Basic Questions about Tithing and Giving
“How are my gifts used?”
Your tithes and offerings go to support the ongoing ministries of Pine Eden Baptist Church and missionaries around the world.
“Who determines how the receipts are spent and accounted for?”
Each year our Finance Team recommends an annual budget to the church and the members present at that meeting affirm that proposed budget by congregational vote.
“What is tithing?”
Tithing is mentioned thirty-nine times in the Bible, and in each case it means “a tenth part.” In Genesis 14, the Bible says that Abraham “tithed to the Lord.” The New Testament explanation of that event, Hebrews 7:2-4 says that it was a tenth. Numbers 18:26 speaks of the Levites “tithing off of the tithe” by giving ten percent to the Lord from their income.
“Do the New Testament and Jesus teach tithing?”
People often mistake the New Testament truth that since “everything” belongs to God, tithing is obsolete and merely an Old Testament law. It is true that everything belongs to God, but Jesus clearly taught that He came not to abolish the Old Testament laws but to fulfill them. If anything, living under His grace should cause us to go beyond the law, which Jesus plainly taught when He communicated the principle of the extra mile. Also, the Apostle Paul taught, in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 the concepts of proportional giving, which would most certainly be no less than the minimum tithe.
“What if I go broke by giving a minimum of a tithe to God?”
In God’s economy, the Bible teaches that the more a person sows, the more they reap (Gal. 6:7). Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you, “ (Luke 6:38). Paul discussed giving to ministry in Philippians and concluded his discussion by saying, “And my God shall meet all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Certainly, many prosperity teachers have distorted the sowing/reaping principle—but none-the-less it remains a scriptural truth when practiced and understood correctly. In Malachi 3, God instructs His people to bring their tithe to His storehouse in order to prove His generosity, as He blesses them in return.
“Where should I give my tithe?”
In the Old Testament, the tithes and offerings were brought to the place of worship, which today is the local church. This practice continued into the New Testament and beyond. The most definitive verse in the matter is Malachi 3:10 that instructs us to “bring the tithe into the storehouse.” The storehouse represents God’s designated place of (corporate) worship; the place where His people are spiritually fed and nurtured. This would suggest the local church. The Apostle Paul argued that financial giving to the local church enabled the support of the pastors/elders/overseers for the work of ministry.
“Does the Bible discuss finances and giving frequently?”
Yes. In fact, it is one of the most discussed matters in all of scripture. Why? Perhaps, because nothing tends to demonstrate a person’s devotion and priorities like the way they steward their finances and resources. That’s why Jesus said, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
“Are there other scripture passages that will assist me in obeying God through giving?”
Yes. Here’s a partial list of additional Bible passages related to giving. Psalm 96:8-9; Deuteronomy 16:16-17; Leviticus 27:30; Luke 8:1-3; Philipians 4:15-18; Luke 6:38; Luke 12:15; 2 Corinthians 8-9
“What are the benefits of tithing?”
Tithing builds character by developing our trust in God. Tithing shows that our priority is God’s purposes and not our own. Tithing makes a difference in the lives of others and pleases God.
