Tithes and Firstfruits: Applicable Today or Simply Old Testament

(Please read ALL of this and do not stop partially through it or you will miss the whole point. First half is a short story. Second is Scripture Lesson.)

A story I heard that convicted my own heart: A visiting evangelist spoke at a church concerning the importance of tithes and offerings for both the church and all our neighbors. After the service was over, a young couple approached him and pleaded their case for not giving tithes or offerings -they never had enough money. (Sound familiar?)

The evangelist gave a challenge (backed by a promise) to the young couple, "For the next year, give tithe faithfully, and if you ever find yourself short, I will personally give you the difference."

After the year had ended, the couple contacted the evangelist with the most impressive news, "We can't believe it, but we gave faithfully every month, and somehow we always had enough after!"

The evangelist was not surprised by the news and said to the couple, "I am glad for you both. But... I must ask you this, How come you were able to give faithfully with my promise to back you up, but not God?"

*Today, I have heard arguments from various opinions on the subject of tithes, and I have read and studied both Old and New Testament scriptures, and prayed, and I am resolved to this: You cannot have the New Testament without the Old.

God's Laws and Statutes are not void anymore than His famous Ten Commandments, which are the foundation of all of these and the teachings of Christ. There are many differences now than then (ex. We do not sacrifice anymore). However, it is critical that we remember them and their purpose. THAT understanding DOES apply to us today. (Consider WHY God commanded the sacrifice to begin with.)

It is the same with tithes and offerings and firstfruits. We may not be required under technical law to obey these as the Israelite's were in the Old Testament, but if you read and study these passages, you will realize the meaning behind them:

* Take care of your ministering church, support the leaders so that they are better able to minister to the body by not having to work in regular jobs (which can prevent their ability to be there).
* Consider the financial needs to pay bills, to buy teaching supplies, etc.
* Consider the need to support the ministries within the church -food pantry, clothing, helping the elderly and the homeless, etc.
* If we withhold from others, the Lord will withhold from us. (I know this from both Scriptures and personal experience.)
* Above all else:
*****Giving of our firstfruits/tithes declares to the Lord that we trust Him as our Provider. We give to Him when we give to our church (and to others). We are saying, "Lord, I don't see how I will have enough to pay all of my bills, and I know you honor a good steward. But I recognize that a sign of a good steward is to remember that the running of his master's house must come before his own. And You are a good Master. I know You will bless my desire to honor You. I trust You with my finances. I will be faithful to You, as I know You have always been faithful to take care of me."

I encourage you all to read and carefully study the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. Study other Scripture and New Testament teachings. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in understanding God's PURPOSE in His Law's and Statutes. When we understand His purpose, we understand WHY He issued them, and how they apply today.

Just another small example: There are a lot of Laws about washing hands, cleansing ourselves and remaining secluded for a time after being in contact with a dead body, and even to bury excrement, etc. In the Old Testament, these were ritual laws. Today, we know that these are good sanitation.

....So why did God issue a tithe, and how does that apply to today?

*References: The Bible; particularly Ex, Lev, Deut, Judges, 1 & 2 Sam, 1 & 2 Chron, 1 & 2 Kings, Malachi, Matt, John, Acts, 1 & 2 Cor, Gal, James, and Hebrews
Also, multiple external resources regarding history, culture, world powers, etc. of Biblical times.

I encourage you to test my thoughts to the Word of God, as we should ALL be doing to every teaching. It has nothing to do whether or not you trust the person speaking, but you need to know for yourself what God's Word is and not just what someone tells you it is.