What are the things that are Ceasar's and the thing that are God's?

Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”Matthew 22:17-21 NKJV

Tax: To Ceasar The Mode of Payment for Tax is Money because money as God Identify it is a thing that's are Ceasar. Same in today's time, the mode of payment of Tax is money, it's there anyway so, even if we don't like it we are required to give it back and one way to do that is through tax.

Tithing: Tithing now is for Jesus Christ and He is the rightful recipient ONLY since He replaces the Levitical Priest, see link: Will a man rob God?. Its kinda like tax in essence. If we pay tax to the government in money, we too need to pay and that is giving tithe to our Lord Jesus Christ. But, what will be the mode of payment for tithing? Can we pay in terms of money, if the money was already identified by God Himself to be a thing that are Ceasar's or in today's time, a thing that are governments and not a thing that are God's? 

And, by the way, these verse was spoken by Jesus Christ Himself, He was still on earth at that time. His priesthood was not yet official because the bible say: 

“If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law." Hebrews 8:4 NIV

Hence, Offering rituals (burnt offering, etc) and tithings at that time were still the things that are God's. And, these sacred activities were done without money or were paid not with money.

The more you know, the more you realise how much you don't know

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.

The more we know the more we don't know. This quote in a sense is true. Once a question is answered, most often it leads to another new question and when we find the answer again, it will again lead to another question and so on. A never ending search of knowledge will end up us just being confused as we get deeper. This was proven to be true by the scientist themselves, the more they understand something the more they don't understand. In studying the scripture, in this case, tithing, we can only biblically prove so much that tithing is not applicable in the new testament but, this argument will just go round and round as one question will just produce or lead to another question unless we come up with a question that is indisputably have a common answer to both parties or everyone. For me, my go to question which leads to have no more further questions is this:

In Hebrew 7, the new priest becomes Jesus who is in the like of Melchizedek, no genealogy, no beginning, no end, living eternally. In oneness belief, if Melchizedek lives forever and Jesus is in the like of Melchizedek, it would follow that Jesus is Melchizedek since there can only be one who is living eternally, with no beginning and no end, believing that Melchizedek and Jesus is not the same, would seem like there are two who lives eternally-Jesus and Melchizedek, which would contradict that there is only one God and that Jesus and God are just one and the same (John 10:30). Having said this, If Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, we Christian are not exempted since we are spiritually seed of Abraham hence, we also ought to tithe to Jesus Christ which is also Melchizedek. I understand that in 1 Peter 2:9, we are royal priesthood, though we are royal priesthood, no mortal can reach the priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, this position has been filled and can be filled only Jesus Christ. In the history of the bible, there are only 3 who receive it, first Melchizedek which is also Jesus, 2nd the levites (the only mortals who were allowed to receive it), 3rd Jesus Christ (who replaces the Levitical Priest) and is living eternally. Since He lives eternally, no mortal will be able to qualify to receive it nor even ask for it. Why then pastors who are merely mortals are receiving and collecting it, are they also considered the priest who in the like of Melchizedek who will never die? Obviously everybody dies hence, no one ever will be qualified, so then why are pastors collecting it?

I understand that from the perspective of the giver, they have this strong conviction that it doesn't matter who receive it, what matter is, from their perspective they are giving it to Jesus Christ. The justification being, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek - Epiphany of Jesus, since we Christian are seed of Abraham in faith, we too need to tithe. While I respect this conviction, it has no basis biblically. Abraham did not anyhow gave to any priest did he? He did not gave to whoever priest and claim that it does't matter who the priest is, what matter is he give to God, did he did that? The description of who was Melchizedek in the bible was not vague rather it was clearly describe who He was. The truth is, if biblically based, the one who receive tithes matter and no mortal will be able to reach the priesthood in the order of Melchizedek hence, no mortal is qualified to receive it nor even ask for it. If your heart tells you that you are giving it to Jesus yet, the very hand that receive it is a mere mortal, you are being deceive by your own heart because it's not biblically based hence, it's merely just an emotion or a feeling or an idea or belief without basis.

Another biblical truth that I realised is that, there are actually two type of biblical tithing if we are to classify it by the manner it was given.  

1. The Abrahametic tithe- This tithe was voluntarily, this type of tithe can be correlated to giving, it's not an obligation as Abraham gave it without anyone prompting or commanding him (Genesis 14:18-20). Here, whats holy to God was not yet specified and or defined, for this reason the tithe can be anything not limited to money since Abraham giveth a tenth of all and the word "all-spoil of war" is broad. Also, this tithe was given in response because Abraham was blessed, not he gave so that he will be blessed. But, this tithe in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, in order for Him to receive it and in order for us to give to Him, it was implied to give what is for Him to the poor, stranger, in prison, in short give to those in need (Matthew 25:42-45). The 10% serve only as a guideline, we can give more or less of that as long as willing, cheerful and able.
2. The levitical Tithe - This type of tithe was an obligation, whether they like it or not, this tithe has to be given to the levites. This was their lifeblood and payment for their priestly service, without this, levites will be force to work in the field. And, without giving the levites their portion thus, not able to give the tithe of tithe of what they receive to the priest as the Lord's portion, the people of Israel would be guilty of robbing God. Here, whats holy to God was clearly specified and or defined, according to (Leviticus 27:30) the tithe of the land, the agricultural produce are holy hence tithable, money was never allowed. Also, this tithe including the offerings was commanded to be given to the levites and priest so that the people will be blessed, failure to give this tithe and offering, God threatened that curses will be upon them. In todays time if Christians practice it, it will equate to salary of all the staff and minister of the church. But, this commandment of tithe to be receive by levites along with the offering rituals has been annulled when Jesus was officiated as High Priest replacing them. So by right, this tithe cannot and should not be practice by us Christians.

