Tithing is not just part of the Old Testament Law, nor was it displaced by the New Covenant. The first tithe was given by Abraham to Melchisedec, hundreds of years before the Law was given to Moses by God.
I believe that Melchisedec was actually Jesus, appearing in an Old Testament theophany. His description could not be that of any earthly king. I believe that we still give our tithes to Jesus, just as Abraham did.
And Jesus endorsed tithing in two of the Gospels. No new teaching ever replaced tithing. Therefore, tithing continues as a virtually ageless and timeless practice.
Although some people are unwilling to pay a tithe due to lack of generosity and obedience, others claim to be too poor.
Actually, if a financially-strapped person starts to tithe in obedience to the Lord, he or she will be given numerous ideas to generate more money by the Lord--amounts far in excess of the tithe.
It is unfortunate that some Christians take Paul's teaching about offerings as justification not to tithe. When Paul says let each man give what he purposes in his heart, Paul's talking about offerings. You see, a tithe is due and must paid, an offering is given freely.
The Bible in the Book of Malachi quotes God as say that those who do not tithe are "robbing God." That's pretty strong stuff. Do you want to stand accused of robbing God? Not me.
Just as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association succeeded by not begging shamelessly for money, neither will we beg. If the Lord leads you to give us an offering, and if you are blessed by First Internet Christian Church, please feel free to give it.
If you sell a slow-moving home at its asking price within a month, you will give $ 1,000 of the proceeds to your church to help with its building fund.
If God tells you that He agrees with your proposed vow, He has become your partner. We never have cause to doubt God, but please, consider this.
When the Lord delivers
on his end of the vow, make sure that you do not fail to pay your vow. To put
it mildly, the Lord would not be amused with you for acting like this.
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