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1) Truth is a Person — Jesus Christ Himself. Our goal is to become acquainted with that witness, that “a-ha” within that testifies that what we have heard or read is Truth. 2) None of us has all the truth. We must be willing to admit and let go of the misconceptions we have about God, ourselves, and others. 3) Most of us don’t know what we believe. That which is truth, from God for us at this time, will stand the light of day. 4) We need to be practical — God is! There are things we can do, and stop doing, by which we can cooperate with what God is doing. 5) Wholeness, freedom and life are God’s provision for us — NOW! God wants us whole, complete and entire. 6) We are often fighting the wrong battles. We’ve been distracted by battles that have already been won, yet are not taking up the sword where we need to. 7) A lot of what we have chosen to believe is because it fits our temperament, how we feel, our history, and how we perceive our identity. As our perceptions change, our beliefs will also change.

Are You Free to Give?   Here's a little test: If you are currently tithing, or making regular donations to a ministry, group or person, ask the Lord each time if that is the amount He wants you to give. Tell Him that unless you hear to the contrary, you will assume His answer is "Yes!" Then give Him an opportunity to speak. Remember, the goal here is not to give the "right" amount. The goal is to enjoy our relationship with the Lord, and to have the confidence that He makes Himself known. Gives Life! Not Meeting Standards! When the Lord started talking to me about this, how I was maintaining control over my finances by putting the "principle of tithing" above His personal instruction, He asked me to ask Him what He wanted to do every time I went into my wallet, not just about ministry-related matters, but purchases as well. I was amazed at how much He had to say! When considering a choice or action or even belief or doctrine, here are some of the questions I ask myself: Does it draw me closer to the Lo

Believers Not Learning How to Hear the Lord There is a stronghold of poverty in the church because of the mix of grace and law, that you are free to give as long as you have already fulfilled the law of tithing. Social Infrastructure Based on Money On a practical note, in Old Testament times, the tithes and offerings paid for government services, self-defense, disaster relief, roads, parties (festivals), and every need of society. Today, we pay taxes for these necessities. Not Giving God's Way is Contrary to Our New Nature There are at least four reasons the decision to tithe or not is a big issue. First, a lot of time, effort and manipulation is being used to get God's people to donate money, regardless of the need. Secondly, financially supporting something God isn't blessing can actually delay God's discipline in another's life, work or ministry. Third, not asking God what to do is ignoring His sovereignty in our lives. Fourth, deciding on our own is disobedience to the truth, and encouraging to the f

CONSEQUENCES (Why Is This So Important?) Matter of Control How much, when and to whom we give of our resources, our time and our money, is often one of the ways we gain or maintain control. We try to control God, thinking that if we give we can get God to take care of us. We control others, thinking that if we give to a church, ministry or person, we should have some say in how the money is spent, or have a say in how they live their lives. Tithing also involves another area of control in the body; that of leadership over laity. Another way finances are used to control is the whole issue of tax-exempt status. Believers Not Learning How to Hear the Lord Believers are not being taught how to give, or to hear from the Lord for themselves! There is a stronghold of poverty in the church because of the mix of grace and law, that you are free to give as long as you have already fulfilled the law of tithing. But we study to show ourselves approved, not to get ourselves approved. Do we give to get, or do we giv

Because we now have a new nature, we don't need a reason to give (motivation); we give because that IS our nature! For God so loved, He gave! Giving allows God's nature, His Life to flow through us. But some may say, "But if I don't tithe, will God take care of me? I mean, why should He???" This is probably at the root of why tithing is such an issue. We still find it so hard to comprehend that the God of the universe loves us so much that there is nothing He requires of us but to accept His love. He provides for us because He loves us. CONSEQUENCES (Why Is This So Important?) Matter of Control How much, when and to whom we give of our resources, our time and our money, is often one of the ways we gain or maintain control. We try to control God, thinking that if we give we can get God to take care of us. We control others, thinking that if we give to a church, ministry or person, we should have some say in how the money is spent, or have a say in how they live their lives. But none of these are examples of

