(34) HOW THE TITHE APPLIES TO CHRISTIANS

Added : Saturday, December 6th 2008 by feralpups First let me say that the Word 'Tithe' is not used in NT scripture concerning the Church. The Church began in Acts. Chap. 2. This doesn't mean that the Lord doesn't expect us to give to support the preaching of the Gospel. Before the OT Law was instituted with the giving of the 10 Commandments, Abraham Tithed to Melchisedek -(Gen.14:20). Under the Law -(Lev.27:30)- a tithe of each person's increase "is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord. (Mal.3:8)- Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings./ The tithe is the first 10th of a person's increase. Some preach that the offering is money above & beyond the tithe, not so. (Mal.1:8)- If you 'offer' the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?/ The 'offerings' of animals were to be done with a perfect specimen of an animal without blemish. They robbed God by giving the worst to God. THE OT Law doesn't necessarilly apply to christians, but may be similar to teaching in the NT. (Col.2:14)- Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross./ We do not use the Law for christian doctrine. To take old testament law and apply it to christians is misapplying scripture by taking it out of context. New Testament doctrine: (1 Cor.16:2)- Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come./ Paul had asked the churches to collect money to be brought to the poor saints in Jerusalem, but it is our NT teaching as to how we should give. (2 Cor.9:6-7)- He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver./ Con