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PRESENTED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY PARRC RESEARCH, INC., 2004-2010, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (This document does not necessarily represent the opinions of PARRC Research, and is presented for its’ value in illustrating and creating profitable conversation and analysis regarding an important Biblical practice)

The Tithing Conspiracy

Presented by:

Joan M. Dolan, et al.

Dated:  March 1993
Copyrighted April 1993©

 

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the
Most High God, without whom
it would not have been written.

NOTES

All underlining and upper case emphasis are per the author of this book.  All scriptural references are from the King James Version, and may only be referred and not written out in their entirety.

 All number (#) codes are from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.

 We have slightly bent the rules for publishing and have chosen to place our points and authorities where it is convenient for the reader to reference without having to go to another section of the book.

 The Bethany Parallel Commentary will be referred to as BPC; Adam Clarke as AC; Jamieson, Fausset and Brown as JFB; and Matthew Henry as MH.
 
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 

 I want to thank my daughter, Debra Bouey, for her additions to the book and the many hours she spent editing this work.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

Chapter        Page
PREFACE  1
INTRODUCTION   4
 1 TITHING AS FOUND IN ANCIENT

NATIONS  6

 2 TITHING AS FOUND IN GENESIS  10
 3 THE EXODUS AND ONWARD!  17
 4 MALACHI  25
 5 WHO GOT ROBBED?  35
 6 TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT  41
 7 THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS  45
 8 WHO RULES OVER WHOM?  53
 9 THE CHURCH TODAY, KINGDOM
OR SERFDOM?  60
 10 CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME! 64
 11 GIVE WHAT AND TO WHOM? 69
 12 PHARISEE OR PUBLICAN? 76
 13 THE ONE TRUE CHURCH! 81
 14 SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN 89
 15 SUMMARY 93
 

PREFACE

 The researchers belonged to a church for twenty years in which tithing was taught as a principal for the New Testament follower to adhere to in full obedience.  Not only was it important to pay ten percent of our gross income to this church for the proclaiming of the Word, but it was also preached that we were to set aside another ten percent (of our gross income) to keep certain Holy Days (as found in Leviticus 23).  The church dictated that we had to set aside a third ten percent, every third year to be placed into the widows' and orphans' fund.

 Last, but not least, freewill offerings were encouraged, and sometimes demanded, as a show of love and obedience to the law of God regarding giving.  Malachi 3:8-12 was the basis on which the ministry expounded this doctrine.

 As a follower of Jesus Christ, we were admonished to "give," as it is more blessed to give than to receive.  We were told from the pulpit that through our obedience to the "tithing" law we were laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven, and when the millennial rule of Jesus Christ came into fullness, we would be given blessings untold.

 When the headquarters church ministers (whose lifestyle consists of the best of everything) were queried as to why their lifestyle was so vastly different from the lay person in the local churches, their response was, "We live like this as an example to you, so you will know how it will be for you later in the World Tomorrow."

 Many dear people, sincere in their beliefs, were following what was expounded as the gospel.  Some lost their homes, were unable to pay their bills, and could not put adequate food on their table or clothes on their children.  These people truly believed they were laying up treasures for themselves in heaven. They accepted as fact the belief they would receive a 100 fold return in the coming millennial rule of Jesus Christ.

 Some who became homeless lived in motels or tents, and ate and slept eight to a room.  While this occurred, the ministry robbed the "third" tithe fund in some of the local churches. These ministers wrote checks in certain individual's names from their congregation (as if the people were receiving the money from the third tithe fund).  The ministers cashed the checks and used the money for their own profit and pleasures.

 It slowly began to dawn on the minds of some of the people that something was wrong.  They questioned, was God a respecter of persons?  The obvious answer was NO!  So something else had to be amiss!

 Each of us is responsible for our own salvation as stated in Philippians 2:12, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
 It is up to us, as individuals, to seek out the truth.  In I John 2:26-27, it states "But the ANOINTING which ye have received of Him ABIDETH IN YOU, and ye need NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU:  but as the same ANOINTING TEACHETH YOU of all things, and IS TRUTH, and is NO LIE, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him."

 We do not need a man to teach us, as God will teach us if we are open and willing to follow Him.  God, through His Word is more than willing to open His Word to give each of us understanding.  He, above all others, desires that we know His Truth, as it is His good pleasure to give us His Kingdom with all the blessings.

 After many years of following the tithing principal and enduring hardships in my life, I quit tithing.  I truly wanted to obey God and sought Him on this matter as I heard ministers expound the tithing law.  I went to the Throne of Grace in 1982 and placed my petition there.  I thanked the Father, in Jesus' Name, for the answers to my questions.  I spent many years on research in the "Word," and the information came forth and this book is the answer to my prayer.

  LEONA McNAIR, who is the CO-RESEARCHER for for this book, upon being asked questions by others on the "tithing" issue (for which she thought she had the answer), set about to prove her answer was "truth."  Her contribution from many hours of research, is the "proof" she found that is added to this book.  Her name is not on this publication as a co-author as she has decided to self-publish a revised, condensed version of this work in Texas under another "title." I wish to thank her for her work and contribution to this book.

 May this book be a blessing to you and spur you on to know God can, will and does enlighten those who knock, seek and ask.

JESUS IS LORD
                       Joan M. Dolan,
 

INTRODUCTION
 
 

 Of all the Old Covenant laws, none is clinging more tenaciously to the followers after Christ than the law of tithing. A study of history maintains this situation has occurred since the early centuries A.D.  (It was revived approximately 400 years after Christ's death.)  With this in mind, did the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to redeem us from bondage to the law, free us from all the Old Covenant laws?  Did the law of tithing "come through the cross" as some preachers wish us to believe?  Is it possible the church and nation today are being decimated by an errant ministry preaching a law which has long ceased to be in effect?

 Some, who have studied the history of and attested to the oppression tithing causes, have been unable to dismiss it from Christian obligation (perhaps due to being unable to understand some parts of scripture).  The enforcing of the Old Covenant law of tithing has led to exploitation of the Church and has fostered, in many instances, corrupt practices.  It has been seized upon by some who are not the least bit deserving of financial support.

 Tithing is taught in such a manner as to lead people to believe stopping this practice will bring curses upon them and cost them their salvation.  Feelings of guilt over not paying tithes has been a cause of many leaving a church and in other cases people were disfellowshipped over the "issue"  causing much hurt and offense to dedicated searchers for truth.

 Since "what is not of faith is sin," we must study to become better informed on what the word of God says.  2 Timothy 2:15 states, "STUDY to show thyself approved unto God,  a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH."
 God expects each of us to "study" to see if those things we have been taught are true.  You will find that if an issue is of major importance to His people, God will make it amply clear by more than one reference on the subject.

 The Apostle Paul warned the early Church against law-oriented dissension lest they end up "devouring one another" (Galatians 5:12, 15).  Such a serious admonition indicates we need to understand this matter.  As stated in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...."

 May God open our eyes to see, and ears to hear, what His Spirit says unto the Church.
 
 

Chapter 1

TITHING AS FOUND IN ANCIENT NATIONS
 
 

 From the beginning of scriptural records there is an indication that OFFERINGS were introduced at the time of Adam and Eve.  (Genesis 3:21, where God "clothed" mankind. According to the BPC, page 18, AC, "It is very likely that the skins out of which their clothing was made were taken off animals whose blood had been poured out as a sin offering to God; for as we find Cain and Abel offering sacrifices to God, we may fairly presume that God had given them instructions on this head; nor is it likely that the notion of a sacrifice could have ever occurred to the mind of man without an express revelation from God.")

 Offerings were mentioned in the Book of Genesis, but tithing, as we know it, was not mentioned until Chapter 14.

 Historical records of ancient nations such as Egypt, a nation whose records were sealed to us for many centuries, has been found and there is now a recorded history reaching back thousands of years due to the patient work of scholars, among whom is Professor Flinders Petrie.  In his discussions on the Precept of Kagemni and Ptahotep of the Fifth Dynasty,it shows the Egyptians were concerned with not cutting short the rations of the temples, not diminishing the offerings to the gods and they were being careful to not steal from the gods.  The Egyptians were believers in offerings of first-fruits to their deities.

 One reference from Erman, Life in Ancient Egypt, refers to writings in just one temple alone where there is much information as to the extent and kind of offerings.  On the outer wall of the great temple of Medinet Habu there still exist parts of a list of the offerings instituted by Ramses II and Ramses III, as this sanctuary was erected by them.  Every day of the year the temple received about 3,220 loaves of bread, 24 cakes, 144 jugs of beer, 32 geese, and several jars of wine.

 Ramses III reportedly gave so much to temple service (to the gods) in the form of grains that he had insufficient food reserves for the starving workmen in his city.  This has often been the case with idolatrous worship.  Maspero in Dawn of Civilization, page 32, states CONCERNING THE SPOILS OF WAR, the PORTION GIVEN to the GODS WAS A TENTH OF THE WHOLE.  The GODS OF THE SIDE WHICH WAS VICTORIOUS shared in the triumph, and RECEIVED A TITHE OF THE SPOIL AS THE PRICE FOR THEIR HELP. Maspero also said that tithing was not the usual practice amongst the Egyptians.  Dr. Lansdell, quoting from Professor Sayce, stated, "Though gifts were made to the Egyptian temples on a large scale, there does not seem to have been any `tithe'" (The Sacred Tenth, page 8).

 In his History of Egypt under the Ptolemaic Dynasty, Professor Mahaffy explains that the landed property, orchards and vineyards of all Egypt (with certain exceptions), paid a duty to the gods of the nearest temple amounting to one-sixth of the yearly crop.

 The Jewish historian, Josephus, in his Antiquities, (Book X, Chapter 13, page 59) recorded "with the spoils he [Nebuchadnezzar] had taken in war, adorned the temple of Belus, and the rest of the temples, in a magnificent manner."
With the increased knowledge we have of cuneiform writing, much more is available to us from the royals' records of such rulers as Sargon (about 3000 B.C.).  Religious records, as well as merchants accounts and contracts, are included in the temple collection.

 In 1887, at a place called Tell-el-Amarna, some cuneiform tablets were found by an Egyptian peasant woman in the ruined palace of Amenophis IV.  They dated from about 1480 B.C. and were communications from Amorites, Phoenicians, Philistines and other peoples to the Egyptian ruler and his staff.  In time, some of the tablets were moved to the British Museum and other European cities.

 When asked about the possible mention of tithes in the tablets, Dr. Wallis Budge of the British Museum replied to Dr. Lansdell, he doubted that though the word "eshru" literally meant a tenth, it did not necessarily mean a tenth of one's income.  There was in the tablets evidence that "eshru" could be annual; that it could be and was, paid in kind:  that two or more individuals could unite in paying an "eshru."  Also, he could at that time find no proof that tithing was obligatory.  He found that the "eshru" could be paid to a number of gods, and from his studies, the tithe was more of a freewill offering than a literal tenth.

