Our Lord Jesus Christ Lives

“AND NOW, O you priests, this commandment is for you.” Malachi 2:1 AMP

“Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. [Mal. 2:2.]” Malachi 3:10 AMP

“And it is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to take tithes from the people–which means, from their brethren–though these have descended from Abraham.”

Hebrews 7:5 AMP

“Now if perfection (a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper) had been attainable by the Levitical priesthood–for under it the people were given the Law–why was it further necessary that there should arise another and different kind of Priest, one after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed after the order and rank of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is of necessity an alteration of the law [concerning the priesthood] as well.” Hebrews 7:11-12 AMP

“So a previous physical regulation and command is cancelled because of its weakness and ineffectiveness and uselessness–” Hebrews 7:18 AMP

“He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel. [Mal. 4:4.] He has not dealt so with any [other] nation; they have not known (understood, appreciated, given heed to, and cherished) His ordinances. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) [Ps. 79:6; Jer. 10:25.]” Psalm 147:19-20 AMP

“Furthermore, here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; while there [in the case of Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives [perpetually].”Hebrews 7:8 AMP 

Question: 

Since levitical priesthood was change and last time even though they were subject to death, they were allowed to receive the tithes of the people. In todays time, why are we receiving the tithes again by the the people who are subject to death? Our God in Jesus name is still alive and will live forever, right? Who give us - people who are subject to death, the right to collect whats belong to Him since He lives? As far as the bible is concern, the new testament did not say anything that, again the tithes thats His and holy to Him can be receive by people who die excluding Matthew 23:23 and all other verses where He was still on earth because the bible say:

 “If then He were still living on earth, He would not be a priest at all, for there are [already priests] who offer the gifts in accordance with the Law.”Hebrews 8:4 AMP 

Hence, at that time, tithes was still obligated to give to the priest as it was their inheritance when they were ordained to be the priest of the people. As a matter of biblical fact, it was cancelled or was ceased to practice by us mortal in Hebrews 7:18

Remember:

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2 AMP

“Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God's law by transgression or neglect–being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will).” 1 John 3:4 AMP

My witness why I'm confident that I'm telling the truth is the word of God. Should you believe that I'm strongly mistaken, who is your witness to prove me otherwise? A mere man?

Remember also these verse regarding a man.

“Cease to trust in [weak, frail, and dying] man, whose breath is in his nostrils [for so short a time]; in what sense can he be counted as having intrinsic worth?” Isaiah 2:22 AMP

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help. When his breath leaves him, he returns to his earth; in that very day his [previous] thoughts, plans, and purposes perish. [I Cor. 2:6.]” Psalm 146:3-4 AMP

As long as man die, leave a benefit of a doubt against his word. Always counter check what the bible really say. You'll never know, he himself might not be aware that he was already deceived hence, the confidence and boldness in making the lie seem so true.

Click the Link Below

Tithe is Holy to The Lord, It Belongs to Him

Tithe is Holy to the Lord, It belongs to Him

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10 NIV

Haven't you wonder? They say tithe was practice before the law. Even if they are aware that the law ended with Jesus (Romans 10:4), since it was practice before the law and since grace is better before and during the law, tithing should also be practice in the dispensation of grace. Yet, in every short edification before the giving of tithes and offering, for most, the verse above is always quoted to which was part of the Law and here I thought they said, the law ended with Jesus? Why still quote this verse when this was mentioned within the boundary of the law - the law that ended with Jesus Christ? Are we trying to mix grace with a bit of the Law? Galatians 5:9 AMP says "A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church]." On top of this, not only like we seemingly mix a 100% grace that was freely given with a bit of the law, we also did not follow the instruction of what to tithes that were acceptable to God. And here I thought, they preach that God does not change. From Malachi 3:10 itself it says, " ...that there may be FOOD in the house", how is money equate to food? Even the Pharisee themselves who were not farmers give tithes of mint, dill and cumin (Matthew 23:23). Not to mention that Jesus consider their tithe to be not as important as justice, mercy faithfulness. 

