SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Numbers 18:8) "And the Lord spoke unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance forever."
(Numbers 18:11) (11) "And this is thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute forever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it."
(Numbers 18:19) "All the heave offerings of the Holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the Lord, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with Thee, by a statute forever: it is a covenant of salt forever before the Lord unto thee and to thy seed with thee."
PREFACE SUMMARY
Tithing is the act of giving a tenth of your income or assets to support the work of the church. It is mentioned in the Old Testament and the New Testament as well, and it is considered a form of worship and obedience to God. Throughout this message, you will discover the power of tithing as described in the New Testament Church. You will discover how you can unleash the blessings of giving and experience the joy of being a part of a greater cause, and learn how your contribution can make a significant impact on the lives of others.
Beloved, if you're curious about the relevance of tithing in today's church, let me tell you that throughout this message I believe you will find that it is still a prevalent practice supported by the Bible, and despite some debates concerning its interpretation and application, tithing remains a vital aspect of many Christian denominations and churches worldwide.
Tithing serves as a way to support the church's ministries, the poor, and those in need. Tithing not only helps the church but also benefits the giver, as it cultivates a spirit of generosity and gratitude. I believe if you will study this message with a prayerful heart and an open mind, you will like me and many others come to the conclusion of the fact that it is still relevant today, and is a duty and responsibility that we must uphold without fail. L
Some would argue that since the Old Testament law has been fulfilled in Jesus, tithing is no longer necessary. Others believe tithing is still a valid way to honor God and support the church's work. Our ultimate goal as Christians should be to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God; one that would move us to weep for our sins and seek forgiveness. When we are in a close relationship with God, our giving becomes an act of worship. We give not because we feel obligated, but because we want to show our love and gratitude for all that He has done for us.
Some ministers perpetuate a false belief that tithing is not required in the New Testament Church. This has led to a lack of understanding and support for giving back to God and supporting His ministry. It is a sad reality that many churches today struggle to pay their loans and even face foreclosure due to a lack of financial support, and the root cause of this issue is often the failure of churchgoers to tithe, which is a biblical principle of giving a tenth of one's income to support God's work.
Beloved, we need to have a holy reverence for God and recognize that our giving is a way of honoring Him and supporting His ministry. Remember that God went to great lengths to rescue and purchase us as His prized possession with His life's blood. As His children, we are responsible for honoring Him through our giving and supporting His work so His ministry can continue to change lives for eternity.
As a Christian, it can be disheartening to witness some individuals who claim to be followers of Christ living luxurious lifestyles while neglecting to give back to God. It is important to recognize that our giving is not just a financial transaction; it is a way of honoring God and supporting His ministry. By giving generously, we show our deep respect for God and our commitment to His work.
When we contribute to God's ministry, we join Him in His efforts to make a difference by investing in His work with our time and our money to bring His message of love and hope to those who need it most. Our gifts reflect our faith and trust in God's plan, and He rewards us abundantly for our generosity.
In conclusion, by supporting God's ministry, we demonstrate our commitment to His mission and our desire to impact the world around us positively. We are fulfilling our role as ambassadors of His love and grace and helping to bring about His kingdom on earth.
"TITHING BEFORE THE LAW."
In this message, we will delve into the intriguing history of "Tithing before the Law" and explore the significance of tithing in ancient times. Tithing, which involves giving a portion of one's income or resources to the church, was a common practice in many ancient cultures. For example, in the Old Testament, Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils of war to the high priest Melchizedek. Similarly, the Israelites were instructed to give a tenth of their harvest and livestock to support the Levites who served in the temple.
The act of tithing served a variety of purposes. It was seen as a way of expressing gratitude to God for his blessings and acknowledging that all one's resources ultimately belonged to him. Tithing also supported the temple and the priests who served there, enabling them to carry out their duties and maintain the house of God.
In modern times, tithing remains an essential practice for many Christians. By giving back to the church, believers can help support the church's work in the community, including providing assistance to those in need and spreading the gospel's message. Tithing is also seen as a way of demonstrating faith and trust in God and showing obedience to his commands.
Beloved, did you know that God has always expected His people to give back to Him, and this can be seen in the book of Genesis, where Adam, the first man, was told that he could eat all the trees in the garden except one. This tree was God's portion; if Adam ate from it, he would surely die.
In Genesis chapter four, we can see that giving a portion of what we have received from God was already established. This is evident in the story of Cain and Abel, who brought their offerings to God. However, God rejected Cain's offering while accepting Abel's.