Now, if we are to practice giving 10% of our income today because Abraham gave 10%, which giving of 10% should we adopt as Christians?

See my other blog:

Jews do not tithe Today
Will a Man Rob God

Are you Bluntly Stealing From Jesus Christ?

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.

Suppose you owe someone and this someone always had been personally the one who collect the payment. While this lender is still living, he preferred to collect the payment by himself. Never in history did he ask someone or permitted someone to collect the payment by anyone except this one instance where, he allowed his friend to collect in behalf of him as he went for a vacation. The other instance where might its possible to collect the payment by other person is when he die. 

Now, suppose someone comes to you to collect the payment and you are aware that the person you owed is not dead, nor he went for a vacation, nor you are aware that he give someone permission to collect it by other. Are you going to give your payment to that guy? Obviously not, it would be foolish for you to give it knowing that he is alive, is not in vacation and did not give anyone permission to collect it by others in behalf of him.

Now, do you claim that Jesus is alive, do you claim that He lives eternally? Do you claim that Jesus is present everywhere? Since Jesus Christ replaces the levitical priest it would follow that all the levitical priest duties and responsibilities (offering ceremonials which He replaces by Himself as a one time offering) including their inheritance (tithes) was transferred to Jesus Christ. Did Jesus Christ give any permission for any mortal to collect the inheritance that was transferred to Him when He take over in the new covenant?

Can you imagine, its a blunt thievery the moment you ask for it and receive it since no one in this world will be in the same nature as Jesus Christ whom without genealogy, no beginning, no end and living continually. He lives continually though we cannot see Him and is present everywhere meaning, while you are collecting and wherever you collect it, Jesus Christ is just beside or in front of you watching. If you understand the nature of Him being alive and being present everywhere, do you not fear that every time you collect it, you are actually stealing from Him, worst you are stealing in front of Him?

The Tithing Principle, My queries for Enlightenment

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.

Note: The content of these writing are by no means I research and re write it but, with the guidance of God, I believe I was able to produce these writing. I humbly apologize if some of my phrasing of words came out to be offensive or aggressive. I put these into writing as I think I can explain my thought process better through writing with the guidance and help of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am subjecting these writing for correction and enlightenment. But, first I think we should have some rules on how to answer the questions properly: I propose that answers to the questions start first with the answers directly related to questions before the explanation to avoid confusion. Ex. If the questions say: Is it valid or not? the answer first should be yes or no, then the explanation follows with supporting verses, not explanation first then the answer to question.

First, I would like to expound my understanding of what is tithing principle from the bible. Tithing if we STRICTLY stick to the principle is really not for spreading the gospel, the end user of it, if we really just based on the principle of tithing is actually for the minister of words, in lay mans terms a salary to the one ministering the word. It will depend on the minister how he used it though, if he have other source of income, he can use the tithe for the church works. But, if the minister does not works and has family, applying the tithe principle, he, the family and the church workers become the end user. It is an obligation for us to give and their rights to receive. While, offering or giving and agreed contribution are usually for a cause, the cause could be for evangelism, spreading the word of God, helping others and helping the poor.

Second, the content of this writing revolves around whether the tithing is really a valid or applicable principle in today's time. So, I think before we discuss how important is tithing, the reasons why we should tithe, not tithing is robbing God, before we discuss or touch these topics, I think it would be better if we biblically prove first if the principle is valid, after all, if it's biblically proven to be invalid all the latter topic will be pointless to discuss anyway.

The Tithing Principle (Is it Valid or Not)

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.” Genesis 14:18-20 NKJV

The above verse in the bible is the first mentioned regarding tithe. “Now consider how great this man (Melchizedek) was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.”Hebrews 7:4 NKJV. Melchizedek was “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually." Hebrews 7:3 NKJV. 
The bible says:

“Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.”Hebrews 7:8 NKJV

In the time of the Law, the priest (levites) which are merely mortals receives the tithes, but in the time of Abraham, it was receives by Melchizedek who was neither have beginning of days nor end of live thus, a priest who lives forever like the Son of God.

The bible also says:

Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?” Hebrews 7:8, 11 NKJV)

Levitical priesthood is lacking or not perfect, this is why there was a need for a rise of another priest the one that is in order of Melchizedek, a Priest that lives forever and the one that is not a descendant from Aaron. In the new testament, the priest in order of Melchizedek who is a priest forever is our Lord Jesus Christ

The bible says:
“For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.” Hebrews 7:12-13 NKJV. 

