I have no place to give my tithe

Recently a friend of ours asked this question to which I couldn't give a complete answer. He and his wife were faithful attenders of a local church but left because of a bad experience - nothing immoral etc., just a bad experience. They haven't been back to a church for many years, but are now sensing the Lord's "conviction" to start tithing. Short of attending a church, how or where would you direct them to allocate their tithe?

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Dan Francis

There are many good charities both religious and secular where donations will get used for God pleasing things. Salvation army tends to always do good work with their donations. If a more religious bent is what you are looking for the Bible Societies again do a good job in making scriptures available both near and abroad.

-Dan

Alex Scott

Not what you want to hear I'm sure, but I think the tithing is a secondary issue here. They need to find out where they belong. And they might want to look at their "Christian" attitude too. I'm sure most of us have had experiences bad enough to want to leave a situation but geographical cures don't work here or elsewhere.

Erwin Stull, Sr.

Both Dan and Alex have made very good suggestions and advice. I would like to stress that it is very important that they do find a bible teaching and believing church. They will have to pray (and pray for themselves) and be led by God to where He wants them to be. In this process, they will most likely need to visit various churches, and it can not be do sitting home.

Mike Childs

A few years ago on a mission trip, of all places, a team member told me they no longer attended a church. I asked him, "How long have you been living in sin?"

Upset, he blustered and exclaimed,"I am not living in sin!"

I replied, "Sure you are. The same Bible that says 'Do not commit adultery' also says 'Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together'. Sin is sin. How long are you going to keep living in sin?"

I was not trying to condemn, but to make a point and to give a different perspective to this mission team member.

Which is to say, I agree that there is a bigger problem here than tithing. Surely, there is some church within driving distance where your friend can feel comfortable. Jesus said something about leaving your gift at the altar and first being reconciled to you brother.

abondservant

I know of a young seminarian who would love a book budget.

*chuckle*

They really ought to find another church, even if its a different denomination, or a different assembly within the denomination.

RMC

Salvation army tends to always do good work with their donations. If a more religious bent is what you are looking for the Bible Societies again do a good job in making scriptures available both near and abroad.

Just an aside - The Salvation Army is actually a denomination - it's along the Methodist lines, but is its own denominational entity. It was actually the church I attended growing up, and I have family who are "officers" (Pastors). Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the Salvation Army decided to allow their public image to go more secular to the point where very few people recognize that it is actually a church (one of the reasons I no longer attend - to me a church should be public about their commitment to the Lord).

fgh

very few people recognize that it is actually a church

Wow! I can't imagine anyone in Sweden not knowing that. Well, Muslims and recent immigrants may not know, I guess, but the average person certainly would. They probably wouldn't have much of a clue about their theology, and the younger ones might be a bit dim on whether they're a separate church or a group within another church, but I have a hard time imagining anyone would believe they're secular. In fact, when secular Swedes are asked what Christian group they like best, I believe the answer tend to be the Salvation Army.

I've actually wondered at times why I never hear about them in America. I guess I just got the answer.

JT (alabama24)

I agree that there is a bigger problem here than tithing. Surely, there is some church within driving distance where your friend can feel comfortable. Jesus said something about leaving your gift at the altar and first being reconciled to you brother.

Might I suggest a resource? The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande, is excellent.

Jack Caviness

Short of attending a church, how or where would you direct them to allocate their tithe?

Having just completed a six-month search for a new Church home, I can emphasize with your friends. However, as others have said, their main problem is not where to send their tithe, but where to attend. When that get that right, the other will fall into place.

Matthew C Jones

Short of attending a church, how or where would you direct them to allocate their tithe?

The Bible says to bring the tithe in. Would that not necessitate attending church?

mm

totally off-topic: My first reading of your signature line was mm = "Merry Meet" rather than "MilkMan. It threw me for a moment since it is a Wiccan greeting. [:O]

Ken McGuire

A few years ago on a mission trip, of all places, a team member told me they no longer attended a church. I asked him, "How long have you been living in sin?"

