Tithing Part 2 - Are Christians Supposed To Tithe?

Continued from Tithing part 1- Tithing Preceded The Law

Jesus said, “If you were [truly] Abraham's children, then you would do the works of Abraham [follow his example, do as Abraham did]. John 8:39

The example has been set for us to follow. Abraham paid tithe to Melchizedek who is a pre-figure of Christ and just as he brought his offering to Melchizedek we too should bring our tithe offering to our High Priest.

I believe that the principle of tithing does not change. It was a principle that was followed before the law was given and even Jesus said that we should give our tithes. (Matthew 23:23) Although we are not obligated by law, we should bring a minimum of a tenth of our income to the house of the Lord to help support our church and the ministries under our churches umbrella just like the patriarchs of the faith did.

The decrees, regulations, and instructions that the Lord gave through Moses on Mount Sinai were given as evidence of the relationship between Himself and the Israelites. Christians honoring God with their tithe offering is evidence of their relationship with God too. Tithing reflects the fear of the Lord. (Deut. 14:23) Faithful tithers know God as Jehovah Jireh-Our Provider. They know that all increase comes from Him and they show their gratitude and gratefulness for His provisions by giving Him the first 10 percent of all their increase. It’s an act of faith, love, reverence, worship, and humility not of obligation. (Leviticus 26:46, 27:30)

The benefits of tithing

The Lord promises blessings on those who will bring their tithes to Him. In fact He actually says to test Him and see what happens when you faithfully bring the tithes offerings.

“Then the Lord your God will bless you in all your work.” Deuteronomy 14:29

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put ME to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe, “says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord. – Malachi 3:10-12

Tithing benefits the church too. If every believer would bring their tithe offerings to the church they would be further equipped to send out more missionaries, feed and clothes the poor, expand resources to help build up the body, do more outreaches, and so much more. (2 Chronicles 31:5-10)

Reject Fear – Put God to the test!

When our family began tithing we were concerned. Fear tried to consume us. However, tithing changed our lives forever. We began to see all types of breakthroughs in our lives. More favor with our bosses, increases in our bonuses, ideas for business, spiritual breakthroughs, increase in wisdom, and a better understanding for the law of reaping and sowing. It also seemed that there was a hedge of protection around our home and material belongings. We learned to live by faith on 90 percent of our income trusting the Lord to increase our resources so that we could give even more. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

I am reminded of the story of the woman who gave her last two coins. She trusted God so much that she was willing to give all that she had to Him. She rejected fear and stepped out in faith and in love for Jehovah-Jireh. This is the same faith and trust that we should have as children of God. (Luke 21:1-4)

I want to encourage you to put God to the test and see for yourself how honoring the Lord with your tithe offering will change your life. Reject fear! Trust that when you give God will generously provide all your needs. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. He is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you so that you can help even more. (2 Corinthians 9:8-10)

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the BEST part of EVERYTHING you produce, Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” Proverbs 3:9

Tithing Part 1 - The Principle Preceded The Law

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:10

What is a tithe offering?

Tithe means tenth of a portion. A tithe offering in the bible was a tenth of any property or produce that was set aside to give to God as a sacrifice. A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, every tenth animal that passed under the shepherd's rod belonged to the LORD; it was holy to the LORD. (Leviticus 27:20-32)

The Purpose of the Tithe

The Law of Moses required that the Israelites give ten percent of their produce/harvest to support the church and state. The tithe was given to support the priests (Numbers 18:22-24), cover the yearly expenses of the feasts, (Deuteronomy 14:22-29), and care for the poor and others who were having hard times. (Deuteronomy 14:28-15:11; 26:12)

Tithing preceded the Law of Moses

The concept of tithing was already widespread long before the Law of Moses was implemented. Before God established the laws of tithe and offerings in the nation of Israel other nations such as Ancient Babylon, Persia, Egypt, and Rome were already practicing this principle. A tenth was considered a suitable amount to pay in honor of a ruler, deity, or for religious responsibilities.

Both Abraham and Jacob gave tithe offerings before the law was given also. Jacob made a vow to God that if He would be with him, protect him on his journey, provide him food and clothing then he would present to God a tenth of everything He gave him. (Genesis 28: 20-22)

Before Jacob the first record of a payment of tithe is found in Genesis 14:20 when Abraham gives a tenth of all the goods he had recovered from the victory over Kedorlaomer to the High Priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek came out to meet Abraham with some bread and wine and blessed Abraham. For Abraham to give a tenth of all the spoil to Melchizedek was to acknowledge that Melchizedek was greater than him, because it was the practice of that day to honor someone greater by giving them a portion of harvest, surplus, and in this case spoils of victory. (Hebrews 7:4, Hebrews 7:6)

There is great spiritual meaning behind Abraham presenting this tithe offering to the high priest Melchizedek because Melchizedek is actually a pre-figure of Christ Jesus. Melchizedek is called the king of righteousness and king of peace, so is Jesus. Melchizedek was made like the Son of God in the respect that his priesthood continues forever. They both are priests chosen by God not after the law of Moses and neither are of the tribe of Levi. Both priesthoods are superior to the Levitical priesthood. (Hebrews 7:2-3, 7:15-17)

Look at Hebrews 7:8-10:

“The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on. In addition, we might even say that these Levites-the ones who collect the tithe-paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him. For although Levi wasn’t born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham’s body when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him.”

