A personal note Over the years, I have seen the doctrines regarding money and giving get corrupted beyond belief. The Apostles, the elders and the brethren in Jerusalem wrote the Gentiles saying,

"We have heard that certain people which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised, AND KEEP THE LAW; to whom we gave NO SUCH COMMANDMENT..." [Acts 15:1 and \cts 15:24-29 in part].

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Tithing, The Truth About Tithing And The Tithe

This Complete Tithing Study Exposes The Corrupt Doctrine Of Mandated Tithing

Which Has Become The Golden Calf Of The Modern Church

-- Mouse Over The Scripture References To See The Actual Verses --

Despite this crystal clear dialogue and MANY other scriptures stating Law keeping by Gentiles is not commanded, 2,000 years later men are still, "troubling people with words and subverting their souls." Get your Bibles, try to put your bias aside and let's see what the Bible REALLY says about this issue.

This document exposes mandated tithing, corrupt teaching and manipulated, guilt driven giving. The sound Biblical principle that churches and ministers can be supported by those they serve is not changed, destroyed or diminished by this document. So, if you are just cheap and don't want to give, this article is NOT for you! However, if you need freedom from mandated tithing and other forms of manipulated, guilt driven giving, this article IS for you.

This study last updated: 11/29/2013

-- Mouse Over The Scripture References To See The Actual Verses --

1. Before The Law Tithing Was Voluntary, Not A God Given Command Or A Routine Practice

The 2 examples of pre-law tithing in Genesis were one time events, VOLUNTARY and involved more than money. Abraham's example was a one-time tithe of the spoils of war [Hebrews 7:2, Genesis 14:20]. Since Abraham had taken a vow not to personally take spoils of this war [Genesis 14:22-24], Abraham apparently tithed what belonged to others or would soon belong to others.

There is nothing in scripture that says Abraham tithed his personal income or wealth at any time.

Abraham received a blessing and then gave a tithe, apparently out of social duty or custom. Some scholars say tithing was a social mandate during this time Either way it is irrelevant because Abraham did NOT have a let God given commandment to give tithes. [Genesis 14 & Hebrews 7:1] Jacob's single example of tithing was promised by Jacob to God IF God did something and scripture remains unclear if Jacob ever followed through. [Genesis 28:22] Either way, both examples make clear tithing before the law was voluntary. Pre-law giving of tithes was NOT commanded by God. Since scripture only records two incidents of voluntary pre-law tithing, it is clear tithing was not a routine pre-law practice.

Also, Jacob conditionally promised to tithe what he fully owned and earned. Therefore, Jacob intended to tithe profits. Profits are what is fully owned, non-credit or lien based goods, property or money. In other words, profits are what is left AFTER all other obligations [vows, oaths, contracts etc.] are met. This is important and profits will be discussed later. Also take note of the following scriptures showing the voluntary nature of pre-law giving. [Exodus 35:5, Exodus 35:21, Exodus 35:22, Exodus 35:24, Exodus 35:29]

Those seeking to make tithing strictly money and income based, mandatory and routine because tithing was "before the law" are not

teaching what tithing was "before the law."

Some mandated tithing teachers use scriptures that state one is to BRING the tithe rather than GIVE the tithe to prove that tithing is mandatory - meaning it is a command TO BRING verses a voluntary act TO GIVE. This is a weak argument. We shall soon see, law tithing was mandatory, but the scriptures that mention PRE-

Tithing vs.

LAW tithing say the tithe was GIVEN. Also see part 16 for some thoughts on Melchizedek and further discussion of pre-law tithing.

2. Tithing Was Never Money Or Income Based. Tithing Was Land Based

If two farmers had crops of 10 carrots each, they would both be obligated to tithe one carrot. Under the agrarian (land based) tithing system it didn't matter If one sold the remaining 9 carrots for $5 and the other sold his remaining 9 carrots for $10. The tithe of the harvest was unrelated to the income of the harvest. Plain and simple - THE TITHE WAS NOT 10% OF INCOME, it was 10% of the harvest. The tithe was agrarian which means BASED ON THE LAND.

The Jews under the law were NOT obligated to give 10% of their incomes! This simple fact alone is enough to destroy the unscriptural

doctrine that God DEMANDS you pay 10% of your income or be cursed.

Money was rarely, if ever, the thing tithed in the Bible. [Nehemiah 13:10-13] To be truly biblical, tithing was NOT based on your income or money AT ALL! [Deuteronomy 14:22-23, Deuteronomy 18:1-5, Deuteronomy 26:12 (See Deep Study on this verse), Nehemiah 10:38-39, Nehemiah 12:44, Leviticus 27:30-33, Joshua 13:14] Pre-law tithing was voluntary and profit based and law tithing was mandated and land based (agrarian). Agrarian means "of the land," and agrarian tithing was based on what you were able to produce from the land, plants or livestock.

During the period of the Mosaic Law, God commanded people bring a tenth of what they produced from the land regardless of the income they received from it. Tithing wasn't income based BEFORE OR AFTER the

law and the tithe was NOT money!

