THE LAW OF TITHING

by
Rev. Rick L. Patterson, Th.D.
President
Miami Christian University
Miami, FL



This paper will address itself to the issue of tithing, and more specifically, " The Law of Tithing." It is my hope and desire that this brief look into the Christian principles of tithing will stimulate your interest in studying and ultimately becoming obedient to the Word of God - the Bible!

I am not going to give you 1,001 reasons why you should tithe on your income. I am not going to try and "sell" you on tithing. Rather, I am going to present the Word of God to you and believe that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will be obedient to God's commandment to tithe!

The way in which you handle your finances will mark your spiritual commitment to God! It has often been said that more could be learned about a person's commitment to Christ by looking at his checkbook rather than his prayer book. We are no farther along in our walk with God than the point to which we have learned to trust Him with our tithes and offerings.

There are so many books, tracts, tapes, and teachings today attempting to convince the Christian to tithe that it is amazing. Many of them are excellent, but many are nothing more than weak compromises trying to gloss over the issue.

For example, I visited a church where the pastor had written a tract entitled, "Moving Towards the Tithe." The tract encouraged people to move in a positive direction to give 10% to God. It later emphasized, however, that the believer need not concern h imself with the consequences of not tithing, which was an obvious contradiction of the subject of his tract. My question is not whether or not you are moving towards the tithe, but rather, WHY A REN'T YOU TITHING?

I realize that many people do not tithe simply because they have not had the proper teachings about tithing. Then there are others who know they should, but willfully don't. My main concern is with the latter group - those who are w illfully rebellious a nd disobedient to God's commands. Jesus clearly taught us that if we love him we will keep his commandments. Clearly that includes tithing and giving!





We have all seen the bumper stickers that say,

"HONK IF YOU LOVE JESUS!"

Recently, I saw another bumper sticker that said,

"TITHE, IF YOU LOVE JESUS...ANYONE CAN HONK!"


PRINCIPLE OF DIVINE OWNERSHIP
VERSUS
THE PRINCIPLE OF DOMINION

Many Christians have not learned the concept of Divine Ownership nor that of Dominion. As a result, they have a distorted view of the purpose of their finances. Here is an explanation of these two important principles.

THE PRINCIPLE OF DOMINION

GENESIS 1:26
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all th e earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." (NKJ)


GENESIS 1:27
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

GENESIS 1:28
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living t hing that moves on the earth." (NKJ)






The word dominion comes from the Hebrew word radah , meaning to rule over, to reign over that which is owned by God. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance < /B>

<H7287> radah, raw-daw'; a prim. root; to tread down, i.e. subjugate; spec. to crumble off:-(come to, make to) have dominion, prevail against, reign, (bear, make to) rule, (-r, over), take. In other words, God has given us the ability and the command to rule and reign over his property and to become faithful stewards.







The Law of Tithing

God has given mankind the exclusive right or dominion to rule over His property and world. We have not only been given the right of dominion, but we are also "free moral agents," able to make our own decisions and to determine our own actions. Therefore, man can bless God with his actions or cu rse God with his actions. Obedience blesses God, while disobedience is a reproach unto God . Tithing blesses, while not tith ing is obviously a reproach.


DIVINE OWNERSHIP

If this principle could finally be understood in the hearts of all Christians, then the problems associated with giving and tithing would be over. Therefore, I will quote several scriptures to support this principle. Please take the time to read each sc ripture, in fact, underline them in your own Bible for future references.

GOD OWNS EVERYTHING!

PSALMS 24:1
The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein . (NKJ)

PSALMS 50:10
For every beast of the forest is Mine , And the cattle on a thousand hills. (NKJ)

PSALMS 50:11
I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine . (NKJ)

HAGGAI 2:8
`The silver is Mine , and the gold is Mine ,' says the Lord of hosts. (NKJ)

EZEKIEL 18:4
"Behold, all souls are Mine ; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine ; the soul who sins shall die. (NKJ)


ROMANS 14:8
For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's . (NKJ)

1 CORINTHIANS 6:20
For you were bought at a price ; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. (NKJ)

1 CORINTHIANS 10:26
For "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness ." (NKJ)

God owns everything and we are merely stewards over His possessions!

