The Bible Says...Money!

The Bible Says...Money!

Brad Reiches

Mar 8 2007 12:12AM

ARE YOU A GODTHOUGHTS PARTNER?

Thursday, March 8, 2007

GodThoughtsWired!:

"What Does the Bible Say About..."

Money:  Part 1*

What are Tithes and Offerings?

In the Bible we find that God clearly outlines for us what it means to be good stewards of our resources.  Colossians 1:18 states that Jesus wants to come to have, 1st place in every area of our lives, and this includes our finances.  What is a “tithe?”  Literally, a tithe means, “one tenth.”

“Bring the whole tithe into the

storehouse...and test Me now

in this, says the Lord of Hosts…”

Malachi 3:10

Throughout the Bible, God tells us that we are to give Him one tenth of our income (Genesis 28:22; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Hebrews 7:2; etc.).  Is there a difference between a “tithe, and an “offering?”  Yes, there clearly is.  In addition to tithing, the Bible mentions offerings such as, “freewill offerings,” “personal contributions,” and “sacrificial giving” as other means by which we can worship the Lord (see Deuteronomy 12:17; Mark 12:42).  The difference between tithes and offerings is that offerings are intended to be a personal, private (see Matthew 6:1), transaction between the giver and the Lord, according to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  In contrast, the tithe is not optional for the serious follower of Christ.  Jesus said, “You should tithe” (see Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42).  God said,

“Honor the Lord from your wealth

and from the first of all your produce

so that your barns may be filled with

plenty, and your vats overflowing…”

Proverbs 3:9-10

To be continued.

*For an in-depth discussion on this subject, please click on:  The Bible Says Series:  Money.