In fact, it was against the law to sell the tithe. One was to bring the PRODUCT, not what the product was worth. [Leviticus. 27:28] There are many references to tithing the "increase" [Example: Deuteronomy 14:22 using the Hebrew tbuw'ah] which literally means fruit or produce and in the tithing verses EATING the tithe is often referred to. Note in Nehemiah 13:10, the Levites went to THE FIELD to replace missing tithes. During the time of agrarian law tithing bartering was common but there were also MONEY SYSTEMS in place. [Genesis 23:15-16 and Genesi-42:25, Jeremiah 32:9-11, Deuteronomy 14:25 and Malachi 3:5] Yet the tithe remained agrarian (land based).

According to the Douglas/Tenney NIV Bible Dictionary Leviticus 27:31 makes clear a penalty of 20% of the tithe was exacted from one who redeemed (exchanged for money) his tithes and refused to use the money to pay for a substitute. Again, this shows the tithe was not income or money based.

God gave Israel's tithes to the Levites as an inheritance in lieu of land. [Joshua 13:14, Deuteronomy 10:6-9, Deuteronomy 18:1-5, Numbers 18:21, Numbers 18:24] The Levites gave tithes and offerings out of the tithes to the priests [Nehemiah 10:38, Numbers 18], but they apparently didn't have to tithe the income from the sale of inherited property. [Deuteronomy 18:6-8] The Levites and priests were dependent on tithes for FOOD. God's house was a STOREHOUSE and DISTRIBUTION POINT for the sacrifices, the Levites, the priests and those in need. [Malachi 3:10 "Bring all the tithes into the STOREHOUSE that there may be FOOD in My House." [Nehemiah 13:10-13 1 Samuel 8:15 1 Samuel 8:17 2 Chronicles 31:11 Deuteronomy 12:6 --, Deuteronomy 12:17-19, Deuteronomy 14:22-23]

There was one exception for converting a tithe into money that was allowed early in the law. According to many scholars, this exception was abolished later. Deuteronomy 14:24-2, gives this early exception proving money systems were in place without tithing being based on money. In this early exception one could sell the tithe given specific circumstances and spend the money on whatever one desired provided one shared what one bought with the local Levite. Also, these verses make clear, "if the distance was too long for you to CARRY YOUR TITHE" proving the tithe was NOT money (coin) based. The New Testament shows Pharisees tithing, not income or money, but what they OWNED and GREW. [Luke 18:12, Matthew 23:23] These verses show examples of both AGRARIAN (land) based tithing and PROFIT based tithing which is discussed in more detail elsewhere in this document.

3. Tithing Was Always Done To Honor God

Biblical tithing was NOT done to get something back or to be the equivalent of a Christian lottery. None of the English words: "sacrifice," "offering," or "gift" quite corresponds to the Biblical words Korban, corban or qorban [see the word "gift" in Mark 7:11]. These words are derived from a verb that in one mood means to be near, and in another mood means to bring near. In the one case it would refer to the offerings themselves, in the other to the givers, as brought near, the offerings bringing them near to God. Today the "giving to get" mentality is shamelessly touted while giving to honor or get closer to God is only mentioned as a formality.

Debt living was frowned on in the Bible and usury was illegal amongst Jews. The canceling of debts every seven years and Year of Jubilee every 50 years, which were LAW, are no longer in effect. [Deuteronomy 15, Leviticus 25] It is ALL of the law or none of it. Many times, the practice in Christian circles is to owe someone for services or products already received or contracted for and to not be paying in

accordance with contractual terms or to be paying high interest or late fees. Instead Christians are encouraged by church leaders to use money earned to pay "tithes" and offerings "to get out of debt". This equates "tithing" and giving to a Christian lottery and Christians to "spirit filled gamblers." Christians are taught to try to impress God with unaffordable or irrational donations that leave them desperate or in need. They are told God will give them a wind fall of blessing that will enable them to then handle their finances responsibly.

I realize that we live in a debt culture and I am not saying that Christians should be 100% debt free BEFORE giving any money. I am speaking of MANDATED [law] giving when people are giving out of obligation, fear or improper motivation instead of properly addressing their legal responsibilities. Manipulated, guilt motivated or emotional giving results in people giving irrationally and disproportionate to their ability to pay. The result is they go further into debt. They will then be taught next week to try it again. Today's preachers rarely condemn debt giving and some shamelessly encourage debt giving calling it an act of faith. Unfortunately the reality is that many times the debt giving is a form of Christian gambling. Christians "roll the dice" in an act of desperation, greed or to compensate for not handling their finances responsibly.

Many times tithes and donations are taught as a means of getting things or fixing situations. While worship may be mentioned, it is not the real

focus of the giving.

