The scriptures clearly exhort us to “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house” (Mal. 3:10).
The “storehouse” is the house of the Lord where spiritual provision is provided for God’s people. The storehouse represents the local church where we receive shepherding, support, care, instruction, and fellowship. God stipulates that our tithe should be brought to the church where we attend. Our tithe should not be sent to other worthwhile or charitable institutions outside of our local church. It should not be mailed to T.V. or radio evangelists, missionaries, orphanages, or other spiritual projects. This type of support falls under the category of freewill offerings which is above and beyond the minimum tithe responsibility.
Since the tithe “is the Lord’s” (Lev. 27:30) and does not belong to us, it is not ours to do with as we please. It is not our right or prerogative to send it where we like. God has clearly instructed us to deposit it in the storehouse -the local church where we fellowship.
