This was an article written in 2011 or 2012. I thought to revisit this article to add some insight and see if I had any spiritual growth in eleven years. After reading it, I know I have, thanks to the sealed records and the Holy Spirit back on the earth; let’s dive in.
What does the Bible say about Tithing? Christianity has many requirements and it is because there is a great reward for all those who are able to finish the task. As I watch some reward-based reality game shows, they put contestants through harsh challenges just to win fifty dollars, too, one hundred thousand dollars.
Life is a similar reality show, where the reward is eternal life and durable riches. There are rules to the game. One of the rules is tithing if you are blessed to receive much or little from the Lord (1). It is believed that the institution of tithing came when the Levitical priesthood was established. By God through Moses and Aaron.
That is not correct. Abel, the third or fourth being in the creation gave his best unto the Lord (Genesis 4:1-5). Giving his best ultimately got him killed. As he gave to God, it intensified a fit of jealousy from the weak offering his brother Cain gave.
What Does the Bible say about Tithing?
Abraham gave tithes of all kinds, and he is the patriarch of “Christianity” (Genesis 14:20). Even, Jacob, the father of the Israelites gave God a tenth of all to the Lord (Genesis 28:22). All of the forefathers of the bible tithed and if you read throughout the righteous kings of Israel, they offered and gave to the Lord.
But does this mean that we have to tithe today?
People often get disturbed by the belief that many pastors are abusing the church’s money with a fancy lifestyle. While there are pastors who do misuse the church’s funds, the misuse is between the pastor and God. We are to carry on our portion to the Lord, which is 10% of our increase or income (2).
In the days of Jesus Christ, He told us that a workman is worthy of his hire (Matthew 10:1, 5-10). Paul wrote quoting Moses in 1st Corinthians 9:1-14 do not muzzle the ox that treads the corn, but allow it to eat a bit while it is working.
Money in Bags Full of Holes…
Both of these scriptures should let us know a priest is worthy of his hire, we pay politicians to hold office. Why not pay a pastor who is helping us with our spiritual affairs that pertain to eternal life? Paul will also tell us that the tithes and offerings that we contribute to the Lord’s house are for our account with the Lord; not the pastor’s account.
When we run away from our duty of paying tithes and giving offerings things can happen to us and we don’t know why. Your life can stay at the same income level forever despite desires and efforts to increase. Your life can dwindle rapidly for not giving the Lord His due.
As Haggai the prophet said in chapter one, your wages seem like one who puts money in a bag full of holes. You’re saving money but not getting anywhere, why? It is because you have taken care of your house, but have left the Lord’s house and business undid.
God Loves a Cheerful Giver…
Jesus tells us that if we lay treasures up for ourselves but are not liberal and rich towards God, such a person is worthless. This may make you feel like you have to give against your will; this is not the case. If you feel the gospel is good news you should be excited and happy. We should be happy to give to any organization that is teaching the true Word of God.
The Word of God is also the gospel of peace. To add to that II Corinthians 9 v1-2, 5-7 says God loves a cheerful giver. The great thing about tithes and offerings is that God is even-handed in that He requires the same percentage from the rich or poor.
This is why Jesus acknowledged the woman who gave her last monies. It was because to her it was comparable to a millionaire giving all his millions (Mark 12:41-44 widow cast in all that she had). Ten percent is the requirement (under the Levitical Order), but if you want to do more that is your decision to make; the baseline is 10%.
Taking Care of the Lord’s Business
However, if you are late with a payment for whatever reason, be sure to add a 5th part to your tithes. As this is written in the law (Leviticus 27:26, 30-34 (once again, this is all according to Levi and Aaron)). John 12:3-6 shows that Jesus and the apostles carried the money bag. It was because it was necessary to take care of the Lord’s business.
Buildings are not free today, heat, and cool air, are not free. Lights, vans, travel expense, microphones, telephones, internet, and many other expenses are not free. To answer the question, what does the bible say about tithing? In Malachi 3:8-10 the Lord clearly says:
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
The Lord even gives each of us a clear challenge! Of course, done with the right mindset this will give nice rewards. Especially to those who take care of the Lord’s business.
1) One of the rules is tithing. This is under the Levitical Order. Under the Order of the Son of God (Melchizedek Order), giving has no limit or amount. We give because we are moved by the Spirit and we obey the Spirit.
2) This again is something that people are bound to in the Order of Levi, the Levitical Order. If you live by the Fruits of the Spirit, under the Order of Melchizedek, you are not bound by the law to give only a 10% tithe. You will give freely as much as you desire.
It is high time you begin to look into these things. Or ask your leaders to look into them with you. OR… you can look into them with us IKOPPI-BSM, that is Israel Kingdom of Priest Preparatory Institute with Bible Study Ministry. We will, for sure, dig into these with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, and our Messiah.
God bless, Godspeed
Minister Koko aka Elder Ishe
IKOPPI-BSM