Referring to the Widow's mite [Mark 12:41-44], the same Christ that noted sacrificial over abundance giving said elsewhere, "Be financially responsible." Christ denounced giving to God while ignoring responsibilities. [Mark 7:10-13, Matthew 22:21, Matthew 17:25-27] Romans 13:74 says to owe no man anything but love. These days if you can't afford to give you will be told to use your credit card or obligate yourself by vowing. Where is debt giving ever encouraged in the Bible? The Bible clearly warns against irrational vows. [Ecclesiastes 5:2, Proverbs 20:25, Matthew 5:33-37]

Note: a close study of the widow's mite scriptures and the history of the time will show 2 things:

• A widow's basic living needs were handled by the church community during this time

• Original language shows the widow had come to possess (fully own) some money

To use the widows mite to encourage people to empty their pockets and go home without the money for necessities is to not rightly divide the word. Doing so would go against the financial responsibility scriptures given above. While we are at it,

let's talk about the often misused "empty your pockets for the preacher" story in Kings 17:1-15 regarding Elijah and the widow. A few points:

• Elijah, the prophet of God, had to be miraculously fed by birds for survival and then had to request necessities of life from a poor widow

• The widow had been told by the Lord to help the prophet beforehand • The widow believed she was going to die • Elijah didn't tell the widow to give everything. He asked the widow to make him

a SMALL cake and then feed herself and her son. Also, this request came with the promise that doing so would enable her and her son to be miraculously sustained with necessities of life for a time. She wasn't promised or told to claim a Mercedes for her obedience.

• This story illustrates obedience to a direct command from the Lord and the Lord providing basic necessities for living. Yet it has become a favorite of the "empty your pockets and get rich" preachers

Yes, God blesses giving. Yes, God blesses obedience and yes, God can make someone rich. God can give and God can take away. Job 1:21 The Bible teaches to bless God in the giving AND the taking.

If you are ever being put under pressure to make a tithe, offering, vow, or some sort of oath or commitment, GET AWAY until you can think clearly and calmly before deciding. Christianity has no shortage of ministers that are expert at fund raising. The techniques used to manipulate are many

and varied.

A careful study of original language shows the Bible speaks of people giving what they owned (possessed free and clear of any encumbrance), NOT what was credit or lien based. When modern translations use words like 'income' regarding tithing or giving, original language study will show either what is grown or something possessed free and clear was being referred to. I recently heard on Christian television that one should vow the amount of their debt to the Lord. It was taught they would receive a resulting windfall from the Lord to pay their real debts with. This is nothing but gambling disguised as a Godly act.

4. Law Tithing Was Based On An Agrarian (Land) System, Theocratic Government And An Agricultural Society.

Land was officially owned by God and "deeded" by the church. The Levites received Israel's tithes instead of land. [ _eviticus 25:23-24] This system is no longer in existence and that is why most Jews don't tithe any more. An argument could be made that a form of the agrarian system is still in place with the Government replacing the church. Now the Government "owns" the land and deeds it

mandating various taxes and fees. Everyone in America pays this "tithe" directly or indirectly to the Government via property taxes, rents, excise taxes, sewer fees etc.

The timing of mandated tithing corresponds to:

• the initial formation of the Jewish theocratic church/state government via the Mosaic Law

• deeding of land by the church • the Levitical priesthood and • the first Jewish temple - the Tent of Meeting

It is an important distinction that in a theocracy the church IS the government with all the responsibilities of government. Today the church does not deed land, run a court system, legislate and govern, maintain and run armed forces, police, tax, distribute public resources, act as the Board of Health, Welfare Department, Pension Board etc., and do all the

other responsibilities of government.

The theocratic Jewish church/state government did all this and more under the law. Here in the United States, the church and Government are SEPARATE and well over 10% of income is paid by the overwhelming majority for governmental functions no longer handled by the church.

25-35% of American's wages goes to a variety of causes, many if not most of which used to be handled by the church in a theocratic

government. Today, pay deductions and other taxes also help cover tax exemptions for non-profits including churches.

Samuel had warned God's people that if they left the theocratic form of Government tithes and other demands would be exacted from the people causing them to cry out because of governmental abuses. [1 Samuel 8:2-22] History is replete with examples of excessive government demands and most Americans are nearing or surpassing triple "tithing" their income for governmental functions formerly handled by the church in a Theocracy.

5. Under The Agrarian Tithing System The Church Had Mandates Regarding The Handling And Distribution Of Tithes

These mandates are no longer in effect. The church under agrarian law tithing had specific social, communal responsibilities as a matter of law such as a percentage being used to meet needs of the poor. [Deuteronomy 14:28-29 2 Chronicles 31:14-

15 Nehemiah 13:12-131 The church also, in some cases, gave pensions to certain members. [2 Chronicles 31:16-18] The communal use and distribution of tithes was for the Levites, priests, stranger, sojourner, fatherless and widows. [Deuteronomy 26:12 and Deuteronomy 14:29] There are no such mandates for communal tithe distribution in the church today.

Many churches demand tithes saying it is Biblical but neglect the other Biblical mandates put in place by God to manage and distribute those

tithes.

