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Some “churches today are smart enough to avoid calling the corporate financing (business) by their stockholders each week - a tithe.  Some do occasionally call it a tithe, but most lean towards calling it an offering or gift.

What difference does it make what it is called?  Maybe everything.  A look at Hebrews 7:5 (en# 2.1) helps summarize the purpose of tithing.

In Numbers 18:20-32 (en# 1) we are given an explaination of the duties and responsibilities of the tribe of Levi, including tithing.

First, in Hebrews 7:5, we are told that the tribe of Levi was to take tithes of the people, according to the law.  This chapter is more about how Yahshua was Melchisedec in the time of Abraham, but it uses the purpose of tithing to help explain a change in the priesthood, from Levi to Juda.

Numbers 18 delineates the duties, purpose and obligations of the tribe of Levi.  The tribe of Levi was to be supported by the other tribes of Israel.  Remember, there are 12 tribes of Israel, of which Levi is only one.  In chapter 18, Aaron was at the time, the head of the tribe of Levi.  “I AM” or “Israel” spoke to Aaron and told him that he and his people – Levi – would not inherit any land, while all the other tribes would have an inheritance of land.  What the tribe of Levi got instead of land was the service of the tabernacle and the keeping of the Arc of the Covenant.  They were the priests.

It is important to observe that the tithes were gathered from the other tribes of Israel, not from non-Israel.

Here are 2 points to understand.

1-  The tithe was to be given to the tribe of Levi to afford them opportunity to keep and maintain the tabernacle and Arc, without having to toil the land (of which they had none).

2-  The tithe was collected from the remaining tribes of Israel.

So, as long as the tribe of Levi was serving the tabernacle and the other tribes of Israel exist to ante up, then tithing was required.
 
 

First, I have yet to hear a single priest, preacher, minister, pastor, or such claim to be of the tribe of Levi.  If one ever did make such a claim, I surely would be inclined to have them offer evidence of such a claim.

Second, those same priests, preachers, ministers, pastors, or such would have to identify their “flock” as being Israel.  The “flock” would have to be of the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and/or Benjamin.  Again I have not heard a single priest, preacher, minister, pastor, or such claim they or their “flock” are Israel - in any manner.

In fact, nearly every single priest, preacher, minister, pastor, or such go out of their way to distance themselves from anything Israel.  It does not matter whether it is Israel as descendants of Jacob, or a modern day politically established land area in the Middle East.

Nearly every priest, preacher, minister, pastor, or such claim that Israel is “old testament” and they and their flock are “new testament”.  They claim that Yah's Law was done away.  They call themselves “Christian” or “gentile”.  If they are correct, or at least if they truly believe these lines, then there is NOTHING to support “tithing” to them or by their flock.

If you follow and believe the doctrines preached by these priests, preachers, ministers, pastors, or such that 1) the law was done away, 2) that you are not Israel, 3) that they are not Levi, and at the same time you must tithe, then your too are of a doubled mind.  A double minded person is one who holds 2 contradictory thoughts or beliefs as both being true.  Being doubled minded is also baring false witness.  If either is true then the other is false and you hold both as ture.

Scripture tells us not to be doubled minded.

James 1:8-9 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Psalms 119:113 SAMECH. I hate vain [double-minded] thoughts: but thy law do I love.

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Many people refer to Malachi 3:8 (en# 3) as a proof that they should tithe, otherwise they would be robbing Yah.  This chapter of Malicei is talking to "Israel" (sons of Jacob), and as discussed hereabove, if you are Israel, and you have a Levitical priesthood, then tithing is due from you to them.

There is nothing wrong with donating to your favorite charity or business group, but call it what it is and do not be deceived by a non existent obligation.

First, you must come to understand that the word "church" or phrase "the church" is not a proper translation.  Like the word "hell", it has been derived from several references to all mean a single entity called "the church".  Having said that, "the church" was known as the Roman church and later the Catholic church.  When some groups of people found disfavor with the Catholics, they became know as  "the Protestants", as in protesting the Catholics.  The single biggest problem here is these Protestants continued to practice through this day to follow Catholics traditions and teachings.

The use of the phrase "the church" is used to refer to these peoples of Catholic and Protestant persuasion.

Many modern money hungry preachers and their businesses called "churches" tell you the early church collected tithe.  They even berate the masses for not giving enough.

Tithing was NEVER practiced in all of church history until it was instituted by a group of Catholic Bishops at an assembly in Tours France in 567AD. After that the people still refused to tithe or tithed reluctantly. Later in 585AD, at the Council of Macon the church issued several "new laws." Several laws for violating the NEW Sunday rest (contrary to the will of Israel (the creator)) and then they nailed the people with a demand insisting on the obligation of the people to pay tithes. If someone did not pay tithes, they were considered as someone who was "Robbing God".  Sound familiar?

Tithing had NEVER been a practice by anyone. Not even the reprobate Catholic INSTITUTION collected tithe before these dates. There were no other churches.

Many modern preachers and their businesses called "churches" tell you the Temple Priests in the old text collected tithes in the form of food because the people did not have money in those days. They also say God wanted people to tithe in food because it would point to a symbolic picture of Christ the perfect tithe.

Money was a common commodity and not everyone was a farmer ... including Jesus, but farmer or not, they had money. Deuteronomy 14:24-25 (en# 4.1)

God required tithe with FOOD so as to feed the Levites.  But, money was acceptable in some situations, like traveling with a BIG load.

Tithes were never collected anywhere in the New Text "church". In every instance when money was collected, it was given to the poor Saints who had needs. (It was eaten)  Many of the Saints in Jerusalem were suffering severe persecution and were facing starvation. Historians record that the famine was so great that some mothers had actually eaten their own children.

