You Mean I Dont Have To Tithe

Tithing is a well-known church practice in our day and age, but do church-goers really practice it? When did the concept of tithing begin? How is it justified? What does the Bible say about it? You Mean I Don't Have to Tithe? is a detailed study on the controversial topic of tithing, covering over 2,000 years of well-known theologians regarding this topic. Dr. Croteau's intense tithing investigation will enable you to explore tithing and related topics in-depth, expounding many misconceptions of tithing as well as aiding in a correct understanding of this popular topic.Ê

Tithing is a well-known church practice in our day and age, but do church-goers really practice it? When did the concept of tithing begin? How is it justified? What does the Bible say about it? You Mean I Don't Have to Tithe? is a detailed study on the controversial topic of tithing, covering over 2,000 years of well-known theologians regarding this topic. Dr. Croteau's intense tithing investigation will enable you to explore tithing and related topics in-depth, expounding many misconceptions of tithing as well as aiding in a correct understanding of this popular topic.

Some in the church find it very difficult to talk about money, but it's a subject that cannot be avoided. The church needs money to continue to function. Missionaries need money to carry the gospel. As a result, however reluctant we are to talk about it, we have to do so. And when we do so, we often generate more confusion and resentment than cash. Some churches require that members be tithers before they can take positions of leadership. This in turn can result in a sort of spying by one believer on another. How much do we each earn? Is our giving equal to 10% of our income? On the other hand there are those who discount tithing, and consider themselves tithers because they give two or three percent of their income. They may say that they "tithe" 3% of their income. But what exactly does the Bible teach about tithing and how does that apply to us today? Is there a way for us to become grace-filled givers? Can stewardship, giving, and financing the work of building the kingdom become a joy rather than a duty or a source of dissension? David Croteau has written at length on this topic before. In this volume of the Areopagus Critical Christian Issues series, he undertakes a brief examination of tithing, stewardship, and giving. He starts by asking just what the Israelites were called on to give by the scriptures. He then follows through the various arguments in favor of tithing as a law applicable to Christians and shows how these arguments fail. Finally, he discusses a basis for gracious, joyful giving as God directs each of us. In just 96 pages (including all the front matter) you'll find your understanding of Christian stewardship changed. You won't find here a license for apathy or selfishness. Instead, you'll find a challenge to discover and do God's will in your finances as in every other area of your life.

Was the tithe just for Israel, or is it also applicable to Christians? Must a tithe go only to your local church, or can it be received by any Christian organization? Do we tithe on the net or the gross amount? Perspectives on Tithing presents in point-counterpoint format the most common views about how Christians are to give of their financial resources, addressing the myriad of questions that surround the complex issue. Ken Hemphill (Empowering Kingdom Growth) and Bobby Eklund (Eklund Stewardship Ministries) contribute "The Foundations of Giving" while the book's editor, David A. Croteau (Liberty University), writes "The Post-Tithing View: Giving in the New Covenant." A chapter by Reggie Kidd (Reformed Theological Seminary) is called "Tithing in the New Covenant? 'Yes' as Principle, 'No' as Casuistry." Finally, Gary North (Institute for Christian Economics) looks directly at "The Covenantal Tithe," and Scott Preissler (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) provides the epilogue.

Two fictitious characters, Tithing Tim, and Grace Giving Gary banter with John Calvin, Augustine, and other true titans of Christendom on the challenging doctrine of tithing. Tithing Tim is an advocate of tithing, and Grace-Giving Gary is an opponent of tithing – and they have a debate that moves from the Ante-Nicene era of 100–325 CE to the Post-Nicene era of 325–604 CE, and then on to the Middle Ages of 604–1517 CE, where Thomas Aquinas has a lot to say on the matter. They also journey to the Reformation era of 1517–1648 CE, the Post-Reformation era of 1648–1873 CE, and the Tithing Renewal Era, 1873–present, bantering with the likes of Clement of Alexandria and Martin Luther along the way. While some people they meet are reluctant to proclaim a pro or con tithing status, others take a hard stance one way or the other. Hear what Tithing Tim, Grace Giving Gary, and others have to say about tithing and decide for yourself whether tithing is for you.