Any Christian church that I have seen teach what is incorrectly called biblical tithing as law is not practicing tithing with the required oaths [Del iteronomy 26:1 2 -15], communal responsibilities and resource distribution that came with the agrarian tithing system. Further evidence of the weight given by the early Church regarding the communal responsibilities and distribution of resources by the Church was evidenced in the Book of Acts. In the New Testament Church people sold what they

had and gave the proceeds to the Church so no one had need of anything. [Acts 4:34-35] It is important to note that under the law communal responsibilities were mandatory but this New Testament giving was VOLUNTARY and tithing was never mentioned. [Arts 4:34-35 and Acts 5:4] Peter told Ananias that after his

land was sold the money was at HIS disposal and under his control. [Acts 5:4] Peter never said, "You were only obliged to bring the tithe." Paul also encouraged this resource distribution system in 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 and Romans 12:13. The

Old and New Testament purpose for wealth was not to be rich or impress people but to do the work of God and share with those in need. [Deuteronomy 15, Leviticus 25, Matthew 19:21, Ephesians 4:28]

Today, a resource distribution system like the early New Testament church used would be difficult and appear cult-like. However, the principle of using one's surplus to meet the needs of others remains clear throughout the New Testament. Today, many people give "tithes" to already wealthy and successful people with little to no thought to those in need. The focus of giving has become getting instead of distributing resources to assist the needs of others. Christ taught to sell your possessions and to give donations to the poor. [Luke 12:331 God was impressed that Solomon did NOT make wealth a priority in his life. [2 Chronicles 1:7-12]

6. Tithing As Taught Today Is A Corrupted Teaching And Not The Same As Biblical Tithing.

God gave the tithes to the Levites as an inheritance in return for their service and to compensate them for having no personal inheritance of land. The Levites gave tithes to the Priests from the tithes they received. Christianity has no agrarian system, no Levites and every Christian is now a priest, the temple and co-workers

with Christ. [1 Peter 2:5 and 1 Peter 2:9, Rev. 1:6, Rev. 5:10 and Rev. 20:6] Every Jew was required by the Levitical law to pay three tithes of his property:

• one tithe for the Levites; • one for the use of the temple and the great feasts; and • one for the poor of the land [Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 14]

Given the above, it is clear that any church mandating tithes should be spending AT LEAST ONE THIRD of their income on the poor since that

is what was required under mandated tithing.

How many churches come close to this? I know of none. Yet it is not uncommon for some ministers to call their parishioners thieves, or at the least disobedient, if they don't tithe. It's all of the law or none of it. According to Biblical tithing, aren't the churches stealing by not giving a third of mandated tithes to the less fortunate?

The only two examples of tithing BEFORE THE LAW in Genesis were voluntary, non-routine and profit [ownership] based. Tithing AFTER THE LAW was mandatory, routine and agrarian (land) based. Neither was income or money based as is usually taught today.

Church leaders should not be "creatively constructing" doctrine, teaching that biblical tithing is giving 10% of their gross or net income, picking and choosing what part of the tithing law they will follow, mandating amounts

or mixing law with Grace.

The bible is clear on what pre and post law tithing was and how it was to be handled. A tithe is a tenth, but a tenth of what and how is it handled?

If one wants to teach a tithe is 10% of gross or net income do NOT call it biblical tithing. It is NOT God's plan, it is YOUR plan for giving, NOT the biblical agrarian or pre-law plan. Since it is YOUR plan, be extra careful about putting stumbling blocks into people's path by purporting that your

plan is God's law resulting in judgment if not followed.

Tithing CAN'T be practiced as it was in biblical times because the law, the agrarian system, the agricultural system, sacrifices, debt cancellation, Year of Jubilee and other interrelated factors are all abolished. Plus, today's churches have no "law" in place requiring them to fulfill the communal responsibilities and resource distribution of the agrarian law based tithing system.

Therefore, it would probably be best to do away with the word "tithing" entirely in this age of Grace to avoid the mixing of law and Grace that is common today. However, that may be difficult given the "tithe mania" that has swept the land. Many will believe a "giving plan" will assist contributions and help people decide what is appropriate to give and we will discuss that shortly.

7. What Is Behind Today's "Mandated Tithing" Doctrine Is Control, Greed Or Ignorance. The Ignorance Could Be Innocent

Or Deliberate.

The New Testament is clear on this; we are commanded to give. To be blessed we are to give:

• generously • cheerfully • willingly • NOT out of necessity • according to our means • in faith • with love and • in the right spirit

The New Testament is NOT at all clear on amounts and percentages that are to be given. Paul does NOT say to give according to a percentage and he was certainly familiar with tithing. [ Corinthians 16:2] Several times Paul compares voluntary giving to fruit and burnt offerings. Paul's use of Old Testament terminology [i.e. fruit and burnt offerings] without the mention of tithing could NOT have been an oversight given Paul's Jewish background. [Philippians 4:17-18, Romans 15:26-28] The Bible teaches to give "as God has prospered us," and "according to our ability and means." [2 Corinthians 8:11 2 Corinthians 9:5-13 Acts 11:29] The word for "means" is the Greek signifying possession and ownership. That means what you are giving is fully yours, not credit or lien based.

Faith Based Abrahamic Covenant Tithing, discussed shortly, could be taught as a faith and grace based voluntary practice while avoiding all the controversy of the mutilated "tithing" doctrine taught today. Why is tithing taught the way it is today? It can be VERY profitable for one. Other reasons are control, greed and sometimes ignorance. Ignorance is free and it is easy and profitable to control people through guilt, obligation or manipulation of the greed inherent in most of us.

