Chapter One: Are you living in the New Testament? 3

Chapter Two: IS IT JUST A BUSINESS PRACTICE? 13

Chapter Three: He has risen. It is done. 19

Chapter Four: Offerings 22

Chapter five: CONCLUSION AND INVITATION TO PERSONAL REST 25

Credit: tithing.com 31

 

Chapter One: Are you living in the New Testament?                  

Why is the church still struggling with Tithes and Offerings? Why, after nearly two thousand years, are we still in confusion? Are we under obligation to offer up our Tithes to God? If not, then why is the church teaching it? Are there any clear indications in the scriptures to point the way for us? Yes! Thank God, Yes! 

God is very clear on Tithing and Offerings, but the church today doesn’t suggest any clear directions to its members. This isn’t new; the first-century churches also had difficulties with the laws of Moses. As a matter of fact, the first general council of the new Christian church addressed keeping the laws of Moses as a requirement for Christian fellowship. Acts Chapter 15 records this major debate within the Church, should we require Circumcision in order to be saved? After much disputing Peter (vs 7-10 ) asked: “Why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” I ask the Church today the same question, if the prophets, children of Israel, and the disciples couldn’t keep and bear the yoke of the law, why are you burdening us with it?

Then James added (vs. 13-18 with Romans 3:21) that even the prophets agreed on salvation to the Gentiles is without the law. And they all concluded in verse (24) that Christians were not required to keep the law of Moses. (24)”Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your soul, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment” 

James, Peter, Paul, and the other first-century apostles, teachers, and ministers felt it was a subversion of the soul to teach keeping the laws of Moses to Christians. So why are we still hearing about Tithing in the church today? Under what authority do preachers have to go back into the old Testaments and pull out one law, use only a small part of that Law and place its yoke around the people of God? By which scriptural permission does today’s church have to determine which part of the Old Testament Christ didn’t fulfill, died for, and abolish forever?

Galatians 3:1 “O Foolish Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?”

3:2 ” This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”

3:3 “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”

Would Paul call the church today foolish? Are we trying to become justified by the works of the law, which was designed to condemn us? What are the results of believing in the law of Moses to salvation? Where are the praise, worship, and celebration? All we have is condemnation, death, and hell. The Law was never to benefit mankind, it was to condemn mankind. But because we have been under oppression for so long, we seek an oppressor over us. Even when victory was found, we still seek a master over us. It is our nature to serve our abuser. 

An abused woman will support her abuser. You cannot tell her she is being abused; she knows that. You cannot rescue her from her abuser; she will only return. If the abuser leaves her, she will find another. If you call the police while she is being beaten on her front lawn, she will get up and fight the police. She cannot be reached until she has had enough of the abuse. Then and only then will she leave in the middle of the night with only her clothes on her back. Then you had better have a safe place for you to go. A safe place all prepared to handle her fears and burdens. 

That was what the death and resurrection of Christ is to the church. While we were under the abusive Law, we supported and defended it. We sought to be under it and defended it. But we were rescued by our Savior and are no longer over the taskmaster. But some are trying to keep their loyalty to the abuser, and it is an insult to our Savior.

Galatians 5:1-6 (along with Romans 4:13-16) (1) “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. “(2) “Behold I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.” (3) ” For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.” (4) “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (5) “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” (6) “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”

I believe Paul is very clear here; you cannot believe in the law and grace at the same time. You can’t serve two masters. Either Christ abolished the law, or He didn’t, and God will accept whichever choice we make. He will either judge us by the law or forgive us by the blood whichever one we select! 

Galatians 3:10 or Malachi 3:10? ONLY the truth will set you free.

Galatians 3:10 “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”

Are you free to Christ or a slave to the Law? The Galatians were warned not to take even a piece of the law because they would be required to keep all of the law. They had been raised to believe in the law, were required to keep the law, and had followed the traditions of their fathers with the law. But they had forgotten the promise of a deliverer from the law. They had not learned enough about the redemption from the law that they could not recognize their kinsmen redeemer when they saw Him. It is natural to keep our traditions. They form our culture, and culture forms our heritage. But man can void the very word of God with his traditions. Mark 7:13 “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Make up your mind saints, do you live in Old Testament times or New Testament time? Why would Jesus need to die on the Cross if you are still under bondage?

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.” I would like to meet this Tither. The one who’s Tithe has caused God to open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing he cannot contain. Wouldn’t he have such a large return on his Tithing that he could cover the entire budget of the church? Where is this guy, and why don’t we see them everywhere? This scripture is not talking about a new job or a pay raise. You can’t count finding some money or getting a large inheritance. You can contain that! What you cannot contain is the joy, freedom, and eternal blessing of a cheerful giver and worker in the vineyard of Christ. Eternal life, eternal grace, eternal presence with God Almighty cannot be contained. And all of that is free to you: no bondage, no payment, only obedience, and faith.

That choice represents the gift and responsibility of salvation, but it is a choice. One can accept the gift, or one can reject it. God expects us to appreciate, honor, and proclaim to others the gift given. If Tithing is still required, then so are all of the Laws and Ordinances. I know a large number of Ministers of the Gospel.