 Dr. Sayce, who was Professor of Assyriology at Oxford University, said tithing was a Babylonian institution and was paid to the temples upon the produce of the land.  In his work, Social Life Among the Assyrians and Babylonians, we find this passage:  "The temple and the priests were supported by the contributions of the people, partly obligatory and partly voluntary.  The most important among them were the `tithes' paid by the peasant; and lists exist which record the amounts severally due from the tenants of an estate.

 The tithes were paid for the most part in corn.  Thus we find a Babylonian paying about eleven bushels of corn to the temple of the Sun god (Sippara) as the tithes required from him for the year.  The tithes paid to the same temple by Nabonidus, just after his accession (555 B.C.) amounted to as much as six manehs of gold...."

 Cyrus the Persian also followed the principles of paying tithes on the spoils of war.  In Struggle of the Nations, Professor Maspero says:  "These deities (of Elam dwelling near Susa), received a tenth of the spoil after any successful campaign; the offerings comprising statutes of the enemies' gods, valuable vases, ingots of gold and silver, furniture, and stuffs."

 The Phoenicians who were the principal merchants and manufacturers of ancient times, took with them the custom of tithe paying to other lands and sent the tithes of their profits to Tyre for Hercules, by one clothed in Purple and priestly robes; also they sent the tithe of their spoils taken in Sicily.

 There is no lack of knowledge of this custom in the lives of early civilizations.  The most important fact to keep in mind is Abram (later renamed Abraham) came from Ur of the Chaldees where this custom had been in effect for a long time.
A custom with which he was well acquainted.
 
 

Chapter 2

TITHING AS FOUND IN GENESIS
 
 

 The FIRST section of the Bible that mentions paying a TITHE is when Abram gives a tenth of the spoils of warfare to the High Priest Melchizedek as found in Genesis 14:18-23.

 Abram was returning from the war (of the four kings against the five kings) in which Abram's nephew and family had been taken captive.  The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah had fallen in the slime pits and died.  (BPC, page 46, AC; King Bera had died in the slime pit [Genesis 14:10], and whomever had succeeded Bera was then King of Sodom.)  All the captives and booty were seized by the victors who then headed home to the north.  A messenger came and told Abram, who was dwelling in the plains of Mamre at the time (Genesis 14:14). Abram, with his own trained servants, pursued the homeward bound kings north to Dan and to Hobah, a city north of Damascus.  There he recaptured Lot (his nephew) and his family and retook all the goods and headed home.

 By this time the new King of Sodom came to meet Abram when he arrived at the Valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.  There Melchizedek also came out to meet Abram and brought bread and wine with him.  He said, "Blessed be Abram of the most high God which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.  And he [Abram] gave him [Melchizedek] tithes of all."  According to Adam Clarke, (BPC, page 47,) Melchizedek's blessing was on the order of the blessing that Aaron and his sons were to give to the children of Israel as found in Numbers 6:23-26.

 Much is made of this one meeting between these two persons.  It has been quoted for many decades as a reason for Christians to give a tenth of all they earn or produce to whomsoever calls himself God's minister.  What in the meeting of these two personages could ever be construed to say that Abram kept paying a tenth as a law?

 In the offering Abram gave to Melchizedek, Abram was doing what anyone in his circumstances would have done.  He was meeting a dignitary and it was the custom to take a gift. We have another example of this in the life of Saul. I Samuel 9:7-8, Saul told his servant they had no gift for the dignitary (who was actually Samuel).  But, the servant replied they had a quarter of a shekel of silver to give.

 The King of Sodom then told Abram to keep the spoils and give him the souls.  (Some authorities lead us to believe that this meeting between Abram and the King of Sodom was a test of Abram's faithfulness to God, as the King of Sodom was acutally asking Abram to give him Abram's soul.) However, Abram stated that he had promised the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth, that he would accept nothing from this skirmish as he did not want the King of Sodom boasting that he had made Abram rich.

 However, Abram allowed a sufficient portion of the spoils for the services of his servants Aner, Eschol and Mamre. This was in keeping with the concept that the laborer is worthy of his hire.

 (This meeting between Abram and the King of Sodom has some similarities to that of Jesus meeting Satan after Jesus had fasted for forty days.  Satan made a move to tempt Jesus to accept physical rewards in return for worshipping Satan.)
 What has really taken place with Abram meeting Melchizedek and the King of Sodom?  Melchizedek brings out bread and wine which are symbols of the New Covenant and blesses Abram.  The King of Sodom (a type of Satan) wants control and through this represents the devourer.  The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah became synonymous with corrupt practices and moral abusiveness, and later in Genesis 18:20, God's angels tell Abraham (his name had been changed by this time) that Sodom and Gomorrah would be destroyed because of their grievous sins.

 As a basis for understanding Abram's religious background, he came out of a nation of temple builders; worshippers of other deities than the one Lord God. "Idolatrous worship led to costly structures," according to the Encyclopedia Britannica (Volume 1, page 12), Ur of the Chaldees was a headquarters of the "uncontested god, Nanna (or Sin), the moongod of Sumer and Akkadia."

 In Joshua 24:2, Joshua recounts the story of Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor, having served other gods on the "other side of the flood."  (According to the BPC, page 438, AC, #2, the "other side of the flood" was referring to the Euphrates river.  Probably Abraham, as well as Terah, his father, was an idolater, until he received the call of God to leave the land.)  When Abram was told by God in Genesis 12:1, "Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee", God was literally calling Abram out of "sin."

  It was a custom of the Chaldeans, among pagan idolaters to give a tenth of the spoils of war to the object of their worship as a gift for giving them (Pagans) the victory. (See Dawn of Civilization, page 696.)  Professor Maspero discusses religious endowments in ancient Chaldea, stating, "Kings in founding a temple not only bestowed upon it the objects and furniture required, they assigned to it an annual income from the treasury, slaves or cultivated lands."  As for the spoils of war, he says:  "As soon as the king had triumphed by their (the god's) command, he sought before all else to reward them (the gods) amply for their assistance.  He paid a tithe of the spoils into the coffers of their treasury; he made over a part of the conquered country to their domain; he granted them a tenth of the prisoners to cultivate their lands, or to work at their buildings."

 When circumstances required Abram to go to war, he honored the "Most High God" by giving a tenth of the booty he took to the High Priest, Melchizedek as discussed above. Abram came from Ur of the Chaldees and was aware of the pagan Chaldean practice which he followed in this circumstance!  Other than this account, we have no other record of Abram going to war and no other mention of his tithing.

 Genesis 13:18 says, "Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord."  There is no continuing of temple building for as we read in Hebrews 11:8, Abraham traveled in faith to a place he had not known of before and lived in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob.  Verse 10 states, "For he looked for a city whose builder and maker is God."  He had left a major city of the Chaldeans.  Verse 16, "But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly:  wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:  for He hath prepared for them a city."

 In Genesis 18:19, God says that he knew that Abraham would command his children and his household after him, and they would keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.  As the family story progresses there is no mention of Abraham's son Isaac ever tithing.

 The next time we see the use of the word "tithe" is in Genesis 28:20-22.  "And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, `If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: and this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house:  and all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth [Hebrew #6237 "asar", to accumulate, tenth, tithe] to thee.'"

 For much of Jacob's life he had harbored fear of encounters with his brother Esau.  In their youth, Jacob had tricked Esau into giving up his birthright for a bowl of food, when Esau was very hungry.  Later, with his mother's encouragement, he deceived his father Isaac into bestowing the blessing of the first-born on him.  Esau was the elder of this set of twins.  Jacob's "fear" of Esau obviously came from "guilt" over having stolen his brother's birthright.  This "guilt and fear" stayed with him over the years.

 When Jacob was given promises from the Lord, he appears to feel there is a need for him to do something.  God had not attached any "strings" to the blessings He promised to Jacob.  From reading the scriptures, it appears Jacob may have been like many people today in that he felt God's graciousness was not something he could accept without some act on his part to make himself worthy of God's goodness.  Jacob did not comprehend that works does not make one righteous, or earn one a place in God's good graces.  "Faith" is the only thing that pleases God!  ("But without `faith' it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6)

 How often, today, people have that same complex.  They cannot accept the Father's goodness "without doing something to earn it."  This can be an element of disbelief or self-righteousness when we try "works" to earn God's love, which He has given freely.  There is no way we can earn what Christ has done for us.  We need only follow his two commandments: (1) Love God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength; and (2) Love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

 Jacob was not asked by God to vow ten percent of his income.  Jacob offered it as a gesture in exchange for indebtedness from God.  God had already shown Jacob a vision, whereby he was promised blessings.  There were no strings attached to these promises, but Jacob decided to put a monetary value on his receiving from God, what God had already promised him.

 In Genesis 31:11-13, the angel of God meets Jacob and his family and recounts how Laban had deceived him over the years.  Jacob is reminded by the angel of the vow he gave thirty-five years before to God.  Why would Jacob be reminded of his vow if he had fulfilled it?  This does not show us tithing was required by anyone other then Jacob, as he had, of his own free will, bound himself to a vow.  No where do we see Jacob's children bound to his vow, and quite frankly, we do not have any evidence that Jacob paid his tithe.

 The law of offerings and sacrifices were known by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  All through the book of Genesis, where offerings were mentioned, it does not say the word tithing.  The only two instances where it was mentioned are covered in the above information.  Is it not obvious, if "tithing" was binding on everyone, that it would have been expounded upon and definite laws given from the beginning?  There would be no question on anyone's mind regarding the subject, neither would there be any confusion.  And, obviously, there would not be a need for a book such as this one.
 
   

 Chapter 3

THE EXODUS AND ONWARD!
 
 

 There is nothing mentioned in the book of Exodus on tithing.  This was a period, in history, when God took a slave people and set them free.  They had been enslaved for 400 years, ruled over by hard taskmasters who attempted to break them in body, mind and spirit.  There are Pyramids which still stand as a witness to the kind of work they were required to perform.  They were despised and destitute, and cried out to God.  They had forgotten who they were, but God had not.  He heard their anguish and moved mightily in their behalf to set them free.

 When God brought them out, He gave them the gold, silver, jewels, raiment, cattle, sheep, and flocks of the Egyptians; along with all the foodstuffs they could carry.  This was possibly restitution for 400 years of servitude of these people.  Nowhere in the book of Exodus does it show that God required a "tithe or tenth" back.

 Since the Israelites lacked faith and trust in God, they were permitted to spend 40 years wandering in the desert.  It was during this time that God had Moses give them instructions in the keeping of the law as handed down to him by God.  In these instructions were the plans for building the Ark of God, and the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, as well as the setting up of the Levitical priesthood.  Laws concerning the consecration of the priests were expounded, as well as the laws governing sacrifices and sabbath keeping.

 In Exodus 35:4, Moses spoke to the Israelites and told them God wanted an offering from them for the building of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness.  Verse 5, "Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord:  WHOSOEVER IS OF A WILLING HEART, let him bring it, an OFFERING TO THE LORD;...."  Verse 21 shows the Israelites whose hearts stirred them up, to willingly give, came and presented their offerings to Moses for the building of the Tabernacle and the making of the garments for the priests.

