lnfact tithing is a bourdon on poor
believers,some of them are not working
evento afford their daily bread is hard for them but the leader will like
to collect offering twice,one offering
for himself the 2nd one for God.A ... read full comment
lnfact tithing is a bourdon on poor
believers,some of them are not working
evento afford their daily bread is hard for them but the leader will like
to collect offering twice,one offering
for himself the 2nd one for God.All
these scarce us from going to Church.
Rev Mensah 10 years ago
BROTHER AMARTEY, GOD ABUNDANTLY BLESS YOU. YOU HAVEDONE IT YET AGAIN. ANOTHER BRILLIANT PIECE.
BROTHER AMARTEY, GOD ABUNDANTLY BLESS YOU. YOU HAVEDONE IT YET AGAIN. ANOTHER BRILLIANT PIECE.
Dr Ofori- Panyin 10 years ago
This is the second and hopefully the concluding part of our discussion on tithing. And let me begin by saying that this article is intended for those who want to know the truth according to the Bible, and are willing to searc ... read full comment
This is the second and hopefully the concluding part of our discussion on tithing. And let me begin by saying that this article is intended for those who want to know the truth according to the Bible, and are willing to search the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. Acts 17:10-11. In the first part, many were enlightened and some burdens were lifted off many shoulders that have been groaning under the yoke of this bondage brought into the church by greedy or ignorant preachers. Others were mad because their false doctrines and greed and love for money have been exposed. Others were simply ignorant and behaved like the proverbial ostrich that would rather hide its head in the sand than confront error. And some were very indignant, insulting and cursing instead of proving their position by the Scriptures.
As said in the previous post, I used to teach and preach tithing, and when I did, the people just got up and parted with their money. One time, at a church here in Atlanta, Georgia, a pastor friend complained bitterly about the low financial position of his church and invited me to come and speak on tithing, saying his congregation didn't like tithing, and that even weekly offerings were very low. I told him, " Well, it's going to be different on Sunday." Then he asked me, " How ? " I said, " You wait and see ! " As you can imagine, the offering was over and above by about 1000 % the next Sunday. Those who didn't have cash wrote cheques like crazy, and I was proud to coerce them to bring out their money, telling them how they've robbed God and denied themselves blessings, using the "curse" of Malachi 3:9, for good measure ! Finally, I exhorted and commanded them, " Bring all the tithes into the storehouse.....! " I could see the terror on some faces and a lady was literally shaking as she wrote her cheque !
Lord, be merciful to us and forgive us for our many transgressions, twisting Your Word, misapplying Scriptures and abusing Your congregation with our greed and love for money ! Thank You for Your mercy and for Your blood which cleanses us from all sin ! I have repented and cannot in all good conscience preach or teach tithing again, because it is not for the New Testament church ! After carefully studying the Scriptures, I realized that Malachi was talking about corrupt priests in the Old Testament and not the New Testament believers, but these Scriptures in Malachi 3:8-12, have been used for generations to "scam" the Lord's people into parting with their money. Certainly, there are preachers who have been speaking against this abuse of Scriptures and "scamming" the Lord's people, but they have been looked upon with disdain and scorn and venom, but it is better for us to be scorned by mortal men than to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31. " Woe to the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 23:1.
AM I UNDER A CURSE IF I DON'T TITHE ?
No, my beloved, you're not cursed if you don't tithe, and neither are you blessed if you do; God does not need your money in order to bless you ! Abraham was already blessed by God before he ever thought of giving tithes, and so don't let any sakawa prophet, pastor, apostle, bishop, archbishop, or whoever intimidate you by twisting Scriptures to steal your money. The believer should give cheerfully, out of love for the Lord and His work, and not be pressured or threatened or cursed into giving. Our giving could be 10%, 100%, 1000%, 1% or zero %. according to our ability ! The Lord is more interested in our motivation than in the amount we give. Do you remember the widow's mite ? Luke 21:1-4.
What is your motivation for giving money or property to the church ? Is it so that you could be elevated in the church by your pastor ? Is it so that people would know that you are the highest giver in the church ? Is it to support the Lord's work or do you want favours from your pastor or prophet or whatever they call themselves ? Are you under a guilty conscience and do you think giving money to the church would ease the pain ? Did you rob or steal or commit adultery or fornication and expect the pastor to take your money and pray for you ? Remember, the Lord says, " I hate robbery for burnt offering." Isaiah 61:8. He does not delight in "stinking" or blood money ! Alas, many preachers are so greedy for money that they don't even care how you got the money, and would put curses on you instead of blessings.
DID JESUS TEACH ABOUT TITHING ?
Yes, in Matthew 23:23, He acknowledged that tithing was an obligation under the Old Covenant, but even so He taught the Pharisees to show mercy and kindness and faith. Besides, the Old Covenant was still in effect, and Jesus spoke to them as under the Law. The New Covenant was only ratified after His blood was shed on the cross. Jesus did not collect tithes from anyone, though He came to die for all mankind, therefore don't allow any greedy or ignorant pastor, prophet, apostle, bishop or archbishop to bamboozle you into paying tithes.
WARNING TO FALSE PROPHETS AND PASTORS
All over Ghana, churches are springing up everywhere like mushrooms and this is a good thing only if the motivation is right. But the truth is many are in the ministry not because the Lord has called them, but because they want to make easy money from gullible people who don't know the Bible. They love your money more than they love your soul. They are in it for the money; it's all about the money. God has not sent many of them yet they run, giving false prophesies and vain promises to helpless people. Jeremiah 23:21; Ezekiel 13:1-23. The Lord will deliver His people out of their hands, but the people need to be wise, and stop giving their money to greedy wolves in sheep's clothing. These false pastors and prophets need to start their own businesses to make their money, and stop fleecing the people in the name of the Lord for judgment is coming and has come !
BLESSED OR CURSED ?
Finally, if anyone feels they are being blessed for giving tithes, good for them, and they can continue to do so if they like. But if you feel you're under a curse, I can assure you that it is not because you don't pay tithes, but it could be something else. The Lord Jesus became a curse for us so that the blessings of Abraham shall be our portion. Galatians 3:13-14. If there is any sin in your life, confess it before the Lord and ask for forgiveness. Change your ways and do what is pleasing to the Lord and let His blessings follow you.
Brother Amartey
Contact: brotheramartey@gmail.com
BISHOP 10 years ago
He said to them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves..MATTHEW 21:13
That is what is going on int he church now.
He said to them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves..MATTHEW 21:13
That is what is going on int he church now.
Kayayo 10 years ago
THE BIBEL SAYS GIVE THE TITHES TO THE POOR. BUT the pastors take the tithe for themselves. some have build universities and mansions while many in the church are hungry and poor. This is the robbery in the church. Prophet T B ... read full comment
THE BIBEL SAYS GIVE THE TITHES TO THE POOR. BUT the pastors take the tithe for themselves. some have build universities and mansions while many in the church are hungry and poor. This is the robbery in the church. Prophet T B Joshua alone has amassed a fortune of $20 million. All from the tithes robbed from the poor. Some have private jets. The robbery goes on unabated.
Brother Amartey, God would reward you. You are a true servant of the most high God. God bless you.
Dr Ofori- Panyin 10 years ago
thanks so much for this wonderful article article. In the name of the Lord I thank you. Unfortunately this article is not going to get enough readers because it is on the 'religion' page.
You should repost it on the main ... read full comment
thanks so much for this wonderful article article. In the name of the Lord I thank you. Unfortunately this article is not going to get enough readers because it is on the 'religion' page.
You should repost it on the main page like your previous ones. You can change the title and repost.
God bless you abundantly.
Brother Amartey 10 years ago
I don't know why they put it here, in fact, I just found it and I will change the title and repost. Thanks for your suggestion.
I don't know why they put it here, in fact, I just found it and I will change the title and repost. Thanks for your suggestion.
AME 10 years ago
heee, heee, Kayayo, you have to thank God some pastors have the vision and the wisdom to use some of the tithe money to build universities, the next time a university will be built in your village with the tithe money.Do you ... read full comment
heee, heee, Kayayo, you have to thank God some pastors have the vision and the wisdom to use some of the tithe money to build universities, the next time a university will be built in your village with the tithe money.Do you want the pastors to walk to church or live in huts.
Pastor Konadu, USA 10 years ago
heee, heee, Kayayo, you have to thank God some pastors have the vision and the wisdom to use some of the tithe money to build universities,
...AND ALSO LIVE IN MANSION AND RIDE FANCY CARS WHILE THE PEOPLE SUFFER. THIS IS ... read full comment
heee, heee, Kayayo, you have to thank God some pastors have the vision and the wisdom to use some of the tithe money to build universities,
...AND ALSO LIVE IN MANSION AND RIDE FANCY CARS WHILE THE PEOPLE SUFFER. THIS IS ROBBERY IN THE NAME OF GOD. IT IS CRIMINAL AND SINFUL.
DEUT 14:22-28, SAYS BRING THE TITHE TO THE PLACE THE LORD HAS CHOSEN AND INVITE THE ORPHANS, THE WIDOWS AND THE LEVITES TO EAT THE TITHE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. THAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE TITHES. THAT IS GOD'S LAW.
the next time a university will be built in your village with the tithe money.
THAT IS NOT THE PURPOSE OF THE TITHES. GOS WAS VERY SPECIFIC AS TO WHAT THE TITHE IS USED FOR. GOD SAID THE TITHE HAS TO BE EATEN. TITHE WAS ONLY PAID WITH FOOD, NEVER WAS MONEY TAKEN TO THE TEMPLE AS TITHES.
Do you want the pastors to walk to church or live in huts.
PASTORS SHOULD LIVE LIKE JESUS LIVED. PASTORS SHOULD LIVE LIKE THE APOSTLES LIVED. THE APOSTLES DID NOT LIVE LIKE KINGS WHILE THE REST OF THE PEOPLE LIVE HUMBLY. THESE FALSE PASTORS HAVE TO STOP ROBBING THE PEOPLE. PASTORS CANNOT TAKE TITHES BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT LEVITES. PAUL DID NOT RECEIVE TITHES, NEITHER DID JESUS.
Dr. P Ray 10 years ago
Where does the Bible say give the tithes to the poor? Nowhere and I doubt that you can find scripture to support your statement. There are four ways in which money is suppose to be collected in the church and each is free wil ... read full comment
Where does the Bible say give the tithes to the poor? Nowhere and I doubt that you can find scripture to support your statement. There are four ways in which money is suppose to be collected in the church and each is free will, (no one puts a gun to anyone's head and say you are under arrest if you don't give). First there is the tithe, which is the basics of this article which is wrongly discussed because of the errors within the writing and the lack of understanding of most of the commentators. The tithe is an established church doctrine, regardless as to your believing it or not. Truth is not based on one man's opinion, regardless of how scholarly it might sound. Second there is Free will offerings as you describe it. The purpose of the tithe is for the upkeep of the church and it's functions which include the paying of salary and up keep of the pastors and the salaries of paid full time staff. Free will offerings are suppose to be giving of an offering to the church freely as we are led to by the spirit of the Lord, not out of any type of demand. It's purpose is also to be used for furthering of church specifies covering budgetary needs of the church. Thirdly there is what we refer to as prepared offerings. These are announced before time and are for designated purposes (building funds, harvest Sundays and ect.) Lastly and much to many of your surprise, the scriptures are very clear on how the poor within the church and society are suppose to be taken care of. It is referred to as the giving of arms. The scriptures also address the issues of widows, orphans and the neglected within society. No one is made to participate in any of these, however he who does participate in them all are those who see themselves being raised from a state of poverty to a level of being blessed of God.Jesus said as to the poor they will always be among you, He did not say you will be destined to be one of them. Most who suggest otherwise in your comments or either ignorant of the scriptures or just plain cheap God robbers. Those of you who are not born again believers need to just get out of these conversations. You are to quick to judge that which you are not part of anyway. There is no excuse for the abusers, however we do nor overlook our responsibilities of the paying of our tithes which is commanded of God through proper scripture teaching nor the giving of offerings and giving of arms o the poor.
Pastor Konadu, USA 10 years ago
Where does the Bible say give the tithes to the poor? Nowhere and I doubt that you can find scripture to support your statement
*************************************************************************************
THE BI ... read full comment
Where does the Bible say give the tithes to the poor? Nowhere and I doubt that you can find scripture to support your statement
*************************************************************************************
THE BIBLE SAYS IT CLEARLY IN DEUT DEUT 14:22-27
22 Be sure to set aside a tenthT)" of all that your fields produce each year. 23 EatU)" the tithe of your grain, new wineV)" and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name,W)" so that you may learnX)" to revereY)" the Lord your God always.
24 But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the Lord your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the Lord will choose to put his Name is so far away), 25 then exchangeZ)" your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the Lord your God will choose.
26 Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink,AA)" or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.AB)" 27 And do not neglect the LevitesAC)" living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own.AD)"
28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithesAE)" of that year’s produce and store it in your towns,AF)" 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotmentAG)" or inheritanceAH)" of their own) and the foreigners,AI)" the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied,AJ)" and so that the Lord your God may blessAK)" you in all the work of your hands.
The tithe is an established church doctrine, regardless as to your believing it or not.
CHURCH DOCTRINE IS NOT ALWAYS BIBLICAL DOCTRINE. IN THE PAST CHURCH DOCTRINE WAS THAT YOU PAID MONEY FOR PASTORS TO PRAY FOR GOD TO FORGIVE YOUR SINS. TITHING IS PART OF THE MOSAIC LAWS. WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, WE ARE DUNDER GRACE. WE ARE NOT CURSED IF WE DONT PAY TITHE, BECAUSE THE BLOOD OF JESUS BROKE THE CURSE OF THE LAW. SO SOME CHURCHES ARE TEACHING FALSE DOCTRINE .
The purpose of the tithe is for the upkeep of the church and it's functions which include the paying of salary and up keep of the pastors and the salaries of paid full time staff.
WHERE DOES IT SAY THIS IN THE BIBLE? GIVE US BIBLE VERSES. TITHE WAS FOOD TO BE EATEN IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. ONLY LEVITES AND THE POOR REEIVED TITHES. PASTORS ARE NOT LEVITES. JESUS WAS NOT A LEVITE SO HE COULD NOT RECEIVE TITHES. IT IS SINFUL FOR PASTORS TO RECEIVE TITHES.
MONEY WAS NEVER TAKEN TO THE TEMPLE AS TITHES, ONLY FOOD WAS TAKEN TO THE TEMPLE. FISHERMEN IN ISRAEL AND CARPENTERS DID NOT PAY TITHES. ONLY FARMERS AND ANIMAL HERDERS WERE REQUIRED BY THE LAW TO TITHE. THIS ROBBERY BASED ON MANIPULATED LAWS OF MAN HAS TO CHANGE.
prophetss Mary Nkansah 10 years ago
Tithe is to support pastors for their house, children , cars, vacation. Do you pastors to live like poor people. Only pastors get tithes. Poor people are helped with the offering . the tithe is for the pastor.
Even Jeus hims ... read full comment
Tithe is to support pastors for their house, children , cars, vacation. Do you pastors to live like poor people. Only pastors get tithes. Poor people are helped with the offering . the tithe is for the pastor.
Even Jeus himself was given tithes by the church. He was able to spread the gospel with the tithe he received.
A brother 10 years ago
foolish Jezebel ("Prophetess" Nkansah repent or perish in Jesus Name. Amen!)
Re. to a comment
foolish Jezebel ("Prophetess" Nkansah repent or perish in Jesus Name. Amen!)
Re. to a comment
Dr Sam Kwami 10 years ago
Only two profession paid tithes in the Bible- farmers and those who raised farm animals. As a carpenter Jesus did not have to pay tithes. Carpenters did not pay tithes. So Jesus and his apostles did not pay ttihes. They did n ... read full comment
Only two profession paid tithes in the Bible- farmers and those who raised farm animals. As a carpenter Jesus did not have to pay tithes. Carpenters did not pay tithes. So Jesus and his apostles did not pay ttihes. They did not receive tithes and they did not pay tithes.
K. Kay 10 years ago
Please dont say that. Come out with your argument by pointing to scriptures for us to understand your point. As it is at the moment, I'm listening to Bro. Amartey
Please dont say that. Come out with your argument by pointing to scriptures for us to understand your point. As it is at the moment, I'm listening to Bro. Amartey
Kwamina Ewur Banson 10 years ago
Tithe is God's not man's: God is the same yesterday, today and forever: Mal 3:10 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 ... read full comment
Tithe is God's not man's: God is the same yesterday, today and forever: Mal 3:10 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. Brother Amartey, its my prayer that God gives you deep revelations of His word.
