What Bible Study topic, subject, or chapter would you like to learn in more detail? We are opening those again now that the Father is once again, sending His Spirit to gather His saints once again for the last time; we feel the need to address questions.
Many of the responses are not so clear questions, but we’ll do our best to answer them as well as we can.
Questions and Answers from BSM Newsletter
Today’s question is:
1) Tithing- –who to tithes? -is it a new testament directive? -the difference between tithing, almsgiving, and offerings.
Great questions. As it pertains to Tithing, and this may wrinkle a few feathers, but bear with me here; tithing is a concept that started to force people to take care of each other, poor and needy (originally), and the servants of God.
It wasn’t established by God, but by the leaders. God suffered it so because the people wanted it. Therefore, we witness Abraham give a tithe of all to Melchizedek, priest of the Most-High God and we see it all in the order of Levi. It is confirmed by the prophet Malachi, and even Jesus Christ and His disciples had a money bag.
In reality, tithing is a way to force people to take care of each other by giving to the church who are supposed to take care of the poor, needy, fatherless, widowed, and the servants of God within the church.
The Tithing System of the Children of Israel
In the days of the early children of Israel, the Levites could not own land or possessions. They ministered to the people and were thus given a tenth of the increase of the people. This was so that the Levites could handle the affairs of the God of Israel.
Today, people will say the Church has supplanted or replaced the house of Levi. So we should continue to tithe the church you specifically attend. We (BibleStudyMinistry.com) respectfully disagree.
Who tithes?
If you are following the Order of Levi or Aaron (which is or are modern-day religions and churches), we suggest you tithe according to the scripture. Ten percent tithe and your choice of free will offering and almsgiving.
If you follow the Order of Melchizedek, charity and love would be your highest priority, and giving to help the poor, needy, fatherless, and widowed would be your priority. Find an institution of people you trust and respect and give to them to fulfill those needs of the populations we just mentioned.
Give to the homeless you walk by in the street; ask them their name and give them honor and respect you would a brother or sister of yours. Ask if they need anything besides a few dollars or change, and if you can, get it for them.
Fatherless and Widow
This is tithing, offering, and almsgiving today. Yes, it is better through a church that specifically focuses on one of the above (i.e. helping fatherless homeless youth and children) or a nonprofit that does the same towards a specific population.
The main thing is to be giving; too often we get caught up in wondering if the organization is going to use the funds correctly. GIVE and let the sin be upon them, but if your spirit does not want you to give to an organization, find one you feel the spirit directing you to give.
This is tithing today. The New Testament directive was much the same!
I pray this has been edifying in the name of the Son of God.
Elder Ishe / Brthr Nhmyh
BibleStudyMinistry.com
