Question:  Dear Greg,

            Is there any biblical support for the notion that we must tithe in order to avoid being under a curse?  Does the Bible teach that whatever we pay over and above a tithe is a “seed” that is sown upon which we can expect to reap financial blessings (for example, by praying for a “hundredfold return” over the seed)?  Is there any biblical support for the notion that Christians are called to be financially prosperous, and that the way to achieve this is by the principles of tithing and giving offerings that I have outlined above?

            Nishad

Answer:  Dear Nishad,

            Thanks for asking and for giving us an opportunity to answer and to help.  No, there is no biblical support for Christians to believe or practice what is called the “prosperity gospel”.  Of course, there are biblical “proof texts” that some attempt to use, but they are used outside of their context and intended meaning.  The questions you raise (being under a curse, the seed money idea, the use of the term hundredfold) are all classic prosperity gospel teachings.  If you live in the United States or Canada we have two free booklets on this topic that we would be happy to send you if you supply us with a postal address.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht