Best concise answer when asked, "What about the tithe?"
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Peairtach
Puritan Board Doctor
We have to give regularly give proportionately in the NT and tithing is a general equity principle from the ceremonial law and from the patriarchal period which guides us in what kind of proportion is suitable.
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come (I Corinthians 16:2).
We have to learn and teach about principles of general equity from the OT.
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come (I Corinthians 16:2).
We have to learn and teach about principles of general equity from the OT.
For most who ask - the answer is that they should, minimally, tithe.
To explain general equity to an 11-year old, what would you suggest? Maybe, "God gave old Testament Israel outward rules to teach them inner laws. Such as he made them dress separate and not like pagans so that we would know that we ought to be different (not just in clothes but in all manner of life). That is general equity." And then teach the tithe in this manner?
This is just the answer to the OP, not questions about equity or whatever.
2Cor.9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2Cor.9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Peairtach
Puritan Board Doctor
I've never taught general equity to children but taking examples of certain OT laws it would be possible to get an 11 year old to start to understand. Some laws are easier than others for teaching this E.g. the law about having a rampart round the roof for safety, teaches Christians and others to take reasonable health and safety precautions.
E.g. the law about the land lying fallow every seven years teaches us to look after the environment and wildlife in a reasonable way as part of Man's dominon under God, without becoming pantheists and tree-huggers.
We have to look for the moral principle or moral-practical principle.
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The tithe was commanded under the ceremonial law and there was more than one tithe required under the law. The ceremonial law has been abrogated by Christ. If general equity of ceremonial laws were instituted under the New Testament the ceremonies of the Christian church would be multiplied ad infinitum and the yoke would be too heavy to be borne.
There is mention of the tithe being paid prior to the law, but this was voluntarily offered.
There is mention of the tithe being paid prior to the law, but this was voluntarily offered.
Fly Caster
Puritan Board Sophomore
"Give it."
Peairtach
Puritan Board Doctor
Also, under the law not everyone tithed, but those who had livestock, grain and fruit trees.
It should be made clear to people that tithing is not mandatory but a helpful guide to thinking about the sort of proportion regular giving might ordinarily be.
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Fogetaboutit
Puritan Board Freshman
Do you care about the Church? Are the Church expenses going to pay themselves? How is the financial structure of the church set up?
I find it helpful to say that the NT teaches generous giving, and if you don't make a habit of 10% you will end up wasting money and not being generous. List all the little ways people can waste money like eating out, hobbies and recreation, buying DVDs and CDs, etc. I like to mention the end of Acts 2 & 4 where the holy spirit was poured out; the next thing it says was that they gave generously to the needy. It seems to me that the NT clearly does not teach tithing perhaps because that is limiting and we need to be ready to give more than 10% on many occasions.
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