 The Israelites, at this time, were not asked to pay tithes. Moses was not instructed to take money from them for personal gain.  The only thing God asked of the Israelites was a "free will" offering, and they responded with great generosity.

 No reference to tithing occurs in Leviticus until the 27th chapter.  In verse 30 it begins:

 "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's:  it is holy unto the Lord.  And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

 "And concerning the tithe of the herd or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.

 "He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it:  and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy, it shall not be redeemed."

 If you will notice, it states here the tithe was on the herd or whatsoever passed under the rod.  There were clean creatures that could not be passed under the rod, such as birds, fish, deer, etc.  Everything that was holy to the Lord was consecrated to particular usage in the worship of the God of Israel.  What we see here is that tithing is only concerned with edible produce, herds, and flocks, as well as the hides of animals for clothing.

 Upon researching the scriptures regarding tithing, we did not find a scripture mentioning tithing on money.  There is also no mention of tithing on gold, silver, or precious metals.  God did state that should one wish to redeem their tithe, they were to buy it back, for a monetary value, plus add fifth.

 The next time we see tithing mentioned is the 18th chapter of Numbers.  Verse 20, "And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them:  I am thy part and thy inheritance among the children of Israel.  [Verse 21] And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tabernacle of the congregation."

 Verse 26, "Thus speak unto the Levites and say unto them, When you take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe.  [Verse 27] And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshing floor, and as the fullness of the winepress.  [Verse 28] Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the Lord of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel:  and ye shall give thereof the Lord's heave offering to Aaron the priest. [Verse 29] Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the Lord, of all the best thereof out of it. [Verse 31] And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households:  for it is your reward for your service in the Tabernacle of the congregation."

 The Levites were required to take a tenth of the choicest parts of all the tithes the Israelites brought to them, and give this to Aaron, the High Priest and to his children; his sons and daughters.  This was to be their inheritance.  The High Priest did not have to tithe on what he received; neither did his children, as they were exempt from the law of tithing.  Jesus is our High Priest today, and we are the sons and daughters, His family.  He calls us brethren, not UNDERLINGS (Matthew 12:48).

 The restructuring of the Law in Canaan gave the Levites a tenth of the best of the land.  They were able to be at least partly, if not totally, self-supporting, not needing a whole tenth from the entire nation.  When God placed Israel in the promised land He appointed two thousand cubits of land, around the city, to use as grazing land and orchards; he also gave them forty-eight cities in which to live.  Not all Levites were Priests, some were sheriffs, others lawyers and judges, tax collectors, accountants, and perhaps veterinarians and physicians.  They comprised the civil authorities, as well as the priesthood.

 In the land of Canaan, the nation of Israel operated on a seven-year cycle.  Every seventh year was a land Sabbath and every fiftieth year was a Jubilee year.  During the seven-year period, the first, second, fourth and fifth years, the tither would gather a tenth of his produce or increase, and take it all to the Festival or Holy Day celebration which God had predetermined and the individual was commanded to eat it there and rejoice before the Lord.  They also shared this tithe with the Levites and Priests.  It appears that the stewardship for the produce or its monetary equivalent rested with the individual.  Remember, if the way was too long for the individual they could sell their tithe offering, add a fifth part to it and go to the Festival area and buy their Holy Day needs while they were there (Deuteronomy 14:24-25).

 In the third and sixth years, which were called the year of tithing, the instructions regarding the tithes were different then the other years.  The tithes were used within the gates of the tither's area, and the person distributing them had to be able to say to God:  (1) I have brought away the hallowed things out of my house; (2) I have given them unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow, according to all of your commandments; (3) I have not transgressed your commandments in this matter; (4) I have not eaten thereof in my mourning; (5) Neither have I taken away any for any unclean use; (6) Nor have I given thereof for the dead; and (7) lastly I have done all according to your will (paraphrased) Deuteronomy 26:12-15.  The third, and sixth year tithes were to be shared with the poor, as well as the stranger and the Levite. This was all part of the financial system of the nation of Israel as God did not want anyone to go without the necessities of life.  It was His desire for all to rejoice before Him for the abundance of all things.

 During the sixth year of the seven-year cycle, it was promised by God that the nation would be blessed with a threefold harvest which would supply all their needs until the harvest of the first year of the next seven year time cycle.  The whole nation of Israel lived off this harvest, as none were to go without.

   These provisions were kept in the storehouses of the gates of each city where the individual lived.  They were not required to travel to the main festival area during the seventh year, but were allowed to eat the tithe from the previous years in their own gates.  THE SEVENTH YEAR WAS A COMPLETE RELEASE FROM EVERY OBLIGATION OR DEBT.  Why do today's tithe preaching ministers not teach these principles if they believe tithing is still obligatory?  After all, if one is keeping the law, they are required to keep the whole law!  And what about aide to the poor, widows, and fatherless during the third and sixth years?  Should not tithe preaching ministers fulfill this command?  God warns us to not forget these as they are precious to Him (Zechariah 7:9-10).

 Resting the land was commanded to occur every seventh year.  The Israelites were not to sow their fields nor prune their vineyards.  They were not to reap anything that grew of itself, nor gather the grapes that grew on the vine.  At the end of the seventh year all debt obligations were released.  Each family was to be given a new opportunity to start over debt free the following year.  And since there was no sowing or reaping in these years, tithing was not done.  Hey preachers, why are you not teaching this principle along with spouting "tithing?"  It does not compute!  If you teach one point of the law, you have to teach it all!  The land had a rest in the seventh year, so if you teach the "tithing" principle, you must give the people a REST every seventh year from all of their obligations.  GOD SAID SO!

 In Deuteronomy 28:45-47, the whole nation is warned of curses if they do not rejoice and have a glad heart, before God, because of the abundance of all things He had given to them. It is a divine principle under the Old and New Covenants that both they who sow and they who reap should rejoice together.

 The Jewish Encyclopedia comments on the absence of uniformity in the different scholars' accounts of the tithing law (page 254, art. tithe).  "The Talmudic Jews solve this apparent contradiction by supposing that there are two tithes [ibid.].  The obligations imposed by these two tithes amounting to as much as twenty percent for many individuals made the collection of these contributions very difficult to enforce, as is indicated in the passages in Nehemiah" (Nehemiah 10:36-39, 12:44, 13:5,7 and Malachi 3:8-10).

 Throughout Israel's early history there are many recorded abuses of the people by negligent and/or rebellious priests and other appointed leaders.  Many of God's prophets suffered terribly in their work of warning the people and the leaders.

 During the days of Eli and his sons we have a typical situation.  Eli was an elderly man and he was the High Priest. His two sons were called "sons of Belial" (I Samuel 2:22-27) and "knew not the Lord."  They had become accustomed to helping themselves to the best of the offerings.  Scripture also states they were committing fornication with some of the women who came to offer.  Eli had become a permissive parent and his sons no longer listened to him.  God sent a messenger to warn him.  He asked Eli why he had allowed his sons to make themselves fat off of the chiefest of the offerings.
 While this story does not directly involve the tithes, the fleshly or carnal principle of leaders fattening themselves off of the people has always been a cause of God's indignation coming against those who would exploit His people.  Has God's mind changed on this matter?  God says, "I change not." (Malachi 3:6; Hebrew 13:8.)

 Under the tithing law as set forth in Numbers 18:32, the Levites were forbidden to pollute the Holy things of the children of Israel under penalty of death.  Both Eli and his sons died as a result of disobedience to this ordinance of God.
 
 
Chapter 4

MALACHI
 
 

 The name Malachi means "my angel or messenger."  As there is only one word for angel or messenger in the Greek, the same is true in the Hebrew.  The word "malak" is angel, messenger, or ambassador.  Three of the scriptures in the Gospel according to Matthew (4:23; 9:35; 10:1) state that Jesus went about healing people of diseases.  The word for diseases is "malakia" a Greek form of the Hebrew "malak."  It appears that some of the curses foretold by Malachi had come upon the people of Jesus' time in the form of afflictions.  Paul referred to his affliction as a messenger of Satan, a "thorn in the flesh" (II Corinthians 12:7).

 Malachi is one of six minor prophets lacking a specific time setting in his message.  There are some who question whether the name Malachi should be taken as a proper name or as a title.  The name does not appear anywhere else in the Old Testament.  According to Pieter Verhoes, in Haggai and Malachi, the name of Malachi would not have been considered a suitable one for a child.  The same author refers to the Jewish scholars and church fathers' referring to the composer of this prophecy as an angel in human form.

 It is evident in the content that his message is given after temple worship is restored along with the animal sacrifices. The atmosphere or society in which he moves sounds very similar to the one Jesus met in his ministry; a time when the legal system of the nation is floundering.

 The prophecy contains a stern rebuke to the nation and to the Priesthood.  There is mention of a "governor" in chapter 1:8, and some authorities say this may refer to the Persian dignitary (or possibly Nehemiah) appointed to oversee the territory.  The book assumes the existence of the temple. Moreover, the conditions agree with those described in Ezra and Nehemiah, but there is no mention of any acquaintance on the author's part with either Ezra or Nehemiah.  We find in the book of Malachi a directive for the future that reaches at least to the times of John the Baptist and the Messiah.

 The time of his prophecy is considered by some Jewish sources to be during a period of about 40 years after the "seal of prophecy."  (BPC, Vol. 1, Art. Malachi, [In the introduction to Malachi, the writer states, "And now that prophecy was to cease, he speaks more clearly of the Messiah as neigh at hand, and concludes with a direction to the people of God to keep in remembrance, the law of Moses, while they were in expectation of the Gospel of Christ."])

 Malachi's message has, for at least decades, been the main reference used to suggest that the "Household of Faith" is duty bound to offer up to God a tenth of one's income, and God in return, would reward the giver of tithes by rebuking the devourer.  But, is this what Malachi is truly saying?

 The people are verbally chastened for not honoring God as the Father He is to them, and the priests have despised His Name.  Later in chapter 3, God says he has a book of remembrance for those who know Him and honor Him, and discuss His word with others.

 In chapter 1, the priests are corrected for offering lame and blemished animals in sacrifices and the question is put to them, "Would your governor be pleased with such a sacrifice?" Their mercenary approach to their work is a cause for the change that is prophesied for the future.  The smallest tasks have for them become laborious and unrewarding, they think. And the prophet is moved to speak of a future time when, (verse 11), "...from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering:  for My Name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts."  In the New Testament, it is the prayers of His people that is the fulfilling of the offering of incense (Revelation 5:8, 8:3,4).

 It was the duty of the Priests to preserve the true word of God, and Malachi brings this to their remembrance when he says (chapter 2:2), they are to keep the covenant entrusted to them, a covenant of life and peace which had been made with them because the tribe of Levi had reverenced God's Name. They had been faithful in past ages and had turned many to serve God, but by Malachi's time they had turned aside and were a cause of stumbling to the people.  Malachi 2:8, "But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts."  Some of the Priests had put away their wives, and had remarried into forbidden relationships.  All of this caused a "stumbling" to the people.

