Jesus, the Apostles, New Testament Tithe, and Christians (no, they are not kidding; originally posted September 2011)...

Easy to understand, easy to apply.

INTRODUCTION:

So what has been accomplished thus far? Well, other than ignoring almost all scripture (by necessity, and in deference to NTCC’s most used/useful/profitable doctrinal method) that should support (if it existed) the mandatory Christian tither’s position, not much since few are commenting (but, many are reading, the “hit counter” is way up).

Have I yet disproved the doctrine of “Mandatory Christian Tithe?” If not, why not? Or, am I just wrong because NTCC's business model needs me to be wrong?

It is essential to understand the basic difference between the Old and New Covenants. Law and grace are opposing principles. Not to grasp this distinction is to mix and confuse the law with grace, with damaging spiritual consequences. Christians are not under the OT law or its economy. The Church is not the nation of Israel.

The OT tithe is not for Christians today. The Law was a temporary system until the coming of Christ. The new covenant fulfills the old covenant with a higher law. To enforce compulsory tithing on the Christian creates a false synthesis of law and grace. It is the error of the legalist (NTCC).

The purpose of these articles is not to be contentious, but rather to follow the example of the Berean Jews. Rather than be concerned with finance only, we should focus on the truth of Scripture and the will of God, trusting that our heavenly Father knows our needs. Like the Berean Christians, we should search the Scriptures daily to discover/discern God's message for our lives.

Christians live under the grace of God provided in Jesus Christ, and do not live under the Mosaic Law (Romans 6:14-15; 7:4, 6; 8:3; 10:4; Galatians 2:16; 3:23-25). If one chooses to place oneself under the works of the law, like tithing, one places oneself under a curse because we cannot keep the law of Moses (Galatians 3:10-14). Here is the dilemma: Observe part of the law and you are obliged to keep all of the law; enforce part of the old covenant and you must enforce all of it (Galatians 5:3).

I have examined the OT scripture that must be ignored to teach the truth of mandatory Christian tithe.

What have I (and NTCC) ignored?

1. That tithe was the only inheritance of the Levi.

2. That it was always groceries.

3. That it was also used for feasts (in which case you would also be paying tithe to sinners).

4. That tithe was computed after offerings.

5. That tithe was computed after charity…Oh wait, I didn’t ignore this, though NTCC does.

What couldn’t I bring myself to ignore?

1. Charity.

I just couldn’t do it. Charity encapsulates all of what Christ did for me (all mankind), and is the only observable proof that the Spirit lives within me. Or that a professed Christian is one. I eventually granted (for the sake of this exercise) that tithe could go to a Church, and could be cash, but I had to stop ignoring at charity. I had to stop ignoring things from the Bible when I came to the concept of “Charity.” Charity sums up, in one word, what tithe was (err, is) all about. Again, as you all read, this was the only thing I was not able to bring myself to ignore. Mainly because it defines so well what Christ has done for humanity, and completely expresses the character of the Spirit dwelling within us. And charity is what the Bible (Old and NT) is all about. Have I stated this enough different ways to be clear?

If you choose to read the rest of the article (only 7.5 more .doc pages to go), remember…NTCC (a self-professing/self-proclaiming/self-promoting non-profit for-profit “Full Gospel” real estate Corporation) says tithe is not to be given to charity, et al. Always remember…NTCC is Pastor Davis, and time has shown Pastor Davis to be very uncharitable.

Let’s get started:

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE ACTUALLY SAY?

I know this (looking to the Bible) is mostly uncomfortable for a Corporate business Church, but let’s look at some more Bible verses.

The only verses in the New Testament that contain the word ‘tithe’ are:

Matthew 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.” (CONTEXT: Self evident…But see paragraphs 1, 4, 7 & 8)

Luke 11:42 “But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (CONTEXT: Self evident…But see paragraphs 1, 4, 7 & 8)

Luke 18:12 “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (CONTEXT: Self evident…But see paragraphs 1, 4, 7 & 8)

Hebrews 7:5-9 “And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham.” (CONTEXT: Self evident…But this chapter, and the rest of Hebrews, shows the similarities and differences between the Old and New Covenant, and the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levite priesthood; that the New is ultimately better than the Old [that the New has replaced the Old]. This is not teaching the Gentiles to tithe (or that I should mix Law with Grace); plus, it was written to the Hebrews.)

The word ‘tenth’ is also used (a synonym for tithe), but doesn’t change the premise of this article (or the Bible), so is not included.

WHAT SHOULD JESUS DO (just ask NTCC, and they'll tell ya)?

