Sun, Mar 21st - 9:17PM
HOW SHALL CHRISTIANS GIVE OR WILL A MAN ROB GOD?
part 7 It goes without saying, beloved saints, blessed of the Lord, that the Holy Spirit can reveal to us the truth, He is Truth and the source of correctly understanding the scripture, who empowers us to live in right relationship with God and others: God says of the Holy Spirit.. 26 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. John 14:26 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. John 15:26-27 (KJV) 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:13-15 (KJV)Saints, God’s word correctly understood, is the final answer, authority, and truth over God’s word; not any private interpretations, not titles, levels of education, or degrees For we glory in God, not mere men. So let us continue on with the study on tithing, again, keeping in mind of the utmost importance: THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE HIGH PRIEST OVER THE HOUSE OF GOD-ONLY ONE, for He alone is worthy. Let us look at the sixth and final basic question regarding tithing. 6. Are non-tithing Christians cursed by God? Dear friends of Jesus, before we can answer this question more scriptures must be laid out, for God can and will speak clearly from His word regarding who is speaking for God today and for ever, His word alone is the final answer sole authority and eternal truth for all men and even the whole earth, for every soul shall give account to Him.1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Heb 1:1-3 (KJV) see this whole chapter, and take time, dear ones to carefully study the whole book of Hebrews. God confirms from His word, and witnesses through the Holy Spirit that Jesus is God’s spokesman and mouthpiece for God today, not the prophets and not mere men, when Jesus says something is over, it is over. This does not negate the whole scriptures, but the whole must be understood in the finished work of Christ, for when He saith it is finished, it is. We serve as kings and priest under the Eternal High Priest hood of Jesus Christ, declared by God with an everlasting oath, to be High Priest over the house of God forever, after the order of Melchizedek. Jesus is our Saviour, Redeemer, Deliverer, Creator, Apostle, Prophet, Preacher, Bishop of our souls, Lion of Judah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent Potentate, God Almighty, Captain of the Hosts of the Armies of the Lord, Ancient of Days, The Lord our Rock, King of kings, Lord of Lords, Everlasting Father, Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, The Branch, the Root of Jesse and Offspring of David, Son of the Living God, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, the Eagle, Bread of Heaven, the Word of God, Living waters, the Alpha and Omega. This is just some of our Lord’s titles all of which He alone is worthy, and think on this saints-this great and only true God, allows us to call Him by His first name Jesus! I find this mind blowing, how can we not!!! This sends me to abject humility and worship at His glorious feet, for He alone is worthy.
Some teach tithing and the law ignorantly but turn to the truth when they are instructed from God’s word, but some others reject God’s truth, such men Shamefully and mere men on earth, remain false teachers, wrongfully, and in great error, commanding a tithe; holding themselves forth as “lords”, rather than brothers and servants. Such persons also hold themselves forth as “ mediators” ,often intermeddling with the flock in untoward ways, trying to control them, and some even exert a kind of mind control over some of the more gullible, those who do not yet know much regarding God’s word, in the flock, even refusing to be accountable for the funds collected. They often pervert the scriptures and mishandle the word of God, to strike fear in the heart of believers and coerce them into giving money. God in the Holy Bible warns of such: 1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 2 Peter 2:1-3 (KJV) To validate to Christians the giving of tithes, this is the most often perverted use of scriptures today: 8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Mal 3:8-9 (KJV)
Dear fellow citizens of heaven, let us turn to look at MalachI, this book was addressing Israel and first curses the priests while noting that these priest were so greedy for gain that they wouldn’t even close a door unless they were paid! In fact they were more interested in serving themselves, than God! These false teachers, carefully manipulate the word of God to avoid that Malachi is also first addressing the priests who were robbing God of the tithes too, and were so greedy for gain they would not get up and shut a door unless they were paid! The Holy Bible says of them who serve for gain: 10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. Mal 1:10 (KJV) All underlining are mine not the scriptures. In other words Malachi is first addressing the unfaithful priests for being greedy for gain, contemptuous of God , unfaithful servants, corruptors of the people as well as being corrupt themselves, and being poor examples to God‘s people. Malachi makes it loud and clear that the priests were just as guilty of stealing what rightfully belongs only to God, as the rest of the people. It is here that we must put forth God’s answer to the last of the six basic questions, that only the Holy Bible can answer: 6. Are non-tithing Christians cursed by God? Let us step back saints, for God can speak for Himself through His word: 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. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Gal 3:13-17 (KJV) So what God said by His prophet Malachi then He is not saying to any Christian today, whether they be Jew or gentile. He speaks through His Son Jesus today, who has completely taken away every curse of the law and removed it from the saints by His finished work on the cross. Saints, my purpose here is not to show my preferences regarding tithing, but what God says about it. His word correctly understood is the only thing of value regarding the things of God. During the course of this study I was reminded of something that I witnessed. I saw a lady coming to church with big bags of bread. A brother and sister sitting nearby said to one another, we better check the pantry, she likes to sneak in and put food there! The brother rose up with great haste to meet the lady and told her with kindness, but firmness, that the bread she was bringing was always rotten, and could not be accepted anymore. Furthermore, he told her that she was jeopardizing their food pantry by bringing all this rotten bread and sneaking it in there. The pantry was rigorously inspected by the health department, and they would lose the right to have the pantry to give food to the poor, if rotten products were found there. The lady became quite quarrelsome, demanding to deposit the bread anyway, because in her opinion it was still quite edible. She hung around in the kitchen area hoping the two saints would drop their guard, and leave her an opening to deposit her unwanted offering. When they did not, she left angrily, in a huff carrying the rotting mess, leaving the pungent odor of rotting bread trailing behind her. The brother and sister frantically searched the pantry and found many bags of rotten bread that the lady had snuck in there, which they promptly disposed of. If we on earth have the right to set acceptable standards under which we will or will not accept something, how much more does our Lord.God’s way is the ONLY right way, and the ONLY right way is God’s way. I pray that every saint will give, in the acceptable way, as kings and priests under King Jesus, our High Priest over the house of God for ever. As such He ordains and enables us also to bring offerings before the Lord, of our time, talent, treasures and good works, from the heart, by His power, not external rules, and regulations of the law. This concludes the study on tithing. Until next time I pray that our Lord will strengthen you and me to diligently study, trust, live, love, believe and apply God’s word correctly understood to our relationship with Him and one another. I pray none of us will be blinded, nor consider ourselves mere products of a church building with the sole purpose to be consumers of endless how- to books that pertain more to the flesh than to the spirit. We are the saints, by the grace of God. We are God’s visible kingdom on earth, by His grace, that serve as a light, and a warning of the coming new world order in which God shall have total dominion. It shall be an everlasting, eternal kingdom in which every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord. Love serola 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:33-34 (KJV) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)
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Fri, Mar 12th - 8:21PM
HOW SHALL CHRISTIANS GIVE OR WILL A MAN ROB GOD?
PART 6 Blessed be the name of God our Father, who has given us His own and only dear Son Jesus, our Saviour, who has washed us, cleansed us from our sins, made us new creatures in Him, and given us eternal life. Thanks be to the Holy Spirit who teaches us, comforts us, equips us, and leads us into all righteousness. All thanks honor and glory to the Triune God of power, majesty, and Truth. Brothers and sisters I thank my God and yours, who has had mercy on us and put us into His body together, by Grace through faith in Him. Let’s praise Him, and give to Him alone our offerings of worship, adoration, and praise-for He ALONE is worthy. Say it with me saints: Lord Jesus I give you all the worship honor and praise, for giving me the right to become a citizen of heaven and your eternal, and unshakable kingdom, world without end, Amen. Now, brothers and sisters let’s look at the fifth of the six basic questions: 5. Can Christians today give their tithe to King Jesus, who is of the tribe of Judah? Let us step back, and see what God has to say in His word, the final and absolute authority and truth: 1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. So you see King Jesus tells us in His word that He cannot command or receive a tithe because according to the New Testament and the Old Testament He does not meet the criteria to do so. 6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Heb 8:1-6 (KJV) So we see God’s answer is NO, absolutely not.. We know from God’s word in the Old Testament that: Only those from the tribe of Levi could serve as priest. Although we know that the spirit of Jesus is still on earth and indwells the saints; under the Mosaic Law the high priest had to be physically present on earth when the Levites took the tithe from Israel . The New Testament confirms the old: On earth only those who meet the criteria established under the Mosaic Law can collect and receive a tithe. No gentile or Jew on earth who is not of the tribe of Levi, under the law can command, collect or receive tithes on earth. This is clearly affirmed in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. This means not even the pastor of the local Christian church can command a titihe, because it is under the law, and he does not meet the before mentioned criteria.I trust that you will take time to read that whole chapter 8 of Hebrews to get the understanding that the external law of giving by certain proscribed measures has been supplanted by God’s greater internal law of giving from the heart, whose intrinsic value is weighed on the