Bethlehem Baptist Church
Greensburg, KY

The word "tithe" is derived from the Hebrew word ma’aser and it literally means a tenth. Ten percent of everything belongs to the Lord. In Malachi 3:10-11, God says,

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house.”

The 'storehouse' is the Old Testament picture of the New Testament church. The writer goes on to say,

“and try Me now in this” says the Lord of host, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

So as New Testament believers, we worship the Lord with the tithe; or the ten percent. But giving away 10% of your income can be a big - and often frightening - commitment! That's why we challenge you to the Three-Month Tithing Challenge: a money-back guarantee of sorts. Essentially, it's a contract based on the promises of God in Malachi 3:10-11. We commit to you that if you tithe for three months and God doesn’t hold true to His promises of blessings, we will refund 100% of your tithe. No questions asked.
God doesn't need our money. He owns everything. But we give first because it takes faith to give first and God wants us to trust Him. He tells us in Proverbs 3:9-10 to

“honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops and then your barns will be filled with overflowing.”

We give first and the blessings of God follow.

The most common view is that gross earnings is the amount of God's provision, and the tithe should be based on one-tenth of God's provision. Taxes are generally considered payment for the privileges and services provided by the government. Though scripture doesn't necessarily use the literal terms "net" or "gross," it is important to note that the spirit in which we give is of greatest value to God. He tells us in II Corinthians 9 that

“each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give; not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The scripture tells us to honor Him with our first fruits and our blessings will be overflowing, we must learn to trust that He is faithful to provide. God wants us to trust Him. Seek His guidance in how much you should give, and he will honor your faithfulness and obedience.

What is the connection between Tithing and Stewardship?