Trojan Horse

Tithing is not for the church. It was never intended for men and women who are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. It is considered to be a mark of spiritual commitment, but it's not spiritual. The devil doesn't mind tithing. He welcomes anything that will take our attention away from the truth in Christ.

Tithing is an emotional subject and passionately proclaimed to be many things: an eternal law of God, a divine principle of prosperity, a matter of honor, a financial duty, an expression of gratitude, an act of obedience. Every one of those positions is held with complete sincerity, but for a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, who lives under the New Covenant, they are all sincerely wrong.

The cross of Jesus Christ not only established a New Covenant, it also gave birth to a new kind of spiritual person. The new man in Christ is in a new spiritual realm and relates to God in a way that is totally different from anyone who lived before the cross. The church has failed to understand the new way of living that God initiated in Christ. Tithing is just one aspect of the failure, but it is highly emphasized and it creates a great distraction from the truth.

Old Covenant Paradigm
Most of the church today is living by an Old Covenant paradigm—their spiritual perspective or theological framework for thinking and relating to God. Although they say they are not under the Old Covenant, most Christians are trying to relate to God from a perspective that is based on the Old Covenant. They take all the facts they know about Jesus and try to fit them into spiritual patterns they see in the Old Testament books of the Bible.

The church needs to make a complete paradigm shift from the Old Covenant way of thinking and living to the New Covenant way. Mixing the two doesn't work. It's like putting new wine into old wineskins. The result is a dysfunctional system of religion, which most people consider to be normal Christianity, but is not what God intended. Tithing is one way that Christians mistakenly try to express their new nature in Christ through an obsolete system of worship and financial stewardship.

Tithing is not part of the New Covenant. There are many scriptural reasons why it isn't, why it can't be, and why God's plan for New Covenant giving is far superior in every way. Tithing is not an eternal principle or mandate from God to be followed today. It has been misinterpreted to be those things because the church has failed to comprehend the new way of living that began at the resurrection.

Tithing is a carnal way of living. It's an external regulation. It doesn't originate in the new spiritual nature of a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. You don't have to be spiritual to tithe. Many people tithe who haven't been born again. Some people tithe for honorable reasons, but that doesn't make it right, and it doesn't excuse the church for teaching it. The church hinders itself and the kingdom of God on earth by perpetuating a mentality that keeps Christians carnal and immature.

Low-Realm Christianity
It's no surprise that most of the church lives on a low spiritual level. The New Testament has much to say about Christians being carnal, being babies, and needing to grow up spiritually. The same issues that hindered the New Testament church are still present today.

One of the main causes of low-level Christianity is that the church has followed Old Covenant patterns of living. The church has focused its attention on learning and applying principles, rather than knowing Jesus Christ, abiding in him, and expressing his life by the power of the Holy Spirit. That's why it falls so short of the biblical standard of Christianity. The church at Jerusalem, in the book of Acts, was deeply entrenched in both the Law of Moses and Old Covenant mentalities. So is the church today. The carnal religious mind is infatuated with Old Testament paradigms and is addicted to carnal ways of living based upon them.

Tithing is not a threat to the kingdom of darkness. The devil knows the church would have much more power, as well as money, if Christians were taught how to live like sons of God, who are in a spiritual union with Jesus Christ. He also knows that Christians could grow up spiritually and begin to reign in life if the confusion that comes from mixing the Old Covenant and New Covenant spiritual paradigms was removed from the church. That is more frightening to him than the increase of money that would flow into the church if the tithing mentality was abandoned.

Strategic Deception
From Greek legend we have the story of the Trojan War. The Greeks laid siege to the city of Troy for ten years. Failing to succeed by direct attack, they devised a brilliant strategy. Boarding their ships and sailing away, they left behind a huge wooden horse filled with soldiers. The Trojans brought the horse into their city, thinking it would give them special power. That night Greek soldiers exited the horse and attacked. Troy was conquered.

