Sowing, Giving, Tithes & Offerings?

The true meaning of a tithe in biblical terms is 10% of your blessing (your First Fruits) from God to be returned to God as a sacrificial offering. He (not the church) is owed and worthy of the best of your blessings. This goes all the way back to the beginning with Adam and Eve after the fall.  This is the reason for the conflict with Cain and Abel. Abel gave his best and was blessed even more, Cain gave God his scraps, and was rejected, and envy and pride caused the first murder on earth.

The Old Testament Law commanded the Israelites to tithe (Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:21-28; Deuteronomy 12:6-17; 14:22-28; 26:12-14). TITHES WERE FOR THE JEWS. TITHES ARE NOT FOR THE CHURCH. Jesus fulfilled the Law.  Instead of tithing, the New Testament emphasizes Giving, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Jesus taught us to love our neighbors, especially those in need, such as the poor, the hungry, and the sick. We are called to be salt and light in the world, showing Christ's love to those around us. While some may misinterpret passages like 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 and Romans 15:25-27 to support tithing, it's important to understand the context of these verses and the broader teachings of the Bible.

Tithes were originally given to the Levites and priests, but under the new covenant, there are no Levites and priests to receive them. Therefore, we should be cautious of those who preach a message of tithing for personal gain.  It is right and proper to support the group you are active in (local church) as well as any outside effort, but the final decisions about who, and how much, and what, to be offered are between you and God alone. Life in Christ is a constant sacrifice, as we are all counted dead in Him anyway.

The Apostle Paul exemplified a spirit of generosity and selflessness, choosing not to charge for his ministry in order to freely share the Gospel. He emphasized the importance of running the Christian race with integrity and discipline, seeking an incorruptible crown. As Christians, we are called to give freely and cheerfully, aligning our desires with God's kingdom work and promoting the Gospel. Giving is not burdensome duty; they’re opportunities to partner with God in His work. When we give, we worship, honor God, and participate in His redemptive plan. And remember, giving is not just about money—it’s about our hearts. Giving in any form is good.

Carefully understand the MEAT in: 1 Cor 9:1-19.  Paul goes on to explain the Christian race, and how all run, yet one can win the prize. By strictly discipline his body and make it his slave (FREELY share the Gospel). Apostle Paul, personally didn’t charge The Body and earned his own keep. Why? For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then?..  Make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. Understood? He goes on to explain the Christian Race and its aim/purpose: Attain an incorruptible Crown! And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Christ and the Apostles all said the same thing as a first warning: BE NOT DECEIVED. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Paul wrote to Timothy about such people, false teachers who found a way to make a fortune off the gospel (Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (1 Timothy 6:5). In 2 Corinthians 2:17 he wrote, “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.”

Carefully understand the MEAT in: 1 Peter 5:2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; (1 Peter 5:2); We are saved by grace, we live by grace, and we give by grace. We give as we purpose in our heart and as God provides. We give freely, cheerfully, not grudgingly or under compulsion. We give sacrificially. It’s all between the giver and God. Giving can be money, time, possessions, etc. The Apostle Paul encouraged Christians to give generously, not reluctantly or under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:6–15). However, be careful who you are giving to.

Are today’s self-made pastors, teachers, online channels, (Facebook YouTube, etc), dreamers/visionaries, rapture date calculators, sensationalists, apostles(?), prophets(?), miracle workers(?), ‘tongues’ speakers (?),... POOR??? Not at all. They are money grabbers. Beware.

In today's world, it is important to discern between true ministry and those who seek to profit from the Gospel. Just as Jesus drove out the money changers from the temple, we should be wary of those who exploit faith for financial gain.

Instead, we should focus on helping the poor and needy, following the example of Christ's love for us. The Bible is clear about God's heart for the poor, encouraging us to be generous and compassionate towards those in need. We are called to consider the poor, show generosity to the needy, and share with those who lack. As Christians, we are to be a light in a dark world, demonstrating love and compassion to all those around us. Love is free, and our giving should reflect the selfless love of Christ. By being mindful of where we sow our resources and following Biblical principles in our giving, we can run our race well and honor God with our generosity.

The Bible is full of verses that demonstrate God’s heart toward the poor among us: For while we were poor and needy, Christ died for us. Blessed is the one who considers the poor! Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. (Proverbs 14:21). Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. (Proverbs 14:31). Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. (Proverbs 19:17). The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9). Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. (Galatians 2:10). Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. (Ephesians 4:28). They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. (1 Timothy 6:18). 

WHERE ARE YOU SOWING? Tithes Offerings is a Trillion Dollar Industry today! Stop being scammed. Do we charge those we love? Say, our kids and family to put food on the table? Absolutely not! Love is Free. Then why charge others for sharing and teaching God’s Holy Scriptures? We are commanded to love others. How can we charge them? We are in The New Testament. Know where to sow/give and to whom. Please use caution and Biblical Discernment in Giving.