 Ezra and Nehemiah dealt swiftly and "as with a two edged sword" terminated these marriages.  If Ezra and Nehemiah dealt with the Priests in such a manner, how much more will Jesus deal with those who pervert His word, by teaching doctrine that has been done away (Ezra 10:1-44.)? This earth, through "false" teaching, has had "tares" sown all over it.

 The issues in Malachi's prophecy are not just tithing as some make it sound; they are warned of a pending curse if they do not honor God's Name.  The tribe of Levi was appointed by God because they had feared Him (chapter 2:5-7) and had, in the past, kept the knowledge of His word and law.

 The third chapter of Malachi is the most often quoted section of all scripture in the effort to support tithing as mandatory to this present time.  The tithes were to be brought to the storehouse so that there would be meat in God's house. The Hebrew word for storehouse is "owtsar."  The word for meat is "tereph" and the Hebrew for house is "bayith."

 God's physical storehouse ("owtsar") was a place where gold, silver and vessels could be stored.  The vessels of the ministry were sprinkled with blood as a symbol of their purification for use.  (Hebrews 9:21 - "Moreover He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.")  Today, we are the vessels which have been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus.  According to Malachi 3:16-17, those who honor God, as the Father, will be His jewels, and He will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.

 The word translated as "meat" in Malachi 3:10 is "tereph," from a root word "taraph," it refers to something "freshly plucked" or something "torn in pieces."  Only three times is it translated as "meat"; those being Malachi 3:10, Psalms 111:5 and Proverbs 31:15.  The basic meaning of "tear in pieces" usually is connected with large beasts of prey as the subject.  In the Old Testament it is usually the lion or the wolf, but sometimes the leopard is the predator.  The natural quest of these animals for nourishment involves violence and, thus, these creatures can be very effectively used in figurative speech. So the word "tereph" takes on the meaning "(de)spoil, prey or booty."

 We must also remember that the spoils of war (Numbers 31:9; 27-29) were not tithable; only a small portion (1/500th) going to the High Priest out of the half of the spoil apportioned to those who went to war and then of the half that went to the congregation, only 1/50th went to the Levites.

 Sometimes the Old Testament uses "taraph" in the metaphorical sense for people, nations, kings, or social classes. In the story of Joseph (Genesis 37), his brothers deceive their father into believing that a wild beast has torn (taraph) him and devoured (akal) him.

 The word "akal" is the one used for "devourer" in Malachi 3:11.  The messenger tells the priests that the devourer would be rebuked resulting in the crops being protected and the trees would not drop their fruit before their time.  The word "akal" could refer to men or animals.  Sometimes the figurative use of the word animal could also mean a nation; it is also used to express destructive or hostile activities.  In Numbers 23:24 and 24:8, a lion or a wild beast "devourers" the enemy.  There are scriptures where other nations become the "devourer" that is used to consume Israel.

 Ancient Israel was often warned that disobedience to the law of Moses would result in their being disciplined and/or left alone to face the devourer of their society.

  Ezekiel 22:25, refers to a lion ravening (tearing in pieces) the prey.  The lion in the scriptures can be used as a symbol of the law.  "There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof."

 We have to ask ourselves if Malachi is referring to the literal tithes and why all that tithe?  There were many other types of offerings if the need was for food.  The alternative solution is that this messenger is referring to the people who have been neglected by the pastors.  Ezekiel 34 describes what has been repeated many times over the centuries.  Churches have exploited the laity, not worrying about how they are left. God says (verse 10) the time comes when he "will require his flock at their hand, and will cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore."

 Does the "meat" of Malachi 3:10 mean the physical meat or does God want the weary and war-torn brought to his house?  Did not Jesus make it clear that though overlordship had been the policy among the Gentiles, it was not to happen among his servants?  Matthew 21:27, "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."  Jesus left an example of serving others ahead of ourselves.  Matthew 21:28, "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

 Jesus explains in Matthew 6:25; and Luke 12:23, that life is more than meat.  In John 4:32-34, Jesus says, "But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.  [Verse 33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him aught to eat?  [Verse 34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."  John 6:27, "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you:  for Him hath God the Father sealed."  [Verse 55] "For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed."

  Malachi 3:8-11 is commonly used to teach people, especially by Christian professing ministers today, there is a curse for not tithing.  They assert the tithing law is in force and God will rebuke the devourer if the people tithe.  And because God will rebuke the devourer, the fruits of the ground would not be destroyed and the vines would not cast their fruit in the field before their time.  Could it possibly be that the ministries who proclaim we are under "a curse" if we are not tithing are the perpetrators of the serious problems engulfing this nation, by proclaiming such bunk?  Have they called in the "devourer"?

 Proverbs 30:15 states, "The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, `Give, give....'"  (BPC, AC said that this creature, "the horseleach," was thought to be a vampire like creature.  It is interesting that the Hebrew word for "horseleach" is "aluwqah."  Spelled backwards it is "haqwula!" Could this possibly be where the name "Dracula" came from?) Are the ministries of today fulfilling this verse and acting as "horseleaches," telling us to give and give as they never have enough?  And then they add insult to injury and proclaim we are "cursed" if we do not!

 The "curse," spoken of here in Malachi, refers to the blessings and cursings listed in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.  God states in these chapters what would befall the nation of Israel, under the "curse" for failing to obey the concepts and precepts they had agreed to follow.  Since, Jesus bore "the curse" as stated in Galatians 3:13, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:  for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree."  How can the curse of Malachi possibly be referring to the New Testament Christian?  Especially when we find in Galatians 3:14, "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."

 In Malachi 4 there is an admonition that a messenger was coming from God whom Jesus said was John the Baptist. However, there have been men proclaiming to be this messenger and proclaiming to be Apostles from God, who were, unfortunately, devouring wolves.  They appeared to be "ministers of light," when in reality they were there to steal the sheep and proclaim themselves Apostles of God! (II Corinthians 11:13-15.)

 And, because there is an admonition in chapter 4 to remember the Law that was given to Moses on Mt. Horeb, some ministers have used this to support their teaching on the law of tithing for the New Covenant Church.  It then becomes convenient to call themselves "Elijahs" and proclaim the law to be in effect.
 At the time the "TRANSFIGURATION" took place; Jesus privately took His disciples, Peter, James and John with Him to the mountain to pray.  As Jesus was praying His countenance became altered, and His clothing became white and glistening; and two men were seen [by the disciples] talking with Him.  One was Moses and the other was Elias "Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem" (Luke 9:28-35).  The disciples had become very drowsy and awakened to witness this scene.  As the scene passed, Peter said to Jesus, "`Master, it is good for us to be here:  and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, one for Moses and one for Elias;' not knowing what he said." While Peter was speaking, a cloud came down and engulfed them all, and a voice said, "This is My Beloved Son, hear Him." This whole scene tells us that One greater than the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elias) has come.  The Father, God, said Jesus is Lord and was to be listened to above all others! Remember, the law and prophets were until John and they are now extinct.

 Jesus instructed Peter, James and John to "Tell the vision to no man until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead."  Afterwards, the disciples reasoned among themselves about what He meant by "the rising from the dead" (Mark 9:10).  Jesus wanted His disciples to know that all things were to continue the same until He arose from the dead.

 We question whether or not this voice, in the cloud, was saying, "No more tabernacles" Peter, I AM is leaving the "physical temple" made with hands.  That was made clear when in 69 or 70 A.D. the "temple" was destroyed, once and for all.
 To build buildings does not honor God.  He wants HIS PEOPLE to build up their faith, as they ARE NOW, HIS TEMPLE.

 Abraham was looking for a city whose builder and maker was God.  Jesus said, "Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it and was glad."  He saw it in the coming of Jesus; in the coming of the Messiah.
 

Chapter 5

WHO GOT ROBBED?
 
 

 Malachi 3:8 asks a question, "Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed me.  But ye say, `Wherein have we robbed thee?'  In tithes and offerings."  The Hebrew word for "rob" used here is "qaba."  Very little information on this word is available to the writers at this time.  The only other place in scripture where the Hebrew word "qaba" is used is found in Proverbs 22:22-23 where "qaba" is translated "spoil."

  Proverbs 22:22, "Rob not the poor because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:  [Verse 23], For the Lord will plead their cause and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them."  The Hebrew word for "rob" here is "gazal," and means to flay, strip, rob, catch, consume, to commit robbery, pluck off, rob, spoil, take away by force or violence, or tear.  Is this not what some of the prophets described?  The word "qaba," is used in the scriptures only these four times in Malachi 3 and two times in Proverbs 22:23.

 God's mind has not changed about the oppression of the poor and needy.  In Exodus 22, there is a warning that the Lord would destroy those who oppressed the widows and other needy people such as strangers and orphans.  In Isaiah 58:7, 10, God shows His mind again when He tells us it is His desire that the heavy burdens be undone, the oppressed go free and every yoke broken.

 What does the above information have to do with robbing God?  Simply this, as Matthew 25:4 states, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, `Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'"
 In Isaiah 42 we find out who was robbed.  Verse 22 states, "But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses:  they are for a prey and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, `Restore.'"  The Hebrew for "prison" is "kele" from "kala" meaning to restrict by act or to hold back in word, etc.  Have not the doctrinal barriers done this?

 The Hebrew word for "restore" is "shuwb," and means to turn back to truth or to repent.  The ministries who teach going back into the law are keeping people in prison houses, supporting doctrinal barbed wire fences, and robbing the people of the true gospel of Jesus Christ!  In Romans 3:28, Paul wrote, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith WITHOUT THE DEEDS OF THE LAW."  (The Greek word for "without," is #5565 "choros" and means at a space, i.e., separately or apart from.)  Romans 6:14, "For sin shall not have dominion over you:  for YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, BUT UNDER GRACE."

 Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34:4, 8, and 10 declare, "The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.  [Verse 8], As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock. [Verse 10], Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them."  The word "meat" used here is from the primary Hebrew root word "akal," to devour.

 Malachi 3:9, 10 says, "Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation."  The ministries today proclaim that we are robbing God if we do not tithe.  They claim the whole nation is under this curse because of this "transgression."  It is time, we as a people, followed the example laid down by the Bereans, and studied to see if these things be so.  (See Acts 17:11.)

 Since every preacher reads Malachi 3 as it is, without carefully checking it, there has been a serious oversight in translation.  And it seems to have escaped detection for several centuries.  The word "even," in Hebrew, (#1571, "gam,") is translated hundreds of times in scripture as ALSO.  Replace "even" with "also" in Malachi 3 and it becomes clear.  How can someone rob God?  Did God not say in Psalms 50:12, "If I were hungry, I would not tell thee:  for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof."  Obviously, God is not hungry, and was not saying that He was desirous of literal "meat" being taken into his storehouse!  What He is saying, is the priests were not feeding the real "meat" of His word to the people.  He declared that the priests were not just robbing Him, but they were robbing the whole nation.  Ezekiel 34:2, "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, `Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves!'  Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?  [Verse 3], Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed:  but ye feed not the flock."

 Since the priests are told they have robbed God and the whole nation, is it not possible that the Talmudists recorded sometimes four different tithes because others may have been specified by their leaders?  Jesus states in Matthew 23:4, "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."

 Jesus was recorded by three Gospel writers; Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:17; and Luke 19:46.  Quoting Matthew 21:12, "And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, [Verse 13], And said unto them, `It is written [Isaiah 56:7] My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.'"  This has come to pass again (the house of prayer being made a den of thieves).

 Malachi 3 cannot even be applied to our age because God's house "bayith" is outside the temple precincts of the city of Jerusalem.  God's dwelling place, now, is in the midst of His people; we are His "bayith."  Acts 7:48-49 state, "Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, `Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me?' saith the Lord:  `or what is the place of my rest?'"  Stephen was stoned to death after giving this speech!  The people did not like hearing that God was not dwelling in a temple made of stone.
 Today, the temple of God is the repentant, regenerated (through Jesus) Christian, and the storehouse or treasury is the "heart" or "spirit" of the Christian.  The "meat" God wants stored in our "treasury" is the "pure word of His power and might."  It is through the POWER of knowing and living the "PURE WORD" that the devourer is rebuked.  James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  [Verse 8], Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."  I Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  [Verse 9], Whom resist stedfast in the faith,...."  Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  but I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

 The word "resist" in the verses in James and I Peter is from the Greek word "anthistemi" and means to stand against, i.e., oppose:  resist, withstand.  It is quite obvious that it is God's will that we:

 (1) Submit to God:  "Submit" is from the Greek word "hupotasso," and means to be subordinate; to obey! I Peter 4:17, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:  and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"  We submit to God, by obeying His word.

 (2) Draw nigh to Him.  This is done through study of His word; meditation on His word; and through communication with Him through prayer.  The best way to pray is through praying God His Word, as He says in Isaiah 55:11, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

 Through all of this and by sowing the "word of God" into the "treasury or storehouse" of our heart, and putting the "meat" of God's word in there, we will have the "spiritual arsenal" to enable us to, "resist the devil and cause Him to flee."  (God's Word is like a fire and a hammer that breaks rock into pieces, according to Jeremiah 23:29.  And verse 31, "Behold, I am against the prophets saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, `He saith.'")
 

Chapter 6

TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
 
 

 The scriptural statement of Jesus Christ in Matthew 23:23 is often quoted by today's ministries to propound that "tithing" crossed over into the New Testament. Verse 23 asserts, "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."  This is reiterated in Luke 11:42, "But woe unto you, Pharisees!  for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herb, and pass over judgment and the love of God:  these ought ye to have done and not to leave the other undone."

 We must come to understand that Jesus was born and lived under the law.  He upheld the letter of the law, but He Himself deliberately loosed it.  John 5:8, 18 shows how Jesus healed the impotent man on the sabbath as He told the man to rise, take up his bed and walk.  In verse 18, the Jews sought to kill Him because He had broken (loosed) the sabbath, and for making the statement that God was His father.  The law remained in force only until Jesus' resurrection, and the Levitical priesthood ceased to have jurisdiction over the followers of Christ who became the New Covenant church. Temple service was totally disrupted and ceased to exist with the destruction of Jerusalem in 69 to 70 A.D., and even the Jewish people stopped tithing at that time as there was no longer a "priesthood" or "temple" to which they could bring their tithes.

 JESUS was not a Levite!  He was of the tribe of Judah, and consequently, WAS NOT AUTHORIZED to TAKE NOR RECEIVE TITHES.  Luke 8:3 mentions those who assisted Jesus' ministry out of their property and personal belongings. This was not tithing as Christ could not accept tithes.  This was a free will offering.

  In Luke 10:3-16, Jesus told His disciples, during His earthly ministry, that they were to abide in the homes in the areas where they were welcomed, and where they taught the gospel.  Later, in Luke 22:36, He changed this command by telling them to take purse and scrip.  It is commonly assumed that Jesus was telling His Apostles to plan to take up collections or tithes.  But is He, perhaps, telling them from here on they may have to work for a living, as well as preach the gospel?

 When the Gentiles became converted through the preaching of Paul, a big discussion came about as to their having to become circumcised.  This was being insisted upon by the Jewish converts to Jesus Christ.  Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to see the other apostles and elders to get the matter settled.  (See Acts 15:1.)

 Acts 15:7 notes, "And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, `Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.  [Verse 8], And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; [Verse 9], And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.  [Verse 10], Now therefore WHY TEMPT YE GOD, TO PUT A YOKE UPON THE NECK OF THE DISCIPLES, WHICH NEITHER OUR FATHERS NOR WE WERE ABLE TO BEAR?  [Verse 19], Wherefore my sentence is, that WE TROUBLE NOT THEM, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:  [Verse 20], But that we write unto them, that THEY ABSTAIN FROM POLLUTIONS OF IDOLS, AND FROM FORNICATION, AND FROM THINGS STRANGLED, AND FROM BLOOD.'"  This was all that they were required to do.  Nothing is mentioned of tithing.

 Verse 24, "Foreasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, SAYING YE MUST be circumcised, and KEEP THE LAW:  to whom WE GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT:  [Verse 28], FOR IT SEEMED GOOD TO THE HOLY GHOST, AND TO US, TO LAY UPON YOU NO GREATER BURDEN THAN THESE NECESSARY THINGS; [Verse 29], That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well.  Fare ye well."  III John :7 states, "Because that FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE THEY WENT FORTH, TAKING NOTHING OF THE GENTILES."

 Romans 7:4 maintains, "Wherefore, my brethren, YE also ARE become DEAD TO THE LAW BY THE BODY OF CHRIST; THAT YE SHOULD BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER, EVEN TO HIM WHO IS RAISED FROM THE DEAD, THAT WE SHOULD BRING FORTH FRUIT UNTO GOD.  [Verse 6], But NOW WE ARE DELIVERED FROM THE LAW, THAT BEING DEAD WHEREIN WE WERE HELD; THAT WE SHOULD SERVE IN NEWNESS OF SPIRIT, AND NOT IN THE OLDNESS OF THE LETTER."  THE LAW IS DEAD!
 We need to comprehend these scriptures.  The law and the prophets were until John.  Jesus then lived His life as an example for us to follow, and gave instructions to His disciples to follow that example.  He loosed the sabbath!  He did not accept tithes, nor did He teach His disciples to take them. When He died on the cross and was resurrected, He did not grab the "tithing" law and bring it through the cross with Him. When His disciples carried His message to the Gentiles, the above verses were the only instructions they were given, and as you can see, they did not take anything from the Gentiles, but gave them His word as a "free" gift.
 
 

Chapter 7

THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS
 
 

 Why was the letter to the Hebrews written?  The author knew that the city of Jerusalem would fall, destroying the Temple, and that the Old Covenant was made null and void. Hebrews covers certain subjects in great detail.  The sabbath, the new "rest," tithing, the end of the sacrificial system and the change of the priesthood are discussed in terms that the Hebrew people, especially, would have understood.  This letter was needed in order that the changes would be clarified in their minds.  Please note this was not written to the Gentiles.

 A letter written to the Hebrew people is of significance to nations other than the children of Israel.  It discusses the fathers of the nation of Israel and Abraham, in particular, who is the literal father of many nations.  (As an aside, it is interesting to note that God, as a father, figures prominently in Malachi's message.  Under the new covenant, we are adopted sons of God and have the honor to speak to God as Father! [Matthew 6:9-13.])

 Some who have been totally dedicated to "legalism," on departure from it, feel overwhelmed by the separation and generally feel drawn back to the teachings.  The writer to the Hebrews is helping the people let go of the Old Covenant with its legalistic regulations.  He gradually teaches them that the promised High Priest has come with salvation, the promised rest has been offered in Christ, the Priesthood of Levi is fading away, the laws that required support of them are disannulled, and tithing as a law is gone with the Priesthood.  He is imploring the people to enter into the "rest" that has at last come.  (Jesus set the precedent when He, Himself, loosed the sabbath.)  Jesus is their prophesied "new rest!"
 The Hebrews are warned against becoming rebellious or contentious or provoking God as had happened in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:15-19), where many perished.

 In Hebrews 3:15, 16, speaking of Jesus, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."  The Greek word for "boldly" found in this scripture is #3954, "parrhesia" and means all outspokenness, bluntness, frankness.  After all, in Christ, you are the child of God, so call home frequently.

 The "tithe" doctrine keeps people in bondage to one man's precepts; and instead of allowing people to become mature in the Word of God, in order to help others understand God's truth, it keeps them under the schoolmaster of the law. (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7).  It is time that the people who call themselves "Christian" stop being spoon fed "pablum" and grow up and learn to study God's Word for themselves.  (Hebrews 5:12 contends, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  [Verse 13], For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  [Verse 14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.")

 None of us is going to be able to say to God, at the Throne of Judgment, "Well Pastor so-and-so said."  God is not going to accept that as His word says we are, each and every one, going to have to give account for ourselves.  The Word states in Philippians 2:12, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING."

 Hebrews 7 retells the account of Abraham and Melchizedek and the tithing on the spoils of war.  Melchizedek blessed Abraham and gave him bread and wine, which are types of the New Covenant symbols of the body and blood of Jesus. Verse 4 speaks about how great a personage was Melchizedek. (However, Jesus Christ is greater as stated in Ephesians 1:20-22, "...and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER, AND MIGHT, AND DOMINION, AND EVERY NAME THAT IS NAMED, NOT ONLY IN THIS WORLD, BUT ALSO IN THAT WHICH IS TO COME.  [Verse 22], AND HAS PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET, AND GAVE HIM TO BE THE HEAD OVER ALL THINGS TO THE CHURCH.")

 Continuing on, Hebrews 7:5 states, "And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham."  Let us examine this verse of scripture!  The sons of Levi, who were the priests, had a commandment to take tithes; but of whom?  ("Take" here is, Greek #353, "analambano" and means to take up, receive up. "Commandment" here is, Greek #1785, "entole" and means an injunction, or authoritative precept.)

 And the people in the above verse are not the general population of Israelites, as has been touted, but of the Levites, their brethren.  As in shown in Numbers 18:2, "And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee:  but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness."  (The word minister, as used in this chapter, is Hebrew #8334, "sharath," and means "to contribute, minister, serve, wait on.")  There is no indication, in the New Testament, that Jesus has called His followers to "wait on and be bond servants" to any ministry, and to make them rich.  We are fellow-laborers of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:7; 4:7).

 Hebrews 7:7 speaks of the "less" being blessed of the "better."  Are the "tithe" propounding ministries of today really blessing the people?  Or is it like Solomon said in Proverbs 13:11, "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."

 Hebrews 7:8, "And here men that die receive tithes, but there He receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that He liveth."  Who is receiving what from whom?  It is a well known cliche that money talks, and maybe in this world it does, but not in heaven!  What then?  MONEY DOES NOT WITNESS THAT JESUS LIVES.  Those who accept Jesus' sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sins and confess Him before men, are received by Him and confessed before the Father.  (Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8.)  (The Greek word for "receiveth them" in that verse is #3335, "metalambano," to participate, to accept and use, to eat and be a partaker with, to receive and take.)  It is not money that Jesus is receiving, it is a two way communion, and He is our Chief Advocate with the Father.  There is also a line of demarkation drawn between the men that die and the new High Priest who has eternal life and gives it to us.