There are two types of Christian organizations, and most of us know the differences. One makes the church a business for honor and power. These are manned by individuals who care more about what they can achieve. The other type knows the truth, proclaims the truth, and suffers persecution because of the truth. The scriptures tell us that we will suffer, so we may as well suffer for righteousness. 

1 Peter 3:14-18

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 

You are going to suffer and be persecuted in this world. You may as well suffer for being righteous. I would imagine this is especially required if you are a minister of the Gospel. If Christ loved His flock enough to die for them, how do you think He feels about the herders of the flock misguiding the flock?

I love and respect church leaders, but I will not allow our friendship nor any level of respect for them to keep me silent just to maintain my relationship with them. I will not compromise on the Word of God to make man feel better in their sins. I welcome a conversation to rightfully divide the word of God, but your standing before men, your degrees awarded, your prestige among your colleagues gives you no higher standard than the word of God. I am eager to see my errors, excited about the teachings of Godly, learned scholars, and prayerfully anticipate wise council. So let us start the conversation, then be enlightened. One of us will be changed, one of us will be taught, and both of us will be doing the will of God.

The Birth of Christ was God keeping His promise to man. Many of us are being deceived. If intentionally or not, deception is just as painful. It is also just as hard to turn around. Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 

When we accept something as true, we place it deep in our hearts. It rests there comfortably because we have confidence in its truth. We either have confidence in our own intelligence and abilities, or we have confidence in the wisdom of those teaching us. It is very difficult to convince someone they are incorrect on a long-held belief. 

If they accept your conclusion, then they must accept their own flawed beliefs. They must accept being fooled or for believing in someone with incorrect ideas or teachings. This is very difficult to do and usually precedes arguments and disagreements. 

This is why we are told by scripture to divide the word of God. To discuss, debate, and see the truth. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We are workmen for God, not our leaders. We are personally and individually responsible for what we accept as truth. We can depend on our Pastor, Seminary, Bishop, or best friend, but we will be held responsible for every decision we make. So I am looking forward to rightly dividing the Word of God with all of my friends.

We celebrate the Resurrection. As a Christian who is not ashamed of the Gospel, let me welcome all to celebrate our most wonderful celebration. Please feel free to join in with the festivities and recognize the birth of our Savior. But please understand that Christmas is a Christian celebration, not a Christian holiday nor any other event. It has a meaning, function, and a spiritual connection. It is a promise fulfilled, and evidence of God is in control of the universe.

Understand that you are sharing the most intimate beliefs of many Americans, that Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” The reason “a son is given” was that the birth of Christ redeemed us back to God, and redemption was not possible without a Savior and Kinsmen with the price and willingness to pay. He paid that price, and we celebrate the return to God and the departure of the restraining force of the law.

The world, along with weak church leaders, has taken the gift of Christmas and replaced them with fantasies and fairytales. Jesus was not homeless, and His parents were on their way home to pay taxes. Mary went into labor, so they stopped to rent a room for the birth, so they must have had money to rent the room. There was no room at the Inn because everyone was traveling to pay their taxes. Jesus was born in the stables not because His parents were poor but because there were no rooms available. 

This is not the “Season to be jolly” it is not the time for “Jingle bell rock,” and no matter how much you believe, Santa Claus is not the reason for the season. Despite the traditions of America and the world, the story of Christmas has not lost its flavor nor power. It is not about gift-giving but about a gift given. It is not about taking but receiving.

So feel free to join us and even bring your own traditions and beliefs with you but remember the true story of Christmas. But like good friends visiting, do not try to take over the house, it is not for the world to join together with us. It is about the world joining us. This is a Christian event, and it is steeped with history. It does not matter if the date is right, or if the Kings went to the manger or weather, Christ was born 1B.C. or 4B.C. What matters is that the events surrounding the first Christmas are real and verifiable and should be good news to all. We have been redeemed!

I recognize that all will not rejoice at the birth of our Savior; all did not rejoice during His birth. However, I ask my kind, gentle, sensitive friends to show compassion and tolerance as we spend time in the “spiritual” celebration. All of you who preach diversity and understanding should consider Christmas your opportunity to show us how it is done.

This is not the time to change the meaning of the season to be politically correct. Schools are now calling it “winter holiday,” and commercials are referring to something called “Seasons Greetings,” and Americans are saying goodbyes with “Happy Holidays.” Well, when, and why do we celebrate “Winter?” Exactly what is the “Season” we greeting each other over? Please tell me what is so “Happy” about the Happy Holiday greeting? These are just fake distractions from the real reason. The truth is too painful for the world. Our Savior is born, and God intends to keep His promise made in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

Are we ashamed of the original meaning and historically significant of the observance? It is enough that we cannot have mangers on public property without one of these “tolerant” merchants demanding its removal, but now the very language of our culture seems intolerant of recognizing the true meaning of this event.

Today there is much debate over the accuracy of the Bible, the “contradictions” in Scripture, and separating the Government from the Church. Well, I do not care about that during this season. I care about my Christian values and beliefs, becoming forgotten and forsaken. I care when I see it becoming harder just to be a Christian openly and to express Christian beliefs. We have grown so sensitive to other’s feelings that we have forgotten our jobs as Christians. I wonder, is this because we Christians are trying to place the light of the Gospel under a bush. Are we still trying to crawl back under the Law instead of rejoicing in the bright light of the truth? By teaching Tithing, aren’t we teaching that the Birth, Death, and Resurrection only partially fulfilled the promise of God Almighty? Are we suggesting we need to keep some part of the Law to be fully redeemed? 