Therefore, when Abraham gave his tithe to Melchizedek he was actually acting as a representative for all his descendants. Abraham and the Levites paid tithe to a pre-figure of Christ. What a revelation!

Read part 2 now!

Repost: Giving & Stewardship-Know What The Word Says

I was so happy this past Sunday when I heard my pastor was teaching on stewardship because I was recently led to study on the biblical principles of giving and stewardship. I have had heaviness on my heart about this issue for some time. I have heard so much foolish and unbiblical talk on this subject by Christians who claim to love God and His people.

The fact that there are so many Christians who are not consistently giving financial support to their home churches, other ministries, and especially to other believers that they know need help is disturbing. Then there are those Christians who give only what they think is required, the tithe-10%, just to keep people and God off of their back. They don’t want to give any more because they feel that they have fulfilled their financial obligation to God and the church. I believe with all my heart the Holy Spirit is grieved with this religious attitude. I know Jesus was. (Matt. 23:23)

I know this is a touchy subject for some but it is an issue that God wants us to deal with. Money is mentioned over 800 times in the bible. That’s amazing! It is obvious to me and I pray that you see God takes this subject very seriously. How we manage money, our attitude about giving, and our financial giving shows our spiritual maturity as much as how much time we spend in prayer, reading/study the Word, and fellowship with other believers.

I plan to write more on the subject of money, giving, and stewardship but for now in an effort to keep this posting relatively short I just want to urge you to take time and search the Word of God on the subject of money for yourselves. God wants us to be educated on this subject because we have a responsibility to manage all God has given us wisely. We will one day give an account to Him of how we spent His money. It is His money. The earth belongs to God. Everything in the entire world is his! Everything we have has been given us by God. He has entrusted us with our spiritual gifts, family, and all of our earthly possessions. (Matt 25:19, 21, Corin. 3:13, Rom 14:12) We must become good stewards of what God has given us.

When we have a problem with tithing and giving we should honestly evaluate our commitment to God. We need to ask ourselves have we truly given ourselves completely to Him. We need to pray and ask God to give us a clear understanding on the subject of money and stewardship so that our perspective and attitude are aligned with His will for our life. Please study to show yourself approved so that you are not ashamed. Know what the Word of God says and means. (2 Timothy 2:15)

May the Lord give us a heart for Truth and Wisdom. May He fill us with a desire to read and meditate on His Word daily so that our way will be truly prosperous. In Jesus name.. Amen!

God's Pie

My girlfriend forwarded me this video on tithing. She thought it would be good to share with our readers. So here it is.. "God's Pie"

Partner With Us

The Lord has given us a vision and dream for the Consecrated To Him and WeUsed2bu Girl Advice ministries. Over the past months we have received confirmation through our readers and from the Holy Spirit that these ministries are being used by God to help change other’s lives. Glory be to God!

We have been praying and fasting about where our Lord is taking these ministries. It is clear to us that we are to continue to fervently press forward sharing the love of God and edifying one another in the faith.

We have determined that in order for us to fulfill the calling that God has on these ministries we must ask our readers to partner with us financially. Just like any other business these ministries have financial expenses and obligations that need to be met in order for the ministries to grow.

Some of our goals are to:

- Search for a new platform to support the expansion of our sites. (Open forums, social networking, live chat, etc.)
- Start a newsletter
- Ministry Magazine
- Writing and publishing books
- Brochures and pass it along cards
- Ministry Events
- Ministry Apparel (T-shirts, tote bags, etc.)

This is just the tip of the iceberg. We know that the Lord has great plans for these ministries and we have dedicated our lives to serving the Lord and all of you through Consecrated To Him and WeUsed2bu.

We ask that if you are being encouraged and edified by these ministries please pray about showing your support and partnering with us. Your partnership would be a decision to financially and prayerfully support our ministry.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration. Your support will make a difference in many lives all over the world, now and forever.

----------------------------------------------------

"Happy and fortunate are you who cast your seed upon all waters [when the river overflows its banks; for the seed will sink into the mud and when the waters subside, the plant will spring up; you will find it after many days and reap an abundant harvest], you who safely send forth the ox and the donkey [to range freely]." Isaiah 32: 20

Giving & Stewardship-Know What The Word Says

I was so happy this past Sunday when I heard my pastor was teaching on stewardship because I was recently led to study on the biblical principles of giving and stewardship. I have had heaviness on my heart about this issue for some time. I have heard so much foolish and unbiblical talk on this subject by Christians who claim to love God and His people.

