Giving

LCC encourages people to enter into the joy of giving and to even excel in the grace of giving (2 Corinthians 7:7).

 A look at the Old Testament reveals several interesting things…

  1. That tithing (giving 10%) was instituted prior to the Law being given – Abraham and Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:2–6); Melchizedek was a type of Christ.
  2. That the tithe was actually closer to 23 percent. According to the Ryrie Study Bible, “Two tithes were required: an annual tithe for the maintenance for the Levites (Lev. 27:30; Num 18:21) and a second tithes brought to Jerusalem for the Lord’s feast (Deut. 14:22).  Every third year, the second tithe was kept at home and used for the poor (Deut.14:28).”

On the other hand the New Testament mentions tithing only in connection with the old covenant.  The guideline for giving under grace, not law, is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.  “Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Because Scripture does not set a definite amount, the matter of how much to give is really between you, your spouse, and God.  The important issue in giving is your attitude, rather than the amount you give.  Further, because God has complete ownership over all that we have, every spending decision is a spiritual decision.

The simple suggestions we make therefore are that you make a practice of giving a tithe to the local church, and then offerings over and above for buildings, missions and the wider work of God etc.  Here are some examples from the New Testament.   Zacchaeus Luke 19:8; Dorcas Acts 9:36; Cornelius, Acts 10:2; the early Christians, Acts 2:44,45; 4:34–37; 6:1–3;11:29,30;24:17; Romans15:25–28; 1Corinthians16:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8:1–4, 11, 12, 14; 9:1, 6, 7 and Hebrews 6:10.

Under the law people gave 20% a year in tithes and offerings and every 3rd year 30% - a 23 & 1/3% average per year! Our suggestion therefore is that if they gave that under the Law, how much more should we give under grace?

We therefore humbly suggest that we tithe to the local church, and then we give as led by the Lord sacrificially to missions and buildings and special appeals.  Some have even gone to the place of suggesting that the tithe belongs to the Lord and you are not giving an offering until you give above that!

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