I am not here to convince you of the accuracy of Scriptures. I have not been given a commission to make you act the right way or intrude upon your life. My job as a Christian is to continue to tell you about the events of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. You can believe it if you wish, but you will not be able to deny hearing it.

I realize that Christmas and Easter are the seasons of renewal of family and other relationships, as it should be. They are the seasons for showing our love and care for each other. We can use the spirit of the holidays to reach out to those less fortunate than we are. But without the birth of Christ, this would only be a pagan winter harvest celebration with no historic significants.

This is not the season for more political battles or social struggles. It is not a time for liberals and conservatives, black or white, or us and them. All that I am comes from the beliefs celebrated this season. The principles of family, duty, and honor would have no meaning without the beliefs in the birth of Christ. All of my political speeches and opinions would not have a foundation to stand on without the assurances of the birth and resurrection of Christ. So, why would I eagerly share my political and social beliefs and opinions with you without also sharing my spiritual beliefs? It is my spiritual beliefs that all else stem from.

So join in the festivities, come to our Church events, speak with those Christian co-workers, and find a Church for Christmas eve. But also take the time to set down with a Christian and compare your beliefs about Christians with the beliefs of a Christian. Find out why otherwise sane people truly believe a dead man came out of a grave. Explore what could motivate worship, dedication, and a transformation of the hearts of men.

Even if you are skeptical and critical, I invite you to donate a little of your holiday time having a really serious conversation with one of us Christians. Find one that is not ashamed of the Gospel and willing to give all and answer to the faith that lies within us. Search out the contradictions, look for the answer, and ask the hard questions. You will find us Christians disagreeing with each other on many subjects. That is why you have so many denominations. Tithing is a topic I disagree with many of my spiritual leaders on. Leaders I set under, learn from, and have been spiritually taught by, will disagree on my views of Tithing. We are still friends, still, worship together, and I still learn from them. 

There are others who agree with me, and we all fellowship together. However, I am the spiritual leader of my home. My wife and children look to me to guide them in everything. What kind of man would I be if I allowed the spiritual beliefs of others to overshadow my own within my family? I can attend their church, set under them as my pastor. However, since I reject the principles of Tithing, I cannot teach Bible Study or Preach in their church on that topic. I don’t find Tithing a strong enough issue for me to split from my church unless the church makes believing in Tithing a condition of membership.

If you cannot find a Christian to speak to about the real reason for this season, you can call me, and I will happily put you in touch with one. Wise men spoke and prophesied His birth; wise men sought Him at His birth, and wise men still seek Him today. 

But the gift of Christmas was freedom. Freedom from slavery, freedom from death. It was God keeping His promise to us for redemption back to Him. If we were still under the law, He would have no need for Christmas. If the Birth of Jesus meant anything, it meant everything.

We cannot celebrate the end of the curse and still pay homage to the rules of the curse. Christians must remain true to the the body of Christ. We cannot compromise because His birth did not compromise with us.

Chapter Two: IS IT JUST A BUSINESS PRACTICE?

I have been discussing Tithing with Pastors, Bishops, and Scholars for decades. We go over the same scriptures and debate the same teachings. Eventually, every single one has brought it down to funding the church, and every single one proclaims their beliefs that church funding would be harmed if they did not teach and preach Tithing. If every Church Leader defends Tithing due to the finances of the church, then let’s look at church financing from a business point of view.

I understand the private, personal struggles ONLY pastors go through over financing their ministry and the calling of a God. The vision God gives a Pastor is personal. God gives the vision only to the Pastor, not to the congregation or leadership. One plank taught is Tithing. It is a standard-based income allowing the church to plan spending projects. I understand all the good which can be done with this income, but it is still unscriptural. 

I have a suggestion for church leaders. What if you could replace Tithing with a better financial solution? What if you could improve church revenue, free the people from the unscriptural beliefs and greatly improve the long term financial position of the church?

My solution is simple. Since Tithing is only required of members of the church, then make an agreement with members to pledge 10% or whatever they wish. But do not make it a donation to the church. Have them pledge a life insurance policy to the church and their families. Maybe as benefactors, they can be shared evenly between the church and the family. Very few poor or middle-class families even carry life insurance. What a great gift to the next generation of churchgoers if the church encourages passing on a financial blessing to the great-grandchildren…and the church. The community would begin to think about financing and money management. It would grow stronger bonds between families, and that would grow stronger churches. Think of the financial windfall to the church in just 20 years.

Most people are already Tithing $400 to $500 a month or more in Tithing. I don’t know how much Life Insurance Policy this would cover, but it would be substantial. Let’s say each member carried a $500,000 policy. It would include $250,000 for the church and another $250,000 for the family. 

Even small churches have deaths of members. If a church suffered two deaths a year, it would mean a $500,000 beneficial payment to the Church. Much more than the deceased member would have offered in Tithing, and every Church in America would be financially strong and free. Not even considering the tremendous prosperity this plan would have to the members of the church. What would that revenue do for the education of the children? Seeing the blessings left by parents to children could inspire more family investments. Opening businesses, college tuition, taking care of the elderly would all be a benefit to the members and the church. Tithing supports the church, and I know a lot of church leaders who believe this also benefits the community and the neighborhood. But does it? 