scale of (agape) love, by our One True Eternal High Priest in heaven, who lays up our treasure there: 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matt 6:19-21 (KJV) also see Luke 6: 38 No gift or work of any kind is acceptable to God if not given from the heart of agape love: 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Cor 13:3 (KJV) Storing up treasures in heaven in this new and living way is not limited to giving money, but is accomplished by all acts of obedience to God out of love for Him and others. There is a sense in which giving our money to God's work is like investing in heaven. But our intention should be to seek the fulfillment of God's purposes in all we do, not merely what we do with our time, talent, and treasure. Man (this includes women too) looks upon the outside or external, but God looks upon the heart. (See Luke 6:38 (KJV) and also see Mt. 25:34-40 KJV). Dear friends of Jesus, God does not need anything from anyone, but He gives to us His children this unique, shared responsibility, blessing, opportunity and the right to contribute to His work on earth. Let us be glad and rejoice in His great beneficence towards us in allowing us this great privilege in the furtherance of His kingdom upon the face of the earth. It must be understood that Christians have every right to expect that those overseers in His house are accountable to God and His saints to responsibly manage that which is given. Jesus Christ is the High Priest forever over the house of God, and He is superior to those old priests under the law. Yes they have the tithe, but they can never equal king Jesus who has given us a New Covenant in His own blood and a New Law, (saints see Hebrews chapter 7). Those old priests under an old annulled covenant have no right to eat at King Jesus' Altar at which the saints eat and serve as kings and priests today and for ever, by the power of God. Every king and priest under Jesus ministers to one another as priests-and all are equal, even though some may have more responsibilities than others, for there is ONLY one High Priest over the house of God, ONLY ONE, and He alone is the sole MEDIATOR, between God and men, forever. For this reason God commands and warns us to serve one another as brothers and sisters, NOT lords, FOR THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE LORD, AND ONE HIGH PRIEST OVER THE HOUSE OF GOD TODAY AND FOR EVER. Because of King Jesus, you, me, and all saints under Him as his priests today offer up sacrifices through our superior offerings of the heart in our sacrifices of praise, thanks giving, worship, fellowship, and works, by His power. Therefore, those commanding Christians to tithe can be seen as modern day judaizers, who desire to Lord it over the saints. They put forth attendance at some school or seminary, degrees or titles before their names as the source of their authority over the word of God and the saints. They love to be addressed by their titles, more than they love God or His people. In a sense they are robbing God today of the honor, glory, and worship that only belongs to Him. Dearly beloveds, God’s way is the only right way, and the only right way is God’s way: 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3 (KJV Grievous: Greek word Barys Means, burdensome, heavy, weighty The study will be continued, God willing. I love you, pray for me and mine, dear saints, I am praying for you and yours. Love serola
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Fri, Mar 5th - 9:08PM
HOW SHALL CHRISTIANS GIVE OR WILL A MAN ROB GOD?
PART 5
Dear saints, let us look at the fourth of the six basic questions regarding the law. Oh I know today that there is always somebody coming up with their own personal opinions about what God is saying or no longer saying today, often without any scriptural basis. But dear friends, we ought to trust God in His word correctly understood to trust Him to tell us when something is over or not. Where the Holy Bible is silent, we ought to be silent, where the Holy Bible speaks we must speak, and we must speak the SAME thing that the Holy Bible speaks. Let’s look at the fourth of six basic questions: 4. Can the commandment to tithe can be separated from the law? God can answer this question directly from His word, and no one has to be a theologian, Holy Bible scholar, or guru to understand His word. He makes His word easily understandable to His saints. TITHES CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM THE MOSAIC LAW. Tithing is under the Mosaic Law: Here we find the New Testament clearly confirming the Old Testament: Here we find the New Testament clearly confirming the Old Testament: 5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment , though they come out of the loins of Abraham: to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren Heb 7:5 (KJV) There is absolutely no way around this, the commandment to tithe is under the law. Now brothers and sisters, I ponder if there are some who feel that there is still some use for the law today. They would be correct, and we will let God's word show that the law is not for the righteous. Who does God say the law is for today? 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine 1 Tim 1:8-10 (KJV) . God willing, the study will be continued next time when we shall examine the fifth of the six basic questions concerning tithing. Until then, saints, let us freely drink God’s love and pour it out liberally upon King Jesus, the saints and all men. It is the sole bane of hell and the lake of fire, for no persons in whom God’s love is found through faith in Jesus, need have any fear of going there. Love Serola
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Name: Dolores serola Rutherford