 Hebrews 7:9-11 speaks of Levi, and God states perfection did not come through the Levitical system.  The law made nothing perfect (verse 19).  (The Greek word for "nothing" is #3762, and means, "oudeis," "oudemia," or "ouden," meaning not even one!)

 The subject of tithing in this letter to the Hebrews, is not even addressed until the author comes to the dismissal of the Levitical Priesthood.  They were inextricably bound together.

 Hebrews 7:12 shows, "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity [Greek #318, "anagke," constraint, distress, necessity, needful] a change also of the law."  (The Greek for changed [referring to the priesthood] is #3346, "methatithemi," carry over, remove, translate, turn.  Greek #3331, "metathesis," [for change of the law] means change, removing, translation.)  As we see from this scripture, the law on tithing and the Levitical priesthood were removed.

 Hebrews 7:18-19 says, "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.  [Verse 19], For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh to God."  (The Greek word for "disannulling" is #115, "athetesis," and means putting away, cancellation.)

 These terms used in the Greek, demonstrate the finality of the Old Covenant agreement, which was a marriage agreement between the Lord God and the nation of Israel. The totality of that covenant was set aside with nothing of it carried through the cross.  (Jeremiah 3:14; Ezekiel 16:8.)

 Jesus is a High Priest forever, after (Gk. #2596 "kata" and means 'more excellent') the order of Melchizedek.  Since Jesus is over all principality and power, as mentioned before, there is no need to speculate on the identity or office of the Great Melchizedek.

 Hebrews 8:7 states, "For if that first covenant has been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. [Verse 8], For finding fault with them, He saith, `Behold, the days come,' saith the Lord, `When I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah.'"  The problem with the first covenant was the priesthood.  They had to offer first for their own sins, and then the sins of the people. (Malachi said that the priests had robbed God, as well as the nation of Israel.)  Therefore, out of "necessity," due to the weakness and fallibility of the priesthood, a New Covenant had to be instituted.  (The word "fault" in Hebrews 8:8, is #3201 in the Greek, "memphonmai," and means to blame.)

 The Old Covenant was "loosed" by God to insure that the people would not be robbed for all eternity.  Acts 20:29 shows, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  [Verse 30], Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  [Verse 31], Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."

 Before we leave the book of Hebrews, there is an issue to be discussed which is directly connected with tithing and the finality of it as a law.  Under the Old Covenant law, there was the "passing under the rod" of the animals, the tenth being holy to the Lord.

 What is the possible message of the "tenth" animal under the rod, whether lame or torn?  In Leviticus 27:32-33, God tells Moses that these animals were not to be searched, whether good or bad "neither shall He change it."  There was an area near the temple where animals could be exchanged for one of "superior" quality.  We know that Jesus accepts all that come to Him and He will never deny anyone.  We know that God, as a tender loving Father, has made it possible for all of humanity to come to Him, through Christ.  In Hebrew the word "abar" for passeth, can have a wide range of meanings and refers to any transitions not necessarily "under" anything.  The word for "rod" is "shebet" and is also the rod of instruction, which is the law.

 In Hebrews 13:13, the author invites His readers "...to go forth therefore unto Him, without [outside] the camp away from the temple precincts."  In Jesus' day there was a causeway which the Romans had built from the Miphkad gate, East of the Temple, across the Kidron valley to the Mount of Olives. There was a polling area (Golgotha, from the Hebrew "gulgoleth," to poll or number the heads of households), at the east end of the causeway.  The distance was about 2000 cubits out to the area considered "outside" the city.

 The letter to the Hebrews invites, first of all, those who have been under the rod of the Old Covenant laws to accept the liberty that is offered to them in Christ.  The invitation went, next, to the entire world.  Jesus suffered, died and rose again, outside the gate.  IT'S OPEN HOUSE IN HEAVEN! EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ENTER THROUGH CHRIST WHO IS THE DOOR. (John 10:7)

 In Ephesians 4:8, we read, "Wherefore when He ascended up on high, He led captivity [Greek #161 "aichmalosia"] captive [Greek #162 "aichmaloteuo"] and gave gifts unto men."  The original Greek is saying Jesus led captivity or prisoners of war into captivity to Himself, as His bond servants and gave authority to His servants.  (Luke 9:1 states, "Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases.  [Verse 2] And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick."  Chapter 10:1 shows, "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.")  (See also Matthew 28:18-19 and Mark 16:15-20.)   We are all His disciples and we all have been translated into the Kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13).
 
 

Chapter 8

WHO RULES OVER WHOM?
 
 

 Even if Jesus had been here on earth when the letter to the Hebrews was written, He would not have been a priest (as He was of the tribe of Judah and not a Levitical priest.) (Hebrews 8:4 states, "He should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law.")  If Jesus would not take tithes while He was here on earth, why would some think that He wants His followers to pay tithes to those who say they are Melchizedek-type priests?

 Did Jesus leave us under the lordship of anyone other than Himself?  Mark 10:42-45 states, "But Jesus called them to Him and saith, unto them, `Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and their great ones exercise authority upon them.  [Verse 43] But so shall it not be among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:  [Verse 44] And whosoever will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.  [Verse 45] For the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.'"  (See Luke 22:25-27.)

 Those who question tithing as a law in force, also go on to the next logical question which seems to bother many.  How do you explain Hebrews 13:7, which directs us to "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God:  whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."  (The word remember is #3421 in the Greek, "mnemoneuo," and means to "be mindful."  "Rule" here is #2233 in the Greek and means "governor" or judge, have the rule over.  The word "end" in Greek is #1545, "ekbasis," and means an exit, [a way to escape, to go out].  The word for "conversation" in the Greek is #391, "anastrophe," and means their behavior.)

 We should consider that the letter to the Hebrews was written, from Rome, by Timothy under Paul's authorship.  The "civil authorities, the Levites," were the teachers of the law and keepers of the Word of God at that time.  Paul was saying, through Timothy, that the Hebrews were to follow the faithful, but to be discerning of the outcome of the conduct of those they followed.

 Remember, the letter to the Hebrews was written to them to explain that the law had been set aside, and caution them regarding whom they followed.  I Corinthians 11:1 admonishes them to "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."  They were cautioned by Paul, in Acts 20:29, that grievous wolves would enter into the church who would speak perverse things, to take followers after themselves.  Many people have fallen prey to unscrupulous "ministers," who have led them into cults, proclaiming themselves to be "ministers or even apostles" of Jesus Christ.  They have even used the words of the Apostle Paul, "Follow me, as I follow Christ."  Since the people are not "discerning of the spirit" (I John 4:1) of whom they follow, they follow the individual, sometimes into death, and reap the consequences of following a "false Jesus."  This is happening today, at this very moment in Texas.

 Jesus gave definite guidelines about whom we should not follow:  Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets;" Matthew 10:17, "But beware of men..."; Matthew 16:6, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees..."; Matthew 16:11, "that you should beware of the leaven of..."; and Matthew 16:12, "Then understood they how that He bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the DOCTRINE OF THE PHARISEES AND OF THE SADDUCEES."  (BPC of the New Testament, page 129, AC, "By false prophets we are to understand teachers of erroneous doctrines, who come professing a commission from God, but whose aim is not to bring the heavenly treasure to the people, but rather to rob them of their earthly good.")

 On page 137, (ibid.) Adam Clarke states, "Beware of the leaven.  Bad doctrines act in the soul as leaven does in meal; they assimilate the whole spirit to their own nature.  A man's particular creed has a greater influence on his tempers and conduct than most are aware of.  Pride, hypocrisy, and worldly-mindedness, which constituted the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, ruin the major part of the world."

 Page 138 (ibid.) notes, "They now perceived that He warned them, against the superstition of the Pharisees, which produced hypocrisy, pride, envy, etc., and the false doctrine of the Sadducees, which denied the existence of a spiritual world, the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the body, and the providence of God."

 Hebrews 13:17 declares, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves:  for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief:  for that is unprofitable for you."  (The word "obey" is the Greek #3982, "peitho" and means to pacify, to conciliate, to convince [by argument, true or false].)  Actually, they were to endeavor to keep the unity of the faith in the bond of peace, as was expounded in Ephesians 4:3.  (The Greek word for "submit" is #5226, "hupeiko," and means to surrender or submit.  The word "account" is Greek #3056, "logos," and means something said, reasoning, by expression Jesus Christ, word, account.  The word for "watch" here is Greek #69, "agrupneo," means to be sleepless, to keep awake.)

 (BPC, AC, page 1341, Hebrews 13:17 is expounded as to "Obey your leaders."  He is not fit to rule who is not capable of guiding.  He exhorts them to obey the leaders they now had. He told them to imitate their faith, and to submit to their authority in all manner of doctrine and discipline, on the ground they watched for their souls, and should not have to give account of their conduct to God.)

 (BPC, JFB, page 1341, states Paul did not seem to set himself in opposition to the guides of the believers of that time, but rather strengthened their hands:  He claims no authority directly or indirectly over these rulers themselves.  As they [rulers] do their part, so do you yours.)

 Hebrews 13:24, "Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints.  They of Italy salute you."

 Hebrews 13 was speaking of THAT DAY AND ERA OF TIME!  Today we must be careful of Judaizing preachers and cultic activity!  Jesus, Himself stated an open ended question in Luke 18:8, "I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.  Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?"

 Titus 1:13 states, "This witness is true.  Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; [Verse 14], Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth."  (In I Timothy 1:4-11; 4:1-7; and II Thessalonians 3:7-11; Paul launches a scathing, blistering rebuke to "would be ministers," who wanted to be teachers of the law.  He even advised them to get a job, just like he did, and preach the truth of God in their spare time.  Paul said, he had shown them the example that they should follow.)

 It is time the ministries of today get off of their high horse, and follow Paul's example.  Maybe if they "labored" for their personal needs, as well as preached the gospel, they would become more compassionate, and better understand their fellow man!  And, it is time "the sleeping giant" of Christianity realized they are being led about like "blind sheep" to the slaughter.  JESUS SAYS, "WAKE UP!"

 What could hamper the developing of the "faith" more than becoming entangled in the law?  The "tithing" law has become a stumbling block to many people.  Not because they are begrudging anything to God, but because they have been perplexed over the issue of blessings and cursings.  The reason it has been a stumbling block is the ministers direct the readers of scripture back to Malachi, a book that scholars commonly referred to as the "seal of prophecy."  When it is used to uphold "tithing," it also leads them back into the rest of the law, and opens them up to being ensnared.  Jesus said, "The law and the prophets were until John!"

 I Timothy 1:9 says, "Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man,...."  Once you have made Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Master, you become the "righteousness of God, in Christ" (II Corinthians 5:21).  The law was taken out of the way by Jesus, at the cross, and is not the "WAY" in which new converts were called to "WALK"!