Beloved, Abel offered one of his best lambs and spilled its innocent blood, while Cain attempted to provide an offering from his garden, representing the labor of his hands or flesh. This event clearly shows that Cain and Abel were held accountable for their offering to God.
In Genesis chapter fourteen, we discover that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. This act of tithing was not a new concept introduced by Moses but was already practiced by God's people. The word of God says that Isaac paid tithes through the loins of Abraham, further highlighting the importance of giving back to God.
Later, in Genesis chapter twenty-eight, Jacob promised to give God a tenth of what he had blessed him with as he had committed his life and earnings to God. After the ladder experience, God promised to bless and protect Jacob, who then promised to give a tenth to God if He kept His promise and blessed him.
Beloved, God did not ask for a tenth from Jacob to receive His promise and blessing. Jacob decided to give it alone and only if God blessed him. Further study of Jacob's life shows that God protected and blessed him, as promised.
It is worth noting that although Jacob built altars, we never see any further mention of giving God a tenth or tithing in his life. Nevertheless, the fact that Abraham paid a tithe or a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek shows that tithing was a well-established practice among God's people, and God has always expected His people to give to Him.
(Hebrews 7:9-10) (9) "And as may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham." (10) "For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him."
Beloved, did you know that In ancient times, God allowed people to enter the outer and inner court of the temple, where they could worship and offer sacrifices? However, the Holy place was a sacred area that only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement.
Beloved, the word of God tells us that on the day of atonement, the high priest would offer the blood of an innocent lamb as a substitute for man's sins. This would ensure that their sins would be passed over for one more year, and they would be reconciled with God.
Giving a faithful tithe is an act of trust in God and puts Him first in our lives. Although God owns everything, it is essential to understand that where our hearts are, there will be our treasure. This means God wants us to give ourselves and develop a personal relationship with Him. Remember that God is not interested in our money but in our devotion and faith.
Many people give to God after paying all their bills and expenses, but Moses taught that if we give off the top, it's the same as if we gave the whole check. This means that if we give God the first ten percent of our income, we'll receive his blessings and favor in return.
Beloved, do you want to give God what's left over after everything else is paid, or do you want to provide him with the first and best portion of your income and be honored as if you gave him your entire check?
Understanding the value of our finances in the spiritual realm is essential because, in the spiritual realm, our money has a voice in the courts of heaven. According to the scriptures, God permits us to keep ninety percent of our income, and he doesn't dictate how we should spend it. However, he expects us to give ten percent of our earnings to fund his gospel and Saints. This practice is called tithing, a way of expressing our love and devotion to God.
Tithing is a significant act of faith and obedience that dates back to ancient times. The practice was established in the Old Testament and continued in the New Testament. Giving a tenth of our income to God is not only an act of worship but also a way of acknowledging his goodness and provision in our lives. Moreover, tithing has been proven by many down through the ages of time to bring spiritual blessings and strengthen their relationship with God.
It is essential to understand that tithing is not merely about contributing money to the church but a way of supporting the work of God on earth. The funds collected through tithing not only help pay for the upkeep and bills required for the church's survival but also aid in supporting various programs. These programs include initiatives that help spread the gospel and support those in need and retired ministers who have exhausted themselves doing the Lord's work.
Tithing is a powerful way to demonstrate our love and devotion to God. By generously giving a tenth of our income, we show our support for God's work and acknowledge his goodness and provision in our lives. It is a way of giving back to God what he has blessed us with and honoring him as our provider.
Throughout history, God has always kept a part of His divine plan hidden from us. This serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and our limitations as human beings. Although we may not fully comprehend God's plan, we can still demonstrate our devotion to Him through our giving.
As human beings, we tend to limit our understanding of our existence to life's physical and material aspects. However, by acknowledging our partnership with God, we can begin to see the spiritual dimension of our existence and our role in fulfilling His purposes on earth.
When we recognize that we are partners with God in all aspects of life, we can comprehend the importance of supporting His ministry and working alongside Him to accomplish His goals. This partnership with God goes beyond our personal spiritual growth and extends to the collective impact that we can have on the world around us.
As we strive to live in alignment with God's will, we become agents of change, bringing healing, restoration, and hope to a broken world. So, let us embrace our partnership with God and commit ourselves to supporting His ministry and working with Him to achieve His purposes on earth.
"TITHING DURING THE LAW."
