Tithes and Offerings....Does is REALLY make a Difference?
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This is a bona fide question of
every 2 out of 3 Christians
when it comes to tithing.
But in reality, the question
should not even exist.
every 2 out of 3 Christians
when it comes to tithing.
But in reality, the question
should not even exist.
The Tithe was instituted by God
From the very beginning, there was the Tithe. It is a 10% gift back to the Lord of all our increase. It is also of our
firstfruits, which means it is to given first and is not to be of what we have left over.
Abraham gave 10% of the spoils from war to Melchisedec, known biblically as a form of Christ. (Hebrews 7:1-4)
The Levities also was awarded the tithe by God as they served in the temple and was known to have no
inheritance. Throughout the Old Testament and into the New, we see countless commandments from God where
giving of Tithes was proper. The Tithe was not always money. It was the Seed of the Ground, the Fruit of the
Tree and the Beast of the Field as well. It is not that God "needs" our gift of the Tithe. God is self-sufficient. But it
is a statue He has placed among us. Obedience thereof of all His Statues, including the Tithe, reaps benefits
(blessings) as where they are not observed produces the opposite.
From the very beginning, there was the Tithe. It is a 10% gift back to the Lord of all our increase. It is also of our
firstfruits, which means it is to given first and is not to be of what we have left over.
Abraham gave 10% of the spoils from war to Melchisedec, known biblically as a form of Christ. (Hebrews 7:1-4)
The Levities also was awarded the tithe by God as they served in the temple and was known to have no
inheritance. Throughout the Old Testament and into the New, we see countless commandments from God where
giving of Tithes was proper. The Tithe was not always money. It was the Seed of the Ground, the Fruit of the
Tree and the Beast of the Field as well. It is not that God "needs" our gift of the Tithe. God is self-sufficient. But it
is a statue He has placed among us. Obedience thereof of all His Statues, including the Tithe, reaps benefits
(blessings) as where they are not observed produces the opposite.
What is our Offering.
An offering given to God is what we have purposed in our heart to give unto him. It is not a set amount. It can be money, or it can be things or it
can be both. It is our personal gift to God from our heart. Our tithe belongs to God. It is the least we can give to Him. God blesses our tithes as
being obedient to Him. Our offerings are the foundation of our blessings as it is our gift to Him from our heart. We give it out of love.
An Act of Obedience
Obedience is a by-product of and is tempered by two very important factors of the Christian Life. Respect and Love. It is a proving ground of
the level of Intimacy we have with Christ. God is the Ultimate Prime example of Love, as He gave His only Son to die for sins He did not commit.
And Why? Because God has always desired to have an intimate relationship with His creation. We were not created to spend eternity in Hell,
but with the Father who brought us our existence. Jesus also God and of God possessed this infinite Love. As He prayed early that morning of
the crucifixion, Jesus surrendered His Will to the Father. He did not "want" to die, but Loved His Father so much and loved us so much that He
gave His all. How much do we love and respect Him?
Many people construes obedience with sacrifice. They find it worthy in the Lord's sight to do without for His sake. Others find themselves
somewhat self-righteous as they put their tithe and offering in the plate. Remember the parable of Jesus in Luke 18: 9-14. The self-righteous
Pharisee did all his duties correctly, but his heart proved his diligence useless. This is not what the Tithe and offering is about.
Obedience is far greater than sacrifice. (I Samuel 15:22 ) and
Our righteousness is as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
Let's take a look at ourselves and our children. All parents will agree that there is nothing more rewarding than to see their children obedient to
their bidding. Obedience from a heart of true love and respect...not forced obedience and not cumbered with rebellion. And when we receive
that obedient love from them, do we not seek deep to give them "the world of a platter", so to speak. Rewards and Blessings upon them. Do we
not feel that intimate love...that connection. It is a priceless relationship. Our God, our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit desires that
priceless intimate relationship from us as well.
The Jezebel Spirit.
Many Christians fall into the Jezebel Spirit. It is the Spirit of Control. The Jezebel Spirit destroys your love relationship with the Father, and it
creates bondage within the church.
Many tithers, especially those who are in leadership positions or those who are the financial backbone of the church can be overcame by the
Jezebel Spirit of Control. They will be quick to let you know that either things within the church goes their way or their money leaves the church.
This definitely is not doing things God's Way.
Doing things God's Way
God has ordinances, statues and judgments. God has rules and with that comes rewards and blessings to the faithful.
Malachi 3:7-12 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 are two very important scriptures that speak on this.
