“If you don’t pay God His tithe, the blessings will be cut off in your life!” Ever hear anything like that? Is that really accurate? Why do I picture a mob-boss in connection with that statement more than the God of the Bible? Does God really have to resort to extortion in order to motivate His children to be generous?
The arguments are many and varied, but all of them point back to the Old Testament law, and the requirement of the 10% tithe (tithe means ten percent). This Sunday we’ll look at the myth that’s been propagated by many churches for about 1500 years…the myth that says New Testament Christians, redeemed by grace, are obligated to give 10% of their monetary income to the church, in order to be blessed by God.
Seriously…go read Col 2:10-17, and think about what Paul says the Old Testament law was…and what our obligations are to it as those in Christ.
We’ll also look at 2 Corinthians 9 to find out what principles should guide New Testament generosity. Ever read that passage in the Message? It’s awesome! While the actual context is a relief offering for the famine ravaged church in Jerusalem, the principle can be a guide to all the practical, fiscal matters that touch the church community. There’s nothing overly mystical about it…no condemnation, no demand to meet an obligation, in fact, just the opposite.
Come hang out with us this Sunday as we MythBust the 10% tithe for the Christian!
WONDERWHAT 
And yet I show you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Rob, it was so freeing to hear you tell us that God does not need our money and what He wants is our hearts. No more bondage of religious duty. I know that everything I have and am belongs to Him but I struggle knowing how He wants me to use what He gives me.
Rob — you might want to include your thoughts on this common idea concerning tithing and the law “well, the tithe was established before The Law, Abraham gave a tithe to Mechizedek so tithing actually pre-dates the law. With this is mind, Paul’s ideas about believers not being bound by the law don’t apply to tithing since tithing wasn’t actually part of the law.”
Love the series — see ya Sunday.