Debt Free Legacy

Is it okay to Tithe via Credit Card?

Is it okay to Tithe via Credit Card?

by Debt Free Legacy

In this brief article we will not delve into the Old Testament and New Testament concept of paying a first fruits, ten percent, tithe to the church (storehouse) where we are spiritually fed. However, Chapter Two of the workbook “Financial Freedom in Seven Weeks Plus” is devoted to a three part Biblical Giving Plan, consisting of tithes, offerings, and alms. So let’s narrow this discussion to the question: “Is it okay to Tithe via Credit Card”? 
Although we hate the fact that so many people are in credit card debt bondage, we also understand the practicality of needing one card for various uses: renting a car, hotel and airline reservations, etc. Our ministry urges people to NEVER fall into the minimum payment trap but rather to ALWAYS pay the full balance, on time, each month.
Common sense tells us that credit card companies are in business to make a profit. They do this by charging a transaction fee to the merchant who accepts your card purchase and from interest and other fees paid by card holders. So – YES it is acceptable to pay tithes or give freewill offerings or alms via credit card… but you should find out what fee (percentage) the church or ministry will have to forego and add enough to your gift to cover the fees. For example,  lets just assume that you want to pay a tithe of $100 and you use a credit card that charges the church a three percent fee. Then, in this example, the church really only gets to keep $97. Since this is less than the full amount of the tithe you intended the church to receive, you should increase the tithe to (approximately) $103 so the church really does receive the full $100.

We understand that many churches and ministries are very hesitant to mention this because they do not want to put – up any giving road blocks. Our ministry believes that sincere Christians seek knowledge and have a desire to give wisely… and part of their giving plan will be a full ten percent tithe.

Tithing….Is It Really for Today?

Tithing….Is It Really for Today?

by Bill Sitter

I am privileged to address the topic of tithing because it is one of our favorites. Tithing is extremely vital, just as life blood is to the human body. Before going any deeper, I would like to share our observations from 20 years of teaching Biblical Principles for Finance. Maureen and I have seen hundreds of people complete the seven week small group course and begin to faithfully tithe. The fruit has been absolutely amazing, time and time again. And, we have Never seen or heard of these tithers wishing they had never learned about tithing on their first fruits, their increase, to the Lord…..Never!

Malachi 3: 8-12 tells us that tithing keeps us from robbing God and positions Him to rebuke the devourer (the devil) on our behalf. God then pours-out huge blessings on us; which is what He longs to do. Okay, but that’s the last book of The Old Testament. Good News: in Matthew 23:23 Jesus personally reinforced the ten percent tithe when He rebuked the Pharisees for tithing on their garden plants (being legalistic) but neglecting the weighty matters of justice, mercy & faithfulness. They were neglecting to show love and compassion to others, even including their parents. Jesus basically said: (my paraphrase) “you should have tithed, but that’s no excuse for neglecting these other Kingdom Principles”. This same message is also stated in Luke 11:42.

Some may say that tithing is “under the law”; it is good to reflect on the fact that Abraham set the example of tithing ten percent of the spoils of war to Melchisedec (a representation of the coming Lord Jesus). It is essential to note that Abraham’s full ten percent tithe occurred long before Moses was even born, and prior to the Old Testament laws ever being written. (Hebrews 7:1-4)

I believe the case for tithing today is very clear: tithing is validated in (the above referenced) Scriptures, by Abraham – before the law, under the Mosaic Law, and then by Jesus’ reinforcement in the New Testament.

I realize that many readers of this article are committed tithers who are not seeking excuses to avoid tithing. However, you may be able to refer to these scriptures when faced with tithing questions. Hopefully these Scriptural references will prove helpful as you witness to others, so they can enjoy the benefits of being able to (not forced to) tithe a full 10 percent of their “increase” (which for most normal wage earners is their gross pay, before deductions for anything).

Chapter Two in our small group workbook: “Financial Freedom in 7 Weeks Plus…Legacy Edition” is devoted to the topic of true Biblical Giving. It emphasizes tithing and gives examples of how to properly calculate “increase”. This chapter also addresses a three part Biblical Giving Plan which includes tithes, freewill offerings to spread the Gospel and alms for the needy.

So, the answer to the title question is….YES! Tithing is really for today!