Minta 10 years ago
Are you a pastor? Are you in one way or another benefitting from tithes?
Mal 3:5 “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud lab ... read full comment
Are you a pastor? Are you in one way or another benefitting from tithes?
Mal 3:5 “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty."
FORMER PENTECOST MEMBER 10 years ago
GOD WAS REBUKING THE LEVITES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. GOD WAS NOT TALKING TO CHRISTIANS TODAY. THE CURSE OF THE LAW OD TITHES CANNOT BE ON BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS, BECAUSE THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST BROKE THE C ... read full comment
GOD WAS REBUKING THE LEVITES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. GOD WAS NOT TALKING TO CHRISTIANS TODAY. THE CURSE OF THE LAW OD TITHES CANNOT BE ON BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS, BECAUSE THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST BROKE THE CURSE OF THE LAW.
MANY PASTORS USE MALACI TO TERRORIZE AND SCARE CHURCH MEMBERS TO APY TITHES. THIS IS SHAMEFUL AND UNPARDONABLE.
8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty
RSA 10 years ago
You are wrong. The truth is: God does not change His plans but He plans to change. That is why the NT has replaced the OT. Mal. 3:10 was in the context of the OT and grossly miscontrued. By the way it says "Bring the full {wh ... read full comment
You are wrong. The truth is: God does not change His plans but He plans to change. That is why the NT has replaced the OT. Mal. 3:10 was in the context of the OT and grossly miscontrued. By the way it says "Bring the full {whole} tithes and OFFERINGS". Read Neh. 10:28-39 and you would understand that issues brought up in Malachi are restrospective of the promises made by the people who invoked curses upon themselves if they did not fulfill promises in regard of approved marriage, the sabbath, tithes and offerings. Those offerings are clearly catalogued by Nehemiah. If by Malachi 3:10 we want to pay tithes, then we must be consistent by also paying firstfruit offerings, wood offerings, temple tax, etc in juxtaposition with the tithe. We cannot pick and choose.
Mimi 10 years ago
Everybody likes the idea of generosity. But when it comes down to writing the check, there always seem to be so many extenuating circumstances. We have insufficient savings. We do not agree with the church’s spending priori ... read full comment
Everybody likes the idea of generosity. But when it comes down to writing the check, there always seem to be so many extenuating circumstances. We have insufficient savings. We do not agree with the church’s spending priorities. The tithe does not apply to us today. Are there any good answers to these common objections? We think so. See below for our answers. I. I’m Not Required to Give
1. It’s my money. I earned it.
It is a common idea (especially in America) that a person has absolute authority over his own stuff. But the reality is very different. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). Whatever we have has come from the Lord’s hand, and only indirectly by our earning (1 Chronicles 29:14). Our wealth belongs to us in the same way that a child’s bedroom belongs to the child. The room actually belongs to the parent, but the child is given temporary, accountable charge over it. This is even more so for Christians, who have been bought at the price of Jesus’ death (1 Corinthians 5:20). Our lives and all our stuff is utterly at the disposal of the God who bought us.
2. My giving is a private matter between God and me, no one else.
In our culture, a man’s checkbook is no one’s business but his own. In a similar way, many Christians say that their giving is a private matter, information to which only God is privy. They point to Jesus’ admonition in Matthew 6: “[W]hen you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” But Jesus’ words here have to do with our inner motives for giving (to please God rather than men), not a privilege of privacy. Any time you find yourself insisting that some part of your spiritual life is nobody else’s business, it may be a warning sign that you are trying to hide something. We should keep in mind that the Lord Jesus gave his life not primarily to secure a private relationship with each of us, but to make for himself a church of people consecrated to him (Ephesians 5:25). And this church shares a mutual responsibility for the spiritual growth of its members (Galatians 6:1-5), including our use of money. This means that Christians should be honest and accountable with each other about how we handle God’s money. So my giving is actually between God, me, and my Christian brothers and sisters.
3. The Bible is about religious and moral issues, and not about money at all, let alone charitable giving.
It is a common idea that the Bible has only to do with so-called religious matters, e.g., church attendance, individual conversion, and personal piety. But this is a misunderstanding, probably derived more from cultural hearsay than from careful reading of the Bible itself. Really, it would be fairer to say that the Bible is about everything. The Bible covers the waterfront of human life because the gospel of God’s redemption covers the waterfront of human life. In the words of Scripture, God is reconciling all things to himself through Christ (Colossians 1:20). “All things” certainly includes money and material possessions, so it is no surprise to find that the Bible speaks plainly and frequently about these things. There are philosophies that separate reality into “spiritual” and “material” spheres, but Christianity is not one of them. In the Bible, all of life (including the use of money) is spiritual because God is involved in it. When we take the time to read the Bible carefully, we find that it has much more to say to us than we may have realized, not least of all about our giving. Start by reading these key Bible verses on money and stewardship.
4. The Bible commands us to give in secret, so we shouldn’t be talking about this.
Jesus’ admonition to “not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” is not a prohibition from public giving of all sorts. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus is warning against doing things for the purpose of impressing others, but this does not mean that everything about giving must be strictly private. As sinners reconciled to God, David, Barnabas and the Macedonians inspired others with their public generosity, and Paul publicly expresses his gratitude for the generous giving of his congregations (see 1 Chronicles 29, Acts 4:32-37, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:1-5; Philippians 4:14-18). In fact, because of the dangers of love of money, consulting openly with other believers about our stewardship practices can be very wise, even necessary. It may also inspire others to give, and give them opportunity to praise God for our generosity (2 Corinthians 9:11). If our motivation is to impress others, it is better not to mention it. But if we need help staying faithful, or if we can encourage others, it may be appropriate to share about our giving.
5. The tithe does not apply to Christians today, only to Old Testament Israel.
It is true that the tithe not the standard of Christian generosity today, for Jesus called us to give far more than 10 percent. In fact, the tithe was never the standard of Old Testament generosity, either. The tithe (as a mandatory gift equaling a tenth of one’s income) actually only applied to crops and animals from the promised land, not to all income in any time and place. Nor was 10 percent ever “the standard,” for there were three tithes (two every year, one every three years) and many other offerings and gifts that were also part of Jewish life. The idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), but it is never explicitly applied to believers. Instead, almost all Christians are called to more extravagant freewill giving in response to the gospel of the Lord Jesus, who exhorted us to give 100 percent (Luke 21:1-4). The tithe may be a helpful guideline insofar as it reminds us to give proportionally to the Lord as he blesses us, since he owns it all anyway. But by New Testament standards, settling for 10 percent can be a recipe for condemnation from Jesus if we neglect true generosity, just as it was for the tithing Pharisees (Matthew 23:23). Biblical generosity is loving God with all we are, loving our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:25-37) and imitating the sacrificial example of Jesus (2 Corinthians 8:9; 1 John 3:16-18).
6. Christians are under grace, not under law, so the obligation to give does not apply to me.
The law/grace distinction in scripture is often misused, partly because the teaching is difficult to understand, but also because we sinners tend to seek out ways to dodge obedience. It is certainly true that Christians are under the principle of grace, not the principle of law. In other words, we attain righteousness not by behaving in the right way, but by trusting God for his salvation (Galatians 3:11). But this is not to say that we ought not to behave in the right way. The fact that we are saved by grace does not make adultery, for example, an acceptable practice. The law—God’s will for how we ought to live—is still a perfect standard and guide for us (Romans 7:12). But grace—God’s gift to us—makes obedience a possibility and a reality. Grace is not only forgiveness for past sins (although it certainly includes that), but also empowerment for future obedience. Grace does not mean that God does not expect us to give generously; it means that he will give us the strength to do it and the reward for doing it.
7. The Bible says that each man should give what he has decided in his own heart to give. So I am free to give as much or as little as I choose, even not at all.
It is true that the apostle Paul says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). We might think, then, that the apostle is giving us liberty to be as selfish as we like. But curiously, this verse is situated in the middle of a passage urging Christians to give generously (vv 6-15). How can this be? Paul’s point is not to give license for selfishness, but to cultivate a love of generosity within his listeners. He does not want to “hold their hands” through the giving process. Rather, he wants them to feel free, creative and excited to give far beyond the ten percent benchmark. Because Jesus has accomplished our redemption and the age of the Spirit has come, Paul’s logic goes, appealing to the tithe laws is unnecessary. Yes, this is a sort of freedom unfamiliar to the Old Testament Jews. But it is a freedom to excel in good deeds, not a freedom to sin.
8. I'm saved, so it doesn’t matter how much I give, or even whether I give at all.
It is right to say that being saved is what matters most, but wrong to conclude that giving is therefore irrelevant. In no way does giving (or any other good work) secure God’s favor. However, once we have been made new by the gospel, that same gospel changes us through and through, causing us to practice generosity (and other good works) out of thanksgiving to and love for God. Thus, while a person’s giving does not in any way determine his salvation, it is an excellent indicator that salvation has come to him. It is the grace of God, not our giving, that saves us. But once we are saved, it is the same grace of God that makes us generous givers. In fact, the Bible says, if we claim to be saved but refuse to give to people in need, then we may deceiving ourselves about being saved in the first place (James 2:14-17). In other words, it is precisely because you are saved that it matters how much you give.
9. God loves a cheerful giver, but I am not cheerful about giving, so it’s better not to give at all.
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), but this is not to say that we should wait to give until we feel particularly cheerful about it. As with so many areas of the Christian life, obedience in giving can be hard work. The joy might only come during or after the act of obedience. But the same God who loves the cheerful giver (v. 7) promises to give us the grace we need to give cheerfully (v. 8). He gave us the gift of his Son; surely we can count on him for this as well. We should all aspire to joyful giving. But the best way to cultivate joyful giving is to ask for the Lord’s help and start giving.
10. I don’t owe God anything.
Actually, we owe God everything. God can even require our children from us, as he did from Abraham (James 2:14-24). The Bible repeatedly refers to God as the owner of all things and all people (see Psalm 24:1 for an example), especially those he has redeemed from sin and destruction. God created us, and if we put our hope and faith in Christ, he has purchased us. This makes him not just our Savior but our Lord as well. Therefore, we owe him everything. But since he knows what is best for us, giving back to him and to others is not the same as obeying a tyrannical king. Instead, we are obeying a ruler who is also a loving Father. He wants us to experience the joy of giving. We participate in caring for others and serving God not only because he commands it but also because it is in our best interest to do so.
11. I don’t owe my church anything.
We probably owe our congregations and leaders far more than we know (Philemon 19), for churches are God’s vehicles to bring salvation and discipleship to the nations. Counting the ways we have been blessed by our church and other churches is a great way to learn how the love of others (expressed in their giving for missions, pastoral salaries, resources, projects and buildings) has had an eternal impact on us. Even if we see little blessing now (perhaps because we haven’t counted those blessings), we benefit immensely from past blessings bestowed by others. We should seek to provide the same blessings for others. Paul says we should owe no debt to one another, except love (Romans 13:8). Jesus and Paul agree that loving others means loving them like we love ourselves. Providing for the needs of others in our churches (possibly a nursery or a youth pastor even if you do not have children; counseling for married couples even if you are single; and especially supporting evangelism and mercy ministries for those in physical and spiritual need) is part of our debt to love others as we love ourselves. We must pray for the desire to love and serve our churches as he has commanded.
12. I don’t owe the poor anything.
God teaches us that we do in fact owe the poor, although not in the way we might think. In God’s economy, serving those in need is serving him, and failing to serve those in need is failing to serve him (Matthew 25:31-46). Romans 13:8 says to owe no debt to others except love, and Jesus teaches that loving others means caring for them in the same way we would want to be loved. How would we want to be cared for if we were poor and needy while others were rich? Clearly, we would want help getting our basic needs met. If this weren’t clear enough, Jesus makes the same point in story form in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In short, providing care for the physically and emotionally wounded; being a parent to an orphan or unwanted child; providing job training and economic empowerment; and providing emergency relief after famine, war, disease and natural disasters are all possible aspects of the Christian’s debt of love. That is what we owe the poor.
13. Giving would chip away at my investments, and that would be bad stewardship.
See below.
14. Giving would deplete my savings, and that would be bad stewardship.
See below.
15. Giving would subject me to tax liability, and that would be bad stewardship.
It is both wrong and unnecessary to set the different components of godly stewardship against one another. These three objections share a common theme. God does indeed want us to be good stewards (Luke 16:10-12). And good stewardship certainly can include high return on investment (Luke 19:12-27), saving for the future (Proverbs 6:6-8), and the prudent payment of taxes (Matthew 22:21). But even more than any of these things, godly stewardship involves generosity. It is easy to place things like our desire for a comfortable, pleasurable retirement ahead of our responsibility to give generously. But in the words of Jesus, to do so is stupid (a literal translation of Luke 12:16-26), for this present earth will not last. God has given us the kingdom and the promise that we will possess the new creation, and the fitting response is not to be stingy with what he has given out of fear or self-centeredness, but to give generously to the poor and so lay up our treasure in heaven (Luke 12:32-34). The desires to compound our wealth, save, and carefully plan our tax liability, while legitimate, do not undo our obligation to give to the Lord and his kingdom mission. God is fully aware of the state of our bank balances and the pressing cares of this world, and he summons us to give generously all the same.
16. If I were to give to the church, it would only contribute further to the greed and corruption among church leaders.
It is of course true that greed and corruption are entirely inappropriate among church leadership. But does our giving really foster these evils? For one thing, biblically speaking, we don’t give to the church; we give to the Lord. Now, it is true that the normal means of giving to the Lord is through his church. But as long as we think of our giving as mere “membership dues” paid to the church, we miss the point completely. Second, it is not our place to impugn the motives of the pastor or other church leaders. We should beware of issuing condemnations, lest we be judged in the same way (Matthew 7:1-2). In addition, the elders of the church are worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17), so a critical attitude toward them is doubly inappropriate. Third, if a Christian is truly concerned that his church leaders are living in willful sin, then the thing to do is to approach them about it through biblical channels to seek their repentance (Matthew 18:15-20), rather than just angrily withdrawing one’s gifts. The question we must ask ourselves is: Do my church leaders need to repent of their greed (which is possible), or do I need to repent of my own attitude toward them (which is also possible)?
17. I would like to give, but my spouse does not share my desire to give.
Both giving and marital unity are important biblical values, so this is a difficult situation, but not an impossible one. The marriage relationship is like the relationship between Christ and his church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Christ is the model husband who lays down his life for his bride, and his purpose in all this is to make us holy (v. 26). In a similar way husbands and wives should work hard to move each other toward holiness. Keeping the peace is important, but God desires obedience as well. It might take a lot of prayer and patience before husband and wife are able to give joyfully as a couple. But just as with so many difficult parts of marriage, God is more than able to bring spouses to agreement on this. A Christian should certainly not resolve to go on giving in spite of his spouse’s disapproval, but neither should he give up trying and make an excuse of his spouse’s current opinion. Rather, husband and wife should make it a high (and by God’s grace, attainable) priority to achieve joint obedience in this matter.
18. I don’t have the spiritual gift of giving.
This is a thoughtful objection. It is true that God gives different spiritual gifts to different people (Romans 12:6), so that some are better at certain things than others; and it is true that giving is one of these spiritual gifts (Romans 12:8). But it does not follow from this that those who do not have the gift of giving are therefore exempt from the responsibility of giving. Yes, some Christians are better at giving than others, but we are all alike called to give generously to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:7) because we have all received his generosity in Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9). It is the same with other spiritual gifts. We do not all have the gift of evangelism, but we should all be active in sharing our faith (1 Peter 3:15). We should excel in the areas where we have spiritual gifts, but we should be faithful even in the areas where we don’t.
19. There’s a good chance my donation would be misappropriated or wasted.
Misappropriation of gifts is possible, but it does not excuse us from the Christian responsibility of giving. In fact, statistically, the chances of gifts being mishandled are actually quite low. If a donor gives to a ministry that has appropriate financial accountability structures in place, he can have great confidence that his donation will go to the right place. But if even a gift were to be misappropriated, it is the goodwill of the giver, not the faithfulness of the recipient, that makes the gift worthwhile. In fact, Jesus tells us to give even to people whose intentions we know are unethical (Luke 6:27-36). How can this be? The answer is: We give because the gospel is true, not because we have perfect assurance of proper financial management.