Malachi 3:7-12..... Even from the days of your fathers, ye have gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me and I
will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say,
Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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. And I shall rebuke the devourer for your
sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground: neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightful land, saith the Lord of hosts.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8......But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap
bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
As tithing Christians, we need to keep our hearts in the right place. We should never "give, to get the blessing". We should give because we
love Him that loved us. We should give to further the great promise we have been bestowed. We should give, because that is God's way.
Christ was submissive
Christ was submissive to authority. In Matthew 17:24-27 when those who received tax tribute approached Peter and questioned him about
Jesus paying taxes, Jesus ordered Peter to retrieve money from a fish's mouth to not only pay Peter's taxes but his own as well. Mark 12:13-17
also says, that when the Herodians questioned Jesus about taxes, He with the illustration of a coin reminded them.... To render unto Caesar
what is Caesars and unto God, what is God's. We are not excused from paying tax, and the government will see to it that you do not forget it.
Likewise, we are not excused from our gift to God. Christ was submissive, we should be as well.
Excuses
We are excellent excuse makers, especially when it comes to tithing. Look at these examples, are you guilty of any of these?
1.) I was going to pay my tithes and offerings this week, but this unexpected bill came up, now I can't.
2.) If I pay my tithes and offerings I will not have enough expense money to last me to the next payday.
3.) I'm not sure where my tithes and offerings are going in the church. I would rather hold it than give to something I really don't approve of.
Are you guilty of this?.....
The offering plate is being passed, you drop in loose change or may a $1 bill. But, then you and your family meet at the local restaurant after
church at 12:30 pm for Sunday lunch.
You pay the ticket. It was only $50, but at least you remembered to pray for the Lord to bless the meal before eating AND you blessed the
waitress with a five dollar tip.
Do I need to continue?
Where are our priorities? Do we serve God or do we serve mammon?
Do we not trust God to help us pay for that unexpected bill? (we knew would come soon or later)
Do we not trust God to sustain us from paycheck to paycheck?
And who gave us the authority to play God with our money. If we GIVE our money to God, by the church, their stewardship, good or bad is
between them and God.
News Flash.....You can not out give God! When You give to Him, He gives back to you! Sometimes 10, sometimes 100, sometimes 1000 fold.
How can I get involved?
Malachi 3:12 says to bring your tithes unto the storehouse, so that there may be meat in God's house. For many that is the church. The meat is
the provisions needed for the church. In biblical times, the temple had no bills to pay, like utilities, only the provisions for the priest. It should
behoove churches everywhere in this present time to set goals of financial freedom from debt. To many times churches are forced to use the
tithe and offerings to pay bills and keep up the maintenance on their church. A debt-free church can focus on the real issues of Christianity,
which is outreach and ministry. If you are on a church board, bring this issue up at the next meeting you have. Seek to set goals for yourself and
the church. As a regular member, determine within yourself to faithfully support your church in it's endeavors. Support your pastor and regularly
pray for him and the whole leadership of the church. Become involved with outreach ministry. Local outreach, national outreach and
international outreach are all good areas to consider. Establishing ministry within the church is also great. Pray to the Lord and seek out what
He would have you do in ministry. Charitable organizations is also another avenue you can give unto the Lord with. Seek and investigate all
choices before deciding which one you will support. Be faithful in your vow to God. For it is better not to vow to God than to vow and not keep it.
The Amount you give.
When it comes to your tithe, it is always 10% of your income. I believe personally it should be before taxes, but you should pray to the Lord on
this matter. Your income is your wages from work or income from secondary means. It is a good rule of thumb (and discipline) to give 10% of
your whole self as well. This includes your time. Try praying for 10% of the 24 hour day God allows you to live each day. That is 2 hours and 40
minutes of each day in prayer. If you already do not pray this much, try it and you will soon see a deeper spiritual relationship with the Father.
Try devoting 10% of your week to ministry. That is 16.8 hours a week given to God. This would be like devoting your weekends to God. Try
giving of your increase. Let's say that you have an small backyard orchard. Would you be willing to donate 10% of your crop to another less
fortunate? The same with livestock. Would you donate 10% of your increase of stock to another less fortunate? Can you see the big picture
here, that our nation would be in less poverty if we was willing to give?
A little is a lot when God is in it. When you give, no matter how small your gift is, God Blesses you and increases your territory. Physically and
Spiritually. A small basket of fruit given in the Name of the Lord will turn into a bumper crop the next harvesting season. Your tithes paid faithfully
from your paycheck can result in a pay raise for no apparent reason. And if you think these statistics reap big returns, try giving an "offering"
along with the tithe!