In these verse, it is explained that, if priest is change out of necessity, that is not descended from the line of priest which is from Aaron, the law also changes. As law on priesthood was given to the tribe of Levi, the Law will not be applicable to the new priest (Jesus Christ) which descended from the line of Judah “For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."Hebrews 7:14-17 NKJV

But, how much of it did change or what was the changes in the law? In the old testament it says:

“So it was, when Moses had completed writing the words of this law in a book, when they were finished, that Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying: “Take this Book of the Law, and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there as a witness against you; for I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. If today, while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the LORD, then how much more after my death? Gather to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you. And evil will befall you in the latter days, because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger through the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 31:24-29 NKJV

So moses instruct levites to put the book of law beside the arc of the covenant. Inside the arc were tablets of the law, Aaron's rod and the manna. The content of the book of the Law is spread among the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, and then reiterated and added to in Deuteronomy. This includes: 

1. The Ten Commandments 
2. Moral laws - on murder, theft, honesty, adultery, etc. 
3. Social laws - on property, inheritance, marriage and divorce, 
4. Food laws - on what is clean and unclean, on cooking and storing food. 
5. Purity laws - on menstruation, seminal emissions, skin disease and mildew, etc. 
6. Feasts - the Day of Atonement, Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks etc. 
7. Sacrifices and offerings - the sin offering, burnt offering, whole offering, heave offering, Passover sacrifice, meal offering, wave offering, peace offering, drink offering, thank offering, dough offering, incense offering, red heifer, scapegoat, first fruits, etc. 
8. Instructions for the priesthood and the high priest including tithes. 
9. Instructions regarding the Tabernacle, and which were later applied to the Temple in Jerusalem, including those concerning the Holy of Holies containing the Ark of the Covenant(in which were the tablets of the law, Aaron's rod, the manna). Instructions and for the construction of various altars. 
10. Forward looking instructions for time when Israel would demand a king. 

Now, if priesthood is change that is not from the line of levi to which the priesthood law was only given to them. It would follow that all the written laws regarding priesthood will not be applicable to the new priest. Therefore, 7,8 and 9 content of the law changes. The 10 commandments written in the book of law which was also inside the arc of the covenant will always be applicable and cannot be change since its for all and not to a specific tribe only. When in the new testament it says:

“But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:34-40 NKJV

In the verses above, notice that it says "commandment in the law" implying that the lawyer was referring to the overall law given to them by moses. There are no words that imply that He cut down the number of commandments into two. Instead He simply says, among the commandment of the Law the two are the greatest and all the laws and prophets hang on, rely, and was breakdown from these two greatest law. Its like all other laws are subclauses of these two laws.

I also understand that in "Deuteronomy 31:16-18", God already foresee that levites and the people will be rebellious against the lord after Moses death even so while Moses yet living they rebel against the Lord thus, moses instruct the levites to place the book of law beside the arc of the covenant to be read every 7 years as witness against them, meaning in this book of law, it is written as an evidence before it happen that they (the levites and people of Israel) will rebel against the lord. When that time happen, the book will serve as a witness. Its like they are guilty of the crime the have not yet even committed as God see's it before it happen. Therefore, all the while God knew whats about to happen and that the system in place are not perfect, there was indeed a necessity to change it.

A system as we all knew composes of the one who made the system and the people who follow the system, in this case if I put in a plane perspective levitical priesthood is a system whereby, God made the system, He appointed levites as priest and as inheritance was the tithes. And, the one who follow the system were the levites. But, levites somehow unable to follow the system and in the process they departed from God's way as the bible say:

“But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.”Malachi 2:8-9 NKJV"

When the verse say "corrupted the covenant of Levi", for me, it means corruption in every sense, it could be that, they ask more of their inheritance, meaning they require people to give more than tenth of everything, teach the people falsely, receives something for a favour or whatever it was that defile their covenant with God. Basically, the appointment of their priesthood and the inheritance than comes alongs with it somehow cause them to be corrupted. And then, I remember this verse:

“Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.”Proverbs 30:8-9 NKJV"

Here, the levites could ask back God and may say " Lord why did you appoint me as priest, Lord why did give me an inheritance, Lord why did you give me this responsibility to which you knew yourself that somehow It will cause me to be corrupted?

We all have tendency as mortals, this best shown in politics, the law itself and system of politics sometimes, however pure the intention is in the beginning, along the way the one in position has the tendency to be corrupted. That is why, many christians are afraid or hesitant to go into the system of politics. In the case of levites, they were appointed by God himself to be in the system, it was not voluntary, it was not a choice but a force responsibility that comes along with the inheritance of tithe. So, in this case, levites which are merely mortals could ask back God, "Lord why did You gave the position of priesthood along with the inheritance, we did not ask for it, You did not even gave us a choice, it was mandatory, You are the one who appoint us to be the priest of the people and You knew it very well that we are going to be corrupted somehow in the future, yet, in-spite of You being aware of it, You still gave us the position, it was like we were purposely trapped to be destroy in the future? In this case, levites has something to throw back to God, I believe this is one of the imperfection in the levitical system, that is why there was a need for a change.