20. My donation will only encourage the poor to rely on handouts, rather than earn a living for themselves.
Debilitating dependence on handouts is a possibility, but it is not a reason to avoid the Christian responsibility to give. It is true that God does not approve of idleness on the part of the poor. It was the apostle Paul who wrote to certain idlers at the church in Thessalonica, “If a man shall not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Elsewhere, Paul writes to converted thieves that they should work so that they can have something to give to others (Ephesians 4:28). But rebuking the idle is God’s business, not ours. For our part, God tells us to give generously to the poor (Luke 12:33), period. We are not to sit in judgment over them (James 4:11), especially not in such a way as to keep our money to ourselves. God was generous toward us when we were utterly dependent on him. Surely we can treat others similarly.
21. God doesn’t need my money.
This is a good point; God doesn’t need our money. In the Scriptures he says, “I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. ... If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it” (Psalm 50:9-12). Indeed, those of us who are the most enthusiastic about giving do well to remember this fact. But to say that God doesn’t need our money is not to say that we shouldn’t give. He doesn’t need our money, but he does want it—not for its own sake, but as a token of our total commitment to him in response to what he has suffered for us (Matthew 6:21). And as it turns out, giving to God is actually in our own best interest. We should give to God not because he needs it, but because we need it (Philippians 4:17).
22. The church doesn’t need my money.
Well, yes and no. Insofar as God sovereignly builds his church and will never let it expire (Matthew 16:18), no, the church does not need our money. But insofar as God’s normal means of providing for his church is through the gifts of the people (2 Corinthians 9:11), yes, the church does need our money. In other words, the fact that God provides for the church should make us more, not less, eager to give. If we really have been changed by the gospel, then we will consider it a privilege to participate with our Lord in the work of his church.
23. I don’t agree with how my church might spend the money.
That is an understandable objection. But God teaches us to submit to those he has placed in authority over us, and not give them trouble (Hebrews 13:17). As Christians, we may have many good-faith disagreements over how money is used in the church; but only if a church is using money immorally or illegally should we consider a confrontational approach, and even then only in a biblical manner (Matthew 18:15-20). The best way to influence our church is to (1) pray. The next step is to (2) model a biblical approach to handling money. We can also shape our churches’ habits in respectful, harmonious ways by (3) talking with leaders, (4) serving on a finance committee or as a church officer, (5) leading through small group discipleship or (6) teaching Sunday school. If these avenues for influence are not available to us, or if they fail to produce the results we had sought, we may have to leave it in God’s hands, acknowledging that he may not want us to run the church. Above all, we must speak and act lovingly and graciously, refraining from criticism or gossip inside or outside the church. Remember, there are other ways to use our money for the Lord. If a church is failing to evangelize, for example, supporting an evangelistic para-church ministry may be a good idea.
24. I don’t agree with my church’s teachings.
Many people have used this excuse when a new pastor or lay leadership arises in a church, but it can sometimes be a legitimate objection. Before you quit giving, find published, thoughtful, biblically centered resources for study and ask your pastor or other leaders to study the contested issues with you in a small group setting. If humble, respectful investigation and dialogue does not resolve the issue, follow the pattern of Matthew 18:15-20 and your church’s regulations on registering a formal (yet still respectful) complaint. If after these steps you determine that your church has rejected cardinal Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the Resurrection or Jesus’ role as Savior and Lord, or if the church is departing from biblical norms of behavior, you should probably pray about giving and attending elsewhere. However, any church worth attending deserves our faithful financial support. The question we must ask ourselves is: Do my church leaders need to repent of their error (which is possible), or do I need to repent of my own errors (which is also possible), or is it possible that the Bible allows freedom in the matter at hand and that we simply have different emphases (a third possibility)? If the latter two are the case, we definitely have no cause to withhold our giving; if the first is the case, we still may not withhold our income unless the church is leaving the faith. Then it is not just our money but our fellowship that should be withheld as well.
25. I’m not going to support my church’s endowment because that money just sits there.
While an endowment is not always wise, it can be a useful way to finance the Lord’s work. Properly used, endowments can be financial tools that free churches to minister locally and globally, particularly when meeting long-term ministry needs. Since the needs of this world are never exhausted, we can never “give too much.” If a church carefully and prayerfully makes a decision in faith to establish an endowment, then we as individual believers should not usually challenge such strategies. But if you have a serious conscientious objection to giving monies to an endowment, don’t just withdraw your gifts. Rather, meet with your pastor to discuss your hesitations and ask about other, non-endowed church ministries to which you might give. The Lord who saved us has connected us to churches for his purposes so that we may support one another, providing for spiritual and material needs. He does not give us license to be “Lone Rangers” when it comes to discipleship generally or stewardship specifically. Rather, we are to follow the lead of God-ordained leadership, even if we do not completely understand or fully agree with their decisions. Instances where we need to cease giving altogether are possible but very rare. When we submit ourselves to our leaders, Scripture teaches that we make their work easier and benefit them and ourselves (Hebrews 13:16-17).
26. My pastor ought to get a day job, like the apostle Paul; that’s a more biblical way to minister.
It is true that Paul sometimes tried not to ask certain churches for money if he feared that his motives would be questioned or that he would be associated with those trying to get rich from preaching (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14). Usually, however, this resulted in him asking for money from other churches (2 Corinthians 11:7-9). Why take money from some but not from others? It seems that Paul cautiously avoided taking money from problem churches, while he joyfully raised support from spiritually healthy churches. In fact, the normal pattern for healthy churches seems to be financial support for their spiritual leaders (see 1 Timothy 5:17-19; the context of chapters 5 and 6 is largely about Christian finances). Paul defended and engaged in this practice himself, relying on the support of others when he was in need (Philippians 4:14-19). In this regard Paul simply followed Jesus, who himself relied on the gifts of others and taught his disciples to do the same (Luke 8:1-4; 10:7). In so doing, the early Christians learned how to trust God and rely on their family, the church. As if his own example were not enough, Paul explicitly tells us to share with those who teach us the word (Galatians 6:6). We as givers should follow his advice, not just for the benefit of our spiritual leaders, but for ours as well: Paul told the Philippians that he wasn’t primarily concerned with their gift for him but with “what may be credited to your account” when they gave (Philippians 4:17). In most cases, a pastor’s ministry is his day job, and it is right for the church to give him due compensation. Such an arrangement is in fact quite biblical and in keeping with Paul’s own teaching in 1 Corinthians 9.
27. Money is the root of all evil; it has no place in the church.
The Bible never says that money is the root of all evil; 1 Timothy 6:10 actually says, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (emphasis added). This is an important distinction. In fact, money is a helpful tool that God gives us in order to carry out his work. Missions, poverty relief, pastoral care and even building projects all require the collection of money. There are numerous examples from Scripture where God’s people collected money in order to carry out his work (see Exodus 35:4ff; 1 Chronicles 29:2-9; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4). But the Bible warns us repeatedly to be careful in the way we handle money, for we should not put anything above loving God. When our priorities show that we love something more than God, we are idolaters living in disobedience. It is exceedingly easy for humans to commit the sin of greed. Therefore, churches must address money, just as Jesus and the apostles did, and teach others to be generous in a way that is appropriate for children under the care of the King of all creation.
28. I’m only one person. My gift is no good if no one else is giving.
It’s important to remember that one solitary person can provide a great example for others, even in matters of stewardship. Jesus used one solitary widow as an example of generosity (Luke 21:1-4), while Paul used one obscure, poor group of Christians as an example of generosity for rich Christians in Corinth (2 Corinthians 8:1-5; see also Acts 4:36-37). We must not let the inability, laziness or ignorance of others determine what is right for us to do. Instead, we must trust God that he can use our gifts in ways we could never possibly imagine, as Jesus illustrated in the miracle of the loaves and fishes (Luke 9:13-17). The giving started with just a few fishes and a few loaves, but Jesus’ power meant the gift was far more effective than anyone could have predicted. Even if others are not presently giving, God is able to use our gifts to meet needs and inspire others to generosity.
II. I Can’t Give
1. I am up to my ears in debt. I cannot give now.
The Christian in debt has an obligation, not only to his creditors but also to God, to pay off his debts and, what is more, to stay out of debt in the future (Roman 13:8). But the responsibility to pay off debts does not cancel out the responsibility to give to the Lord. Specifically, the Bible tells us to give to the Lord from our “firstfruits,” that is, the first and best of our income (Proverbs 3:9). As Larry Burkett has said, the first check we write belongs to the Lord and no one else, not even a creditor. Perhaps it sounds harsh, but in fact, giving like this turns out to be in our own best interest. We refrain from giving because it feels financially insecure. But in fact, God promises that giving to him is the most secure financial move one can make. If he gave up his own Son for us, surely we can count on him to give us all things (Romans 8:32). For those who give, he will provide all they need at all times, even making them rich so that they can keep on giving (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). We should make it a high and immediate priority to pay off our debts, but we should also give whatever we can in the meanwhile.
2. I have more than I need. But I am not prepared to live like a pauper.
Many people have thought it unfair that needy people might actually end up pretty well off, while donors find themselves hard-pressed as a consequence of giving. In fact, the apostle Paul once encountered this very objection from some hesitant would-be givers. He answered thus: “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard-pressed, but that there might be equality” (2 Corinthians 8:13). Paul knew that people who have been changed by the gospel want to see economic equality. They consider others more important than themselves (Philippians 2:3), so they do not sit by and watch others suffer while they have plenty. No one is demanding that we all live like paupers, although we might well choose to. But if we have excess, it is because God has put it in our hands so that we could help others (James 5:1-6). We should give, not so that anyone (donor or recipient) is forced into poverty, but so that there might be equality.
3. I have spent a lifetime securing my financial independence. I can’t throw it all away now.
Financial independence is an important goal for many Americans, and for good reason. It is indeed preferable to a debilitating dependence on family, government handouts or dishonest gain. But financial independence is only a secondary goal in the Bible at best. Jesus taught that those who store up treasure in the pursuit of comfort and pleasure (i.e., retirement) to the exclusion of generosity are, in fact, fools. What really counts is being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), seeking his kingdom and giving generously to those in need (Luke 12:31, 33)—even if this means less of a comfort or security factor in our retirement portfolios. After all, can’t we trust the one who takes care of all creation (Luke 12:22-28)? Financial independence is good, but it is a gift granted by God so that we would pour out gifts generously just as he has blessed us generously. When we give, we make ourselves financially dependent on God to take care of us. He gave us his own Son, the Bible argues, so we can certainly count on him to give us whatever else we need (Romans 8:32). Ironically, it turns out that our ultimate goal is not financial independence after all but financial dependence on God.
4. I would like to give, but I’d have to work another job or drastically cut back my standard of living.
Many people say that they cannot give. But in fact, what most really mean is they cannot give comfortably, that to give would mean a reduction in standard of living, which seems unfair or unreasonable. But this is exactly what the Bible invites us to do. The Bible’s greatest example for us of generosity is the Lord Jesus himself, who made himself unimaginably poor in order to make us rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Christian giving is nothing other than a sacrifice of personal comfort for the sake of the kingdom of God. We should think it altogether fair and reasonable both to labor (Ephesians 4:28) and to scale down our standards of living (Luke 21:4) in order to give. And for those who choose to do so, it turns out to be not a burden but a joy.
5. We would give, but we are a young couple with no nest egg.
See below.
6. We would like to give. But we are only a few years from retirement, paying for two kids in college, and have very little saved.
See below.
7. Next year I have a promotion coming. We will give then, but right now the budget is pretty tight.
Isn’t it interesting that, at every stage in life, there are appealing reasons not to give? Aren’t budgets always tight? This is a given in a world of economic scarcity and human sin. To be sure, early married life, late middle age, and career transition are all periods of relative economic vulnerability. And yet, Scripture nowhere exempts the economically vulnerable from generosity. In fact, ironically, many biblical examples of generous givers are poor people (Luke 21:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8:1-2). Jesus tells us not to be afraid for our well-being. God has been pleased to give us the kingdom, and the fitting response is to put fear aside and lay up our treasure in heaven by giving to the poor (Luke 12:32-34). God knows what we need, and he promises to provide it (Matthew 6:32). If God is inviting you to give, however vulnerable you might feel, you need not fear for your security. But if you are waiting to give until you feel financially secure enough, that time likely will never come. Ironically, God assures us that giving is the most financially secure move we can make. But the experience of his provision comes only after the act of giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). That is how faith works. We may test God in this; he invites us to (Malachi 3:10).
8. I’m too young to give; I really just need to focus on being a student.
Several categories of person might use this argument: (1) American teenagers occupy a strange position between financial childhood and adulthood, owning nothing but spending a great deal. (2) College students and their families have a notoriously difficult financial time, as many students are almost completely dependent on loans, earning no income but acquiring large debts. (3) Graduate students, likewise, face heavy financial burdens with only part-time income and the prospect of future stability. If anyone can be exempt from giving, we might think, it would be these groups. But the Bible teaches that giving is the privilege and responsibility of all God’s children, regardless of age or income. In fact, ironically, many biblical examples of generous givers are people who have next to nothing (Luke 21:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-2). How can this be? It is because these people were changed by God’s gospel of redemption in Jesus, and they were able to relate to God as a caring Father who meets their needs. They knew God was giving them his kingdom, and as a result they were not afraid to give away what little they had in order to store their treasures in heaven (Luke 12:22-34). It may be difficult, but Christian students should make giving to the Lord a priority in their lives. Do you receive an allowance? Do you work odd jobs or a part-time position? Take what little income you have, and begin to give to the Lord from that. At every stage in life, we will find reasons to postpone giving until later (car payments, house mortgage, kids’ tuition, etc.). The best possible thing we can do is to start cultivating the practice early. And though it sounds hard to believe, God says that giving is the most financially secure move we can make, because he himself will provide for our needs in the meanwhile (2 Corinthians 9:8, Matthew 5:38-48). Youth and students may offer more specific excuses for not giving.
9. I am in the lower or middle income bracket. Giving is really the responsibility of wealthy people.
It may be only in the modern West, which has seen an accumulation of wealth unparalleled in world history, that we have the idea that only wealthy people can or should be generous. Ironically, many biblical examples of generous givers are very poor people (Luke 21:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8:1-6). How can this be? It is because these people were changed by God’s gospel of redemption in Jesus. They knew that God had been pleased to give them the kingdom, and as a result, they were not afraid to give away what little they had in order to store their treasures in heaven (Luke 12:32-34). In Scripture, giving is the responsibility of Christians, period. The high-dollar philanthropy industry is one manifestation of generosity, but just as significant are the sacrificial gifts of regular, low or middle income believers. All Christians can aspire to the kind of generosity that Jesus and the apostles praise.
10. I’ll leave some money in my will. But I can’t give right now.
In general, we should aim to give when we can responsibly control the direction of our gifts and receive the eternal benefit of turning them over to God’s kingdom. In the words of veteran financial advisor Ron Blue, “Do your giving while you’re living, so you’re knowing where it’s going.” The Bible reminds us that wealthy people have no knowledge of what will become of their wealth when they die (Luke 12:16-21). Giving, by definition, means releasing goods from our hands back into the hands of God, for the sake of his kingdom. Wealth given after our lives are over is not given; it is left. Such “left wealth” does not reflect the standard for generosity presented in the New Testament (Luke 12:15-21 and 1 Timothy 6:18-19). If we fail to practice generosity in this life, we must be aware that our privileges and pleasures represent a commitment to our own kingdoms rather than God’s kingdom. The wealth we leave behind will only testify to our indulgence, not our generosity, as in the case of the rich man who ignored the poor at his gate (Luke 16:19-31) and found himself in hell as a result. This parable of Jesus should remind us to take stock of our own priorities. If it is worthwhile to give when we die, it is all the more worthwhile to give while we are still living.
11. My financial advisor says I shouldn’t give anything this year.
Giving is God’s will for all those who have been saved and blessed by him, and our responsibility is to God, not our financial advisors. Our advisors have not provided us with all we have; we will not give an account to them in the judgment; and they certainly cannot bless us eternally. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 provides clear instruction on what the rich must do: be rich in good works, sharing with those in need, knowing that such actions store up “treasure ... a good foundation for the future.” Granted, there may be instances when waiting to give for tax purposes makes good sense, such as when a large gift is not immediately needed by a beneficiary. But we should never turn off the tap of grace-inspired generosity altogether (either for tax purposes or to ensure we meet certain financial goals for our comfort and security). For God is able to meet our needs, and he is particularly pleased to do so when his children seek first his kingdom with the wealth he has entrusted them (see especially Luke 12:15-34). If a financial advisor says otherwise, well, sometimes it is appropriate to politely decline the advice of one’s financial advisor.
