SHARE Magazine January 2015 | Page 16

New Testamen Tith C is it C hristians often asked the question; should I tithe? The answer is NO! Reason? We can see no basis in the bible for the prevailing view and teaching on tithing as presented in Churches today. Many things changed with the coming of Jesus Christ. One main thing being the laying of the foundations of the ‘Church’ and the choosing and training of Apostles/ builders to begin its building. Another is that Jesus insisted that mere outward adherence be replaced with inward transformation. While under the Old Covenant tithing was required we can find no such requirement for the New Testament church. GIVING NOT TITHING The new way is giving not tithing. Cheerful giving from a willing heart has replaced dutiful tithing. Nowhere will you find Jesus, who is the foundation of the church, teaching or insisting on tithing although He did have a lot to say about giving. Nowhere will you find the Apostles, the builders of the church, teaching or insisting on tithing. However, they did have a lot to say about giving - but did not insist on people giving to them! If we were to list and briefly expound the many scriptures that command and teach giving the pages of this magazine would not be enough to hold it. HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8 (NIV)) I will open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that you will not have room enough to receive 16 | SHARE|MAGAZINE January - March 2015 “If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap.” (Luke 6:38) “Sell what you have and give the money to