If you do not work, you still have something to give. Yourself! There is no excuse not to give to God.
There is not an amount that is too small to give. God will bless $1, if $1 is what you have to give. Remember the widow's 2 mites in Luke 21:1-4?
A mite is worth 25 cents.
I would like to share a personal testimony here with you today about myself.
In January of 2006, my family and I was in debt over our heads...literally! My husband was awaiting his disability, and had been since 2002.
There was no guarantee he would be awarded. The only income was my own, which at time was $877/month from disability as well. I vowed to
the Lord January 1st, 2006... I would start paying my tithes. Our debt was out the roof. There was more going out than I had coming in. There
was really no money to figure in for tithes in my monthly budget, but I think the driving force behind my determination was that I couldn't pay my
bills anyway, it couldn't get any worse. I started paying that month. Now, you are already thinking that blue skies came instantly, but you are
wrong. Within the first 3 months of me paying my tithes ($88/month), We lost our home. Our electric bill went completely out of the roof, and was
higher than our rent. So we had to move. With poor credit for not paying our bills on time, no one wanted to work with us, so we had to move
back in the home with our daughter and son-in-law. Their home, their rules, no freedom (I felt) for us to be ourselves. That will crush you real
fast. We lost our car. The finance company decided they was through working with me on my late payments. They came and pulled our car out
of the driveway with a rollback one early morning around 4am. Repossession...Ouch! No vehicle...hitching a ride with others....Oh my! Talking
about my pride being carved down to size! (of course, that was one of my problems.)
I continued to pay my tithes, and I didn't understand then where God was at in this matter. Around June of that year things started to calm down.
I began to realize a lot of things in my life. One, I let what little I did have, stand between me and God. He got rid of those things pretty fast.
Second, it's not all about me...it's about Him. I thought I was suffering. But, not one time did I resist to blood in my suffering....but He did. Thirdly,
God is sovereign and He rules in our lives. His statues are yea and Amen. My $88/month may not have changed the world, but it changed me. It
set me in a right place with Him. It has been 31 months since January 2006. My husband and I has been married for 20 years. Our problem with
debt started then. To shorten a very lengthy story, I will have to say, the mountain of debt that has accumulated the last 20 years has almost
came to screeching halt in 31 months. My husband was awarded his disability in October 2008., so our income so to speak, has doubled. When
our income doubled, our tithes and offerings doubled. And, even though, we could not obtain credit, we have been faithful to pay down and off
most of our bills. Our current total debt is less than $2000. My husband and I have prayed regularly about obtaining another place to live. We
petitioned him concerning high mortgage and rent payments. People spoke negativity to our situation as we claimed a new home and property
with very cheap payments or none at all. When my husband received his back time pay, it was not what we hoped for. But praise the Lord!!!!
With what he did receive, God provided a home and an acre of land, cleared and home set up for that small amount. We also purchased a SUV
from a dear Christian friend for $500, and it runs great!
God sustains us in every situation. He never leaves nor forsakes us. Many times we may not see nor feel Him, but He is there. He doesn't ask
much of us, only our faithfulness and obedience. I hope this article has helped you in making a decision for yourself to start obeying God and
paying your tithes. You will be glad you did! Betty Rausch
An offering given to God is what we have purposed in our heart to give unto him. It is not a set amount. It can be money, or it can be things or it
can be both. It is our personal gift to God from our heart. Our tithe belongs to God. It is the least we can give to Him. God blesses our tithes as
being obedient to Him. Our offerings are the foundation of our blessings as it is our gift to Him from our heart. We give it out of love.
An Act of Obedience
Obedience is a by-product of and is tempered by two very important factors of the Christian Life. Respect and Love. It is a proving ground of
the level of Intimacy we have with Christ. God is the Ultimate Prime example of Love, as He gave His only Son to die for sins He did not commit.
And Why? Because God has always desired to have an intimate relationship with His creation. We were not created to spend eternity in Hell,
but with the Father who brought us our existence. Jesus also God and of God possessed this infinite Love. As He prayed early that morning of
the crucifixion, Jesus surrendered His Will to the Father. He did not "want" to die, but Loved His Father so much and loved us so much that He
gave His all. How much do we love and respect Him?
Many people construes obedience with sacrifice. They find it worthy in the Lord's sight to do without for His sake. Others find themselves
somewhat self-righteous as they put their tithe and offering in the plate. Remember the parable of Jesus in Luke 18: 9-14. The self-righteous
Pharisee did all his duties correctly, but his heart proved his diligence useless. This is not what the Tithe and offering is about.
