Tithes and Offerings

Thesis: Tithes and offerings are controversial biblical subjects that are misused, abused and manipulated by many for various reasons. What is true and contextual about how the believer is to give to the church?

BIBLICAL TEXT

• The New Testament Church met on the first day
  of the week - Sunday.
• Monetary collections were made on these first
  day gatherings
• Collections were being made for displaced
  Jews and Christians who were persecuted, lost
  property, lost livelihood, etc.
• Verse 1 suggests it had become habit to collect
  money when the church gathered

SHOULD WE TITHE

• Old Testament had three tithes:
  • Yearly for Levites
  • Yearly for festival
  • Third year for needy
  • Total was %23.33
  • Theocractic government "taxing"
• If in New Testament you believe tithe, then you
  should be consistent and adhere to %23.33
• Paul never brought a tithe/%10

SHOULD WE GIVE OFFERING

• Yes. Was consistent practice on first day of
  week gathering
• How much? verse 2 = "as one prospers". As one
  can save and treasure for the Lord. Similar as
  we treasure/put away for our retirement
• Give generously, willingly, cheerfully and
  according to ability, as Jesus gave
• God gave more than we ever can, we cannot pay
  Him back; so giving is heart based
• We don't give to get