Letter From the Editor? What Does the New Testament Bible Really Say About Tithing?
Good Morning ePrayer Circle’s Tribe Member,
I’m drinking coffee in my kitchen and thought about how we survived the eclipse on Monday, when so many said we would not. Have you ever looked up at the sky after a rare event like an eclipse and wondered if something miraculous might happen? I want to share my testimony about my supernatural experience from many years ago about tithing, not to convince you, but to share a piece of my journey of learning from a miraculous experience. You can make up your own mind.
Afterwards, I will include verses from the New Testament telling of what Jesus said about Tithing. The definition of tithe according to the King James Bible and Merriam Webster Dictionary is a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of a religious establishment. Let’s talk about it.
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Testimony:
As a child, I was taught to put money in the offering basket that came around at church. I vividly remember each Sunday, I was given a dollar. I eagerly placed it in the basket. I especially liked walking to music in a line to put money in the basket, I could see who attended church, all the pretty dresses, and suits people wore.
I would show off mine as well. I still like dressing up going to church. Now, as an adult, I couldn’t imagine going to church without giving money, knowing that my contributions help maintain the beautiful buildings, comfortable seats, support the outstanding senior and youth programs and community volunteer out reach work.
I appreciate the comfort of the air conditioning in summer and the warmth in winter, knowing that keeping up with bills isn’t always easy. Therefore,, I faithfully put money in the offering. Often, there were times when I hurriedly placed money in the offering envelope, not writing my name on it or amount. My way of thinking was God knows what I put in the basket.
Sometimes, I paid on my tithes and promised God I would make up for missed tithes the following week or next check. I did my best, but I knew there was room for improvement.
As I matured in my faith, I earnestly sought God’s guidance on where I could improve in my life as a believer. Then, I had a vision. I saw a hand with a pen posing as if to write on a white wall, but then a church offering envelope appeared. The hand wrote my name and checked the box labeled “Tithes” and pointed the pen to the “amount” section.
It became clear to me that my obedience to God in giving is recorded in heaven. In other words, they keep up with it. It was a powerful reminder from the Holy Spirit, depicted as a black man’s hand or a man of color. This vision showed me that the Holy Spirit, who to my knowledge was never in the flesh except in Jesus Christ can appear to us in human form. I still have not gotten over that experience.
I am convinced that before the earth and mankind, there existed and still do a mystical world called heaven that is totally different than what we are experiencing on earth.
Genesis 1:26 KJV “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creep upon the earth.”
This experience taught me the importance of studying the Bible and listening to God’s voice above all others. We are commanded to share our testimonies not to impose our beliefs but to uplift and remind each other of God’s wisdom. Each of us must work out our own salvation and seek guidance through prayer.
John 14:26 KJV “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
I want to comment on the story about the Russians honoring Jesus and others as people of color. Putin didn’t discover anything. The Russians just acknowledged it. They have biblical people of color in their churches and a great art collection.
Living in the desert and even today, Jerusalem, “The Throne of the Lord” (Jeremiah 3:17) are Jews that are mostly people of color. Its not what they show on TV news. However, last year there were clips of the people of Jerusalem on YouTube and it supports my view of Jerusalem.
Today’s misconception about God, is just an example of people not reading the bible but listening to others instead. We need to listen to God. We share the “Word” to lift each other up, to teach our children, and to remind each other of God’s wise counsel.
The bible tells the nationalities and locations of the biblical people. Even though it is interesting history. Remember, God is a spirit without regard to color. God is love without prejudice or bias because he made us all.
Study the Word of God, praise God, memorize scripture, and pray. Work out your own salvation. Philippians 2:12 KJV “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Isaiah 9:6 KJV “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
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What does the bible read?
In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the practice of tithing but also emphasizes the importance of giving with a sincere and generous heart. Here are some key verses related to tithing in the New Testament:
- Matthew 23:23 – “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.” – Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing but criticizes the religious leaders for neglecting more important aspects of the law.
- Luke 11:42 – “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.” – Similar to Matthew 23:23, Jesus emphasizes the importance of justice and the love of God alongside tithing.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “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.” – Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside a portion of their income for the collection, indicating a regular practice of giving.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Every man according as he purpose in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – Paul emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, rather than out of obligation.
In conclusion, The New Testament (Jesus Christ) commands us to continue to tithe and it upholds the principle of giving generously and sacrificially. The focus is on the attitude of the giver and the desire to support the work of God’s kingdom. It is this author’s opinion based on my spiritual experience that for the times we live in, tithing and offerings are two different things.
Tithing is biblical. It is 10% of what you have control over for the operation of the church. This may include salaries. Offering is biblical and it is what you give for various projects and ministries of the church. In Jesus day, some tithe with money and some tithe with animals, flour, barley, oil and herbs in accordance to what God told them that which was acceptable to him because some people were poor and had no money.
They were paid for labor with sheep, doves, goats, wheat, barley, flour, oil, bartering and sometimes wives. Today, people are paid money for labor. Regardless of what is given it should be done with love, joy and a grateful heart. It is good to give. Matthew 6:21 KJV “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” God is faithful. God blesses you for obedience not the church.
Mark 12:42-44 KJV tells the story of a poor woman who tithe with two mites (two small coins). It was all she had. Jesus said she will be blessed. She did not give out of abundance as the others. She of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. She gave all she had which was more than 10%. She was obedient and showed great faith.
Matthew 6:33 KJV “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
***Reflective Question: How has your understanding of giving and obedience to God evolved through your own spiritual journey?
May our Living Hope find you and cover you with his Grace,
Keywords: tithing, Personal testimony, Faith journey, Obedience to God, Spiritual growth, Community impact. Biblical teachings, Holy Spirit guidance, Cultural misconceptions. Prayerful reflection
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A CALL TO SALVATION:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7
