Make an
impact today

The “tithe” is the tenth part of our increase. It is the portion of the Lord that we return to Him for His blessings in our lives. It is a simple way to know “how much” you should give unto the Lord.

The 10th part or 10% provides a way to make giving equal among the people of God—the $1 is as great as the $100,000 to God if it is given according as one has received. So no matter how much we give, as long as we tithe there is no inequality in God, and “more” money doesn’t mean more value to God.

The tenth part is just 1 out of every 10. If you have 10 fish, you give 1 unto the Lord; $10, you give $1 to the Lord. The easiest way to determine what is the 10th part is to move the decimal point of any number to the left once. For instance, if we received $100.00 from work, 10% of that would be $10.00; $1000.00 would be $100.

It is said that the tithe began in the Garden of Eden when God separated the tree of Good and Evil as the portion that should not be touched.

In the Old Testament, the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob made tithing a part of their lives. Later on, God instituted tithing as a means to support the Levitical priesthood for the work that they did for the Children of Israel as their ministers. Therefore, tithing continues to be the way God uses His people to support the pastor and staff for the work of the ministry.

While the tithe is the tenth part of our increase, an offering is any portion given above the tithe. It is this portion that expresses our gratitude for what God has done for our lives. Because this is not the tithe, it does not have a percentage given by God, through His Word, therefore, it is done out of an abundant heart, cheerfully giving unto the Lord.

In the New Testament the First Century (or first) Christians sold possessions including lands and homes to give to the work of the Lord.

When looking at the standard of giving in the New Testament, an offering is at times greater than the tithing portion.

There are other giving points written in the Scriptures—though only the tithes and offering appear to be required.

Here are some other Biblical points of giving:

• The First Fruit (Proverbs 3:9) - this is the first “harvest” given unto the Lord. In our terms, it could be the first salary we receive at a new job or the first paycheck for a given year. It appears that instead of the tithe, or tenth part, we give 100% of the increase, done once, and the subsequent increases or pay would tithe onward.

• Free Will Offering (Acts 4:34-35) - this is an offering given when a need arises in the church such as a building fund, or a foreseen or unforeseen expense(s). This is normally above and beyond the tithe.

• Love Offering - Like a free will offering, a love offering can be given as a token of honor to the pastor or those who have ministered to us the Word of the Lord. It can also be a gift to the church as a point of gratitude for a blessing that we did not expect or receive in abundance.

• Benevolence (Proverbs 19:17) - the Bible teaches us to give to the poor. This type of giving is apart from our tithes and offering (as tithes and offerings are given in support and in honor of God’s work and ministry). Those whose hearts the Lord has touched to give benevolently, should do so without considering who is receiving this gift directly. Let those who give benevolently should do so as unto the Lord, as He will be the One that will repay us.

Yes.

Because we do not receive a physical item or any goods or services for our giving, the monies given are deemed as charitable contribution that you can (and should) inform the IRS.

An end of the year contribution letter can be given to you for the tally of your giving throughout the year. Please email give@waterschurchny.com if you want yours.