Based upon the above scriptures and many, many others, it is clear that the entire earth, world, gold, silver, animals, and all people are God's! The principle of divine ownership teaches us that there is nothing that does not belong to God Himself! Whereas, the principle of dominion teaches us that mankind has been given stewardship over God's property.

I believe that this is a very timely message and teaching for the Body of Christ today! Especially living in a world of intense greed, selfishness and hedonism.
I am reminded of the very famous quote from the late president John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

So many Christians today fail to realize that God has asked and even commanded them to give and to tithe! It is a very disappointing fact that 80% of the finances of any church is given by only 20% of the people. What can you do, wh at can I do for Chris t's church? TITHE!!!!!

Christian maturity is not based upon the concept of "God, what can you give me?" Rather, it is an attitude which expresses gratitude to God and a thank you, Lord, for what you have done for me, now what can I do for you in return? Mature Christians see the need and fill it. They see their responsibility and respond to it.


One of the greatest injustices that many pastors have done to the church is to insist that God demands one-tenth of our income and one-seventh of our week. The implications are that the other nine-tenths of our income an d the other six days of the week are ours to do as we please. The real truth is that everything belongs to God! Not only the tithe, but everything else: 100% belongs to Him. We are simply stewards being obedient to our Heavenly Master - Jesus Christ , our LORD and Saviour. The tithe is simply the basic starting point in our Christian financial commitment.


TITHE
The definition of tithe is derived from the Hebrew word, asair , which means to give the tenth part of. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

<H4643>. MA'ASER, MAH-AS-AYR'; OR MA'ASAR, MAH-AS-AR';AND (IN
PLUR.) FEM. MA'ASRAH, MAH-AS-RAW';FROM 6240; A TENTH; ESPEC. A TITHE:-TENTH (PART),TITHE (-ING).

<H6237>`asar, aw-sar'; a prim. root (ident. with 6238); to accumulate; but used only as denom. from 6235; to tithe, i.e. take or give a tenth:- x surely, give (take) the tenth, (have, take) tithe (-ing, -s), x truly. < BR>
Let us look at several scriptures that relate to the tithe. Once again, I challenge you to read and meditate upon each of the following scriptures. Mark them in your Bible and use them for references. When you do so, tithing will be come a Rhema word to you from God.

MALACHI 3:8
"Will a man rob God ? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, `In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings." (NKJ)

MALACHI 3:9
You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me , even this whole nation. MALACHI 3:10

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse , that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this ," says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you th e windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it . (NKJ)


MALACHI 3:11
"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;

MALACHI 3:12
And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the Lord of hosts. (NKJ)

Did you notice God's response and question to the people who did not tithe in this passage of scripture? He asked the rhetorical question, " Will a man rob God ?" ; I don't know about you, but if I were going to rob someone, the last person that I would want to rob is God! Yet, that is exactly what He said the people were doing. What a serious indictment!

How can you and I literally rob God ? How can you take from the one who owns everything? Malachi 3:8 says, "... in tithes and offerings ."< /code> God is specifically telling us that if we do not tithe our 10% unto Him, then as far as he is concerned we are robbers or thieves. Then He proceeds to explain that as a result of our disobedience we are under a curse!



SACRILEGE

ROMANS 2:22
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege ? (KJV)

It is interesting that Paul refers to sacrilege in this passage of scripture. In fact, the word sacrilege only appears once in the entire Bible. The Greek word for sacrilege is hierosuleo , to rob a temple, to rob God, to commit sacrilege. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

<G2416>HIEROSULEO, HEE-ER-OS-OOL-EH'-O; FROM 2417; TO BE A TEMPLE-ROBBER (FIG.):-COMMIT SACRILEGE.