There is a church in my hometown that sets in a very impoverished part of town. It is a very large church that owns most of the block it sits on. The people of the neighborhood are still impoverished, but the church has become s very successful landlord. They are building up buildings but not building up men. Crime is still rampant, drugs are still controlling them, and there is still no hope. 

An approach like this would financially free the church and spiritually free the members of that church. Also, the leaders of the church could stand boldly and proclaim Gods’ Word and the peace which comes by obedience. 

Jesus is our peace. We are no more in prison, tormented by the unlivable law. God kept His promise made to mankind in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Jesus was the victory over Satan, and His victory corrected the fall in the Garden of Eden. By placing the burden on Tithing back on the people, Pastors also deny the blessing and coverage of the Resurrection.

Ephesians 2:14-16 (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: The letter to the Ephesians states“ Even the Law of Commandments contained in ordinances, and you have to decide if you believe it or not. It does not matter what verse is printed on the Tithing envelope. No matter what sermons are offered, and it does not matter how much guilt is laid upon you. The death of Jesus and His Resurrection ended the law and ordinances. There is still a restriction on entering the Kingdom of God. There is still a requirement to achieve before we can become one with Jesus. But it’s not ten percent of your income. It is accepting the gift given. It is allowing the blood of The Lamb to cover you once and for all time. It is a gift but one that must be accepted. 

Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? Warnings against seeking to fulfill the law. (See) Acts 15:24, Gal. 3:10-15, Gal. 5:1, Hebrews 7:11-10 and 18. All requirements to keep the law has been abolished. Galatians 4:21 Colossians 2:14-17 and First Timothy 1:9.

If God doesn’t require us to keep any of the laws of Moses, then could the Tithing requirements put on us by the Church be a simple business practice? Can it be that simple, the Church realizes that 10% of your income is just good marketing? In all honesty, it appears so. Many preach, but few really believe it; after a few minutes of discussion, they all generally respond with something like, “well, its the only way we can get them to support the church”. What a sad commentary on today’s faithfulness to God’s Word.

When the leaders of the Church use tricks and games to get money from the people of God, it is no surprise that we are losing the physical and spiritual warfare. God has a plan for today’s financial strength of the Church, and it works for the blessing of the Church and its members. We don’t have to be tricked into giving, nor do we have to depend upon Old testament legalities.

Even if we accept the Old Testament requirements to Tithe, no Church is fully following the ordinance. The law of Tithing not only required a tenth of your earnings but had other restrictions and demands. There are requirements to give Tithes to the Levites (Numbers18:21-24). Then a Tithes of Tithes (or a tenth of the tenth) for the priests (Numbers18:26; Nehemiah 10:37; 12:44). How many preachers take a tenth of the Tithes for their salary? Since they are claiming to be the “Levites,” shouldn’t they be required to treat the Tithes in the same manner as the Levitical Priest?

And what about the Tithes for priest and ministers (Dt. 14: 27-29; 26: 12-14), is there a difference between a Priest and a Minister? This Tithe was every three years and was separate from the other Tithes, and in addition to it.

There are many Tithes in the law of Moses. Why does the Church only teach about you giving 10% to them? There are no scriptures speaking about Christians giving Tithes. All scriptures pointed to as examples of paying Tithes by Christians are examples of giving offerings. Is there a difference between Tithes and Offerings?

Read Deuteronomy 14: 22-26 and ask yourself if you have ever heard a sermon on this kind of Tithing? Verse 22 clearly calls the subject Tithing and describes how we are to participate in it. We are to give a tithe of all the increase of the seed from the field year by year. But if the amount is too great or the place to bring it is too far, we are allowed to change it into money, bundle it up and do something with it (verse 24 and 25). Up to this point, the tithe teaching Church would tell you this is simply God allowing us to convert the fruits of our labor into a more manageable commodity called money. But if you continue reading, there are some very interesting things God tells the tither to do with that money. Verse (26) “And thou shalt bestow (spend) that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, for strong drink (probably a form of beer), or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat (consume) there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice thou, and thine household,” It doesn’t matter how you read it, 

God is saying tithers in this instance should sell their goods and buy what they want, go to the Church, and have a party. It doesn’t say give any of this to the Church, why don’t we have sermons on this kind of tithe? Is it because the purpose of modern-day Tithes is not about taking care of the poor, providing for the ministry, or even obeying the Will of God. Today it is about business income and salary for the Pastor. They could preach the giving of Offerings or even pledging 10% to become a member. But that would make the agreement between the Pastor and member. With the rules of the Old Testament Tithing, the commitment is between man and God. It is much harder to break and much easier to control under the Old Testament rules. This is way Malachi 3:10 appears on the envelope.

Because the Pastors teaching Tithing has only one intention, you paying your Tithes to them, and they will do with it as they see fit. They are not living under the laws of Tithing in the Levitical manner. They own property, new cars, have a clothing allowance, and a retirement plan. If you point out to them the requirements to not own property as a Levitical Priest, they will ignore you. They will never teach the truth of Tithing because it will not benefit their business model. 

