Tithing Why

Back in the day GOD was only worshiped in JERUSALEM but that changed when the holy spirit came on the scene. The Israelis were predominantly farmers so they were mainly asked to bring either livestock or produce as tithe and offering. But now we live in time that we have money as a medium of exchange. Now the store house was literal stores of the Temple where food and all sorts were stored. The produce and wine were meant for the levites and the poor like widows and orphans. So the levites used to distribute the food so that no one goes without food. So now the store house has been translated to mean a church; and tithe is now mainly money here in Africa some still give produce and livestock. Money comes in to the church and the church uses it as it sees fit. Levite now are pastors.

Now when it comes to finances we have to define the church according to New Testament to be exact the church is the body of Christ. Meaning us individuals where the spirit of the LORD now dwells. That means where we worship is nothing but a building until the followers of JESUS, the church are in it.

So when we bring our tithe to the church per say then it should also include the church members as beneficiaries. I am saddened by most preachers who only think that the money that comes into the church is meant for the pastor or prophets and their families only. There are many churches where you find the pastor living a lavish lifestyle while the actual members are living below poverty lines. Nothing wrong with living a lavish life as long as we are meeting other obligations within the church. like including the needy in church. GOD said I am the same I change not in Malachi 3:6 here He is talking about his nature of being merciful. You see he says further on,Israel you are not consumed because of his mercy. Mercy means GOD not treating us the way we deserve. At some point he also says animal sacrifices you did not desire but mercy.

We now live in a time of grace where the laws of Moses have been nailed to the cross of JESUS Christ. Let me repeat tithing as a Law of Moses was done with together with the diseases, sicknesses poverty and curses just to mention a few. JESUS said it is finished and he meant just that.

Like I said tithe as a law was nailed to the cross with JESUS Col: 2:14: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; tithing was part of the law of Moses and when you read Deuteronomy 28 there are curses that follow when you do not obey the laws of Moses. But thanks be to JESUS who has redeemed us from the curse of the law. Ga:3:13: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that is hanged on a tree:

So even when we do not tithe we do not fall under a curse according to scripture. Yes in Malachi GOD says you are all under a curse for you are robbing GOD. That was true then but now to those that are in Christ as it is written there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ. Then if Christ does not condemn you then who can? It's all because Christ was made our substitute. It is also written you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. If you gave tithe because you were scared of being under a curse then read again the bible on your own. You may disagree with me but that is the truth. scared that people will stop giving. Oh please can GOD ever fail you no never he said I will never leave you nor forsake you. Mind you the scripture says JESUS took away the curses not the blessings. So the blessings attached to the tithe still stands today but not the curses. We now give out of love for GOD and man. unfortunately most churches are not doing it GODs way they are not distributing to the needy in the church first.

I once asked GOD why the early church was moving in such great power with signs, miracles and wonders following them. Unlike these days where we have Christians following signs, Miracles, and wonders. Here is a scripture I was given Act:2:44:45 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

The main facts were: they were in one spirit, there was no one lacking as they sold things and parted to all according to their needs. In other words they did not just give to a man of GOD but to all the church according to their needs. Many people have been ripped off by money hungry men of GOD. You notice church buildings are growing bigger and flamboyant at the expense of the real church. Mind you there is nothing wrong with a mega church as long as we are flowing in line with the heart of JESUS. He wants his body to be provided for not only pastors but all church members. It is not only the pastor who has a need there are more people who are struggling with everyday life. Some churches here In Malawi have like a day to bless the pastors, completely forgetting the rest of the needy church. Those are all well and good but take a look within the church sort out their needs first then you can go out. You can not just give to pastors without attending to the church also.

Televangelist are not exempt it is pathetic how they practically beg and using tricks to rip off unsuspecting people. Some pester you with emails, Oh boy they will beg and beg using all sorts of gimmicks just to entice you to give. Do not get me wrong it is good to give to help the word go far but not through gimmicks. Now most say tithe belongs to your local church and some say the tithe belong to where you are fed. Meaning if you are watching TV you can give to them instead of your local church.

I heard a story that Lakewood before Joel Osteen’s dad passed away he used to tell his congregation to put percentages for where their tithe should go besides Lakewood. Now that was the spirit and I am sure Lakewood would not have been where it is now had it not been for such steps of boldness. They lost their life and in the end they gained. Let us be realistic resources are the life of the church. To evangelize, to support the widows and orphans and other outreaches you need resources; and even to pay salaries.