Many church leaders will call non-tithers thieves or preach tithing with condemnation, obligation or fear to manipulate people into compliance. Preachers do this without knowing the sacrifices people have to make or the obligations people have. The whole issue of giving becomes a stumbling block, an oppression of the poor and needy and a "required payment" instead of worship. An obligatory

payment is not "giving." Whatsoever is not of faith is SIN, so let's end this nonsense and abuse. Christ taught one man to "sell all that he had and give to the poor." Yet, Christ was pleased with another that gave only half of what he had to the poor while making restitution for his thievery. [Mark 10:21, Luke 19:1-10] Clearly, specific amounts are unimportant to God.

The story of the Widow's mite makes crystal clear it is the relationship to money, the attitude of the giver and the sacrifice made that is important. Christ said the Widow gave MORE than the rich, despite the rich's large offerings. [Mark 12:41-44] Clearly Christ focused on the sacrifice made, NOT the amounts given. Mandated tithing teachers appear ambivalent to the fact that a wealthy person could tithe without feeling any sacrifice whatsoever due to their income level.

For the wealthy to feel the same sacrifice as a poor person giving 10% of their income, a wealthy person would have to give perhaps upwards of

90% or more of their income, depending.

The Bible is filled with warnings against oppressing the poor. The convoluted mandated income based tithing doctrine around today is clearly NOT something God would author since it is oppressive to the poor. Remember mandated law tithing was NOT income based as Section 2 made clear. Christ was impressed with the sacrifice made in an offering, NOT the amounts given. If a rich person gives 10% and feels no sacrifice whatsoever, the same Christ that wasn't impressed with the large offerings in Mark 12:41-4z would not be impressed with the same offerings today.

Some teach "tithing" as law blatantly and without shame. Many use subtle mind twisters that go something like this, "No, tithing isn't mandatory, but if you're a child of God you will want to give 10% of your income" or some similar obligation and guilt creating technique. Others may be told to direct their money, not to someone in need, but to the "ministry where the financial anointing is flowing." It will be "suggested" that they may not be blessed otherwise. Others cunningly use the, "I didn't say it, God did," canard when proclaiming misapplied scripture or the misapplied "Malachi Curse" discussed in Section 11 . Others say, "All your money belongs to God." While everything does come from and belongs to God, remember that God also said, "The laborer is worthy of his hire." That scripture is true for all, not just those doing the work of God. Christ taught to sell what you own and donate to the poor showing a considerably different focus on money and giving than many of today's prosperity teachers. [Luke ]

IMany church leaders today seem content with preaching a mixed message as to whether tithing is obligatory or not. They want to keep that

subtle guilt in the atmosphere.

Some go so far as to teach that mandated tithing only "opens the window for blessing" and the giving over and above the tithe is what brings the "windfall" blessing through the window opened by tithing. So with the average American "tithing" 30-35% of their income to the Government for functions that the church no longer handles and "tithing" 10% to the temple PLUS offerings, Americans are expected to live off of about 50% of their income according to most mandated tithing teachers.

The old cliche, "You can't beat God giving" is factually correct. We could NEVER give more than God. But to make people believe that they can indiscriminately give their money away and always get their needs met miraculously is immature and not at all balanced with the scriptures that make clear that, by His Grace, we are to be responsible and self-supporting with some left over for others. This is NOT to say God doesn't bless sacrificial giving. HE DOES! I am talking about irresponsible, indiscriminate or manipulated giving or giving that is improperly motivated or coerced.

One minister stated, "We don't allow people to serve in the church who are not confirmed tithers." This is a MAN MADE edict, NOT in ANY way a scriptural one. Did Paul ever demand tithes for anyone who served in the church? Did the New Testament make tithing mandatory for ANY position of service? First this minister seems unaware that, for those choosing to tithe pursuant to true biblical teaching as taught in this document, ANYTHING could be tithed to the Lord such as gifts, talents, possessions, time, service etc. However, I wonder if this minister asked any of these people if they had ANY personal ministries of assisting the body of Christ or the poor and needy, or was his only concern what they were giving to the temple monetarily? The Hebrews under agrarian law tithing had to declare that they had honestly given the tithe, "...to the Levite, the stranger, the sojourner, the fatherless and to the widow..." [Deuteronomy 26:13-1,fl

Do the proponents of mandated tithing consider or inquire as to whether a person is paying mandated tithes with corrupted seed such as neglecting other vows, going further into debt or not properly handling other obligations? ALL of these are biblical considerations which could result in God REJECTING the tithe. I don't believe I have ever heard one message on these biblical considerations. God is much more impressed with HONEST giving and RESPONSIBLE living than he is with guilt or fear driven giving and big churches.

The reality is many mandated tithing teachers don't care how "corrupted" the seed is so long as they get it.

Mandated law giving was usually always flexible. There are MANY biblical examples regarding mandated giving saying things like, "If one does not have a bull, one can use a pigeon, if one doesn't have a pigeon one can use a cup of flour etc." The law was more considerate of life's realities than many of today's mandated tithing preachers.

Imagine a situation where 2 people living separately each earn $400 per week. One has no living expenses and the other has living expenses plus 2 disabled people at home that they care for. Imagine another situation where two people earn $500 per week respectively. One lives at home with their parents rent free and the other has 3 children in a rented apartment with one of the children having special needs with no health coverage.

