Tithing is a wrong practice.

[Sparkey]

Jethro:

I just want to clarify some points for everyone here about the tithe since you mentioned about eating one's tithe. This is the SECOND tithe. There were 3 tithes. The one that most people are familiar with is what is called the Levitical tithe. This is equal to the tithe today one supports their pastor and church with. This is the one that everyone here is talking about.

The other tithes many people here seem to be oblivious to, so let me teach a little on that.

The second tithe was the festival tithe which like you stated was basically to oneself, but was required to share with others as well. This met the needs to celebrate in Jerusalem at the feasts. Actually most people DO keep this tithe already unknowingly, except it takes the form of Disney Vacations and other such pursuits with the family. This tithe does not go to the Levites other than sharing some of it (not specified how much) or in today's terms to the church.

The third tithe was to the poor, but given once every 3 years, so over time this would average to more like 3% of one's income.

The first tithe was 10%, the festival was 10% of the 90% or 9% and the third averaged over time to be about 3%. The Israelites averaged about 22% giving of their income for these specified reasons, almost half of which went to the Levites. So these are not the same tithe. (There were other required offerings like firstfruits and the temple tax, but that's another subject. All these offerings were given and then in addition freewill offerings on top of that.)

Again, the Levites always got 10% since they had no inheritance. If you do the math, 10% from each tribe would amount to a little more (on the average) given to the Levites than what each tribe possessed. BUT.... the Levites (equivalent to Christians today) in turn gave 10% to the High Priest. I need not explain the symbolism laid out in Hebrews. The OT are shadows of things to come, and lay out a pattern under Christ. Christ never did away with the Law. But again, if we transgress the Law (and all of us do) then we have an Advocate.

From WIKI:
The tithe is specifically mentioned in the Book of Leviticus, the Book of Numbers and also in the Book of Deuteronomy. The tithing system was organized in a 7 year cycle, corresponding to the Shemittah cycle.

Every year, Bikkurim, Terumah, Ma'aser Rishon and Terumat Ma'aser were separated from the grain, wine and oil (as regards other fruit and produce, the Biblical requirement to tithe is a source of debate). Deuteronomy 14:22

Unlike other offerings which were restricted to consumption within the tabernacle, the yearly tithe to the Levites could be consumed anywhere (Numbers 18:31).

On years one, two, four and five of the Shemittah cycle, God commanded the Children of Israel to take a second tithe that was to be brought to the city of Jerusalem. Deuteronomy 14:23

The owner of the produce was to separate and bring 1/10 of his finished produce to Jerusalem after separating Terumah and the first tithe, but if the family lived too far from Jerusalem, the tithe could be redeemed upon coins. Deuteronomy 14:23

Then, the Bible required the owner of the redeemed coins to spend the tithe "to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish." Deuteronomy 14:22-27

Implicit in the commandment was an obligation to spend the coins on items meant for human consumption. According to the Hebrew Scriptures, the second tithe could be brought to Jerusalem any time of the year and there was no specific obligation to bring the second tithe to Jerusalem for the Festival of Sukkot. The only time restriction was a commandment to remove all the tithes from one's house in the end of the third year. Deuteronomy 14:28

The third year was called "the year of tithing" Deuteronomy 26:12-14 in which the Israelites set aside 10% of the increase of the land, they were to give this tithe to the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows. These tithes were in reality more like taxes for the people of Israel and were mandatory, not optional giving. This tithe was distributed locally "within thy gates" Deuteronomy 14:28 to support the Levites and assist the poor.

The Levites, also known as the tribe of Levi, were descendants of Levi. They were assistants to the Israelite priests (who were the children of Aaron and, therefore, a subset of the Tribe of Levi) and did not own or inherit a territorial patrimony Numbers 18:21-28. Their function in society was that of temple functionaries, teachers and trusted civil servants who supervised the weights and scales and witnessed agreements. The goods donated from the other Israeli tribes were their source of sustenance. They received from "all Israel" a tithe of food or livestock for support, and in turn would set aside a tenth portion of that tithe for the Aaronic priests in Jerusalem.

