FIRST READ: UGANDAN CHRISTIANS REJECT THE TITHE DOCTRINE
http://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2010/08/ugandan-christians-reject-tithe.html
Of late Ugandan Christians have come up openly to challenge the tithing heresy in newspapers. Prosperity pastors are now trying to defend the heresy because they know that their prosperity ‘ponzi’ scheme is about to collapse like a sac of rotten potatoes. In the 22-September-2010 edition of the observer news papers, one APOSTLE EDWARD SSEWANYANA ridiculously defended the tithing heresy. His defense echoes knowledge of striptures instead of scriptures. He makes his first ‘arguments’ as follows:
I fully believe that Christians are not justified by the Law of Moses and should not lean on it for salvation. However, tithing as a principle was practised even before Moses received the commandments or Laws on Mount Sinai. Abraham was the first example of a tither. Hebrews 7:6 mentions that Melchisedec, the priest of the Most High God, “received tithes of Abraham.” Though only one incident of Melchisedec receiving tithes from Abraham is mentioned (Gen14:20), we cannot rule out that Abraham gave tithes on other occasions also. Jacob made a lifelong commitment to tithe when he told God that, “of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee” Genesis 28:22. Abraham and Jacob lived approximately 400 years before Moses the lawgiver was born. They lived under a dispensation of grace and their tithing lifestyle cannot be ignored on the pretext that they were under the law since there was no law at that time.
His arguments fail to take cognizant of the fact that the tithing of Abraham and Jacob is different from the tithing of Christians today. To begin with, Abraham tithed on war loot. He tithed 10 percent of this war loot and retained nothing. He never tithed money. Secondly Jacob’s tithing was conditional, he said he would only tithe on condition that God blesses him. Today, pastors tell the flock that tithing is compulsory and if you do not tithe, you receive curses. This is a serious disconnect.
APOSTLE EDWARD SSEWANYANA continues to error in reasoning and biblical exegesis by ‘arguing’ as follows:
The New Testament describes Abraham as, “the father of us all” (Romans 4:16), showing us that as born again Christians, we have to emulate our father in the faith by tithing like he did. One of the benefits that Abraham received from his lifestyle of tithing was financial prosperity since the Bible clearly points out that, “Abram’s was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). Abram or Abraham’s financial prosperity can only be traced to his tithing lifestyle.
He categorically argues that since the new testament regards Abraham as, “the father of us all” (Romans 4:16), born again Christians should emulate his tithing lifestyle. This is a very weak argument because one could as well argue that since Abraham practiced circumcision of the physical body, born again Christians should also circumcise their bodies. He also argues that Abram or Abraham’s financial prosperity can only be traced to his tithing lifestyle but fails to back up this with scriptural evidence. Can he give us examples in the bible where Abraham did not tithe on war loot. Or where he tithed 10 percent and retained 90% . God promised in Genesis 12:2-3 that he was going to bless Abraham even before Abraham tithed in Genesis 14:20. God never said I will bless you if you give me tithes. The Apostle contradicts himself by saying that Abraham was rich even before tithing(Genesis 13:2).
APOSTLE EDWARD SSEWANYANA also errors in reasoning and biblical exegesis by ‘arguing’ that:
Since the Old Testament tithing system changed with the establishment of the New Covenant, the recipient of the tithe also changed. Someone else took up the office of the priesthood of Melchisedec, “even Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Heb 6:20). Jesus now continues to receive the tithe from Abraham’s children, those who have believed in Jesus Christ for salvation. In a practical sense, the tithe is received by Jesus Christ through the Church and especially through the church leadership that includes the Apostles, Prophets and Pastors (Eph 4:11). Apostle Paul in stating his rights as a church leader and Apostle stated.
He is arguing that the tithe should be given to Jesus Christ. The million dollar question to him is ‘’How can Jesus from the tribe of Judah receive tithes?''. He fails to provide scriptural evidence to prove that the Early Christians tithed.Isn’t it surprising to note that tithing was not an issue at all in the Jerusalem council of Acts 15. This council resolved whether gentiles should keep the mosaic law. Among the resolutions tithing is conspicuously absent. Apostle Ssewanyana also argues that Apostle Paul supported tithing by saying that :
“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Cor 9:13-14).