<G2417>HIEROSULOS, HEE-ER-OS'-OO-LOS; FROM 2411 AND 4813; A TEMPLE - DESPOILER:-ROBBER OF CHURCHES. Sacrilege is theft directed against God himself.
Rousas John Rushdoony: This was Font/Pitch 8,10 - Off. This was Font/Pitch 5,10 - On. LAW AND SOCIETY Volume II of the Institutes of Biblical Law, This was Font/Pitch 5,10 - Off. This was Font/ Pitch 8,10 - On. p. 28. Vallecito, CA: Ross House Books, 1982.

Those who have a true understanding of God's Kingdom must come to the conclusion that the tithe is clearly His basic Kingdom tax; while the offering is the evidence of our love and gratitude for His care and mercy toward us.

Paul asks several, very important questions in Romans 2:22. He states their position not to commit adultery and then asks "...dost thou commit adultery?" Then Paul goes on to state, < B> "...thou that abhorrest idols,"
or, you who abhor, detest, and hate the false worship to idols, the giving and sacrifice to idols, "...dost thou commit sacrilege ?".
John Calvin: This was Font/Pitch 8,10 - Off. This was Font/Pitch 5,10 - On. Calvin's Commentaries, This was Font/Pitch 5,10 - Off. This was Font/Pitch 8,10 - On. Volume XIX, p. 106, Gran d Rapids, MI, 1984 Paul is basically saying, "Practice what you preach!" He tells the Roman Christians that it is unjust to condemn the heathens for their worship and commitment (their service and sa crifices) to their false gods and idols, and then proclaim to serve the t rue God of the universe and rob from His temple or to commit sacrilege.

What a challenge for the church! Shall we continue robbing God through sacrilege? Shall we continue to justify our non-tithing and non-giving, and then use the tithe for our own personal pleasures?

Malachi clearly teaches us that the absence of tithes and offerings results in God's curse. I know there will be some who will ask the question, "Why do I emphasize the negative of not tithing instead of the positive of tithing?" The answer is because almost every book you will read that has been written in the last 25 years emphasizes only th e positive nature of God, while ignoring the judgement of God. It is through obedience and l ove for God that we tithe. The blessings of tithing are the by-products.

I think it is quite interesting to note in Malachi, Chapter 3, that the curses from not tithing relate directly back to man's first rebellion against God in the garden.

GENESIS 3:17
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of th y life; (KJV)

GENESIS 3:18
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; (KJV)

GENESIS 3:19
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art , and unto dust shalt thou return. (KJV)

Failure to tithe aggravates and develops the curse that originally came to man in the garden. Whatever our profession, work, or call is, life becomes marked by increased frustration and trouble to the non-tither.

When rebellious man realizes his sin and seeks restoration with God through redemption and sanctification, God, in His mercy, provides a life of blessings. In fact, Deuteronomy 28 shows us that as we obey the Word of God, not only wil l we be entitled to blessings, but they will overtake us !


Let us look at Malachi, Chapter 3, Verse 7:

MALACHI 3:7
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them . Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return < B> ? (KJV)

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. (KJV)

The premise of God's reproof in verses 8 - 12 was the fact that the people were amazed that God wanted to return to them. They hadn't even realized that He had left them and wanted to return! They asked God, "
Wherein shall we return?" (v.7)


As far as these people were concerned, they were good people who loved God and assumed they were in fellowship with Him. The same is true today. We have thousands of Christians who assume their relationship with God is okay. They li ve their lives as if tithing were not important to their LORD.

Peter challenges the church in Acts 5:29

ACTS 5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men . (KJV)


CHRIST IS KING!!!

The Christian declaration that "CHRIST IS KING!" is one of absolute authority and power! When you accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour you were placed within His Kingdom.

COLOSSIANS 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (KJV)

Every king has the power and the right of taxation; every king commands his kingdom. A king does not have to plead for support, he does not have to send out appeal letters. It is his right! The option to pay the tax does not come to the people for a vo te! It is not a matter of their choice. It is their obligation to their king! Paul supports this position in Romans 13:7.


