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IS TITHING COMMANDED FOR CHRISTIANS?
The issue here is not about giving, or how much to give. The issue is whether Christians were commanded to give 10% of their income to a Church, or a person. There are numerous articles available on this subject, three of which are listed below. Readers can easily search for more if so inclined. A few irrefutable facts instead of fake news need to be stated. Proponents of tithing can’t honestly get around these facts.
Some scriptures to confirm Tithing was not commanded for Christians: -
“I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that my own hands have supplied my needs and those of my fellow helpers.” Acts 20:33-34.
“Even now we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are treated brutally, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it.” 1Cor 4:11-12. This would have been a good opportunity to mention if tithing was commanded, wouldn’t it?
“Was it a sin for me to lower myself to elevate you by preaching the gospel of GOD to you for free? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them to serve you.” 2 Corinthians 11:7,8. Some preachers today should take note, although a large income seems more important. Enjoy it while you can, you’re going to be judged on your greed and lies.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD loves a cheerful giver. And GOD can bless you abundantly, so that in all things always, having all that you need, and have plenty to share.” 2 Cor 9:7-8
“Do we not have the right to accommodation, food, and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Peter? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?” 1 Cor 9:4-6 “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, shouldn’t we reap a material harvest from you?” verse 11. “In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.” verse14
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.” 2Thessalonians 3:7-8
So, we can see that leaders should be materially supported in their work, but still no command to give 10% or any specified amount. It is up to the giver. (Read the whole of 1 Corinthians.)
Just how much do some of these rich preachers need? It was reported about 10 years ago that one infamous televangelist was skimming $60 million a year from generous (naive?) supporter’s donations. Some discretion and discernment are required! Apparently also, this rich ‘healer’ can’t provide just one medically proven instance of healing. A true leader in Christ would not greedily over-indulge nor cheat the sheep. “but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their lust to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and have impaled themselves with a lot of pain because they made money their goal.” (Or god?) 1 Tim 6:8-10 They are simply greedy scammers whose judgement nears. They can’t really believe their Bibles, can they?
https://www.gotquestions.org/tithing-Christian.html
http://www.tithingdebate.com/ (Free books and ‘The trial of Pastor Jones’ is an interesting read.)