Christian Tithing Defined

The Imperative to Define the Practice Why is there a need to define Christian tithing? The practice of tithing is met with a wide range of responses – both within and without the Christian community – from skepticism as to its real, intended use and potential for abuse; to the claim that it is an Old Testament mandate that is not for today/not of the New Covenant; to the believer’s heart-felt and Spirit-led commitment to the practice in obedience to the Word of God. . A Sacrament for Today Because tithing is for today, and because it is not only to be practiced in obedience, but to be understood and embraced as a sacrament that is a theologically valid act of faith, there is a need to provide those who tithe out of love and obedience to God, with a definition of the practice of Christian tithing that fortifies their commitment, and soundly responds to those who criticize or doubt its place, intention, or theological and spiritual validity. The absence of such a definition is a doorway for cynicism to enter in – traditional responses, though well-meaning, may not equip the body of Christ to confidently wield the sword of truth in response to critics and gainsayers; and in response to the whispers of an enemy who would have us believe that while tithing may be a charitable, noble thing to do, systematically ‘investing in the kingdom’ out of obedience to the Word of God is not necessarily a prudent financial decision in the current economic climate. (This bit of pragmatism has an immediate, natural appeal - but the truth is that obedience in the tithe yields both natural and spiritual dividends). This teaching furthers the awareness of God’s plan for reconciling us to Himself through consecration in an area that is often thought to be outside the realm of spirituality. Moving from Milk to Meat There is valid scriptural support for the promise of all aspects of prosperity as the result of obedience to the word of God. The body of Christ is aware that God specifically addressed the material aspect and benefit of tithing in Malachi. However, because the process of reconciliation is ongoing - God continually draws us closer and closer to Himself, He continues to send revelation knowledge into the earth-realm about the promise of blessing that result from obedience to this aspect of His word. This teaching, Tithing to Grow in Christ – is a continued outpouring of revelation knowledge, not simply about the material benefit of tithing, but of the:  Understanding that tithing is a sacrament – Holy unto God  Spiritual benefit inherent in obedience to, and practice of consecration through giving  Tithing as a sacrament through which we grow spiritually, and are further reconciled to our Heavenly Father. God’s pattern is often one of meeting basic physical/material needs, and then ministering to the spirit – with a goal of ongoing spiritual maturity, and continual reconciliation of mankind to Himself. Similarly, Jesus often met and ministered to material and physical needs, before He ministered to the spirit. These two outcomes of meeting material needs, and ministering to the spirit – with a goal of reconciling us to Himself, comprise the blessing of obedience in Christian tithing. This pattern of moving us along the continuum of spiritual maturity has been consistent throughout time. The Old and New Covenants – first the Law and then God’s grace, demonstrate God’s pattern of fostering our spiritual maturity – from meat to milk; from do not kill to love your enemies and bless them that curse you; from Old Covenant rules and rituals to New Covenant transformation through Christ that leads us to give freely and generously in support of Gods’ redemptive plan for mankind. Standing Firm under Siege Because we are not under Old Covenant law but New Covenant grace, and because, Omni-consistent God that He is, He has written His word on our hearts, and calls us to an increasingly more mature and complex relationship with Him, the message of Christian Tithing Defined is a timely revelation to the body of Christ. It is timely, not only because it informs us of tithing, practiced as a Holy Sacrament that fosters our growth in this very same benevolent, New Covenant grace; and not only because our best response to God’s ongoing expectation that we continue to grow and mature in our relationship with Him is that we apply ourselves to the task. It is timely because this present time is one of increased spiritual warfare, secular skepticism and beyond that, denial - of the validity and necessity of a relationship with God; of moral codes based on the Holy Scriptures that are the foundation and bulwark of stable societies; and of the veracity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the face of such moral and spiritual polarity believers must be, not only prepared to stand fast, but equipped with the knowledge of ‘why we do what we do’ in order to:  Remain confident in our commitment (the light of understanding is an extreme confidence builder)  Be prepared to bear witness of God’s grace and the benefits of obedience in the life of faith (of which tithing is a part), when ‘witnessing opportunities’ present themselves ‘Witnessing opportunities’ are sure to come because the present, end time climate is one of spiritual and moral siege. Those who walk in God’s grace, who can be recognized by fruits of the Spirit, wrought in us through obedience to the Word, and, as made clear in this teaching, through Christian Tithing exercised as a Sacrament, will be seen to have blessings, peace and spiritual and financial vitality – that are a light unto the world, an answer for both the saved and the lost, and an opportunity to share the Good News, and give God the glory. By Bernnine Speller Chief Executive Officer Christian Education Foundations, USA