Giving to the poor and needy is a wonderful thing and should be encouraged. However, you mentioned tithes. In the Old Testament God required tithes in order to support and maintain the temple for worship and support of the priests. Today we have many churches going under because of lack of attendance and support. The churches I am familiar with are in need of tithes to support their pastor and maintain a place of worship. Satan is working hard to close all churches to reduce the preaching of God's Word and he is making greater strides every day. You might consider this when making your decision.
God will honor the giving of tithes to the church as He did the widow that gave two mites, Mar 12:42. He will honor you even more if you give to the poor in addition to your giving to your church.
Dear Johnnie, No, it is not permissible to give your tithes to the poor, for the "tithe(s)" belong to The LORD (e.g. Deu. 12:5-7 & 10-12; 2Chr. 31:12; Neh. 10. 37-38; 12:44; 13:5; Mal. 3:10; Heb. 7:5-9).
In the Old Testament, the Levites collected these tithes from Israel to supply their own necessities and for the necessities of the Tabernacle and of the Temple. GOD necessarily required Israel to support the Levites with the tithe because "Among the children of Israel they (the Tribe of Levi) shall have no inheritance" ( Num. 18:24).
In the New Testament, churches collect the tithe from their memberships to support their pastor and other full time church ministers. These tithes remove the pastor's requirement to have to support himself and his family so that he may dedicate his full attention to study, preaching, and evangelism without distraction.
We must not confuse the "tithe" with the "alms". They are not the same. We give alms to the poor when the opportunity arises as our act of pity and mercy (e.g. Ac. 3:2-3; 10:2, 4, & 31; 24:17). Alms are given to the poor in addition to the tithe which we are required to give to GOD.
Philip Christian Parks ,all the preachers / ministers in my congregation do so without payment ,we have collections for the upkeep of our building ,for registered charities and for a welfare fund for our members if they need financial help ,no one takes wages ,we all chip in and do whatever jobs / repairs we can ourselves without payment .
Sacha - Bless you and yours for giving, but all scripture is by inspiration of God. We all need to follow the word. I pay the grocer for groceries, I pay county taxes at the courthouse. I pay A tenth at the house of god plus giving alms.
1 Corinthians 9:6-9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen.
I Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
Giving to the poor and needy is a wonderful thing and should be encouraged. However, you mentioned tithes. In the Old Testament God required tithes in order to support and maintain the temple for worship and support of the priests. Today we have many churches going under because of lack of attendance and support. The churches I am familiar with are in need of tithes to support their pastor and maintain a place of worship. Satan is working hard to close all churches to reduce the preaching of God's Word and he is making greater strides every day. You might consider this when making your decision.
God will honor the giving of tithes to the church as He did the widow that gave two mites, Mar 12:42. He will honor you even more if you give to the poor in addition to your giving to your church.
FYI, I service in my church without pay.
Thank you
In the Old Testament, the Levites collected these tithes from Israel to supply their own necessities and for the necessities of the Tabernacle and of the Temple. GOD necessarily required Israel to support the Levites with the tithe because "Among the children of Israel they (the Tribe of Levi) shall have no inheritance" ( Num. 18:24).
In the New Testament, churches collect the tithe from their memberships to support their pastor and other full time church ministers. These tithes remove the pastor's requirement to have to support himself and his family so that he may dedicate his full attention to study, preaching, and evangelism without distraction.
We must not confuse the "tithe" with the "alms". They are not the same. We give alms to the poor when the opportunity arises as our act of pity and mercy (e.g. Ac. 3:2-3; 10:2, 4, & 31; 24:17). Alms are given to the poor in addition to the tithe which we are required to give to GOD.
The comments for Galatians 6:9-10 provide more explanations concerning this subject.
1 Corinthians 9:6-9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen.
I Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
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