The truth is, money was already invented at that time yet, it was not acceptable as a thing that are God's. In (Matthew 22:17-21), before Jesus said, render to Caesar's the thing that are Ceasar's and to God the things that are God's, He ask first to show the tax money and asked, who was the man inscribed in the money? And when they answer Ceasar's, He proceeded to say, then give it to Caesar's as it was a thing of Ceasar's. Here, Jesus clearly identified that money is a thing of Ceasar's, a thing of Man, it is not a thing that belongs to God's. The things that are God's are not man made hence, tithes and offering acceptable and holy to God were all products made by God Himself such as the fruit of the trees, herds, crops, animals and not those products that were made by a man. No where in the bible we can find that offering or tithes to God was money even though money was already invented at that time. God does not change. Even if time changes, His word will remain the same hence, money will never be acceptable as a payment of tithe. Money is a thing that is made by a man, it's not holy to God, it's not tithable. Remember we are not giving FOR God rather we are giving whats already His and, whats His is not something made up by a mere human thus, cannot replicate. Though everything are from and rooted from the land and the land is created by God, not all that comes or rooted from the Land are holy to God thus, not all are tithable. What is holy and tithable to God was clearly specified in Leviticus 27:30

Moreover, these tithes and offering were instructed to be receive and consumed by the levites only. Unfortunately, due to them being imperfect, they were change to Jesus Christ whom having a priesthood that last forever. He is alive today, tomorrow and forever and what belongs to Him was not instructed in the new testament to be receive by us-people who are subject to death. Its holy and it should be respected as such and the rightful owner is alive in midst of us. Its kinda insulting really to our High priest who is alive that, what belongs to Him is being collected by us people who die when He did not gave any instruction in the new testament to do so. On top of this, the kind of tithe that is being given in His name is not what He required as mentioned in the bible yet, quote His word to support the claim.

Once it was receive by Melchizedek whom without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, He remains a priest forever (Hebrews 7:3), to which Jesus Christ priesthood is in the Order of Him, they might be actually the same, just in different name. The order of Melchizedek priesthood can never be reach by us mortal, this order of priesthood is already and can only be occupied by Jesus Christ Himself, He is irreplaceable, unchangeable and is living today, tommorow and forever. In the law, it was permitted by God to receive by people who die through levitical priesthood. And in the grace, it never was mentioned that again it can be receive or collected by people who die in fact it was annulled or was ceased to be collected by mortal in Hebrews 7:18 due to its weakness and unprofitability. Remember the righful owner of the tithes is living perpetually, a man who collect the property of the owner who is not dead yet and did not give anyone permission to collect what belongs to him, that man might be accused of stealing.

Remember also that sin as defined in the bible is as simple as violating the word of God.

“Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God's law by transgression or neglect–being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will).” 1 John 3:4 AMP

To those who practice tithing, you are really clueless that you are wasting your 10% income for nothing as a matter of fact you are like paying to sin. Might as well give that 10% to those who really in needs, the poor, orphans, widows etc. This was the instruction actually in the new testament, pay forward to those in need not paying God back. God does not need our money but our neighbours who are poor, orphans, widows, strangers needs it.

I do hope you realise that this deception has been going on for centuries. If you don't study your bible in regard to this matter, its possible that you might pass this faulty belief to your children children's. Their might be a point in yours or your childrens life where you or they prefer to give their 10% income to the church for the wrong reason yet, at the same time struggling to provide for their own family. You or your childrens will like try to obey a law in the expense of the other (1 Timothy 5:8). By that time, you'll realise or your children will that, they are in a bondage of the tithe doctrine made up by men. You will or they will feel so guilty that they'd rather give the 10% income to church than use it buy food for their family or payed the debt owed or give to the poor.

