MUST I TITHE?
PASTOR'S BLOG
The one test that never fails to show the depth of our Faith, is in the area of Tithing. Not a suggestion but a Command was given in regards to this vital aspect of Christian Stewardship. In Malachi 3:10 the Lord Spoke, Bring Ye The Whole Tithe into the Storehouse, that their might be meat in my house! The tithes original purpose was to show gratitude for God’s favor in the life of believers. From Abraham in Genesis who gave a tithe to the High Priest Melchezedec after a great military victory, to Ezra who asked the people how can you build your houses, when God’s house lies in rubble, tithing has been essential to the life of God’s sacred Temples.
Some argue today, that tithing is not supported by Christ, and all Christians must do is be faithful as disciples. But we see in Luke that Christ is concerned with our entire Christian life. Tithing, is not exempt in lieu of service. Christ explains, tithing is not to be neglected. It complements not replaces our Christian service. In Luke 11:42 Christ exposes his desire for all of us, in this rebuke of the Jews...you tithe mint and rue and every [little] herb, but disregard and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone. Thus we see Christ supported tithing, along with our service. To be His steward we must be both a Tither and a servant. So give, and serve. For both the steward and his money belongs to the Lord. We must give ourselves and our Tithe.
Some argue today, that tithing is not supported by Christ, and all Christians must do is be faithful as disciples. But we see in Luke that Christ is concerned with our entire Christian life. Tithing, is not exempt in lieu of service. Christ explains, tithing is not to be neglected. It complements not replaces our Christian service. In Luke 11:42 Christ exposes his desire for all of us, in this rebuke of the Jews...you tithe mint and rue and every [little] herb, but disregard and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone. Thus we see Christ supported tithing, along with our service. To be His steward we must be both a Tither and a servant. So give, and serve. For both the steward and his money belongs to the Lord. We must give ourselves and our Tithe.
The New "F" Word In the Church
What is the new “F” word you ask? The new “F” word is FORGIVENESS. Pastor R.A. Vernon, from Ohio stirred up controversy a few weeks ago, when he preached a message with this title “The New “F” word for the church. His message highlighted the need for spiritual healing in the church by way of forgiveness. The message showed that many people in the church still do not understand the importance of forgiveness. We don’t understand that forgiveness is God’s ultimate act of Grace. Its primary to our faith, and even the first word Jesus utters from the Cross as He is being crucified by His own people, “Father Forgive them…” It is also the first command Christ gives to His disciples after His resurrection in John 20:23.
Forgiveness is critical to living our lives for Christ. Without forgiveness we would be burdened, guilty and condemned. But God’s love for us grants that our sins can be pardoned. They can be pardoned and washed away. But before the power of Grace can work in us, we must be willing to forgive. If we will purpose in our hearts to forgive all wrongs, God will come in and heal our souls, mend our hearts and restore our relationships. With Forgiveness love can override all forms of hate. Joy can conquer sorrow, and God’s peace can solve our internal wars. When we Embrace Forgiveness, we embrace God’s sovereignty. In embracing forgiveness we loosen the grip of the act or words that hurt, wounded or offended us.
Forgiveness prevents that which we hold onto, from taking a hold of us. It keeps bitterness from our hearts, resentment from our souls and thoughts of revenge out of our minds. It is not weakness to Forgive. But it is having the humility to do for others, what God did for us. Yes, we forgive, because we have been forgiven. With the same measure God forgave us, we Must forgive others. This is something every Christian should already know.
FORGIVENESS CONTINUED....
It’s basic to our faith. But honestly, too many Christians are choosing the profane “F” word. Yes Christians are cursing instead of Forgiving; looking for revenge instead of praying for repentance. Unfortunately, not forgiving others, only doubles our pain. We carry the hurt into new relationships and may even start hating life itself. Over time, un-forgiveness will take up so much space in our lives, until we become swallowed up by our own bitterness and feelings of injustice. So how do you begin to practice forgiveness? You must decide to let go. You must will to forgive. Then, open your mouth and speak the words, “Lord I forgive them and I need you to forgive me!”
Forgiveness is critical to living our lives for Christ. Without forgiveness we would be burdened, guilty and condemned. But God’s love for us grants that our sins can be pardoned. They can be pardoned and washed away. But before the power of Grace can work in us, we must be willing to forgive. If we will purpose in our hearts to forgive all wrongs, God will come in and heal our souls, mend our hearts and restore our relationships. With Forgiveness love can override all forms of hate. Joy can conquer sorrow, and God’s peace can solve our internal wars. When we Embrace Forgiveness, we embrace God’s sovereignty. In embracing forgiveness we loosen the grip of the act or words that hurt, wounded or offended us.
Forgiveness prevents that which we hold onto, from taking a hold of us. It keeps bitterness from our hearts, resentment from our souls and thoughts of revenge out of our minds. It is not weakness to Forgive. But it is having the humility to do for others, what God did for us. Yes, we forgive, because we have been forgiven. With the same measure God forgave us, we Must forgive others. This is something every Christian should already know.
FORGIVENESS CONTINUED....
It’s basic to our faith. But honestly, too many Christians are choosing the profane “F” word. Yes Christians are cursing instead of Forgiving; looking for revenge instead of praying for repentance. Unfortunately, not forgiving others, only doubles our pain. We carry the hurt into new relationships and may even start hating life itself. Over time, un-forgiveness will take up so much space in our lives, until we become swallowed up by our own bitterness and feelings of injustice. So how do you begin to practice forgiveness? You must decide to let go. You must will to forgive. Then, open your mouth and speak the words, “Lord I forgive them and I need you to forgive me!”