I'd like to add another wrinkle here. Is tithing a requirement for the new testament church?
Hebrews 7 seems to indicate that the tithe was part of the law and, as such, was fulfilled in Christ. Couple this with the fact that after the Gospels (for the Gospels tell the story of Jesus fulfilling the Law that those in that time period were still under), asides from the above mentioned passage, there is no mention of any command at all for the church to tithe. There are many references to the church making freewill offerings, so we are supposed to give. It seems to me that the tithe (though I do believe that God will bless people who give- whether tithing or offering) system holds many people in a system of bondage. Whereas, freewill offerings are a joy that bring no bondage at all. I'm really curious how you all feel about this. I'm really trying to "rightly divide the word". Any comments?
I am not as strong as some preachers on it, but while it was law was it not moral law as well? The ceremonial law and sacrifice was fulfilled but...
Matt 5:17 ¶Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Matt 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matt 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Jesus re-confirming tithing.
Some things are still here. It is very cool to eat a ham sandwich but it is still abomination for a woman to wear trousers or a man to wear a dress.
Regards,
Bro. Winter
