Jesus Christ vs the Evangelical Tithe

Jesus Christ vs the Evangelical Tithe

# 19: Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ who seemed to have a more intimate connection with Jesus than the      original twelve. Christ personally taught Paul, and those revelations were recorded for our benefit. (“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.”) Paul is much more qualified to speak into your christianity than the salaried minister you call “Pastor Whoever”. So regarding your givings (donations, contributions), let’s hear from this faithful martyr for Christ….

Paul: “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The Corinthians were not to give “of necessity”. The Amp says it this way: “not…. under compulsion”. And the CEV: “Don’t feel you are forced to give.” And the GNT: “Not with…. a sense of duty.” The NLT: “Don’t give…. in response to pressure.”

The proponents of the awful tithe doctrine – the   surrendering of 10% of one’s income to finance evangelicalism – pressure their congregations by claiming that withholding a tenth is displeasing to God and will bring dire consequences. This compulsion (coercion, pressure, demand) is contrary to Paul’s words and contrary to the Christ he served.  

Jesus: “He who has MY commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.”