It seems clear to me that the church leaders have more confidence in their ability to lay the law back on the backs of the redeemed that they have confidence in the promised to the redemption. If your Pastor thinks you will not give if not under Tithing, then your Pastor doesn’t know God or you. The scriptures are clear on the benefits to a free church accepting the joyful giving of 

Freedom-loving people. The benefits of Offerings are great to the church and the Christian community. But only to those seeking to please God and follow His teaching completely. 

There are no blessings under Malachi 3:10 for the church; there are benefits to the Pastor under Malachi 3:10. Everyone puts in their 10%, and the Pastor gets paid. What would happen if the church preached redemption instead of slavery? Our sins are forgiven, our Debts paid, and our inheritance returned. It does not seem logical that we still seek the Slave Master with all of its restrictions. 

Some churches treat Malachi 3:10, like it is a superstition. This is not a magical trick to fool God into blessing you. They are selling the idea that God will only bless you if you give money to pastors, ministries, and churches. Is this the story of the Bible? God will not be mocked, and He promised special attention to Christian leaders who mislead the people of God.

If Tithing is still required to the Levitical priesthood, then has the Vail of the Temple really been removed? Can we now go right before God or do we need our Pastors to pray for us? There are many Pastors that believe you must come to them to get your prayers answered. I know one Pastor who requires $75 to pray the sick. Now that truly is sick. 

I know many Pastors claim Tithes because they believe the Priesthood is continuing through them. Then they must believe they are descendant to Aaron from who all Levital priests must come from. (Leviticus 21:1). “Then the LORD said to Aaron . . . you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity associated with your priesthood . . . Therefore you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood . . . you shall serve. I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service, but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death.” 

The “Outsider” are those not in the linage of Aaron. It seems clear that, while Pastors are to serve the Saints, they are not Levitical priests.

If you Pastors are really an extension of the Levitical Priesthood, then how do you own property? If Tithing is required to you, then why aren’t you living under the restrictions of the descendants of Aaron? 

Numbers 18:20 “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.”

CHAPTER THREE: He has risen. It is done.

He has Risen! Resurrection Sunday is a very important Christian Holiday. This is the day humanity celebrates victory over death. Jesus lived His life doing absolutely 100% good. Harming no one, attacking no one, going against no one, and yet government officials and religious leaders were threatened by Him. They could not control Him, influence Him, or use Him to their advantage. If He was the Son of God, it did not matter, His ministry was a threat to their power, income, and status, so they conspired to end His life.

His triumphant entry into Jerusalem by day was greeted with cheering citizens. He had spent 33 years among them, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and bringing their loved ones back to life, even teaching their leaders in their synagogues. He had fed thousands and performed many miracles for them. They came out on this “Special High Sabbath” to celebrate…during the day.

At night those living in darkness took Him, tried Him, tortured Him, and put Him to death. The next morning those civilians who had gone to sleep, rose up to find their Jesus had been put to death. The enemy can only succeed if we are asleep, folks. Wake up church, our redemption is here.

Religious leaders protecting their status and government officials who did not want the noise, came out under cover of darkness to do their deed because they are of darkness. They wanted to discredit Him and deflect any power left to His followers, but they were mistaken.

Nothing has changed today. Our religious and government leaders will sell out anyone who threatens their livelihood or credibility…even the Savior Himself. We should remember this is a “personal” relationship with Jesus Christ, not a group relationship. If your church does not follow Christ, leave that Church. If your government passes laws requiring you to work against the teaching of Christ, work against that government. 

It was the Christian-Judea values that gave us our freedoms. It was the knowledge that all men were created that gave us the courage to stand up to the government. It was the belief in that bare Cross and empty tomb that conquered the world. Now we are facing a choice.

The choice is the same as it has always been. Do what we are called to do or allow others to lead us. The obstacles we are facing are fake and illusions. They were as fake as Goliath or the Walls of Jericho. They both were doomed to fail once we stood up and showed up.

Christians are the only folks in America discussing what they can and cannot say in public. We are afraid of offending someone with the truth. We are ashamed of the Gospel and the power it brings. How can a Pastor not voice his opinion on politics? If I know what some sports figures, movie stars or some college professor believes on the issues, why shouldn’t I know what my Pastor thinks? Where in Gods’ creation can you restrict God? It is a foolish concept. You are not man enough to tell God which issues are not for Him. You are not capable of telling a Christian which opinions are limited to them.

You cannot separate anything from God. There is no place God cannot go, and no issues God does not have the answer. We cannot declare our freedoms without declaring who God is. There can be no draining the political success, rebuilding our military, families, or businesses without first rebuilding our individual personal faith. 

If you believe the Historical facts of the Resurrection, then you must show it. It will be offensive, it will be shocking, and you will be ridiculed. You are on the narrow path, so you really should have a narrow-minded point of view.

If the political ruling class attacked Jesus in the face of His miracles, if they conspired to kill Him in spite of witnessing Him walk on water and healing their sick, what chance do you have in being loved by the political ruling class of today? They cannot operate in darkness while you are spreading the light. Expect them to come against you. But like the Jordan river, they will part. But also like the Jordan river, they will only part when YOUR feet touches it, so start walking towards the obstacles.

