Tithes

Rev. Karl is it OK sometimes to send our tithe to other churches in need instead of the local church??? Yes, Sir Malachi 3- 10-111 “Bring the whole tithe into the store house”. Pls. tell me. And Sir, thanks for your guidance.

Dear Sister: In answer to your question on Malichi 3:10, 1-11 In the time of this writing of scripture there was but one religion that Malachi would refer to for tithing. That of course was Judaism. The tithe belonged to God and was to be used for the welfare of the Jewish people to maintain a healthy society. Along with monies directly given at the temple, there were also "Alms" boxes to accept money for the poor. This was to be used for food and clothing.
There were also to be extra offerings to be given which could be of a private nature.
Luke 10:30-37 And Jesus, answering him, said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he got into the hands of thieves, who took his clothing and gave him cruel blows, and when they went away, he was half dead. 31 And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he went by on the other side. 32 And in the same way, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, went by on the other side. 33 But a certain man of Samaria, journeying that way, came where he was, and when he saw him, he was moved with pity for him, 34 And came to him and put clean linen round his wounds, with oil and wine; and he put him on his beast and took him to a house and took care of him. 35 And the day after he took two pennies and gave them to the owner of the house and said, Take care of him; and if this money is not enough, when I come again I will give you whatever more is needed. 36 Which of these three men, in your opinion, was neighbour to the man who came into the hands of thieves? 37 And he said, The one who had mercy on him. And Jesus said, Go and do the same.
In our societies today, the rules, are to be the same, based on the principles of giving of our money, time and talents. Human nature is also the same. In short, there are all too many who would withhold, or misuse the money that should belong to God's work. It appalls me to see such things going on! Let us look at some additional scripture to better understand this situation.
Mt 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows‘ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Mr 12:40 Which devour widows‘ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. Lu 20:47 Which devour widows‘ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation Ac 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
As you can see, Jesus took strong issue with the religious leaders of the day. They were false in their piety and duties of caring for the widows who were made destitute. They looked down on and ignored the beggars, lepers and others whom they considered "inferior." This even carried on into the fledgling church (Christians) also known as followers of "The Way." Complications arose quickly.
Ro 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? In an accurate sense then, we can see this as the beginning of denominational differences, and the division of Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Orthodox creeds. In each case, there is more (even in secret) name calling and distrust. Many have ornate buildings and great wealth, but does it that wealth become divided amongst the poor? If it were, those ornate buildings and trappings would soon disappear.
And now we must consider the newest generation of questionable practices, the televangelists! Many, if not most of these people by their methods of being a business more than a church, rob many a small local church of what should be money for the local people. They do not pray with, visit, or sustain the people in whatever city, town or village on a regular basis. They collect vast amounts of money, travel in luxury, and pat themselves on the back and brag about what a wonderful work they are doing.
To me, if those monies were used in a more equitable fashion, God's will of having the gospel message spread throughout the world, would be much better served. Many have, claimed that I am in error, and should "blow my horn" to make GCMI wealthy. Some say I am harsh, "look at how many souls have been saved by this or that evangelist"? But the fact is, that all any human being can do is spread and live the gospel, for it is The Holy Spirit, who convicts a person of sin, and then that individual makes a decision for or against serving Jesus - and in this lies the salvation of that soul.
How do we spread the gospel? In word and deed. We should work, play and pray in the manner of the missionaries! A person does not need a high degree of learning from some institution, but rather the must possess the true faith and be empowered by the Holy Spirit, so that their light can shine before all men to the glory of God. How does one know if they are living that way? Simply by the number of people who ask "What is it that you have that makes you so happy and at peace? And of course, there is also the scorn of those who prefer to live a carnal life.
With as limited as our GCMI sources have been over the years, we praise and thank God, for leading us to keep those statutes of giving and sharing. It has worked. That is why we have been blessed to aid and blessed so richly, through the Web site and Prayer Lifters to have received your friendship and trust. My advice to you then, is to pray, and listen to the still small voice who is the guide of your spirit. Your tithe belongs to God. That tithe belongs to your local church. As you are blessed with additional money for offering, share as your are led to share.
Mal 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Ps 119:78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
God bless you and yours our dear sister.
Your servant in Christ Jesus,
Bro Karl