 The affluence many of today's ministers receive from tithing has no precedent in the scriptures.  And it appears that in today's "church era" there are those who are still holding themselves up to be "rulers" of the people, lording it over their churches, and saying, "Do not call us for `healing' if you are not paying your tithes here."  Who gave them that kind of authority?  WHAT A "SLAP" IN THE FACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HOW INSIDIOUS TO MAKE SUCH A STATEMENT!  Obviously, they think they are better then Jesus Christ who willingly gave of His gifts to mankind, and did not ask for anything in return.  He said in Matthew 10:8, "Freely you have received, freely give."  Romans 8:32 expounds, "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" I Peter 2:24 states, "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:  by whose stripes ye were healed."  JESUS DID THIS "FOR FREE."  WE DO NOT HAVE TO PAY "TITHES" TO A MINISTRY BEFORE WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF HEALING.  SINCE WHEN DO YOU PAY FOR A GIFT GIVEN TO YOU?

 Matthew 7:21-23 shows that "Not every one that saith unto me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [Verse 22], Many will say to me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in they name?  and in thy name have cast out devils?  and in thy name done many wonderful works?' [Verse 23], And then will I profess unto them, `I never knew you:  depart from me, ye that work iniquity.'"

 II Peter 2:1-3 warns, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  [Verse 2], And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the WAY OF TRUTH SHALL BE EVIL SPOKEN OF.  [Verse 3], AND THROUGH COVETOUSNESS SHALL THEY WITH FEIGNED [Greek #4112 from 4111, "plastos" and means artificial, fictitious, to fabricate] WORDS MAKE MERCHANDISE OF YOU: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."

 REMEMBER ELI'S MINISTRY!
 
 

Chapter 9

THE CHURCH TODAY, KINGDOM OR SERFDOM?
 
 

 Old Testament Israel was told by God that He had set before them life or death.  He told them to choose life!  (See Deuteronomy 30:19-20.)  Choosing "life" meant obedience to all the statutes, commandments, and judgments that God had set down.

 We are free to choose again today; and scripture urges us to choose freedom in Christ and disentanglement from law related issues.  Some are hearing that choosing of life, now, is to turn to the law.  But, this is opposed to salvation by grace through faith.  We are called to repentance from sin. Romans 8:3 asserts, "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."

 Jesus warned His disciples that overlordship was not to be exercised by His followers.  Matthew 20:25-28 states, "But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, `Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.  [Verse 26], But it shall not be so among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, let Him be your minister'; [Greek word for "minister" here is #1249, "diakonos," and means to run on errands]. [Verse 27], And whosoever will be chief among you, let Him be your servant:  ["servant" in Greek for this passage is #1401, "doulos," and means subjection or subserviency and "bond servant".]  [Verse 28], Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.'"  Matthew 23:8 shows, "But be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren."
 The tithing law as used by today's "would-be-priests," elevates them, in their minds, to a position on par with the high priests in that, through this concept, they exercise overlordship. They say the law gives them the right to the tithes.  They forget the law said it would give the Levitical priests a "heave offering" from the tithes received by the "lower Levites," who received them from the general population (Numbers 18:28-29).  The priestly office received only a small portion from the Levites, and in turn gave a portion of what they received to the High Priest.  This was a "trickle down economy" in every aspect.

 Tithing became so legalistically intense that the Levitical priests became concerned about the ants carrying away tithable goods from the fields or any place the ants had access.  They burdened the tither by demanding they pay a tithe on the ant hills.  With this in mind, it's time to consider what Peter said in Acts 15:10, "Now therefore WHY TEMPT YE GOD, TO PUT A YOKE UPON THE NECK OF THE DISCIPLES, WHICH NEITHER OUR FATHERS NOR WE WERE ABLE TO BEAR."

 The book Monastic Tithes, by Constable, explains there was no sign of the paying of tithes in the New Testament church during the first 400 years of Christianity.  It was not introduced until later by the Catholic church.  There is some speculation that they are considering restarting the practice.

 In I Corinthians 9:14-18, Paul tells the Corinthians that he prefers not to take any money from the congregation, even though he has the right (power) to do so in keeping with the example and doctrine of Jesus Himself, who was assisted by a number of people.  Paul did not use the prerogative (power) he had lest he abused it.  [The Greek word for "abuse" here is "katachraomai" and means to misuse or overuse.]  Paul never refers to taking tithes as a means of support.  He makes clear the right he has to expect assistance in the form of money and worldly goods.

 In verse 18, Paul states he does not want to abuse his power in the Gospel.  The Greek word used for power here is "exousia" and means "privilege" in the sense of ability.  It denotes a right or to be lawful.  In verse 11 of the same chapter, Paul says, "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?"  In the entire ninth chapter of I Corinthians, Paul never stated tithing was in force.  If it were, this is where he would have clarified the matter.

 Paul chose to work as a tent maker for his own support. Why?  So that the Gospel message would not be hindered. Verse 17 and 18 state, "For if I do this thing willingly [Greek #1635, "hekon," and means voluntarily], I have a reward:  but if against my will, a dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me.  What is my reward then?  Verily, that when I preach the gospel I may MAKE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WITHOUT CHARGE, that I ABUSE NOT MY POWER IN THE GOSPEL."

 I Corinthians 11:1 maintains, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."  Paul preached the gospel of Jesus Christ at his own cost.  He labored as a tent maker.  (Our advice to the ministers of today is, go and do you likewise!)

 Continuing in verse 14, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." The word "live" in this verse is Greek #2198, "zao" and is rendered life, lifetime, lively, and quick.  The main meaning of "zao" is to live of the spirit of God; to live through Christ.  The just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38).  To live ("zao") of the Gospel was not a matter of being paid to teach the scriptures, but to live completely within the Gospel:  qualified dedication, knowledge and an attitude of service following the example of Jesus.
 
 

Chapter 10

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME!
 
 

 The work of John the Baptist as prophesied by Malachi 4:6 was to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.  Or, as we read in Luke 1:17, "And He shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the heart of the fathers to the children, AND THE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WISDOM OF THE JUST; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

 Psalm 127:3 shows us that children are our heritage from the Lord.  Our first financial responsibility, in the Lord, is providing for the welfare of the family.  Some may think it is just a cliche that "charity begins at home."  Yet, it is stated in, I Timothy 5:4 THAT PIETY STARTS AT HOME!  (The Greek word for "piety" is #2151, "eusebeo," meaning to show reverence and or respect towards God and parents).

 Children, you are to obey your parents, in the Lord, for this is the first commandment with promise (Ephesians 6:1-2).

 I Timothy 5:8 expounds, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."

 To observe the tithe law ahead of planning to help one's own kin does not honor God at all.  The scripture quoted in I Timothy 5:4, 8, shows that honoring God in the home is providing for the needs (spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially) of your own, this is to be the first priority.  God never asked for any material thing from Israel until He had provided them over and above all their needs.  He then asked for a free will offering, from a willing heart.
 II Corinthians 12:14 states, "Behold the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you; FOR I SEEK NOT YOURS BUT YOU:  FOR THE CHILDREN OUGHT NOT TO LAY UP FOR THE PARENTS, BUT THE PARENTS FOR THE CHILDREN. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you."  Paul was stating the fact that it was expedient and necessary to provide for one's household, especially one's children.  He was also speaking of the Church providing for their children, not the other way around.  How often have parents given their children's financial security, or inheritance away to a church? This was never required by God!

 There is no indication, in scripture, that ministering is a matter of going to school to learn a set of doctrines.  This was started by man, who set up the "traditions of men" for others to follow.  When one goes to a "seminary or college of theology" to get taught about God's Word, he has unknowingly thumbed his nose at the authority of the Holy Spirit, and has ingested the "doctrine" according to "so and so."   Yet it says in I John 2:26-27, "That we need not for a man to teach us, that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth" (paraphrased).

 Can there be a better illustration to serving Jesus Christ than being able to work and provide for one's family; to show the precepts of God's Spirit by setting the "right example?"  The examples of the early church are just that--if a man could not show the characteristics of having provided for his own household, how could he be used in the ministry when scripture says, "it is an infidel who does not provide for his own."

 Isaiah 58:6-7 asks, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen?  to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?  [Verse 7], Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?  when thou seest the naked that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"  In other words, you are required to take care of your own family first. If people took these scriptures to heart and did take care of their own family first, our welfare system would be unburdened, and the homeless would be (in the majority of cases) provided for from their own families. It is time the hearts of the fathers are turned back to their children, and the children to the fathers, and the fathers of this nation took care of their own. Jesus said in Matthew 12:29-30 that His yoke was easy and His burden light.

 Paul's requirement for "widows" was that they diligently follow every good work in I Timothy 5:10.  They could not receive assistance from the church unless they met this requirement.  If this was required of the widows, how much of a stricter standard was set for those in the ministry?

 Those next deserving of assistance were the "poor" in the household of faith.  In Galatians 6:10, "As we have, therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."  II Corinthians 8:4 refers to the "gift to the saints" that Paul was collecting.  Galatians 2:10 mentions the concerns all the Apostles shared in helping the poor.  (The Greek for "poor" used here is #4434, "ptochos," and means beggarly, poor, pauper.)  Those gifts were providing the basic necessities of life.
 Service through hospitality, as stated in Romans 12:13, "Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality." I Peter 4:9-10 notes, "Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  [Verse 10], As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."  Showing hospitality serves to strengthen others as well as oneself.

 The "Elijah" work was to put the family back together, with the "true government of God" being established in the home.  (The chain of command in the "true government of God" is God the Father, Jesus Christ, the father, the mother to the children.)  The parents are to teach their children, as Abraham taught his.

 God spoke of Abraham in Genesis 8:19, "For I know him, that HE WILL COMMAND HIS CHILDREN AND HIS HOUSEHOLD after him, and THEY SHALL KEEP THE WAY OF THE LORD, TO DO JUSTICE AND JUDGMENT; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him."  After the Levitical priesthood and the law ceased to exist, the responsibility for instructing the people, in the New Covenant, was with the Apostles.  They, in turn, instructed the parents to rear their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-4).

 We have come to see a situation in society where preachers deny the importance of the principle of God's government in the home.  They stress that tithing is a law ahead of all other commitments, when, in reality, there is no longer a law of tithing!  How many nations have there been where Christianity was never taught, but reverence for parents has always been understood.  They have "done by nature those things contained in the law" (Romans 2:14) because it was written in their hearts.
 
 

Chapter 11

GIVE WHAT AND TO WHOM?
 

 We have been taught by many ministries that it was our Christian duty to pay tithes and offerings into their ministries in order that they could preach the "gospel" to others.  Since we have learned that is not the case, what is required of us?

 Paul stated in Romans 13:7, 8, "Render therefore to all their dues:  tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear [this means respect, not fear]; honour to whom honour.  [Verse 8], OWE NO MAN ANYTHING, but to love one another:  for He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."  [BPC, AC, verse 7 was referring to the civil authorities.]  Verse 8, "You owe to your fellow brethren nothing but mutual love, and this is what the law of God requires, and in this the law is fulfilled."

