Tithe: Should Christians Give Or Not?

Tithe or tithing is one perennial issue in Christianity that has garnered several controversies among various churches and denominations. But should it be an issue in the first place? Or is it the case of compulsion, volition or that it shouldn’t be paid at all that draws this much polemics about it?

Tithe or Tithing in the Old Testament

Going down Biblical memory lane, we find the initial shadow of tithe paying in Genesis 4:3-7, where Cain and Abel presented a portion of their toils’ harvests to God. We see also in Genesis 14:1-20, the first instance where tithe was mentioned and observed by Abraham to Melchizedek, king of Salem (who was a foreshadow of Christ – Hebrews 6:19-20, 7:1-28).

The second instance surfaced in Genesis 28:10-22, where Jacob made a vow to give a tenth of all that God gave him. These instances captured were before the law given to Moses and they are so mentioned that we may understand the genesis of tithe or tithing. However, the emergence of the law gave a clearer explanation on who is entitled to tithes and how it should be administered. It is in this regard, I believe, the misconceptions on tithing ensue.

An argument raised by Christians who are on the opposing side of tithe paying is that, according to the law, tithes were meant for the Levites (Priests), and in our current dispensation of grace and not of law, where the supposed place of the Levites (Priests) no longer exists, there should be no need to pay tithes.

But what they fail to realize is that from inception, tithes weren’t for the Levites (Priests) but for God, and though the Old Testament’s priesthood was a presage of what Christ was to accomplish, the advent of the new covenant didn’t nullify the validity of tithe or tithing.

Leviticus 27:30-33 says, “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…” So, we understand that tithe was and is for God and no one else. That is why we see God in Malachi 3:8 requesting from the people of Israel and the Priests is due – “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”

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Is Your Church A Lifeboat Or A Love Boat?

Aside the huge, ultramodern edifices, massive congregations, popularity of denominations and reputation of pastors that characterize the cynosure of modern day churches, is there an ounce of assurance for your church to be seen as a lifeboat church or a love boat church?

Such a thoughtful question as this requires an urgent response from church leaders and pastors on whom the destinies of several lives rest upon their shoulders by their calling (Acts 20:28).

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Morton T. Kelsey, an Episcopal priest and religious writer, once said, “The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners.” This assertion depicts the church as a lifeboat launched to rescue the helpless, depressed, hopeless, weary, and all manner of troubled souls needing resuscitation.

I couldn’t agree more with this stirring portrayal of the church as lifeboat (though some see the church as a love boat), for the Lord of the church did say “come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

History reveals that the church is depicted by the symbol of a boat, and in view of its maiden conception, a vessel of salvation (lifeboat); but to add plausibly in view of present realities, a vessel of entertainment and pleasure (love boat).

From the standpoint of the 21st century church, the concern that begs attention is whether the church is conscious, fervent and dutiful about the “Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). We are, sadly, in an era where it has become difficult to place a clear distinction between worldly organizations and the church.

There is an obvious but saddening shift in priority where the focus and consistent message from the pulpit is on prosperity and not power of the Triune God; mammon and not meekness and mercy; ease of life and not eternity; happiness (secondary and transient) and not holiness of life and joy in the Holy Ghost.

These are some of the concerns where, in fact, the world is in dire need of a lifeboat church as opposed to a love boat church. What then is a lifeboat church or a love boat church?...Please click this link to read full article: http://bit.ly/2uktyzq

** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) **

*** Originally shared on Christian Media Magazine ***

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