citylights church

What is tithing and how is it different from an offering?

We all live in total dependence on God. As Christians, we have come to recognize this truth and we seek to give Him honor and glory for who He is. In the area of giving, we respond to God saying, “I trust you for all my provisions...All I have comes from you.”

Giving is a major part of worshiping God in the Bible. In the Old Testament, the tithe (or 10%) was the basic amount that was set aside as God’s. Leviticus 27:30 says, “a tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”   Offerings were brought as worship to God above and beyond the basic requirement of the tithe. In the New Testament, Jesus assumed that people would tithe (Matthew 23:23). Even though we are free from specific requirements of the Old Testament Law, the basic concepts all appear in the New Testament. Further, tithing started before the Law, as Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in Genesis 14, and Jacob promised to give a tenth of all God's provision back to God in Genesis 28. Giving continues to be a focal point of the Christian experience and is echoed throughout the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” God is still looking for people to demonstrate their love for Him and faith in Him by giving of their resources. We give our time, energy, and money in our local church home. We do this to further God’s kingdom and to worship Him. We are thankful for who He is and what He has done.

How do I give?

At City Lights Church, you are free to give during the offering at our Sunday service, or by mailing your contributions to the office. In our electronic age, where people are increasingly paying bills and banking online, many organizations are setting up online giving and donations. Online giving is the process of authorizing your bank to deduct a specified amount from your checking account (either one time or recurring) without having to write a check.  Today, nearly all banks have free bill pay features, and we encourage you to set up a recurring tithe or one-time offering that way, so your entire gift will go toward the purpose you intend. City Lights Church is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible. You will receive an annual giving statement from City Lights at the end of each year for yearly giving amounts greater than $200.

Below are a few major bank online bill-pay registration links:

• Bank of America
• Commerce Bank
• U.S. Bank
• Fifth Third Bank

Online Giving Through PayPal Using Your Debit Card, Credit Card, or PayPal Account

There are three steps to giving online. The process is simple and secure, and will only take a few moments. We are a 501(c)3 organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible.

1. To make a one-time or recurring donation, please enter your amount below and click the appropriate button. (Please note: you do not have to have a PayPal account to make a one-time donation; you may use your debit or credit card. However, recurring donations require that you use or setup a PayPal account).
2. Once you click the button, you will be directed to PayPal's site. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete your donation.
3. You will receive an e-mail receipt of your donation, which you will need to save for tax purposes. Thank you in advance!