So now, as Christ as our high priest, if we still patterned it in levitical priesthood system whereby those assigned to minister the word of God still in essence have the rights to receive inheritance of tithes and should it cause the minister to be corrupted (it may not be his generation, maybe the next or the next), if the minister ask God the same questions as the levites. I think God will simply say, "Why, did I force you or obliged you to be my minister? Did I ask you to collect money in my behalf, or did I gave any mortal except levites the rights to collect something in behalf of me? The only mortal person I receive it was from Abraham after I blessed him and, the only mortals I allowed to collect it in behalf of me was the levites. Now that I personally step in as priest replacing the levites, who give the authorisation for any mortal to collect in behalf of me? Perhaps, this verse also best fit God's answers:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV"

In the bible it also says:

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfill.” Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV

He indeed not came to destroy the law or the prophets but to fulfil. In the old testament it was prophesize

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”Micah 5:2 NKJV"

And, it happened that He came but not descended from the line of priest (levites) but descended from the line Judah as prophecies in which, there was no law concerning priesthood from this tribe. What law then is He going to destroy, when in in the first place there was no priesthood law written for priest that will come from the line of Judah? He did fulfill the prophecies but, in effect, He has all the right to change the priesthood law, as the bible say: "In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13 NKJV

So, in summary. First, Melchizedek the High priest, physically manifested to bless Abraham and for Him to give the tenth of His plunder. Then, comes the levitical priest who was mortal and for them to live, the tithes of Israel was given to them for them to eat but, the levitical priest were not perfect thus, having the necessity to change the priest. Jesus Christ, become the priest in the like of Melchizedek who lives forever in replacement of Levitical priest. Jesus in not a descendant from Aaron rather from Judah, therefore, the priesthood law given to Aaron changes or not applicable to the New priest since He is from the other tribe, the tribe of Judah. As the bible say “For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.-Hebrews 7:14 NKJV". After His earthly ministry and was resurrected, He stayed with us spiritually. Having said that, unlike Melchizedek and the levitical priest who received tithes physically, Jesus who lives with us eternally in spirit will not be able to received it nor even needs it.

An illustration shown is the transition from Melchizedek to Jesus:



So, with this illustration, in essence it would follow that Abraham actually give the tithes to Jesus Christ since He is God who exist from the beginning of time. It would also seem that Jesus genealogy, the process of transition from levitical priesthood to Jesus as written in Hebrew 7 would really not matter or of no purpose. Also, since tithes is for our God now therefore removing the levites from the picture, it made me wonder, if levites is not in the picture already, why do we still even say "minister of God are in essence levites therefore have the right to receive tithes as the levites did" when they were already remove from the picture? Nevertheless, it was indeed a privilege for Abraham to give his tithes to the One who lives forever. Since there is no more levitical priest, we are actually giving directly our tithes to God now. My question here though is this, Is there such existing mortal in todays time who is in the like of Melchizedek a priest who lives continually who is worthy to be given and or receive the tithes of the people? In Abraham time, his tithes was receive by Melchizedek who is made like the son of God. In Moses time, the levites who are mere mortals and imperfect was allowed to receive the tithes. In today’s time, Jesus Christ who is in order of Melchizedek is the rightful receiver of tithes. It made me wonder, who give the authorisation for any mortal to receive the tithes in behalf of Jesus Christ who lives eternally? We certainly cannot say anymore “ they are like levites so they have the rights to receive it” when they were already replaced by Christ, therefore, removing their responsibility as priest together with their right to receive the tithes-their inheritance.

If none, that brings me to question 1.

Question 1: So now, our high priest both for the living and spiritual world is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ eternally live forever. As per the bible, since levitical priesthood is not perfect, there was a need for a rise of another priest which now is Jesus Christ, therefore, since He lives forever there is no more mortal person that can and will be able to replace Him, His position is fixed forever and there is only One and only One high priest. Jesus step in as a high priest when His mission on earth was finish, that is when He was resurrected after 3 days as the bible say: “For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;” Hebrews 8:4 NKJV". Even after God mission was accomplish, by that time there were still levitical priest practicing and following the law, one of it was to receive the tithes as it was their inheritance. My question is, since Christ already step in as High priest, does the levites still have the rights to claim their inheritance even if they were already strip off from their position as priests? Remember, Jesus did not descend from levites but from Judah in which there was no Law that was speak of regarding priesthood. After Jesus step in, the priesthood law that was exclusive only to levites was basically invalidated as it was not applicable to the new priest. “In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13 NKJV

Question 2: If the answer is "Yes" in Q1, please explain as it would seem like we are not acknowledging that their is an existing alive High priest in midst of us in Jesus Name to whom because of His existence, the levitical priesthood law was abolished. 

If the answer is "No" in Q1, since the levites was strip off of their inheritance and since we are spiritual brethren of Israel, therefore, those ministering the words are in essence levites. What right do we still have to claim that those ministering the word are still in essence have the right to receive the tithes when our spiritual brethren the levites itself was already strip off with their privilege and or inheritance?

