The Truth about Tithing [podcast] [radio]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

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. ⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ⁸And 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: ⁹(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. ¹⁰Now 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;)¹¹Being 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: ²⁰But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: ²¹For 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: ¹⁰So 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

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Apostasy

Pride and False Prophets [podcast]

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11

What’s the difference between true and false servants of the LORD?

Jeremiah 23 is essential concerning recognizing the “MANY false prophets” which Jesus foretold would “deceive MANY” in this late hour before His return (Matthew 24:11).

True servants of the LORD stand in the counsel, the WORD of the LORD and not in the evil imaginations, dreams, or visions of their own wicked hearts.

Jeremiah 23
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
18 For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?
19 Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
20 The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.
21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.”

ARE YOU in God’s Word daily or have you backslidden? It’s either one or the other.

True servants of the LORD, as was the case with Paul and Timothy, will get YOU into God’s Word for yourself…

“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

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2

So both the LORD’s apostle Paul and the apostle Peter instructed believers to get into the Word of God for themselves – to “study” and to “desire” it. Any man pretending to represent Christ and not do this very thing repeatedly is a bona fide wolf in sheep’s clothing, a devil.

Imagine parents who continued to feed their infant and never taught that baby to pick up the spoon and feed themself…. so that child would perpetually be dependent upon someone else feeding them…. in the natural this is unheard of, yet it’s rampant in that which claims to be Christ’s “church.”

Read Jeremiah 23.

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. ⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. ⁹Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. ¹⁰Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

Pride vs Humility

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) True humility before God first, then men, always wins – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10)

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Articles

“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast

God is “Holy, holy, holy” and “God is love.” (Isaiah 6:3; 1 John 4:8, 16; Revelation 4:8)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18

Jesus came and died to save us “while we were yet sinners.”

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

The Proof of God’s Love for all Men

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

“Come unto me, all ye 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.” Matthew 11:28-30

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the“ lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:4-8

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please do Your ever-deepening work in my heart and life. Please imbue my innermost being with your holiness, holy fear, and love. Bless this vessel to be purified, cleansed of all iniquity and falsity, made authentic by You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For a daily dose and feeding of God’s Word, as a component of your study of the LORD, of His Word, the Moments with Our Master 365 daily devotional is available. | STORE

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