[Y][Y]

I am just finishing my near annual re-read of _The Hammer of God_ and this reminds me of a scene between a young pastor and a good friend...

"I thought I noticed in church today that you dared to brand my way of following my conscience as sin. I am not angry with you for that. But I thought it was too bad that you would have such a hard time to understand a different point of view."

"My own point of view I would leave at any time if only we could remain friends, Gunnar. But Christ's point of view I can never leave. In the final account, this is not a matter of points of view, but it concerns our eternal salvation!"

"And so you have today bound me to eternal damnation!"

"No, Gunnar, to eternal salvation so that you might not forget that it exists. I will follow you from this day on till you cannot endure any day longer of being bound in sin, as you now have been for several months."

Someday I will get the vyrso edition in addition to my dead tree edition that is getting a bit dog-eared...

SDG

Ken McGuire

George Somsel

Recently a friend of ours asked this question to which I couldn't give a complete answer. He and his wife were faithful attenders of a local church but left because of a bad experience - nothing immoral etc., just a bad experience. They haven't been back to a church for many years, but are now sensing the Lord's "conviction" to start tithing. Short of attending a church, how or where would you direct them to allocate their tithe?

mm

I'd be willing to accept it. [8-|] Seriously, they should find another church. That shouldn't be a problem. There's a church every ½ mile. Try before you buy.

Rick

Some congregations are only a few people who meet at someone's home for study. If this is the case, I would suggest using the money in some way to help the needy and feed the poor. Helping someone pay their electric or hospital bill is a huge relief. You can even do anonymously.

Where I live, you don't have to look far to find a needy person.

fgh

my near annual re-read of _The Hammer of God_

[Y][Y][Y]

Go recommend that in the other thread where someone wondered what he should read in preparation for theological studies. I thought about it, but it would be better coming from you.

George Somsel

Where I live, you don't have to look far to find a needy person.

After the past four years they're everywhere. You can expect more in the coming four years. [:(]

BillS

Some congregations are only a few people who meet at someone's home for study.

Though I'm a pastor of a denominational / traditional church, I agree with Rick. I think our Lord's definition of church body extends to any 2 or 3 gathered in His name to study & worship. I also trust He'll lead each group to find a place in His mission, to which a tithe would naturally be of benefit.

That said, I also agree with the excellent advice above that your friends' 1st priority should be becoming members of a Christian fellowship / body (members in God's eyes, not merely obtaining a certificate of membership). At that point, they'll find the answer to their question about a tithe.

Lastly, to turn this thread toward the purpose of these forums (since after all we're Logos' guests), there are many (even in these forums) who would be greatly blessed (& would in turn bless others) from a gift of a Logos package suitable for pastoral work.

Milkman

Thanks for all the great advice - I know how I should respond.
Super Tramp? As you mentioned before in a thread a while ago that I replied to or started. Just to reiterate: the mm DOES NOT MEAN merry meet as we discussed. mm is for milkman.... other than that thanks for your advice as well.

aka milkman

George Somsel

the mm DOES NOT MEAN merry meet as we discussed. mm is for milkman....

And I thought it stood for "Merry Mead" indicating that you were a Miss Marple fan. [;)]

CORRECTION: That should have been "Mary Mead."

Pedro

Thanks for all the great advice - I know how I should respond.

I would suggest for them to save their tithe until they find a church; and finding a church should be their first priority.

EDIT: Adding a quote from A.W. Pink "Tithing"

In the first place I would suggest this. Form the habit of taking out one-tenth from all
the money that you receive either as wages or gifts. Subtract one-tenth and put it into a
separate bag, or box, or purse. That is what it means when it says in 1 Corinthians 16, "laying
by in store." And that box or purse is the Lord's, not yours. It is holy unto Him. Form the
habit of taking out a tenth from all you receive, putting it into a separate compartment be-
longing to the Lord.

In the second place, get a small book, a cheap notebook, and on one page put down all
your receipts (it will not take some of you very long-one entry, I suppose, at the end of the
week) and on the other page put down the disbursement of God's "tithe."