The fact that there are so many Christians who are not consistently giving financial support to their home churches, other ministries, and especially to other believers that they know need help is disturbing. Then there are those Christians who give only what they think is required, the tithe-10%, just to keep people and God off of their back. They don’t want to give any more because they feel that they have fulfilled their financial obligation to God and the church. I believe with all my heart the Holy Spirit is grieved with this religious attitude. I know Jesus was. (Matt. 23:23)

I know this is a touchy subject for some but it is an issue that God wants us to deal with. Money is mentioned over 800 times in the bible. That’s amazing! It is obvious to me and I pray that you see God takes this subject very seriously. How we manage money, our attitude about giving, and our financial giving shows our spiritual maturity as much as how much time we spend in prayer, reading/study the Word, and fellowship with other believers.

I plan to write more on the subject of money, giving, and stewardship but for now in an effort to keep this posting relatively short I just want to urge you to take time and search the Word of God on the subject of money for yourselves. God wants us to be educated on this subject because we have a responsibility to manage all God has given us wisely. We will one day give an account to Him of how we spent His money. It is His money. The earth belongs to God. Everything in the entire world is his! Everything we have has been given us by God. He has entrusted us with our spiritual gifts, family, and all of our earthly possessions. (Matt 25:19, 21, Corin. 3:13, Rom 14:12) We must become good stewards of what God has given us.

When we have a problem with tithing and giving we should honestly evaluate our commitment to God. We need to ask ourselves have we truly given ourselves completely to Him. We need to pray and ask God to give us a clear understanding on the subject of money and stewardship so that our perspective and attitude are aligned with His will for our life. Please study to show yourself approved so that you are not ashamed. Know what the Word of God says and means. (2 Timothy 2:15)

May the Lord give us a heart for Truth and Wisdom. May He fill us with a desire to read and meditate on His Word daily so that our way will be truly prosperous. In Jesus name.. Amen!

Are You Robbing God?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

I pray that for your own good the Lord would prepare your heart to receive His Word. May you receive wisdom and understanding. I bind the spirit of fear, confusion, and rebellion in Jesus name.

Many Christians today are unlearned on the subject of tithing. Others have heard teachings on the subject and still refuse to honor God by bringing their tithes to their home church. This subject has been weighing heavy on my heart for days now and so by the leading of His Holy Spirit I write you.

As Christians we are required to give ten percent of all of our income, that’s any increase, to our home church. That is what the word tithe means, tenth. Not only are we suppose be giving our tithes faithfully but we are suppose to give offerings and alms. These are to be given after the tithe. Offerings can be given to any ministry of your choice. Alms are to be given to the poor. However, it is best to give the alms first to other believers who are in need because we are called to support one another.

Tithing shows that we trust God with everything. It reminds us that all we have belongs to Him. What we do first with our money shows what we value most. The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives. (Deuteronomy 14:23)

I have heard people say that they can not afford to give up ten percent of their income because they are barely covering their bills now. To the believer I say that things are only going to get harder if you continue to harden your heart and withhold your tithes. Trust God. He is our Provider.

Proverbs 11:24 says,
There are those who generously scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.

Did you see it? People that give are blessed with more. People that refuse to give what is due will only end up needing more. When we put God first place in our lives we don’t have to be like the world and worry about what we will eat or how we are going to pay the bills. As believers we KNOW that our Heavenly Father already knows what we need. Our goal then should be to seek God and live righteously knowing that He will provide all of our needs. (Matthew 6:31-34) So stop worrying about how you are going to live without that ten percent. Many times more than ten percent is spent on something you really did not need anyways.

This is a very serious subject to the Lord. May the Holy Spirit give you ears to hear what the Lord is saying in Malachi 3.

Malachi 3:8-12 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask,’ How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,”says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty. “then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.

Our Lord speaks clearly; there is a curse on those who refuse to give their tithes and there are blessings and protection for those that give Him their firstfruits. He says to test him. He wants us to trust Him so that we can see that his promises are true. He wants first place in our lives.

Years ago my husband and I finally got on one accord and faithfully started giving our tithes. Our lives were changed. We became truly dependant on God. Tithing now comes naturally. We know that money is not ours to spend. It belongs to God. Our Lord has truly proven to us that He is the source of our increase. We have never needed and gone without. God always makes a way for us. He has given us favor in all areas of our lives. He opened our minds and has given us both entrepreneurial ideas and visions that we know he is going to bring to pass one day. We are highly favored of God and we both truly believe that we are experiencing His favor and blessings because we honor the Lord with our firstfruits even in the though times. We wouldn’t even think about stealing from God. We know that if we are faithful with what He has given us that He will trust us with more.

I encourage you not to ignore this message. PLEASE for your own good if you are robbing God stop it! Do not be deceived, no thief will enter the kingdom of heaven. Do not hesitate begin honoring the LORD with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase. (Proverbs 3:9-10)

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