1. If someone wishes to cite Jesus’ denunciation of the Pharisees as is contained in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42; one must also keep in mind that the manner, form, and reason these religious hypocrites (Pharisees, not NTCC) tithed was because of the Old Testament Law (just as NTCC does), thus pointing the mandatory Christian tithe teacher to the pattern contained in the Old Testament. But, this still dovetails nicely with the premise of this article. Luke 18:12 just records what this Pharisee told God he did; not that God approved, or that God commanded tithing on “all I possess.” Or, that tithe is/was the 11^th Commandment.

2. Even the existence of ‘money changers’ in the temple is no proof of ‘cash’ tithe (self evident I know, but this is the poor quality of NTCC’s argument). Because it is not shared what the reason was why these people needed this service (of course, the ministry was a business in the OT also). If people brought money, instead of agricultural products, it was because of the long journey (not so they could pay a cash tithe; they had no choice in the matter), and not all money was legal tender everywhere (just as today). It would have to be converted (just as it does today), so the person could then buy whatever agricultural products their soul ‘lusted (a concept NTCC does understand)’ after to be consumed (eaten/drank—includes alcohol), and shared, during a feast in Jerusalem. All throughout the Old Testament (and New) the emphasis is on sharing (charity is not to be undone…sorry NTCC), and a public celebration/demonstration of gratitude to God.

3. Another favorite verse among the mandatory Christian tithe teachers is: For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. (ESV)">Matthew 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.” But the NT also shares: Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ">Matthew 5:19 “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Do you want to be accountable to the whole law, then why doesn’t NTCC follow the whole Law?

4. So, what about what Jesus actually ‘taught’ on mandatory Christian tithe? You know, Jesus’ pure doctrine (as contained in the NT), sans any man-made Levin (Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46). I know Jesus makes a mistake here, but bear with me (and forgive Him). As with any book (even the Bible; Old and New Testament), content is not the only consideration, context is also vital to a proper understanding. In every instance Jesus ‘taught’ on tithe, he was ‘teaching’ Jews. Interestingly, Christ’s own words on tithe tell us the Pharisees should only tithe agricultural products, yet the Pharisees tithed on all they possessed. If I want to just follow what the Bible actually says, the part Jesus said not to leave undone was only the agricultural part of their tithe. The agricultural part of the Pharisees’ tithe is all Christ endorsed. The agricultural part is the only part Jesus sanctioned. All else would have to fall under the heading of an offering, or man-made burden. The only tithe Christ is sanctioning in his NT dialogue and illustrations is still just an agricultural tithe. But even when the ‘tithe’ verses are considered, with no consideration of context, Jesus is still only approving of the agricultural part of the Pharisees tithe. Did I state this enough different ways to be clear?

5. Also, Jesus did not come to change the Law, but to fulfill it. The OT tithe Law (and every other OT Law), and the reason for tithe (and every other OT Law), has been fulfilled in Christ (if the NT is to be believed…also, see paragraph 15). Every OT reason for tithe (Temple, Levite, High Priest, inheritance, et al) has been fulfilled in Christ (see paragraph 15). Just as every part of the OT Law that God wanted carried over into the New is contained in Acts 15 (see paragraphs 13 & 14).

6. Maybe this is the key to understanding NTCC’s tithe doctrine (it all makes sense now)…Any time the word ‘tithe’ appears in the Bible, this is proof that “All Christians pay tithe, and give offerings (cash, only please), and is not to be given to charity...” Additionally, the mandatory Christian tithers tell us that anytime the New Testament relates an instance where offerings were gathered for poor/destitute/persecuted Christians in other parts of the realm, this is proof of tithe also.

7. In Luke 18:12-14—between the tither who "fasted twice a week and give tithes of all that I possess" and the publican, a sinner—we see it was the sinner who "went to his house justified," and not the tither, who was blessed. So much for tithers being blessed because they tithe.

8. It could be pointed out at this time that Jesus condemned the Pharisee who tithed even the smallest of seeds, but neglected the other parts of the law dealing with proper judgment and the love of God. "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faith." (Luke 11:42, Matthew 23:23) As we have all personally observed, and as has been repeatedly demonstrated online, NTCC is sorely lacking in justice, mercy, and faith. Again, Christ only sanctioned the tithe of mint, anise, and cummin. Curses, Christ is on the agricultural tithe bandwagon too (but just remember, he was mistaken in this).

WHAT SHOULD “THE APOSTLE” DO (and if you don't like it, there's the door)?

“I have never missed God”—“All I do is by the Holy Ghost”—“I can’t remember the last time I sinned”—“…if you have a problem with me, you have a problem with God”—“The Executive Board votes the way I tell them to vote, if they don’t they are off the Board”

John 1:17 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." The contrast between Moses and Jesus Christ lies in the different approach to God. Obedience to the Law is inferior to acceptance of the grace and truth found in Christ. A new order has replaced the Mosaic system.