Paul wrote about the situation in 1 Corinthians 16:1-8 about these trouble in Jerusalem.  Many people wrongly take this section of verses to say Sunday is a new day of rest akin to Sabbath, but the historical record indicates Paul was taking collections for the suffering people in the area of Jerusalem.
(en# 5)
 

Here is another historical FACT. There were no "church buildings" until around 300 years after the death of Yahshua.  Constantine the Roman Emperor started the building of churches.  Do you know why you get dressed up on Sunday?  It all started with Constantine.  He was known to POP IN on a church from time to time so the people got dressed in their best clothing just in case the Emperor showed.  Of coarse, I am sure that you know that God looks at the heart and not what you wear.

If we say the Holy Spirit needs money to get the Gospel preached around the world, are we saying the Holy Spirit is subject to the Power of Mammon?  I am sure that you will agree the Holy Spirit can save a drunk on a barstool all by Himself without a preacher.

Jesus never said "Won't you help us take this message to the world.  Send in your best gift.  You know that it will cost a lot of money to reach the lost."

Remember this ... The Israel (the creator) is not now, nor will He ever be subject to the power of Mammon.

What happened with the tithe offering?  The priests ATE the tithe. Deuteronomy 14:23 (en# 4.2)

How could anyone ever be charged with robbing God as many preach today when they say "Will a man rob God?"

Since the tithe was supplied by God and the tither and the Levites were to EAT the tithe.  How then could the tither ever be charged by God with robbing Him?

You have surely heard that a tithe is supposed to be a tenth of your earnings.  While it is true the rate is 1/10 (tenth), the rate is NOT from your gross or net earnings.  The tithe was ONLY on the INCREASE. Deuteronomy 14:23 (en# 4.3).  Not one time in the entire bible was a tithe ever offered when the person's life was on a DECREASING scale.

So many preachers and their organizations would have you give at least 1/10th of what you receive.  But an increase is what remains after expenses are subtracted from receipts.

If you gave 10 marbles worth of work and received 10 marbles, then there is no increase.

If you invest 10 marbles in the market and get back 25 marbles, and if you did nothing to recieve the additional 15 marbles, then they are an increase.

If your time is worth 10 marbles per hour and you buy an apple for 10 marbles and caramel and heat fuel, and make candied apples, and you work for 1 hour to make the candied apple, then sell the candied apple for 20 marbles, what is your increase?  ZERO.  Your labor is an expense and counts toward the calculating of increases.

There is NO "giving to GET" Gospel anywhere in the book.  for example, Pat Roberson (700 Club) teaches the principle of reciprocity, which is a "giving to GET" doctrine.

The Principle of Reciprocity
By Pat Robertson - January 24, 2002
CBN.com - Key Scripture: Luke 6:31-38

Reciprocity means give and take. It's the law of cause and effect, and we see it all around us. When you say, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours," that's reciprocity. So is the old expression, "You get what you pay for!"

Jesus gave this principle much greater importance, though. He said that God judges your heart by the way you give. When you truly love someone, you want to lavish your treasures upon him. Whatever your gifts -- time, money, talent, affection -- they express your love, but you hold back when your heart is cold.

There are two important lessons in the Law of Reciprocity. The first is, "Give, and it will be given to you." Jesus taught that you are blessed when you show your love by giving. The second lesson is from the Sermon on the Mount: "Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back" (see Luke 6: 35-38). When you give from a loving heart, God sees your gifts and rewards you accordingly. But when you give in pride, a little worldly flattery is the best you can expect in return.

This principle of the kingdom affects your relationships with your loved ones, neighbors, friends, and even strangers. It also affects your relationship with God. The Law of Reciprocity shows that you're blessed when you use what you have to bless others.

 ---- Taken from Pat Robertson's "The Secret Kingdom"

Have you heard the preachers tell you Abraham was the father of faith paid tithes and so we should follow?

Abraham did not take a thin dime out of his pocket and pay tithes contrary to what you have been told by the pulpit. Abraham did give a portion of "the spoils of war" to Melchizedek but took nothing for himself and offered nothing out of his own pocket. Think about it, if you were to really tithe just like Abraham then you should never take anything out of your own pocket. (Genesis 14:18-24 en# 6)

Why did Melchizedek accept tithes in the form of "the spoils of war?" Especially when the spoils represented the very filth of Sodom? (Hebrews 7:4-5 en# 2.2)  Because it is the increase, it is more than he had to start.  Abraham no doubt paid his people from the spoils and replenished his stocks, then tithed to Melchizedek.

Some try to argue a distinction between tithe and offering as 2 different THINGS.  An "offering" is a THING, a tithe is not a thing but a RATE.  Tithe is 10 percent.  So if you give 10%, there is a question to ask, which is "of what?".  If you give a tithe, there is a question to ask, which is "of what?".  If you ask for a gallon, does the other person know of what?  NO.

An offering is explained as being a tithe (10%) of what you profit (your increase) in your crops, animals and business.
 
 

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Numbers 18:20 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.
 21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
 22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.
 23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.
 24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
 25 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
 26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.
 27 And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress.
 28 Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.
 29 Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it.
 30 Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When ye have heaved the best thereof from it, then it shall be counted unto the Levites as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress.
 31 And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.
 32 And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

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Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
 5 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:
 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
 7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

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Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
 2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
 6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
 7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
 8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

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Deuteronomy 14:22 "You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year.
23 "And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.
24 "But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the LORD your God has blessed you,
25 "then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the LORD your God chooses.
26 "And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.
27 "You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you.

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1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
 3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
 4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
 5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
 6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
 7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
 8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

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Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
 
 
 

Tribble
1st writing date missing
revised: April 2003
revised January 2004 (for new website)
revised February 2004
revised March 2004

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