[u][b]Luke 18:22 (NKJV)[/b][/u]
[i]So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me[/i]
[u][b]Luke 21:1-4 (NKJV)[/b][/u]
[i]And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”[/i]
Everywhere you look, Jesus did not talk about tithing. The only thing that you see is where Jesus says to sell everything and give it away.
The reference of laying down everything at the diciples feet is another good verse on this.
[u][b]Acts 2:44-47 (NKJV)[/b][/u]
[i]Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.[/i]
[u][b]Acts 4:32-35 (NKJV)[/b][/u]
[i]Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.[/i]
[u][b]2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NKJV)[/b][/u]
[i]But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:
“ He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”
Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift![/i]
Tithing is important, but not mandated. If anything is mandated by Jesus, I read only to give it all to the poor. In Acts and 2 Cor, we are supposed to divided amongst one another, lay it (money) at the diciples feet, and give with a cheerful heart.
I give with a cheerful heart. The Lord honors those who honor Him, and I try to honor Him daily. Giving is another way to honor the Lord.
[u][b]1 samuel 2:30 (NKJV)[/b][/u]
[i]...for those who honor Me I will honor...[/i]
Christiaan