He does not seem to know that Apostle Paul never told people to tithe but to Give. Giving and tithing are two different concepts. In fact in 2 Cor.9:7, Apostle Paul says categorically that giving must be from the heart and should not be coerced. It should be noted that today‘s prosperity pastors coercive people to tithe. We need to remember that the New Testament is a covenant of the heart and not of the flesh. That is why circumcision according to the New Testament is an issue of the heart.
APOSTLE EDWARD SSEWANYANA further errors in reasoning and biblical exegesis by ‘arguing’ that:
In this scripture, Apostle Paul compares the spiritual leadership with the New Testament church leadership. Just like the Levites ministered in the temple and received tithes that were brought to the temple, as an Apostle and preacher, Paul had the right to receive the tithes from the church members. That same right belongs to the church leadership today. The last nail that stops the mouth of all the tithe haters is what Jesus Himself mentioned about tithe, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23). In this scripture, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting judgment, mercy and faith but at the same time commends them for being faithful tithers. Jesus clearly says that tithe is one of the things that a believer ought to do.
There is absolutely no scripture in the bible where Apostle Paul or Jesus Christ told born again Christians to tithe. Christ taught giving (Luke 6:38). In Mathew23:23 Christ was taking to Pharisees and not Christians. Yes, they ought to have tithed because they believed in the Mosaic Law. Secondly, they ought have tithed because the New Testament period of grace had not come. Apostle Ssewanyana does not know that according to the New testament God no longer dwells in temples made with human hands(Acts 17:24). Born again Christians are the true temples of God(Corinthians 3: 9, 16 ). How can a temple of God pay tithes?? In addition the New Testament calls all born again believers priests (1 Peter 2:9, Rev. 5:10). How can a born again priest pay tithes?
Apostle EDWARD SSEWANYANA appeals to emotion by arguing:
Behind the mask of being the “gallant defenders of the faith”, those who oppose tithe are actually bound by a selfish, miserly and stingy spirit that is inconsistent with the generous faith of the New Testament (Acts 4:34, 2 Cor 9:6-7). The motive that ought to prompt liberality in tithing as a service to God ought to be greater now than in Old Testament times, hence Christians ought to go beyond the ancient Hebrews in consecrating both themselves and their substance to God. A Christian who does not tithe is not a non-believer but is a disobedient child of God who actually opposes the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ through withholding resources over which God has made them stewards to further the preaching of the gospel through the church.
Many pastors are knowledgeable about striptures (they read bits and pieces of verses that promote their greed) instead of scriptures. They have turned the gospel of grace into a gospel of greed. This tithing heresy is being perpetuated because of the failure of born again Christians to search God in his word. This heresy aims at sustaining the greed and luxurious life styles of prosperity Pastors.
Tithing heresies debunked: The million dollar questions
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us intobondage:(Galatians2:4)
In the new testament period of grace we are not supposed to tithe but to GIVE. The lord Jesus Christ never told his disciples to tithe. He taught them to give(Luke 6:38). The argument that the tithe should be consumed by the pastor who is a priest and Levite is pure blasphemy. We need to bear in mind that there is a separation between ISRAEL and the CHURCH. How can a gentile like Apostle Ssewanyana receive tithes. If pastors like Apostle Ssewanyana are from the tribe of Levi, which Christians in her church belong to the other eleven tribes. If the tithe in church is given to Jesus as some claim, how can Jesus from the tribe of Judah receive tithes? Examine the simple expositions of the heresy on tithing below.
1. Many tithe proponents argue that the pastor should be given tithes because he is a priest: However, the bible calls all born again believers priests. How can a born again priest pay tithes? Check out these verses:
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.(Revelation5:10)
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen(Rev.1:6)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellouslight;(1Peter2:9)
2. How comes that the apostles broke the tithing law. Were they under curse for not tithing?
How comes that the first Christians in the book of Acts( Acts 11:26) broke the tithing law. How comes there is no mention of the word tithing in the book of Acts. Instead of tithing the apostles told people to sell all their property and bring the money under their feet. This actually means that everything we have belongs to the God and God can demand it from us anytime to accomplish his purposes. The theology of giving God 10% and retaining our 90% is a lie. Check out this verse.