Galatians 3:24-25 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster, to bring us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. But after faith comes, we are no longer under the schoolmaster.” What could “…no longer under the schoolmaster” possibly mean? Does this verse disassociate us from the OT Law?

Romans 6:14-15 "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!" "It is not restraint, but inspiration which liberates from sin; not Mount Sinai but Mount Calvary which makes saints."

Ephesians 2:15 "by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace" The words "in his flesh" refers to the physical death of Christ, possible because He was human (Galatians 4:4); "the law" refers to the whole Jewish legal system; "the two" refers to Jew and Gentile.

NOTE: There are many other NT verses which say (or intimate) this same doctrine many different ways. See how many you can find (even in this article), and post them in the comments section.

So follow tithe law if you want, cite no ‘replacement’ program if you like, along with Church tradition, good business practice, the Body of Christ’s stinginess, the OT, et al…but, by doing this, you endanger your soul by becoming accountable to the whole law.

Romans 3:31 “Do we make the law void through faith? No, we establish the law.”

Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

9. Logically, every Pastor should work a secular job (blue collar only); since this is what Paul did. I know the Bible says the Pastor/Evangelist/Teacher/et cetera should partake of the carnal (not be carnal, as so many of the NTCC leadership model), and that Paul did this willingly, but it is still an example that can be chosen to be followed. But, if you must, partaking of the carnal can be done without the man-made legislation of mandatory Christian tithe (or being carnal after the pattern NTCC’s leadership models), without making the Church a business, and/or without making merchandise of God’s family, and neglecting the needs of your family. Yet, the mandatory Christian tither has tied their tithe doctrine to the Old Testament (by necessity, since the form, location, and purpose for tithe is not addressed in the New; so I prepared an article on OT tithe also, and posted this first).

10. Mandatory Christian tithers regularly cite Abram (the undisputed mob favorite), Jacob, and the Pharisees (and any other disparate/desperate faux pro-tithe source they can scrounge) as examples to be followed. Again, Paul worked a secular job while ministering, why is this example never followed/promoted? If you want to cite following the example of the Pharisees (as Jesus did), why not also follow the example of Paul; especially since Paul admonished us to follow him as he followed Christ (see paragraph 9 & 11 for more examples of Paul to follow)? Remember, Jesus commanded us to follow the works of Abraham, not Abram, and it is never recorded that Abraham tithed after he became Abraham.

11. An additional clear proof tithe is not mandated by the New Testament is Paul testifying of being supported by the Church in Macedonia so he could minister elsewhere. This shows Paul did not require the Church at Corinth to tithe to him (or is God now a respecter of persons). He preached freely (for free) to them. This instance in 2 Corinthians 11:3-13 shows Paul (and thus the New Testament) a proponent of support for Ministers. This passage is not a proof of mandatory Christian tithe. Especially since there is no recorded requirement for the Church at Corinth to tithe, or that the support Macedonia sent Paul (while he was ministering [or so he could minister] in Corinth) was from tithe.

12. The ‘love feasts’ referenced in Acts and the ‘daily ministrations’ referenced in I Corinthians demonstrate how a Christian’s mandatory tithe can more accurately be prosecuted in the absence of any other guidance from the New Testament. Although the New Testament doesn’t say this was a ‘tithe feast’, these feasts/ministrations closely resemble the mandatory tithe feasts of the Old Testament. Not surprising since this is what the Apostles and Company were used to up to this point; being OT Jews and all. Feasts are referenced by Christ in Luke 14 also...He even attended them. But, this article is not on the Old Testament. That one has been posted already. There is no free lunch at conference (or in Graham).

13. We see what part of the Law (what’s been carried over) the Holy Spirit requires of Christian Gentiles (what we are) in the book of Acts (the same book NTCC [and UPC] uses for their Holy Spirit Baptism doctrine)…no idols, no fornication, no strangled food, no eating blood; that’s it (tithe is not listed)...not good enough for many Christians though, and never good enough for the mandatory Christian tithe posse. Dake, in his seminal NTCC approved study Bible doesn’t list tithe as a New Testament requirement/Law (though he does say [paraphrasing]…no replacement program has ever been given for tithe as a means to support a Church business model…the same thing NTCC parrots). This (what HAS been carried over in writing) is not something that is ever stressed.