That is how Satan works against the church. He can't defeat it by direct attack so he uses deception. Power and victory come to believers through abiding in Christ with faith in his finished work. Satan's strategy is to get their attention on other things that promise results but cannot deliver. The devil's wooden horse is made of laws, rules, principles, formulas, and other ways of living, borrowed from men who were not in spiritual union with Jesus Christ. Tithing is one of those things.

Certainly there is some value in understanding biblical principles; even those who don't know God can benefit by applying them. But the church has continued to relate to God in the manner of Old Testament men, who were not born again and spiritually re-created in union with Christ. The church has exalted biblical principles to take the place of Jesus Christ because it doesn't know how to abide in Christ and live by his new nature within.

Knowledge of biblical principles has become an idol for Christians to trust in and build their lives upon, instead of building them on the person of Christ, who lives within them. The church has been taught to depend on principles. That has kept it from knowing Jesus and entering into the glorious life in him that is available here on earth.

Life beyond Principles
Jesus didn't come to earth to give us a good life based on biblical principles. He came to give us life—his own divine, self-energizing, resurrection life and nature—through a living union with him. A way of life that is focused on laws, rules, and principles is carnal and cannot produce or experience what Jesus promised. Tithing is a carnal way of living. It cannot produce the glorious life that God provided for us in Christ.

Many Christians are satisfied to live like natural men: following laws, trying to please God, and seeking blessings. But that wasn't God's plan. He wanted to elevate us to a place of actual sonship in his family, seated at his right hand. And he did it through the cross.

The blood of Jesus was a perfect redemption, by which the Father now treats us as if we are perfect, as if we are Jesus. Jesus' resurrection was our resurrection, into an eternal destiny enthroned with him at the Father's right hand. The life within us by which we live is Jesus himself. We now live and relate to the Father identically as Jesus because we are one spirit with him.

The life that Jesus gave the church cannot be expressed in words, but it can be observed in actions. His followers lived and died to share the life they had received. Hot roads, rough seas, dirty prisons, and meager rations didn't stop them. Beatings, whippings, and stonings proved there was something in them that was greater than any obstacle they encountered.

The life that empowered the church to go and preach the gospel also compelled them to spare no resources to get the job done. Those who were not carrying the message were living to send others. Their giving was not motivated by enticements of earthly gain nor by fears of divine punishment. The followers of Jesus were sons of their Father in heaven, showing it by their actions. God was now living in man, expressing his nature through him. Laws and principles of giving were unnecessary. Love had taken over. Tithing was irrelevant. It was weak and beggarly compared to the glory of Christ in operation.

Where was the glory lost? How did we get to the place we are today? That is a long and complicated story. There were many twists and turns in the road, many tricks and traps and wiles of a deceiver. In the process many extra things were woven into the fabric of Christianity. Tithing was one of them. But Jesus Christ is working in his church to make it glorious. He is taking it to a place of maturity and authority, and the tithing mentality will have to be removed.

Many people say, “Tithing was before the Law, during the Law, and after the Law.” That statement comes from taking all the references to tithing out of context, rolling them together, and creating a faulty doctrine. The following chapters will examine what the Bible actually says about tithing, some of the common misunderstandings, and God's new paradigm of giving and financial stewardship for the New Covenant.

http://tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/chapter1.html

Disinformation I

Disinformation is false information, purposely given out to deceive an enemy. It's an ancient weapon of strategic warfare. The church is in a spiritual war and faces a steady stream of disinformation designed to deceive it and hold it in weakness. Jesus said that knowing the truth is the key to victory.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

The truth that will make you free is the knowledge of the finished work of Christ—his death, burial, resurrection, and what he accomplished by them. When a person understands identification with Christ, union with Christ, and living by the power of the indwelling Christ, he will have the spiritual foundation to experience the triumph of Christ. The devil tries to obscure that truth in his effort to neutralize the church.