Government Taxes Replace Theocratic Tithes (Romans 13:1-7) Paul is speaking specifically about governmental authorities, directing that taxes be paid to the state. In this case, Rome had replaced the theocracy in the governing of Israel. Though the Law of Moses was respected as tradition by the Romans, and the Israelites were allowed to follow the commandments, Israel was no longer a theocracy, and was not free to worship God the way God had commanded them to. Summary of Tithing Under Grace Throughout the New Testament, Paul's vocabulary and teaching suggest that giving is voluntary and that there is no set percentage. In fact, nowhere in the New Testament are believers told to tithe by anyone! Or even how much to give, when or to whom. They are only encouraged to provide for those who are in need, their ministers, and for the stranger. WHERE ARE WE NOW? Under Law? Under the Law, relationship with God is defined by how well you fulfill His commandments. Anyone can attempt do this; you don't have to know Go

"So Let Each One Give as He Purposes in His Heart" (2 Corinthians 9:1-15) Paul not only exhorts the Corinthians to live up to their promise, but it is also a reminder that what they are giving was received through God's liberality. It is because they have a generous God that they can give generously. In contrast to the Law, we can give because God has already provided for all of our needs. "You Surely Did Care, But You Lacked Opportunity" (Philippians 4:10-20) Paul here exhorts that giving should not only be a condition of the heart, but a concerted effort as well. That acknowledging the desire to care for others is not enough, it must be acted upon with joy. Government Taxes Replace Theocratic Tithes (Romans 13:1-7) Paul is speaking specifically about governmental authorities, directing that taxes be paid to the state. In this case, Rome had replaced the theocracy in the governing of Israel. Though the Law of Moses was respected as tradition by the Romans, and the Israelites were allowed to follow the c

"So Let Each One Give as He Purposes in His Heart" (2 Corinthians 9:1-15) Paul not only exhorts the Corinthians to live up to their promise, but it is also a reminder that what they are giving was received through God's liberality. It is because they have a generous God that they can give generously. In contrast to the Law, we can give because God has already provided for all of our needs. "You Surely Did Care, But You Lacked Opportunity" (Philippians 4:10-20) Paul here exhorts that giving should not only be a condition of the heart, but a concerted effort as well. That acknowledging the desire to care for others is not enough, it must be acted upon with joy. Government Taxes Replace Theocratic Tithes (Romans 13:1-7) Paul is speaking specifically about governmental authorities, directing that taxes be paid to the state. In this case, Rome had replaced the theocracy in the governing of Israel. Though the Law of Moses was respected as tradition by the Romans, and the Israelites were allowed to follow the c

Tithing, the Priesthood & Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-7:22, 8:6) Even before the law, the Levites tithed to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God, typically, Jesus, since they were in the loins (were the progeny) of Abraham. The stage was set for the instigating of the new, perfect, unchangeable covenant. In Abraham, all those who would seek to fulfill the law by tithing did so, once and for all, by giving the tenth through Abraham to Jesus. Levi tithed to Jesus because he was "in Abraham." Likewise, we "receive" because we are now "in Christ"! Caring for Ministers (1 Corinthians 9:1-18) Paul reveals that with freedom comes responsibility. Just because we are not bound by the law, we are bound by our new nature, which is love, at its root, giving. How this is done is directed on a personal level by the One Who knows the needs best, the Holy Spirit. Caring for Those in Need (1 Corinthians 16:1-4) 1 Cor. 16:1 nasb Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, s

New Testament, Post-Resurrection, Under Grace Tithing, the Priesthood & Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-7:22, 8:6) Even before the law, the Levites tithed to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God, typically, Jesus, since they were in the loins (were the progeny) of Abraham. The stage was set for the instigating of the new, perfect, unchangeable covenant. In Abraham, all those who would seek to fulfill the law by tithing did so, once and for all, by giving the tenth through Abraham to Jesus. Levi tithed to Jesus because he was "in Abraham." Likewise, we "receive" because we are now "in Christ"! Caring for Ministers (1 Corinthians 9:1-18) Paul reveals that with freedom comes responsibility. Just because we are not bound by the law, we are bound by our new nature, which is love, at its root, giving. How this is done is directed on a personal level by the One Who knows the needs best, the Holy Spirit. Caring for Those in Need (1 Corinthians 16:1-4) 1 Cor. 16:1 nasb Now concerning the collection for the s