Following a thorough examination of every biblical text on tithing, Dr. Kelly concludes that the church would be best served spiritually by believing and applying better New Testament principles of giving. After discussing sound biblical reasons for Christians to replace tithing, he presents God's better principles of grace. Doctrines such as the New Testament concept of law and covenant and the priesthood of believers are presented as they affect tithing. Following several chapters which discuss disputed texts relating to pastoral support, this book traces the early development of church support as found in the Church Fathers before Nicea. This book leaves no question or objection about tithing unanswered. It is a "must read" for any serious Bible student. There is a wealth of other doctrinal insights to be gained as one goes through the Bible in search of the truth about tithing.

The Trojan Horse Of Tithing is a plea to Christian leaders, written from a Charismatic/Pentecostal perspective. Jonathan Brenneman exposes the inherent problems with common tithe teachings, highlighting serious issues with even so-called "grace tithing." He demonstrates how deception starts subtly and documents the growing acceptance in mainstream Christianity of even overt teachings of salvation by tithing. Millions of people today now believe they will never even enter heaven without their tithes. No matter how much we try to dress tithe teachings up as grace, they continue to be the root of serious problems.The arguments contained here against the modern tithe tradition are thorough, compelling, and overwhelming. The gospel is worth giving not only our money, but even our lives to promote. However, modern tithe traditions have no place in this because they are not based on truth and misrepresent the way God relates to people. Rather than helping to advance, the gospel, they distort it. God is calling his church to get rid of the leaven and return to a powerful and pure gospel message!The Trojan Horse of Tithing is one of the most comprehensive overviews of multiple arguments against tithing. Few books make such a compelling case as to why tithing is incompatible with the gospel, or deal so thoroughly with less logical but emotionally powerful objections such as "but tithing works!" We include: -What could have possibly convinced strong proponents of tithing such as Derek Prince to change their minds?-Documentation and evidence of the extent of literal "salvation by tithing" doctrine in today's churches, and demonstration that this is the logical implication of even many of the most common so-called "grace tithing" teachings.-Dozens of serious logical problems with all of the common pro-tithing arguments.-A historical study on Melchizedeck and the related terms "El Elyon," "Zedek," "Salem," "Heaven," and "Earth."-11 commandments of God that churches regularly break for their tithe tradition.-9 serious problems with using Malachi as support for Christian tithing.-The history of tithing.-Contrast between the Babylonian tithe and the Jewish tithe. Which is our modern tithe tradition based on?-How the modern tithe tradition violates the statutes and the basic principles of the Jewish tithe.-What tithing and witchcraft have in common.-How tithing undermines Spirit-led giving.-How people are stepping into supernatural giving and supernatural provision without the tithe.-The historical and cultural context of ministerial support in scripture.-Why some of the world's most successful church planters see tithing as a hindrance to church multiplication.-How tithe teachings promote a poverty spirit.-A prophetic dream for the church.

Reasons for tithing and answers to objections are all given in Tithing, based on study of both the Old and New Testaments. This book is essential reading on the subject of Christian stewardship.