III. I’ve Given Enough Already
1. I am already a generous person.
Many of us feel that we are already quite generous, compared to other people we know. But we should pause to ask: What is the Bible’s standard for generosity? The Old Testament establishes the tithe system—one tenth of gross income. If we are honest, we will admit that most of us fail even this meager standard. In the New Testament, Jesus’ one chosen example of generosity is a poverty-stricken widow who gives her last two pennies (Mark 12:41-44), 100 percent of all she owned. Even more striking, the apostle Paul points to the example of the Lord Jesus himself, who subjected himself to the most terrible poverty in order to enrich us (2 Corinthians 8:9). Do we give a fraction of our wealth? We should think carefully before calling ourselves generous.
2. I already tithe; that’s all God requires me to give.
The New Testament standard of giving is loving God with all we are, loving our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:25-37) and imitating the sacrificial example of Jesus (2 Corinthians 8:9; 1 John 3:16-18). Therefore, those who choose to tithe should think of it as the “training wheels” for a career of ever-growing Christian giving. The Old Testament sets forth a system of tithes (10 percent offerings). For this reason, many Christians conclude that by giving 10 percent, they fulfill God’s requirement and are absolved of further responsibility. But interestingly, the tithe is mentioned only rarely in the New Testament, not because God expects less from the majority of us, but because far more is possible. Moreover, the Old Testament speaks of three tithes totaling 23.3 percent of agricultural income, which is quite a lot more than the 10 percent we think of today. Because Jesus has accomplished our redemption and the age of the Spirit has come, appealing to the tithe laws is unnecessary. The standard of giving in the New Testament is much more radical, rooted in the command to love God with all we are and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40; see also 1 John 3:16-18). John the Baptist raises the bar to 50 percent (Luke 3:11), the Lord Jesus 100 percent (Luke 21:1-4), and the apostle Paul “whatever a man purposes in his heart to give” (2 Corinthians 9:7) in light of the truth that God gives us wealth to share with others (2 Corinthians 8:14). We New Testament believers have more of revelation and of the Holy Spirit than the Old Testament believers did, so God reasonably envisions greater things from us. Jesus himself notes that even the Old Testament required more than the tithe. After all, “the weightier matters of the law” such as mercy and justice carry implications for our giving as well (Matthew 23:23).
3. I already tithe out of my paycheck; I can’t afford to tithe out of my gross income.
Giving God 10 percent of net (post-tax) rather than gross (pre-tax) income is a common practice among American Christians. Pastors often encourage these Christians to give 10 percent from their gross incomes instead. But such distinctions miss the point. Is 10 percent all God requires us to give? No—he has always demanded much more. The tithe was never the standard of generosity in the Old Testament, nor is it the standard of Christian generosity today. The Son of our gracious Father gave up everything and suffered and died for our sakes. How, then, can we seek to give the bare minimum back to him? Instead of trying to create artificial standards and percentages for giving and assuming they are taught in the Bible, we should give generously in keeping with Jesus’ clear command to love others as he loved and gave himself (John 15:12-13; 2 Corinthians 8:9, 13-15; 1 John 3:16-18). This means giving sacrificially and even being willing to give up everything for the Lord’s work. God desires us to give our very best to him, not our leftovers (Proverbs 3:9). After all, he has given us his very best—his own Son. Admittedly, this is a hard step for many of us. But God is able to make us able, willing and even excited to take it.
4. I already tithe out of my income; my assets are my safeguard.
The Old Testament teaches a tithe on income (from crops grown in the promised land), not on net worth. However, we should consider this question: Is a 10 percent tithe all God requires from his people today? He actually required far more from Old Testament Israelites—three tithes that came to 23.3 percent of income from the promised land, along with other offerings—and he requires much more from Christians today: Jesus commanded us to love others as he loved and gave himself (John 15:12-13; 2 Corinthians 8:9, 13-15; 1 John 3:16-18). In light of these facts, biblical examples (including Acts 4:32-37) and our place in an age of unprecedented prosperity, the fine distinctions between giving from income or net worth are not particularly useful. In a sense, the distinction between income and net worth is artificial, because God owns it all in any case and has put all of it in our hands to see what we will do with it. We often find ways to give God the obligatory “tip” while at the same time hanging on to all we can. But to do this is to miss the point. All our wealth belongs to him. And what is more, he has saved us from judgment by the death and resurrection of Jesus, and he has a permanent inheritance stored up for those who trust him. Instead of trying to create artificial standards for giving from our income and assuming they fulfill God’s requirement, we should give generously in keeping with Jesus’ clear command to love others as he loved and gave himself. The best biblical example of this pattern is King David (1 Chronicles 29:3), who recognized God’s authority and experienced God’s salvation. Therefore, when the time came to give to the Lord, he emptied his personal accounts as well as his official budget.
5. I already gave at the office.
This particular saying has become something of an American institution. In one way, the saying is evidence of a high point in the American experience, that we have a tradition of charitable giving, even at the workplace. On the other hand, the same saying has become a shorthand way of saying “no” to giving opportunities. And while it might be an effective maneuver for rebuffing Salvation Army volunteers, it is certainly no proper answer before God. He is no charity case. He gave his own Son to save us from eternal death. How could we possibly say to him, “Sorry, I already gave”? After all, God sees what we do and think in secret (Matthew 6:4). He is perfectly able to distinguish giving loose change to appease an annoying fund raiser from true Christian generosity. It is finally God himself, and not any fund raiser, with whom we have to do.
6. I don’t give to my church because I already give to another ministry.
It is of course great to give to Christian ministries of all sorts. But a ministry, wonderful as it might be, is not a church. The church is Christ’s bride, for whom he gave his life (Ephesians 5:25). Ministries do noble Christian work, but they do not have the biblical authority or range of responsibilities that belong to the institutional church (Matthew 16:17-19). What is more, God has specifically instituted deacons in the church for the administration of Christian offerings (Acts 6:1-6). Being God’s unique institution, the church is the first and worthiest recipient of Christian giving. A good rule of thumb is that our tithes should go to the church and not to any ministry. Beyond that, we should feel free to give to the church or to any worthy Christian ministry. But the institutional church has a very special place in God’s economy, and we acknowledge this by giving there first of all.
7. Stewardship is a lot more than money. I give my time and talents by teaching Sunday school and opening my home. I consider that to be my giving.
It is true that stewardship is a lot more than money, but it is never less than money. In fact, it would be fair to say that stewardship includes everything that we do in life. In this sense, all sin is poor stewardship, and the gospel restores us to good stewardship in all of life. So good stewardship includes things like church work and hospitality, but to withhold one’s money (even while doing these other good things) is to rob God (Malachi 3:8). Money plays a unique role in Scripture as a diagnostic tool for the human heart – where you put your money, there your heart will go (Matthew 6:21). If a Christian gives his time and talents to the Lord, but keeps his money to himself, then his heart is not with the Lord. By all means, we should practice service and hospitality, but we should take care not to withhold our money from the Lord.
8. I've already given more than enough in the form of taxes.
This objection is understandable, but mistaken. It may be that we pay a lot in taxes. It may even be that we are taxed unjustly, in which case we would have good reason to be angry. But it is a mistake to think that paying taxes and giving to God are equivalent. Taxes and offerings are two very different things; they have different purposes, different motivations and different recipients. We are obligated to pay taxes to the state for the maintenance of civil society (Romans 13:6), but we choose to give to God for the sake of his kingdom (Luke 12:32-34). In other words, we pay taxes to the state because we have to, but we give to the Lord because we want to. It is OK to object to an unjust tax burden, but we should not become bitter toward the authorities, and certainly not toward God. Rather, we should give generously to him because we have personally experienced his grace (2 Corinthians 8:9).
9. As long as I don’t misuse, waste or steal money, it doesn’t matter whether I give.
The Bible indicates that even good uses of money can distract us from God and cause us to miss out on great joy. Luke 14:16-24 tells of people missing the heavenly banquet because they were too distracted by things that were good: buying a field, examining oxen, attending to family concerns. The only antidote to being fatally distracted by money and possessions is to practice generous giving. What’s more, the Lord has commanded his people to be generous. Because it’s so easy for us as sinners to put our own comfort ahead of others, the Bible warns repeatedly that our failure to give to those in need shows that we do not have the love of Jesus in us, and that we do not have a relationship with him (Matthew 25:31-46; 1 John 3:16-18; James 2:14-24; Luke 16:19-31). This is not to insist on any legalistic prescription for giving certain amounts; rather, it is to point out that if we resist opportunities to give, it is a sign of lack of faith in the God who generously meets our needs and who expects us (his image-bearers) to mirror his generosity to the world (Luke 12:22-34). God’s definition of “misuse” and “waste” includes keeping money for ourselves, especially when others are in need (Luke 12:16-21, 16:19-31; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; James 2:14-17).
10. I don’t give to the poor because I already give to my church.
This objection makes a false distinction between giving to God and giving to godly causes. Jesus once responded to this very objection. To certain people who said that their “Corban” gifts, which were dedicated exclusively to God, exempted them from taking care of their needy parents, Jesus explained that we actually please God by taking care of our parents (Mark 7:9-13). Elsewhere, on a related theme, Jesus says that gifts given to the needy are actually gifts given to him (Matthew 25:40). In other words, once we are changed by the gospel, we give to the Lord precisely by giving to causes that he values—especially to the church, but also to worthy Christian ministries and needy individuals. By all means, dedicate your offerings to the Lord; but then give them to him through the channels he has designated: the church and the poor.
11. I’ve already maxed out my tax deductions for this year. My gifts won’t count until next year, so I’ll give then.
There may be instances when waiting to give for tax purposes makes good sense, such as when a large gift is not immediately needed by a beneficiary. But in general, we must always remain committed to being regular givers of that which God has entrusted to us for stewarding, never stopping the flow of grace-inspired generosity. What if God would have us go beyond our tax-deductible maximum? In many countries, charitable gifts (especially those for religious purposes) are not tax deductible at all, yet God still expects his people in those countries to be generous with what he has entrusted. Christian giving responds to need, not just to our own financial strategies; and need is always present in the world and in most of our churches. If we find ourselves capable of giving now because God has enriched us, shouldn’t we pursue the blessing that comes from giving beyond what’s convenient? After all, God rewards us for sacrificial giving in ways that far outmatch any benefit we may receive from the government. We shouldn’t let the tax code stop us from giving what the Lord may be calling us to give.
12. Small gifts don’t really matter.
On the contrary, many ministries and churches rely almost entirely on gifts under $100. It doesn’t take very much money to make a significant impact and to encourage those doing the Lord’s work or others in need of funding and resources. When, grateful for their salvation, God’s people give in large numbers, even small gifts add up quickly. This is a common objection among teens. But if a youth group has 50 members, and everyone gives $20, then $1,000 has been raised which can help pay for a youth worker’s salary, sound equipment, camp speakers, camp scholarships for poorer children, or medicine for AIDS orphans in Africa. And regular giving of small amounts can add up—giving $20 a month to an important ministry near to your heart can produce a gift of nearly $1,000 after just four years. Finally, we must remember that the Lord sees our giving. Even a cup of cold water or a visit to a prison in his name will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42, 25:34-40).
13. No one ever seems to appreciate my gift.
As discouraging as it may be to go unnoticed, we should not fret over the credit we may or may not receive from others. Instead, our primary concern ought to be what God thinks of us. Jesus directly addressed this in the Sermon on the Mount: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4). If we give so that others can see us, then we have already “received [our] reward in full” (verse 2). But when God sees us giving out of love for him and for our neighbor, he promises that we will receive a greater reward than what we can even ask or imagine. As we give, it is helpful to remember that we are not just serving others but we are actually serving Jesus Christ. He is far better at “giving credit where credit is due” than any human, and we can rely on the promise of an eternal reward from the Father for our generosity in the present. So, even though the primary reason for giving is God’s command to do so (e.g. Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 5:42; Mark 10:21; Luke 3:10), the Scriptures teach us that God will not forget our generosity.
Thanks for reading
BREAD 10 years ago
Shame on you!! You've been exposed
BIG TIME!! Whoever you are,'You cannot fool all the people all the time' APONKYE!!
Shame on you!! You've been exposed
BIG TIME!! Whoever you are,'You cannot fool all the people all the time' APONKYE!!
Efiduase akasanoma 10 years ago
Brother Martey, I beg to differ with your position on tithing. Please expect an email from me about my position on tithing from a biblical perspective.
It may be too lengthy for this forum that is why I prefer to use emai ... read full comment
Brother Martey, I beg to differ with your position on tithing. Please expect an email from me about my position on tithing from a biblical perspective.
It may be too lengthy for this forum that is why I prefer to use email.
prophet Kwame Kyei 10 years ago
All the apostles of Jesus in the biel were given tithes by the church. They lived comfortably on the tithes. Jesus himself as a rabbi (pastor) was given tithes. This is the example why pastors have to take tithes from the chu ... read full comment
All the apostles of Jesus in the biel were given tithes by the church. They lived comfortably on the tithes. Jesus himself as a rabbi (pastor) was given tithes. This is the example why pastors have to take tithes from the church.
Ama Bosua 10 years ago
i read all your issues on tithes. What i noticed is that none of the tithe supporters (mostly pastors) could not prove from the Bible tha we shouls pay tithes. Their only reference is malachi 3 vs 10.
You have done a fanta ... read full comment
i read all your issues on tithes. What i noticed is that none of the tithe supporters (mostly pastors) could not prove from the Bible tha we shouls pay tithes. Their only reference is malachi 3 vs 10.
You have done a fantastid job, pastor Amartey. God bless you again.
Minta 10 years ago
...they only quote the juicy part and leave out the whole truth. Look at the verses before vs 10:
6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors ... read full comment
...they only quote the juicy part and leave out the whole truth. Look at the verses before vs 10:
6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
prophetess Mary Nkansah 10 years ago
the only way to be blessed with riches is through tithes. If you fail to pay tithes you would remain poor. All the millionaires in the world are tithe-paying christians. you secure your blessing in heaven with tihes.
Noone ... read full comment
the only way to be blessed with riches is through tithes. If you fail to pay tithes you would remain poor. All the millionaires in the world are tithe-paying christians. you secure your blessing in heaven with tihes.
Noone who pay tithes can ever be poor. Your children would neve get sick. Evil would never fall on you. tithe is the protection from the devourer, which is poverty, sickness, death and want. Blessings would pour on heaven and you shal smile in financial prosperity.
A. T. 10 years ago
Stop the lies. Jesus called Satan the Father of lies. That is exactly what you are doing here! Please STOP!
Stop the lies. Jesus called Satan the Father of lies. That is exactly what you are doing here! Please STOP!
RSA 10 years ago
Not true!! I have never paid tithes in my life and have even spoken against it over the last 10 years. God has not cursed but rather prospered me. I have been blessed with my own mansion, travelled to many countries without p ... read full comment
Not true!! I have never paid tithes in my life and have even spoken against it over the last 10 years. God has not cursed but rather prospered me. I have been blessed with my own mansion, travelled to many countries without paying a penny for flight, secured a lucrative job and many many more. Show me 10 people who have become wealthy through tithes and I will show you 100 people who have been impoverished by tithe payment.
Yamson Paul, Chicago 10 years ago
My pastor drives a brand new mercedes and lives in a 4 bedroom mansion. Most the peole in the church are poor but are pressured to pay tihes. Those who pay each sunday are brought in front of the church and special prayers sa ... read full comment
My pastor drives a brand new mercedes and lives in a 4 bedroom mansion. Most the peole in the church are poor but are pressured to pay tihes. Those who pay each sunday are brought in front of the church and special prayers said for them. So the whole church knowif you dont pay.
Brother Amartey 10 years ago
Your pastor loves the money ! Please find a better church and shun greedy pastors.
Your pastor loves the money ! Please find a better church and shun greedy pastors.
Eddie 10 years ago
Too many pastors in the church for the money. They care less for the congregation. They only care about he tithe. it is daylight robbery in the church. you cant protest bcos most of the people in the church are brainwashed.
Too many pastors in the church for the money. They care less for the congregation. They only care about he tithe. it is daylight robbery in the church. you cant protest bcos most of the people in the church are brainwashed.
ike chuku 10 years ago
yeoman's job , Infact proponents of the tithe doctrine should read deutronomy that explains the tithe doctrine that came with the levitical priesthood and hebrews 13 where it talks about the need for the priesthood to be chan ... read full comment
yeoman's job , Infact proponents of the tithe doctrine should read deutronomy that explains the tithe doctrine that came with the levitical priesthood and hebrews 13 where it talks about the need for the priesthood to be changed so also is the law of tithes be changed.
