SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Malachi 3:10-11) ([10] "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." [11] "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts."
(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 18:19) "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."
PROLOGUE
Tithing is giving a tenth of your income or assets to support the church's work. It is mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament and 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 find how you can unleash the blessings of giving, 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.
Tithing supports the church's ministries, assists the needy, and provides for the poor. It not only aids the church but also enriches the giver by fostering a sense of generosity and appreciation, and the debate over tithing often centers on its relevance in the modern context of faith.
Some individuals argue that tithing is no longer necessary, as the teachings of the Old Testament law have been fulfilled through Jesus Christ. They believe that faith and devotion should be expressed in broader ways rather than through a specific percentage of income.
On the other hand, many people believe that tithing is an important practice for honoring God and supporting the church’s mission. They view it as a tangible expression of gratitude and commitment to fund various ministries and outreach programs that benefit the church community and advance the Lord’s work.
Our ultimate goal as Christians should be to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with God, one that inspires us to weep for our sins and seek forgiveness. When we are in a close relationship with God, our acts of giving become forms of worship. We give not out of obligation but to express our love and gratitude for all that He has done for us.
Some ministers preach 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. The root cause of this issue is often the failure of churchgoers to tithe.
Prayer moves Heaven, but money moves Earth. Therefore, we must maintain a holy reverence for God and recognize that our giving honors Him and supports His ministry. Remember that God went to great lengths to rescue and purchase us as His prized possession.
In conclusion, 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 essential to recognize that our giving is not merely a financial transaction; it is a means of honoring God and supporting His ministry. Giving generously demonstrates our deep respect for God and our commitment to His work.
"TITHING BEFORE THE LAW."
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.
In modern times, tithing remains an essential practice for many Christians who believe in giving to their home church to support its work in the community, including assisting those in need and spreading the gospel's message to a hurting world.
In the book of Genesis, Adam, the first man, is told that he can eat from all the trees in the garden except one. This tree represents God's portion; if Adam eats from it, he will surely die. In Genesis chapter four, we 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.
God rejected Cain's offering while accepting Abel's. Abel offered one of his best lambs, spilling its innocent blood, while Cain tried to provide an offering from his garden, reflecting the labor of his hands. This event demonstrates that Cain and Abel were held accountable for their offerings to God.
In Genesis 14, we discover that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. This act of tithing was not a new concept introduced by Moses; God's people already practiced it. The word of God says that Isaac paid tithes through Abraham's loins, further highlighting the importance of giving back to God.
In Genesis chapter twenty-eight, Jacob promised to give God a tenth of what he had been blessed with, as he had committed his life and earnings to God. After the ladder experience, God promised to bless and protect Jacob, who then pledged to give a tenth to God if He kept His promise and blessed him.
God did not ask Jacob for a tenth to receive His promise and blessing. Jacob chose to give it solely 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."
In ancient times, God granted the people access to the temple's outer and inner courts, spaces designed for communal worship and the offering of sacrifices. The inner court of the temple was considered the most sacred space, representing the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.
Access to the Holy of Holies was extremely restricted and held great significance in ancient Israel's religious practices. Only the high priest, the spiritual leader of the community, was granted the privilege of entering this sacred space. This solemn event occurred just once a year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
In summary, the fact that only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies reinforces the belief that God maintains a special and distinct place for Himself. This demonstrates the separation between the divine and humanity and emphasizes the importance of atonement and purity in seeking divine forgiveness.
"TITHING DURING THE LAW."
(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."
If we do a careful study, we will find 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?
Only two times in the Bible do you find references to a covenant of salt, and one of them is in 2 Chronicles 13:5, which speaks concerning King David's secure priesthood. This end-time message on tithing is all about understanding the Significance of Tithing in the Old Testament law and its benefits for modern times.
(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.
The Holy Scriptures, Mark 12 and Luke 21, recount the touching story of a widow who, despite her poverty, contributed just two small coins—often referred to as 'mites'—to the temple treasury.
Jesus observed her offering and highlighted its significance to his followers. He declared that her contribution was greater than all the wealthy individuals who donated large sums of money. This was because, unlike the wealthy, the widow gave all she had to support the temple, demonstrating her complete trust and devotion to God.
Jesus' emphasis on her generosity illustrates an important spiritual principle: the value of giving is not measured by the amount contributed but by the heart and sacrifice behind it. This story reminds us that God is attentive to our acts of giving, whether tithes or other forms of generosity, and that true generosity comes from a spirit of selflessness.
In summary, Moses stated that the tithe is the Lord’s and is Holy unto the Lord. 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 will tell you that.