Click the Link:

Will a Man Rob God?

Who is Really the Master Behind the Veil?

Born again Christians will stop believing christmas, halloween and easter because they acknowledge that these tradition are not biblical. It will cost nothing for any Christians if they amend their beliefs by removing these tradition practice in their belief system. But, it's difficult in TITHING even though they are aware that biblically it was cancelled and will even defend its doctrine without the use of biblical support. Why? because for so long that tithing is being practice, it became the lifeblood of the church, the leaders, the ministers fear that if they stop requiring the congregation to tithe rather give what the heart desires, the church might eventually not stand because, they worry on how would they able to maintain the payment of the bills, the rental cost, etc, if there are no assurance (by means of planting fear using Malachi 3:10) from the congregation that there will be a steady cashflow of money into the church. And, Pastors or Ministers that get their maintenance from the Gospel might not able or would worry how will they able to support their family (see link: Pastor Right to Live by the Gospel). Ironic that, the same Leaders, Pastors and Ministers believe that they serve a God who can make all thing possible yet, worries such a thing.

The bible said;

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”Matthew 6:24 NKJV

It made me wonder, if tithing became the life blood of the church even though there is no biblical support that, it's allowed to practice in the dispensation of grace in fact it was cancelled in Hebrews 7:18 but then, pastors, leaders are afraid that the church might not stand if they stop requiring the congregation to tithe. Who is really the master behind the veil? Money or God?

See link:

Will a Man Rob God?

Pastors Right to Live by The Gospel

Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.” I Corinthians 9:8-18 NKJV

Notice the verses highlighted in bold. I’m not sure if its just me or what but, I kinda observed that we use the verses 1 corinthians 9:13-14 to defend the rights of the minister of words to live or get their maintenance from the gospel since they preach the gospel. But, seemingly missed out the very next verses that follow, 15 to 18 (see link: 1 corinthians 9:15-18). In verse 15, Apostle Paul expounded further and said; "But I have not made use of any of these privileges, nor am I writing this [to suggest] that any such provision be made for me [now]. For it would be better for me to die than to have anyone make void and deprive me of my [ground for] glorifying [in this matter].” 1 Corinthians" 9:15 AMP. And, state further in verse 18, that he present the gospel of Christ without charge or free of expense and that he may not abuse his authority in the gospel. 

I'm sorry but I have to ask, were not the apostles our model as christians, if they did not claim this right as they may hinder the gospel of Christ, why are we claiming the rights? Are we greater than the first apostles?

Moreover, the bible said;

“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”II Thessalonians 3:6-15 NKJV

The apostles actually commanded to follow them, they did not burden their followers in supporting them rather and I quote "....we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9 NIV. Take note, a model for us and for us to IMITATE.

Click the Link:

Will a man Rob God

Tithing in the New Testament Church

Note: I acknowledge that there is no suppose private interpretation of the bible scripture (II Peter 1:20) hence, I subject this writing to other spirit. Should you find my writing to be totally wrong, I would then appreciate if you could correct me and or rebuke me (II Timothy 3:16). Let's reason together (Isaiah 1:18) so as to bring the matter into the light, I can be reach at sherwincablao@gmail.com.

Tithing in the New Testament (Handout from my Church)

Jesus said that people ought to pay tithes (Matthew 23:23). He used an illustration of a tithe-paying Pharisee in a parable (Luke 18:11-12) and further said that if our righteousness did not exceed that of a Pharisee we could not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20). He also told His disciples that, "...the workman is worthy of his meat " (Matthew 10:10). God has ordained that the new testament ministry. See 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 realising that Paul was making a direct comparison to the priesthood. Especially note verses 13-14 which read:

" “Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” I Corinthians 9:13-14 NKJV

Hebrews 7:4-10 declares quite plainly that, "......here men....receive tithes....". The Amplified Bible accurately explains the King James Version word "communicate" in Galatians 6:6 to mean minstrel support:

“Let him who receives instruction in the Word [of God] share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his support].” Galatians 6:6 AMP

Confuting Tithing in the New Testament Teaching as Per Above

Jesus said that people ought to pay tithes (Matthew 23:23).

