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Giving the first of our time, treasure, and talents is the stated will of God. – “But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Giving Under the New Testament

Clarity and Questions Answered

  • Does the Bible teach New Testament believers to tithe?
  • What does the LORD say concerning our worship in giving?
  • Did Jesus teach tithing?
  • Will God curse me if I don’t tithe?
  • Will tithing make me wealthy or debt-free?
  • If tithing is not commanded under the New Testament, how should I worship Christ with the blessings He is bringing into my life?
  • If Christians aren’t supposed to tithe then why is it taught in the church?
  • How can I make sure I am giving to New Testament ministry?

There are many now who are exposing the fraud of modern wolves who have coercively placed New Testament Christians under the Old Testament tithing laws God gave to the Jews. The New Testament Scriptures never teach that New Testament believers have to tithe. Believers under the New Covenant can tithe if they wish, but there’s no instruction in the New Covenant to do such. Having learned that tithing is not required, many are left hanging, not knowing how to worship Jesus Christ with their giving. Those who are exposing the exploitation of God’s people by wolves who have told them they will be cursed if they don’t tithe, must teach what Scriptures does teach about giving. Regrettably, it seems that few are learning and teaching what the New Testament teaches concerning giving/distribution. Biblical balance is what we seek as we study the whole counsel of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17).

So, we have a whole lot of unlearned people going around touting that we are not under the law of tithing, and that’s valid. And yet, where are those who are learning and teaching what the New Testament Scriptures teach about giving? Our giving is to be part of our worship to our LORD, the Giver of all good things (James 1:17). That part is the same under both testaments. Someone is being honored with our money and that should be the LORD Himself who alone gives us that ability to have health and to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:1-18).

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent (or treasure) left and could say, I used everything You gave me.” Erma Bombeck

The New Testament Scripture have much to say about giving – first our lives and then our provisions (2 Corinthians 8:5). The fact that there is no law of tithing under the New Covenant is no license to ignore the instructions of the One who bled to save us. He taught us not to hoard but rather to be generous in our giving. In fact, the apostle Paul expresses the divine incentive in our giving when he penned these words:

“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. 10 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;)11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-11

“The  fruits of our righteousness” are “increased” when we give. Jesus taught this also when He instructed us where to lay up treasure:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

“Cast thy bread upon the waters”

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 2  Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2

Of this passage, one commentator writes:

“Ecclesiastes 11:1
a    [Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days] This is universally taken to mean that blessings will be returned to one who is generous and hospitable (Ecc_11:1). In Ecc_11:2 one is advised to give a portion of his bread to seven or eight (figurative of several), for no one knows when he will need bread from another for himself.”

Of Ecclesiastes 11:1 John Wesley wrote:

“The waters – Freely and liberally bestow it upon the waters; upon those poor creatures, on whom it may seem to be as utterly lost, as the seed which a man casts into the sea or river. Find it – It shall certainly be restored to thee, either by God or men. This is added to prevent an objection, and to quicken us to the duty enjoyned. After – The return may be slow, but it is sure, and will be so much the more plentiful.”

Of this passage, Adam Clarke wrote:

“Cast thy bread upon the waters – An allusion to the sowing of rice; which was sown upon muddy ground, or ground covered with water, and trodden in by the feet of cattle: it thus took root, and grew, and was found after many days in a plentiful harvest. Give alms to the poor, and it will be as seed sown in good ground. God will cause thee afterwards to receive it with abundant increase. The Targum understands it of giving bread to poor sailors. The Vulgate and my old Bible have the same idea. Send thi brede upon men passing waters.”

THE WAY A PERSON SPENDS THEIR MONEY IS A DIRECTION REFLECTION OF THE PRIORITIES OF THEIR HEART (Matthew 6:21).

Doesn’t the fact that some do not choose to generously support the LORD’s work reveal their disdain for Him who gave them life?

There is much to be missed out on if we don’t learn and do what the LORD taught us concerning giving under the New Testament. From the above passage we see that not only will God reward eternally those who give now, but also that our heart affections will follow our giving into His kingdom.

There is an abundance of teaching on giving in the New Testament. The LORD is not at all silent on this matter. It is a different program than the tithing program He gave to the Jews and yet there are New Testament teachings which find their beginnings as elements that were modeled in the program to Israel. The apostle Paul specifically ties them together (1 Corinthians 9:8-10, 13-14). There is a series of insightful passages revealing the charitable disposition and giving among the earliest believers (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).  These are given to us by the LORD to be examples to all believers under the New Covenant. There is an abundance of doctrine on giving in the New Testament Scriptures. Here’s a sampling:

Summary of what the New Testament Teaches on Giving

  • 16 of Jesus’ 38 parables involve stewardship (Matthew 25:14-46; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 12:13-47; 16:1-31, etc.)
  • Each and every one of us shall be judged by how we gave or did not give (Matthew 25:14-46)
  • That God looks at the percentage we give out of what we have and the heart with which we give (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:7)
  • Giving (of self and substance) and how it shall be given back to those who give (Luke 6:29-38)
  • As Christ’s body, having all things common, that is, by abandoning our lives in this world, liquidating, and sharing as every believer has need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35)
  • Giving so that distribution can be made among all believers and so the LORD’s workers can be provided for (Acts 6:1-4)
  • Provision for those whom the LORD has called out to worship and serve Him (feed and equip His sheep) full-time may be sustained (1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
  • Gathering and giving that which is being given by the individual members of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 16: 1-3)
  • “Equality” among believers (2 Corinthians 8)
  • We shall all be rewarded according as we gave generously or otherwise (Matthew 25:14-46; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
  • Divinely incentivized giving. Those who give sparingly reap sparingly and those who give generously will reap abundance (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
  • The believers at Philippi helped Paul by providing for him in the Gospel work. Those who gave were given a special promise (v19; Philippians 4:10-19)
  • The New Testament teaches giving so that “double honour” provision may be given to those whom the LORD has called out to labor in the word and in doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

Also, remember that those who still tithe (by faith and clear conscience) are not sinning by doing so, no less than those who observe a certain day of the week to worship and rest (by faith and clear conscience).

The fact that New Testament believers are not under tithing laws does not mean that God will not bless those who give in a disciplined, organized, generous manner. It also does not negate the fact that the LORD will bring us into judgment for our giving or lack thereof. He’s actually watching exactly how we are stewarding what He has given us (Mark 12:41-44).

We must conclude that the LORD is not glorified when we give to causes that do not directly connect with what is taught in His Word. For example: New Testament disciples are to give to that which is clearly fulfilling the New Testament purposes Jesus set forth, namely teaching and preaching His Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). It should be noted that not one penny was collected among the earliest believers to build or sustain/maintain a physical building and perhaps such is the greatest hindrance to the Gospel program Jesus instituted in His Great commission command which still stands today till He returns. Also, giving to false teachers is bidding God speed to them and makes us as guilty and condemned as they are before God (2 John 7-11).

New Testament Christians are not only to give but also to make sure their giving is according to God’s Word. The following is a partial list of things that will work against us and not be rewarded:

  • Giving to physical building projects (new or renovation)
  • Paying to maintain a physical building, especially in a wasteful manner)
  • Giving to contribute to wasteful, man-centered projects or causes or maintenance of temporal things that only stifle the going forth of the Gospel
  • Humanitarian “missions” that don’t include the clear preaching and teaching of God’s Word
  • Giving the already over paid pastor wolf an expensive watch for his birthday or sending him on a lavish vacation
  • The SPCA or any animal (beast) cause
  • Breast cancer causes, etc. (the wicked Susan G. Komen Foundation gives money to Planned Parenthood to murder babies)
  •  Entertainment that poses as ministry
  • Children’s church that does not teach God’s Word

The early disciples of Jesus are our example and they didn’t huddle, hunker down, or hide but instead they “went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4) A personal study of the book of Acts will begin to reveal a vast difference between authentic New Testament Christianity and the self-serving apostate modern church and the hireling wolves who make merchandise of the biblically illiterate (2 Peter 2:1-3).

It does not matter how deeply passionate someone feels about what cause they give to. If a cause isn’t clearly fulfilling a New Testament purpose it’s wasteful and sinful to further that cause. The only thing that matters is whether or not their giving is clearly reconcilable with the Great Commission to teach God’s Word to His people and to preach His Word to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Acts, etc.). All New Testament giving should in one way or another go to provide for those preaching and teaching His Word, tending to the sheep of Christ, winning lost souls, and providing for believers in need.

If it’s not fulfilling the clearly stated New Testament purpose, it’s not glorifying God and is wasted resources for which we shall give account. If giving to a cause is not funding the feeding of Christ’s sheep and declaration of His truth, it’s not New Testament giving.

“The Lord Loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

This message is not to discourage the believer from tithing. It is NOT a sin to tithe and it’s not required, especially under the coercive way under the New Testament. It’s important to realize that Christ’s New Testament saints are not forced, commanded, or instructed to tithe under the New Testament.  This makes you free to give out of a heart of cheerfulness (hilarity) which the LORD says He delights in (2 Corinthians 9:7). Actually, it’s a good idea in organizing ones finances. Firstfruits” giving is a great way to worship the LORD with our finances and assures that He alone is put first (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33, etc.).

Are you taking care of your own business and not “the Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49) If so, unlike Christ, you are all about yourself, your own self-serving business and not “the Father’s business.” The LORD created and saved you to be about His business first and foremost. How do we think that’s going to work out for you if you don’t repent and begin putting the LORD first in your life and finances? Diminishing returns.

Is tithing essential to salvation? No! Will God still keep His promises to bless those who give? Yes (2 Corinthians 1:20).

If we do not take control of our money, our money will continue to have control over us. There’s no better way to take control and begin to steward all the resources God brings into your possession than by making the decision to give the LORD the very first portion of all that you are blessed to bring in.