"GOD IS MY BUSINESS PARTNER."
Placing our 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. By recognizing the role of the Holy Spirit, who knows God's plan for our lives, we can access an unlimited source of guidance and inspiration to help us navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
This positive mindset can guide our decision-making process and lead us to choices that align with our values and beliefs. Therefore, the next time you encounter a difficult decision, consider putting your faith into action by seeking guidance and observing how it can assist you in succeeding in your spiritual life and business endeavors.
Did you know that your money has a voice in the courts of Heaven? If given in the right way and with a cheerful heart, your money can unlock the mysteries of the Kingdom for you. When considering how to contribute and 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?"
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.
In 1903, Alexander Kerr founded a fruit jar company and dedicated it to the Lord. The company's proceeds supported the ministry and orphanages. The 1906 earthquake destroyed 80 % of San Francisco, where his factory was located. His glass company survived without losing any jars.
Let me begin this message by providing an illustration that should offer insight into our study of why it is essential to give back to God a portion of what He has blessed us to earn, and how having Him as a business partner guarantees our success.
Join me now as I imagine embarking on a business venture, like becoming a contractor, and I am new to the area; I don't know anyone, and I need to establish a business to support my family's needs.
Let’s say 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 demonstrated to him through my references and records that I succeeded in the business I established in another town.
Deep down, the man knows he has customers he cannot serve, and he recognizes that help from the right person would undoubtedly keep his customers happy. However, he cannot trust his customers to anyone, especially to someone he does not know.
After some time, I convinced him that I was capable of doing the work; he agreed to give me some tasks, and I promised him that if he used his influence, including his resources, to secure me the same jobs, I would pay him a percentage, say 10 %, of what those jobs earned, to which he agreed.
Later, one of his customers saw him in town and rushed over to thank him for referring me to them. They told him they were very happy with my work and praised him for trusting me with their project. The man now smiles and eagerly arranges a meeting to thank me for serving his valued customers. He has also decided to entrust me with some of his better clients.
The man leveraged his influence to create opportunities for me, allowing me to establish my name while keeping him in good standing with his customers, from which he now receives his percentage. I have opened doors to opportunities, highlighting my work and professionalism in this town, leading to even larger prospects for expanding my business, which I could never have achieved without his assistance.
When we give God His part with a joyful heart to help fund His work on Earth, God uses His influence to open doors and opportunities that we may not have achieved 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; His word says that where our treasure is, our heart will also be. (Matthew 6:21)
The “heart” represents the hidden, deepest, and most intimate part of ourselves, while the “treasure” signifies whatever holds the greatest value for us and provides security; therefore, beloved, our “heart” embodies our values, including the source of the choices we make.
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. This is because the scripture says that God loves a cheerful giver, and this is where most ministers who preach that tithing is a sin get their scripture. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Acknowledging our partnership with God in every facet of life allows us to grasp the importance of supporting His ministry and collaborating with Him to fulfill His objectives. This relationship with God extends beyond our individual spiritual development and includes the positive impact we can make on the world around us.
How is giving back to the one who gave your life and had a plan for your life written in his books before creation, not worth offering a portion of what you have been blessed with for the upkeep of his work of redemption for his most prized creation (humanity)? Why is this considered bondage when God has chosen you to partner so that he may bless you in coming in and going out?
Did not Christ, after rising from the dead, give an offering to God as a first fruit offering for the Old Testament Saints, which directly parallels the law stating 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?
Ten days after Christ's ascension from the Mount of Olives, the blessed Holy Spirit was sent to Earth. This event marked the beginning of a new era in which 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, during which 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.
In summary, we must ask ourselves what Satan desires most to steal if our souls are in the hands of Christ. The answer is that Satan seeks 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.
MY CONCLUSION
I hope this message 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.
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 be touched.
Giving a faithful tithe to our home church is trusting God and putting Him first in our lives. Although God owns everything, it is essential to understand that where our hearts are, our treasure will be. 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.
Understanding the value of our finances in the spiritual realm is essential because 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 does not dictate how we should spend it. However, he expects us to give ten percent of our earnings to fund his gospel.
Tithing is not merely about contributing money to the church but also supporting God's work on Earth. The funds collected through tithing help pay for the upkeep and bills required for the church's survival and support 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 support God's work and acknowledge his goodness and provision. It is a way of giving back to God what he has blessed us with and honoring him as our provider.
In summary, acknowledging our partnership with God in every facet of life allows us to grasp the importance of supporting His ministry and working with Him to fulfill His objectives. This relationship with God goes beyond our individual spiritual development and encompasses the positive impact we can make on the world around us.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
