Tithing
Tithing is commanded by God.
God has promised us that the bringing in of tithes will bring increase. He challenges those who believe to try him out, so that he can open the windows of heaven, from where blessings can pour out in abundance.
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 shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
Tithing brings blessings upon your life
Malachi 3: 11,12 tells us further how tithing will benefit us:
.. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
Failure to tithe causes the church to suffer
When we tithe we show that we care about the ministry and want to see it prosper.
A failure to tithe causes the house of God to become forsaken. Ministers are expected to give themselves completely to full time ministry – praying for the church and ministering for its needs. Without tithes, full time ministers would not be able to sustain themselves or their families, causing them and the church to suffer spiritually and physically. Nehemiah 13:10-12.
Failure to tithe means we rob or steal from God
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8
Tithing was not only meant for the Old Testament
Some people believe tithing was only meant for the Old Testament. However when we look to the New Testament
(1 Corinthians 9:9-14) we clearly see the error in this opinion.
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
How do I tithe?
Tithes are to be given to your own church, where you fellowship, as it is for the work of that specific pastor or ministers that dedicate their time to your needs. If you are paid weekly you should tithe 10% of your weekly income. If you are paid monthly you should tithe 10% of your monthly income. Tithing is also applicable to benefits and gifts of money, a tenth of which should be given as tithes.
