Jesus never let us off the hook as far as the law he gave in the Old Testament – he simply fulfilled it and gave it a higher purpose. If someone can’t give God a measly 10% of their income (you truly cannot outgive God – while that’s not a good motivation, I think it’s worth saying that if you’re faithful you CAN afford 10% or more) I’d question why. I think 10% is a starting point (I’d at least make it a goal to get there soon) not a destination. Someone way better than I had a goal to give God 90% and live on 10% (which we may be able to do once we’re debt free and have a good nest egg) – what better way to put God first?

BTW, blood sacrifices for sin were offered on the Day of Atonement on behalf of the nation of Israel and we’re not a part of the tithe AFAIK. Tithe was for the tribe of Levites to live off of. They did not receive a share of the land, but instead were to got the tithe of the other 11 tribes for their work as priests. (Numbers 18:21)

Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees…”

I have always felt that 10% is the minimumumum we can do. Our lives as localized and global believers should be an open readiness to expend all for our brothers.

Love to all….

I think the tithe is a great place to start, but certainly not the end of our giving.

The NT does connect promises to giving, I chose OT passages here, but probably would have been more consistent to stick with the NT.

The church is not a building, yet the local church or local assembly is the focus of God’s plan for mankind today. Numerous passages bear out the idea that the believer is to seek out and remain faithful to a local assembly of believers. Paul and John addressed their letters to specific bodies of belivers. Paul started numerous churches. The passage states that “where two or three are gathered, there am I” does not call that gathering a “church”. God simply states that He will be present. Another familiar passage is that the church is the “pillar and ground” of the truth.

With that I will close. Thanks for your time!

In Davids day “planted in the House of God” referred to the tabernacle (as Solomon had not yet built the temple) and all of its requirements (sacrifices for sin, etc.). However, David being the prophet that He is, would simply now refer to our attachment to the Head, the chief cornerstone.

Now, building off of that point (no pun intended) He is the Chief corner and we are His building – hence the “assembling” of ourselves that is forsaken by not just some, but quite a few… This can also in proper context be carried over into the Assembly of the “Body of Christ” (Where the Head properly fits).

Most “Christians” after “planting” themselves in a “church” almost immediately begin forsaking the assembly in that 1) they wont fellowship in true love with other believers of different doctrinal backgrounds, and B)They don’t properly “discern” (I Cor 11:29 KJV)the Lords Body for what it truly is… The individual believers fitly joined together and every part providing what every other part needs.

I humbly offer I Cor 12, Rom 12, and Eph 4 as truly synaptic (saying the same thing) on this issue. We should encourage each other to fellowship more intimately… from house to house (even if its just cell groups of larger “brick and mortar” “churches” – for herein is where relationship, accountability, free functioning of everyone’s gifts, and true communion can be realized.

Submitted in Love and service…

I know from experience that church life can get tough – there are lots of imperfect people there! But as a brother I would encourage you to prayerfully consider attending more frequently.
for what its worth

@Rocket
good post – just to look at the other side of the coin, I have heard someone say that if they tithed according to the law in the old covenant – what should we be giving by grace?