And then in the third place make it a matter of definite prayer to God to guide you in
the disbursement as to where He would have you use the money that belongs to Him. It is
not yours; it is His; for remember you have not even begun to give at all until you have first
paid your tithe. Giving comes in afterwards. The tithe is the Lord's. That is His. That is not
yours to give at all; that belongs to the Creator. You have not begun to give until you have
done your tithing.

Bohuslav Wojnar

There's a church every ½ mile.

Certainly not our situation here in Czech Rep. [:(]

George Somsel

There's a church every ½ mile.

Certainly not our situation here in Czech Rep.

Well, that means you have work to do. Call it "job security." [:D]

Bohuslav Wojnar

There's a church every ½ mile.

Certainly not our situation here in Czech Rep.

Well, that means you have work to do. Call it "job security."

I like your optimism George. [Y]

Dan Francis

I am well aware that the Salvation Army is a denomination. And I do agree finding a Church home is important, I am just trying to point to a Christian organization that does much good work, and yes they do not trumpet their faith but it's not exactly a secret either. And though they might not always seeming anouce their faith they do more good for the poor and down trodden than many groups ever do… Show me you faith without works… I will show you my with through my works. To paraphrase James.

-Dan

Tes

First and formost God cares about your life.Pray to God to show you the right place for you. We humanbings have a lot of difinitions about many things ,because we are used to it. My suggestion is ,if you pray to the Lord he will give you the exact answer which fits for you, otherewise it will be endless......

May the Lord guide you and lead you His way.

John

It is good that your friend feels convicted to do more. There are many charities that will be happy to accept donations.

But I might be tempted to dig a little bit deeper into your friends heart, and find out what is behind this desire. As others have already posted, maybe this really arises out of feeling a deeper need for fellowship with God and others.

Even a quick survey of the New Testament will reveal that tithing is not a New Testament doctrine, so I suspect your friend has been taught unbiblical doctrines by a tithe-collecting church in the past. Malachai 3 is one of the most abused portions of scripture in the entire Bible.

Jesus typically demanded 100% obedience from his disciples. Those who are satisfied giving 10% and feel religiously justified afterwards might just be fooling themselves. It always amazes me how those who proudly proclaim they are not under the law suddenly jump right back under it when it comes to the issue of tithing.

Reconciliation with God is the ultimate message of the New Testament, and that comes through accepting the message of the cross, not by giving money.

Alex Scott

tithing is not a New Testament doctrine

I just knew someone was going to go down that path. Tithing has nothing to do with doctrine or law or whatever. It is an act of worship. Abraham gave a tenth as an act of worship to his God. If anyone wants to worship another god, be it their money, their possessions or themselves, let them spend their money there.

And while I'm ranting, the tithe is for the work of the ministry in the church. Charitable giving is not tithing, although it is certainly commendable and right to do so.

George Somsel

tithing is not a New Testament doctrine

I just knew someone was going to go down that path. Tithing has nothing to do with doctrine or law or whatever. It is an act of worship. Abraham gave a tenth as an act of worship to his God. If anyone wants to worship another god, be it their money, their possessions or themselves, let them spend their money there.

And while I'm ranting, the tithe is for the work of the ministry in the church. Charitable giving is not tithing, although it is certainly commendable and right to do so.

There are a number of things which have been elevated almost to the point of being considered Christian "Law." Tithing is one. In Acts it is interesting to note that some consider the early church to have been socialistic, but the passage

　"Ananias," Peter asked, "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? ⁴While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!"