A. T. 10 years ago
Please share with the rest of us because it is very clear that tithing was meant for the Israelites and not for Christians. Yes, the tithe was HOLY. no one disputes that. Just like the sacrifices offered in the Old testament ... read full comment
Please share with the rest of us because it is very clear that tithing was meant for the Israelites and not for Christians. Yes, the tithe was HOLY. no one disputes that. Just like the sacrifices offered in the Old testament were HOLY. But we don't offer animal sacrifices any longer. In fact, please be very objective and answer the question whether you believe that Paul collected tithes from the early Christians. The answer is unequivocally NO! Paul knew without a doubt that the tithes were meant for the Levites and so it would never even occur to him to collect tithes. That is the reason why he cllected offerings for the poor in Jerusalem.
Kanawu 10 years ago
all the pastors who have robbed the poor in ithes have to return the tithe money. pstor like Otabil and Duncan-Williams who have stolen tithes from poor people have to give it back.
all the pastors who have robbed the poor in ithes have to return the tithe money. pstor like Otabil and Duncan-Williams who have stolen tithes from poor people have to give it back.
AME 10 years ago
Kanawu, don't talk about what you don't know. It is those who are not paying tithe that are robbing God. They should bring their tithe to the church to keep the work of God moving.I don't understand why people the things of G ... read full comment
Kanawu, don't talk about what you don't know. It is those who are not paying tithe that are robbing God. They should bring their tithe to the church to keep the work of God moving.I don't understand why people the things of God lightly. Don't people pay taxes to the government?
FORMER PENTECOST MEMBER 10 years ago
OTABIL has to return the tithes
Kanawu, don't talk about what you don't know. It is those who are not paying tithe that are robbing God.
MALACHI WAS REBUKING THE LEVITICAL PRIESTS, NOT BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS TODAY. ... read full comment
OTABIL has to return the tithes
Kanawu, don't talk about what you don't know. It is those who are not paying tithe that are robbing God.
MALACHI WAS REBUKING THE LEVITICAL PRIESTS, NOT BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS TODAY. FOR PASTORS TODAY CANNOT RECEIVE TITHES BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT FROM THE BLODLINE OF LEVI. JESUS, FROM THE BLOODLINE OF JUDAH COULD NOT TAKE TITHES. PAUL AND THE APOSTLES COULD NOT TAKE TITHES NECAUSE THEY WERE NOT LEVITES. THEY DID NOT SOREAD THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST USING TITHES. HOWEVER, THE GOSPEL WAS PASSED ON EFFECTIVELY.
They should bring their tithe to the church to keep the work of God moving.
WHERE DID THE BIBLE SAY TITHE WAS FOR GOD'S WORK TO MOVE ON? WHERE IN THE BIBLE WAS MONEY EVER USED AS TITHES? WHERE IN THE BILBE DID THE POOR PAY TITHES?
I don't understand why people the things of God lightly. Don't people pay taxes to the government?
GOD DID NOT SAY TITHE WAS TAXES. GOD DID NOT ASK US TO GIVE MONEY TO THE CHURCH AS TITHES. ONLY FARMERS AND HERDERS PAID TITHES IN THE BIBLE.ONLY THE LEVITES AND THE POOR PEOPLE RECEICE TITHES. TITHING HAS BEEN MISINTEPRETED ANDMANIPULATED TO ROB PEOPLE. GOD SAID GIVE THE TITHE TO THE POOR LEVITES AND THE ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND STRANGERS, THAT IS THE LAW OF GOD.
GOD DID NOT ASK FOR TITHE TO SPREAD HIS MESSAGE. THATIS WHY JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES SPREAD THE GOSPEL WITHOUT TAKING TITHES FOM ANYONE. STOP ROBBING THE PEOPLE.
ASHKENAZI 10 years ago
YOU ONLY DISPLAY YOUR IGNORANCE AND BLASPHEME IF YOU WRITE ON THINGS YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND WITHOUT SEEKING KNOWLEDGE FIRST.
FIRST OF ALL TITHING IS ONLY ON YOUR INCREASE OR PROFIT. GOD NEVER SAID TITHE IF YOU HAVE NO INCREA ... read full comment
YOU ONLY DISPLAY YOUR IGNORANCE AND BLASPHEME IF YOU WRITE ON THINGS YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND WITHOUT SEEKING KNOWLEDGE FIRST.
FIRST OF ALL TITHING IS ONLY ON YOUR INCREASE OR PROFIT. GOD NEVER SAID TITHE IF YOU HAVE NO INCREASE OR PROFIT. EVEN STATE LAWS ON TAX ARE DERIVED FROM BIBLICAL TITHING. HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED THAT? IN ALL YOUR GETTING GET UNDERSTANDING BECAUSE WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING
Lucky 10 years ago
PLS TELL ME DOES PASTOR USE THE TITHE MONEY TO FEED THE POOR ?? IS ONLY TB JOSHUA WHO FEED THE POOR OLD AND THE WIDOWS WHILE OTHER PASTORS ARE BUSILY BUILDING UNIVERSITY WHICH THE MEMBERS CHILDREN CANT AFFORD.
PLS TELL ME DOES PASTOR USE THE TITHE MONEY TO FEED THE POOR ?? IS ONLY TB JOSHUA WHO FEED THE POOR OLD AND THE WIDOWS WHILE OTHER PASTORS ARE BUSILY BUILDING UNIVERSITY WHICH THE MEMBERS CHILDREN CANT AFFORD.
FORMER PENTECOST MEMBER 10 years ago
ASHKENAZI
ACCORDING TO THE LAW, WHICH PEOPLE PAID TITHE? DID BLACKSMITH PAY TITHE ? DID POOR PEOPLE PAY TITHES? DID PAUL RECIEVE TITHES? WHO WERE RECQUIRED TO RECEIVE TITHES?
ASHKENAZI
ACCORDING TO THE LAW, WHICH PEOPLE PAID TITHE? DID BLACKSMITH PAY TITHE ? DID POOR PEOPLE PAY TITHES? DID PAUL RECIEVE TITHES? WHO WERE RECQUIRED TO RECEIVE TITHES?
Bulla 10 years ago
Thank you so much God bless you and give you more wisdom.
Thank you so much God bless you and give you more wisdom.
A. T. 10 years ago
It is absolutely true that Christians are NOT REQUIRED to tithe. tithing was not practised in Christendom during the first 500 or so years after Christ! Certainly, the early Christians did not tithe during Paul's time. It was ... read full comment
It is absolutely true that Christians are NOT REQUIRED to tithe. tithing was not practised in Christendom during the first 500 or so years after Christ! Certainly, the early Christians did not tithe during Paul's time. It was a Catholic Bishop who brought the concept of the Levitical tithe to the Church in about 585 AD to speed up the spread of the Gospel. However, as happens whenever God's plan is replaced by man's plans, the result is the spread of something that has the appearance of true Christianity but is lacking in its true power - the power of the Holy Spirit! The love of mney is the root of all kinds of evil. Freewill offering by God's people to people who are trully dedicated to the work of God and to the poor is God's true way!!!!!
Yaw 10 years ago
but why do you choose to ask us ti ignore Malachi 3;10?
but why do you choose to ask us ti ignore Malachi 3;10?
A. T. 10 years ago
Malachi condemned the Priests for sacrificing animals with defects. God commanded all the people to bring the full tithe to God's House. While the Old Covenant was standing, TITHING was in operation. It has no place in the NE ... read full comment
Malachi condemned the Priests for sacrificing animals with defects. God commanded all the people to bring the full tithe to God's House. While the Old Covenant was standing, TITHING was in operation. It has no place in the NEW COVENANT because the new covenant is not of the letter (the Law) but of the Spirit. Point out one place - just one place in the post resurrection era where the Christians were required to pay tithes. just one!
IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. 10 years ago
LUKE 11 verse 42 and MATTHEW 23 Verse 23. We read of how JESUS talked about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Scribes who were very good Tithe payers but were not good in obeying other word of God. They were not merciful to ... read full comment
LUKE 11 verse 42 and MATTHEW 23 Verse 23. We read of how JESUS talked about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Scribes who were very good Tithe payers but were not good in obeying other word of God. They were not merciful to people, they did not have love for God, they could not offer fair treatment and justice to others and they did not have faith in God. Mercy, faith, Love and Judgement are more important. JESUS in the 2 passages brings it out clearly that in addition to paying TITHES, they should have done the others too. He did not abolish the payment of TITHES. TITHE payment is also for the Church of the present time.
A. T. 10 years ago
At the time Christ was speaking in the passage you refer to, He had not died yet and He said He did not come to aolish the law but to fulfill it. After the ressurrection, the law had inished its work. Remember that Christ sai ... read full comment
At the time Christ was speaking in the passage you refer to, He had not died yet and He said He did not come to aolish the law but to fulfill it. After the ressurrection, the law had inished its work. Remember that Christ said they should pay the tithes not to his disciples but to the levitical priests!
Lucky 10 years ago
Were 2 or 3 are gather in God name surely His present is in their mist.
Pls gather your family and pray to God with sincerity and you will get your result.
Fellow brothers and sisters there is God and don't look into ... read full comment
Were 2 or 3 are gather in God name surely His present is in their mist.
Pls gather your family and pray to God with sincerity and you will get your result.
Fellow brothers and sisters there is God and don't look into what those greedy so call pastor are doing to withdraw from helping the poor and the widows. God love cheerful giver..
RSA 10 years ago
I disagree with your assertion. Matt 23:23 cannot be taken as instruction for Christians to tithe. Else Matt 12:12 would equally mean that Christians must observe the Jewish Sabbath and he did not abolish it in that instance. ... read full comment
I disagree with your assertion. Matt 23:23 cannot be taken as instruction for Christians to tithe. Else Matt 12:12 would equally mean that Christians must observe the Jewish Sabbath and he did not abolish it in that instance. We cannot pick and choose what we like in the Bible. In both instances, the discourse was in the context of the Law as Jesus was criticising the hypocrsy of the Pharisees. In Matt 23:23 in particular, Jesus alluded to the tithe as a matter of the Law when he reprimanded that "you have neglected the weightier matters of the Law". Thus even in the Law, tithe payment was downgraded by Jesus as not the most important thing God requires. It is suprising that what many churches consider to be so important was not commanded or recommended in the Epistles. Truth is: there is absolutely no scriptural authority for any Christian to pay or collect tithe.
Jerry Sodeman 10 years ago
There certainly is too much fundraising and extracting money from people in churches today; however, it can be demonstrated that tithing is scriptural for Christians today. If you would like the support for this statement, l ... read full comment
There certainly is too much fundraising and extracting money from people in churches today; however, it can be demonstrated that tithing is scriptural for Christians today. If you would like the support for this statement, let me know at sodeman@rediffmail.com
Deacon Nuamah Bonsu, USA 10 years ago
JERRY, THIS IS AN OPEN FORUM. IF YOU BELIEVE TITHE IS BIBLICAL THEN LET US KNOW. GIVE US THE BIBLE VERSES. LET US LEARN FROM YOU.
WE ARE WAITING.
JERRY, THIS IS AN OPEN FORUM. IF YOU BELIEVE TITHE IS BIBLICAL THEN LET US KNOW. GIVE US THE BIBLE VERSES. LET US LEARN FROM YOU.
WE ARE WAITING.
RSA 10 years ago
Tithe is unscriptural. It was introduced into the church by Catholics but later abolished it after critisms and its abuse. Read the New Catholic Encyclopaedia
Tithe is unscriptural. It was introduced into the church by Catholics but later abolished it after critisms and its abuse. Read the New Catholic Encyclopaedia
Adu Twum 10 years ago
How do you expect us to support ourselves? Are you trying to spoil our business? How can we have other women on the side and drive fancy cars if you keep on writing editorials like this? We need to survive so put on end to wr ... read full comment
How do you expect us to support ourselves? Are you trying to spoil our business? How can we have other women on the side and drive fancy cars if you keep on writing editorials like this? We need to survive so put on end to writings like this.
Musa Kano 10 years ago
The debate over tithing in the New Testament times has been going on for centuries-- not a new discovery-- as some of these Ghanaian pastors will have you think. Proponents of tithing claim the Bible nowhere says that tithing ... read full comment
The debate over tithing in the New Testament times has been going on for centuries-- not a new discovery-- as some of these Ghanaian pastors will have you think. Proponents of tithing claim the Bible nowhere says that tithing was nailed to the cross, and that the objections raised against tithing are mere conjectures at best. These objectors are yet to prove that tithing was nailed to the cross.
The tithe is holy, and holiness is a character of God (set aside for God's use). Therefore any meaningful discussion of tithing has to start in Eden before the fall. That's when our first parents were free from sin, and where we see the principle of tithing in the commandment given to Adam and Eve:
"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17).
The tithe is holy. God's holiness was not limited to the Old Testament saints. He still demands a correct representation of his character through obedience by faith in Christ from the royal priesthood of the NT believers (1 Peter 2:9).
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love" (John 15:10).
I have more to say, but I will be posting more commentaries in the future to refute this diabolical no tithe paying business.
Dr. P Ray 10 years ago
I'm floored over the ignorance of this article and the ignorance of the comments that was either in defense of or against the writings. I can say houses made of wood is not good, and that certainly block is better, until I ge ... read full comment
I'm floored over the ignorance of this article and the ignorance of the comments that was either in defense of or against the writings. I can say houses made of wood is not good, and that certainly block is better, until I get to America and find out that 350 million people live in wooden houses. you don't, as it is said throw the baby out with the bath water. Tithing was established before the law of the Hebrews was written. (Gen 12th chapter)Because of the hardness of their hearts it was required of the Hebrew to pay tithes (meaning 10% of their first fruits) Malachi 3 simply show that they were still not obeying the law. All old testament. Jesus said He came not to do away with the law but that the law through Him might be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:17) Hebrews 7 refers back to Genesis 12, Jesus represents the church. Jesus was liken to Melchizedek. The tithe in the New testament church is paid to the church. it is the church's responsibility to pay the pastor a reasonable salary and upkeep. of course there are abuses. Who told you that everyone in the church is poor. if you Bro Amartey choose to live poor, that's your business and perhaps you need to travel and be exposed to more of the church than Ghana. Just because you believe that tithing is not a new testament doctrine, don't try to convince the rest of us. ignorance to the scriptures only follow ignorance. You don't throw out the baby with the bath water. by the way, Jesus was never an earthly pastor and the gospels were and extension of the old testament. the church did not began until the book of Acts. Tithing is just as much a part of new testament church as it was of the law to the Hebrew.
A. T. 10 years ago
Do you really believe that Paul received tithes? Please, be objective and tell me. I am here to learn!
Do you really believe that Paul received tithes? Please, be objective and tell me. I am here to learn!
Deacon Nuamah Bonsu, USA 10 years ago
until I get to America and find out that 350 million people live in wooden houses.
WHAT HAS THAT GOT TO DO WITH TITHES? THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE USA HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DISCUSSION. THE POINT IS DID GOD ASK BORN AGAI ... read full comment
until I get to America and find out that 350 million people live in wooden houses.
WHAT HAS THAT GOT TO DO WITH TITHES? THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE USA HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DISCUSSION. THE POINT IS DID GOD ASK BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS TO PAY TITHES? DID MEN OF GOD OR PROPHETS IN THE BIBLE RECEIVE TITHES? WHICH PEOPLE WERE RECQUIRED BY GOD TO PAY TITHES?
Tithing was established before the law of the Hebrews was written. (Gen 12th chapter)
TIHING WAS DONE BY ANCIENT PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. TRUTH IS ABRAHAM GAVE 10% ONCE AND THAT'S IT. HE NEVER PAID AGAIN. HE DID NOT PAY HIS INCOME. HE GAVE AWAY THE SPOILS OF WAR. HE DID NOT GIVE HIS PERSONAL WEALTH. THAT IS NOT TITHING. TITHING IS PAYING ALL YOUR LIFE, NOT ONCE.
Because of the hardness of their hearts it was required of the Hebrew to pay tithes (meaning 10% of their first fruits) Malachi 3 simply show that they were still not obeying the law.
THE LEVITICAL PRIESTS WERE SACRIFICING DEFECTIVE ANIMALS TO GOD. SO GOD WAS REBUKING THEM IN MALACHI. GOD WAS NOT TALKING TO CHRISTIANS TODAY. GOD WAS REBUKING THE LEVITCAL PRIESTS FROM DOINT WRONG IN TERMS OF ANIMAL SACRFICE AND TITHES. THEY WERE UNDER A CURSE. WE BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS ARE NOT UNDER A CURSE BECAUSE THE BLOOD OF OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST BROKE THE CURSE OF THE LAW.