Obedience is far greater than sacrifice. (I Samuel 15:22 ) and
Our righteousness is as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)
Let's take a look at ourselves and our children. All parents will agree that there is nothing more rewarding than to see their children obedient to
their bidding. Obedience from a heart of true love and respect...not forced obedience and not cumbered with rebellion. And when we receive
that obedient love from them, do we not seek deep to give them "the world of a platter", so to speak. Rewards and Blessings upon them. Do we
not feel that intimate love...that connection. It is a priceless relationship. Our God, our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit desires that
priceless intimate relationship from us as well.
The Jezebel Spirit.
Many Christians fall into the Jezebel Spirit. It is the Spirit of Control. The Jezebel Spirit destroys your love relationship with the Father, and it
creates bondage within the church.
Many tithers, especially those who are in leadership positions or those who are the financial backbone of the church can be overcame by the
Jezebel Spirit of Control. They will be quick to let you know that either things within the church goes their way or their money leaves the church.
This definitely is not doing things God's Way.
Doing things God's Way
God has ordinances, statues and judgments. God has rules and with that comes rewards and blessings to the faithful.
Malachi 3:7-12 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 are two very important scriptures that speak on this.
Malachi 3:7-12..... Even from the days of your fathers, ye have gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me and I
will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say,
Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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. And I shall rebuke the devourer for your
sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground: neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightful land, saith the Lord of hosts.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8......But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap
bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
As tithing Christians, we need to keep our hearts in the right place. We should never "give, to get the blessing". We should give because we
love Him that loved us. We should give to further the great promise we have been bestowed. We should give, because that is God's way.
Christ was submissive
Christ was submissive to authority. In Matthew 17:24-27 when those who received tax tribute approached Peter and questioned him about
Jesus paying taxes, Jesus ordered Peter to retrieve money from a fish's mouth to not only pay Peter's taxes but his own as well. Mark 12:13-17
also says, that when the Herodians questioned Jesus about taxes, He with the illustration of a coin reminded them.... To render unto Caesar
what is Caesars and unto God, what is God's. We are not excused from paying tax, and the government will see to it that you do not forget it.
Likewise, we are not excused from our gift to God. Christ was submissive, we should be as well.
Excuses
We are excellent excuse makers, especially when it comes to tithing. Look at these examples, are you guilty of any of these?
1.) I was going to pay my tithes and offerings this week, but this unexpected bill came up, now I can't.
2.) If I pay my tithes and offerings I will not have enough expense money to last me to the next payday.
3.) I'm not sure where my tithes and offerings are going in the church. I would rather hold it than give to something I really don't approve of.
Are you guilty of this?.....
The offering plate is being passed, you drop in loose change or may a $1 bill. But, then you and your family meet at the local restaurant after
church at 12:30 pm for Sunday lunch.
You pay the ticket. It was only $50, but at least you remembered to pray for the Lord to bless the meal before eating AND you blessed the
waitress with a five dollar tip.
Do I need to continue?
Where are our priorities? Do we serve God or do we serve mammon?
Do we not trust God to help us pay for that unexpected bill? (we knew would come soon or later)
Do we not trust God to sustain us from paycheck to paycheck?
And who gave us the authority to play God with our money. If we GIVE our money to God, by the church, their stewardship, good or bad is
between them and God.
News Flash.....You can not out give God! When You give to Him, He gives back to you! Sometimes 10, sometimes 100, sometimes 1000 fold.
How can I get involved?
Malachi 3:12 says to bring your tithes unto the storehouse, so that there may be meat in God's house. For many that is the church. The meat is
the provisions needed for the church. In biblical times, the temple had no bills to pay, like utilities, only the provisions for the priest. It should
behoove churches everywhere in this present time to set goals of financial freedom from debt. To many times churches are forced to use the
tithe and offerings to pay bills and keep up the maintenance on their church. A debt-free church can focus on the real issues of Christianity,
which is outreach and ministry. If you are on a church board, bring this issue up at the next meeting you have. Seek to set goals for yourself and
the church. As a regular member, determine within yourself to faithfully support your church in it's endeavors. Support your pastor and regularly
pray for him and the whole leadership of the church. Become involved with outreach ministry. Local outreach, national outreach and
international outreach are all good areas to consider. Establishing ministry within the church is also great. Pray to the Lord and seek out what
He would have you do in ministry. Charitable organizations is also another avenue you can give unto the Lord with. Seek and investigate all
choices before deciding which one you will support. Be faithful in your vow to God. For it is better not to vow to God than to vow and not keep it.