Mandated tithing teaches ALL these people are to give 10% or be "cursed." This is nonsense. The living expenses must be responsibly handled pursuant to Scripture and the money that one spends on the sick or needy is certainly part of "the work of Christ." Anyone who says otherwise is legalistic, inconsiderate, immature, or greedy. When you meet the needs of others you are doing it unto Christ. [Matthew 25:31-46] Blind, inconsiderate RULES OF LAW regarding amounts is NOT what New Testament Giving is all about! When Paul spoke of giving he was always clear it wasn't a commandment or law. [2 Corinthians 8:8] Christ and Paul made clear the sacrifice was more important than the amounts. [Mark 12:42-44 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 2 Corinthians 8:1, ] Christ taught freedom from obligatory giving. [Matthew 17:24- 27_]

8. God Is Sovereign And Rewards May Not Be Seen As Expected In This Life Regardless Of Tithes And Offerings

The story of Job can be summarized in two statements; First, don't question God because bad things can happen to good people and second; don't judge others going through hard times because the ways of God are beyond our ability to comprehend.

Job makes clear that many times circumstances of life can be completely unrelated to one's actions. Life can be cyclic and sometimes appear completely unfair and unjust.

To teach that giving tithes and offerings a certain way is going to guarantee a particular situation in life is immature and unscriptural.

The Sovereign God can give and take away independent of a person's giving, spirituality or anything else. The story of Lazarus shows a man who both lived and died destitute yet was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom while a rich man went to hell. [Luke 16:19-22] Financial circumstances of life do not necessarily reflect spiritual condition. The Bible is replete with warnings regarding the trappings of money.

Many teach that tithing is a form of "protection money" that will insure them against harm, accidents or other calamities of life.

One preacher said, "If I didn't tithe, I would be afraid to cross the street." Another preacher said, "I believe I can avoid all calamities of life because I tithe." Another said, "Tithing is the REAL secret of power over the devil." Yet another said, "Tithing is your guarantee against financial lack." Some Christians who have experienced misfortune have church leaders that will suggest to them that their misfortune is happening because of their lack of proper tithing practice.

These preachers need to learn two lessons. One lesson is on dealing with realities as taught in the story of Job. The second is on learning about the lives of the early Apostles and countless others who are suffering and have suffered throughout time for God, truth and the cause of Christ. All but one of the original Apostles was martyred. Most experienced beatings, stoning, shipwrecks and other hardships and problems. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver them OUT OF them all."Also read Acts 14:22.

Many of today's "cushioned" preachers are arrogant. Some even look down on the less fortunate thinking they have not been obedient or

haven't yet caught "the revelation" of prosperity. These preachers forget it is many of these same people that make their lifestyles possible.

These preachers go where they will be received, pampered, paid and applauded. They consider any criticism, valid or invalid, as "persecution for the cause of Christ" as if the criticism equates to those who have REALLY suffered or are really suffering for the cause of Christ. Pollyanna style Christianity is immature and always leads to downfalls. The reality is most of us grow more from pain, trials and tribulation than we do from ease, comfort and still waters.

One must focus on ALL scripture, not just promises of prosperity that tickle the ears. Paul speaks of God blessing us to be abundant in all things WHILE speaking of taking an offering for needy Christians. Paul never suggested these Christians became needy because of improper giving, lack of faith or bad conduct. In fact Paul teaches that at another time it might be these giving Christians that might be needy with the now needy Christians, having been blessed, being able to rise to the occasion and bless them. Paul was clear life wasn't one financial blessing after another with one never having financial need. [2 Corinthians 9:5-13 2 Corinthians 8:13-1F] Are we to assume Peter was faithless or not living or giving right resulting in his not having any silver or gold for the beggar? [Acts 3:t] Was Mary not living right? She had to bring a poor person's offering to be purified. [Luke 2:22-24, Leviticus 12:6-P] Frankly, I think if most Christians today had to live like the early church or the Apostles lived for a year, they would come apart at the seams. Christ taught giving to those who can not repay you and of being blessed for one's giving at the resurrection. [Luke 14:12-14]

9. Christ Did Not Teach Tithing Of Ones Income But The Bible Is Clear:

Support Your Ministers And Churches!

There was a well-established money system in place at the time of Christ. Yet, Christ only mentioned tithing twice.

• Once to a JEW still under law and the tithing was HERBS [agrarian], NOT money or income from herbs. [Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42] and

• Once regarding someone taking pride in their works which were dismissed as unimportant compared to humility [Luke 18:9-14]

There was certainly a market for herbs and spices [ John 12:5 Mark 14:3-5 Matthew 26:7-9] yet the tithes mentioned by Jesus were clearly herbs, not income from herbs. So, are we to tell Christians today they must tithe herbs? Are we to make a totally unscriptural leap from herbs to 10% of income? Christ also ordered some to perform ceremonial cleansing, foot washing and Christ celebrated Jewish holy days and feasts. Why are these things not demanded of Christians today? It is ALL of the law or none of it. Even in teachings to Jews, Christ taught tithing was NOT a priority with God [Luke 18:9-14] and that there were weightier matters that God was concerned about. [Matthew 23:23] In addition to the above, consider various translations regarding Jesus' mention of tithing and note how the meaning changes:

Darby Translation: Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for ye pay tithes of mint and anise and cummin, and ye have left aside the weightier matters of the law, judgment and mercy and faith: these ye ought to have done and not have left those aside. Luke 11:42

But woe unto you, Pharisees, for ye pay tithes of mint and rue and every herb, and

pass by the judgment and the love of God: these ye ought to have done, and not have left those aside.