Jesus said He came not to do away with the law but that the law through Him might be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:17) Hebrews 7 refers back to Genesis 12,
PAUL NEVER PAID TITHES . THE APOSTLES NEVER RECEIVED TITHES BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT LEVITES.
Jesus represents the church. Jesus was liken to Melchizedek. The tithe in the New testament church is paid to the church
ABRAHAM DID NOT PAY TITHES IN HIS LIFE. JESUS NEVER TOOK TITHES FRON ANYONE. THE APOSTLES NEVER TOOK TITHES. THEY NEVER DPAID TITHES. TITHE IS UNBIBLICAL.
. it is the church's responsibility to pay the pastor a reasonable salary and upkeep
NO ONE IS DISPUTING THAT. PATORS HAVE TO LIVE LIKE THE APOSTLES LIVED. THE APOSTLES WERE TAKEN CARE OF, NOT THROUGH TITHES. BECAUSE THE APOSTLES COULD NOT RECEIVE TITHES. THEY WERE NOT LEVITES. THEY COULD RECEIVE FREE WILL OFFERINGS BUT NOT TIHES. IT WAS UNLAWFUL FOR THEM TO RECEIVE TITHES.
of course there are abuses.and perhaps you need to travel and be exposed to more of the church than Ghana.
YOU DONT NEED TO TRAVEL, JUST READ. JUST GO ON LINE AND RESEARCH.
Just because you believe that tithing is not a new testament doctrine, don't try to convince the rest of us.
UNBIBLICAL CHURCH DOCTRINE HAS BEEN CHANGES IN THE PAST BY PEOPLE DLIKE BROTHER AMARTEY. MARTIN LUTHER WAS ONE CHRSITIAN WHO DID NOT BELIEVE IN CHURCH DOCTRINE. HE SAW THAT THE PASTORS IN THE CHURCH WERE ROBBING THE PEOPLE. SO HE ROSE UP AND CHANGED THINGS. GOD HAS RAIDE BRO AMARTEY TO DO THE SAME. MAY GOD BLESS HIM.
Tithing is just as much a part of new testament church as it was of the law to the Hebrew.
PAUL AND THE APOSTLES DID NOT PAY TITHES BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT FARMERS NOR ANIMAL HERDERS. JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES DID NOT RECEIVE TITHES BECAUSE THEY WERE DNOT LEVITES. THEY HAD NO TRIBAL LINEAGE TO LEVI. THERE IS NO ONE IN THE CHURCH TODAY WHO CAN LAWFULLY TAKE TITHES.
TITHE WAS NOT BASED ON INCOME, IT WAS BASED ON PROFESSION. ONLY FARMERS AND HERDERS PAID TITHES. TITHE WAS NOT TO TAKE CARE OF THE TEMPLE. IT WAS TO GIVE FOOD TO POOR PEOPLE AND POOR LEVITES. DEUT 14:22-27.
PASTORS TAKING TITHE TODAY ARE SINNING AND BREAKING THE LAW.
Blackman 10 years ago
DR.P RAY Where in the USA do you reside? I would like to engage you in this serious topic. For your INFO Brother Amartey is not poor as you may think. He is overwhelmingly rich both in spirit and mundanity/carnality. He is on ... read full comment
DR.P RAY Where in the USA do you reside? I would like to engage you in this serious topic. For your INFO Brother Amartey is not poor as you may think. He is overwhelmingly rich both in spirit and mundanity/carnality. He is only unravel the gospel truth to the innocent victims who are inadvertently colluding in sin with the greedy and the so called pastors and prophets who are using God's name in robbing gullible innocent people. The tithing in the old testament is not money. Do you put money in the store house? I believe money is put in the BANK(TREASURY)not in the storehouse as stated in the book of malachi 3:8-10 which is being using wrongly by the lazy seemingly pastors and prophets to mislead innocent people. We take extremely care of our priests in a biblical trajectory of 2 Corinthians 9:7
Blackman 10 years ago
Hello brother Amartey please keep up the good work and expose their spiritual 419 games to the public. Anyone who sincerely needs God's blessings ought to read Jeremiah 5:30-31,Jeremiah 6:16 and Matthew 12:38-42.These crook ... read full comment
Hello brother Amartey please keep up the good work and expose their spiritual 419 games to the public. Anyone who sincerely needs God's blessings ought to read Jeremiah 5:30-31,Jeremiah 6:16 and Matthew 12:38-42.These crook so-called pastors and prophets don't talk about the requisite things that induce blessings for humanity. All they know is give more and God will richly bless you. Americans would tell you, the apple does not fall away from the tree. You would know them by their fruits. MIMI please wake up from the jungle of spiritual darkness and know the truth and it shall set you free
Mimi 10 years ago
Dear Brother Amartey, I just can get my head around where your arguments about tithes and freewill offerings is about. I think you're somehow confused about who a true christian is and his responsibility towards God. Serious ... read full comment
Dear Brother Amartey, I just can get my head around where your arguments about tithes and freewill offerings is about. I think you're somehow confused about who a true christian is and his responsibility towards God. Seriously speaking if anyone loves God and wants to give to support the Kingdom what then is 10%? If you are to keep all the 90 why do you have a problem with giving only the ten. I have a problem with your interpretation of 2 Corinthians 8-9. The text is not about how the local church should give to support the local church if you carefully pay attention to context. What Paul was encouraging the Corinthian Church to do was to be part of the missionary work abroad i.e Jerusalem which was at the time the headquarters of the Church. Paul wanted all the churches he begun to be part of his ministry, to be missions motivate and therefore urged them to give to support that ministry to the then Gentile world. It's got nothing to do with the local church means of funding themselves through the already known- tithing and freewill offering.
It seems to me that even though people can read the bible they read it out of context and that is why your article is written out of context. If you have a problem with Pastor's using God's money for their selfish means please address that. I support anyone who stands against ridicules pastors who take advantage of their flock in the name of tithes and offering, however let's not allow this greedy anti-Christ behavior push us to teach what the Bible doesn't say. Thanks for reading.
A. T. 10 years ago
You make a good point that Paul was writing about giving money to support the brethren in Jerusalem, but it had nothing to do with headquarters. The brethren in Jerusalem were in need because of the famine predicted by the p ... read full comment
You make a good point that Paul was writing about giving money to support the brethren in Jerusalem, but it had nothing to do with headquarters. The brethren in Jerusalem were in need because of the famine predicted by the prophet Agabus. Now, you also mention that tithes and offerings were used to support the local church in Corinth. This is certainly NOT TRUE! The local church in Corinth met in people's homes and there is absolutely no mention of tithes being collected. Remember that these were Gentile Christians who had not been commanded to pay tithes. If Paul wanted to introduce tithing, he would have done so. He never did and certainly Paul wouldn't because he knew the Law very well and knew that only the Levites could collect tithes.
BREAD 10 years ago
Mimi or whatever you call yourself, I think your head needs examining, yes it needs examining, unless of course
you OWN a church yourself, and it will not surprise me at all!! ONE MAN/WOMAN churches are business, lucrative b ... read full comment
Mimi or whatever you call yourself, I think your head needs examining, yes it needs examining, unless of course
you OWN a church yourself, and it will not surprise me at all!! ONE MAN/WOMAN churches are business, lucrative business, period. Let's for argument's sake say people should fulfil their tithing obligations. The money was intended to look after the pastor, the poor and the widows who are struggling to survive. What do we see in Ghana? The so-called Men and Women of God living in AFFLUENCE AND OPULENCE!! One car is NOT enough, one house is NOT enough. And yet some members live in ONE ROOM, struggling to feed their offsprings let alone their education. And you come to this forum to spew this GARBAGE? May the Lord forgive you!!
nii 10 years ago
a ga man a pastor.may mawu forgive you for you are extending the pain our ancestors went through to those around and perhaps beyond.the bible is as fake as its jesus
a ga man a pastor.may mawu forgive you for you are extending the pain our ancestors went through to those around and perhaps beyond.the bible is as fake as its jesus
fafa 10 years ago
thought was my daddy in the lord word who talk about that. i strongly and perfectly believed in free will offering.
i think under free will the people of God will even give more. tithing was never mentioned in the new testam ... read full comment
thought was my daddy in the lord word who talk about that. i strongly and perfectly believed in free will offering.
i think under free will the people of God will even give more. tithing was never mentioned in the new testament
Ghana Children Murdered by theCorrupt 10 years ago
Ok ok, do you not know that Ghanaian/black bigots are the loudest complainants about racism? Motherfucker bigots.
Ghana’s problem is not about who won the election. It’s about when can we see a nation where the majorit ... read full comment
Ok ok, do you not know that Ghanaian/black bigots are the loudest complainants about racism? Motherfucker bigots.
Ghana’s problem is not about who won the election. It’s about when can we see a nation where the majority believe in, insist on, and practice what is right. When in other countries, people take their children to the ballot box to teach the children how to vote and why it’s important to contribute to the maintenance of democracy in one’s country; in Ghana parents are trying to figure out how they can get their underage children to participate in electoral fraud. People in other countries also use Election Day to teach children the importance of philanthropy and volunteerism; whereas in Ghana that day is one of the days adults display their greediness for all to see. Now we have two thieves trying to convince judges that the other is the worse thief. If anyone thinks that both of these parties do not actively participate in electoral fraud, then that person must be living in a dreamland. Ghana is a funny place.
And why do our Sakawa "Prophets" keep accepting bribe money and other ill-gotten wealth as tithe? Why can't they publicly say "we don't want your dirty money. Take it back where you got it". Motherfucker Sakawa "Prophets".
Oh, by the way, why are too many Ghanaians so stupid (or just greedy?!) enough to be separated from the monies by Sakawa "Prophets".
Btw, why do daft motherfuckers keep saying Sekou should talk about Egypt and not Ghana. Fuck shit idiots, who is a Ghanaian? It so hard to argue/reason with too many Ghanaians due to their momoni/totobi/koobi cognitive development.
And Mills, he was a good man who turned out to be highly gullible. He would have handed his motherland over to TBJ and other Sakawa “Prophets”.
Oh, Kwame Nkrumah, please come back. your people have become a disappointment.
Nkrumah never dies.
Sekou no Kwame
Mahama no Kwame
Addo no Kwame
CPP no Kwame
NDC no Kwame
NPP no Kwame
How can Nkrumah's own people be so daft, so greedy, so bigoted ....?!
Pastor Kingsley 10 years ago
Every pastor who is using tithe or collecting tithes has fall from grace, we are New Testerment worshipers but for their greediness using words like curse and robbing God to put fear for people to pay and they ignor the laws ... read full comment
Every pastor who is using tithe or collecting tithes has fall from grace, we are New Testerment worshipers but for their greediness using words like curse and robbing God to put fear for people to pay and they ignor the laws gorvern tithe in the Book of numbers.thks Brother in Christ God bless you for this truth.
TITHER 10 years ago
WE WILL PAY THE TITHE, I VE ALREADY TOLD YOU MR.WRITER. YOUR ARTICLE IS JUST A WASTE OF YOUR TIME. DON'T U HAVE ANY OTHER DOCTRINE TO TALK ABOUT, MAMMON IS POLICING YOU TO STOP THE CHURCH FROM ADVANCING. WE WILL PAY THE TITHE ... read full comment
WE WILL PAY THE TITHE, I VE ALREADY TOLD YOU MR.WRITER. YOUR ARTICLE IS JUST A WASTE OF YOUR TIME. DON'T U HAVE ANY OTHER DOCTRINE TO TALK ABOUT, MAMMON IS POLICING YOU TO STOP THE CHURCH FROM ADVANCING. WE WILL PAY THE TITHE TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER. WRITER YOU KEEP UR MONEY, WE KNOW WHAT TITHING HAS DONE AND IS DOING IN OUR LIVES, LEAVE US ALONE
TITHER 10 years ago
WRITER AMARTEY IS ROBBING GOD, I WILL RATHER PAY THE TITHE THAN LISTEN TO A SPIRITUAL ARMED ROBBER. YOU SPIRITUAL ATAA AYI
WRITER AMARTEY IS ROBBING GOD, I WILL RATHER PAY THE TITHE THAN LISTEN TO A SPIRITUAL ARMED ROBBER. YOU SPIRITUAL ATAA AYI
*** 10 years ago
Please,pay your tithes to regain your long lost PEACE.GOD IS GOOD.HE WILL REBUKE the devourer IMMEDIATELY for your sake.TRUST HIM & AVOID THE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS on your war on tithes!!!JESUS LOVES you.
Please,pay your tithes to regain your long lost PEACE.GOD IS GOOD.HE WILL REBUKE the devourer IMMEDIATELY for your sake.TRUST HIM & AVOID THE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS on your war on tithes!!!JESUS LOVES you.
Kofi Ansah 10 years ago
TITHER is one of those sakawa pastors. he has a church full of illiterate womem that he fleeces and robs. he cannot stand the truth. he is afraid the Holy spirit though bother Amartey is opening the eyes of the church.
TIT ... read full comment
TITHER is one of those sakawa pastors. he has a church full of illiterate womem that he fleeces and robs. he cannot stand the truth. he is afraid the Holy spirit though bother Amartey is opening the eyes of the church.
TITHER is in deep trouble. His greed and materialism has caught up with him. time is up. You cannot mock God. TITHER repent and give urself to Jesus. You cannot worship god and mammon. Stop worshipping money.
Koo Sam 10 years ago
the tithe robbing sakawa pastors care about only money, no the gospel. they have no feeling, no sympathy. they would do anything for money.
the tithe robbing sakawa pastors care about only money, no the gospel. they have no feeling, no sympathy. they would do anything for money.
MY VOTE FOR NPP IS FINISHED 10 years ago
please take your time and understand. Brother Amartey has done well. By his article, I could see he is from Church of Christ. in any case he did not condemn the payment of money to support God's work, but rather should not be ... read full comment
please take your time and understand. Brother Amartey has done well. By his article, I could see he is from Church of Christ. in any case he did not condemn the payment of money to support God's work, but rather should not be fixed at 10%. You can give more but not less than 10% with no force.
£€$ 10 years ago
GHANAIANS ARE GENERALLY STINGY WHEN IT COMES TO GIVING. NIGERIANS RESPECTS MEN OF GOD AND GIVE TOWARDS GODS WORK, GHANAIANS ARE TOO WISE EVEN WHEN THEY GIVE $1 THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE, HOW CAN THE NATION PROSPER, ... read full comment
GHANAIANS ARE GENERALLY STINGY WHEN IT COMES TO GIVING. NIGERIANS RESPECTS MEN OF GOD AND GIVE TOWARDS GODS WORK, GHANAIANS ARE TOO WISE EVEN WHEN THEY GIVE $1 THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE, HOW CAN THE NATION PROSPER, NO WONDER THE NATION LACKS GOOD LEADERS AND VISION
yAA bADU 10 years ago
Are you one of the tithe-robbeing pastors. repent now ! Jesus still loves you.
Are you one of the tithe-robbeing pastors. repent now ! Jesus still loves you.
Opanyin 10 years ago
Wow! this is unbelievable cos it's just what i've been contemplating on, my brother.God bless you so much
Wow! this is unbelievable cos it's just what i've been contemplating on, my brother.God bless you so much
fafa 10 years ago
upon further reading, i realise that ur choose of words in not the best, even though i agree with u
upon further reading, i realise that ur choose of words in not the best, even though i agree with u
RSA 10 years ago
Amazing Facts about the tithe:
1. Tithes originated in Mesopotamia long before Abraham was born. It was agricultural tax of 10 percent paid to deities and the kings of antiquity. References to these types of tithe are foun ... read full comment
Amazing Facts about the tithe:
1. Tithes originated in Mesopotamia long before Abraham was born. It was agricultural tax of 10 percent paid to deities and the kings of antiquity. References to these types of tithe are found in the Bible
2. Biblical tithe is a variation of the secular tithe and defined as "Every tenth count" (agricultural commodity) not 10% (Lev. 27:30-33)
3. Money was not a tithable commodity in Israel. If you paid tithe in money you had to add 20% to the principal value of the tithe
4. Three types of tithe were paid in Israel (a) Levitical tithe (b) Festival tithe (c) poor tithe
Total tithe contribution by an Israelite was 19%+ not 10%
5. Only the sons of Levi who became priests were mandated to take tithes. Heb 7:5. This is a NT quotation, and the writer ascribed the tithe to the OT priests under the Law
6. There was no tithing after every 7 years as every 7th year was a Sabbatical year or the Jubilee year during when all debts, including their tithe indebtedness to God were cancelled
7. The early church could not and did not teach or practise tithing. If it was such an important part of Christian worship then it is suprising that they didn't mention tithes, even though they taught a lot about giving.
