Are Christians to Tithe or Give?
By Kato Mivule
July 1, 2006
Tithing part and parcel of the Mosaic Law…
>>First we have to take a look at ALL scriptures relating to the Tithe from the Old Testament to the New Testament…
>>We find that Tithing was part of the Law and was supposed to be done according to the stringent rules and procedures in executing the Mosaic Law…
>>For most part I will let the Scriptures speak for themselves and will add in a point here and there…
>>The scriptures should be enough to put this issue to rest…
>>We see the Tithe being paid first by Abraham to Melchizedek…interestingly before the institution of the Mosaic Law…then institutionalized through Moses.
>>Some have argued that since the Tithe was there before Moses as practiced by Abraham, then it should remain and be practiced by Christians today since Abraham before the Mosaic Law practiced it.
>>However, such arguments and line of thinking are just a ‘picking and choosing’ from Scripture what fits the establishment of the Christian Religious Circles. One should note that Abraham practiced Circumcision before the Law of Moses and therefore if the pushers of the Tithe Doctrine desire to keep all that Abraham did to attain Justification from The Lord, then they should also circumcise…
Genesis 14:20
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
>>Jacob vows a tenth of all his property to God…again interestingly before the institution of the Mosaic Law…
Genesis 28:20-22
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, (21) So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: (22) And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
>>We see the Mosaic laws instituting the Tithe…
>>This should be enough for all the Tithe preachers that the Tithe was one of the Laws instituted through Moses…
>>Some Tithing preachers have taught lies that Tithing is one of the Mosaic Laws we must keep and do even under Grace in Christ Jesus…
Leviticus 27:31
And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.
Numbers 18:24
But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
Numbers 18:26
Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.
Numbers 18:28
Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.
Deuteronomy 12:6
And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:
Deuteronomy 12:11
Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
Deuteronomy 26:12
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;
>>Tithes brought and stored in the TEMPLE…
>>Tithes were always brought to the Temple of God – House of God
>>One now has to ask themselves, who is the Temple of God today under the Jesus Christ Covenant?
>>Are we not the Temples of The Holy Spirit?
>>Are we not Royal Priesthood before our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Covenant – New Testament?
>>Is it that the Pastor and his Church the Temple of The Holy Spirit today?
>>So, clearly the concept does not hold in the New Testament, since every Temple of the Holy Spirit should receive the Tithe by the Royal Priest (Christian) who happens to be a Temple of The Holy Spirit…
>>Should the Christians who happen to be Priests and Temples of The Holy Spirit give the Tithe to themselves or choose a leader called a Pastor and give the Tithe to him? Is this the right way to fulfill the Law of Tithing according to Moses' strict Law?
>>The truth of the matter is that NO one in Christendom today gives Tithes according to the rules set by Moses in the Old Testament Law... I challenge any Pastor or Christian that they do so...as far as I know it NONE does so...
>>If justification is by the Law then fulfill the WHOLE Law and not just pieces of it...
>>Jesus Christ taught GIVING and especially to the poor, the Apostles Taught giving too…
>>That is why the believers in the early church in the book of Acts had no ownership of their property – it all belonged to Jesus Christ 100% and they brought all they had and laid it at the feet of the Apostles and they gave to each according to their need and there was none who lacked…this sadly is not the case in Christendom today…
2 Chronicles 31:11-12
Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them, (12) And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.
Nehemiah 10:37
And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
Nehemiah 10:38
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
Nehemiah 12:44
And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
Nehemiah 13:5
And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
>>The Lord Rebukes Idolaters who give Tithes...
Amos 4:4
Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years:
>>Amazingly many in Christendom are given over to covetousness, materialism and the prosperity message…this the Bible calls Idolatry…so we have ‘Christian’ idolaters busy giving tithes…adding an abomination on top of their covetous sins…
>>The Lord rebukes those who refuse to be givers – the greedy...
>>The Lord rebukes those who broke the Law and robbed the tithe...
>>Today it would be those who reject The Lord's command to surrender 100% of what they have to Jesus Christ and care for the needs of those in the Body of Christ...
