Date sent:      Thu, 26 Feb 2004 14:23:42 +1100
From:           <Justin.A.McIntosh@...>

"Tithing Troubles"

I am wondering whether the question of "tithing" has 
ever been raised in this forum before. 

I have never ceased to struggle with the doctrine of 
tithing 10% of one's income to the church.  I have 
studied the Word and it just doesn't spell it out clearly 
to me. Am I reading it wrong?

In all honesty I would love to be convinced of the 
Scriptural basis for this practice for New Covenant 
believers so that I can have some peace because I 
hate the confusion.  

I vacillate between regularly tithing for a while because 
godly teachers whom I respect all seem to adhere to 
this teaching. So I do it to 'cover myself'.  "They must 
know what they are doing," I think to myself.  But the 
Bible says, 'whatever is not of faith, is sin' and I know 
I am not doing it in faith, but almost in superstition.   
So I stop tithing again because I am not doing it with a 
clear conscience. 

I have never just swallowed established teaching, no 
matter how popular the practice of it, without checking 
out the Scriptural basis and listening to the Spirit as 
much as possible.  I can honestly say that I want to 
honour God with my money and will happily tithe till 
Kingdom come if this is biblically true.  

But is it?  Or is it a conveniently carried over Old 
Testament law which makes budgeting and program 
planning so much easier for churches?

Does there need to be a whole new revelation of what 
God teaches about stewardship; one which brings 
liberty not law?

At the end of the day, how can something as specific 
as giving 10 % of one's income to their church be 
classed as a 'principle' as I have been taught?  Are 
principles so detailed as to list the exact amount?

Blessings in Christ,

Justin. 
(Australia).