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you give a tenth of your mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected and omitted the weightier (more important) matters of the Law–right and justice and mercy and fidelity. These you ought [particularly] to have done, without neglecting the others.” Matthew 23:23 AMP

As explained in my writing, This was God Himself talking, He was still on earth, as the bible say: 

“If then He were still living on earth, He would not be a priest at all, for there are [already priests] who offer the gifts in accordance with the Law.” Hebrews 8:4 AMP (Read the whole Chapter 8). 

Here, Jesus was not yet officiated as priest, He was still on earth and His mission was not yet finish. It is therefore still the rights of the earthly priest to receive the tithes - their rightful inheritance when they were officiated as the priest. See complete explanation on my writing. Click Link: The Tithing Principle, My Query for Enlightenment

He used an illustration of a tithe-paying Pharisee in a parable (Luke 18:11-12) and further said that if our righteousness did not exceed that of a Pharisee we could not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20). 

“The Pharisee took his stand ostentatiously and began to pray thus before and with himself: God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men–extortioners (robbers), swindlers [unrighteous in heart and life], adulterers–or even like this tax collector here. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I gain.” Luke 18:11-12 AMP

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness (your uprightness and your right standing with God) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20 AMP

If by quoting  "Luke 18:11-12" meant to suggest that in the New Testament they Tithes. I will not dispute it as they really did in fact, Jesus still encourage it as He was not yet officiated as the priest. As long as He was still on earth and the veil was not yet torn down, the earthly ministry are still needed to offer gifts as per the Law hence, it was still their rights to receive the tithes and it was still an obligation for the people of Israel to give it to the priest. We also have to notice that,  the Pharisee while they fast and tithe, they exalt themselves in doing so, they thought they were acceptable, yet Jesus chooses the tax collector as the bible say in continuation of Luke 18:11-12

“But the tax collector, [merely] standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but kept striking his breast, saying, O God, be favourable (be gracious, be merciful) to me, the especially wicked sinner that I am! I tell you, this man went down to his home justified (forgiven and made upright and in right standing with God), rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:13-14 AMP

The moral of the parable is not that the Pharisee fast and tithe, it was meant to show that even though the Pharisee was righteous and follow the law accordingly, they should not exalt themselves, they ought not to Judge, they ought to show mercy, they ought not to pin point whose the sinner or not. This is why Jesus said, the tax collector was more justified, he humble himself before God as He was clearly aware that he was a sinner hence, seek mercy and grace before God. This is sometimes the unnoticed dilemma of those who think they are obeying God, they fast, they tithe, they pray, almost everything they do what they think pleases God but because they see themselves to be so righteous, they tend to look at the rest who are not doing the same as what they are doing to be lesser than them in terms of faith and righteousness, they tend to exalt themselves and pin point in their heart who has inferior righteousness and or faith in comparison to them. 

In Matthew 5:20, The Pharisee pay tithe, fast, were not like the swindlers or the tax collector, they are self proclaim righteous or so they thought, yet in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, we must exceed their righteousness. This does not imply to tithe to exceed their righteousness, the Pharisee themselves tithe, fast and law abiding yet, still lacking. If I tithe, will I exceed their righteousness or will I just simply mirror what they did? Exceeding their righteousness is disconnected from requiring to tithe. 

