Yes, “Tithing” and generous giving are New Testament biblical principles.
The Church in Jerusalem was poverty stricken. So, Paul wrote to the churches scattered elsewhere requesting that they not only provide for their own congregation, but also give generously for this need. “Now about the collection for God’s people. Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week (Sunday, when they met for worship), each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made,” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
Jesus Himself talks about the importance of tithing (“Tithe” means giving a tenth of your income). “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue, and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practised the latter, without leaving the former undone).
The whole of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 is about “generous giving” and the blessing from God if you do so.
At present our church is in monetary crisis, so leadership is asking every Connect attendee to prayerfully consider regular automatic payments as a way of tithing. To make a payment, please put these details in the “reference” field: your name, your giving number, and “tithing.” Further information is available on the back of the newsletter or contact the office.
There are so many good things God is doing amongst us right now. This month we become the Manurewa Central Debt Centre for CAP (Christians Against Poverty), helping lift people out of extreme poverty and back into fully living. God is also bringing into our community people who He wants to heal, and He is teaching us how to love them well. Our Preschool is once again healthy and thriving serving around 24 families in our community. Our demographic predictions via the last census are that by 2030 Goodwood Heights will be predominantly Asian, and mostly Chinese. This month we start “Free English classes” for people who have English as their second language. And next week we baptise David 😊
God is good and He is moving, so let’s all play our part in tithing, serving, and enjoying God’s blessings.