New Testament, Post-Resurrection, Under Grace Tithing, the Priesthood & Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-7:22, 8:6) Even before the law, the Levites tithed to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God, typically, Jesus, since they were in the loins (were the progeny) of Abraham. The stage was set for the instigating of the new, perfect, unchangeable covenant. In Abraham, all those who would seek to fulfill the law by tithing did so, once and for all, by giving the tenth through Abraham to Jesus. Levi tithed to Jesus because he was "in Abraham." Likewise, we "receive" because we are now "in Christ"! Caring for Ministers (1 Corinthians 9:1-18) Paul reveals that with freedom comes responsibility. Just because we are not bound by the law, we are bound by our new nature, which is love, at its root, giving. How this is done is directed on a personal level by the One Who knows the needs best, the Holy Spirit. Caring for Those in Need (1 Corinthians 16:1-4) 1 Cor. 16:1 nasb Now concerning the collection for the s

THE TRANSITION (New Testament, Pre-Resurrection of Christ, Under Law) The Pharisees' Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:9-14) Again, Jesus' illustration was meant to expose the misconception about the purpose of the law: it was not meant to separate those who could perform from those who could not, but to expose an equal need for a Savior. Summary of the Tithe During the Transition  Jesus never told anyone to tithe! THE FULNESS OF TIMES: GRACE! (New Testament, Post-Resurrection, Under Grace) Tithing, the Priesthood & Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-7:22, 8:6) Hebrews 8:6 Even before the law, the Levites tithed to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God, typically, Jesus, since they were in the loins (were the progeny) of Abraham. The stage has been set for the new, perfect, unchangeable covenant. In Abraham, all those who would seek to fulfill the law by tithing did so, once and for all, by giving the tenth through Abraham to Jesus.Levi tithed to Jesus because he was "in Abraham." Likewise, we "receive" bec

THE TRANSITION (New Testament, Pre-Resurrection of Christ, Under Law) The Pharisees' Motives (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:37-54) The Pharisees got mad when Jesus challenged them about why they were doing what they were doing. The Pharisees' Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:9-14) Again, Jesus' illustration was meant to expose the misconception about the purpose of the law: it was not meant to separate those who could perform from those who could not, but to expose an equal need for a Savior. Summary of the Tithe During the Transition Jesus never told anyone to tithe! In fact, every reference to tithing was in the negative sense! He only directed these rebukes to Pharisees, or those who considered themselves the elite, religious, productive, God-pleasers of their day. THE FULNESS OF TIMES: GRACE! (New Testament, Post-Resurrection, Under Grace) Tithing, the Priesthood & Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-7:22, 8:6), Hebrews 8:6 The book of Hebrews describes how even before the law, the Levites tithed to Melchizedek, the

Summary of Additions to the Law of Moses 1. Tithing is always mentioned as a part of the whole; tithing is still a requirement to fulfill the Law of Moses. 2. Emphasis on caring for those in ministry, the poor and widow, and the foreigner are a constant thread throughout scriptures. 3. As the time draws near to the coming of the Messiah, the scriptures reflect God's coming to an end with letting the Law define His relationship with His people. As long as the Law is in effect, He can only have a surface relationship with them. He refers again and again to giving His people a new heart, with His commandments written on their hearts, so it's not doing rightly because they have to, but because it is now in their heart to do it. It is natural, because He changes their nature. THE TRANSITION (New Testament, Pre-Resurrection of Christ, Under Law) What did Jesus say about tithing? The Pharisees' Motives (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:37-54) The Pharisees got mad when Jesus challenged them about why they were doing what

ADDITIONS TO THE LAW OF MOSES Malachi 3:10 Yet God still gives them one last chance. 3:16 Some in Israel respond to the above admonitions, and were remembered by God. 3:17 He promises to spare them as they serve Him. Malachi Chapter 4 1 God's judgment against the proud and the wicked: burning and total destruction, leaving neither root nor branch. 2 But a promise of healing and comfortable care to those who fear His Name. 3 Righteousness will be restored and victory given to those that bear His Name. 4 God reminds the people to study the Law of Moses. 5 Promise of a zealous Prophet to warn the guilty and revive the righteous. 6 His ministry will be on a heart level, which is God's complaint against Israel in this book (Malachi). 1. This rebuke is clearly related to the Israelites in general, and the priests in particular, failing to have done the whole Law of Moses. 2. Why is Malachi 3:8-12 so popular in church? A. It gives us something to do in order to gain God's blessing. B. It increases funds