Understanding the Significance of Tithing in the Old Testament law and its benefits for modern times is what this end-time message on tithing is all about, and we find in the word of God where Moses declares that the tithe, imposed on the Israelites, is Holy unto the Lord and shall be a covenant of salt between him and his people forever. This means that the Lord's tithe is a sacred agreement that will last forever. The covenant of salt is significant because salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times and was used as a preservative to keep food from spoiling.
In Mark (12) and Luke (24), Jesus talks about a widow who put two small coins into the temple treasury. He said the widow gave more than all the wealthy people who contributed large sums because she gave everything she had. This story shows us that God is watching over our giving, including our tithes.
Beloved, even during the one-thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, as prophesied in the Bible, the nation that fails to come to Jerusalem and honor the Lord as king will receive no rain upon their land. This is a severe punishment because rain is essential for crops to grow and for people to survive.
The scriptures clarify that those who fail to honor the Lord will suffer the consequences, therefore, it is essential to remember that the covenant of salt between God and his people is everlasting. It is a solemn promise that the Lord will always be with his people and protect them from harm. As believers, we must honor this covenant and trust the Lord's provision.
(Numbers 18:19) "All the heave offerings of the Holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the Lord, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with Thee, by a statute forever: it is a covenant of salt forever before the Lord unto thee and to thy seed with thee."
Beloved, notice in verse (19) that the heave offering belongs directly to the minister who is to oversee the ministry to the poor and upkeep our Father’s house, including taking care of the retired ministers who sacrificed their lives for the church and will somebody show me when God made the statement about it being a statue forever will have an expiration date?
Saints, only two times in the bible will you find references to a covenant of salt, and one of them can be found in the book of (2 Chronicles 13:5) speaking concerning the secure priesthood of King David.
Beloved, did you not know that the Apostle Paul shows that Churches must maintain their ministers and that those who do not work should not eat? (2Thesaalonians 3:10)
Saints, let us now look at our giving and how we should give, remembering that God stated in his Holy word (2 Corinthians 9:7) by the Apostle Paul that "God loves a cheerful giver."
Beloved, remember that the tithe, a significant part of our faith, is primarily meant for God's work. While a small portion can be given to other ministries, it is scriptural to provide a love offering if we feel led. This is our responsibility as believers.
If you find yourself in a situation where God instructs you to donate to another ministry, even if you are behind on your bills, it is important to remember that the donation should come out of your tithe. The tithe is a sacred offering that is set aside for the upkeep of God's kingdom. As such, it is crucial that it is not misused or misappropriated.
God considers the tithe to be Holy to the Lord, and He disapproves of any situation where it is used for purposes other than what it was intended for. In fact, (Isaiah 61:8) explicitly states that "He hates robbery for burnt offering." This phrase means that God detests any scenario where the tithe is misused or taken for personal gain.
Beloved, if you are facing financial difficulties, it is essential to seek God's guidance on how to manage your finances and honor your tithe commitments. Remember that God is always faithful and will provide for all your needs according to His riches in glory.
Beloved, the tithe is the Lord’s, and he does not want you to rob Him by paying your bills with it! In the Old Covenant, the Lord says in (Leviticus 27:31) that if you were to borrow from the tithe, you would pay it back with twenty percent interest. This high interest rate signifies the seriousness of borrowing from what is rightfully God's and Not too many ministers would tell you that.
As we know, God understands and appreciates our giving. In fact, Proverbs 19:17 says, "He that considereth the poor and giveth unto them lendeth unto the Lord." However, it is important to remember that God does not want us to steal from others to give to him. Being righteous in our actions is essential, leading to great wealth.
It is possible that God may call us to pledge to His work, even if we do not have the funds at the time to fulfill the pledge? Pledging to His work means committing to give a certain amount or percentage of our income to God's work, regardless of our current financial situation. In these situations, it is important to have faith that God will provide the needed funds when the time comes.
(Malachi 3:8) " Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
The third chapter of Malachi was not written for the church's laity, but for the Presbytery or leadership. Malachi emphasizes how the leaders should appropriate the Lord's tithe and ensure that they do not neglect the rights of the widows and strangers.
We must ask ourselves whether we have allowed preachers to become wealthy at the expense of fulfilling the Lord's intent to care for the widows and strangers around us. As the Lord's body here on Earth, we must be willing to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to serve Him and reach out to those in need.
It is our duty to influence the culture around us positively, rather than allowing the world to influence us. God ensured that widows and strangers were not mistreated under the law, and we must continue to care for them as we serve the Lord.