Tithing contradicts the foundations of the New Covenant and life in Christ. It promotes a mentality that holds Christians in spiritual immaturity and weakness. The problem with tithing is not the percentage; it's the spiritual perspective that causes people to think, to believe, and to act inconsistently with the truth of what God has done through Christ and their relationship to him as a son.

In this chapter and the two following it we will examine some of the teachings on tithing that negate the truth. There are some you may have never heard before and some may even seem hard to believe, but they have all been preached by prominent and well-respected ministers.

The Tithe Is the Lord's

This statement implies that tithing is an eternal law in God's kingdom that will never change. It is based on the following verses from the Old Testament.

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD. (Lev. 27:30)

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. (Lev. 27:32)

Let's look at these verses in their context. Who is talking, who are they talking to, and what are they talking about? From verses 1 and 2 of the chapter we have the answer to all three questions. The Lord is speaking to Moses and is giving him instructions to give to the children of Israel. These instructions are not to the body of Christ. They are specifically for the people who lived under the Law. There is no tithe in the New Covenant so they cannot apply to us.

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: (Rom. 3:19)
The Law is not speaking to the new creation in Christ. It was never intended for us. We live in a much higher and better relationship with God.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Gal. 3:24–25)

In the New Covenant we are sons of God. We are joint heirs with Jesus of all things. Jesus owns everything in both the seen and unseen worlds, and we are joint owners with him. This covenant is like a marriage, where 100 percent is owned by both parties and is at all times committed to the other's use.

Some believers who tithe have the wrong idea that 10 percent belongs to God and 90 percent belongs to them. But to walk with God you must accept his right to call for any amount at any time. Life in the spirit as a mature son is only available on that basis. With maturity comes both liberty and responsibility. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit, not by carnal principles like tithing that were necessary for men who were not born again.

People who have wrong beliefs about tithing can still be greatly blessed, according to their faith and how they follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. But no matter how blessed and successful they are, it doesn't validate their doctrine and it doesn't mean they have all that God has made available. The glorious life of Christ cannot be fully experienced while following a way of life that was intended for men who lived before the resurrection.

Most of the erroneous teaching on tithing comes from one thing; people are trying to apply Old Covenant principles to life in Christ and the two don't mix. Paul had his biggest problem with people who were trying to fit the New Covenant believers into an obsolete way of living. The same problem continues today.

People who teach tithing say they are not promoting the Law. However, the only instructions on tithing that came from God came through the Law to people who were under the Law. That was the only group of people he ever instructed to tithe.

The next four topics will cover one of the most often quoted passages on the subject of tithing, Malachi 3:8–11. It is another Old Covenant passage that is being wrongly applied to life in Christ.

If You Don't Tithe You Are a God-Robber

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (Mal. 3:8 )
Under the Old Covenant the tithe was the Lord's and the children of Israel were robbing God when they didn't give it to him. We have a completely different relationship to God. The New Covenant is actually between God the Father and Jesus. Therefore, it is perfect and eternal because it does not depend on a fallible human who might break it. We are included in the New Covenant by our spiritual union with Jesus and we share his covenant relationship with the Father.

The Father has already given everything there is to the Son. Jesus Christ is the rightful Lord and owner of all things. By virtue of being in Christ and being his body we are joint owners of all things with him.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (Rom. 4:13)

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (Gal. 3:16)

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal. 3:29)

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. (1 Cor. 3:21–23)
We have no possessions that are ours separately from Jesus Christ. Everything belongs to him and us together, so there is no such thing as robbing God by not tithing. The commitment in this covenant is 100 percent from both parties. The issue is not tithing; it's following the Holy Spirit's leading at all times.

Our relationship to God as a born-again son is superior to anything previous. We are not our own, we have been bought with a price, the blood of Jesus. God is not his own either because he has committed himself to us, to be a Father and total savior to us. We no longer live on the level of a tither. We live in the high calling of absolute abandonment to God and his purposes on earth. That is the new standard of 100 percent commitment in the New Covenant.