ROMANS 13:7
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due ; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (KJV)

If we are responsible to render our dues, tribute, custom, fear, and honour to earthly kings, how much more so of our Lord Jesus Christ! In the simplest terms, if we are members of Christ's Kingdom, then we must pay its taxes - the ti the!
Rousas John Rushdoony: This was Font/Pitch 8,10 - Off. This was Font/Pitch 5,10 - On. TITHING AND DOMINION , This was Font/Pitch 5,10 - Off. This was Font/Pitch 8,10 - On. p. 23, Vallecito, CA: Ross Hou se Books, 1979.

The Church must understand its responsibility to bring all the tithes into the storehouse. Much of the nonsense we have seen in recent years can be directly attributed to the lack of committed Christians who tithe. Is it any wonder why a recent poll in U.S.A. Today indicated that 40% of Americans believe that "very little Christian fund raising is either honest or ethical."

Recently, the church's image has been soiled by the constant appeal for money. Fund raising is filled with gimmicks, and many times outright lies! WHY? Because we have become a people who truly do not fear God! We do not tithe to our local churches. We do not support missions. Yet, we want and expect God to help us, heal us, protect us, etc.



HOW DO I DETERMINE THE AMOUNT I SHOULD
TITHE?


The word tithe literally means 10 %. The amount we should tithe is 10 % of all our increase. This includes any and all increase in the value of the original capital investment. All capital gains from the sale of houses, real estate , stocks, bonds, mach inery, etc. All increases based upon our wages or salaries, including fringe benefits: employer paid health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement contributions, etc.

LEVITICUS 27:30
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord. (KJV)

LEVITICUS 27:31
And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. (KJV)

LEVITICUS 27:32
And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. (KJV)

God has commanded us to tithe on all our increases. Whatever you receive, whether it be from gifts, earnings, inheritances, etc. are to be tithed.

Those who tithe usually have little difficulty tithing on their gross wages. However, many fail to take into account the sales and profits from houses, cars, boats, etc. Whenever we receive an increase above our original inve stment, we are to tithe!

Sometimes I am asked the question, "What happens if I lose money on a investment?" My response is always the same: if we have an increase, God expects a tithe!

WHERE ARE WE TO GIVE OUR TITHES?

One of the most frustrating and damaging teachings in the Body of Christ today is the concept that our tithes can go to any ministry we choose. For example, it is common practice for radio and TV evangelists to ask for the people to send in a "portion" o r "all" of their tithes to support their air time. Another false concept is that of sending our tithe to evangelistic ministries, orphanages, paying school tu itions, etc. While these are good and important, scripturally they are not to receive the tithe! The tithe is to go to your local church and nowhere else!

I would like to point out that it is your option to send your offerings and special gifts to ministries that do, in fact, bless you. I personally send money to many ministries and am happy to do so. In fact, our church has often rec eived special collect ions for other ministries.


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, tha t there shall not be room enough to receive it . (KJV)




Storehouse Concept

The concept of the storehouse in the Old Testament plays a very important part in our understanding of New Testament tithing. The people, being primarily agricultural, would bring their tithes of the land, cattle, grain, fruits, vege tables, etc. to the l ocal Levites who were responsible for the ministry in their local community. The Levites had a storehouse in which the grain, meal, cattle, etc. would be stored for later consumption and use. Notice that God said we were to bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house. His house was in reference to what we call today the local church. It was that place in which people would be able to receive their ministry and care.

Unfortunately, TV evangelists lead many people believe they are being ministered to exclusively by them. In fact, if the TV evangelists would come in line with New Testament authority, they would be supported and sent out by the loca l church. Many times I have received phone calls from people who have not been attending church services and I know are not tithing to a local church, only to hear, "Pastor will you please come over and pray for me? Will you visit my mother in the hospital? Will you marry us ?" I have wanted to say, but I have not as of yet, "Why don't you call Bro. TV Evangelist, or such and such TV program to come and help you?" You see, it is the local church that is responsible for the daily ministry of the saints of God. It is the local shepherds who the Bible says are to lay down their lives for the sheep. It is the local church who must baptize, marry, counsel, and b ury the individuals. Therefore, God's plan is for the local church to receive the tithe for its services.