Ac 5.3-4

indicates that it was not because he had not given everything to the church but that he had lied regarding it. Similarly, we are nowhere told that we must attend church services regularly, or every Sunday. What we are told is to not forsake the assembly of ourselves—perhaps they might want to get together and go bowling rather than lean their elbows on the nearest bar with those who do not share Christian convictions. Ignatius contrasts Sabbath observance with the Christian feast

9. If, then, those who had lived in antiquated practices came to newness of hope, no longer keeping the Sabbath but living in accordance with the Lord’s day, on which our life also arose through him and his death (which some deny), the mystery through which we came to believe, and because of which we patiently endure, in order that we might be found to be disciples of Jesus Christ, our only teacher,

Ignatius, To the Magnesians 9.1

I suspect that much of Hebrews is concerned with that very contrast

4　For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works." ⁵And again in this place it says, "They shall not enter my rest." ⁶Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, ⁷again he sets a certain day—"today"—saying through David much later, in the words already quoted,

^{8　
Heb 4.4-11
He also speaks of a new covenant in contrast to the old covenant where Sabbath keeping was enjoined and contrasts law with grace.
Nevertheless, the Church has continually been bedeviled by a tendency to slip into legalism.}For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. ⁹So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; ¹⁰for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. ¹¹Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.

Matthew C Jones

Tithing has nothing to do with doctrine or law

So very true. Tithing and Sabbath both preceeded the Law. That is why I am perplexed when my IFB church teaches the tithe but not the Sabbath. [:^)]

I have heard it taught that there were three types of giving in the Old Testament times and to be "righteous" you would be expected to practice all three:

10% tithe, to support the temple (belongs to God Malachi 3:8)
10% offering to God (gratitude)
10% alms giving to the poor and lame (good works)

(source: Dallas Theological Seminary)

DMB

Well, looks like we have another 'keeper' (George's previous nugget was 'the modern gnostics'). Some day when he reaches 40, he should publish a PB for us.

I've always been impressed the NT discussed giving to the poor and traveling teachers (traveling prophets apparently added by Didache). Then there's that 'double honor' which obvious can NOT be skipping your share twice of the meeting costs. Uh huh. No, no, no.

The early Acts discussion of shared wealth you'd think had properly died until it also popped back up in Didache.

But no problem. After we got the super-size BBQ, full-size sheep falling off the grill was no longer a problem.

David Paul

Tithing has nothing to do with doctrine or law or whatever. It is an act of worship. Abraham gave a tenth as an act of worship to his God.

Well, for that matter, keeping the law is an act of worship. Was always intended as such and never intended to be anything but.

Tithing is always on animals and plants...i.e. foodstuffs. Never anything else...except for Abraham's tithe.

Abraham tithed on spoils of war...not his own personal increase taken from the ground. Regardless of what Hebrews says about what Abraham did, it didn't correlate to what tithing as a practice was instituted for. When a person tithes, he ends up with 90% in his hands. What did Abraham have after tithing? Nada. He was absolutely empty-handed.* In fact, according to Tohraah in Num. 31:25-54, the division of war booty does not follow the pattern of tithing. It is a whole different animal.

*But not exactly empty-handed...which is why YHWH shows up (ignore the chapter division between 14 & 15) and says "I am your exceeding great reward".

Tithing is for the priesthood. 1 Pet. 2:9 If you are a priest, you can use it how you see fit...but, of course, you will be judged according to how you use it. Misusing it will get you killed like Eli's sons.

David Paul

Tithing has nothing to do with doctrine or law

So very true. Tithing and Sabbath both preceeded the Law. That is why I am perplexed when my IFB church teaches the tithe but not the Sabbath.

I have heard it taught that there were three types of giving in the Old Testament times and to be "righteous" you would be expected to practice all three:

10% tithe, to support the temple (belongs to God Malachi 3:8)

10% offering to God (gratitude)

10% alms giving to the poor and lame (good works)

(source: Dallas Theological Seminary)

Trying to solve the tithing puzzle in Scripture is like trying to solve a Gordian Knot. I once belonged to a church that taught 3 tithes...not exactly in the breakdown you mention, but close. The problem is that it isn't exactly clear if 3 distinct tithes are mentioned, or if one tenth is used for a variety of purposes--it just isn't very clear. Of course, since 3 is better than 1, it isn't surprising that some are confident that 3 tithes are intended.

Re: Sabbath vs. Tithing...perhaps you should consider a new church? [:D]

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