Josh wrote:Ah yes, trying to apply the Old Testament when the Jews had an actual temple to today... we don't have a "storehouse" to give to.
In New Testament life we should live as if all of our things are God's and we are just stewards. He wants 100%, not 10%.
Well the mistake is to not realize that tithing was pre-Mosaic law-the footnote in my Orthodox Study Bible has this to say regarding what I shared, God's heart on the matter in Malachi 3:
"How have we insulted you? God answers this self-righteous question pointedly: they have witheld tithes and offerings. A tithe is 10% of one's income; offerings are additional gifts. Some modern Christians reject tithing claiming it is a part of the Law not applicable today. But they forget that Abram (Abraham) tithed to Mechizadek five hundred years before the Law was given to Moses (Gn 14) And Melchizedek is a type of Christ (Heb 6:19-7:6). To those who tithe, God promises a blessing until it is overflowing"
Also, giving of your firstfruits goes back to Abel & Cain.
God sees the heart when we give, that's what matters- I don't know anyone who gives 100% of their income (vs 10% Josh)
I will say this- when I was a single parent decades ago, and I did believe in what God said in Malachi 3-and applied it, and also prayed to trust the Lord in all things- He really did pour out blessings on me- in miraculous ways- I wasn't looking for anything but to trust Him at His word and take care of my two children- I always tithed and helped others as well and God was true to His Word in ways that made me feel like a precious jewel in His hands, a loving Father-
But the point of me bringing up Malachi 3 earlier was to convey God was the one who told us to test Him on this- this is the only place I can remember God telling His elect to 'test Him'.
I think that Evangelicals are not trying to apply Mosaic law to this but do recognize tithing predates Mosaic law- but in the 20 years we belonged as active members to Foursquare Gospel- only ONE time did I hear our pastor bringing up tithing- we were never ever pressured to give- in our church- I don't think I could belong to a church that did put that emphasis on it's congregation. Where we are presently attending, there has never been a word said about tithing- although I am sure a teaching has been taught at some time- and all the times we were with the Orthodox, it was never brought up but there was strong encouragement in all these places to give to the poor- and of course we see that they spread the Gospel worldwide and missionary work which I also admire about the Anabaptists-