, when Abram was given the promise by God that the nations would be blessed through his seed, that very seed would be Jesus Christ. The tithe for Levi had already been paid. So when Abram drove out the kings of nations that had no fear of Yahweh, he had begun the preparation for the promise of what was to come. The king of Salem arrived on scene, Melchizedek, and blessed Abram. Abram recognized the importance of the blessing, including the bread and wine, and in turn tithed to the king.

Jesus is the bread of life-our very sustenance. His blood was shed for the healing of the nations, so they can be reconciled back to God. He is the new wine in the new wineskin—our joy and abundant happiness.

Let’s come full circle back to Hebrews 7:23 – 9:15

Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens, who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priest men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. 

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying” we have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. (Jesus is the offering of Judah and Jerusalem, pleasing to the Lord God.)

For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain,” But now, He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says, “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by hand and led them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord; for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more. In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the show bread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is call the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna. Aarons’ rod that budded, and the tablet of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; The Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption…He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritances.  

I encourage you to continue reading Hebrews.

In Conclusion

We pray you can see that the issue of tithing (giving a 10^th of your earnings) has been taken completely out of context with scripture and is actually no longer a commandment for followers of Christ. If you attend a church building on a weekly basis, ask yourself if the person at the pulpit is asking you for a tithe because he/she is a true Levite in the tribal sense and has been assigned a specific duty, or does he/she consider themselves a high priest and only they can go to the Father for you. If so, then you my friend may have fallen prey for the old covenant trick to exploit your wages for something other than an offering unto Yahweh.  Today the concept of tithing is pitched as “if you give this much, you will receive this blessing…etc.” Tell me how this has worked out for the majority? Many churches today even gladly accept your credit or debit cards for tithes/offerings.

You Are Called To Be A Royal Priesthood, Co-Heir To The Throne of Yahweh

Jesus requires us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service unto Him. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2) We (you and I) are each a tabernacle unto God and our tabernacle should be made holy (set apart for His glory). We are His creation and we are to offer our very best unto Him through Christ Jesus. He wants our pure heart and the more we seek His face, the more He will refine and purify us. 

The old covenant took care of an earthly tabernacle. The new covenant requires us to take care of our body (our spiritual tabernacle, not made by man) and present it unto Yahweh wholly so He and Jesus can dwell within us by the Holy Spirit of Truth. God doesn’t ask for a 10^th of us. He wants all of us.

We are each called to serve God (the Holy of Holiest), for we (you and I) are a new priesthood–a royal priesthood and co-heirs to the throne. We are to serve God with our spiritual gifts and without hypocrisy through the act of serving others. These gifts are known in Romans 12:3-8 as seven redemptive gifts because they come from our Redeemer to be used to edify the body:

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them;

If prophecy (prophet), let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or

ministry (servant), let us use it to our ministering (serving);

he who teaches (teacher), in teaching;

he who exhorts (exhorter), in exhortation;

he who gives (giver), with liberality;

he who leads (ruler), with diligence; 

he who shows mercy (mercy), with cheerfulness.

You notice that there is a gift of giving and many of you are designed (spiritually DNA wired) to give more than others based on the measure God has given you in faith and resources. It is my experience and understanding that we all have each of the seven gifts within us but may walk in only one or a few dominate gifts. 

We’ve covered the topic of tithing but we want to emphasize the difference between paying a tithe (not required) versus giving an offering or blessing. When we were called into ministry, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to us and said that we were not to ever charge for the gospel; however, we were never to deny one from giving us a blessing. It has been amazing what God has provided when the need has arose. We teach many and we make it clear that we do not charge. Materials are always an expense and some have been led to bless us with a financial gift, some with other gifts such as food or materials that allow us to keep teaching and sharing the gospel. There will always be those who are takers and not givers due to their own lack of knowledge, greed, or just are unable to do so. Either way, it always has worked out for the glory of our God and has a way of keeping us humble.

In regards to giving an offering, it is wise to listen to the Holy Spirit as to who and where to give and then give with a cheerful heart what you are told or led to give. Blessing someone with an offering whether be it financial, physical, or other is from the heart and can be as much as you want and/or can give. This is called a love offering or a blessing (meaning gift from God). There is no set limit nor is there only one place or person that He may want you to give. 

If you attend a church building and you choose to help pay for that building, its utilities and maintenance, and/or even the salary of certain people, then that is your choice. Don’t confuse it with a tithe and do not expect anything in return (tax exempt status, tax break, or other) because you may be acting on presumption (which is a sin) rather than obedience. Again, if you are led to give then you give with a cheerful heart and know that it is not a tithe. Never make a pledge! Never! For you do not know what tomorrow brings let alone what next month may bring your way and your ‘yes’ must be “yes.” If you attend a church that is asking for a pledge so they can do something, buy something, or build something, it is not of God. If you agree to it and can not fulfill your pledge, you may bring a curse upon yourself and your family. God’s word is clear. You will always be safe in saying, “if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that”–James 4:15.

If you don’t attend a church building, trust that God will put it on your heart to give in other ways through your community, your children, the person in front of you at the grocery store, the homeless, etc. of your time, love and/or resources. It is the Father above who gives you good gifts and it is He who puts it in your heart to give in the measurement of your faith. Giving in obedience to what you hear Him say is a form of worship and your obedience is where the blessings are returned back you. These blessings do not necessarily return in the form of money. 

When you read about offerings and gifts that Paul or others received in his/their ministry, read the scriptures carefully. Read 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 9. Paul encouraged cheerful giving from the church in Galatia and that which the believers set aside in advance of the disciple’s coming was used to further the kingdom of God and to help care for others in true need. They gave what they could, as liberally as they could with thanksgiving. Giving is a gift and is not always in the form of money. Paul never charged for the gospel but he did address those who preached the gospel for personal gain or selfish ambition (read Philippians). 

The early church knew how to care for the widows, orphans, and foreigners in need. They also hosted and cared for the disciples when they were in town because God put that kindness in their heart. When they gave, they gave with a cheerful heart in their gift of hospitality. You can not find anywhere in the New Testament where people tithed to a church building or tithed at all. It just does not exist.  If you have been made to believe you are to tithe because a doctrine of man has convinced you, I urge you to rethink what scripture says. It really places you back under the law of Moses and out of grace in the new covenant of Jesus Christ.

NOTE: We want to emphasize that we are not condemning giving to a church building for their coffers if led, nor are we saying you should not bless someone with gifts, money, etc. if you are so led. We are merely letting you know that it is not a tithe that is required and we want you to know the difference. It is an act of you giving so you can have a place to go and fellowship and hopefully, learn the full gospel in truth and sincerity. Many of today’s churches are more about performance based works, social clubs, conferences, and good music than they are about repentance, the sound doctrine of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit of Truth. Just be careful. Be awake and aware of the food you are receiving (full, partial, or even another gospel, doctrine), as you don’t want your tabernacle defiled with contemptible food for we will all one day be held accountable. Remember, you are the tabernacle of God here on earth. How you attend to it is important.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thess. 5:23

In Christ’s service,

Garry and Norma Umphress