He also told His disciples that, "...the workman is worthy of his meat " (Matthew 10:10)

“And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand! Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give. Take no gold nor silver nor [even] copper money in your purses (belts); And do not take a provision bag or a wallet for a collection bag for your journey, nor two undergarments, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the workman deserves his support (his living, his food).” Matthew 10:7-10 AMP

“And stay on in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. [Deut. 24:15.]” Luke 10:7 AMP

In Matthew 10:7-10. Jesus instructed His disciples to go preach, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leapers, drive out demons. They were instructed to do these free of charge as they have received the power to do it freely. They were also instructed not to bring any gold or silver or a copper money in their purse and do not bring a provision bag or a collection bag while they are travelling and preaching, even sandals nor a staff they cannot bring. This means that when they start preaching from house to house, they have nothing but the power of gospel only. When they were received in a house, they did not ask one-tenth or the host did not give one-tenth of what they had right? Rather, they were allowed to drink and eat whatever food and wine was offered to them, they deserve it. They did not ask for it but it was a gesture coming from the host, more or less it doesn't matter. Obviously, this is not tithing but giving. Moreover, when they depart from that house, they cannot bring or should not accept anything as they were instructed not to bring any gold, silver or copper money. So, they go inside the house, preach the gospel, accept and eat the food the host offered, depart from the house accepting nothing but their food in their stomach and go to the next house. If we claim, that this refers to tithe, just imagine every house who accepted them, one tenth here and one tenth there?

God has ordained that the new testament ministry. See 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 realising that Paul was making a direct comparison to the priesthood. Especially note verses 13-14 which read:

“Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” I Corinthians 9:13-14 NKJV

For me its just so wrong to quote a verse just to satisfy once intention to prove something is valid not realising that it could mislead a lot of people. 

“Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.” I Corinthians 9:8-18 NKJV

Notice the verses highlighted in bold. I’m not sure if its just me or what but, I kinda observed that we use the verses 1 corinthians 9:13-14 to defend the rights of the minister of words to live or get their maintenance from the gospel since they preach the gospel. But, seemingly missed out the next verses,15 to 18. In verse 15, Apostle Paul expounded further and said "But I have not made use of any of these privileges, nor am I writing this [to suggest] that any such provision be made for me [now]. For it would be better for me to die than to have anyone make void and deprive me of my [ground for] glorifying [in this matter].” 1 Corinthians" 9:15 AMP. And, state further in verse 18, that he present the gospel of Christ without charge or free of expense and that he may not abuse his authority in the gospel. 

I'm sorry but I have to ask, is not the apostles our model as christians, if they don't claim this right as they may hinder the gospel of Christ, why are we claiming the rights? Are we greater than the first apostles?

Moreover, the bible say;

“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”II Thessalonians 3:6-15 NKJV

The apostles actually commanded to follow them, they did not burden their followers in supporting them rather and I quote "....we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9 NIV. Take note, a model for us and for us to IMITATE.

Hebrews 7:4-10 declares quite plainly that, "......here men....receive tithes....".

“Now observe and consider how great [a personage] this was to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth [the topmost or the pick of the heap] of the spoils. And it is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to take tithes from the people–which means, from their brethren–though these have descended from Abraham. But this person who has not their Levitical ancestry received tithes from Abraham [himself] and blessed him who possessed the promises [of God]. Yet it is beyond all contradiction that it is the lesser person who is blessed by the greater one. Furthermore, here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; while there [in the case of Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives [perpetually]. A person might even say that Levi [the father of the priestly tribe] himself, who received tithes (the tenth), paid tithes through Abraham, For he was still in the loins of his forefather [Abraham] when Melchizedek met him [Abraham].” Hebrews 7:4-10 AMP

Quoting a verse in a chapter and expounding what it means without considering the other verses in the same chapter could sometime distort the meaning and the intention of the writer, how much more quoting a phrase in a verse in the same chapter.

