Biblical Answer

Myth #1: All of my tithe must go to my local church.

The idea that all of one's tithe must go to their local church comes from the Old Testament principle of tithing. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were required to bring 10 percent of their annual earnings to the central sanctuary, the storehouse, and then distribute it to the Levites and the poor. However, this principle was unique to the Old Testament and does not automatically apply to the Christian community today. In the New Testament, Christians are no longer under the Sinai covenant, and the command to tithe does not automatically apply as stated in the Old Testament.

Designating a portion of the tithe for other Christian ministries

The Bible does not specifically address the issue of designating a portion of one's tithe for other Christian ministries. However, the principle of designating a portion of one's tithe for other Christian ministries is found in the Didache, one of the earliest books of the Christian community. This principle allows Christians to designate a portion of their tithe for the support of other Christian ministries that need their help. In fact, many Christian ministries rely on donations from individuals and churches to continue their work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the idea that all of one's tithe must go to their local church comes from the Old Testament principle of tithing, it is not a requirement for the Christian community today. Christians have the freedom to designate a portion of their tithe for other Christian ministries that need their help. It is essential to remember that tithing is a matter of obedience to God and should not be done to gain praise from others or to impress others with one's generosity. The Bible teaches that tithing is a matter of the heart, and it should be done with a spirit of generosity and obedience to God. Therefore, it is perfectly legitimate to designate a portion of one's tithe for other Christian ministries that need their help.