34Neither 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, 35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (Acts:4:34-35)
3. How comes that Barnabas, a LEVITE sold land and brought the money under the feet of the apostles. Why didn’t he stay in the house of the lord and wait for tithes?
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, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles'feet(Acts:4:36-37)
4. Was Ananias, and Sapphira his wife struck dead by the Holy spirit for not giving 10%(tithing) or for not surrendering 100 percent of the money they got from selling their land. Check out these verses in Acts 5: 11).
1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
brought
3But 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?
4Whiles 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 hastnotlieduntomen,butuntoGod.
5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowingwhatwasdone,camein.
8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?Andshesaid,Yea,forsomuch.
9Then 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 husbandareatthedoor,andshallcarrytheeout.
10Then 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 herbyherhusband. 11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as manyasheardthesethings.
The tithing heresy is the foundation of the exploitative American prosperity gospel. Once born again Christianity reject this hoax, the whole prosperity edifice will come crumbling like a sac of rotten potatoes.
Conclusion
Did you know that formerly tithes were eaten by the tither(thithing person) in the temple(Deu: 14:22ff). However, this temple was destroyed in 70A.D as predicted by our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 24: 1-2).Therefore according to New Testament Christianity God no longer dwells in temples made with human hands(Acts 17:24). Born again Christians are the true temples of God(Corinthians 3: 9, 16 ). How can a temple of God pay tithes?? Lastly according to the Old Testament money was not tithaible (Deut 7:11ff) therefore churches that tell people to tithe money are lying to you. Some pastors argue that according to the Old Testament people tithed the fruit of the trees, corn etc because there was no money back then. This is a lie, there was money back then, remember Abraham bought a field where he buried Sarah at 400 pieces of silver(Gen 23:13-16), do you also remember that Joseph was sold by his bothers for 20 pieces of silver(Gen 37:28). So, there was money back then. Therefore tithing money is just another big lie.
APOSTLE EDWARD SSEWANYANA'S ARTICLE
Tithing not optional
http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10203&Itemid=71
Sizzling Faith
Written by APOSTLE EDWARD SSEWANYANA
Wednesday, 22 September 2010 16:11
I fully believe that Christians are not justified by the Law of Moses and should not lean on it for salvation.
However, tithing as a principle was practised even before Moses received the commandments or Laws on Mount Sinai.
Abraham was the first example of a tither. Hebrews 7:6 mentions that Melchisedec, the priest of the Most High God, “received tithes of Abraham.” Though only one incident of Melchisedec receiving tithes from Abraham is mentioned (Gen14:20), we cannot rule out that Abraham gave tithes on other occasions also.
Jacob made a lifelong commitment to tithe when he told God that, “of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee” Genesis 28:22. Abraham and Jacob lived approximately 400 years before Moses the lawgiver was born.
They lived under a dispensation of grace and their tithing lifestyle cannot be ignored on the pretext that they were under the law since there was no law at that time.
New Testament
The New Testament describes Abraham as, “the father of us all” (Romans 4:16), showing us that as born again Christians, we have to emulate our father in the faith by tithing like he did.
One of the benefits that Abraham received from his lifestyle of tithing was financial prosperity since the Bible clearly points out that, “Abram’s was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). Abram or Abraham’s financial prosperity can only be traced to his tithing lifestyle.
Tithing is simply defined as giving a tenth of all your increase to the Lord. In the Old Testament the Levites had the right to receive tithes from the Israelites according to the laws of Moses (Num 18:24). The Levitical priests were mortal but Melchisedec is described as immortal.
Melchisedec’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood since the book of Hebrews states that Levi, Abraham’s great-grandson paid tithes to Melchisedec through Abraham since he was still in Abraham’s loins at the time (Heb 7:9-10).
Since the Old Testament tithing system changed with the establishment of the New Covenant, the recipient of the tithe also changed.
Someone else took up the office of the priesthood of Melchisedec, “even Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Heb 6:20). Jesus now continues to receive the tithe from Abraham’s children, those who have believed in Jesus Christ for salvation.
