Tithing curse?

[GSM]

Hey FEN,the Malachi verse is the ones that pertain to giving,although I don't see tithes in the NEW TESTAMENT.PAUL speaks continually about an offering,giving liberally out of your poverty(church @ THESSOLNICA)

We can all look and see what Mal. 3:10 says, but do take the time to look in the earlier chapters to study(not just read) what was happening, so that we can develop context.

In essence, the nation was "playing church"...they had gotten sloppy in both their personal lives, and in corporate worship.  There was open idolatry, false teaching,false prophecy, and improper ministry.  The prophet was being used to bring correction and restore order, for them to return to the instructions giving them in regards to personal living, and public worship, specifically their giving. (notice they were sacrifing sick, and lame lambs, instead of strong unblemished ones, and the priest were not even burning incense at times)

In 3:10, they are given instruction to return order, and it starts with us
1.They were to bring the tithe into the storehouse(which was a layed aside place in the tabernacle and later the temple), and the purpose of meat being at the storehouse(a distribution center), was for care for the priest,levite, temple needs, orphans,widows, and the poor (all throughout Numbers & Leviticus)
**We incorrectly depend on the govenments social welfare programs to do, what Gods order intended the church to do

2. After they took care of the bringing the tithe, it was God's responsibility to take care of the other...pour out  a blessing, open windows of heaven, rebuke the devour   etc

so obedience and humility, creates opportunity for greater measure of blessing

Tithing is briefly mentioned by Jesus in Luke 11, and Matt 23.  Jesus DOES NOT condemn tithing, in fact he encourages the pharisees to tithe, he just also tells them to also, or in addition ,pay attention to the weightier matters of the word, faith, hope, justice, etc

I have not been able to see where Jesus teaches more specifically on actual amounts or percentages(he did believe in paying taxes though..lol)...but you do see Paul teachings on giving in regards to the same issues that the Old Testament describe tithes usage for:

1. those who minister being supported (I Cor. 9)
2. taking care of the poor and needy (Gal. 2, I Cor. 16)
3. For the work of the ministry

So scripture does not contradict itself in regards to tithing and giving.  God does not need or want our money, he wants our heart, but if he truly has our heart, tithing and giving would not be an issue

When giving, YES do so with a willing and cheerful heart, do so knowing that your obedience will open you to a level of blessing and favour(and expect to receive as such), and give knowing that whatever measuring cup you use to give, will be the one that is used to give back to you.(Luke 6:38)

Finally, we give as unto God, I know there are real people who handle(mishandle), and administer(misadminister) the meat, and storehouse, but I don't give unto them, God will deal with them.  I also understand that our culture is filled with Crooks & Clowns(the false teachers who twist, and rape the people of God for material gain)...but please don't let this deter you from properly giving,  be encouraged to know that the Lord is the righteouss paymaster (where is that spell check  icon)...follow God's order, and you will have God's results

[sjonathan02]

We can all look and see what Mal. 3:10 says, but do take the time to look in the earlier chapters to study(not just read) what was happening, so that we can develop context.

In essence, the nation was "playing church"...they had gotten sloppy in both their personal lives, and in corporate worship.  There was open idolatry, false teaching,false prophecy, and improper ministry.  The prophet was being used to bring correction and restore order, for them to return to the instructions giving them in regards to personal living, and public worship, specifically their giving. (notice they were sacrifing sick, and lame lambs, instead of strong unblemished ones, and the priest were not even burning incense at times)

In 3:10, they are given instruction to return order, and it starts with us
1.They were to bring the tithe into the storehouse(which was a layed aside place in the tabernacle and later the temple), and the purpose of meat being at the storehouse(a distribution center), was for care for the priest,levite, temple needs, orphans,widows, and the poor (all throughout Numbers & Leviticus)
**We incorrectly depend on the govenments social welfare programs to do, what Gods order intended the church to do

2. After they took care of the bringing the tithe, it was God's responsibility to take care of the other...pour out  a blessing, open windows of heaven, rebuke the devour   etc

so obedience and humility, creates opportunity for greater measure of blessing

Tithing is briefly mentioned by Jesus in Luke 11, and Matt 23.  Jesus DOES NOT condemn tithing, in fact he encourages the pharisees to tithe, he just also tells them to also, or in addition ,pay attention to the weightier matters of the word, faith, hope, justice, etc

I have not been able to see where Jesus teaches more specifically on actual amounts or percentages(he did believe in paying taxes though..lol)...but you do see Paul teachings on giving in regards to the same issues that the Old Testament describe tithes usage for:

1. those who minister being supported (I Cor. 9)
2. taking care of the poor and needy (Gal. 2, I Cor. 16)
3. For the work of the ministry

So scripture does not contradict itself in regards to tithing and giving.  God does not need or want our money, he wants our heart, but if he truly has our heart, tithing and giving would not be an issue

When giving, YES do so with a willing and cheerful heart, do so knowing that your obedience will open you to a level of blessing and favour(and expect to receive as such), and give knowing that whatever measuring cup you use to give, will be the one that is used to give back to you.(Luke 6:38)

Finally, we give as unto God, I know there are real people who handle(mishandle), and administer(misadminister) the meat, and storehouse, but I don't give unto them, God will deal with them.  I also understand that our culture is filled with Crooks & Clowns(the false teachers who twist, and rape the people of God for material gain)...but please don't let this deter you from properly giving,  be encouraged to know that the Lord is the righteouss paymaster (where is that spell check  icon)...follow God's order, and you will have God's results

To the portion in bold:

I think this is where we get tied up in knots.

How much does one give since Jesus, himself, didn't speak to a specified amount, he merely referenced giving with a glad heart. 

[GSM]

To the portion in bold:

I think this is where we get tied up in knots.

How much does one give since Jesus, himself, didn't speak to a specified amount, he merely referenced giving with a glad heart. 

Sjon, I meant Jesus was not as specific, as OT writings in regards to preparation and giving of the tithe.  When Jesus mentioned(Luke 11,Matt 23)that they should have given the tithe, as well as obeyed other matters of the word, I guess we can literally say that Jesus is telling them to give a 10th...but I think I understand your point

[sjonathan02]

Sjon, I meant Jesus was not as specific, as OT writings in regards to preparation and giving of the tithe.  When Jesus mentioned(Luke 11,Matt 23)that they should have given the tithe, as well as obeyed other matters of the word, I guess we can literally say that Jesus is telling them to give a 10th...but I think I understand your point

Gotcha. Then, one is back to correctly choosing the storehouse to which one gives, this way, they'll "feel" better about giving. I can already read your objection(s) to that sentiment; but, I think it's valid.

Besides, if one were pickier about the storehouse (church) they attend, there would be fewer false teachers/pulpit pimps around. Not saying there wouldn't be any; just fewer. 

[Old_thread]

bumping for the book club since they will be talking about this soon

[blyempowered]

Now THIS topic is never-ending and will be interesting to read in depth what the author for the book says. Wow!

[Hasmonean1]

I'd send it to the place I was last a member until I placed my membership somewhere else.

Hopefully you are visiting churches in search of a new home. I would give to whatever church I happened to visit that particular Sunday. After all, I did dine off the spiritual food that was given.

This is indeed sound

If these don't work for ya, then you can hook a brotha up