8. The first Christian to suggest tithing in the church was St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage. He proposed that, as it was in the OT, NT ministers should cease from secular work and be supported with tithe.
9. Catholic Bishops considered tithing during the Council of Tours (567) and Macon (585) and ordered the church to practise tithing, amidst great opposition by non-conformists.
10. Pope Adrian I legalised tithing in 777 as part of the capitulates of Charlemagne which required all territories under Roman jurisdiction to pay tithe to Rome
11. Opposition to tithes led to the "The Tithe War" (1831-36) in the Ireland
12. Tithes were abused, as nobles and kings were given the privilege to also collect tithes in what came to be known as "Lay Tithes"
13. Tithes were abolished in many countries in the 19th century following the abuses. In Germany, Austria, Canada and many countries (even as of today), it was replaced by church tax for workers who are affiliated to named churches
14. Jesus said in Matt 17:24 "Sons are free". Our convenant relationship with God grants us immunity from tithing without compromising the quality of worship
15. Indeed for freedom, Christ has set us free. Freedom in Christ, however, is freedom to serve better.
16. In Christ, the compulsion of the Law was replaced by the freewill and cheerful desire of the heart to please God
17. "Instead of the OT obligatory 10%, the NT is more soul-searching, requiring more training for the conscience, more selfless love for others, more faith, more voluntary sacrifice, and less compulsion".
18. Conclusion: "Each man should give what he has decided to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (II Corinth 9:7)
A. T. 10 years ago
Thanks you for these details. Indeed, tithing is not mandated for Christians. Tithing is not Biblical.
Thanks you for these details. Indeed, tithing is not mandated for Christians. Tithing is not Biblical.
Twum Boateng 10 years ago
You should have read Matthew 23:23 also and made a more copelling arguement - on both sides - whether tithing is obsolete or not. Tithing is Tithing. There is nothing like mordern-day tithing. Jesus endorsed it for New testam ... read full comment
You should have read Matthew 23:23 also and made a more copelling arguement - on both sides - whether tithing is obsolete or not. Tithing is Tithing. There is nothing like mordern-day tithing. Jesus endorsed it for New testament believers. But I agree with you that the Pastors should not use threatening or cursing or intimidating messages to force members to pay the tithe. Pastors should encourage them. After all like any other aspect of christianity it is between the individual and God.
Dr Sam Kwami 10 years ago
Bro. Twum Boateng, who received tithes in the Bible?
What was the purpose of the tithes?
Are pastors today Levites?
Use verses from the Bible to answer these questions.
Bro. Twum Boateng, who received tithes in the Bible?
What was the purpose of the tithes?
Are pastors today Levites?
Use verses from the Bible to answer these questions.
Twum Boateng 10 years ago
Dr. Kwami, Levites were people fully dedicated to the work of God in the old testament and so they had to be taken care of by the other tribes of Israel. There were no "Pastors" in the Old testament, and the are no "Levites" ... read full comment
Dr. Kwami, Levites were people fully dedicated to the work of God in the old testament and so they had to be taken care of by the other tribes of Israel. There were no "Pastors" in the Old testament, and the are no "Levites" in the New Tetament. The new testament gives us the equivalent of Levites who are Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, and any member of the Church - church secretary, church bus driver, whoever, who may be DEVOTED SOLELY to the work of God the same way the Levites were doing in the OT. So these devotees must be supported, whichever way the church finds appropriate. Some Churches do not take tithe, but they have other means of supporting their spiritual overseers. My point is that Jesus Christ brought in the New Testament (in which we are now), and he endorsed Tithing in Matthew 23:23. Free will offerings also are not only mentioned in the New Testament as Brother Amartey wants to suggest. Free will offerings were given in the OT. So Whichever godly neans the Church administration will use to support their spiritual overseers who are fully devoted to lord is up to them. What happens if the Church wants the Pastor to be full time but the free will offerings dont amount to the level to take care of the Pastor and the other bills the Church has to take care of ?. Also know that some Church members can give freewill offerings in amounts far greater than their tithes. The point I want to make is that as much as I agree with not forcing people to pay tithe, it is wrong to say Tithing does not apply in the NT. and by the way the Men of God - Pastors etc, are also supoosed to pay tithe because they are also church members.
RSA 10 years ago
As a writer noted, "A legalistic mixture of Hebrew truth and Christian truth comes from a failure to clearly distiguish what properly belongs to Israel in the OT and what the church in the NT can claim. The basic error is tha ... read full comment
As a writer noted, "A legalistic mixture of Hebrew truth and Christian truth comes from a failure to clearly distiguish what properly belongs to Israel in the OT and what the church in the NT can claim. The basic error is that of regarding the OT and NT saints as identical in character, thus applying indiscriminately all the promises in the OT to the NT church. Such careless exposistion of scripture makes for confusion".
What Twum Boateng should also know is that type and anti-type may share some similarities but they are not identical in the literal sense.
Your assertion presupposes that the OT Levites are identical to the NT Pastors. What then is the essence of the NT?
Dr Sam Kwami 10 years ago
Dr. Kwami, Levites were people fully dedicated to the work of God in the old testament and so they had to be taken care of by the other tribes of Israel.
LEVITES DID NOT OWN ANY PROPERTIES. PASTORS CAN AND DO OWN PROPERTI ... read full comment
Dr. Kwami, Levites were people fully dedicated to the work of God in the old testament and so they had to be taken care of by the other tribes of Israel.
LEVITES DID NOT OWN ANY PROPERTIES. PASTORS CAN AND DO OWN PROPERTIES. MY PASTOR INHERITED A LOT FROM HIS FATHER. MANY PASTORS WORK AND NO LAW STOPS THEM. THIS IS THE LAW OF GOD. PASTORS TODAY ARE NOT LEVITES. THE PROPHWTS IN THE BIBLE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO GOD, SOME WERE FED BY RAVENS BUT THEY COULD NOT RECEIVE TITHES. BECAUSE THEY DO NOT COME FROM THE BLOODLINE OF LEVI.
There were no "Pastors" in the Old testament,
THERE WERE PROPHETS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. THEY WERE MEN OF GOD. BUT THE PROPHETS OF GOD COULD NOT TAKE TITHES BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT FROM THE BLOODLINE OF LEVI.
and the are no "Levites" in the New Tetament.
THERE WERE LEVITES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. THE LEVITES COLLECTED THE TITHES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. REMEBER THE PHARISEES OBEYED THE MOSAIC LAW AND THEY PAID TITHES AND SACRIFICED ANIMALS EVEN IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES. THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD ENDED WHEN THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM WAS DESTROYED.
The new testament gives us the equivalent of Levites who are Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, and any member of the Church - church secretary, church bus driver, whoever, who may be DEVOTED SOLELY to the work of God the same way the Levites were doing in the OT. So these devotees must be supported, whichever way the church finds appropriate.
JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES DID NOT RECEIVE TITHES. BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH THEY DID THE WORK OF GOD AND SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THE GOSPEL, THEY COULD NOT TAKE TITHE. WE CANT CHANGE THE LAW TO SUIT US. THIS IS GOD'S LAW. THE PROPHETS IN THE BIBLE AND THE APOSTLES OF JESUS DID NOT TAKE TITHES. PASTORS TODAY CANNOT TAKE TITHES. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO TERRORIZE PEOPLE WITH MALACHI 3:10.
My point is that Jesus Christ brought in the New Testament (in which we are now), and he endorsed Tithing in Matthew 23:23.
JESUS DID NOT ENDORSE TITHING FOR CHRISTIAN. HE WAS TALKING TO THE PHARISEES WHO OBEYED THE MOSAIC LAWS, THEY SACRIFICED ANIMALS. JESUS APOSTLES DID NOT PAY NOR RECEIVE TITHES.
Free will offerings were given in the OT. So Whichever godly neans the Church administration will use to support their spiritual overseers who are fully devoted to lord is up to them.
FREE WILL IS JUST ANY SUPPORT SYSTEM. THE OFFERING IS FREE WILL. WHEN YOU GIVE TO THE BEGGAR ON THE STRET, IT IS FREE WILL. YOU ARE NOT FORCED, IT IS NOT A LAW. YOU ARE NOT UNDER A CURSE, THERE IS NO SCARE TACTICS. IT IS FREE. YOU ARE NOT UNDER ANY LAW.
Also know that some Church members can give freewill offerings in amounts far greater than their tithes. The point I want to make is that as much as I agree with not forcing people to pay tithe, it is wrong to say Tithing does not apply in the NT. and by the way the Men of God -
BROTHER AMARTEY IS NOT AGAINST SUPPORTING THE CHURCH. HE CLEARLY SUPPORTS CHEERFUL GIVING. HE IS TRUTHFULLY AGAINST A SYTEM THAT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TERRORIZES CHURCH MEMBERS TO PAY TITHES. HE IS AGAINST THE EXPLOITATION AND MANIPULATION. YOU DONT WANT TO GIVE 10%, YOU ARE FORCED TO IN SUBTLE WAYS. YOU ARE GIVEN A TITHE CARD. SOME ARE TOLD THEY HAVE TITHE AREARS. WE ARE ALL AWARE OF WHAT GOES ON WHICH REMINDS ONE OF WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE CHURCH DURING THE TIME OF MARTIN LUTHER.
TELL TEH CHURCH THE TRUTH. LET PEOPLE GIVE FREELY. THE GOSPEL WAS PROPAGATE BY THE APOSTLES WITHOUT TITHES.
GOD'S MESSAGE CAN BE SPREAD WITHOUT PSYCHOLOGICAL MANIPULATION AND WILFUL MISINTERPRETATION OF BIBLE VERSE.
RSA 10 years ago
To interpret the Bible this way is poor scholarship. If Jesus endorsed tithing in Matt. 23:23, then He also endorsed the Sabbath in Matt. 12:12. We cannot pick and choose! There is no way Matt. 23:23 can be taken as instructi ... read full comment
To interpret the Bible this way is poor scholarship. If Jesus endorsed tithing in Matt. 23:23, then He also endorsed the Sabbath in Matt. 12:12. We cannot pick and choose! There is no way Matt. 23:23 can be taken as instruction for Christians to tithe. At least Jesus referred to the tithe as a "matter of the Law" as He reprimanded the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. Mint, rue and cummin were even not mainstream tithable commodities but had been included per the traditions of their fathers which taught them to go an extra mile where the Law required them to go one. They would pay these as tithes but mainly for the maintenance of the Temple officials to the neglect of the poor. People talk of tithe, tithe, tithe without the slightest knowledge of what even the tithe constituted. An important component, and the most neglected of the types of tithe in Israel was the poor tithe. This is what the Pharisees neglected. Today churches do not mention it and the congregants have not even heard of it. Jesus taught in Matt. 23:23 that providing the material needs for regular worship, on one hand, and meeting the contingency needs of the poor, on the other hand, represent two sides of the same coin. Yet the churches would not allow Christians to exercise their discretion in satisfying both but would insist on just paying tithe to the "storehouse" for the benefit of the Pastors. In any case, Jesus neither abolished tithe on the part of the Jews NOR instituted it for Christians.
In Matt 17:24, He taught that "Sons are free" from the Mosaic injunctions regarding customs, duties or taxes. "From whom do even kings of the Earth collect duty or customs?" He asked. Great lessons must be learnt from this, as it provides deep theological insight about our covenant relationship with God. "To goodness add knowledge" so we cannot just look at the tithe on its face value just as Jesus did not look at the Temple tax for the mere fact that it was used to support the Temple services. The tithe doctrine is a theological contradiction to our covenant relationship with God as we are sons. Christianity also doubles as a priesthood and therefore, the NT writers referred to it as a "Royal Priesthood". As far as religious constitutions are concerned priests are exempt from tithes. Abraham, Jacob and all who paid tithes in the Bible were not priests. The Levitical priests would not, except to a higher priesthood. And that greater priesthood is here!
Tithes were designed for the OT Levites as their occupational stipend as they officiated the distribution of the tithes of the people. He who plants vineyards, eats of the fruits of vineyard. Therefore if you were not engaged in these tithe services, you did not have the mandate to collect tithe. In Heb. 13:10 we are told that "we (also) have an altar from which those who served the tabernacle have no right to eat". Do you understand these traditions and principles? Why then would Christian ministers cross carpet to eat from the Levitical altar? Why have the churches introduced what is illegal into the Christian economy?
The tithe is illegal, wrong, sinful, and a misleading heresy.
You may contact me for a full study paper on tithes if you wish to learn more.... rsamoah@yahoo.com
Twum Boateng 10 years ago
You did not say Jesus condemned tithing in Matthew 23:23, but said that there were more important matters to be dealt with IN ADDITION TO THE TITHING. That is true. Also Jesus did not he came to condemn or put away the Law. h ... read full comment
You did not say Jesus condemned tithing in Matthew 23:23, but said that there were more important matters to be dealt with IN ADDITION TO THE TITHING. That is true. Also Jesus did not he came to condemn or put away the Law. he came to enhance/fulfill or make it full. Now because of His blood we do not need 1000 bulls every year to slaughter to God as sacrifice for our sins. Now the 10 commandments are still in play in improved form in TWO broad commandments: LOVE YOUR GOD; AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF. SO dont tell me everything in the OT is not applicable now. If you dont respect your parents you may not live long! The Laws are enhanced, not abandoned. I can also tell you that those conditions prevailing in Paul's time cannot be wholly applied today because they lived in a different Culture from what we have today, so if Paul did not ask for Tithe, it does not mean tithe is not applicable today. Paul was not a stationed Minister at any one place. He was more an itinerant Minister - moving from place to place, but he was still financially supported. So my main point is this (if you did not get it the first time): We are not talking here about Pastors alone- if you have a problem with Pastors you can put them aside for a while. We are talking about how you are going to financially take care of anybody, anybody at all, whom Church the church wants to devote their lives to the Ministry full time. They must be supported by the Church members--- and by what means - if the Church organisation can do some buying and selling on the side to generate income to support these people, tithing may not be needed. So consider the broader picture, not just tithing, but tithing is the popular means of generating income for running the church not just for the Pastors but also for the orphans, widows, unemployed who may need temporary help, and also for global missions - for witnessing to the Unsaved world, and helping the hungry in other parts of the world. Bring up more ideas about the FINANCING the church before putting away tithing. Do you go to church at all?
TITHER 10 years ago
I PAID MY TITHE TODAY I CHURCH. IT WAS A SOLEMN MOMENT. WHAT A BLESSING. GOD SAYS PROVE ME WITH THIS AND SEE IF I WILL NOT OPEN THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN.AMEN
I PAID MY TITHE TODAY I CHURCH. IT WAS A SOLEMN MOMENT. WHAT A BLESSING. GOD SAYS PROVE ME WITH THIS AND SEE IF I WILL NOT OPEN THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN.AMEN
servant of Jesus 10 years ago
YOU DONT PAY TITHES. YOU TAKE TITHES FROM THE POOR. STOP THE LIES. YOU A SAKAWA THE-ROBBING PASTOR. REPENT AND GIVE YOU LIFE TO CHRIST. TAKING TITHES IS SINFUL AND UNLAWFUL. REPENT NOW !
YOU DONT PAY TITHES. YOU TAKE TITHES FROM THE POOR. STOP THE LIES. YOU A SAKAWA THE-ROBBING PASTOR. REPENT AND GIVE YOU LIFE TO CHRIST. TAKING TITHES IS SINFUL AND UNLAWFUL. REPENT NOW !
RSA 10 years ago
It doesn't matter to anyone whether you have paid your tithe or not. The boastful "I HAVE PAID MY TITHE" is nothing more than mediocrity and complacency.You are no better than the Samaritan who did not go to church but offere ... read full comment
It doesn't matter to anyone whether you have paid your tithe or not. The boastful "I HAVE PAID MY TITHE" is nothing more than mediocrity and complacency.You are no better than the Samaritan who did not go to church but offered food for his hungry neighbour.
JOHN THE GREAT 10 years ago
You lie big time. You are not wiser than the Lord who asked people to pay tithe. Be careful you do not go against God's words. Be warned.
You lie big time. You are not wiser than the Lord who asked people to pay tithe. Be careful you do not go against God's words. Be warned.
RSA 10 years ago
Thank you.
I am also asking a simple question and demand an answer.
In Matt 23:23 where Jesus was reprimanding the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, he stressed the importance of paying their tithes whilst providing for t ... read full comment
Thank you.
I am also asking a simple question and demand an answer.
