We view giving as a deeply important value. We are committed to the biblical principle of giving of ourselves and of our finances as an extension of our worship to God. We believe that generosity matters, and that it not only impacts our lives, our families, and our church, but also supports the mission of the body of Christ in our community and around the world. We look forward to using the blessings God has given each of us to bless others!
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT TITHING:
MONEY…Few topics cause more anxiety, stress and discomfort. And yet the Bible is full of references to money and giving. As a matter of fact, there are more promises in the Bible connected with giving than any other subject! Clearly, money is a powerful force in our lives and needs to be under God's control. As Christians (those who have made a lifetime commitment to follow Jesus Christ) the cornerstone of our financial discipleship is understanding the tithe.
What is the tithe?
The word tithe means 10% or a tenth in the Bible. God tells us to give Him the first 10% of all that we earn.
Giving less than 10% cannot be considered tithing.
What is an offering?
An offering is any amount of money or resource that we give above and beyond the 10% tithe. This could include gifts for special projects, building funds, missionaries, charities, etc. Tithing is the beginning standard for giving in the kingdom. As God prospers you, you will want to give offerings in addition to your basic tithe.
WHY SHOULD WE TITHE?
God asks us to
"Blessed be God Most High".. and Abram gave Him a tenth of everything” - Genesis 14:20
"A tithe of everything belongs to the Lord; it is holy." - Leviticus 27:30
Jesus said, "Yes you should tithe, and you shouldn't leave the more important things undone either." - Matthew 23:23 (TLB)
These verses illustrate 2 important points:
1) Tithing is a principle of faith that was set into place by Abraham.
2) Tithing is a way of life endorsed by Jesus Christ.
Tithing shows that we love God and that He is first in our lives
“…the purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your life." - Deuteronomy 14:23(TLB)
Jesus said, "Do not store up treasure for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where your treasure is, that's where your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21
None of us can deny that money plays an important part in our lives. Where we put our money demonstrates our true affections and priorities.
Tithing reminds us that everything we have was given to us by God
"Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth," - Deuteronomy 8:18
It is humbling to admit that even our ability to work and earn is a gift from God. Instead of thinking, "I'm giving 10% of my money to God" we should realize that God is letting us keep 90% of His money. God owns everything!
Refusing to tithe is keeping for ourselves what belongs to God
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings... Bring the whole tithe to the storehouse." - Malachi3:8-10
As Christians, if we don't tithe we are using money that rightfully belongs to God.
Tithing gives God a chance to bless us
"Bring the whole tithe...Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty," and see if l will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and, the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," - Malachi 3:10-11
God not only promises to bless us as with more we tithe, but He also promises to protect what we already have! Part of God's blessing is learning to be content with what we have.
Tithing is an essential part of spiritual growth
"Just as you excel in everything in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us see that you also excel in this grace of giving. l am commending you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love..." - 2Cor. 8:7-8
Some Christians hinder their own spiritual growth because they don't live according to God's principles in the area of money.
Tithing breaks the stronghold of "the love of money" in our lives
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, men of God, flee from all of this.." - 1 Timothy 6:10
Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." - Luke 16:13
As Christians, our highest calling is to love and worship Jesus Christ with all that we have and all that we are. Faithfully bringing our tithe is a significant and tangible expression of our worship.
Note: For further study, see Jack Hayford's book, The Key to Everything or The Blessed Life by Robert Morris.
ISN'T TITHING AN OLD TESTAMENT JEWISH LAW
THAT WE CAN IGNORE?
No. That's an old excuse with no biblical basis. First, God established the principle of tithing with Abraham more than 400 years before He gave the law to Moses. Tithing was a voluntary act practiced as a regular part of worship long before the Jewish nation or the Law even existed. Second, Jesus himself commended tithing in the New Testament (Luke 11:42). Tithing is not to be placed above the importance of justice and mercy but it is clearly part of a godly life.
BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO TITHE…
On the contrary, you can't afford not to tithe! Hanging on to what we have for fear of not having enough is what is called the spirit of poverty. The spirit of poverty broken in our lives when we step out in faith and obedience in our giving. In 1 Kings 17:7-24, God poured out his abundant provision to the widow of Zerephath when she gave her last portion to Elijah. The starting point for getting our finances in order is always by being faithful to tithe.
WHERE SHOULD I GIVE MY TITHE?
The Bible is very clear that God expects us to gíve our tithes at the place where we worship, the local church. In the Old Testament, they brought their tithes to the temple. In the New Testament, the tithe was given at the synagogue or church. You may choose to support other worthy ministries with additional offerings, but only gifts given as an act of worship at the local church are considered tithes.