The Amount you give.
When it comes to your tithe, it is always 10% of your income. I believe personally it should be before taxes, but you should pray to the Lord on
this matter. Your income is your wages from work or income from secondary means. It is a good rule of thumb (and discipline) to give 10% of
your whole self as well. This includes your time. Try praying for 10% of the 24 hour day God allows you to live each day. That is 2 hours and 40
minutes of each day in prayer. If you already do not pray this much, try it and you will soon see a deeper spiritual relationship with the Father.
Try devoting 10% of your week to ministry. That is 16.8 hours a week given to God. This would be like devoting your weekends to God. Try
giving of your increase. Let's say that you have an small backyard orchard. Would you be willing to donate 10% of your crop to another less
fortunate? The same with livestock. Would you donate 10% of your increase of stock to another less fortunate? Can you see the big picture
here, that our nation would be in less poverty if we was willing to give?
A little is a lot when God is in it. When you give, no matter how small your gift is, God Blesses you and increases your territory. Physically and
Spiritually. A small basket of fruit given in the Name of the Lord will turn into a bumper crop the next harvesting season. Your tithes paid faithfully
from your paycheck can result in a pay raise for no apparent reason. And if you think these statistics reap big returns, try giving an "offering"
along with the tithe!
If you do not work, you still have something to give. Yourself! There is no excuse not to give to God.
There is not an amount that is too small to give. God will bless $1, if $1 is what you have to give. Remember the widow's 2 mites in Luke 21:1-4?
A mite is worth 25 cents.
I would like to share a personal testimony here with you today about myself.
In January of 2006, my family and I was in debt over our heads...literally! My husband was awaiting his disability, and had been since 2002.
There was no guarantee he would be awarded. The only income was my own, which at time was $877/month from disability as well. I vowed to
the Lord January 1st, 2006... I would start paying my tithes. Our debt was out the roof. There was more going out than I had coming in. There
was really no money to figure in for tithes in my monthly budget, but I think the driving force behind my determination was that I couldn't pay my
bills anyway, it couldn't get any worse. I started paying that month. Now, you are already thinking that blue skies came instantly, but you are
wrong. Within the first 3 months of me paying my tithes ($88/month), We lost our home. Our electric bill went completely out of the roof, and was
higher than our rent. So we had to move. With poor credit for not paying our bills on time, no one wanted to work with us, so we had to move
back in the home with our daughter and son-in-law. Their home, their rules, no freedom (I felt) for us to be ourselves. That will crush you real
fast. We lost our car. The finance company decided they was through working with me on my late payments. They came and pulled our car out
of the driveway with a rollback one early morning around 4am. Repossession...Ouch! No vehicle...hitching a ride with others....Oh my! Talking
about my pride being carved down to size! (of course, that was one of my problems.)
I continued to pay my tithes, and I didn't understand then where God was at in this matter. Around June of that year things started to calm down.
I began to realize a lot of things in my life. One, I let what little I did have, stand between me and God. He got rid of those things pretty fast.
Second, it's not all about me...it's about Him. I thought I was suffering. But, not one time did I resist to blood in my suffering....but He did. Thirdly,
God is sovereign and He rules in our lives. His statues are yea and Amen. My $88/month may not have changed the world, but it changed me. It
set me in a right place with Him. It has been 31 months since January 2006. My husband and I has been married for 20 years. Our problem with
debt started then. To shorten a very lengthy story, I will have to say, the mountain of debt that has accumulated the last 20 years has almost
came to screeching halt in 31 months. My husband was awarded his disability in October 2008., so our income so to speak, has doubled. When
our income doubled, our tithes and offerings doubled. And, even though, we could not obtain credit, we have been faithful to pay down and off
most of our bills. Our current total debt is less than $2000. My husband and I have prayed regularly about obtaining another place to live. We
petitioned him concerning high mortgage and rent payments. People spoke negativity to our situation as we claimed a new home and property
with very cheap payments or none at all. When my husband received his back time pay, it was not what we hoped for. But praise the Lord!!!!
With what he did receive, God provided a home and an acre of land, cleared and home set up for that small amount. We also purchased a SUV
from a dear Christian friend for $500, and it runs great!
God sustains us in every situation. He never leaves nor forsakes us. Many times we may not see nor feel Him, but He is there. He doesn't ask
much of us, only our faithfulness and obedience. I hope this article has helped you in making a decision for yourself to start obeying God and
paying your tithes. You will be glad you did! Betty Rausch