A recent sermon by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy, has reignited a major conversation within the Christian community: what is the biblical purpose of the tithe, and to whom should it be given?
In the now-viral video clip circulating on social media, Pastor Chris spoke candidly about the practice of tithing, emphasizing that tithes are not meant for charity or humanitarian aid, no matter how well-intentioned.
He explained that the tithe is a divine instruction that should be obeyed without personal reinterpretation. “God has His ways of doing things,” Pastor Chris stated. “He told you to take your tithe to the house of God; He didn’t say you should give it to your grandmother.”
According to him, tithes should only be brought to the church, where they serve as a form of worship, submission, and covenant alignment. He described any attempt to redirect one’s tithe to family members, the poor, or other personal causes as a violation of biblical order.
“You cannot use your tithe to do good. That tithe belongs to God. It’s not yours to redirect,” he said, reinforcing the idea that obedience to God’s Word must supersede emotional impulses.
He further clarified that the principle of first fruits and tithing rooted in Old Testament teachings still reflects a spiritual law of honor and prosperity.
“You cannot give your tithe to a suffering person,” he said. “He [God] lays claim to the first fruit, and that is your assurance of prosperity.”
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Pastor Chris’s remarks have stirred strong responses online. Some believers applauded the teaching for its scriptural clarity, while others challenged its relevance in the New Testament era.
One user responded:
“Exactly. I will not use my tithe to help the poor. My tithe is a debt owed to God, just as I won’t rob Peter to pay Paul.”
Another commented:
“While tithing is biblical, it is not Christian. This was strictly a practice for the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant, which has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ.”
Some critics argued that the absence of tithing instructions in the New Testament church suggests a shift toward grace-based giving, rather than fixed percentages.
Despite the debate, Pastor Chris stood firm, pointing believers back to Scripture as the final authority on spiritual stewardship.