Two young Harvard MBAs on the fast track to wealth and success tell their story of God's transforming power and how Scripture brought them to the startling conclusion that they should give the majority of their money away to those in need. Packed with compelling case studies, research, and practical strategies, God and Money offers an honest look at what the Bible says about generous giving. No matter what your salary may be, God and Money shows you how you can reap the rewards of radical generosity in your own life. *100% of the author royalties goes toward Christian ministries focused on spreading the Gospel and providing for those in need* “John and Greg realize what everyone should know—that middle-class Americans are among the richest people in world history. It's time for Christ-followers to understand that God has bigger purposes than increasing our standard of living—He wants us to increase our standard of giving." —Randy Alcorn, from the Foreword of God and Money John Cortines and Gregory Baumer met as Harvard MBA candidates in a men's Bible study and stopped asking "How much should I give?" and started asking "How much do I need to keep?" With their top-notch education and rising careers, Cortines and Baumer were guaranteed comfort and security for the rest of their lives. However, when their plans for saving and spending collided with God's purposes for extravagant generosity, they were each compelled to make a life-changing decision that challenges the values held by mainstream America and many Christian commentators. Cortines and Baumer show not only how to radically give, but explain how to do so responsibly. Dive into the story and get equipped with the practical tools to— • Easily set budgets for spending • Wisely steward your money • Prepare and save for your future—home ownership, retirement, higher education, etc... • Know what the Bible says about money, tithing, and faith • Discern when to give and when not to give Featuring lessons from the Bible, modern day case studies, and practical ways to apply biblical principles no matter what situation you're in, God and Money provides an incredible look into what the Bible says about— • Tithing and Christian giving • Wealth and stewardship • Faith and generosity • Love of money • And so much more! From the parables of the Rich Young Ruler to the Widow's Mite, the Bible shows us that how we manage our money is critical to our relationship with God. God and Money uses these parables and more to teach you to save, spend, and steward your money in a biblical way by planting God's purposes at the heart of your practices. Discover the 7 Core Principles of Wealth and Giving Authors Cortines and Baumer pack 2,350 verses on money into 7 practical principles that can be applied to your life and finances on a daily basis. From shopping for groceries to your first down payment on a home, apply these reliable guidelines with ease and clarity— • Everything we "own" actually belongs to God • Giving should be voluntary, generous, cheerful, and needs-based • Giving generously breaks down the power of money over us • And more! Gain Tools to Manage Your Money Wisely Packed with tables, charts, graphs, and a quiz, the applications in God and Money are backed with scripture, data, research, and clear illustrations to help you discover what it means to honor God with your wealth. God and Money will teach you— • How to set budgets for spending • How to wisely steward your money • How to save for your future—home ownership, retirement, higher education, etc... • What the Bible says about tithing • When to give and when not to give • If you are a Spender, Saver, or a Servant with The 3 S's Quiz Download FREE Tools and Resources to Create Your Personalized Giving Plan! No matter what your budget or salary looks like, you have the opportunity to serve and honor God with your finances! Easily set up your own annual spending cap when you download the free spreadsheet included! Save hours of time doing dizzying calculations for your spending, saving, and giving budgets with downloadable and reproducible Finish Line spreadsheets and other additional resources available! God and Money also includes Baumer and Cortines' "Generosity Covenants" to empower you to write your own, for you, your small group, or your family! Don't wait another day to live a life of generosity that honors God with your life and money! What Others are Saying About God and Money "This is one of the most thoughtful and well researched books on giving that I have had the pleasure of reading. The frameworks presented in the book can be used by people at all stages of experiencing the joy of generosity." —Waters Davis, President of National Christian Foundation Houston. "With uncommon transparency, John and Greg provide a Gospel-centered and practical perspective on wealth. Through a leveling critique of comfortable Christianity, they challenge us to wholeheartedly pursue the joy of generosity. Read this book and you will be inspired, convicted and thinking differently about using what God has given you for Kingdom impact." —Peter Greer, President & CEO of HOPE International and coauthor of Mission Drift "In God and Money, Baumer and Cortines challenge Christian readers to consider afresh what generosity looks like in light of the Scripture's radical teaching and the day of affluence in which we live. Whether or not you agree with all their conclusions or personal practices, you will be challenged and inspired." —Robert L. Plummer, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "I greatly enjoyed reading God and Money! God used the framework Greg and John described to challenge my perspective and practice of generosity. I realized in reading their book that my personal bias is more saver and spender than servant. What I truly desire to be is a fully surrendered servant of Jesus. This book gave me practical frameworks to move in that direction." —Todd Harper, President, Generous Giving "The mission of Harvard Business School is "to educate leaders who make a difference in the world," and in John and Greg that mission has been fulfilled abundantly. It has been my privilege to be their teacher, their colleague and now their friend; and I wish them Godspeed as they take the transformative message found in God and Money out to their community and to the world beyond. I have learned to expect great things from them, and they have yet to disappoint." —Derek van Bever, Senior Lecturer in Business Administration; Director, Forum for Growth and Innovation, Harvard Business School Preview God and Money Table of Contents Part I: Foundations Chapter 1: Wealth and Giving in the Bible Chapter 2: Seven Core Principles for Biblical Wealth and Giving Chapter 3: Motivations for Giving Chapter 4: Trends and Movements in Generosity Part II: Frameworks Chapter 5: The "Three S's Framework:" Spender, Saver, or Servant? Chapter 6: Spending: Investing in the Present Chapter 7: Saving: Investing in the Future Chapter 8: Serving: Investing in Eternity Through Giving Part III: Forward Chapter 9: Stewardship in Community Chapter 10: Our Conclusions