>>Today this would be a rejection of the stewardship ministry The Lord Jesus Christ has given to His Body...
>>Christians today pride in Tithing but with motivation to get more rich and more blessings and as they say “to get to another Level”…yet many poor are in the same churches and communities as the Pastors and Christians claim 90 percent lordship over their property and riches…for Jesus Christ is not Lord over such “Christians” and therefore they are guilty of robbing Jesus Christ…
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.
Malachi 3:10
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.
>>Pharisees pride in tithing...
>>Pharisees were known for their pride in tithes...they justified themselves because they tithed even the smallest of things...
>>Is it surprising that today’s Pharisees also pride themselves as being big tithers and as obtaining financial blessings and status of supremacy through tithing? Tithing combined with the Prosperity Doctrine have only fostered Class creation in Christendom especially with the establishment of the Elite Class in Christianity…
Luke 18:12
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
>>Jesus Christ, the First Fruits before God...
Hebrews 7:1-3
(1) For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
(2) To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
(3) Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Hebrews 7:4-11
(4) Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
(5) And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
(6) But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
(7) And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
(8) And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
(9) And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
(10) For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
(11) If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
>>Priesthood changed and therefore necessity to change the law...
>>Jesus Christ The High Priest who continues forever...
>>No Perfection came by The Law
>>Jesus Christ, The High Priest who continues forever fulfilled the Law…
Hebrews 7:12-19
(12) For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
(13) For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
(14) For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
(15) And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
(16) Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
(17) For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
(18) For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
(19) For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
>>Jesus Christ a Surety of a better testament…
>>Who needeth not daily, as those high priests to offer up sacrifice…
Hebrews 7:20-28
(20) And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
(21) (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
(22) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
(23) And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
(24) But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
(25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
(26) For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
(27) Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
(28) For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
>>No Longer Under The Law…
>>Tithing was part of the Mosaic Law…
>>Law fulfilled in Christ Jesus…
>>If you keep the Law then keep the WHOLE law, not just Tithing alone…keep Circumcision also and the Priestly Laws too since all are essential in the correct order of offering Tithes in the Old Testament…
>>All blessings we have including financial blessings can only come Through Christ Jesus…
>>It is through Jesus Christ that we obtain the blessings of Abraham…for it was Christ Jesus, The SEED spoken about in Galatians 3:14 – 15…
>>Gentiles and Jews alike ALL can ONLY receive and partake of the blessings of Abraham through Jesus Christ…any other ways are false!
Galatians 3:1-16
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (2) This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
(3) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (4) Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. (5) He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (6) Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
(7) Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. (8) And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. (9) So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (10) 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.
(11) But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (12) And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. (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 hangeth on a tree: (14) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
(15) Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. (16) 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.
Justified by Faith in Christ Jesus…
>>The Mosaic Law does NOT justify us. Grace and Faith in Christ Jesus justify us…
>>Seeking to be justified by keeping the Tithing Law is of no use…it is similar to getting justified by keeping the Law of Circumcision…
>>Many use Tithing as a means to trap God into blessing them…
>>These Folks have to work hard by Tithing to their beloved Pastors and Churches in order to buy blessings and financial security from The Lord…
>>Such mentality is biblical and conjuring blessings using scripture by apostate churches today…
>>Christ Jesus purchased us with His precious Blood and ALL we have is His. 100% of what we own is not our but it belongs to Christ Jesus…
>>So, what ever The Lord requires of our property for His service is RIGHTLY so His…
>>Jesus Christ taught giving and giving to the poor…
>>It was this very reason that the Apostles in the Book of Acts brought ALL they had and laid it at the feet of the Apostles and gave to each according to their NEED and there was no one who lacked…
>>The Apostles knew that in Christ Jesus the Law of Tithing was fulfilled too and therefore ALL they had belonged to God 100% and they had NO OWNERSHIP bur shared together all that they had that no one lacked…
>>This does not mean that they became RICH as Prosperity Teachers teach today, they simply had their Needs met and none lacked but today with the teaching of Tithing in Churches this is not so but many lack and many are in need while a few own ALL things and this is blasphemy before God…
Galatians 3:24-29
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
>>Justified by the Law? Ye are fallen from Grace…
>>If you keep the Law Ye are fallen from Grace!