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:33)
…they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rev. 12:11b)

The church is like it is today because of what it has been taught. It has not been taught the strong truth about the glorious relationship we have with God. It's time that Christians should be given the meat of God's word. (Heb. 5:12–14) It's time for them to be treated like sons who are capable of growing up into full stature in Christ.

Our standard today is not 10 percent, it is Christ himself who gave everything. Paul is an example for us:

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Phil. 3:7–8 )
A Curse Will Come on You If You Don't Tithe

Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (Mal. 3:9 )

God had given Israel the Law over one thousand years before the prophet Malachi spoke those words. God told Israel very clearly what the blessing would be for keeping the Law and what the curse would be for breaking it. Over the years Israel broke it repeatedly and suffered the curse as punishment. That was the nature of their covenant.

There is no curse upon us in Christ. It isn't part of our covenant. Jesus bore it and completely redeemed us from it.

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 hangeth on a tree: (Gal. 3:13)

Those who teach that there is a curse for not tithing are contradicting the most basic truths of the New Covenant. However, if you put yourself back under the Law you will put yourself under the curse.

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Gal. 3:10)

Life in Christ works by a different spiritual process, which is not compatible with the Old Covenant paradigm.

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; (Rom. 4:16)
We Are Commanded to Prove God with the Tithe

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. (Mal. 3:10)

Just as there was a curse for breaking the Law, there was a blessing for keeping the Law. Israel was challenged to keep the law of tithing and thereby put God to the test. Malachi 3:10 was not written to the church.

We are operating from a completely different perspective. God has already given us everything in our union with Christ. We don't do things to earn blessings. Neither is there a curse upon us if we fall short. God is looking for mature sons who will abide in Christ and allow him to live through them. God wants us to walk by faith and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, not tithe.

The mind we have in Christ is a consciousness of already having all needs met, even though the provision may not be seen in the natural realm. That is faith. The idea that giving will cause God to do something is not faith, it's a mentality of lack and manipulation. When giving is based on love for people and faith that God has already provided for you, then it's in agreement with the truth

The New Covenant doesn't operate by generic standards like the tithe. It is administrated by the Holy Spirit in a way that is unique to each person and situation. Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything, give the money to the poor, and come follow him. (Matt. 19:16–30, Luke 18:18–30) Those instructions were unique to him. A tithe would not have been sufficient.

In 1 Timothy 6:17–18 the rich are not commanded to give everything away like the rich young ruler was. They are instructed how they should use their wealth. When Peter asked Jesus what would be required of John, he was told that it was none of his business. (John 21:20–22) God deals with each person and situation individually.

There are many ways that faith can be expressed; however, they will all be uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit for the specific situation. Faith is what God is looking for now, not tithing.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Heb. 11:6)

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Gal. 3:9)

The difference between faith and works is a matter of the heart. Something that's done to get a blessing is a work. Something that's done because you believe you already have all blessings is an action of faith. Grace and works do not mix. Either we are blessed as a free gift of grace or we are blessed because of our works.

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Rom. 4:4–5)

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (Rom. 11:6)
Tithing Rebukes the Devourer

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. (Mal. 3:11)
God promised to rebuke the devourer if Israel would keep their covenant obligation to tithe. If they didn't, the curse of destruction would come on them.

Again, the New Covenant operates differently than the Old. Jesus has already defeated the devil, redeemed us from his works, and delivered us out of his authority. It's all based on Jesus' shed blood, not on tithing. We are not waiting for God to rebuke the devourer. Jesus has given us the authority and the responsibility to use his name to enforce his finished work.

The New Testament graphically describes the devil's defeat and Jesus' triumph.

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Col. 2:15)
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Heb. 2:14–15)

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Eph. 1:20–21)

The New Testament is very clear that everything Jesus did in his death, burial, and resurrection was for our benefit and that we now share his complete victory and authority over all the power of darkness.