Again, there is absolutely no scriptural support for the idea that the tithe is to go anywhere but to the local church.

I CORINTHIANS 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. (KJV)




I CORINTHIANS 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. (KJV)

Notice the concept of laying in store for the first day of the week, Sunday. Now I realize that this verse is referring to the offerings that were designated for the suffering saints in Jerusalem, but I wish to point out the principl e of storehouse and w eekly giving in the New Testament setting.

The sole and primary purpose of the tithe is to support those who are in the ministry and their families. The tithe, as we will see, is not to be used for paying church mortgages or electric bills, but is to go towards the support of the ministers on sta ff in a local church.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:14
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (KJV)

1 CORINTHIANS 9:14
In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (NIV)

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. (KJV)

1 TIMOTHY 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (KJV)




1 TIMOTHY 5:17
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. (NIV)

These, as well as other scriptures, show us that the ministers are not to live in hardship, just barely getting by. As ministers are faithful to the Lord and as their ministries grow so should their support financially.

NUMBERS 18:21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. (KJV)

NUMBERS 18:24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inh eritance. (KJV)

Verse 24 shows us that the Levites were to tithe, and that tithe was called the heave offering. The heave offering was used to support the priest that supported the Levites.





NEW TESTAMENT TITHING

Some critics of tithing try to maintain that tithing is an Old Testament law and not subject to New Testament obedience. However, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour maintains the principle of tithing in Matthew 23:23.

MATTHEW 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not t o leave the other undone . (KJV) (KJV)
Also see Luke 11:42

LUKE 11:42
But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done , and not to le ave the other undone. (KJV)

LUKE 11:42
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone . (NIV)

Clearly Jesus is telling the Pharisees and scribes that they were to tithe on their increases and possessions ! The emphasis was not that they were not to tithe or that we are not to tithe, but that they sh ould understand judgement, mercy, and faith. Whatever we do today is in vain if it is not done in faith and love. But, please do not overlook the fact Jesus expected them to continue tithing !

"Pastor, tithing is Old Testament and we are no longer under the law and I am not going to tithe!"



Tithing was not initially instituted in the Mosaic law. In fact, it was a Biblical principle instituted by God before the Law! Let us take a look at Abraham who tithed unto the priest Melchizedek.

GENESIS 14:18
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. (KJV)

GENESIS 14:19
And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: (KJV)

GENESIS 14:20
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all . (KJV)

This passage of scripture clearly shows us the principle and the law of tithing hundreds of years before the Mosaic Law was given.

Another example of tithing before the Mosaic Law was Jacob in Genesis 28:20-22.

GENESIS 28:20
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, (KJV)

GENESIS 28:21
So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: (KJV)




GENESIS 28:22
And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee . (KJV)


Jacob made a vow unto God to serve Him and to tithe on all that the Lord would give him. Let us look at the end result of Jacob's life as a result of his tithing unto the LORD.

GENESIS 33:11
Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it . (KJV)

I heard one man say, "I am not going to tithe. I live strictly by the New Testament and I don't believe tithing is New Testament!"

I then proceeded to shout, "Praise the Lord! Let us look at the New Testament!"

MARK 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and fo llow me. (KJV)

ACTS 2:44
And all that believed were together, and had all things common ; (KJV)

ACTS 2:45
And sold their possessions and goods , and parted them to all men , as every man had need. (KJV)


ACTS 4:32
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common . (KJV)

ACTS 4:33
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (KJV)

ACTS 4:34
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, (KJV)

ACTS 4:35
And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (KJV)

ACTS 4:36
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, (KJV)

ACTS 4:37
Having land, sold it , and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. (KJV)

I then proceeded to tell the man that if he were strictly New Testament, he would have to sell all that he had and bring it into the church, to the apostles' feet. After reading these scriptures, I was surprised at how quickly this man changed his theolo gy regarding the law of the tithe.