To complete the verse " here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; while there [in the case of Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives [perpetually]. As per the bible, the levitical priesthood has already been obsoleted, when I say obsoleted it does't mean there are no more levitical priesthood in today's time, there are still but, since they don't acknowledge that they were already replace by Jesus Christ, they still assumed the position of priesthood. But, for us Christian we knew very well that whatever they are doing in relation to priesthood ministry, it has no more effect spiritually as Jesus now is the new priest. Since levitical priesthood was obsoleted, the right to collect to tithe goes back to Jesus Christ as He was also Melchizedek, He lives and He is in the midst of us hence, the right to collect it is still His right. No mortal should assume that right to collect it as it would seemingly ignore Him who is alive in midst of us. Yet today, a parallel can be drawn that we seemingly doing the same thing over again. Though we say it's not for the minister of God rather it is for God, the fact that the very hand who collect is a mortal, however we think of it, it is still collected or received by people who die and not the priest who lives continually.

The Amplified Bible accurately explains the King James Version word "communicate" in Galatians 6:6 to mean minstrel support:

“Let him who receives instruction in the Word [of God] share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his support].” Galatians 6:6 AMP

Sharing with the teacher and contributing to his support does not suggest tithing. We can share and contribute with his support but not tithe, in fact, pledging, giving for the purpose of spreading the word of God are encourage in the bible. There seem to be a confusion what is really tithing, others say it is for our Lord Jesus and not for Pastor since Jesus replaces the levitical priest, while INMF teaching seems to simply that it is for teacher of the Gospel.

I understand that early Christian church had practice tithing, though historically they practice tithing, it doesn't mean it was biblically encourage. Paul himself the apostle in his writing to Corinth says;

“If others share in this rightful claim upon you, do not we [have a still better and greater claim]? However, we have never exercised this right, but we endure everything rather than put a hindrance in the way [of the spread] of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 9:12 AMP

“But I have not made use of any of these privileges, nor am I writing this [to suggest] that any such provision be made for me [now]. For it would be better for me to die than to have anyone make void and deprive me of my [ground for] glorifying [in this matter].” 1 Corinthians 9:15 AMP

“What then is the [actual] reward that I get? Just this: that in my preaching the good news (the Gospel), I may offer it [absolutely] free of expense [to anybody], not taking advantage of my rights and privileges [as a preacher] of the Gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:18 AMP

Though the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:14 AMP which probably refers to Luke 10:7 and Matthew 10:7, First we have to be aware that just before the verse Matthew 10:7 they were instructed also not to take any gold, silver and copper money with them and that freely they receive, freely they will share the power of the gospel. But, should the house where they were received offered some food, they can eat and drink with them and that was their wages, when they leave from that house, they have nothing again but their food in their stomach. These was the instruction to them. Second, Apostle Paul himself said that they never exercise these rights because it may cause a hindrance in spreading the Gospel and the power that comes along with it and, state further that He offer it free of expense to anybody, not taking advantage of his rights and privileges as preacher of the Gospel.

Therefore, even if the early church practice tithing as a support for the preacher of the word, the fact that Paul does not encourage it and the fact that “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),”2 Timothy 3:16 AMP, what Apostle Paul had written was meant for us to do the same as they were our models as Christians. 

Tithing should not correlate or used interchangeably with giving, the two are different, however we insist that tithing is for spreading the word of God, it's not, the word tithing connotate salary or support for minstrel preacher the same during the Moses law, this was also clearly implied in IMFH handbook. While I realised that tithing should not be practice, it does not excuse me or us not to give. In fact, I personally believe and practice that It is necessary for us  to give back part of what we receive or as much as we are able at the same time being of good steward of what we have. We surely cannot bring anything out of this world, money should no be loved and we should not submit to it as our master but, it's not an excuse to add teachings that is not really mandated in the bible for Christian to oblige, directly or indirectly. Actually, those who understand tithing, they are quite aware that, as per biblical principle it's an obligation whether you like it or not, it's for those who were ordained to minister in the temple as God commanded. Hence, if they tell us that, we are not oblige to tithe, they are just being diplomatic.

