to tithe or not to tithe?
Tithing has always been a popular topic among church members. One of the main topics to the conversations would be “Isn’t tithing part of the old law?” followed by “If it is the old law should I even tithe?” Tithing has been around since Abram tithed a tenth to Melchizedek after a daring rescue of his nephew lot in Genesis 14. Jacob also promised God a tenth of all his blessings. These two men lived 300-400 years prior to Moses and the Mosaic law, so the truth is that tithing did not start with the law but predates the law by nearly 600 years! Think about this for a second… if the law did not tell Abram or Jacob to Tithe, then why did they tithe? Tithing is much more than a law but an act of faith, obedience, and worship! This being said, I believe the obvious answer to the prior question is YES, we should still be tithing. Proverbs 3 which starts out by saying “My Son, Do Not forget my law” and then continues to explain how to be prosperous which includes tithing in verses 9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” The understanding of tithing usually stops here in the Old Testament for so many, but Praise be to God that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; so we still have that opportunity to prosper in the same. Let’s now look at New testament tithing using the word of God.
new testament tithing and the old law
Before we go any further with New Testament scriptures on tithing, I want to start with two verses that connect the old law to the new covenant we live under today which is Grace. The first one is Romans 3:31 – “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” How is this so? Many today will tell of John 13:34 (“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another…”) and continue to tell how this is the new commandment, and that it is the only thing we should live by. This is not a replacement though, but an addition to simplify the old law. If we love one another and treat them as we would be treated, then the other commandments from the old law are already accomplished. Lets look at the second scripture where Jesus is talking to the Pharisees in Luke 11:42 – “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Notice here… without leaving the others undone! Praise be to God! Now lets work the word and take a few minutes to read these following scriptures of New testament tithing.
What about offerings?
Offerings like Tithes are an act of faith, obedience and worship, but offerings are what I consider to be taking that extra step. Tithing goes to your local church, but offerings are what you give to your local church above your tithes or what you give to other ministries.
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Giving to Bethel not only helps supply material for Sunday School, equipment for the praise team and keeps the lights on, but your givings are a part of the 10% that we give to other ministries for our tithing as well. This is a concept that Kenneth Copeland likes to call the twice sown seed. See, when you tithe (or give offerings) to Bethel then you are reaching people you may never know through the principle of twice-sown seed. Anytime a gift is given and then that gift is given again or is used to bless other people, it’s the principle of “twice-sown seed” in action. When you sow a financial seed into Bethel, at least 10% of it will be sown directly into other ministries that reach people right here locally and across the globe!
prosperity and partnership
Still confused on whether you should Tithe, give offerings or neither? Let’s talk some about sowing and reaping. Have you ever heard the saying “You reap what you sow?” Most everyone has, but too often that saying is used wrongfully and in a worldly manner. The fact is though, the bible teaches us about sowing and reaping. Biblical sowing and reaping can be tithing, offerings, preaching, teaching, giving a helping hand, or many other gifts and actions. Jesus tells us in Luke 6:38 – “give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Does this sound familiar? How about in the first paragraph where it is explained how Proverbs 3 talks about tithing and prosperity? This is the simple principle of sowing and reaping.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
Now Let’s talk a little about partnership. Here at Bethel we are partners with several ministries and we tithe 10% of what comes in to us to these ministries, as well as other ministries when felt led by the Holy Spirit. This is a concept that many do not know or understand. It is quite simple though. When you tithe or give an offering to Bethel, or any other ministry alike, then not only do you give to Bethel, but you are reaching out to other ministries as well. That is not the best part though. The best part is what Paul teaches the churches in the New Testament, which is… when you come together with ministries by praying daily for them and help supply seed to that sower, then you are just as responsible and reap the same reward for a persons salvation, healing, or any other break through they might have, as the minister that prayed with them (This includes what the ministries that Bethel partners with accomplishes as well). PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD! Galatians 6:6 – “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.” Jesus tells us to preach to the whole world, this is one way we get to be a part of that opportunity.
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.”
now we know
Now that you understand a little more about tithing and offerings, it is time to sow your seed and reap of the bountiful harvest that God promises! Just click below to be taken to the giving page. Read the prayer over yourself and your tithes each time before you give, to speak that confession on your life. Also, please take the time to look through our Partners websites that are listed below to continue in your faith and the everlasting learning of Christ Jesus! Praise be to God!
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”
bethel house of god partners
- Kenneth Hagin Ministries
- Rhema Bible Training College
- Kenneth Copeland Ministires
- Victory Christian Center
- International Mission Outreach
- Todd Bailey Ministries
- 5 IMO Haiti Child Sponsorships
Click HERE to Give