PROVERBS 3:9
Honour the Lord with thy substance , and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (KJV)

PROVERBS 3:10
So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine . (KJV)

Tithing is the means through which God is released to bless his people. Scripture after scripture shows us that it is God's desire for us to prosper and be in health. The Bible also tells us that whatever we give shall be give n back to us good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. It teaches us that God will open up the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that our storehouses will not be able to contain.

The question is not whether you can afford to tithe, but rather, how in the world can you afford not to tithe?

Tithing is one of God's means of bringing us into maturity and prosperity.
Tithing honors the LORD!

Tithing demonstrates our faith in God's power to supply all our needs. We receive peace of mind knowing we are obeying God's Word.

Tithing is an act of our faith because it allows God to bless the remaining 90% of our income.

Tithing blesses the church by enabling it to carry out a greater ministry to the world.

Through our obedience to God in tithing, we become good examples of financial stewardship in God's Kingdom.

Please let me remind you that we are the stewards and not the owners of our possessions. GOD OWNS ALL !

TITHING IS NOT AN OPTION IT IS
GOD'S COMMANDMENT!

You can tithe without loving God with all your heart, but you cannot love God with all your heart without tithing!


Additional Scriptures Relating to Tithing:


The Law of Tithing

2 CHRONICLES 31:5
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all <things> brought they in abundantly.

2 CHRONICLES 31:6
And <concerning> the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid & lt;them> by heaps.

NEHEMIAH 10:38
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

NEHEMIAH 13:12
Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

MATTHEW 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier <matters> of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.


LUKE 11:42
But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

LEVITICUS 27:30
And all the tithe of the land, <whether> of the seed of the land, <or> of the fruit of the tree, <is> the LORD'S: <it is> holy unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 27:32
And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, <even> of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

NUMBERS 18:26
Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto 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.

DEUTERONOMY 12:17
Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thi ne hand:

DEUTERONOMY 14:22
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

DEUTERONOMY 14:23
And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest lea rn to fear the LORD thy God always.

DEUTERONOMY 14:28
At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay <it> up within thy gates:

2 CHRONICLES 31:5
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all <things> brought they in abundantly.

2 CHRONICLES 31:6
And <concerning> the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and he tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid &l t;them> by heaps.

NEHEMIAH 10:38
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

NEHEMIAH 13:12
Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

MATTHEW 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier <matters> of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

LUKE 11:42
But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

GENESIS 14:20
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

LEVITICUS 27:31
And if a man will at all redeem <ought> of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth <part> thereof.

NUMBERS 18:24
But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer <as> an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inhe ritance.

NUMBERS 18:26
Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto 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.

NUMBERS 18:28
Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD's heave offering to Aaron the priest.

DEUTERONOMY 12:6
And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

DEUTERONOMY 12:11
Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of y our hand, and all your choi ce vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

DEUTERONOMY 26:12
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, <which> <is> the year of tithing, and hast given <it> unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the y may eat within thy gates, and be filled;

2 CHRONICLES 31:12
And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated <things> faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite <was> ruler, and Shimei his brother <was> the next.

NEHEMIAH 10:37
And <that> we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground u nto the Levites, that the same Le vites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

NEHEMIAH 10:38
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

NEHEMIAH 12:44
And at that time there were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the pries ts and Levites: for Judah r ejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

NEHEMIAH 13:5
And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded <to be given> to the L evites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

AMOS 4:4
Come to Beth-el, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, <and> your tithes after three years:

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.

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 shal l> not <be room> enough <to re ceive it>.