Taking care of the things of God’s kingdom is seeking first His kingdom.

Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” Haggai 1:9

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

New Testament Distribution (audio) | Is Your Local Church Fulfilling a New Testament Purpose? | Much More on Stewardship and Giving Here.

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FEEDBACK:

“The problem with tithing is that we are to cheerfully give without being instructed to tithe. The Spirit of God should direct us to give even more than a 10% of our money or goods or whatever. We are led of the Spirit of God not the Law. All tithing has done is keep these preachers who don’t preach the truth in all their expensive cars and homes, and planes and so forth. I love to give. I don’t believe like the preachers teach to tithe or else. I’m not talking about you brother, but many others. Be Blessed.” David Pace

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar DialogueJesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom!Waste | Stewardship | Giving

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Abiding

Attend to My Words [podcast]


IF THE WORD isn’t flowing into you daily, you are falling away. Flood and fuel your heart and mind and body with the pure, the holy light of God’s Word daily and you will never famish! All darkness will be vanquished (Psalms 119:130). All who have been saved and yet aren’t in God’s Word and prayer daily – have rejected Christ, with no exception. Re-turn to the LORD prodigal. There’s no good outside of Christ the KING.

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130

ALL who are not in God’s written Word daily are not hearing from God, do not have God’s wisdom and direction, and are walking in darkness – 100%.

The feeding of Christ’s flock would integrally involve exhorting them to diligently study and walk in God’s Word themselves, daily (John 21:15-17). Isn’t this exactly what the apostle Paul told Timothy to do? Yes. He told his understudy to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

One of the ways we know who the false ministers are, is that they want people dependent on THEM, not God. So, they don’t constantly exhort the people to get into God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures, for themselves. Run.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8 

“He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. … My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:4, 20-23

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

“Over the last 5-10 years I can see where He has done this for me already, but the problem is …. it’s not enough! I want even more! One hour of study and prayer in the morning is not enough!” Christine

Support | STORE | PodcastsBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Waste | Stewardship | GivingLet Him be Your Fear [podcast]Why We Need Not Fear DeathFear Not Little Flock | The Glorious Church Jesus is Returning For [podcast]

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Abiding

Gathering Fruit for Christ’s Eternal Glory [podcast]


IF you are truly born again, God has called you personally to participate in, to obey His Great Commission command— NOT to salvage any country in this fleeting world.

It’s amazing how many people claiming to be saved spend more time, energy, and money trying to save America than they do building up the body of Christ and evangelizing the lost. Anyone claiming to be saved and yet is not participating in the Great Commission command of Christ, is out of the will of God. Repentance needed.

Save America or See Jesus Save Eternal Souls?

“America is under God’s judgment for sure. And recently there was a golden statue made of Trump. And Pastors are praying over it. A golden calf. Same thing happened in the book of Exodus and God slew 3,000 men. This angers Him greatly! There will be a severe price to pay for this adultery! America is definitely going down at the divine judgment of God.” Karen Cochran

Forget saving America. Win souls. Preach the original Gospel to see eternal souls saved unto the LORD. See Mark 16:15-20; Matthew 28:18-20.

A good thing to ask proud Americans who claim they are Christians:

1. “When’s the last time you led someone to Jesus?”

2. “How much time and how much energy do you spend trying in vain to “save America” or “Make America Great Again” compared to the time and energy you spend learning, studying, and meditating on God’s Word and doing it – as in the Great Commission?”

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Anyone claiming to be Christ’s and yet is not doing, is not obeying His Great Commission mandate, is not in the will of God.

Regrettably, America is going down in judgment.

No efforts can undo the present reality of those claiming to know Christ refusing to truly repent, nor the 60 million innocent babies America has murdered in cold blood and called it “choice.”

Honoring something God calls “an abomination” brings “the curse of the LORD” upon any nation to do such. See Leviticus 18:22 and Proverbs 3:33. Sodomy is sin!

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Doing the will of the Father is executing the Great Commission Jesus gave us!

2 BIBLICAL EVIDENCES PROVE THAT AMERICA IS OVER – if there is no repentance, change [podcast]

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37  And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38  I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” John 4:35-38

Jesus says act now! To put off His work is to put off Christ. Read that again!

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Many aren’t putting off their own sinful, lust-filled agenda in the world, right?

There is nothing new under the sun. See the book of Haggai.

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Abiding

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee [podcast]


Here’s why Jesus came:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3

There is nothing – NO-THING – more important in your life than your relationship with Christ.

Job 22

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. 22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. 23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. 24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. 25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. 26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. 28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. 29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. 30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent; and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.” Job 22:21-30

“lay up his words in thine heart” v22 – WITH the learning of each new verse of Holy Scripture, each new Bible truth, your knowledge and understanding of the LORD and His kingdom is expanded.

“Let thine heart retain my words.” Proverbs 4:4

“I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. 97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Psalms 119:96-100

“God’s acquaintance is not made hurriedly.” EM Bounds

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