Before I go on further with my other questions, I'll stop with with the above questions, after all, if the conclusion in the above questions imply that "no mortal has the right to receive tithes". All my follow up questions will be hindered useless, it means, we don't even need to discuss the importance of it, or are we robbing God or quote any tithe verse that is from the old testament. It will all becomes pointless to discuss. It will bring up another question though, How can we give our tithe then? Since Abraham tithe to Jesus, we are not exempted it is still our obligation or is it? Which bring me to my explanation below.

A tithing is a principle whereby for the process to occur. It requires a giver and receiver. It is an obligation to the giver and a right to the receiver. The first giver was Abraham and the receiver was Melchizedek. The 2nd was the people of Israel and receiver are the levites. 3rd, the giver of tithe are Christians and the receiver is Jesus Christ. The closest mortal person worthy or was allowed to receive it was the levites, yet, they were abolished. Now, no mortal person worthy of receiving it anymore. Therefore, if no mortal person is claiming the rights to receive it, it would follow that the obligation to give was also annulled. Its like, when someone resigned in a company, the resigned person has no more rights to claim for the salary at the same time the company has no obligation to give the salary.

The bible say:

“For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:3-5 NKJV"

In the verses above, it says that: Levitical High priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. If high priest are required to do such activity the incoming high priest (Jesus Christ) will not be exempted because what the high priest are doing are copy and shadow of what of the heavenly things. But, while He is still on earth and the mission is not yet finish, He cannot be priest since there are levitical priest who offer the gifts according to the Law. Therefore, what the priest are currently doing while He still on earth, He cannot override. So, in the bible it says: "

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”Matthew 23:23 NKJV"

This is Jesus himself talking, He was still on earth. He have no right yet to intervene of what they are doing, the law is still valid thus, the tithes which is a rightful inheritance of the levites still need to be given.

In analogy, I would explain it in this way, suppose in a company a new CEO is about to replace an existing CEO, the effectivity of his term as new CEO is next month. Does the CEO to be replace has still all the rights to be paid until the last day of his term? He does right, the incoming CEO cannot intervene or cut off his salary while the existing CEO is still in position right? Since we are talking about tithes not offering nor giving to which it is an inheritance of the levites in lay mans term a salary to them as a priest, the logic is the same. This is why God said, we ought to do important matters but don't also forget to do lesser matter like paying your obligation to the levites - the tithes.

In fact, until His mission on earth was not yet finish, He would not step in as a high priest since there are priest who offer gifts according to the law. All the verses that relates to tithing from old including the book of Malachi up to the new testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) where He was still on earth was still applicable. The priest were still in service therefore, they still have the right to receive the tithes and Israel was still obliged to pay the tithes. When His mission was finish, the veil was torn down. This time around, all the duties and responsibilities including tithing was transferred to Jesus Christ, this time around all the offerings; sin offering, heave offering, trespass offering and all other offering which was only receive by levites was transferred to Jesus. He did not just replace an specific offering, did He? Instead He replaces the earthly priest therefore, all the duties and responsibilities including their inheritance was transferred to Jesus Christ, this is why today we don't do these offerings rituals anymore because it was already done by Jesus when He offered Himself, but somehow the tithing to which the only rightful recipient now is Jesus Christ is being received by us mortals. We acknowledge that those offerings should not be done already as it was already transferred to Jesus Christ and there is no worthy mortal that can receive and perform those offerings but our God Jesus, except for tithing? Did Jesus take only the responsibilities of the levites and did not take the inheritance when He take over as the high priest? Or did Our God, give an authorization for any mortal to receive it in behalf of Him? As per the bible, Melchizedek which Is Jesus also, the Levites (which He replaces already) and Now Jesus Christ were the only worthy and allowed to receive the tithes, yet today, it is receive by merely mortals? 

The Sanctity of Tithing 

For me, the sanctity of tithing should be treated to be the same as the burnt offering, sin offering, trespass offering and other sacred offerings. The reasons why we are not practicing these offerings is exactly the same as why we should not practice tithing. The right to receive these offerings and tithes were only given to the levitical priest which is now the right of Jesus Christ and Him only. If we acknowledged that those offerings should not be done already as we are like not reverencing or disrespecting what He had done for us (the receiving and offering of Himself as the one time offering for our sins), it should be the same on tithing. No mortal person has the right to receive it other than Jesus Christ Himself, the same as the right that was only for Him when He receive Himself as one time offering to redeem us from our sins.

Apostle Paul Rights to Live by the Gospel

In the new testament it says:

“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?

Finally, My Conclusion but Subject for Correction and Enlightenment.

