THE TITHE FORSAKES CHRIST
Part 1: What Is Tithing?
In the name of God, Master of the universe, Ruler, of the earth.
As we continue our
Biblical study on False Teaching in the Christian church we bring up for review
another very important subject. Tithing as an act of giving money to the church
is a very important part of most church ministries. However, is tithing of
money the only way to give to the church and Gods kingdom? Also how is the
money given to the church supposed to be used?
Thus, we will look at
the historical development of tithing as noted in the Bible. We will also try
to determine when tithing became money instead of crops etc. Therefore we will
first determine what are tithes and the origins of a tithe. We will also
discuss the Levites (the priesthood). The Levities are noted to be the people
who originally received the tithe.
The Book of Leviticus
is a Book of laws. As a handbook for the priests and Levites it outlines their
duties in worship. Leviticus is also a guidebook of holy living for the
Hebrews. The Book of Leviticus is very important because it reveals the
different types of offerings.
An understanding of
the types of offerings is very important as we note the history and development
of tithing. Also, the origin of money as noted in the Bible is also an integral
part of our discussion. This series of Epistles will also reflect on giving.
Giving is noted in ways other than monetary `rewards.
As we conclude our
discussion, we hope to bring clarity to the transition of tithing to money. We
will also try to bring up for review the motivations behind the False Teaching
about tithing. Again we will also allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us
through this series of Epistles. Thus we have some knowledge of our beginning
but do not know our end.
Tithes are considered
as the custom of giving one tenth of one's income and produce for religious
purposes. However the origin for making the tenth the rate for paying tribute
to rulers and of offering gifts as a religious duty cannot be determined.
Meanwhile, the Biblical record on tithing reveals a reference to offerings of
crops, and food. Thus money as a tithe was not noted in the Old Testament or in
the New Testament. However, there are Biblical references for a Temple tax.
History reveals that
tithing existed in Babylon in ancient times. It also existed in Persia, Egypt
and China. In the first Book of the Bible we see the first indication of the
giving of tithes. Genesis 14:20": And blessed be the most high God, which
hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And gave him tithes of all."
Abraham gave
one-tenth of the booty to Melchizedek. Abraham followed an accepted tradition
thus he knew of tithing when he migrated from Ur. Melchizedek was a High Priest
during Abraham's day. Tithing was recognized as a holy deed (See Hebrews 7:4).
We also see an important scripture lesson in Genesis 14: 20. Abraham refused to
take any booty from the king of Sodom. Thus, he rejected the ungodly king of
Sodom. To God belongs the glory and not evil doers. Therefore Lottery winnings,
gambling profits are not fit to be given to the church. Nor should preachers
accept money from drug dealers and other people that have received money through
crime and vice.
However who was
Melchizedek and how did he influence tithing and giving? Melchizedek means
"King of righteousness" and "King of Peace" (Hebrews 7:2).
He was the first priest that tithes were paid to. As a priest of the most high
God he recognized God as the Creator of heaven and earth. Melchizedek is also
related to Christ. Thus it is argued that Melchizedek was the appearance on
earth of the incarnate Christ in a temporary, bodily form. (Melchizedek was
also a Gentile)
We also see an early
scripture reference to tithe in Genesis 28:22 when Jacob dedicated to God the
tenth of his grain. Thus the record shows that dividing the spoils of war with
rulers and religious leaders was wide spread. (See I Maccabees in the Torah and
the Jerusalem Bible).
Samuel warned Israel
that the king would exact tithes of their grain and flocks (See I Samuel
8:10-18). When Jacob made his covenant with God at Bethel, it included payment
of tithes (Genesis 28:16-22). In Deuteronomy 14:22-29 we see additional scripture
that reveal the initial impact of tithing.
14:22 "Thou
shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth
year by year”.
The tithe or tenth of
all they produced, animals or vegetables must be given to the Lord to be used
as his service requirements. The tithe would be used to support congregational
activities and the poor and support of the Levite tribe.
In verses 28 and 29
we see a very important lesson that still should be very important in the
church today. The Bible is a source for an organized system for caring for the
poor. In these verses God told his people to use their tithe every third year
for those who were helpless, hungry or poor. God counts on all believers to
provide for the needy and less fortunate.
Scripture references
on the false Prophets, Preachers and Pastors:
Jeremiah 23:1,
2,16,25,26.
23:1. "Woe be
unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! Saith the
Lord”.
Jeremiah 5:31.
"The prophets prophesy falsely”,
Jeremiah 10:21. For
the pastors are become brutish and have not sought the Lord: therefore they
shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered”.
Jeremiah 14:14.
"Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent
then not, neither have I commanded them”.
Jeremiah 27:9-11.
Ezekiel 13:2-3.
13:3. “Thus saith the
Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have
seen nothing”.
The False Prophets
tell lies in the name of God. They also have large followings because they tell
the people what they want to hear. Preachers must tell the people what thus
said the Lord not what thus said man.
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net