Unfortunately, we have witnessed the body of Christ suffer as a whole. We must strive to expand God's kingdom in the world, as stated in (2 Chronicles 7:14), which says that if God's people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will forgive their sins and heal their land.
We must be aware of the many voices in the world, and we must judge them carefully. Satan comes as a thief and seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, as stated in John 10:10. However, Jesus has come that we may have life and have it abundantly.
In modern-day churches, it has become a common observation that people attend church not for spiritual nourishment but for a mere weekend experience. Many are merely interested in listening to a gospel that caters to their physical desires and allows them to live a life of comfort.
They often neglect the fundamental practice of tithing and giving offerings, which is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith. This lack of financial support can cause the church to suffer and hinder its ability to fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel.
In closing, we must ask ourselves what Satan desires most to steal if our souls are in the hands of Christ. The answer is that Satan wants to deceive us and make us believe that we do not need Christ. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and keep our faith in Christ strong so that Satan cannot rob us of our blessings.
"THE TITHE OF DIVINE SERVICE."
Beloved, have you ever pondered the thought that throughout human history, there has always been a divine portion that belongs solely to God? From the beginning of time, God has always had his part, a portion that is reserved for him alone.
In the book of genesis, we find a garden, and in the midst of that garden was a tree called the tree of life. Although man was entrusted with upholding a single law, he faltered, leading to a ripple of sin that touched every corner of humanity. However, God still had his part and had reserved this tree for himself. It was off-limits for men to eat from, and it served as a reminder that there are certain things that belong solely to God.
Throughout history, God has continued to have his part. We can study old history and find instances where God allowed men into the temple's outer and inner court, but the Holy of Holies was off-limits except for the high priest to enter once a year to offer the blood of the innocent lamb as a substitute for man's sins to be passed over for one more year. This was a clear indication that there are certain things that belong solely to God, and that we must respect them.
God has always reserved a portion of what we now call the tithe for his interactions with his people. The concept of the tithe can be traced back to the Old Testament scriptures, where it was considered a divine portion to be given to God's chosen people. The tithe is essentially a tenth of one's income and is meant to be given to the local assembly to celebrate God's goodness to us.
Beloved, by giving a portion of what we have been blessed with, we show respect and honor to God. It is a way of acknowledging that certain things belong solely to Him. The tithe is a way of showing obedience to God's commandments and serves a practical purpose in our communities.
The Lord’s tithe helps to support the ministry and the needy members of our community. It provides essential items such as food, clothing, and shelter to those who may not have access to them. This ensures that the less privileged members of our community are taken care of and can lead decent lives.
In closing, tithing is a way of showing our gratitude to God for His blessings and is essential in helping support the less privileged members of our community. By giving back a portion of what we have been blessed with, we can positively impact the lives of others and honor God in the process.
1. The tithe of the tithe is where we discover the heave offering referred to as a Covenant of Salt.
(Numbers 18:19)
2. God allows us to keep ninety percent of what we earn, and he does not stipulate how we should spend it.
3. God asks for ten percent of our wages to fund his gospel.
4. God knows if we are faithful in our tithes, we are showing him love, and he has all our heart, for he said in his
word, "If we love him, we will keep his commandments." (John 14:15-31)
In closing, numerous civilizations have arisen throughout history and faded into obscurity, leaving little more than ruins and archaeological remnants. However, when we examine the Jewish people, we find a unique case: despite being scattered across the globe, they have managed to preserve their distinct identity for centuries.
The Jewish people have faced a multitude of challenges, including persecution, forced migration, and cultural assimilation, yet they have maintained their cultural heritage and traditions.
This resilience can be attributed to various factors, such as their strong sense of community, the emphasis on education and knowledge, and the importance placed on family and cultural values.
Despite their many obstacles throughout history, the Jewish people have managed to endure and thrive, making significant contributions to humanity in various fields, including philosophy, science, literature, especially robotics and the arts.
"GOD IS MY BUSINESS PARTNER."
Did you know that having faith and trust in God's sovereignty can significantly impact our lives, including our professional pursuits? When we say, "God is my business partner," we acknowledge that our faith can influence our business success, and by recognizing the role of the Holy Spirit, who knows God's plan for our lives, we can tap into an unlimited source of guidance and inspiration to help us navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
This positive mindset can inform our decision-making process and lead us to make choices that align with our values and beliefs. So, the next time you face a difficult decision, consider putting your faith into action by seeking guidance and seeing how it can help you succeed in your spiritual life and business endeavors.