In a practical sense, the tithe is received by Jesus Christ through the Church and especially through the church leadership that includes the Apostles, Prophets and Pastors (Eph 4:11). Apostle Paul in stating his rights as a church leader and Apostle stated.
“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Cor 9:13-14).
In this scripture, Apostle Paul compares the spiritual leadership with the New Testament church leadership. Just like the Levites ministered in the temple and received tithes that were brought to the temple, as an Apostle and preacher, Paul had the right to receive the tithes from the church members. That same right belongs to the church leadership today.
The last nail that stops the mouth of all the tithe haters is what Jesus Himself mentioned about tithe, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23).
In this scripture, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting judgment, mercy and faith but at the same time commends them for being faithful tithers. Jesus clearly says that tithe is one of the things that a believer ought to do.
Behind the mask of being the “gallant defenders of the faith”, those who oppose tithe are actually bound by a selfish, miserly and stingy spirit that is inconsistent with the generous faith of the New Testament (Acts 4:34, 2 Cor 9:6-7).
The motive that ought to prompt liberality in tithing as a service to God ought to be greater now than in Old Testament times, hence Christians ought to go beyond the ancient Hebrews in consecrating both themselves and their substance to God.
A Christian who does not tithe is not a non-believer but is a disobedient child of God who actually opposes the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ through withholding resources over which God has made them stewards to further the preaching of the gospel through the church.
The writer is the founder and Bishop of Worldwide Apostolic Church (at Kiswa Primary School), Bugolobi
edifire@yahoo.com
Tithing in the New Testament is not optional
http://www.monitor.co.ug/LifeStyle/Religion/-/689744/1021426/-/6gyx4s/-/index.html
Posted Sunday, October 3 2010 at 00:00
I fully believe that Christians are not justified by the Law of Moses and should not lean on it for salvation. However, tithing as a principle was practiced even before Moses received the commandments or Laws on Mount Sinai.
Abraham was the first example of a tither. Hebrews 7:6 mentions that Melchisedec, the priest of the Most High God, “received tithes of Abraham.” Though only one incident of Melchisedec receiving tithes from Abraham is mentioned (Gen14:20), we cannot rule out that Abraham gave tithes on other occasions too.
Abraham’s grandson, Jacob could not have come out to make a commitment to tithe on a consistent basis to the Lord if his grandfather only tithed once and stopped there. Jacob made a lifelong commitment to tithe when he told God that, “of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee,” Genesis 28:22.
Abraham and Jacob lived approximately 400 years before Moses the law-giver was born. Their tithing lifestyle cannot be ignored on the pretext that they were under the law since there was no law at that time at all. Since Abraham was the father of us all, as born again Christians, we have to emulate his tithing spirit. One of the benefits that Abraham received from his lifestyle of tithing was financial prosperity - “Abraham was very rich in cattle, in silver and in gold” (Genesis 13:2).
Since the Old Testament tithing system changed with the establishment of the New Covenant, the recipient of the tithe also changed. Someone else took up the office of the priesthood of Melchisedec, “Even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Heb 6:20). Jesus now continues to receive the tithe from Abraham’s children, those who have believed in Jesus Christ for salvation (Heb 7:8).
In a practical sense, the tithe is received by Jesus Christ through the Church and especially through the church leadership that includes the apostles, prophets and pastors (Eph 4:11). Just like the Levites ministered in the temple and received tithes that were brought to the temple, that same right belongs to the church leadership today.
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting judgment, mercy and faith but at the same time commends them for being faithful tithers. Jesus clearly says that tithe is one of the things that a believer ought to do.
Behind the mask of being the “gallant defenders of the faith”, those who oppose tithe are actually bound by a selfish, miserly and stingy spirit that is inconsistent with the generous faith of the New Testament (Acts 4:34, 2 Cor 9:6-7). The motive that ought to prompt liberality in tithing as a service to God ought to be greater now than in Old Testament times, hence Christians ought to go beyond the ancient Hebrews in consecrating both themselves and their substance to God.
A Christian who does not tithe is not a non-believer but is a disobedient child of God who is actually opposing the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ through withholding resources over which God has made them stewards to further the preaching of the gospel through the church.
Apostle Edward Ssewanyana
