Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 11/1/2007

Question
Hi Pastor,

I was wondering, do you also give money to charity? To other causes outside of the church?

As you know I don't believe that tithing is mandated for NT believers, but I do believe that Jesus often said that we should help the poor. If people with low incomes are giving every penny to the Church, what is left for the poor?

Isn't giving to the poor also part of what we give to God? If someone gives 5% to the church and 5% to the poor, is that not tithing? I have read many arguments about this on the internet. There is a ton of stuff out there on this very subject. Just look and you will see. A lot of the stuff out there which supports my opinions is written by Pastors, born again Pastors.

Would you consider someone who gives 5% to the Church and %5% to the poor as being someone who merits God's blessing as written in Malachi 3? After all, that's 10% to God. God cares for the poor. Jesus said that caring for the poor is part of our job as Christians.

Thanks: Josh

Answer
Hi Josh,

Thank you for this question.  Our church gives to the poor.  Some of our tithes and offering go to this cause.  This is the model of the New Testament Church.  Notice that when the Spirit moved Christians, they gave extra to the Apoasles (church leadership) and they then determined where was the best place to put relief funds.


Acts 4:31-37
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 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. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don