(Luke 17 20) "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation."
Beloved, like the wind which you cannot see or even see where it comes from, so is the kingdom of God, for you may not be able to see it with your natural eyes, but beloved, you can see the effects of it in others and the world around you.
Did you know that your money has a voice in the courts of Heaven, and if given the right way with a cheerful heart, your money can unlock the mysteries of the Kingdom for you? When considering how you should pay your part to help fund God's work on Earth, you may have questions such as, "How can we know that we will be blessed if we do what his word says?"
Beloved, please allow me to explain how tithing works and how you can get a return on your investment, and would you say if I told you some essential businessmen who do not know Jesus have made statements that the most return they have received on their investments was the money they have given to fund God's work?
Saints, let me begin this message by giving an illustration that should bring some insight to our study concerning why it is essential to give back to God a portion of what he has blessed us to earn.
Beloved, go with me now as I start by pretending that I plan to get into a business adventure, such as a contractor, and I am new in town; I do not know anyone and need to get a business started to meet my family's needs.
Dear reader, I arranged a meeting with a well-known contractor, and after showing him my credentials, I asked him to use his influence to open some doors for me. I have proven to him with my references and records that I succeeded in the business I had established in another town.
Saints, the man knows deep down inside that he has customers he cannot service, and some help from the right person would undoubtedly keep his customers happy, but he cannot trust his customers to anyone, especially someone he does not know.
Beloved, after some time, I have convinced him that I am capable of doing the work; he agrees to give me some work, and I promise the man that if he uses his power, including his resources, to get me the same jobs, I will pay him a percentage of what the jobs bring in, to which he agrees.
Beloved, later, one of his customers noticed him in town and ran to thank him for referring me to them, informing him that they were very pleased with my work and commending him for trusting me to do their work. The man now has a smile and cannot wait to arrange a meeting to thank me for servicing his valued customers. He has now decided to trust me with some of his better clients.
The man used his influence to open doors for me to establish my name and keep him in good standing with his customers, and he now gets his percentage. I have opened doors of opportunity to make my work and professionalism known in this town, which will open other and much larger doors for my business to grow, which I could never have accomplished without his help.
Beloved, this is a small representation of how the same principle works in the Kingdom of God, and did you know that in the typical feast, the people could eat unclean and drink strong drinks? (Deuteronomy 14: 26)
Did you know that when we give God his part out of a joyful heart to help fund His work on Earth, God uses His influence to open doors and opportunities that we could have gotten on our own merits? God does not need our money, for he owns the cattle on a thousand hills, but if he has our money, he has our heart, for his word says that where our treasure is, our heart will also be. (Matthew 6:21)
Beloved, the “heart” represents the hidden, deepest, and most intimate part of ourselves, and the “treasure” represents whatever has the most value to us, which gives us security; therefore, beloved, our “heart” represents our values, including the source of the choices we make.
Saints, if God has found that he can trust us, he will open more doors of opportunity for us, including more ways for us to be blessed because the scripture says that God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Beloved, we discovered earlier in this study that our God made provisions for His ministers, including the upkeep and maintenance of His church to be carried out, and he expressed that it should be accomplished through the Lord’s Tithe, which is referred to as being "Holy to the Lord."
Church, we also discovered in this message that the tithe is referred to as "a Covenant of Salt which, like the priesthood of David, is forever." May I pause in this message and ask you an essential question concerning giving back to God and honoring the need to tithe into your local church?
How is giving back to the one that gave you life and had a plan for your life written in his books before creation not worthy of your giving back a portion of what you have been blessed with for the upkeep of his work of redemption for his most incredible creation (humanity) considered to be bondage when God has chosen you to be a partner in that process that he may bless you're coming in, and you're going out?
Beloved, we have examined the scriptures and discovered how God has always had His part, from the first tree in the garden to the first city after Jericho, where God instructed Joshua that everything in that city was to be declared Holy unto the Lord. We find wicked Achan hiding the golden wedge and the Egyptian garment, bringing God’s wrath upon the people, and later, we find in the scriptures that Christ was observing the woman who gave two mites into the treasury.
Beloved, you might say, Brother Jerry, "Where are you going with all of this? I would say, I am glad you asked, and I will answer your question with a question: Did not Christ, after rising from the dead, give an offering to God as a first fruit offering of the Old Testament Saints, which is in direct parallel to the law which states that the man of the harvest must bring a first fruit offering to be blessed by the priest so the whole field can be harvested?