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Eph. 2: 5–6 )

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Col. 1:12–14)

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Col. 2:9–10)

Through Christ we are in a place of victory and authority that was unknown to the people of God in previous covenants. God had servants under the Law, and if they kept the Law he could bless them. God now has sons in Christ and expects a different way of living from them. He has given us a staggering amount of authority in the name of Jesus and the responsibility that goes with it.

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matt. 18:18)

Behold, I give unto you power (authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matt. 28:18)
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17–18)

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9–11)

God is not waiting to rebuke the devourer for those who tithe; he has already thrashed him! Any man in Christ has the benefit of that total victory without tithing. Putting people's attention on tithing as the source of their protection from the devil is a deception. It keeps them in a weak, Old Covenant mindset. It distracts them from their responsibility to bind the devil and cast him out in Jesus name.

The Tithe Is the Connection to the Covenant

Tithing has been wrongly exalted beyond the actual importance that it did have in the Old Covenant. Sometimes it seems that tithing has become the paramount issue in Christian preaching and teaching. However, in the covenant that God made with Israel at Mt. Sinai, tithing was just one of the Law's many requirements.

In God's covenant with Abraham, tithing was not included. God guaranteed that covenant without any requirement of tithing. Tithing is not part of the New Covenant either. It is based on the blood of Jesus alone.

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matt. 26:28)

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Heb. 10:29)

God knew that the only way to provide salvation and blessing to man was to provide it as a free gift. Man was incapable of contributing anything. Jesus provided all that was required, his own shed blood. Salvation is by grace and it includes every benefit purchased by the blood of Jesus at the cross. If prosperity or any other covenant blessing depended on the tithe, then the tithe would be purchasing it, not the blood of Jesus.

The New Covenant is a blood covenant not a tithe covenant. Faith is the connection, but it is faith in the shed blood of Jesus, not faith in tithing. Making tithing a requirement to maintain the covenant is just as wrong as making it a requirement to enter the covenant.

aba2aba: Tithing was an old covenant idea.Yes some believers practiced Tithing in the new Testament but NEVER in the new COVENANT.If it was a must in the new covenant Christ would have demanded it from his disciples.THINK!

aba2aba: Tithing was an old covenant idea.Yes some believers practiced Tithing in the new Testament but NEVER in the new COVENANT.If it was a must in the new covenant Christ would have demanded it from his disciples.THINK!

Kay 17: ^^

The problem with the OP is, it takes the Word of God as temporary. God when making his Covenant with Abraham, never anticipated an end to it. And God's Word is his Word, it subsists permanently.

OLAADEGBU:

Am I surprised that this laconic fact made by a skeptic makes more sense than the blatherskite of the religious anarchists?

Kay 17: ^^

The problem with the OP is, it takes the Word of God as temporary. God when making his Covenant with Abraham, never anticipated an end to it. And God's Word is his Word, it subsists permanently.

frosbel:

The Bible talks of a new covenant.

Jeremiah 31:31
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.

Luke 22:20
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

We are no more operating under the old covenant , we are now under the blood of Jesus, away with this tithe malady.

Willzkid: Frosbel, you may think you are liberating people, but think of this
If you say a pastor that preaches that his members should dedicate 10% of his earning to God monthly is greedy, what will you say of the God that requires that 100% of our earnings be used for Him and His work?

Kay 17: the so called new Covenant is only a renewal of the old Covenant, still with the same parties. God was simply making the judah that wishes to follow him re-aware. Its like renewing vows of a marriage. It doesn't start a new one rather reminds the parties in it.

frosbel: Read online book by Clicking HERE

frosbel:

The new covenant is in the Spirit while the old was in the LAW , 613 of them to be precise.

You cannot pick and choose, if indeed the Old covenant still applies then you and your tithe friends MUST keep the whole 613 LAWs. You cannot pick those that have money attached to them supposedly , while rejecting the rest.

frosbel:

You do realise that reading from a dictionary , does not in any way increase the level of your intellectual status.

