This is a rejoinder by Adéṣẹ́gun Ọṣìbánjọ to the publisher’s note, titled, “Why tithe is not problem of Nigerian church“. Kindly follow this link for the article that inspired the rejoinder: https://churchtimesnigeria.net/why-tithe-is-not-problem-of-nigerian-church
Origin of Tithing
Kindly allow me crave your indulgence to respond on this very controversial, heated, and now overly sensitive subject by saying that Tithing came into existence in the beginning with our Progenitor Abraham after rescuing his brother Lot from the hands of his captors very long before God gave the Laws unto Moses in Gen. 14:18-20 (NIV), “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
God later came out clearly to stamp his authority on Tithes in Malachi 3:10 as follows, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”
What does the New Testament say about Tithing?
Yes, the New Testament scriptures may not have said much about Tithing but Jesus said this much in Luke 11:42, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”
Jesus went further in Matthew 5:17-20 to reinforce the Law that was given to Moses as follows: 17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Both Luke 11:42 and Matthew 5:17-20 give a clear direction to followers of Christ to uphold and obey all the Laws without neglecting any or being selective on which to and not obey. So where did these Proponents of “the New Testament and by extension, Jesus did not ask Believers to pay Tithes get this from, please?” They have to support their claims clearly with the Scriptures without ambiguities.
Tithing and Salvation
Now, let’s not confuse Tithing with Salvation, please. Tithe according to Malachi 3:10 is for the outpouring of heavenly blessings upon Believers while Salvation is based on Jesus’” finished work on the cross, not on works. You can’t earn your way to Heaven by giving, and you won’t be excluded from Heaven by your lack of tithing. For Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.” Out of our Faith, our good works manifest. So, if someone truly understands how great of a gift they have been given through Jesus, they will expend a lot of energy giving back.
The Real Furore Identified
I must commend this great effort of Mr. Gbenga Osinaike for bringing clarity to bear on the Tithing furore. The foregoing analyses were made to further support the position that Tithing is not the problem. The Lead proponent Ifedayo Olarinde aka Daddy Freeze rather than creating confusion and misleading a great multitude should just have gone ahead to raise the real issues you have enumerated and proffered some remedial solutions. There is no doubt that the issues of Accountability and display of Opulence in Christendom have taken alarming dimensions. Demanding accountability from Pastors for Tithes paid to the Church is not inherently sinful. In fact, many believe it is a responsible and necessary practice to ensure transparency and integrity within the Church. Here are a few points to consider:
- Biblical Principles: The Bible encourages stewardship and accountability. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 4:2, it states, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” This implies that church leaders, who are entrusted with tithes, should manage them responsibly and transparently.
- Transparency and Trust: Transparency in financial matters helps build trust within the congregation. When church members see that their contributions are being used wisely and ethically, it fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
- Practical Standards: Many churches have established accountability standards for their leaders. These can include regular financial audits, clear reporting of how funds are used, and having accountability partners.
- Ethical Management: Proper management of tithes ensures that the funds are used for their intended purposes, such as supporting church operations, charitable activities, and community outreach.
All the above Virtues were displayed in the early Christian church after the Pentecost when Believers sold their properties and brought the proceeds to the feet of the Apostles who were then faced with the challenge of managing the distribution efficiently. The Apostles chose seven wise and Spirit-filled men to oversee the daily distribution of food and resources. These men were Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.
Their mission was to manage resources, care for the poor and needy, and resolve conflicts that arose within the community. By delegating these tasks, the Apostles were able to focus on prayer, teaching, and spreading the Gospel. This decision yielded a positive outcome, as the church flourished and fairness, equity, and love prevailed. The experience provides valuable lessons for today, highlighting the importance of teamwork and delegation, wise leadership, and caring for the vulnerable.
This event is recorded in the Bible, specifically in Acts 4:34-37 and 6:1-6, serving as a model for effective leadership and community care in the early Christian church.
The question for the present-day Pentecostal churches is, “How many are built on these original foundations of Pentecostalism, and how many are applying or maintaining the model of effective leadership and community care church?” Today, most are very quick to invoke the Scripture Acts 2:44-45 telling their Congregation to go and sell all their properties and bring to the “Feet of the Apostles as was done after the Pentecost.” This is Food for thought to all Pentecostal Fathers in the faith and Faithfuls.
It’s important to approach this topic with a spirit of humility and a desire for constructive dialogue. If you have concerns, consider discussing them with your Church leadership respectfully and openly.
And if your Church leadership gets uncomfortable with the demand for Accountability, you may consider the option of moving to the Ministry where it exists, please because the Lord abhors rebellion as contained in 1 Samuel 15:23, it states, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” This verse highlights how serious rebellion is in the eyes of God, equating it with other grave sins.