Youngs Translation: Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye give tithe of the mint,

and the dill, and the cumin, and did neglect the weightier things of the Law; the

judgment, and the kindness, and the faith; these it behoved [you] to do, and those

not to neglect. Luke 11:42 But woe to you, the Pharisees, because ye tithe the mint, and the rue, and every

herb, and ye pass by the judgment, and the love of God; these things it behoveth to

do, and those not to be neglecting.

So we see the following regarding Jesus' mention of tithing:

• there are questions of interpretation • Jesus was talking to a Jew still under law • the tithe was agrarian [of the land - in this case herbs]

• the tithe was NOT money or income based

• the tithe was that which was fully owned - not credit or lien based

Clearly this didn't apply to Gentiles since they were never mandated to tithe.

Additionally one could argue [weakly] that Jesus said the agrarian tithe was

something that "they ought to have done." This indicates a form of past tense. This

would be correct UNDER the law. However, as this document makes clear, any

tithing OUTSIDE the law was voluntary.

Recall mandated tithing was obligated because of the Jewish theocratic

government and temple system and the deeding of the land of Israel

amongst the various tribes. Gentiles were not involved in this.

In Acts 15 when the issue of how much of the Mosaic Law Christian Gentiles were

to keep, the answer was clear. They were to abstain from:

• ceremonial pollution with idols • sexual immorality • strangled meats (blood still in it) • blood

While mandates for tithing are NOT in the New Testament, the principle that the

church and ministers can be supported by those they serve is an indisputable

New Testament doctrine. [1 Corinthians 9:6-9 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Luke 10:7] It

is noteworthy that Paul, at times, chose NOT to live off of donations when he felt the Lord was better served. [1 Corinthians 9:13-19]

10. Tithing Verses In Malachi 3 Are Being Used As "Christian Witchcraft"

Malachi 3:8-12 is routinely taken out of context and used as a curse, a form of "Christian witchcraft" by the greedy, manipulators or sometimes by those blindly following out of ignorance. Malachi was writing to an Israel that was under the law. The tithe was agrarian, NOT income based. Israel was completely backslidden, the Priests were NOT doing their jobs, the sacrifices were polluted and rejected by God and the people were completely neglecting proper marriage laws and the maintenance and restoration of the House of God. There was no acceptable sacrifices being given or sacrificed.

To use Malachi 3 as a "curse" against saved people, who are trusting in God's Perfect Sacrifice, respecting marriage and are NOT neglecting the New Testament temple [their bodies and spiritual condition] or "the gathering of the Body together" is to misapply the word of God for financial gain. A best seller on mandated tithing states,

"Every Christian who isn't honoring the Lord with the tithe is guilty of robbing God, is living under a curse, and will remain in financial bondage until he or she obeys God's Word and begins to Tithe. Tithing breaks the curse!" - God's Financial Plan by Norman Robertson - page 61 #12.

This is what we tell everyone that becomes saved? The sacrifice of Christ isn't enough? Christ removed all but the "financial curse?" This is

heretical nonsense.

That statement is mixing law with Grace, not rightly dividing the Word of Truth, a stumbling block, not of faith and is therefore sin.

I recently heard one minister extend the misappropriated Malachi curse to the church. He stated that he was tired of his church not receiving the full blessings of God because of the "thieves" that came to the church that didn't tithe and gave corrupted seed.

Would this minister consider refusing all money from these "non-tithing thieves"? Why does he choose to participate in their "thievery" and "sin" by accepting "corrupted seed?" God doesn't accept corrupted seed, so why should the ministers accept it? [Malachi 1:10, Amos 5:22 1 Corinthians 131 Peter exposed those giving corrupted seed. [Acts 5:3, Acts 5:8-9]

To make sure there would be no deceit under agrarian law tithing, each Hebrew was compelled to make a declaration of honesty before the Lord. [Deuteronomy 26:13-15] This mandated declaration also stated that you had honestly given the tithe, "...to the Levite, the stranger, the sojourner, the fatherless and to the widow..."

Oppress the poor with the curse of the Law and the judgment you see

is Matthew 7:23!

11. Be Wrong Or Give Wrong And It Doesn't Profit You Anything, Tithing Or Not!

We have to rightly divide the Word of Truth. First Corinthians 13 makes clear that one can give everything including one's body to be burned but if they don't have Agape love, they profit NOTHING. I would suggest that giving for the purpose of getting is improperly motivated and NOT giving with Agape Love. One should give out of love and because it is right. Everything we get from God is by Grace through faith in Christ and Christ taught against becoming works based. [Luke 18:9-14] Scripture teaches that God doesn't accept offerings from people that are not right or do not give in the right spirit. [Malachi 1:10, Amos 5:22 1 Cor. 13]

The New Testament fulfills [MATURES] the law. In the New Testament, the INTENT is more important than the RULE. As 1 Corinthians 13 makes clear, ANY THING given with the wrong intent profits the individual NOTHING. Promises of God give Faith and Hope but give without Agape Love and you profit NOTHING.