Willzkid:

Frosbel, you may think you are liberating people, but think of this
If you say a pastor that preaches that his members should dedicate 10% of his earning to God monthly is greedy, what will you say of the God that requires that 100% of our earnings be used for Him and His work?

"You blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a carmel"

Kay 17: ^^

The problem with the OP is, it takes the Word of God as temporary. God when making his Covenant with Abraham, never anticipated an end to it. And God's Word is his Word, it subsists permanently.

frosbel:

God does not place burdens on us that we cannot bear.

"It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:" - Acts 15:29

"Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. " - Matthew 11:28-30

God will not ask a widow who has not fed her children, paid her bills , rent or school fees , to give him her 100% income. Besides, it is for people such as this that giving was and should be encouraged.

We who have are especially the ones enjoined to give more liberally , so as to meet the needs of the less fortunate and less well off among us.

"And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called to him his disciples, and said to them,Verily I say to you, That this poor widow has cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living"

frosbel:

The way you guys talk , almost creates the impression that God demands our 100% to be sent to him for his personal use, this is not the case.

The bible is against guilt giving which is what the tithe promotes, the bible encourages cheerful giving as patterned in the bible.

[color=#000099]"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." - 2 Corinthians 8:12

frosbel:

Finally, the work of GOD includes taking care of the needs of the widows , orphans, poor and especially those who do the work of GOD. And how do we support the work of GOD ? By ensuring that the ministers of the gospel have food in their bellies and clothes on their backs, not so they can compete with the rich of this world, buying jets, building mansions and strengthening their empires while the misled sheeple remain in abject poverty.

"Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus,Let her alone: against the day of my burying has she kept this. For the poor always you have with you, but me you have not always"

Pastor Kun:

And what has God's covenant with Abraham got to do with tithes

[quote author=OLAADEGBU]

We can see that you would have accused our Lord Jesus Christ for commending the widow who gave here 100% into the treasury when the rich gave out of their abundance.

(Mark 12:41-44).

Read Acts 4:32-37 and you will see that the disciples didn't need anyone to cajole them into giving just 10% they gave 100% willingly and cheerfully without being querulous as you guys are.

Don't you see how you are echoing Judas Iscariot who all a sudden started caring for the poor?

(John 12:5-6).

And we know how this covetousness led him into selling our Lord Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Tithes is the Lord's which doesn't hinder you from giving your offerings to the poor if you are so concerned.

OLAADEGBU:

Frosbel and his anti-tihing gang will boast of giving their 100% easily when they strain at giving 10%.

This is the timeless truth our Lord Jesus says to these anarchists:

(Matthew 23:24)

DrummaBoy:


I am already reading the book ONLINE and hope to do so WORD for WORD

Kay 17: the so called new Covenant is only a renewal of the old Covenant, still with the same parties. God was simply making the judah that wishes to follow him re-aware. Its like renewing vows of a marriage. It doesn't start a new one rather reminds the parties in it.

Willzkid: Frosbel, you may think you are liberating people, but think of this
If you say a pastor that preaches that his members should dedicate 10% of his earning to God monthly is greedy, what will you say of the God that requires that 100% of our earnings be used for Him and His work?

OLAADEGBU:

Are you connected with the Abrahamic covenant?

DrummaBoy: I dare anyone who says the NT believer of this day must tithe to read this book.

If you come off it without a changed mindset, then there is no hope...

Haven' read up to chapter six, I find the writing lucid and very un offensive. No minister's name is mentioned. All the argument is straight from the bible.

The core thesis insists that the NT paradigm is bringing Christians to give God 100% of what they own and their lives with it, and not just a misery 10%.

Pls, folks, read the online book and report your finding here.

Well done Frosbel. Returned with a bang!

Kay 17: Gt

First of all what do you mean by spirit??

Cos covenants are terms and conditions the parties must abide by, and this is law in effect. Also jesus commands his followers that the only true command is "love neighbour as you love yourself" this is a law. Failure to abide to it denys the disobedient person heaven.