More information can be found at: My Jewish Learning site:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/isr...he_Bible/Rights_and_Obligations/Tithing.shtml

Again according to the Rabbis, the full tithing laws apply only when the majority of Jews live in the land of Israel and since, in the absence of the purification rites of the red heifer, everyone today suffers from corpse contamination, the terumah is inoperative in any event. Moreover the purpose of tithing, for the upkeep of the priests and Levites, has no meaning nowadays.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Martin's are nice guitars. I had used my "tithes" once to look after an ailing 'Rock Star' who developed problems. He wasn't known as a Christian, but he became one. He produced 4 gold records in the 80's. He owned a Martin at the time. His 5th album was played solely on his Martin. My son, who just turned 18, plays a Japanese Fender Strat.

You gave me an idea for a new thread.

You'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[Hawaii]

1 Peter 1:18-20 <sup class="versenum">18 </sup>knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, <sup class="versenum">19 </sup>but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. <sup class="versenum">20 </sup>He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you

Because of Jesus and His Blood, we are able to come to the Father. Not because of how much we Tithe or what we do, but Jesus and His blood brings us to our Father without the old laws of sacrifice and Tithe and animals blood.

Sure God wants us to be givers and giving brings blessing. Giving os much different that tithing. And if you look, tithing was food for the masters use, to feed.

 

[Mitspa]

My dad told me (not long ago) that he listened to a broadcast (radio preacher) who condemned tithing. I saw the agony on his face.

He said the man quoted many bible verses to support/justify the preacher's claim that tithing today is absolutely ridiculous - and something only practised in the old testament days.


:bigfrown
Tithing today is biblical - and must be practised.

Someone, anyone show me a New Covenant scripture that commands a tithe?

<dir>Jud 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
</dir>

 

[rayhodge02]

Tithing predated the law ..I couldn't find a scripture about tithing in the New Testament(under grace)...still doing some looking around

~~4GIVEN~~

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

Someone, anyone show me a New Covenant scripture that commands a tithe?

<dir>Jud 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
</dir>

The verse is irrelevant to tithing. Balaam did not receive a tithe, he violated the command of the Lord and attempted to prophecy against Israel, but the Lord wouldn't let him, putting words in his mouth that instead blessed God's people. Nonetheless, tithing predated the Law, yet the Law speaks of the tithe, and Jesus said that not one jot or tittle would pass from the Law until all things have passed away. Certainly the Law has no hold on us, but it is a measuring rod by which we judge our lives. We have the same responsibility to see to the ministry of our church body as did Israel to see to the ministry of the Temple. Choose to reject tithing if you wish. God forgives all sin. But not being responsible to your church's ministry is a sin for which you must seek forgiveness.

 

[Mitspa]

The verse is irrelevant to tithing. Balaam did not receive a tithe, he violated the command of the Lord and attempted to prophecy against Israel, but the Lord wouldn't let him, putting words in his mouth that instead blessed God's people. Nonetheless, tithing predated the Law, yet the Law speaks of the tithe, and Jesus said that not one jot or tittle would pass from the Law until all things have passed away. Certainly the Law has no hold on us, but it is a measuring rod by which we judge our lives. We have the same responsibility to see to the ministry of our church body as did Israel to see to the ministry of the Temple. Choose to reject tithing if you wish. God forgives all sin. But not being responsible to your church's ministry is a sin for which you must seek forgiveness.

Of course you could not give a scripture! The Holy Spirit must have forgotten?
The tithe is cursed! with the rest of the law. Balaam cursed Gods people for his own gain! Now if you say, you tithe as Abraham? in faith? i accept your tithe as a act of faith. If you teach the tithe according to the law? you have cursed Gods people, just as Balaam!2