Godly Giving V
More Common Giving Questions
Intro
Let's continue to consider Godly Giving by looking at several more common questions. Remember, how you choose to answer will help determine how you will obey.
Where should the tithe go?
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There are two possible answers to this question. Both have their supporters and claim support from God's Word. First is the position that you can choose to divide the tithe so as to give both inside and outside the church. The second teaches that the tithe should go into the church where you worship. I'll share with you what I believe God's Word says. However, you need to see what He says to you.
I believe you are to place your tithe into the church in which you worship-the whole tithe. In Malachi 3:8-11 you are told that God wants you to direct your entire tithe into the storehouse. So, I believe it's necessary to evaluate your New Testament church in light of the Old Testament storehouse.
According to the Bible and many Bible historians, the Old Testament storehouse (the Temple and local Synagogues) had four functions.
* First, it was used to feed the tribe of Levi and the priests of Aaron. This would seem to be the equivalent of your church pastors and staffs today.
* Second, the storehouse was used to feed the prophets. Today this would probably include the missionaries and evangelists sent out by your local church.
* Next, the storehouse was to feed the Hebrew widows and orphans living within the city. This would seem to be the equivalent of the widows, orphans and invalids in your local church.
* Finally, the storehouse was to feed the Gentile widows and orphans living in and around the Hebrew city. Today this would equate to the unsaved people that live in the vicinity of your church.
Now here is the kicker: Many American churches serve this fourfold function of the Old Testament storehouse, and others do not. Therefore, your decision to direct our entire tithe into your local church must be based on your church's obedience to God's Word. If your church does not accept the responsibility of being the storehouse, then I believe you must ensure that the fourfold function is accomplished through other means.
To put it another way, God's plan is for your "home" church to administer the tithe to meet the needs of the Body and others as well. Unfortunately, not all churches adhere to this plan. I believe the Bible says you should place all the tithes in your home church if that church observes God's plan, both teaching His Word and properly administering His wealth.
What should you do if you feel you can't trust your church to handle money according to God's plan? Or, what happens if you see waste and no longer feel comfortable giving into your home church?
* First, check your motives! Why don't you trust your church in this area? Is it because you don't agree with church spending decisions? You may disagree but disagreement is not a reason to withhold support from your church. As far as I can see in God's Word, the only valid reason for not financially supporting your church is that you find it deceitful, dishonest, or in some other way unbiblical.
* If you believe you see any of these unbiblical situations, I suggest you humbly have a talk with your pastor. Present your concerns. Ask how your church administers the tithe. Then LISTEN! Don't argue!
* If you're uncomfortable with what you hear, ask more questions about how your church interprets and applies God's word in this area. Do not attack your pastor or anyone else. Be part of the solution, not the problem.
* If you find either a closed attitude in this area, or that your church ignores these "storehouse" responsibilities, then it's time to prayerfully vote your conviction. Either stay around and be a positive change element, or find another church. Remember, God's Word requires you to support those who teach you. This means you should support our local church (Gal. 6:6). If you find you don't have a prayerful, humble, and educated peace about giving, you're probably in the wrong church
In closing
I believe the Bible says you are to bring your tithe into the storehouse. I believe the storehouse is the local congregation that ministers to you and your family. If you don't have a local church, look for a Bible-believing church with Spirit-filled ministers and teachers.
These are my personal convictions. What are yours? Don't do as I do. Do as God tells you in His Word to do. Search the scriptures. Pray. Seek advise from your spouse, your pastor and other Godly friends. Then prayerfully decide on a plan of action. Remember, you are free to choose but you will stand accountable to God for the choice you make.
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Bob Louder is the Founder and President of Christian Financial Ministries (www.good-steward.org). Bob is also the author of the new best selling book, "Debt Free Living God's Way," available only on the Internet (www.debtfreelivinggodsway.org). Since 1987 Bob has helped people in hundreds of churches all across the country and in the European military community learn, understand, apply and pass on "Debt Free Living God's Way" principles and practical applications. He has represented some of the top Christian financial authors and ministries to include Larry Burkett, Dave Ramsey, Christian Financial Concepts, and Crown Ministries.
Copyright 2006 Christian Financial Ministries, Inc., All Rights Reserved. You may reprint this "Special Report" in whole or in part without permission from Christian Financial Ministries, Inc. Please credit material used to Christian Financial Ministries, Inc.