Malachi and the Lord's List of Charges Against Israel continued Ch. 2:16 God hates divorce, which had become acceptable, even amongst the priests. They murmured against God, accusing Him of not hearing because He didn't come when called. Ch. 3 God outlines His solution to the problem; promising His messenger (John the Baptist), His coming (as Messiah), and the maker and keeper of the covenant (the fulfiller of the Law, Christ). The Messiah will begin the judgment with those who abused His people. God Himself will purify and purge His priests. He will then accept their offering (the coming of the Messiah ushers in a new kind of priesthood).  Even though they turned against Him, God promises that if they return, He will likewise. In their arrogance, they continue to defend themselves. God accuses them of robbing Him of tithes and offerings. God curses the priests and the whole nation with a curse for having robbed Him. Yet still gives them one last chance: if they will just do one simple thing, if they will b

Malachi Chapter 1 1-5 Great ingratitude and arrogance. 6 Insolence, rebellion, contempt, neglect and hypocrisy of the priesthood. 7 Contempt, greed, disobedience to Law, creating law unto themselves; deeds reveal their hearts. 8 Offered unacceptable sacrifices; lowered God's standards; they think it's okay to serve God part-way, and make up other rules as it suits them. 9 Priests are deceptive, to people and to God, which causes evil to come upon the peopl, since they are covetous and wicked. 10 The Levites didn't do their jobs; thought God either wouldn't see or wouldn't care; God rejects them and their offering. 11 Because of the rebellion of both the people and the priests, God rejects His favored nation and promises to make His name great among the Gentiles, who will offer a pure offering. He foreshadows an end to all these legal ceremonies by Christ's sacrifice alone. 12 Neglect by both priests and people, disobedience, impiety, contempt of God and covetousness. 13 Laziness, pride in service, lu

Nehemiah and Restoration of the Law (Nehemiah 10:28-39) As Nehemiah and the restored Israelites re-establish their nation, one of the first things they do is re-iterate the tenets of the regulations acknowledging the Lord as their God. This includes the restoration of the tithe (they were not tithing or keeping any of the commandments of the Lord in captivity, previous to entering the land). Again, tithes to the priests was specifically mentioned, as well as the tithes being stored in the temple. Nehemiah even added ordinances concerning payment for specific needs of the temple. (These things may have been more expensive than they were in Moses' day.) Nehemiah and Enforcement of the Law (Nehemiah 12:44-13:14) Nehemiah relates some political intrigue regarding the leadership, both political and religious, which contributed to the apostasy of the nation. He gathers together the (genealogically) appointed leaders and puts them back to the work they are supposed to be doing, as well as gathering the Levites, c

There are several references outside of the written Law (Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy) which include additions or clarifications to that which was already established. These all do, however, refer back specifically to the written Law. A King Over Israel (1 Samuel 8:6-22) By rejecting God as their sovereign leader, the Israelites would be required to pay additional costs; monetary, their sons and daughters, animals, servants and land would all be required by their king. They would serve the king, instead of God. And they would cry out to God to deliver them from their leader, and God would not hear them. Hezekiah and the Restoration (2 Chronicles 30:23-31:21) The people were encouraged to keep the feast going; the King made a large donation (of goods he had received as taxes from the people, as previously warned by God), and the priests and Levites made an even larger donation. The people rejoiced, partied, then broke down the idols (they had been worshiping), then went home.

Summary of the Tithe as Legislated in the Law of Moses   1. One-tenth (a tithe) of the produce of the land, fruit, grain and livestock, belonged to God, and was to be given to and used by His priests, the Levites. This tithe was dedicated to the Lord. 2. The Levites were in turn to give one-tenth (a tithe) of the tithe they received to the High Priest. 3. In what is probably a second yearly tithe, a second-tenth was to be taken up and used specifically for festivals and feasts. This was consumed by the tithers and the Levites before God. 4. A tri-annual tithe, or a third tenth (of the produce only) was to be put into storage facilities to take care of the Levites and those in need in the local vicinity. 5. Using the above summaries, 20% a year would be given off the top, with an additional 10% every third year, to support the religious, governmental and social structure of the day. 6. When the tithes were to be given exclusively to the Levites, the Israelites were still wandering around in the desert.