LUKE 18:12
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

HEBREWS 7:5
And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the 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 Abraha m:

HEBREWS 7:6
But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

HEBREWS 7:8
And here men that die receive tithes; but there he <receiveth them,> of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

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




Prosperity Scriptures

NUMBERS 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it ? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (KJV)

JOSHUA 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV)

JOSHUA 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. (KJV)

JOSHUA 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whi thersoever thou goest. (K JV)

JOSHUA 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperou s, and then thou shalt have good success. (KJV)

ISAIAH 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (KJV)

PSALMS 119:89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. (KJV)

PSALMS 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. (KJV)

1 KINGS 8:56 Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. (KJV)< BR>
1 PETER 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (KJV)

LUKE 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (KJV)

MARK 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (KJV)

ROMANS 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (KJV)

PSALMS 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. (KJV)

3 JOHN 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (KJV)

2 CORINTHIANS 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (KJV)

1 TIMOTHY 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (KJV)

PHILIPPIANS 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV)

2 CHRONICLES 1:12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. (KJV)

2 CORINTHIANS 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (KJV)

PROVERBS 10:22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (KJV)

1 CHRONICLES 29:12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. (KJV)

PROVERBS 22:4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. (KJV)

DEUTERONOMY 8:18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (KJV)

ISAIAH 48:17 Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. (KJV)

PSALMS 112:1 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. (KJV)

PSALMS 112:2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. (KJV)

PSALMS 112:3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. (KJV)

ECCLESIASTES 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. (KJV)

DEUTERONOMY 29:9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. (KJV)

PROVERBS 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. (KJV)

2 CHRONICLES 26:5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. (KJV)

1 KINGS 2:2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; (KJV)

1 KINGS 2:3 And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all t hat thou doest, and whither soever thou turnest thyself: (KJV)

1 CHRONICLES 22:13 Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed. (KJV)

PSALMS 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (KJV)

PSALMS 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing . (KJV)

PSALMS 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (KJV)

JOB 36:11 If they obey and serve him , they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. (KJV)

DEUTERONOMY 28:12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow . (KJV)

PROVERBS 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. (KJV)

2 CORINTHIANS 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things , may abound to every good work: (KJV)

PROVERBS 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. (KJV)

LUKE 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. ( KJV)

PROVERBS 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. (KJV)

PROVERBS 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (KJV)

PROVERBS 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. (KJV)

EPHESIANS 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: (KJV)

EPHESIANS 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (KJV)

GALATIANS 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (KJV)

GALATIANS 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (KJV)

GALATIANS 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (KJV)

GALATIANS 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV)

ROMANS 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (KJV)

ROMANS 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him , that we may be also glorified together. (KJV)

GALATIANS 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

GALATIANS 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV)

2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. (KJV)

HEBREWS 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (KJV)

MARK 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, (KJV)

MARK 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (KJV)

PROVERBS 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (KJV)

PROVERBS 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV)

PSALMS 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV)

MARK 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (KJV)

JOB 22:25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. (KJV)

1 TIMOTHY 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (KJV)

PHILIPPIANS 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)

1 CORINTHIANS 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

PSALMS 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. (KJV)

ISAIAH 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. (KJV)

PROVERBS 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. (KJV)

JOSHUA 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperou s, and then thou shalt have good success. (KJV)

MATTHEW 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

MATTHEW 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV)

PROVERBS 3:9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (KJV)

PROVERBS 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. (KJV)

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 t here shall not be room enough to receive it . (KJV)

MATTHEW 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (KJV)

PROVERBS 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. (KJV)

JOHN 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)

1 JOHN 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)

MATTHEW 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (KJV)

ROMANS 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (KJV)

ROMANS 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (KJV)

2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (KJV)

HEBREWS 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)

JAMES 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (KJV)

JAMES 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (KJV)

MARK 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatso ever he saith. (KJV)

MARK 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them , and ye shall have them . (KJV)

MATTHEW 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (KJV)

JOHN 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (KJV)

JOHN 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (KJV)

MATTHEW 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (KJV)

MATTHEW 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV)

JOHN 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (KJV)

JOHN 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (KJV)

JOHN 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it . (KJV)

1 JOHN 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (KJV)

1 JOHN 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (KJV)

JOHN 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. (KJV)

1 JOHN 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (KJV)

PSALMS 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (KJV)

EPHESIANS 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (KJV)

EPHESIANS 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)

ROMANS 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (KJV)

ISAIAH 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (KJV)

PSALMS 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. (KJV)

PSALMS 89:35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. (KJV)

MARK 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. (KJV)

HEBREWS 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (KJV)


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Shedd, Charlie W. How to Develop a Tithing Church . Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1961.