God is not for sale. One can believe and expect good from the Father without giving to get as the primary motivation.

Otherwise, the focus of what you expect from God becomes works centered. Anything which takes away from the work of Christ is not of God. [Luke 18:9-14]

12. Whether Before The Law Or After The Law, Tithing Was Never The First Fruits Offering

Many mandated tithing teachers confuse tithing with the first fruits offering. By not rightly dividing the word of truth, many scriptures regarding first fruits giving are misapplied to support the unbiblical mandated tithing doctrine. The first fruits offering was when the Israelites brought a portion of the fruits that ripened first as an offering. These were looked on as a pledge of the coming harvest, which would then be tithed. The first fruits offering was NEVER the tithe.

13. The Work Of Christ Is Not To See How Successful And Wealthy We Can All Become By Giving Tithes And Offerings

At this point I will insert a few comments from an interview with former PTL Preacher Jim Bakker after he repented and God resurrected his ministry:

On prosperity preaching: I began to read and write down every word as recorded in the Gospels. I wept that I could have been so wrong, preaching another gospel and another Jesus. Jesus called riches "deceitfulness of riches." He even said, "Woe unto the rich!" He was saying things like, "You can't serve God and money." He never cast wealth and riches into a good light. How could I have spent so much time emphasizing financial blessing? I'd always quoted 3 John 2, saying, "Above all things God wants you to prosper." I loved that Scripture. It looks great on a TV screen when you're raising funds, and I interpreted it as God wants you to be rich. But when I got to the words of John, I said, "Now this don't make sense." So I took the word prosper apart in the Greek and found out it's made up of two words — the first word means good or well and the second road. It's a progressive word, so it's like a journey. So, here's John saying, basically, "Beloved, I want you to have a good journey through life as your soul has a good journey to heaven." It was a greeting! Building theology on that is like building the church on "Have a nice day." I began to look up all the Scriptures used in prosperity teaching, such as "Give and it shall be given unto you." When I put that Scripture back into its context, I found Christ was teaching on forgiveness, not on money. He was teaching us that by the same measure that we forgive, we will be forgiven. I had gotten my sermons from other people. The Bible warns about the shepherds who get their messages from each other. I think today the reason we have another gospel and another Jesus being preached is because men have gotten their sermons from each other and from motivational teaching. A lot of what's being taught today is simply motivational teaching with a few Scriptures put to it. END QUOTE

Sometimes modern day Christianity looks like nothing more than success coaching with a Christian wrapper.

Many appear to sound like Christianity teaches "wealth equals Godliness" and "a lack of wealth is satanic." But read James 1:9-11. Many arrogant preachers look down on the poor and forget a good chunk of their money comes from the medium to low wage earner. This arrogance leads many in ministry to believe "God is always going where the money is flowing." Many caught up in the prosperity doctrine think, "But I am making more money, how can it NOT be God?"

God doesn't live in buildings anymore. PEOPLE are the House of God and the Body of Christ. With all of the "revelation" around today, the church still doesn't get it and many are still seeking the Old Testament glory of the temple. God's storehouse is now HIS PEOPLE.

I know of one incident where a church spent thousands on electronic and computer gadgetry that they weren't using and they couldn't help out a needy Christian that, due to illness and hardship, needed a small sum to avoid a utility shut off. The "work of Christ" and Body of Christ is more than the church coffers and buildings. The "work of Christ" is meeting the needs of PEOPLE on MANY different levels WHEREVER we are. If one spends resources on a prison ministry; that is "unto Christ." If one feeds hungry neighbors; that is "unto Christ." While the local church certainly should not be neglected, there is no scripture that says all money given unto God has to go into church or minister's coffers.

Many preachers and churches make it sound like the only giving that is "unto the Lord" is what is given to them.

But Christ taught, "When you assist one of the least of these, my Brethren, you have done it unto me." Also read the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan. Too many Christians are "paying others" to do what many times is THEIR work. They pay others to minister IN PLACE OF them.

Many tithing Christians will tithe out of fear of the misappropriated "Malachi Curse" ignoring the fact their neighbor is in need. These

Christians are thinking that when they get their "windfall" from tithing, they will then help the needy.

Many churches today still seek the "glory of the temple" and give little to no thought to the glory of the New Testament Temple...the living, breathing body of Christ. I have seen examples of "confirmed tithers hesitant to give a small offering to a needy elderly couple because there would be no "record" of their giving; their giving would not be seen by the church. Yet Christ taught to give in secret.

We now have countless huge edifices and all types of major Christian media networks etc. With all of this building of things, is Christianity

better off?

I recently had Christian TV on in my home and realized I would have to shut it off if an unsaved or new Christian walked into the room. The money huckstering was