>>If you keep tithing, then KEEP the Whole Law…you are a debtor to the whole law…
>>Jesus Christ is of no effect to you if the Law justifies you…
>>If you count yourself justified by Tithing, Circumcision etc, then you are FALLEN From GRACE!
Galatians 5:1-4
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (2) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. (3) For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. (4) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
>>The Law is fulfilled in the Love of Christ Jesus…
Galatians 5:13-14
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
>>It is this basis that the law is fulfilled, love, and The Love of Christ Jesus, not human love…
>>The Apostles in the book of Acts did not give because of Law but out of the Love of Jesus Christ…it is the Love of Jesus Christ working in us that will help us surrender ALL ownership to Christ Jesus and when we see a Brother in need or in lack, we shall give out of The Love of Jesus Christ thus fulfilling the Law…
>>All can testify today that this is not so in Apostate Christianity – the biggest pushers of the Tithing Doctrine…to these Apostate Christian preachers, Tithes keep their huge ministries going, they keep their so-called Christian TV going, tithes keep their pastors driving the best cars, buying Jet Planes, and purchasing Million dollar homes…anyone can simply turn on TBN and see the fruits of Tithing today…
>>Tithing teachings have only helped to foster GREED and Covetousness among the Prosperity apostate Christian movement and helped the Westernized Church hate with a passion all those who are poor…The Church has become a club of only the rich and affluent…people who can “make it to the next level”…this is a shame and blasphemy before God…
>>Jesus Christ Taught Giving and NOT Tithing
Matthew 5:42
(42) Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Matthew 6:1-4
(1) Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
(2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
(3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
(4) That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 10:8
(8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Luke 6:38
(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 that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
>>Pharisees were very scrupulous in giving their Tithes…
>>But not out of love but to control their constituents…
>>Today, Tithing is a form of control by the Christian Religious Elites of our day…
Luke 11:37-42
(37) And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
(38) And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
(39) And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
(40) Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
(41) But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
(42) But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 12:29-34
(29) And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
(30) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
(31) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
(33) Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
(34) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 21:1-4
(1) And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
(2) And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
(3) And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
(4) For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
Luke 18:22-24
(22) Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
(23) And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
(24) And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Luke 19:8-9
(8) And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
(9) And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Luke 18:10-14
(10) Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
(11) The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
(12) I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
(13) And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
(14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
>>The Apostles Taught Giving NOT Tithing…
>>This has been one of the most misused verses by the Prosperity Theologians and Preachers who claim that Christians should bring all their tithes and possessions and place them at the feet of the “Apostles”…
>>First and foremost we should note that The Apostles NEVER demanded or EVEN asked the believers to bring in the Tithes and possessions to their feet…The Christians were prompted by The Holy Spirit and also must have known that all what they possessed belonged 100% to Jesus Christ and their duty was to take care of each other’s needs…to show their love for one another in practice and as such be a witness and a testimony for Jesus Christ to the World as Jesus Christ Himself prayed in John 17. This was not about making the apostles rich and wealthy as some suppose today but taking care of the needs of each other in the Body…
>>It was not about creating an Elite Class of Prosperous Christians…it is a sad thing that this is happening today and the church is suffering from Elitism courtesy of today’s Prosperity Charlatans who love to be seen in their glamorous churches on TBN TV and other so-called Christian Media...