14. Based on Acts (on what is actually written), it is more accurate to say the only parts of the Old Testament that have been carried over into the New are the parts contained in Acts 15. In other words, basing what I believe (and do) on what is actually written, not on what is omitted, or what I think God forgot, or by unnecessarily discounting the mistakes Jesus made in his doctrine. This keeps any written requirement, by God, on our walk, firmly (and exclusively) in the New Testament. But, this is common legal practice anyway (then as now); any new will and ‘testament’ is only binding regarding what it contains, not on what is left out. Prior wills and ‘testaments’ are invalidated merely by the existence of a newer version. In our secular legal system, any area(s) omitted in the latest will and ‘testament’ become(s) an area to be potentially contested; just as the mandatory tithe enforcers contest what God forgot to include in His New Testament. But, the Bible is not a secular legal system, is it? Is God’s Church really a business? Of course it is.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES/THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

15. How does a Christian Biblically only give a tenth (when he is supposed to give his all—Romans 12:1); to a OT priesthood that doesn’t exist (but now he himself is part of the priesthood—I Peter 2:9); at a temple that doesn’t exist—Matthew 24:1-2 (but rather he himself is the temple wherein God dwells)? No longer do we have priests with spiritual infirmities interceding for us, but we do have Christ Jesus (if the Bible is to be believed) as our perfect intercessor and High Priest seated at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens—Hebrews 7:28-8:1). At this time in history, Israel owes no tithe to anyone, and are invariably blessed financially while not paying tithe. But, born again Gentiles (who are a new creation and the true Israel of God—Galatians 6:16) are supposed to tithe because of/after the Old Testament pattern? Then why aren’t the many other parts of the Old Testament, that haven’t been specifically cancelled in the new (like redeeming animals, et al), followed by the mandatory tithe enforcer crowd, based on this same argument?

16. Again, in the Acts 15 Jerusalem Conference I find outlined what the apostles/elders (and God) all agreed on…Which part of the Law was necessary (no idols, no fornication, no strangled food, no eating blood), or carried over from the Law, and for the newly converted Gentiles to practice, and by inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, tithing is conspicuously missing (an oversight/mistake, I am sure…Just ask NTCC, and they’ll tell ya). Regarding idols, tithe and tithing can become an idol, as can/does outward holiness, white shirts and wingtips, eating french fries with a fork only, and the leadership of an organization/cult. Additionally, I have found that many Christians who do tithe are often arrogant, judgemental, and self-righteous. Why? Because mixing grace with the Law causes arrogant self-righteousness (among many other things), which is the spirit of the Pharisee. "I thank God I am not like them. I fast twice a week and tithe even the smallest of seeds. Surely God must be pleased with me." What should my attitude be? Especially when one considers the fact that the Body of Christ is a business.

17. Many say…“If not for mandatory tithe there would not be enough income for the Church; people would not give enough if guided by their conscience.” How do they know? American charities are always solvent, regardless of the state of the economy. Historically, people will give liberally to causes they believe in, or that have personal meaning, or that they are personally involved in. I trust the Body of Christ (so does God) to do the right thing. If offerings can’t support your Church program then your overhead is too high. The ministry is a business after all, and home Church is still an option, after the pattern that is in the New Testament. If overhead is too high, the businessman’s Church Corporation must cut operating expenses as part of normal sound business practice.

18. Yet, I see the results of non-mandatory giving in the Old Testament…"Speak unto the children of Israel, that they take for Me an offering: of every man whose heart maketh him willing, ye shall take my offering, (Exodus 25:2).” In Exodus 36:7 the result of this appeal was that the people had to be restrained from bringing, "for the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.” So I am to believe the unconverted Old Testament Jew is going to show greater largess/charity than the Born Again Christian? It seems God has a long standing reason to have fiduciary confidence in humanity (prior OT works); pity NTCC doesn’t.

19. Again, the Bible says the Law is in effect (will not pass away) until all be fulfilled. But, it is only in effect for those who have not accepted Christ as Savior. I will not be judged by the Law (no Christian will). These are the only two choices…Grace or the Law. The reason both are still in effect is because between the two, God is able to righteously judge all mankind. The Law is not still in effect so the gentile Christian can be ensnared by that which the Jews don’t/can’t even follow, or so man can combine the two in any manner his caprice, and the voracious needs of his business model, dictate.

20. Why are NTCC’s ministers allowed to marry divorced women when this violates Leviticus 21:7? Remember, there is nothing in the New Testament which cancels this. Nor will following Leviticus 21:7 contradict anything written in the New.

CONCLUSION:

I know NTCC is winning, but why would any Christian (or God, based only on what He writes in His Word) want an NTCC style Corporate victory, and be so aggressively anti-charity…and why is God pleased with a victory that makes merchandise of God’s family, and completely contradicts His Holy Word?

Gregory the Unlearned