This next Resurrection Sunday, let us reflect. This is not about Easter Bunnies, flowers, or a great new hat to wear. This is not about family dinner or spring break. It is not about the spring renewal from the cold darkness of winter. It is about Him springing up and out of that tomb, restoring man back to God.

I am a political writer, speaker, and lecturer, but if I do not start at the foot of the Cross, everything I say is useless noise. The roots of all of our political, social, and economic problems can be traced to the ignorance of the Resurrection. As we try to rebuild our nation, we must return to the foundation. So this season allows me to declare Resurrection Sunday! He has risen; we have been redeemed.

I know many are being told to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give unto God what is God’s. But this Resurrection Sunday, let us all remember the truth. The Cross is bare; the Tomb is empty…He has Risen. Therefore NOTHING belongs to Caesar anymore. All Caesar has left is a dusty lonely tomb. We have been redeemed by His blood, so it all belongs to us.

Chapter Four: Offerings

God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)

We are required to provide for our Church, and ministers make no mistake about that. Far too many times, we undertake a course of denying the minister his due, simply because the “Gospel is free.” If someone feeds you a good meal and he is in the business of providing good meals, you should pay for what you have digested. You would not eat at one restaurant and enjoy the meal, then go to another restaurant and pay the bill, would you? Then why do Christians call on a minister for advice and counseling because he is a friend and is available, but go to another church for service because of tradition or business.. They give the offering to the church minister who don’t provide any services to them. And the family minister is called upon to provide ministerial services, but gain no support from them for his ministry. The Bible is very clear on this, whoever feeds you and ministers to you is the one you are required to provide for.

But as Paul says, we in the ministry never use this right and always provide services to everyone because the Gospel IS FREE! Galatians 6:6 “Let him that is taught in the word communicate (share) unto him that teacheth in all good things”. If you are taught the word of God, you should share all of your blessings from God with the person that taught you.

“Minister,” “Pastor,” and “Reverend” are titles of a servant. Although we often look upon these individuals with high regard and even prestige, they are servants of God to His people. The Church is required by God to provide for the minister by the offerings. It is part of your duty and represents your love of Christ, but it isn’t a law.

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 9, Paul discusses his right to have support from the Church. He begins by pointing out his right to have a normal life, and he even makes a comparison to the law. His examples are clear; no one should be expected to labor in the fields, vineyard, or press without getting his substance from that labor. The same is true with your minister and the growth of your church. You can grow a church with free people or with slaves. You can love them into the pews or guilt them into the pews. The size of the church or the income does not matter. The purpose of the church is the Gospel, the truth. 

The church is supposed to be the body of Christ. We belong to Him; we have been washed white by His blood. When we stand before our Creator, we will be seen as a perfect creature, sinless, and pure. Because Jesus has stepped into our place, took our sins upon Himself and received the punishment of sin by His death. If this is true, then why are we still serving the sin? Why are we still honoring the abuser? We do we still accept the burden which cannot be carried? 

1Corinthian 9:14 “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” Understand, Paul didn’t say here that a preacher should live by the Gospel but of the gospel. Of course, a preacher should live by the gospel, but this verse is speaking to the preacher’s necessity of living of the gospel. The preacher should earn his living by preaching the gospel.

We aren’t obligated to give any predetermined amount, but the scriptures clearly state it is related to what God has provided to you. In the old testament, it was easy; 10 % of the harvest. Now it isn’t so easy since we owe all to Christ, and we are to give accordingly as we are prospered. 1 Corithians 16:2 “Upon the first day of the week let everyone lay by Him, in-store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

Is your Pastor worthy of your honor and support? Is the minister feeding you with nourishment for the soul? Is his labor a benefit to you and your community? If it is so, then he is to receive double honor. If the elders are ruling Gods’ people well and are laboring in sound doctrine and word, they are to receive double honor and support from you. 1Timothy 5:17-18 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. (18) For the scriptures saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 

Remember the story of the Widows’ mite? Jesus and His Disciples were watching the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury of the temple. This wasn’t a Tithing because the Bible calls it a gift. Then Jesus saw a certain poor widow casting in two mites. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach His Disciples a very important lesson. In verse 3 of Luke Chapter 12 Jesus says, “..Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: (4) For all these have of their abundance cast into the offerings of God: but she of her poverty hath cast in all the living that she had.” Give God all you have and give it joyfully.

Chapter five: CONCLUSION AND INVITATION TO PERSONAL REST

Matthew 11:28-30

(28) Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The call to Christ is not by our own worth or effort. We must realize that the law never saved but condemns. Only through Jesus can we come to the Father. His burden is easy for us, His yoke isn’t unbearable as the yoke on the children of Israel was. Jesus has paid the entire cost to redeem us back to the Father. This is why the veil of the temple was torn after his crucifixion. Matthew 27:51 “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

The temple during the times of Jesus, was the center of the law. It was where the animals were sacrificed and all of the rituals of the Priest were conducted. The priest had to represent the people to God and only the the High Priest could enter through the veil to communicate with God in behalf of the people. The veil was the separation of a the Holy of Holies and it separated man from God. Hebrew 9: 1-9 tells us it separated where God dwelled on earth from where man dwelled on earth. 