Here is my take on the entire tithe and offering business, you may disagree with me. This is how the spirit of GOD lead me to believe. I would say your tithe and offering belong to where ever the Holy Spirit leads you to give. Oh yes, we are now under grace and the laws are in our hearts JESUS left us two laws to love GOD with all our hearts, mind and spirit and to love one another as he loved us. Now if you love someone you make sure they are provided for and that there is always no one lacking. GOD removed tithing as a law so that we should tithe at the leading of the spirit as it is written we have been given a spirit of love. Tithing as law meant giving a tenth of your income but now the Holy Spirit may lead you to give more than a tenth. The Holy Spirit wants you to give sacrificially; He knows it makes GOD to go prodigal with his goodness. Come on let us be realistic if we are only meant to give ten percent why were those two husband and wife killed acts 5:1-10. They were against the spirit of love. These were killed for our sakes to let us know what the Holy Spirit desires us to do.

I personally have been going through a tough time but through the reading of the Holy Spirit I have increased my tithing to twenty percent. And also through the leading of the Holy Spirit I got a loan from a bank and used my truck as collateral the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart to give tithe out of the loan. Previously I have heard men of GOD preach in our church that when you get a loan you tithe from the profits of what ever you invest in. Now the amazing thing is that we are living in a time of grace where we have a prodigal GOD who wants to give so much more than we can imagine. Now if I had listened to my pastor I would have lost out on a huge blessing. I followed the Holy Spirit who has no protocol as it is written he is like a wind and blows where ever he wants. It turns out that time our church was having a 30 day crusade and it had no money. The tithe that we gave was exactly what the church needed. I was only told this, years later. Now you see pastors are limiting Christians giving by clinging to the rule and regulations about giving. GOD loves a cheerful giver more like GOD loves a crazy giver. God likes people who dare him, who go an extra mile. JESUS said it, if you are asked to help some one for a mile go an extra mile. The golden rule of every Christian is to be lead by the spirit. Now go where ever you worship and see if they operate in the spirit.

Heard a testimony of a woman here in Malawi who was going through financial difficulties there was no food at her house,rent over due. she was working but the husband had lost a job and her salary could not sustain them. When she received the pay check that month it was even difficult. The money was no where near the bills and expenses. That day she just took all the money in tears to church and told GOD you deal with it I don’t know what else to do or where to start. The pastor took the money prayed for her and off she went. The husband was at home waiting saying at least today we will eat its the wife's payday. He was hungry the children were hungry sees the wife coming with just her hand bag. The husband was furious where is the food? the wife told him she gave all her salary to GOD she did not know what else to do. As they were busy arguing a knock on the door. Another man and woman were at the door they asked them to come in, but they refused just told them we have been told by GOD to bring you food today. They brought them food enough for three months and money enough to pay rent for three months and some left over. Within two days the husband was employed given a company car and a house in one of the posh area. Till today they are a rich family. Come to think of it she could have given her tithe of ten percent and kneel down and claim the promise of Malachi 3:10. Nothing touches GOD more than a sacrificial giving. You see what I mean crazy giving brings crazy miracles.

The devil knows the power of giving and he know that it brings miracles. GOD in. Lu:6:38: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure you give it shall be measured to you again. Giving is the way to touch GOD we Christians are meant to be GODs hands and feet. It is so easy for GOD to come himself or send his angels to give to those struggling. But you have to understand GOD wants to bless his children In the process. So are you willing to be a blessing? Then yield yourself to the Holy Spirit and start giving sacrificially forget ten percent. There is a scripture that says GOD is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ask think or pray for through the power that works in you. The key ingredient is the power that works in you. It is a fact that we all have the same spirit of GOD and same power working within us all. But what separates one from another is how much you yield to the Holy Spirit. Is the holly spirit the leading figure or is he some faint thing that you don’t even realize exists. It is the Holy Spirit that knows all things about GOD, His plans and what your future holds. So when you are led to give by the spirit, he is just positioning you to receive so much more from GOD.

Yes indeed men of GOD are abusing the system but GOD is offering you a way out ask his Holy Spirit to lead you. It is undeniable truth that GOD wants us to give out of love not law.