Giving 1/10 of every thing was not really preach nor practice even during the book of acts. In fact, In the new testament, giving willingly, heartily was preach and practice but they are not required to pay tenth every harvest. Give as you are able, willingly and cheerfully to the lesser of our brethren was emphasise by Jesus himself, these we ought to do if we wish to give and please Him. As the bible say: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 NKJV. It doesn't matter how many percentage or how much, what matter is the willingness and heartily intention to give. In my opinion, this new covenant requirement is even greater than the time of the law because if we are to give heartily, it removes the limit of how many percentage we should give. If the person has many possession and sis willing to follow Jesus, giving heartily would cause him to give it all not a certain percentage only. In my opinion, perhaps Jesus did replace the tithing by giving willingly, as what the heart desire and as we are able, its not mandatory and whatever we gives, for God to receive it, it has to be given heartily to the least of our brethren and or the poor. In my opinion, maybe Jesus purposely change it for the reason that we human tend to change or be corrupted. I'm not saying all but most of I observe whereby tithing becomes mandatory, once the congregation get bigger, the leader get richer and while the leader are blessed, it can be observed that most of the members are struggling to cope up with their daily lives yet they are faithful in tithing. From perspective coming from the member of the congregation, it will probably look upon to be nothing or not visible at all even if they themselves are struggling because they look up and trust their leader so much but, from the outsider perspective it will be look upon to be something is off. Perhaps, God knows it from the start, these maybe the reason why He did not requires it in the new covenant rather giving by the heart and giving to the poor.

Lastly, I came to understand also that tithing as practiced today is a way of showing how great our faith and love to our Lord, it seems like it doesn't really matter whether the principle is valid or not as long as the heart is right, it will still be acceptable, its useless anyway to tithe if our heart does not want to give our tithe. While I agree some of it, I also understand that faith and love is a two way communication, having a great faith and loving someone does not totally means our faith and love are acceptable or correct to that someone. Like say, a devoted catholic who have great faith and love to God, yet the faith and love if biblically based is wrong and need to be corrected. Like say, a Christian who believe in trinity but have great faith and Love to Jesus, however that christian show his/her faith and love in heart and action, he/she still need to be corrected. What I'm trying to say is that, we mortals are not perfect, however big and developed our faith and love is, from time to time it should still be subject and open for correction. I guess we are fortunate, because all that He wants, all that He requires of us that is acceptable are written in the bible. It's only up to us to decipher correctly what is that He really need from us that will not be in VAIN and is acceptable to Him for us to show correctly our faith and love. I'm not saying that my one is correct either, this is why I'm not relying on my own understanding thus, sharing this writing to other spirits so as to test it in every sense if it's biblically correct or not, from God or not. I knew that my faith maybe not ripe, perhaps my love to our Lord is not yet fully budding but, before it comes to that point, I want it to be as much as possible in line as what the bible say without adding and subtracting and even if my faith and love reach the point of maturity, I will still subject it and open for correction as long as the explanations are biblically make sense. I will still open my mind and heart to amend my faith and Love to God to make it proper and greater that is acceptable to Him.

If by the end of the day, all the spirit that was able to read and understand this writing cannot sensibly explain if tithing is valid or not, or does not really give a direct answer. I will hold on to this belief and will not practice it but, offering, giving, pledging as what my heart desire and as I am able for the purpose of helping others and spreading the gospel these, I will honour and will practice as I realised that, in fact tithing should be considered sacred only worthy to be receive by Jesus Christ, the same as how He was the only worthy offering which He Himself can ONLY receive as a one time offering for our sins, unless, someone can explain to me sensibly and biblically that it really is valid. I’m still and will always be open to listen and discuss it and correct my belief.

I believe this is from God, and since He is the final authority, I will follow as what He made me understand. But, should other spirit feel like that this is not from God, or should your spirit feel like I am being mislead or I'm being deceive or my understanding is wrong, please, I ask for enlightenment and provide sensible answer to the questions posted. I believe that, there can be no two version of truth that contradict each other, either one is correct and the other is wrong but cannot be both correct. In this case, if my understanding to which I subject to other spirits are acceptable or correct, it means the opposing understanding must be wrong or vice versa. The holy spirit cannot reveal two opposing truth right? This is why I really need to clarify and here, I have laid out the biblical explanations why I think it's not valid to practice in today's time in fact, we should respect its sanctity as Jesus is the only rightful recipient to it therefore, no mortal should receive it in behalf of Him. But, should I be wrong, I seek biblical explanation that proves otherwise, clarification and answers to the questions posted that are reasonably and biblically make sense.

I have posted my email address above, you can email me if anyone have a sensible and biblical answer to my questions. It is my heart desire to be enlightened. God bless us all.

-end-

Written by: Sherwin Saul Cablao

Click Related Topic:

Will A Man Rob God?
How is God Absolute - A God that does not change to you in actual practice of His ordinance?

Jews do not tithe Today

Disclaimer: This article does not belong to me!
Author of The Tithing Dillema: Ernest L. Martin
 Link of the Book: The Tithing Dillema 

Thankfully, Jewish theologians know better than their Christian counterparts. They are well aware that only Levites have the right to receive tithe of the people. After all, the Jewish leaders have the Old Testament as their Scripture and that’s what it commands. And since there is no Temple in existence (and consequently no ordained Levites or Priests serving in a Temple), then a major factor in fulfilling the laws of tithing does not exist in our modern world.

In regard to this, it may be profitable to relate an event that happened to me over thirty–five years ago when I was just starting to study theology in college. A letter had been given to me for answering. It was from a woman who heard that modern Jews were not tithing. She wanted to know whether the information was true, and if so, why the Jews seemingly violated the plain laws of the Bible which spoke of tithing as a law to be obeyed?

