Tithing

Tithing

Plant your financial Seeds and watch as God uses our gifts to change the lives of people in our church, our local community and around the world.

Who Owns It?
Any discussion on giving should begin with a fundamental question: who owns the stuff in my life? Is it God’s or is it mine? The scripture provides a clear answer: Psalms 24:1 (NIV) 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV) 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.

If God owns everything — Then why do I have to give?
The biblical purpose of giving is actually for us not for God! Giving teaches us how to recognize God’s control over our lives. (Deuteronomy 14:22-23). In giving, we learn that we are not in control of our lives and our destiny. Giving awakens a God-ordained awareness of His control over the days and events of our lives. By giving, we acknowledge His ability to provide for all of our needs.

So why 10% — Why the Tithe?
Tithing is God’s invitation to an obedient and blessed life. The Hebrew word “tithe” (ma’aser) literally means a tenth. Ten percent of everything belongs to the Lord. In Malachi 3:10 (NLT), God says this: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” This is the only place in Scripture where God tells us to put Him to the test. In other words, He’s saying, “Go ahead. I dare you. See if you can out-give me.”

Is God wise? Do you trust Him?
These are two fundamental questions behind the act of giving. If God is wise, then you should listen to what He says about financial stewardship. If you trust Him, then you should trust Him with all aspects of your life, including your finances. So go ahead. Accept God’s invitation to put Him to the test. Start tithing faithfully and watch what He does in and through your life.

By giving, we acknowledge His ability to provide for all of our needs…