>>Much of the True Christian Church around the world is poor, and I mean very very poor…it is only the American Laodicean Church and those who love her doctrines around the world who enjoy friendship with the world and the material wealth…the result of this has been elitism in the body and division which certainly is proof that the Prosperity doctrine is of the flesh…
>>Secondly, the believers in the book of Acts gave to have the needs of the other Christians met as I have already noted above. Therefore we should not ever give to Charlatan Ministers who not only ignore the plight of the poor in their constituencies but also live lavishly and luxuriously with the believers meeting their bills in the name of Tithing and Prosperity…
>>This raises a question of who should we give to…true Christians should give to the poor of the earth…those Christians who continue giving and supporting Charlatan Ministries like TBN TV and their affiliates who preach a gospel of riches and greed, will one day have to give account for their actions in supporting and fostering false doctrines…
>>There are Christians I know of who will give huge sums of money to their Pastors and “Apostles” but will ignore their Christian neighbor who has no food and cannot pay rent…I have seen such evil among Christian Pastors who will drive a new BMW or SUV while their church members suffer want…this was never the reason behind giving in the book of Acts…
Acts 2:44-47
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
>>None lacked as they gave in the early church…today many lack as people give Tithes to their pastors and “apostles”…is this not a curse that cursed is he who keeps not the whole law?
Acts 4:33-37
(33) And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
(34) Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
(35) And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
(36) And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
(37) Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
>>Judgment comes to church because of money…
>>Ananias and Sapphira judged because of unfaithfulness about money…
>>Judgment is coming to the Church because of being unfaithful about money…
>>The early church was not a communist church as some attest, in fact people remained with the right to property as we see Peter address Ananias but Ananias and his wife were found lying to the Holy Spirit and so do many Prosperity and Tithe preachers do today…
>>They claim that they are gaining riches to serve God and care for the poor yet they do the opposite…they engage in covetousness, greed, materialism and self indulgence…they engage in idolatry and use Giving and Tithing as a means to maintain their religious structures and worship of the Idol of Materialism…
>>Please stop giving to such charlatans…go give to the poor in the church and meet each other’s needs…
Acts 5:1-11
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, (2) And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. (3) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
(4) Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (5) And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. (6) And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
(7) And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. (8) And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. (9) Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
(10) Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. (11) And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
>>There was a great drought and the Christians gave…
Acts 11:27-30
(27) And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
(28) And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
(29) Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
(30) Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
>>The Apostle taught giving not Tithes…
Romans 12:5-9
(5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
(6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
(7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
(8) Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
(9) Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
>>Regularly, True Christians are to give…
1 Corinthians 16:1-4
(1) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
(2) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
(3) And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
(4) And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
>>The Lord desires Equality among His people…not class-ism and Elitism…
>>Our giving should take care about the Need of each in the Body…
>>Today’s Elite Prosperity preachers care not about the NEED of their members but care about their own Greed…this ought not to be so…
2 Corinthians 8:8-17
(8) I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
(9) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
(10) And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
(11) Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
(12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
(13) For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
(14) But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
(15) As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
(16) But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
(17) For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
>>True Christians give cheerfully, not out of compulsion but freely…
2 Corinthians 9:5-15
(5) Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
(6) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
(7) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(8) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(9) (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
(10) Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
(11) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
(12) For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
(13) Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
(14) And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
(15) Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
>>Give to those in Need...
Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
>>Command those who are Rich...not to trust in their riches...but give...
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; (19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Curse From Tithing?
>>On the Contrary there seems to be a curse on ministries and Christians even though they continue to Tithe. All kinds of sin related to money have increased among Christian tithing communities. Greed, materialism, false doctrine of prosperity, elitism, class-ism, waste of resources on that which is useless like multi million dollar churches, love of the world, using worldly principles for Church growth, being conformed to the image of the world etc...all these vices show that instead of the desired blessing from Tithing, a curse seems to be in operation...
>>Conclusion
True Christians Give and not Tithe for 100% of their Belongings belong to Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. True Christians are Stewards to what God has entrusted them and not owners…
>>Stop Tithing and begin giving to the poor and needy of this earth, beginning first with those in your household, fellowship, church, community etc…stop the nonsense of giving to charlatan ministers such as TBN and others…
>>Support those ministries that REALLY preach the Whole Counsel of God’s Word…those who won’t preach want you WANT to hear but what you NEED to hear…those who will challenge you to carry your Cross and follow JESUS CHRIST along that Narrow and DIFFICULT path…
In Christ Jesus
Kato Mivule
Uganda, Africa