Having read the letter, I began to share her concern. To resolve the matter I telephoned three rabbis in the Los Angeles area for their explanation. Much to my dismay, all three independently of each other informed me that no religious Jew should tithe today. I was startled at their replies. This appeared to be evidence that the Jews were so lax with their biblical interpretation that they were abandoning even the simple words of their own Scripture about the laws of tithing.

By the time I spoke with the last rabbi, my youthful indignation was beginning to emerge. But that rabbi then wisely began to show me my ignorance (not his) in the whole matter. First, he admitted that none of his congregation paid one penny of tithe that was demanded in the Old Testament. He then said: "If any member of my synagogue paid tithe in the scriptural manner, he would be disobeying the law of God—he would be sinning against God."

I was staggered by his answer. He went on to inform me that since the Bible demands that the tithe be paid to Levites, he said it would be wrong to pay it to anyone else. And further, because there is presently no official Levitical order of Priests ministering at a Temple in Jerusalem, this makes it illegal at this period to pay any biblical tithe. He went on to say, however, that the moment a Temple is rebuilt, with its altar in operation and with the priesthood officiating at that altar (and the Levites there to assist them), then every Jew who lives in the tithing zones mentioned in the Bible will be required to tithe according to the biblical commands.

This teaching was a revelation to me (as it may be to some of our readers), but the rabbi gave the proper biblical answers. To pay the biblical tithe at this time, without Levites and Priests in their regular ordained offices and doing service in the Temple, would be "sin" both to the giver and the receiver. The rabbi told me: "If we are to obey the law, we cannot pay tithe unless we pay it to the ones ordained by God to accept that tithe."

The rabbi explained that though he was the chief rabbi of his synagogue, he was not a Levite. He said he was descended from the tribe of Judah and was thereby not eligible to receive tithe. The same disqualification applied even to Christ Jesus while he was on earth since he was also reckoned as having come from the tribe of Judah. This same restriction was applicable to the activities of the apostle Peter (because he was as well from Judah) and it applied to the apostle Paul (because he was from the tribe of Benjamin). Neither Christ nor those apostles were Levites so they were all disqualified from receiving any part of the biblical tithe. It is just that simple.

And listen, if Christ, Peter and Paul did not use the biblical tithe for any of their work in teaching the Gospel, Christian ministers today should not use the biblical tithe either. The Jewish religious authorities are wise enough to read what the Word of God states about the tithe and, thankfully, they abide by it. But our Gentile preachers and priests care very little what the biblical texts actually state and go merrily on their way by devising their own laws of tithing which are different from those of the Bible.

The rabbi then gave me some information on the method that many Jews use today to secure adequate funds with which to operate their religious organizations. He went on to say that the activities of his synagogue were financially supported through the adoption of the "patron system" by its members. That is, families would buy seats in the synagogue for various prices each year. The rabbi mentioned that many of his congregation actually paid more than a tenth of their income to get better seats in the synagogue. This method for raising funds is perfectly proper (from the biblical point of view) if Jews wish to use it. This is because the money is paid to the synagogue and not to an ordained Levitical priesthood.

The final rabbi was correctly interpreting the teaching of the Holy Scripture. While many Christian ministers today teach that Christians may be in danger of missing salvation itself if they do not pay tithe to the church, Jewish rabbis know better than to say such a thing. They realize that it is biblically improper (actually, it is a blatant disobedience to the laws of the Bible) for anyone to pay or to receive the biblical tithe today. And any minister or ecclesiastical leader who uses the biblical tithe (or any one who pays to a minister the biblical tithe) is a sinner in the eyes of God.

My Writing and Queries about tithing. Click the Links Below:

1.0 The Tithing Principle, My queries for Enlightenment

2.0 Will a Man Rob God

3.0 Annulling of the Former Commandment

4.0 Jesus Did not come to destroy the Law

5.0 Are you bluntly Stealing from God

6.0 The more you know, the more you realised how much you don't know
7.0 What are the things that are Ceasar's and what are the things that are God's

The Importance of Emergency Fund

Why do we need to understand the importance of EMERGENCY FUND before proceeding to investment?

Perhaps, one of the reason is to avoid touching our investment intended for long term. 

Consider this, let's assume we manage to make our cash flow positive and able to manage our debt but then decided to jump right away to long investing without really understanding the importance of EMERGENCY FUND. And, let's assume that at this time, we decided and make it a goal to retire with sufficient savings to cover for our own expenses at the age of 65. 

During the 12 years of working and investing we were satisfied with our investments earning. Assuming that our investment from PHP100,000 at an average of 12% compound interest ballooned to 400,000. However, about this time an unexpected emergency happen, perhaps we lost our job or one of family or ourselves got sick. 

Where do you think is obvious choice to fund our emergency? Say, we only needed PHP300,000 to settle our emergency and decided to get that from our investment earning. We didn't lose, right? Since we still manage to retain our capital. 

Yes, indeed our capital will be retained at that point in time but, our biggest lose will be the 12 years of letting our money compound for itself. At that point in time, we just LOSE 12 YEARS towards our retirement age goal.