Man was separated from God because of sin and could not reach God because of sin. Only the High Priest could enter through the veil. Exodus 30:10 “And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.; And Hebrews 9:7 “But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:” allowed the High Priest to enter once a year to sacrifice and atone for the sins of the people for that year. 

The people were under the restrictions of the law…until a Savior came. When Jesus said “It is finished” and died, immediately the earth shook “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up His spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom”. Matthew 27:50-51

Jesus said “It was finished” do you believe it or not? The Temple was no longer needed because you had a Savior. The Romans destroyed the Temple and Israel is still trying to rebuild it. 

The believer no longer needed a yearly lamb to be sacrificed for the sins of man. We had the Lamb of Life, the flawless sacrificial blood of Christ to atone us once and forever. So why, if the blood was enough, are we still trying to fight our way back under this system?

Hebrew 10 19-21 States we are now able to go through the veil ourselves. Jesus was our sacrifice, and He was slaughtered for our cleansing. We have been redeemed and no longer under the Law. We should act like it. Hebrews 10:19-21 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God;.

Tithing died on the Cross, the veil of the Temple split from God down to man, and we are all High Priests. We are all now capable of going into the presence of God with our prayers and our praises. I still need a Pastor, but I no longer need a high Priest. My High Priest Rose out of the grave to claim me.

It was the symbol of man’s separation from God, and it was torn from the top (from Heaven where God is) to the bottom (to earth where man is) because it had to come from God to man. Man could never accomplish the redemption on our own. 

But can man lose his redemption on his own? Romans 4:14 “For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:” How much clearer can the Scripture be? I know traditions and leadership are hard to break from, but it is obvious that Tithing for New Testament Saints are not required and maybe be dangerous. Pastors and leaders are the hardest to convince for a number of reasons. They are not comfortable with being challenged, and it tends to harden their position. Others may really believe Tithing is required and feel justified in teaching it. But the errors of leadership will not cover your errors. The Faith in Jesus should be based on a personal relationship. You and God my need a personal conversation in prayer before you can act. You should not, believe me, bible teachers, or your Pastor because none will stand in your place before God!

Salvation is a gift, and it is free to all that willingly accepts it. But God is a jealous God. Jesus agonized over the sacrifice He was to make in the garden of Gethsemane. He declared to the Father for affirmation that if there was any other way for you to get back to the Father, then He wanted the cup to past from Him. But He also affirmed to us that there wasn’t any other way, and the Will of God must be done. 

Early church leaders and many current Seminaries teach Tithing is no longer required for modern saints. However, many followers of these leading Christian scholars and current well thought of institutions are not following their leadership and teaching. The love of Tithing is strong, even strong enough to turn your backs on sound doctrines and solid teachings. Here are just a few groups and individuals who have taught on Tithings and what their conclusions were. 

Jesus died for us because He loved us and wanted to pay the price for our lost inheritance. The children of Israel are the chosen people of God. Chosen as an example of Gods’ faithfulness to His promise, chosen as an example of a God of justice. Christians are also a chosen people, chosen as an example of the faithfulness of Godly people to the Word of God, chosen as the people of a merciful God. Choose which people you are, the people under the justice of God, or under the mercy of God!

Out of all of my debates, there is one topic every Pastor, Bishop, and laymen will eventually bring up to demonstrate Tithing being taught in the New Testament. “Melchizedek” was given Tithes by Abraham. Some will point out that Abraham paid Tithes to Melchizedek even before the Laws of Moses was handed down. 

First, everything spoken of in the New Testament was not for the New Testament. Jesus often quoted Old Testament saints as He fulfilled the prophesies and Ordinances of the Old Testament. What Jesus said and did AFTER the Resurrection were clearly for the New Testament Saints. 

There are no recorded conversations, no appearances of Jesus to the unbeliever AFTER He rose out of the grave. His New Testament started at the Resurrection, and He had nothing to do with the Old Testament, its leaders, priests, traditions, holidays, or Ordinances except as they all pointed to Him. We were told to go out and spread the Gospel while Jesus went to prepare a place for us, the New Testament Church. 

“ And he gave him a tenth of all.” (Genesis 14:18-20)

Abram gave Melchizedek a ten of his spoils of war, from that one victory. There is no indication in Scripture that he continued to give a tenth of his possessions after this. It seemed to be voluntary on Abrams’s part. It appears to be a juster of reverence to Melchizedek. 

Hebrew 5: 6 as he also says in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” Then in verse 9.

“9 And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.”

Jesus became the source of eternal salvation! Not Melchizedek, not the Laws of Moses, not Tithing and not the High Priest going into the Holy of Holies. Even the teaching on Melchizedek points to Jesus as the only savior and the completion of the Old Testament. 

The Hebrews of 5:11 we are accused of being dull of hearing. This seems to be a correct affliction still today. If we continue to read Hebrews you will clearly see the pointing to Jesus as the completion of the Law of Moses and only one worth of our Offerings. 

 

“11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain since you have become dull of hearing.”

Abrahams 10% to Melchizedek was a gift, one time only, was not required, demanded, and would not have been cheating God if not given.

Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 

Hebrew 7: Hebrews 7:16

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life? 