Beloved, may we take time now and reflect on some critical scriptures that will enhance our message concerning the importance of the Lord's tithe in the New Testament church!
(Leviticus 23: 15-17) (Acts 263:2) (Corinthians 15:20)
In the scriptures, it is mentioned that after the resurrection of Christ, many of the Old Testament Saints also rose and were seen in the Holy City. It is believed that Paradise, previously located at the center of the Earth, was moved to Heaven after Christ's resurrection. Additionally, Christ presented the resurrected Old Testament Saints as a first fruit offering to God.
Ten days after Christ's ascension from the Mount of Olives, the blessed Holy Spirit was sent to the Earth. This event marked the beginning of a new era where people could experience the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The word of God teaches us about the one-thousand-year Millennial Reign of Christ on Earth, where he will sit on the throne of David and rule with a rod of iron. During this time, the nations that fail to honor him will not receive rainfall on their land. This signifies the importance of acknowledging and respecting the Lord our King.
The scriptures mention that Satan will be bound during this period, and there will be peace on Earth, they also declare that there will be nations of people living on this planet who must go to Jerusalem to honor the Lord. However, some may refuse to comply, making them unable to grow crops and feed their families.
It is essential to note that there will still be children born in their mortal bodies during the Millennial Reign of Christ on Earth, and through this period of time, God will allow people to experience the glory of his creation and live in harmony with each other.
In conclusion, let me say that this study shows me that God has always had His part from the beginning, and it would be a blessing for us to honor Him in our giving, recognizing that we are in business with God, for after all Saints, look at all he went through to rescue and purchase us, "His prized possession," which he bought with his life's blood! A-Men
MY CONCLUSION
I hope this study about the need to tithe in giving back a portion of what God has blessed us with to help fund His work on Earth has inspired and uplifted you as you learned that we are supposed to be the Lord's body here on Earth and willingly yield our bodies as a living sacrifice, which, according to (Romans 12:1), is just our reasonable service.
Beloved, God desires to use our hands and feet to reach the hurting and needy people looking for a reason to live. To accomplish this, we must reach out to the hurting and the culture around us with the good news that we serve a Risen Savior and that the feeling of our infirmities can touch.
In the closing of this essential message concerning the importance of the tithe, let me say that on some occasions, God will have us give out of our need to get us to where He can richly bless us. However, we should try the spirits and make sure they are the right ones speaking to us.
Saints, there is a way we can know if God is speaking in our heart to give, and that way is to look for His peace. We can understand that God is speaking to us by listening to that still, small voice and ensuring no checks in our spirit. But remember, beloved, that God honors His word above His name and will never act outside His Holy word.
Beloved, if you try the Spirits and you have the peace of God upon you, then by all means, give what comes into your mind to give. And remember, we cannot out-give Almighty God, who will open doors for us that we could never get open.
Church, it is time to get past the Sanctuary of Worship and enter into a beautiful relationship with Christ, who is not flesh and blood but an Eternal Being, and we should never allow anything especially material possessions to replace being in His presence, and there should never be a question in our mind concerning our relationship with Him concerning our choices.
Beloved, I am talking about people, places, and things, including family, which are temporal and will come to an end, and did you know our area of direct relationship with Christ will determine how much He can trust us in the world to come?
We need to come into a place of Holy Reverence for who He is and what He has done for us so that we might be called sons and daughters of the Most High God and get past regular worship, filled with artificial forms and agendas that exemplify the flesh more than the Creator, causing the world to sit comfortably in our meetings without conviction of their sin, including their way of life.
Saints of God and fellow peers, when the church becomes more than good meetings and good preaching, may we catch a glimpse of (Joel 2:17) which speaks of the priests and ministers of God weeping between the porch and altar before God for their sin committed against Him and His people.
Be mindful to care for widows and strangers, including our retired ministers, who may be worn out. Let us enter that most holy place with our hearts, seeking His presence in humble submission to His will and Spirit. We can be assured that His word guarantees He will be found when we do so.
Beloved, in closing, let me share that I have read books about great men of renown, such as J.D. Rockefeller and J.R. Kraft, who have stated that the most significant investment they made with their money was when they gave to fund the work of God.
Church, more on this subject can be found in my latest book "Spiritual Understanding of the Tithe" which can be found on Amazon and a PDF file downloaded for free from our website: (www.witheredhand.org)
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
