Here are some needed thoughts from the pen of inspiration:
Some have been dissatisfied and have said: "I will not longer pay my tithe; for I have no confidence in the way things are managed at the heart of the work." But will you rob God because you think the management of the work is not right? Make your complaint, plainly and openly, in the right spirit, to the proper ones. Send in your petitions for things to be adjusted and set in order; but do not withdraw from the work of God, and prove unfaithful, because others are not doing right. {9T 249.2}
As to the amount required, God has specified one tenth of the increase. This is left to the conscience and benevolence of men, whose judgment in this tithing system should have free play. And while it is left free to the conscience, a plan has been laid out definite enough for all. No compulsion is required. {3T 394.1}
There is a second tithe!
To promote the assembling of the people for religious service, as well as to provide for the poor, a second tithe of all the increase was required. Concerning the first tithe, the Lord had declared, "I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel." Numbers 18:21. But in regard to the second He commanded, "Thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which He shall choose to place His name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always." Deuteronomy 14:23, 29; 16:11-14. This tithe, or its equivalent in money, they were for two years to bring to the place where the sanctuary was established. After presenting a thank offering to God, and a specified portion to the priest, the offerers were to use the remainder for a religious feast, in which the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow should participate. Thus provision was made for the thank offerings and feasts at the yearly festivals, and the people were drawn to the society of the priests and Levites, that they might receive instruction and encouragement in the service of God. {PP 530.1}
The contributions (TITHES AND OFFERINGS) required of the Hebrews for religious and charitable purposes amounted to fully one fourth of their income. So heavy a tax upon the resources of the people might be expected to reduce them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the faithful observance of these regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity. On condition of their obedience God made them this promise: "I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field. . . . And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:11. {PP 527.1}
Some personal opinions:
1) Gross or Net?: Pay as you have ability. I like the post that said they err on the side of God. England has a high tax rate since their medical is free. Let us assume it is 75% (I don't know what it is). If I made $100 per week, then after taxes I would have $25. If I paid tithe on gross, I would have to pay $10 and would have $15 left. If I paid on net, I would pay $2.50 and have $22.50 left (I still need to give offerings!). So this should be left to the individual. I pay on gross because I can afford to.
2) Should we ever withold tithe or send it to where we choose? Never! The storehouse is defined as where God chooses to put His name. Currently that is the SDA denomination governed by the GC whether we like it or not is immaterial. Be careful on this as misappropriation of the tithe is currently running rampant. I know many that are not using their tithe in accordance with Bible and SOP and the independant ministries are capitalizing on this subject. Don't confuse your obligation to God with the obligation of the leaders.
3) What if giving causes impoverishment? This is why we have churches. It is the DUTY of the church MEMBERS to pick up the slack of those who have not. The poor are to pay their tithe as the rich and those who have abundance are to share with those who have little. This is also part of the rich's "offerings".
4) Don't forget the "second" tithe and offerings. According to the SOP, 25% of your income should be devoted to the LORD so you learn to depend on Him and not yourself and your earnings.
5) Here are some sources from the EGW concordance:
1. Second PP 530
brought for two years to place of sanctuary PP 530
fund provided by, for charity and hospitality PP 530
required of Israel by God PP 530
used at home every third year PP 530
for benefit of the poor PK 646-7
used for: relief of the poor and for other benevolent purposes Ed 44
providing religious feast for the needy PP 530
2. Withheld
bring into God's treasury your 9T 52
bring to God your 9T 51
by rich fool 3T 546
failure to return, to God MYP 306
restitution of CS 95-100
examples of CS 95-6
make CS 87
what to do when, is impossible CS 100
send in now your TM 306
3. Withholding
confession of sin of CS 95-6
covetousness leads men to rob God by 6T 387
debt is not valid excuse for CS 92-3; 1T 225
experiences in CS 96-7
God is defrauded by 3T 394
God is robbed by CS 67; MM 216
God regards, as robbery AA 336
God's property embezzled by 3T 394
is robbery and embezzlement 3T 394
let nothing tempt you to rob God by 5T 271
many professed Christians rob God by 4T 474; 5T 151; TM 205
men rob God by 9T 249
persons who rob God by, rob themselves of eternal riches 2T 653
rob themselves of His blessing 3T 395
persons guilty of, curse pronounced upon TM 307
should make accurate reckoning of them CS 87
recorded in records of heaven 3T 394
selfishness makes excuses for MYP 307-8
sin of 4T 469
The rest is rather extensive, so if you don't have the CD-ROM, e-mail me and I will be happy to send you the complete listings under "Tithe,tithes" and "Tithes and offerings".
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Bill Wennell
BiblicalTruths2000@Juno.com
[This message has been edited by Bill Wennell (edited 11-30-2004).]