Was tithing commanded in the New Testament? Part 1

 Because I have seen so many churches and people teach tithing as New Testament law, I felt compelled to write some posts addressing this from my study of Scripture. I have been a born again follower of Jesus for over 25 years. I have diligently searched and studied the Scriptures for some time with the help of the Holy Spirit.. and still do.

Of course I believe in giving as Scripture teaches under the New Covenant and not the Old Covenant which was done way with (as Hebrews 8:13, Hebrews 12:24, and Colossians 2:14 say.. ) These posts will not be against giving by any means or stretch of the imagination! I am merely addressing tithing specifically. 

From Scripture I see that not one of the Apostles, who were handpicked by the LORD, taught tithing as a commandment in the New Testament, not in even in Acts 15 when they convened to decide what was required of the Gentiles or new believers. None of the letters to all the churches commanded it. It’s not there. Yes, the Apostles urge giving of course, especially to those in need and to the work of the LORD, but never is a tithe of any kind even mentioned for the church, not once.
(When tithing is mentioned in Hebrews 7, it is only referred to as part of the law and Levitical priesthood, which was done away with. That same chapter even says so in verses 11 to 27!)

My understanding is (and has been) that just as circumcision was done away with, so were the specific tithes. The only time Jesus mentions the tithe is when he was directly addressing the Pharisees in Matt 23:23 and Luke 11:42, and only that time. The Pharisees were required to tithe because they were under the law and “sat in the seat of Moses” as Jesus said in Matthew 23:2.  Did not Jesus fulfill the Levitical law? He said He did (see Matthew 5:17). And the ordinances of the law were nailed to the cross and done away with- as Colossians 2:14 says: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” (also Ephesians 2:15 agrees)
Many argue that Abraham tithed “before the law," but he also circumcised before the law as well as offer animal sacrifices, and certainly those things are clearly not required under the New Covenant either.

I believe, as Scripture says, that we should give bountifully to the LORD of course (Proverbs 22:9), but the LORD does not "exact from us" the amount, but rather wants our whole heart, and then to give as we are able, as 2 Corinthians 9:7 says: “Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver"

(End of part one) In the next part I will look more at where giving was commanded in the New Testament, and who it was for, etc.
Thanks for considering and will be posting part two soon Lord willing.
In the grace of Jesus,
Manuela

Walking in the Light

Growing in the Light

( photo taken today)

1 John 1:5-8

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

God's Comfort for Today

These verses comfort me.

From Psalm 34
15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Amen, In Jesus Name. We have great promises in God to cling to. These are dark days on the earth... and I fully believe the LORD's return is very near- our blessed Hope, as Scripture call it (Titus 2:13) I'm glad we have this hope, let us hold on to it... Jesus will rule and reign one day and make all tears, fear and anguish vanish. I can't wait

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Amen. All Praise to Jesus, MARANATHA!

Feel weak? Jesus has the faith!

if we lack faith, we can pray and ask Jesus to increase it. He is the author and finisher of our faith. Let us CLING to His Word and promises.
LORD, I cry out to you and share this for those it may also help, those who seek You and struggle in these dark, dark days. Those who are having a hard time finding the words. May faith arise in them by Your grace. Truly You sustain Your own. And we lift one another up in You.
Thank You Jesus. Help those who are hurting and feel alone. Help those who have been betrayed. Strengthen the weak and those at wits end. Come help those who need help. You are Faithful and True and I love You Jesus, AMEN. You are everything we need. Come soon!!! Amen

Add Not to His Word

5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Beware other supposed bible books and teachings not included in the cannon ( 66 books) that add to His Word or taint it subtly... Test everything. 

Jesus is "the Way"

Jesus is "the way" so He must be followed, that is what it means to really believe... Jesus said those who love me, obey me ( John 14:5 and 1 John 2:3... etc) Love and Peace in Him. He is the Coming King and has a wonderful Kingdom prepared for those who followed Him there.

THE SIN OF SODOM and A PRAYER

I was watching a video on you tube the other night ( I don't remember which one) and someone pointed out that the sin of Sodom was not only homosexuality and "going after strange flesh", sharing this verse (which I believe also represents the Sin of the USA, corporately in many ways… ):

EZEKIEL 16:49-50
49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

It is sobering…  Where is the love these days…? Who is interceding in obedience for the lost, weak and needy ( such as the children and helpless ones…) We are the hands and feet of Jesus, here, called to love "the least of these", one another, and feed the hungry. Lord help us each do our part, however you lead us. Without love we are nothing. Love is patient kind and humble… We don't need to throw our pearls to swine  (mockers and God haters) when there are needy people who are waiting to be fed. Lord, lead us... Amen