The Old Testament all points to Jesus. Everything in the Old Testament points to the need for a Savior. From Adam to Abraham, from Noah to David, from every Law, Ordnance and Tradition points to the Cross and the Resurrection. We need Jesus alone! He has Resurrected, all is paid. IT IS FINISHED.

Some differences and contrasts of the Old and New Testament. A QUICK study guide to Tithing.

Old Testament 2 Cor. 3:14                   New Testament 2 Cor. 3:6

Came by Moses Jn. 1:17                                                     Came by Christ Heb. 8:6, 9:15

Law of Moses Acts 13:38-39                                              Law of Christ Gal. 6:2

Ended by Christ Rom. 10:4                                                Started by Christ Heb. 8:6, 10:9

Makes guilty 2 Cor. 3:9                                                      Makes free Gal. 5:1, Jn 8

A shadow Col. 2:14-17                                                       The reality Heb. 10:1-18

Remembers sins Heb. 10:3                                                 Forgets sins Heb. 8:12, 10:17

No salvation Heb. 10:2-4.                                                  Eternal salvation Heb. 5:9, 10:10

No mercy Heb. 10:28                                                        Complete mercy Heb. 8:12

Live by works Gal. 3:10                                                    Live by faith Gal. 3:11

Gender persecution Gal. 4:29                                           Gender tolerance 1 Cor. 13

For Israel only Dt. 4:7-8, 5:3                                            For all Mt. 26:28

 

Credit: tithing.com

C. S. Lewis (1898 – 1963)

Author, Professor at Cambridge & Oxford, known for authoring “The Screwtape Letters”, & “Mere Christianity”

“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”

“The Joyful Christian” p.144; 1961

https://books.google.com/books?id=kzF8EoKw89oC&pg=PA144

C.I. Scofield (1843 – 1921)

Theologian, Author of the best-selling annotated Bible

“In contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love.”

“Scofield Reference Bible” 2 Corinthians 8 and 9

http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/scofield-reference-notes/2-corinthians/2-corinthians-8.html

J. Vernon McGee, Th.D., LL.D (1904 – 1988)

Bible teacher, Theologian, Worldwide Radio Broadcaster for Thru the Bible Radio Network program

“Today we are living in an age of grace. Under the Mosaic Law, men were required to give one-tenth to God. (Actually, I think that if the Mosaic Law is examined correctly, they not only gave one-tenth but they gave three-tenths.) Today we’re to give on an altogether different standard or basis. That is, we’re not under Law; we’re not under compulsion relative to this matter at all.”

“Q&A with McGee”

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/thru-the-bible-with-j-vernon-mcgee/read/articles/qa-with-mcgee-9240.html

John Wesley (1703 – 1791)

Theologian, Credited with the foundation Methodism. His work and writings also played a leading role in the development of the Holiness movement and Pentecostalism

“give all you can, or, in other words, give all you have to God. Do not stint yourself, like a Jew rather than a Christian, to this or that proportion. “Render unto God,” not a tenth, not a third, not half, but all that is God’s, be it more or less”

“The Use of Money”

http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-50-the-use-of-money/

John Wycliffe (1330 – 1384)

Theologian, Reformer, Teacher at Oxford in England, Translated the bible from Vulgate into vernacular English (The Wycliffe Bible)

“why curates are so severe in exacting Tithes, since Christ and his apostles took no Tithes, as men do now ; neither paid them, nor even spoke of them, either in the Gospel or the Epistles, which are the perfect law of freedom and grace. But Christ lived on the alms of holy women, as the Gospel telleth ; and the apostles lived sometimes by the labor of their hands, and sometimes took a poor livelihood and clothing, given of free will and devotion by the people, without asking or constraining.” ” Paul proved that priests, preaching truly the gospel, should live by the gospel, and said naught of Tithes. Certainly Tithes were due to priests in the Old Law — but it is not so now, in the law of grace.”

“Tracts and Treatises of John de Wycliffe” 1845 Translation by Robert Vaughan

http://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/wyclife-tracts-and-treatises-of-john-de-wycliffe

Martin Luther (1483 – 1546)

Professor of theology, Seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation, Known for “Ninety-Five Theses”, Translated the Bible from Latin into a native language

“But the other commandments of Moses, which are not [implanted in all men] by nature, the Gentiles do not hold. Nor do these pertain to the Gentiles, such as the tithe”

“How Christians Should Regard Moses ” p.139; August 27, 1525

http://www.martinluthersermons.com/Luther_How_Christians_Moses.pdf

Moody Bible Institute

http://www.moodymedia.org/articles/tithing/

“Tithing is never mentioned by any of the New Testament writers as a compulsory behavior of the church, but generous giving is emphatically expected.”

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

http://equip.sbts.edu/video/tithing-required-today/

“I would say is a tithe required, 10% tithe. I would say, no, because the tithe is part of the mosaic covenant, it’s part of the mosaic law, the covenant made at Sinai with Moses and with Israel. And the New Testament is very clear, we’re not under that covenant any longer. Galatians 3, Romans 7, Hebrews 9 and 10.

The Berean Call

http://www.thebereancall.org/content/should-you-be-Tithing

“I don’t think Tithing is for Christians. Everything belongs to the Lord…I don’t read anything in the New Testament saying that we give 10%”

– Dave Hunt, founder of The Berean Call

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