I'm not being stingy nor I'm being greedy. I have so much respect in the WORD OF GOD that, we have to be very careful not to add anything on what we teach, we have to be transparent and no hidden intention. Perhaps this may not be the most important doctrine, it may not be a part of the salvation teaching but still, it's the word of God and we cannot add nor subtract into it however insignificant the alteration is. I understand that everyone of us started as a babe in Christ, some of our deep conviction are not automatic. In the case of tithing, I knew that initially some of us also ask questions but when not answered since everyone practice it, we thought it to be correct hence, did practice it anyway without searching thoroughly and pressing the questions further and so, through years of practicing it, the conviction has been developed to such that it felt so wrong not to tithe. This is why I knew that, however this writing make sense, this will probably not sink in rather, part of that deep conviction regarding tithing will defend itself against this writing even though they knew themselves that, there are questions that seem to have no answers that will side to tithing to be a requirement for a Christian. But, I always remember that we are not an organization, we are bind with the word of God and that the truth should be seek not merely accepting teachings that we don't really understand.  

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          Jesus Did Not Come To Destroy But Fulfil The Law

Fair or Not?

For me, it's not fair to a poor person to plant in his conviction or his conscience, though not really obliged directly, to give out 10% of his everything as a form of obedience to God, when that 10% could be used to feed His own family. And, it might cause for a rich person to be greedy, if he only give out 10% as a tithe and think It pleases and obeyed God, when In reality he can and able give out 90% of it and can live 10% of His everything. Tithe (1/10) is specific and kinda like measured, A person can find it very difficult to comply because for him, its equivalent to one whole day meal of his child and for the rich man, that 10% is nothing and can easily comply without much struggling. Yet, both are obedience, the only difference is that, the other one is obeying in the expense of a meal for his child and the other seems nothing. Whilst if we don't use tithe but giving without specific measurement, a poor person may give lesser or any amount as he is able and cheerfully without affecting the needs of His family and in his conscience, it pleases God and don't have that guilt feeling. And, a rich person may give as much as he have and left only just or even more than enough for the needs of his family as long as he is willing and able to give it out not grudgingly but cheerfully. In this case, 1% of that poor person, is equivalent to 90% of the rich man since both of their remaining balance are enough for the needs of their family. They both feel the joy and sacrifice of giving without affecting the needs of their own family and the future of their children. As the bible say: 

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I Timothy 5:8 NKJV

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Our Hindsight

How are we be able to spot soft (unwise) choices in life, especially those seemingly wise choices but when evaluated somehow had lead to a bigger problems or troubles in life?

Perhaps, the best way to spot on those soft choices are to constantly evaluate the result of our daily choices, hence, hindsight. Once spotted at its infant stage, the question of what can we learn from it, though important, is useless if we don't do something about it. God's insight and vision is way farther than any creature on earth as He is omniscient, Our insight and vision is way limited, we cannot see what lies ahead of us and though God has a vision and a promise of a good future, it requires a cooperation from us. His promise will not be realise alone, we have to do our part. He also will not intervene on our daily choices, soft or wise, just to help us reach what He has envision for us. But, He did gave us "Hindsight"- that is the understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed.

Perhaps through our Hindsight, God is communicating to us. Like, whenever we understood and learn from a bad situation only after it happen, God, actually had communicated to us and made us realise something that will straighten our path towards what He had envisioned for us. Failure to see our hindsight hence, doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting different result could possibly mean, we are not listening to what God is trying to tell us.

-End-

Not Understanding our Bible can be very Costly for Nothing, Literallyand Spiritually

Note: I acknowledge that there is no suppose private interpretation of the bible scripture (II Peter 1:20) hence, I subject this writing to other spirit. Should you find my writing to be totally wrong, I would then appreciate if you could correct me and or rebuke me (II Timothy 3:16). Let's reason together (Isaiah 1:18) so as to bring the matter into the light, I can be reach at sherwincablao@gmail.com.

