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Tithing, It's in the Bible, therefore you have to follow it” 
Firstly, this message is not designed to offend or weaken your walk with God. It is meant to liberate you in the wonderful truth of the bible. The reason for this message is to expose the weak arguments, of those that oppose the truth of God's word. It is my hoped that as you seek the truth, you will also examine other areas of church doctrine, that is not supported by the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
“It's in the Bible, therefore you have to follow it” How often have we heard this qouted from the pulpit?, expecially in regards to tithing. Lets read the famous tithing scripture that is used to implement this man made system of tithing. And if it is not a required of God, then it must be man's requirement. Here is a favourite verse used by many pastors, who push tithing onto their congregations.. Malachi 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]. There you go, evidence of tithing Its in the Bible, therefore you have to follow it!
I disagree with this statement “Its in the Bible, therefore you have to follow it”, and at first this may seem an outright attack on Gods Word. But stay with me.
OLD and NEW
There is an Old Testament and a New Testament, both are Gods Word. But, scripture itself says the the Old has given way to the New. Hebrews 8:7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. I Believe the Lord reveals the danger of mixing these two convernants together, by giving us an illustration: Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. Also, to use the arguement that we have to follow it because its in the bible, would mean that we still had to make animal sacrifices! Careful
This is where we must be careful not to bring old testament teaching over to new testament teaching. A perfect example of this happening, and recorded in scripture, is Acts 15:24. Here we have people saying that you must keep to the Law (Contained within the Old Testament), Yes!, even the New Testament Church had these same issues being raised today! Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: With this verse once again we can see that there had been a change from the old to the new. This scripture actually says those that push unbiblical instructions onto you are actually troubling you with their words. After all we should be joyfullying living in the truth of the scriptures, which breaths life to our souls and not being placed back under the bondage of the Old testament. No longer required to be circumcised! This is another illustration of the Old convenant being replaced with the New convenant. The New convenant is Circumcision of the heart! (but thats another story). Danger We must never enforce the Old Convernant laws onto the Bride of Christ, who are under the New Convernant. Both books of the Bible are important, that is the Old Testament and the New Testament. But we must recognise the difference between the two. The danger is where we take one scripture such as Malcachi and apply it in isolation to the rest of His Word, surely we should examine this scripture in the light of the New Testament which teaches that one is to give an offering, as God has put it upon one's heart to give. Or are we, unable to trust God when it comes to financial matters? Is Malachi still relevant?: Most definitely!, it shows us the heart of God, and principles that God works by. You give to God and He blesses. (That is the principle to be learnt) What should we do? 1. Read the bible in its correct context: So when examining Malachi, remember it is in the Old Testament, which was to the children of Israel who were under the Old Testament and its Law and many of its instructions were for the Leviticle priesthood. Then explore the New testament and examine what has changed. Using Malachi we can see that the New Testament Churches collected offerings, as tithing is never mentioned, also the old method of tithing was replaced with the new way of offering, we see the New Testament church collecting money as an offering, never as an tithe! 2. Listen to the Holy Spirit that God has put inside your earthen vessel. Let the relationship you have with God direct your giving. 2 Corinthians 3:6 "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 3. Embrace Grace not the Law. Christ came to fulfill the Law and to lift it to a new level. The law in itself, is not bad, as it leads us to Christ, but without the heart it is cold and unforgiving. A hint of the new thing God was doing was revealed when the religious leaders wanted to stone the woman caught in adultery, while Jesus just wanted the woman to sin no more, here we see a new way and Jesus is that way. Finally, remember that we are servants of the most high God, and hence its not 10 percent to God, but 100 percent. Its all His, if you have truely surrendered your life to Him. 1 Corinthians 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." What saddens me the most, is that some christian churches will not let you become a member, if you do not embrace this Old Testament, tithing doctrine.  I suppose that is one way to silence the opposition and ensure your false teaching is not challenged by your members! For more info visit the site below: http://www.tithingtruth.com/ Extra Info: 1. A believers experience of the Tithe click the YouTube Link 2. Video Teaching on Tithing and Giving Click the YouTube Link Written by Rod
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