I know, it's a big pill to swallow, but it's true.
He does own it all. We by ourselves possess nothing. It all belongs to Him. This concept seems extremely challenging for many
people to grasp. While there are indeed many scriptures throughout the Bible that stress responsible stewardship, there
are also many, many scriptures that tell us that no matter how much or how little we manage for the benefit of the Kingdom; it all belongs to Him anyway. Once we realize this we can see that tithing is not that big of a deal. He owns
it anyway; tithing is one method He utilizes to measure our devotion to Him. He can add to what we are currently
managing or He can take away from it; either way at His discretion. Much depends upon how well we manage what He has
already given us.
Every
man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Cor 9:7
We
see the principle of tithing practiced all throughout the Bible. We see it in Genesis with Abram (Gen. 14:18-24 / prior to the Levitical system), later on with Moses(Lev. 27:30 during the Levitical system) , on through the remainder of the "Old Testament"
/ Tanach (Prov. 3:9-10, Mal. 3:8-11), and then on into the "New Testament" / Renewed Covenant. Yeshua confirmed the
principle of tithing (Mt. 23:23, Mk 12:43-44) and then we continue to see the concept of tithing expressed throughout the Renewed Covenant /
New Testament (2 Cor. 9:6-8, 1 Tim 5:17-18 / separate from the Levitical system) as well. It is well established that
Yahweh financially blesses those who tithe and practice good stewardship of His resources. We see this principle in practice in the Bible as well as in
our lives today.
Honour
Yahweh with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Although
in the "Old Testament" (Tanach) we see the financial commitment of the people to maintain Yahweh God's work to be
somewhere over twenty percent of their income; most believe that a tithe of 10% is appropriate for today.
The Tithe is utilized to meet the financial needs of the congregation so that the work of Yahweh can be not only
sustained but advanced (Matt. 28:18-20). They are utilized to maintain day to day operations, evangelism, missions, and to supply
the "store house" for rainy days. The tithe should go to support the local congregation that is
providing spiritual leadership, encouragement and support.
Above and beyond the tithe, as explained
above, offerings and donations are financial gifts that may be presented when and where appropriate as Yahweh blesses
and leads. As with the other subjects covered here in the "jump start" portion of the web site please remember
that the Bible has much more to say regarding the tithe and good stewardship (management) of Yahweh God's resources. May Yahweh
Bless you as you bless Him by managing well His resources that He has entrusted you with.
Click here for financial contribution information.
