Dear Malcolm H.,
Your Question and
Comment(s): I've
studied several [Scriptures] and read a lot of material on tithing and still
not satisfied. Should I be giving ten percent or not? Is the money just used to
keep the church running or is used to feed the poor and help the needy? [I’m]
on the [Stewart] board and can't really answer that myself. I want to do what
is right according to Gods word. Please give something concrete I can use.
My Answer(s): Let me thank you for visiting my web
site, and submitting your question and comments. I pray that the Holy Father in
heaven will grant you understanding in His holy word. For understanding and
accepting the word of God when it do not agree with
our own preconceived thoughts, doctrines of men and the things we want to do is
very hard. Yes, we must enter into our study of God’s word asking Him to make
us teachable and humble enough to accept correction and the spiritual things we
are taught by the Holy Spirit. Let us not forget the fear of God is the
beginning of understanding and knowledge. I will first address your comment
concerning you studying several Scriptures and reading a "lot of material
on tithing". Yet, even after reading and studying the Holy Scriptures and
this other material you still want to give "men" ten percent of your
income. It is sad that even after those who are indoctrinated by the
commandments of men to pay them tithes. That professing Christians still refuse
to accept the teachings of the Spirit that do not support tithing as a part of
the New Covenant. I ask, what are you not satisfied about, what you want to do
or what God reveals to you to do? For it appears that you will not be satisfied
even after I give you more Scripture showing tithing is not a part of the New
Covenant, but a teaching of the evil one and the doctrine of men. I mean, are
you looking to prove to your congregation their teachings concerning tithing is
wrong or are you truly seeking the truth of God? I exhort you to go to my web
site on tithes and offerings, if you have not already visited it.
Now, you ask the question,
"should I be giving ten percent or not"? And "please give
something concrete" you can use. I ask, use for what? Are you trying to
convince your congregation and the Stewart board to accept your newfound
understanding? I mean ask your own pastor is tithing lawful under the New
Covenant, and see what he says. Better yet, ask him to show you where in the
New Testament do God or His Christ command the churches of the saints to tithe
to men. And ask him where in the New Covenant did God transfer or give the
authority to collect tithes to "self-appointed" gospel peddling
ministers who are not sons of Levi? For if He truly believe in such doctrine of
men then he should be able to defend it with Scripture. His response to you
will prove what you are looking for. Do you believe him or do you believe your
own Bible? If you put more weight on your minister word than the Holy Bible
then you have your answers.
Another question, why can’t
you answer who gets your money yourself, the poor or some man claiming he has a
right to your money? Do you not have the Spirit of God, unless somehow you are
disqualified or quenching the Spirit of Christ. Yes,
it appears to me that whatever I say to you, you will in no way believe or
accept what I say. Therefore, I suggest you go to those who want your money and
ask them what Scripture you can use that is concrete supporting their
commandment to you to give them ten percent of your money. Also, you may feel
free to visit my web page below:
http://www.kushedifyingministries.org/ConfusedAboutTithesOfferingsWeb.htm
Let me exhort you to rely on
the Holy Scriptures, and the sound doctrine of men of God who are not afraid
and able to teach the whole counsel of God. I pray that you humble yourself as
a little child to accept the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Again, let us not
become one who continues in studying, yet unable to accept the truth of God.
For you should obey God rather than men. Amen. Praise God.
In Christ love,
Ron Davis, minister of Christ