Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: DEFENSE (06/02/22)
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TITLE: The Indefensible Defense | Previous Challenge Entry
By Patricia Allen
06/09/22 -
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The church should be a safe haven for all people; for people who are suffering from physical and spiritual hunger; for people who need a few words of encouragement just to make it through another week. Instead of being uplifted, they have become victimized by preachers teaching Old Covenant law..
By teaching the Mosaic tithing law, these shepherds fleece their flock by browbeating them into paying a tithe or be cursed with a curse.
“You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.” Malachi 3:9 NKJV
These false shepherds defend their audacious claims by mutilating Scripture.
To validate tithing, they subpoena the records of Abraham and Jacob. They provide proof that Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, the priest of Salem. They provide chapter and verse of Jacob’s promise to return a tenth to God. They claim tithe must be paid “off the top” before caring for daily necessities. This supposedly proves to God that He is first in their lives.
Are these claims biblically sound?
“Brethren, hear the defense that I now make before you." Acts 22:1 ESV
According to Scripture, the tithe consisted of food and animals. Never money.
“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the LORD's; Leviticus 27:30 ESV
“And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman's staff, shall be holy to the LORD.” Leviticus 27:32 ESV
Only the land and/or animal owners could tithe.
It is true that Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek but they conveniently omit the fact that it was a tenth of the spoils of war and not from his personal wealth. It was a one time transaction.
It is also true that Jacob promised to give a tenth of whatever God blessed him with. However, they omit the fact that his promise was conditional. He prefaced it by an “if”. “IF” the Lord protected him, he would give it. Scripture is silent as to when or if he kept his promise.
I believe that it is important to note that God did not command tithing in either of the aforementioned circumstances. They volunteered. Pastors have turned voluntary acts into a command for all believers.
Contrary to their teaching, God did not require Israel to give the first of their produce or animals. They were to tithe from the increase.
“Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed …...” Deuteronomy 14:22 KJV
Every tenth animal was to be given to the Lord. If the owner had only nine, he could keep all nine.
“And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.” Leviticus 27:32 KJV
Today’s ministers have assumed the role of the Levitical priests by receiving an illegal tithe (money) and keeping a defunct system alive. Their defense is indefensible because they have no biblical support for their claims.
In summation, the Old Covenant has gone and the New has come. There’s a new Priest in town with new rules from the Tribe of Judah. We can learn from the Old but we are to function under the New.
“For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.” Hebrews 7:12 ESV
Giving freewill offerings and and giving them cheerfully is now the order of the day.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV
We must take responsibility for what we believe and whom we follow. Clearly understanding the Word is our stronghold and defense against being conned into believing scalped Scripture. An unknown writer wrote, “Take the text out of context and you are left with a con.”
We must stand in defense of truth. Truth cuts through the contradictions of its couriers. Their defense for tithing is swaddled in a neatly wrapped package of deception and indefensible lies. It cannot stand!
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"
-Sir Walter Scott
I rest my case
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If I gave my child a 100 piece bag of candy, asking for just 10 in return, I would expect he would gladly give them to me. If he refused, I might just consider taking back the whole bag.
Tithing keeps my place, and our relationship in proper perspective.
I think churches should take a more active role in helping people with their finances/budget so that they might have a goal to get to the place where they could follow this principle.
Thank you.
Blessings in Christ.
Charity is indeed one of God's ordinances from out of the abundance of the heart, love and service to our Almighty God from Whom all provisions flow.
But our wholehearted giving should not be called "tithing", I agree.