In Matt 23:23 where Jesus was reprimanding the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, he stressed the importance of paying their tithes whilst providing for the poor. "This you ought to have done without neglecting the other"
In Matt 12:12, the same Jesus confirmed the legality in doing good on the Sabbath day even if one has to break those Jewish appendage laws imposed on the people: "It is right to do good on the Sabbath"
In either case, Jesus did not abolish the respective law. This is not suprising as those laws had not been consumated by the cross and were still fully operational.
Now this is simple logic. If you take Matt 23:23 to mean that Jesus endorsed the practice of tithing for Christians, what reason have you not to observe the Sabbath as well?
This is totally out of place.
lnfact tithing is a bourdon on poor
believers,some of them are not working
evento afford their daily bread is hard for them but the leader will like
to collect offering twice,one offering
for himself the 2nd one for God.A ...
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BROTHER AMARTEY, GOD ABUNDANTLY BLESS YOU. YOU HAVEDONE IT YET AGAIN. ANOTHER BRILLIANT PIECE.
This is the second and hopefully the concluding part of our discussion on tithing. And let me begin by saying that this article is intended for those who want to know the truth according to the Bible, and are willing to searc ...
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He said to them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves..MATTHEW 21:13
That is what is going on int he church now.
THE BIBEL SAYS GIVE THE TITHES TO THE POOR. BUT the pastors take the tithe for themselves. some have build universities and mansions while many in the church are hungry and poor. This is the robbery in the church. Prophet T B ...
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thanks so much for this wonderful article article. In the name of the Lord I thank you. Unfortunately this article is not going to get enough readers because it is on the 'religion' page.
You should repost it on the main ...
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I don't know why they put it here, in fact, I just found it and I will change the title and repost. Thanks for your suggestion.
heee, heee, Kayayo, you have to thank God some pastors have the vision and the wisdom to use some of the tithe money to build universities, the next time a university will be built in your village with the tithe money.Do you ...
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heee, heee, Kayayo, you have to thank God some pastors have the vision and the wisdom to use some of the tithe money to build universities,
...AND ALSO LIVE IN MANSION AND RIDE FANCY CARS WHILE THE PEOPLE SUFFER. THIS IS ...
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Where does the Bible say give the tithes to the poor? Nowhere and I doubt that you can find scripture to support your statement. There are four ways in which money is suppose to be collected in the church and each is free wil ...
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Where does the Bible say give the tithes to the poor? Nowhere and I doubt that you can find scripture to support your statement
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THE BI ...
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Tithe is to support pastors for their house, children , cars, vacation. Do you pastors to live like poor people. Only pastors get tithes. Poor people are helped with the offering . the tithe is for the pastor.
Even Jeus hims ...
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foolish Jezebel ("Prophetess" Nkansah repent or perish in Jesus Name. Amen!)
Re. to a comment
Only two profession paid tithes in the Bible- farmers and those who raised farm animals. As a carpenter Jesus did not have to pay tithes. Carpenters did not pay tithes. So Jesus and his apostles did not pay ttihes. They did n ...
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Please dont say that. Come out with your argument by pointing to scriptures for us to understand your point. As it is at the moment, I'm listening to Bro. Amartey
Tithe is God's not man's: God is the same yesterday, today and forever: Mal 3:10 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 ...
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Are you a pastor? Are you in one way or another benefitting from tithes?
Mal 3:5 “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud lab ...
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GOD WAS REBUKING THE LEVITES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. GOD WAS NOT TALKING TO CHRISTIANS TODAY. THE CURSE OF THE LAW OD TITHES CANNOT BE ON BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS, BECAUSE THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST BROKE THE C ...
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You are wrong. The truth is: God does not change His plans but He plans to change. That is why the NT has replaced the OT. Mal. 3:10 was in the context of the OT and grossly miscontrued. By the way it says "Bring the full {wh ...
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Everybody likes the idea of generosity. But when it comes down to writing the check, there always seem to be so many extenuating circumstances. We have insufficient savings. We do not agree with the church’s spending priori ...
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Shame on you!! You've been exposed
BIG TIME!! Whoever you are,'You cannot fool all the people all the time' APONKYE!!
Brother Martey, I beg to differ with your position on tithing. Please expect an email from me about my position on tithing from a biblical perspective.
It may be too lengthy for this forum that is why I prefer to use emai ...
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All the apostles of Jesus in the biel were given tithes by the church. They lived comfortably on the tithes. Jesus himself as a rabbi (pastor) was given tithes. This is the example why pastors have to take tithes from the chu ...
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i read all your issues on tithes. What i noticed is that none of the tithe supporters (mostly pastors) could not prove from the Bible tha we shouls pay tithes. Their only reference is malachi 3 vs 10.
You have done a fanta ...
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...they only quote the juicy part and leave out the whole truth. Look at the verses before vs 10:
6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors ...
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the only way to be blessed with riches is through tithes. If you fail to pay tithes you would remain poor. All the millionaires in the world are tithe-paying christians. you secure your blessing in heaven with tihes.
Noone ...
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Stop the lies. Jesus called Satan the Father of lies. That is exactly what you are doing here! Please STOP!
Not true!! I have never paid tithes in my life and have even spoken against it over the last 10 years. God has not cursed but rather prospered me. I have been blessed with my own mansion, travelled to many countries without p ...
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My pastor drives a brand new mercedes and lives in a 4 bedroom mansion. Most the peole in the church are poor but are pressured to pay tihes. Those who pay each sunday are brought in front of the church and special prayers sa ...
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Your pastor loves the money ! Please find a better church and shun greedy pastors.
Too many pastors in the church for the money. They care less for the congregation. They only care about he tithe. it is daylight robbery in the church. you cant protest bcos most of the people in the church are brainwashed.
yeoman's job , Infact proponents of the tithe doctrine should read deutronomy that explains the tithe doctrine that came with the levitical priesthood and hebrews 13 where it talks about the need for the priesthood to be chan ...
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Please share with the rest of us because it is very clear that tithing was meant for the Israelites and not for Christians. Yes, the tithe was HOLY. no one disputes that. Just like the sacrifices offered in the Old testament ...
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all the pastors who have robbed the poor in ithes have to return the tithe money. pstor like Otabil and Duncan-Williams who have stolen tithes from poor people have to give it back.
Kanawu, don't talk about what you don't know. It is those who are not paying tithe that are robbing God. They should bring their tithe to the church to keep the work of God moving.I don't understand why people the things of G ...
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OTABIL has to return the tithes
Kanawu, don't talk about what you don't know. It is those who are not paying tithe that are robbing God.
MALACHI WAS REBUKING THE LEVITICAL PRIESTS, NOT BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS TODAY. ...
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YOU ONLY DISPLAY YOUR IGNORANCE AND BLASPHEME IF YOU WRITE ON THINGS YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND WITHOUT SEEKING KNOWLEDGE FIRST.
FIRST OF ALL TITHING IS ONLY ON YOUR INCREASE OR PROFIT. GOD NEVER SAID TITHE IF YOU HAVE NO INCREA ...
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PLS TELL ME DOES PASTOR USE THE TITHE MONEY TO FEED THE POOR ?? IS ONLY TB JOSHUA WHO FEED THE POOR OLD AND THE WIDOWS WHILE OTHER PASTORS ARE BUSILY BUILDING UNIVERSITY WHICH THE MEMBERS CHILDREN CANT AFFORD.
ASHKENAZI
ACCORDING TO THE LAW, WHICH PEOPLE PAID TITHE? DID BLACKSMITH PAY TITHE ? DID POOR PEOPLE PAY TITHES? DID PAUL RECIEVE TITHES? WHO WERE RECQUIRED TO RECEIVE TITHES?
Thank you so much God bless you and give you more wisdom.
It is absolutely true that Christians are NOT REQUIRED to tithe. tithing was not practised in Christendom during the first 500 or so years after Christ! Certainly, the early Christians did not tithe during Paul's time. It was ...
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but why do you choose to ask us ti ignore Malachi 3;10?
Malachi condemned the Priests for sacrificing animals with defects. God commanded all the people to bring the full tithe to God's House. While the Old Covenant was standing, TITHING was in operation. It has no place in the NE ...
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LUKE 11 verse 42 and MATTHEW 23 Verse 23. We read of how JESUS talked about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Scribes who were very good Tithe payers but were not good in obeying other word of God. They were not merciful to ...
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At the time Christ was speaking in the passage you refer to, He had not died yet and He said He did not come to aolish the law but to fulfill it. After the ressurrection, the law had inished its work. Remember that Christ sai ...
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Were 2 or 3 are gather in God name surely His present is in their mist.
Pls gather your family and pray to God with sincerity and you will get your result.
Fellow brothers and sisters there is God and don't look into ...
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I disagree with your assertion. Matt 23:23 cannot be taken as instruction for Christians to tithe. Else Matt 12:12 would equally mean that Christians must observe the Jewish Sabbath and he did not abolish it in that instance. ...
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There certainly is too much fundraising and extracting money from people in churches today; however, it can be demonstrated that tithing is scriptural for Christians today. If you would like the support for this statement, l ...
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JERRY, THIS IS AN OPEN FORUM. IF YOU BELIEVE TITHE IS BIBLICAL THEN LET US KNOW. GIVE US THE BIBLE VERSES. LET US LEARN FROM YOU.
WE ARE WAITING.
Tithe is unscriptural. It was introduced into the church by Catholics but later abolished it after critisms and its abuse. Read the New Catholic Encyclopaedia
How do you expect us to support ourselves? Are you trying to spoil our business? How can we have other women on the side and drive fancy cars if you keep on writing editorials like this? We need to survive so put on end to wr ...
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The debate over tithing in the New Testament times has been going on for centuries-- not a new discovery-- as some of these Ghanaian pastors will have you think. Proponents of tithing claim the Bible nowhere says that tithing ...
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I'm floored over the ignorance of this article and the ignorance of the comments that was either in defense of or against the writings. I can say houses made of wood is not good, and that certainly block is better, until I ge ...
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Do you really believe that Paul received tithes? Please, be objective and tell me. I am here to learn!
until I get to America and find out that 350 million people live in wooden houses.
WHAT HAS THAT GOT TO DO WITH TITHES? THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE USA HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DISCUSSION. THE POINT IS DID GOD ASK BORN AGAI ...
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DR.P RAY Where in the USA do you reside? I would like to engage you in this serious topic. For your INFO Brother Amartey is not poor as you may think. He is overwhelmingly rich both in spirit and mundanity/carnality. He is on ...
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Hello brother Amartey please keep up the good work and expose their spiritual 419 games to the public. Anyone who sincerely needs God's blessings ought to read Jeremiah 5:30-31,Jeremiah 6:16 and Matthew 12:38-42.These crook ...
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Dear Brother Amartey, I just can get my head around where your arguments about tithes and freewill offerings is about. I think you're somehow confused about who a true christian is and his responsibility towards God. Serious ...
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You make a good point that Paul was writing about giving money to support the brethren in Jerusalem, but it had nothing to do with headquarters. The brethren in Jerusalem were in need because of the famine predicted by the p ...
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Mimi or whatever you call yourself, I think your head needs examining, yes it needs examining, unless of course
you OWN a church yourself, and it will not surprise me at all!! ONE MAN/WOMAN churches are business, lucrative b ...
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a ga man a pastor.may mawu forgive you for you are extending the pain our ancestors went through to those around and perhaps beyond.the bible is as fake as its jesus
thought was my daddy in the lord word who talk about that. i strongly and perfectly believed in free will offering.
i think under free will the people of God will even give more. tithing was never mentioned in the new testam ...
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Ok ok, do you not know that Ghanaian/black bigots are the loudest complainants about racism? Motherfucker bigots.
Ghana’s problem is not about who won the election. It’s about when can we see a nation where the majorit ...
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Every pastor who is using tithe or collecting tithes has fall from grace, we are New Testerment worshipers but for their greediness using words like curse and robbing God to put fear for people to pay and they ignor the laws ...
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WE WILL PAY THE TITHE, I VE ALREADY TOLD YOU MR.WRITER. YOUR ARTICLE IS JUST A WASTE OF YOUR TIME. DON'T U HAVE ANY OTHER DOCTRINE TO TALK ABOUT, MAMMON IS POLICING YOU TO STOP THE CHURCH FROM ADVANCING. WE WILL PAY THE TITHE ...
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WRITER AMARTEY IS ROBBING GOD, I WILL RATHER PAY THE TITHE THAN LISTEN TO A SPIRITUAL ARMED ROBBER. YOU SPIRITUAL ATAA AYI
Please,pay your tithes to regain your long lost PEACE.GOD IS GOOD.HE WILL REBUKE the devourer IMMEDIATELY for your sake.TRUST HIM & AVOID THE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS on your war on tithes!!!JESUS LOVES you.
TITHER is one of those sakawa pastors. he has a church full of illiterate womem that he fleeces and robs. he cannot stand the truth. he is afraid the Holy spirit though bother Amartey is opening the eyes of the church.
TIT ...
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the tithe robbing sakawa pastors care about only money, no the gospel. they have no feeling, no sympathy. they would do anything for money.
please take your time and understand. Brother Amartey has done well. By his article, I could see he is from Church of Christ. in any case he did not condemn the payment of money to support God's work, but rather should not be ...
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GHANAIANS ARE GENERALLY STINGY WHEN IT COMES TO GIVING. NIGERIANS RESPECTS MEN OF GOD AND GIVE TOWARDS GODS WORK, GHANAIANS ARE TOO WISE EVEN WHEN THEY GIVE $1 THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE, HOW CAN THE NATION PROSPER, ...
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Are you one of the tithe-robbeing pastors. repent now ! Jesus still loves you.
Wow! this is unbelievable cos it's just what i've been contemplating on, my brother.God bless you so much
upon further reading, i realise that ur choose of words in not the best, even though i agree with u
Amazing Facts about the tithe:
1. Tithes originated in Mesopotamia long before Abraham was born. It was agricultural tax of 10 percent paid to deities and the kings of antiquity. References to these types of tithe are foun ...
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Thanks you for these details. Indeed, tithing is not mandated for Christians. Tithing is not Biblical.
You should have read Matthew 23:23 also and made a more copelling arguement - on both sides - whether tithing is obsolete or not. Tithing is Tithing. There is nothing like mordern-day tithing. Jesus endorsed it for New testam ...
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Bro. Twum Boateng, who received tithes in the Bible?
What was the purpose of the tithes?
Are pastors today Levites?
Use verses from the Bible to answer these questions.
Dr. Kwami, Levites were people fully dedicated to the work of God in the old testament and so they had to be taken care of by the other tribes of Israel. There were no "Pastors" in the Old testament, and the are no "Levites" ...
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As a writer noted, "A legalistic mixture of Hebrew truth and Christian truth comes from a failure to clearly distiguish what properly belongs to Israel in the OT and what the church in the NT can claim. The basic error is tha ...
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Dr. Kwami, Levites were people fully dedicated to the work of God in the old testament and so they had to be taken care of by the other tribes of Israel.
LEVITES DID NOT OWN ANY PROPERTIES. PASTORS CAN AND DO OWN PROPERTI ...
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To interpret the Bible this way is poor scholarship. If Jesus endorsed tithing in Matt. 23:23, then He also endorsed the Sabbath in Matt. 12:12. We cannot pick and choose! There is no way Matt. 23:23 can be taken as instructi ...
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You did not say Jesus condemned tithing in Matthew 23:23, but said that there were more important matters to be dealt with IN ADDITION TO THE TITHING. That is true. Also Jesus did not he came to condemn or put away the Law. h ...
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I PAID MY TITHE TODAY I CHURCH. IT WAS A SOLEMN MOMENT. WHAT A BLESSING. GOD SAYS PROVE ME WITH THIS AND SEE IF I WILL NOT OPEN THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN.AMEN
YOU DONT PAY TITHES. YOU TAKE TITHES FROM THE POOR. STOP THE LIES. YOU A SAKAWA THE-ROBBING PASTOR. REPENT AND GIVE YOU LIFE TO CHRIST. TAKING TITHES IS SINFUL AND UNLAWFUL. REPENT NOW !
It doesn't matter to anyone whether you have paid your tithe or not. The boastful "I HAVE PAID MY TITHE" is nothing more than mediocrity and complacency.You are no better than the Samaritan who did not go to church but offere ...
read full comment
You lie big time. You are not wiser than the Lord who asked people to pay tithe. Be careful you do not go against God's words. Be warned.
Thank you.
I am also asking a simple question and demand an answer.
In Matt 23:23 where Jesus was reprimanding the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, he stressed the importance of paying their tithes whilst providing for t ...
read full comment