Nobody is exempted when it comes to the law hence, Ignorance of it, can be very expensive. Likewise, ignorance of the faith we choose to believe in can also be really expensive for nothing, literally and spiritually. In fact, what we thought to be pleasing to God actually might be disrespectful to Him and damning to us. Its like paying to sin or to be damned yet we are not even aware of it. The devil really is the master of deception. Adam and Eve was pure, they have no knowledge of good and evil yet in spite of them being pure, sin less and had only one rule to follow, they were still deceived. How much more we humans who are by nature sinful and have 10 rules to follow? Talk about the odds. If we think, the devil cannot deceive us because we know the truth and we have the holy spirit, think again, God was even walking and talking to them personally and they were sinless yet the devil still able to find a way to deceived them. If we say, the devil cannot deceive us anymore, we are like saying, we are better than Adam and Eve who was at the beginning sinless. Actually, we might already been deceived in the face, yet we are not even aware of it or have no clue at all.

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The Three Side of A Coin

Will A Man Rob God

Multi Level Marketing Vs Business Concept

Before we persuade ourselves to join any MLM company we need to at least understand that its concept is opposite to what a business concept is.

You see, if we are to venture into business, one of the factor that we need to consider is the location where, as much as possible the location we choose have less competitor.

Where in MLM, assuming that the product is consumable such as supplement, beauty product, foods or whatever. Instead of mainstream advertising, the company use the method of direct selling to those who become a member or join the company. The problem sometimes is that, the product that you need to buy or consume regularly to be an active member exceeds your personal usage. So now, you have the option to either sell or give it to whoever might need it. But, if you sell it, you might as well persuade that person to join as you will gain more via points/commission or whatever they call it. So, instead of having a potential customer or buyer you are encouraging the person to become your competitor of the business. So next time, if that person join, he/she doesn't need to buy from you anymore, instead that person becomes like you and he/she will likely do the same as what you did and so on.

This type of system allows you to earn commission from those person you recruited and even earn more if those recruited under you also do the same and so on, but the products requirement to be bought in a regular basis so as to be an active member is as good as only for personal usage. Unless otherwise you only want to become a consumer, the driving force for you to earn actually becomes the recruitment which pose a problem sometime because, for you to persuade other people to join you tend to exaggerate the product result. Well, I guess it will not become a problem if you join because you need the product and need to maintain it in a regular basis, in this case, joining will be to your advantage. But, I think many who were persuaded to join MLM did not join mainly because of the product rather because of the potential to earn as quickly as possible through recruiting.

I'm not saying that MLM is not good in general in fact, It's a good training for someone to learn how to sell something, how to overcome rejection, how to overcome shyness, etc. In Robert Kiyosaki Book " The Cashflow Quadrant", multi level marketing is one of the option should someone wish to venture into business with little capital. According to him, there are three main types of business system commonly in use today.

1. Traditional C Corporation - Where you develop your own system
2. Franchises - Where you buy an existing system
3. Network Marketing - Where you buy into and become part of the existing system.

Each business has strength and weakness, yet each ultimately does the same thing. In the case of network marketing, one of the advantage perhaps is that, it's a lot more cheaper than developing your own system (building a business) and/or buying a franchise. On top of that, if you do it right, your network of people will increase and should the time come where, you have enough passive income to create or develop your own system, at least, you've already establish a broad base of people where you can share, offer, market the system you develop.

With all honesty, I also am into MLM marketing type of company (I'm not active though), the difference is that the products they offer by affilation are different type of financial products available in Philippines such as mutual funds, insurances, real estate and other similar products. Obviously, these type of products are not consumable so, even if I avail one of these investment services in a regularly basis, say mutual fund, since it's not a consumable product, it will not diminish every time I buy or subscribe in it rather the value will increase further plus the possibility to earn interest beating the inflation. And, It's not possible to exaggerate the result of these products since its publicly available.

Disclaimer: This is just my own opinion based on how I understand MLM. I maybe wrong