Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 3/20/2008

Question
Hi Pastor,

I sent you an email just a few minutes ago about tithing.  But I've had a thought which just crossed my mind.  Pastors talk about tithing on gross and not net.  But according to Deuteronomy 26 part of the tithe went for the poor.  But my taxes already provide for the poor in this country.  So my taxes already take care of part of my tithe.  So why all this talk about giving based on your gross?  I don't see too many Churches taking care of the poor in this country.  People rely on the government for that. Does your Church take care of the poor?

Mary

Answer
Hi Mary,

Thank you for another good question about tithing.  Our church does have a program where we give to the poor and needy.  The tithe is specifically meant for the needs of the House of God.  In The New Testament, that would be the local church.

Malachi 3:10
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.  
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

1 Timothy 3:15
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.  
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

In the New Testament, we have examples of people giving above the tithe to give to the poor.  Even then, folks gave to the church, and trusted church leadership to get the money where it was most needed.

Acts 4:34-35
34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.


I hope that this helps you.

Happy Easter!

In Christ
Pastor Don