The Malachi
Challenge
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
Malachi 3:10What tithing is not
Before we talk about what tithing is, it helps to understand what it is not. Two common misconceptions keep people from ever taking this step of faith.
A tip
Tithing is not a tip you leave at the end of a good service. A tip is optional, based on how satisfied you felt. The tithe is something altogether different — it is a declaration of who you trust with your life.
A tax
Tithing is not a tax on everything you have, as if God is waiting to punish you if you fall short. God is not after your money. He is after your heart, and He knows that where your treasure goes, your heart follows.
What tithing actually is
The tithe is your declaration of trust. It is an act of worship and a step of faith that says God is first in your life. As time went on, many Israelites began to prioritize riches over God. Others convinced themselves they simply had too little to tithe. And so God confronted both attitudes directly through the prophet Malachi.
8“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. 10Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12“Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
This is the only commandment in Scripture where God invites you to test Him. He does not need your money. He knows exactly what you need. And when you give your tithe despite whatever financial difficulties you face, He will prove Himself to be trustworthy every single time.
Thank you
Tithing says “thank you” to God for everything He has provided in your life.
I trust you
It declares trust in God as your ultimate Provider, not your paycheck.
I want in
It joins you as an investing partner in God’s work in this city and beyond.
From Pastor David Mazzella
Carrie and I have been tithing from Day One in our marriage. We tithed when we made $24K in combined salary. We tithe now, living in this city. The numbers have changed but God has always kept His promise. He has always made the remaining 90% more than enough, often miraculously. It has freed us from fearing about money and enabled us to make a real difference in the lives of others.
What happens when you give?
The Apostle Paul wrote to the early church that when you are generous, two powerful things happen:
- The practical needs of people in our community get met in real, tangible ways.
- People who receive that care turn and give joyful thanks to God.
Your tithe enables this church to make both a practical and a spiritual difference in the lives of others right here in New York City.
Take the Challenge
This is not our idea. It is a challenge God gave long ago to everyone who calls Him God. Commit to tithing for the next 90 days and see what He will do in your finances, your faith, and your impact on the world around you.
There is no sign up form. No one is tracking you. This is simply between you and God.
“Test me in this,”
says the Lord Almighty.
Ready to take the next step in your faith? Click below to commit to the Malachi Challenge and let us know you are in.
I Accept the ChallengeNo pressure. No obligation. Just you and God.