Another obvious importance of emergency fund is that it will serve as our buffer fund whenever we encounter an unexpected circumstance in life such as temporal lose of Job or minor medical needs that requires immediate liquidation of cash. This is why it is advise to just place this fund in a savings account for easy liquidation, we just need around 3-6 months of our expenses to be place in a savings account for our buffer fund. Now, for major emergencies this fund may not be enough especially like hospitalisation need or expenses, we certainly don't want to top up this fund using credit to settle such emergencies. It would be wise therefore for us to get a medical insurance, this will back up our emergency fund or, perhaps our emergency fund will not be touch as usually, if we know how to pick a medical insurance properly, it would be enough to cover such emergencies. Once the 3-6 months worth of expenses has been save in a savings account, the rest should be diversified to other investment vehicle like say mutual fund, property, insurance, stocks and business.

Jesus did not Come to Destroy The Law but Fulfil

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.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfill.” Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV

He indeed not came to destroy the law or the prophets but to fulfil. In the old testament it was prophesize:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”Micah 5:2 NKJV"

And, it happened that He came but not descended from the line of priest (levites) but descended from the line Judah as prophecies in which, there was no law concerning priesthood from this tribe. What law then is He going to destroy, when in in the first place there was no priesthood law written for priest that will come from the line of Judah? He did fulfil the law and prophecies but, in effect, He has all the right to change the priesthood law. All laws (the law of offering and tithes) relating to priesthood ended in the cross hence, obsoleted. As the bible say;

“For Christ is the end of the Law [the limit at which it ceases to be, for the Law leads up to Him Who is the fulfillment of its types, and in Him the purpose which it was designed to accomplish is fulfilled. That is, the purpose of the Law is fulfilled in Him] as the means of righteousness (right relationship to God) for everyone who trusts in and adheres to and relies on Him.” Romans 10:4 AMP

"In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13 NKJV

Unlike the levitical priesthood whose priesthood were prevented by death for continuing, Jesus Christ priesthood ministry is never ending. He can never be replaced by anyone. As the bible say;

“Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.” Hebrews 7:23-24 NKJV

For this reason, we christian acknowledged that, no priest should ever perform the burnt offering, heave offering or any other offering that was perform by the levitical priest. But for whatever reason, the tithes to which was also commanded to be receive by the levites has been adopted by us Christian.

One might say, Abraham tithed hence, the practice of it pre dates the law. Even so levitical priesthood was change, since Abraham tithed to a gentile priest, Christian too ought to tithe and follow Abraham footstep. While this make sense, who was exactly the gentile priest that Abraham tithed? Was it not Melchizedek - without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” Hebrews 7:3 NKJV. Melchizedek may actually be an Ephiphany of Christ, indeed it was an honour and a privilege for Abraham to give a tenth of his spoil of war. If I was in his shoes, I would likely do the same or even give more automatically without anyone prompting. Now, our high priest in the name of Jesus Christ is in the order of Melchizedek prieshood, He is alive and is ministering in midst of us and, unless Jesus Christ manifest in the flesh again, no mortal being is qualified to receive it in behalf of Him nor He give any instruction in the new testament that what is for Him is to be receive by merely mortal. That honor is only for Him and only Him. Some might say, tithing is understood by the heart not by the Law, our heart can be very deceitful, unless one can support the claim with the word of God, you are being deceived by your heart.

Today, christians are actually aware that levitical priesthood was change, the only bridge for them to practice it is through Abraham, the reason being is that it pre-dates the law but the system or rules governing the tithes are taken from the levical priesthood law since during Abraham, there was no specific law or rules that define what tithes is for. This should not be the case, if we are to acknowledge that levitical priesthood was change and at the same time practice it because it pre dates the law, the definition or the rules that define tithes should be adopted during Abraham time in which there was none. On top of that, no mortal in this world will be able to reach prieshood in the order of Melchizedek, that position was already taken by Jesus Christ and He is irreplaceable. Surely, no one who feared God will claim that He is a priesthood in the order of Melchizedek hence, worthy of that honor to receive tithes of everything that all christian believer possesses including the Jews and muslim since their faith was also rooted from Abraham. Ironically, Jews themselves don't tithe even if there forefather Abraham tithed, perhaps they are aware who is Melchizedek. Also, their rabbi are not from the line of Levi, they acknowledged that as a matter of fact, it would be a sin for them if they tithe to a priesthood that is not appointed righfully by Law to receive it. Yet, for us Christian who are not by blood related, somehow boldly claim that we are spiritually affiliated with the levites to whom was already change to Jesus Christ Himself.

In a final note, if we really think highly or really respect who God is, it should not be anyhow asked by anyone or required it in churches rather giving by what the heart desires, it does't matter whether more or less 10% as long as willing, able and cheerful. Actually, this is how Abraham give his 10%, not through the tithe system during the levitical priesthood. Abraham give the 10% voluntarily, while the people during levitical priesthood ministry were giving their 10% out of obligation because, how else will the levites live and perform their duties without support from the people since they were not given inheritance of the Land? But, in Jesus Christ prieshood ministry, to which He is likely aware that He is not able to receive it as He does not actually need it. In order for us to give to Him, He did say;

“for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’” Matthew 25:42-45 NKJV“

“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:7-11 NIV

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Tithe is Holy to Lord, It belongs to Him