The next tradition that we would like to examine in our series is the teaching of the Christian tithe. When we challenge this teaching, we are sure to raise some eyebrows, …….. and get in a lot of trouble in the process! When you start messing with people’s pocketbooks, you are sure to “feel the heat”. Nonetheless, we are going to take an honest look at this teaching.  

Some will find it strange to learn that the practice of tithing was foreign to the early New Testament church. It is never mentioned as a commandment or expected practice in the New Testament after the bringing in of the new covenant. Interesting enough, it was never about giving money! It’s roots among the Jews is firmly grounded in the Mosaic Law and in the Institutionalized Church, tithing was introduced and implemented long after the death of the apostles as a means of taxation by the Pagan Roman Empire to support the costs of the elaborate “Church” buildings and salaried clergy system. Even the early 6^th seal pioneers of the Church of God Reformation Movement were solidly against the teaching of systematic tithing. In reality, tithing is a new doctrine! 

For many years, we were taught the doctrine of systematic tithing to the "storehouse", i.e., the local church where we worshipped. We believed it. We practiced it. We taught it to others. And for many years we gave our tithe and offerings out of a cheerful heart. In presenting this study, it is not our intent to convince or persuade people to stop tithing. If 10% of your income is what you feel God will accept from you, then that is between you and God. Each of us must walk in the understanding that we have. However, for us, our systematic "tithing to the storehouse" days are over, as well as our membership in the Institutionalized Church.

Some may accuse us of no longer financially support the work of God. How ridiculous! How can we not but support something that our heart is in?? Supporting the work of God is what we live for and it goes far beyond 10% of our income! We can honestly say that since we have left the Institutionalized Church, we have given to the real work of God more than ever before in our entire lives! What is the real work of God? Well, it is not paying for elaborate “church buildings” or supporting the endless church building programs (all “church buildings” will some day melt with fervent heat), paying church bills and salarying the clergy! Rather, it is about demonstrating God’s agape love by feeding the hungry, satisfying the thirsty, taking in the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned (Matt 25:35-36).  Helping people who cannot help themselves. This applies both physically and spiritually. 

The articles below are provided for your consideration. Bro Joe Coons has written the article titled “I Give You… Tithing”. It is not intended to be a comprehensive study on the issue of tithing, but rather it is a quick look at particular passages that deal with Old Testament tithing versus New Testament Christian giving. The second article, titled “The Tithe That Binds” was written by a man named Rory Moore. We do know him nor do we endorse every statement made in this article, but we do believe that you will find this reference material to be a tremendous benefit to your personal study. The third article was written by Bro Raines from Harding Street Church of God - Chicago, IL. This brother had written some very good articles, including this one on tithing.