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TITHES AND LOVE OFFERINGS
Tithes and love offerings are something
that God's people have been giving to Him and His cause throughout the
Bible. Some say that
the Old Testament laws are now history and that means Christians no
longer need to give tithes ...
Is this TRUTH?
Are we not to
obey Old Testament laws?
Let's go find
out, shall we?
Jesus said it CLEARLY ...
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Matthew
5:18
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass,
one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till
all be fulfilled.
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So the LAW has not changed.
But, why do some folks say what they say that we are no longer under
the law if Jesus says the Law is eternal?
T his
ONE verse speaks volumes ...
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John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses,
but GRACE and TRUTH
came by Jesus Christ
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No ... The law has not changed, but rather the
way God's law is placed within us has.
We will learn more on this a
lil later.
First ...
Did you know ...
Statistics reveal that 44% of
the population attend regular religious services and that a mere 5% of
those Christians gave tithes. Perhaps this is why the Church is going
downhill as they are having to either close down due to financial
negligence or even worse ... Get funded by big business and/or
government assistance which then places them under worldly rule.
Perhaps it was these type of stats back in the day, that made God say
these words:
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Malachi 3:8-9
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say,
Wherein have we robbed thee?
In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even
this whole nation. |
God is saying that His people were robbing HIM
by not giving tithes. It clearly states that God cursed people for not
giving tithes. In TRUTH, everything you have is because of God. In
return, God asks that you give back to Him and His cause. When you
support the ministry that you are part of, you are giving to God and
His cause so that He can spread His message to others by way of these
ministries.
After God expressed His anger, God challenges His
people ...
"PROVE ME NOW"
See if giving tithes will not have me bring blessings
upon you.
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Malachi 3:10
Bring ye all the
tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine
house, and PROVE ME NOW herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a
blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. |
God made it crystal clear ...
Those who gave tithes would receive blessings.
This failure to do as God has asked has prevented many
Christians from hearing the Word of God as those called to serve him are
unable to do so due to lack of finances just as it was in the Bible.
When the children of Israel neglected to bring in the
tithes to the priests who provided them with the Word of God, they had
no other choice than to leave their service to the Lord and go work in
the fields to support themselves. It took a man of God standing up and
saying something about it to get the people to do as they were told by
God.
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Nehemiah 13:10-12
And I perceived that the
portions of the Levites had not
been given them: for the Levites
and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.
Then contended I with the rulers, and said,
Why is the house of God forsaken?
And I gathered them together,
and set them in their place.
THEN brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the
oil unto the treasuries.
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Perhaps this is why so many Christians today are not
experiencing blessings in their Christian walk. What do you suppose
would happen if people actually did tithe like God says that they
should. If the ministries that serve God actually received the tithes
that they are supposed to, imagine how many more souls could have been
reached.
Where did the concept of tithes and offerings come from?
The answer is that it has been this way from the beginning. It began way
back in the Book of Genesis ...
There was a time period when Cain and Abel brought their
sacrifices to the Lord. God was pleased with Abel's offering, but not
Cain's.
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Genesis
4:3-5
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of
the fruit of the ground an
offering unto the LORD.
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of
the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his
offering: But unto Cain
and to his
offering he had not
respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And
the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy
countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be
accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And
unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
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Jacob (which would have his name
changed to Israel) promised God 10% of what he had.
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Genesis 28:22
And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's
house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely
give the tenth
unto thee. |
God commanded that this become the
standard ...
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Leviticus 27:30-34
And all the
tithe of the land, whether
of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the
LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes,
he shall add thereto the
fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe
of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under
the rod, the tenth shall
be holy unto the LORD. He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither
shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and
the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed. These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded
Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai.
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God chose people that He wanted to
work only for Him and God would have the people bring 10% of what they
made to these chosen people so they could focus solely on the business
of God.
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Numbers 18:20-22
And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no
inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part
among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the
children of Israel. And, behold,
I have given
the children of Levi all the tenth
in Israel for an inheritance,
for their service which they
serve, even the service of
the tabernacle of the congregation. |
God gave a detailed explanation of
how He wanted His people to give tithes to the people He chose to
serve Him by sharing His Word with them. Again He promised blessings
if they would.
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Deuteronomy 14:22-29
Thou shalt truly tithe
all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year
by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the
place which He shall choose to place His name there, the tithe
of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings
of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear
the LORD thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art
not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee,
which the LORD thy God shall choose to set His name there, when
the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the
money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD
thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy
soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for
strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou
shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice,
thou, and thine household, And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt
not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all
the tithe
of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy
gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor
inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless,
and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall
eat and be satisfied;
that
the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand
which thou doest. |
The Bible is clear that such an
offering must be given willingly.
