Why do so many protestant churches insist on tithing?

Answer 1

Tithing is an issue that many Christians struggle with. In many churches tithing is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortation in regards to making offerings to the Lord. Tithing / giving is intended to be a joy, a blessing. Sadly, that is rarely the case in the church today.

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were give 10% of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle / Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites of the sacrificial system. The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

The New Testament nowhere assigns a certain percentage of income to set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with his income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The Christian church has essentially taken the 10% figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Although the New Testament does not identify a specific amount or percentage to give, it does talk about the importance and benefits of giving. They should give as they are able, “in keeping with his income.” Sometimes that means giving more than a tithe, sometime that may mean giving less than a tithe. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom as to whether to participate in tithing and/or for how much he or she should give (James 1:5). “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Answer 2

Tithing is first mentioned in Genesis14:20" He gave a Tenth of all." Abram tithed on the spoils he took from the people that had taken Lot captive, and God blessed Abram.
Tithe means a tenth in Hebrew. Lev.27:30" Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord." This is the Lord's command that a tenth of all you own is the Lord's and is to be given to him. We give monetary value of all we own to the Lord's house and the priests. We do this out of obedience to God, and to receive his blessings.

Answer 3

Because it is in the Bible. And they don't "insist" on it...they teach it as a Biblical concept. I believe tithing is to bring in funds to the house of worship for the needs of the church. If I attended a church, I wouldn't have a problem with this. I would see it as my responsibility as a member of that church/group/organization and would gladly give! Blessings!

Answer 4

For the same reason money is filtered to such organizations as, St Vincent de Paul, the Islamic-American Zakat Foundation, the Children's Hunger Fund, the Children's Survival fund, Christian World Relief, Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude's, the New Israel Fund, Jewish Social Service Agency, Angel Flight Samaritans, and World Vision..

You certainly don't hear of the Atheist Childrens fund, on the streets at night, bringing coats to homeless and hungry.

Answer 5

I don't know where people think the Church gets the money to pay the heat bill, or the electric bill or the phone bill.
Let alone the Pastor's salary and perhaps that of an organist, and teachers for their children if it isn't through tithes.

Answer 6

Malachi 3:10 It is the only place in the bible that the Lord says to test Him.

Aside from that verse, it is a sin to put God to the test to prove Him. God doesn't have to prove Himself to anyone. Tithing is in the bible in many verses throughout and has to do with a faith issue. First of all, without faith it is impossible to please God, secondly tithing is giving back to God a portion { 10%} what He has given to us through His blessing us. It is a choice of the individual to tithe or not. If you tithe, God will bless you exceptionally.

Answer 7

Tithing was ordained by Almighty God from the very beginning. Cain killed Abel because Almighty God accepted his last minute, grudgingly given tithe, that were not "first & best fruits" of his labor in the vineyards, but Almighty God blessed Abel's because Abel gave the first, the richest, and the best of his flock in tithe to Almighty God. Cain killed Abel because he was angry and jealous of Abel.

Tithing was also set up by Almighty God for His people, in obedience to Him & practically in those days, the synagogues were held responsible by Almighty God for caring for, feeding, housing, and supporting all widows and orphans. Tithing insured that the synagogues storehouses would always be able to provide for people.

I tithe every paycheck, not only because Almighty God expects me too, but because I can not possibly out give Him, and He rewards me and protects/blesses my life, my finances, my health, my home, my children, and our coming in and going outs daily because I am faithful to Him. And besides, I love to tithe and give to Christian organizations that help people I could never reach or help on my own.

Answer 8

Tithing is part of what we do in church. It is spoken of in the Bible that we should give 10 percnt of what we have back to God.

Answer 9

Don't all churches? Even though this was an Old Testament principle, it still applies today. You don't have to, but there promises are better if you do, than what happens if you don't.

Answer 10

The Bible does not Teach We are to Give any Fixed % (Such as 10%) of Our Salary or Property

Tithes were required by God from the Israelite farmers and ranchers (see Deuteronomy 14:22 and Leviticus 27:30). Tithes were agricultural produce and not money (and they had money back in those days). The tithes were used in the temple, for festivals and for helping the poor.

There were 3 tithes from some of the Israelites and a 4th from the Levites to the Levite priests.

1) The Levitical tithe required those who raised crops (not everyone and not all professions – just those who raised crops) to give 10% of that to the Levites. This tithe occurred 6 years out of the 7 year cycle. It also required those that raised 10 or more animals to give each tenth animal that passed under the rod to the Levites. If a person raised less than 10 animals, they were not required to tithe.

2) From what was given to them, the Levites in turn had to give a tenth of the very best to the priests.

3) The festival tithe required that those who raised crops or animals to set aside 10% for the annual festivals.

4) The Poor tithe occurred only in the 3rd year of the seven year cycle. This was set aside for the poor.

Now about Christians and tithing, God never established a set standard for Christians to give. The principle of 10% of earnings being required of believers is not taught in the Bible. Giving should be done out of freewill and love and sometimes God puts it in our hearts to give much more than 10% and it doesn’t have to be just money. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit. Giving should be done cheerfully from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:7) for the honour and glory of God, to help the needy (Hebrews 13:16, Acts 20:35, Matthew 25:35-45, Acts 6:1-4, 1 Timothy 5:1-16) and to support true pastors and ministries (1 Corinthians 9:7-14, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, 2 Corinthians 8:1-13, 1 Timothy 6:17-19). This is the true principle to be learnt.

It’s clear that God never told us that we should be giving 10% (or any fixed %) of our salaries. Those who preach that Christians are to give 10% (or any fixed %) are wresting the Scriptures to conform to their belief at the expense of the truth. An individual may teach this false doctrine due to one or more of the following:

• Ignorance

• Fear of ridicule or disapproval of others who support this teaching

• Not wanting to admit what they always taught was wrong

• Love of money (1 Timothy 6:10)

Applying Old Testament practices in the New Testament is in essence, placing those who hear them under the bondage and curse of the Mosaic Law (Galatians Ch. 3).

If you’re teaching others that God commands this no matter how good the intentions are, it’s a sin. It’s time to break free from the false doctrine of believers being required to give 10% of their earnings, and take a stand against it.

2 Corinthians 9:7
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

http://www.cnview.com/on_line_resources/christians_and_the_tithe.htm

http://www.letusreason.org/doct54.htm


REDEMPTION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Because mankind is incapable of meeting God’s standard of perfection necessary to abide in God’s presence (Romans 3:19-20,23), God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the total debt for the believer’s sins and mercifully credits to his account Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:21-28,5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Jesus’ gracious act of atonement was complete and covers all sin (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 John 1:9). Salvation is not based on good deeds but according to the mercy of God (Titus 3:4-5). Believers are justified by faith; it is a gift by God’s grace (Romans 4:3-8; Ephesians 2:8-9). A true, living faith will result in a desire to live a holy, loving life of good works (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26), but failure to be absolutely successful at righteous living does not negate the believer’s justified status.

If you sincerely say this prayer, your sins will be washed away, you will be redeemed to God, be saved from eternal torment and inherit the Kingdom of God:

"Dear Jesus,

I am a sinner.
I repent of my sins.
Please forgive me and save me by your shed blood;
come into my heart.
I want to receive you as my own personal Lord and Savior.

Amen"

https://victoryinjesuschrist.wordpress.com/