10 Best Stewardship Sermons . Oklahoma: Arthur Davenport Associates, Inc., 1963.

Thomas, G. Ernest . Spiritual Life Through Tithing . Nashville: TIDINGS, 1953.

Towns, Elmer . Tithing is Christian . Lynchburg: Church Growth Institute, 1985.

Tucker, Edward Lee . 44 Ways to Expand the Financial Base of Your Congregation . Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989.

BOOKLETS:

About Tithing . South Deerfield: Channing L. Bete Co., Inc., 1973.

Because God Gives - Scriptural Witness About Giving . Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1986.

Young, Samuel . The Tithe Is the Lord's . Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1975, 1982.


The Law of Tithing



Special Considerations For Determining Your Tithe Knudsen, Rayond B., "Let Your Money Do The Talking," 1987 American Publishing Company, Askov, Minnesota

1) The gross salary or total wage

2) The employer's share of Social Security

3) Workman's Compensation & Unemployment Insurance

4) Union dues made by the employer

5) Compensation Packages
Hospitalization Insurance
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Prescriptions
Health & Physical Fitness Memberships

6) Executive Benefits
Bonuses
Stock Options
Country Club Memberships
Association Memberships
Meals
Transportation provided not used for business purposes
Expense accounts - expenditures for personal needs

7) Income from investments
Interest on passbook savings & credit union accounts
Interest on Certificates of Deposit
Interest on Money Market Accounts
Interest & dividends on Life Insurance Policies
Interest on bonds
Dividends from stocks
Capital Gains on all investments

8) Income from investments in Real & Personal Property
Profits from the rental of properties
Profits from the sale of propertie

9) Winnings, Gifts, Inheritances




Suggestions For Training Children To Tithe Ibid

Begin early to train your children the importance of tithing and giving. If your children are taught in their childhood the blessings of tithing they will have very little problems giving as an adult.

Teach them to set aside 20% of their allowance, gifts from parents, earnings to first of all, tithe and then give 10% to other special needs such as missions.

Teach your children that as their incomes increase so should their giving.

Developing Non-Cash Gifts

Throughout the year each department in the local church has special needs that require an expediture from the general budget. Many of these expeditures may be gifting opportunities for the local church membership. This expands the budget base of the loc al church by allowing people to give non-cash gifts.

Examples of Non-Cash Gifts

Low Cost Gifts

1) Gallon of paint for a classroom

2) A square yard of carpeting for lounge or classroom

3) Cooking Utensils, Pots & Pans

4) Landscaping - shrubs, flowers, garden tools, fertilizers

5) Chalk boards for classrooms

6) Pulpit Bible or Pew Bibles

7) Hymnals

8) Choir robes

9) Guest Registrary

10) Prayer book

11) Library Books

12) Christian School Supplies

13) Sports Equipment for School

14) Sunday School equipment and supplies

15) Office supplies

16) Curtains for classrooms

Moderate Priced Gifts

1) Furniture such as a couch for waiting room or lounge

2) Carpet for a classroom

3) Scholarship tuition for children in Christian School or DayCare

4) Kitchen appliances

5) Pews

6) Cassette Tape Deck for Services

7) The cost of paving one parking space

8) Tires for the church van

9) Overhead Projector

10) Communion table

11) Communion Service Set

12) Slide Projector

13) Car Phone for Pastor

14) Office Equipment

15) Desks for the classrooms


Major Gifts

1) Bell tower

2) Church Van

3) Ramps for the disabled

4) Organ or piano

5) Salaries for new ministry personel

6) Sponsorship of a radio program or TV program

7) Church remodeling


Creativity, imagination, time and money can develope a solid basis of Christian stewardship.


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