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1 Chronicles 29:6-9
Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the
tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds,
with the rulers of the king's work,
offered willingly, And
gave for
the service of the house of God
of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of
silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand
talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. And they with whom precious stones were found gave
them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then
the
people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with
perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD:
and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. |
Many Christians that seek ways of not
having to part with their offerings as instructed have chosen to
suggest that the commandment to give these required offerings ended
with the Old Testament in a vain attempt to free themselves from their
spiritual obligation to God.
However ... This command by God did
not end with the Old Covenant as we can see in the New Testament.
THE NEW TESTAMENT
TITHES VERSUS LOVE OFFERINGS
Our Lord Jesus spoke fondly of a
woman who gave her offerings in the New Testament.
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Mark 12:41-44
And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the
people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich
cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw
in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His
disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this
poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into
the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but
she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her
living. |
Paul gave instructions on how the
Christians were to set the money aside each week. This is why each
Sunday, people put money in collection plates at Church.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Now concerning the
collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches
of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let
every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,
that there be no gatherings when I come. |
Paul made it clear that the offerings
were to be given cheerfully and willingly.
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2 Corinthians 9:5-15
For as touching the ministering to the Saints, it is superfluous
for me to write to you:
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the
brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up
beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the
same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of
covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap
also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also
bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so
let him
give;
not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful
giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you;
that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound
to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath
given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever. Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both
minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and
increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness,
which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the Saints, but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they
glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of
Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto
all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for
the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. |
The followers all gave the Apostles their tithes and
it was distributed to everyone as needed.
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Acts 2:44-47
And all that believed were together, and had all
things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them
to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the
temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their
meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
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Acts 4:32-35
And the multitude of them that
believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of
them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own;
but they had all things common. And with great power gave the
apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and
great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them
that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses
sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was
made unto every man according as he had need. |
Here is a stern warning about deceiving with
offerings.
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Acts 5:1-11
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being
privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the
apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine
heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the
price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it
was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived
this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto
God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up
the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these
things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him
out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when
his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold
the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed
together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of
them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall
carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and
yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her
dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as
many as heard these things. |
Paul gives us a lil similitude ...
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1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a
vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a
flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these
things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is
written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of
the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no
doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in
hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of
his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a
great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be
partakers of this power over you, are not we rather?
Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things,
lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that
they which minister about holy things live of the things of the
temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the
altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the
gospel should live of the gospel. |
Paul is saying that those who God has
called to share the Word of God are to be taken care of so they can
continue to do so.
What of charity ...
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1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for
charity shall cover the multitude of sins. |
Many like to say ... Well I will pray for the Church
and that is enough. Hear the words of James ...
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James 2:15-17
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and
filled; notwithstanding
ye give
them not
those things which are needful to the body;
what doth
it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. |
We know that God uses His people to
bless others. James is saying it is not right to throw a quick verbal
blessing and walk away but rather to do something about it.
So, why do some folks say what they say that we are no longer under
the LAW TO GIVE?
Cuz we are NOT !!!
T his
ONE verse speaks volumes ...
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John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses,
but GRACE and TRUTH
came by Jesus Christ
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No ... The law has not changed, but
rather the way God's law is placed within us has.
Jesus brought in a New Covenant which is not based on works but LOVE.
This New Covenant is all about GRACE.
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Ephesians 2:8-9
For by GRACE are ye saved through Faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man
should boast.
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Galatians 2:21
I do not frustrate the GRACE of God. For if righteousness comes
by the LAW ... Then Christ is dead in vain. |
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Galatians 5:4
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are
justified by the law; ye are fallen from GRACE.
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To make it a lil clearer for those who are just starting down the
Christian walk path ...
If a man and woman were married and they stayed together out of
OBLIGATION or LAW ... It would NOT be the same as if they fell in LOVE
and EVERYTHING they did ... They did cuz they WANTED to. NOT cuz they
had to.
THIS ... Is the New Covenant.
This applies to giving to the Lord as well.
We do not HAVE to give to the
Lord. We are supposed to choose to.
Then the LAW is fulfilled by
LOVE.
To those who can hear ...
ARE YOU RECEIVING
THE PROMISED
BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE
FROM GIVING YOUR LOVE OFFERINGS OR TITHES?
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