 I Timothy 5:21 states, "Let the elders that rule [Greek #4291, "proistemi," to stand before (in rank) to preside] well be counted worthy of double honour [Greek #1362, "diplous," double, two-fold, and #5092, "time," a value, i.e., money paid, valuables, esteem or the dignity itself] especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."  We see by this verse that Paul stated the elders were worthy to receive valuables for their service to the people.  These valuables could be money, but not always money!  They were to receive the respect that went with the position of being an elder, and they were, also, to walk worthy of their calling (Colossians 1:10).

 I Timothy 3:2-6 shows what the requirements are, as set down by Paul, for becoming an elder:

  (1) To be blameless [not spoken against].

  (2) A husband of one wife.

  (3) Vigilant [sober, circumspect].

  (4) Of good behavior [orderly, modest].

  (5) Given to hospitality [entertain strangers].

  (6) Apt to teach [instructive].

  (7) Not given to wine [not a drunkard].

  (8) No striker [quarrelsome].

  (9) NOT GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE [shameful, base; sordid, gain].

 (10) Patient [mildness, gentleness].

 (11) Not a brawler [peaceable].

 (12) Not covetous [not greedy of filthy lucre, not covetous].

 (13) Rules his house well [maintain, be over, rule; dwelling, family, household; morally well, honestly, well].

 (14) Having his children in subjection with all gravity [child, children (sons & daughters); subjection; honesty].

 (15) NOT A NOVICE [newly planted, a young convert].

 (16) Have a good report of them that are without [good, honest, worthy; evidence given, record, report, testimony, witness; outside of, away, strange].

 The requirements for an elder's wife are:

  (1) Be grave [honorable, honest] (Proverbs 31).

  (2) Not slanderers [a false accuser, slanderer, devil].

  (3) Sober [circumspect, sober, vigilant].

  (4) Faithful in all things [trustful, believe, faithful, sure, true].

 As you can readily see, anyone desiring to be an elder in the Household of God, had to have his own house in order. What does it mean to have one's household in control?  It simply means the person must have all aspects of his household (family, business, life) in divine order so as to be worthy of being chosen for such an honorable position as an elder. (When one has his business in order, he generally is financially secure and does not need money for his service to God.)   His life had to pass all scrutiny, and he had to have a good report from those who were  outside of the Household of faith.  His wife had to pass certain requirements, and obviously, they had to have a harmonious marriage, without strife and debate, in order that he was capable of fulfilling the requirements of his "office."

 Even though the "office" of an elder was worthy of being paid for the services rendered, Paul through Timothy, doubly cautioned the elders about being greedy of "filthy lucre."  He had also stated that he wished they would do as he did and work outside of the ministry for their needs, and do the ministering as a service of love.

 In Titus 1:10-11, Paul warns the church at Crete, where Titus is pastor, "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision:  whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake."  Paul describes them as lazy and ravenous persons who are preying on the church.

 In the Apostles' days, the point of the law that caused the most dissension in the church was circumcision.  Tithing does not seem to have been an issue.

 Many ministers today hold up II Corinthians 9 as a banner and wave it in front of the people of God, and say "This is for you."  They say, "God says, `As you sew into this ministry, such and such will come to you.'"  Are they correct in what they are saying?  What is II Corinthians 9 really saying?

 II Corinthians 9:1 asserts, "For as TOUCHING THE MINISTERING TO THE SAINTS, it is superfluous for me to write to you:  [Verse 5], Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness."  (The Greek word for "bounty" here, is #2129, "eulogia", and denotes a blessing, or religious benediction, fine speaking or elegance of language.)  This shows the "gift" being given was done as a religious benediction or a blessing from the Corinthians to the Macedonians.

         Paul was exhorting the Corinthians to be generous in their giving.  Verse 6, "But this I say, `He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully, [Verse 7], Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:  for God loveth a cheerful giver.'"

 He went on to tell them in verse 8, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: [Verse 9], As it is written, HE HATH DISPERSED ABROAD; HE HATH GIVEN TO THE POOR:  HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS REMAINETH FOREVER."

 He told them in verse 12, "For the ADMINISTRATION OF THIS SERVICE NOT ONLY SUPPLIETH THE WANT OF THE SAINTS, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; [Verse 13], Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men."

 Paul was not taking up an offering of money or "tithes" from the Corinthian church for the ministry, but as you can see, he was sending a "bountiful" gift to the Macedonians, with great love, thanksgiving and a religious benediction of good words. The Corinthians were encouraged to give with a willing heart, as God would reward them if the "gifts" came from a "cheerful" heart.

 This distribution, and the resultant blessing on the Corinthians for being allowed this privilege of contributing to the poor in Macedonia, was not a liberal financial offering to the ministers.  The church, collectively, took up this offering of foodstuffs and such, and it was dispatched to those in need.  It was on the premise of "share and share alike"!  And for their generosity, God promised to meet their needs.

 Paul in his letter to the Romans, chapter 15:25-29, states, "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.  For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.  [Verse 27], It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are.  For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things...."  Here, again, it is iterated that they are not giving to the ministry, but to the poor.

 Acts 10:1 speaks of an Italian centurion named Cornelius.  Verse 2 says he was "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always."

 Verse 3 shows "He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, [possibly 3 P.M.] an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, `Cornelius.'  [Verse 4], And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, `What is it, Lord?'  And He said unto him, `THY PRAYERS AND THINE ALMS ARE COME UP FOR A MEMORIAL BEFORE GOD.'"  (BPC, AC, page 759, #4, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial.  Being all performed in simplicity and godly sincerity, they were acceptable to the Most High. Come up for a memorial.  This form of speech is evidently borrowed from the sacrificial system of the Jews.  Pious and sincere prayers are high in God's estimation; and therefore are said, `to ascend to Him,' as the smoke and flame of the burnt offering appeared to ascend to heaven.  These prayers and alms came up for a memorial before God.  This is a manifest allusion to the meat offering, which, in Leviticus ii, 16, is said to be a memorial [speaking after the manner of men] to put God in remembrance that such a person was His worshipper and needed His protection and help.")

 Cornelius was the first Gentile converted to Christianity. He had all the qualifications of an elder (Acts 10:22), even before he received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44).  He was so devoted that all his household were converted.  It was not Cornelius' financial gifts to a ministry that pleased God, as we have no record of him giving to any ministry.  It was his generosity to the "poor."
 
 

Chapter 12

PHARISEE OR PUBLICAN?
 
 

 In the 18th chapter of Luke, Jesus gave a parable about a widow who came to an unjust judge demanding that he avenge her of her adversaries.  In verse 5 the judge declares, "...yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  [Verse 6], And the Lord said, `Hear what the unjust judge saith.  [Verse 7], And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?  [Verse 8], I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.  NEVERTHELESS WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMETH, SHALL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?'"  This parable shows that the widow was granted her request because she came before the unjust judge with a determined, tenacity fully expecting to receive her request, and she never deviated from her resolve to have her petition granted.  Jesus then proceeded to show that God, who is not wearied or troubled by the requests of His people, will move speedily on their behalf when they make requests of Him in faith, full expecting Him to grant their petition.

 Continuing in verse 10, "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. [Verse 11], The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. [Verse 12], I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.'  [Verse 13], And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, `God be merciful to me a sinner.'  [Verse 14], I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other:  For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted."  Jesus showed that self-righteousness was a sin and works by themselves were nothing.  Despite the Pharisee's keeping all of the law, including tithing, he received nothing for it as he did it out of duty, show and self-righteousness.  The publican was justified through faith.  Think not you stand, lest you fall (I Corinthians 10:12).

 Would Jesus find faith if He returned today, or would He find people duped into trusting in works of the law?  Paul taught IF ONE IS TRUSTING IN THE WORKS OF THE LAW, HE HAS FALLEN FROM GRACE.  GRACE IS THROUGH FAITH, NOT LAW.  FAITH AND LAW ARE NOT COMPATIBLE!  Romans 3:16 iterates, "Knowing that a MAN IS NOT JUSTIFIED [Greek #1344, "dikaioo," to render just or innocent, free, justify] BY THE WORKS [Greek #2041, "ergon," to work, toil, (as an effort or occupation); an act, deed, doing, labour, work] OF THE LAW, BUT BY THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED BY THE FAITH OF CHRIST, AND NOT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW:  FOR BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED."

 The only place in scripture where tithing is discussed in detail is in Hebrews, and it was only discussed because there was a disannulling of the tithing law.  Tithing was expounded upon to clarify it in the minds of the Hebrew peoples only, as they had been practicing this "doctrine" for centuries and it was no longer a "requirement" to serve God.

 In II Thessalonians 2:3 there is a warning that in the last days there would be a "falling away."  There was, in fact, a falling away of the early church members over points of the Old Testament law.  Tithing is probably the main "stronghold of that legal system" which, unfortunately, was reintroduced into the present day church.  The preaching of the "tithing doctrine" brings all the curses into existence that Jesus had abolished. (These curses are found in Deuteronomy 28.)  In addition, the fear of being cursed for not tithing is preached and gives Satan a "stronghold" where he can come in to rob the tither's goods.

 What is confusing to the general populace is there appears to be "blessings" for some who pay tithes.  However, the ministries are the ones being blessed with your money.  No wonder!  They are the ones who espouse this doctrine.  What is not of "faith" is sin, but one can also have erroneous "faith" in a "false teaching."

 There are people who give their last dollar to pay tithes and never appear to receive anything.  These people feel that God has left them.  The ministry is then quick to say, "Oh, but you have not believed!"  This leaves the person even more confused and questioning his relationship with God.  A feeling of hopelessness, depression and being out of sync with God's will is pervasive.  We question ourselves and wonder, "It cannot be God, for He is perfect; so I must have done something wrong."  You bet you did!  You tithed in the first place.  Those persons whom you hear of being "blessed through tithing" would have been blessed anyway, because they had the faith they would receive what they had asked.  God required them to be faithful in their asking and receiving; He never asked for any kind of "payment" from them, quite frankly, they have a Jacob attitude.  Actually, if you look at tithing from God's perspective, it is quite a slap in the face.  Here is a Being who owns the entire universe for which no amount of money can be attached, and you want to pay him your "pittance" for a request?  How ludicrous!

 The last days started with the ministry of Jesus.  The adversary knows how deceitfully the law can be used to beguile those whom Paul referred to as unstable souls in II Peter 2:14. There has never been a cessation on the part of the adversary to captivate members of the body of Christ, whether by a point of the letter of the law, or entrapment in transgression.  There was a time when Paul said that those in Asia had left him. (See II Timothy 4:10.)  In addition, Paul's letter to the Galatians is replete with references to entanglements with the law.  There is nothing to gain from the works of the law, but there is everything to lose.  They can separate us from Christ as long as we place our trust in them.

 Colossians 1:13 shows that WE HAVE BEEN DELIVERED FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS, AND TRANSLATED INTO HIS KINGDOM.  Romans 8:17 asserts that as children of God we are joint-heirs with Christ. I Peter 2:9 declares, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

 We are not called to exalt ourselves, one over another. Nor is one person to decide he has the whole or total truth, and try to coerce others to step in line behind him.  The fault does not lie just with the "teachers of the law," but also with the people who finance them.  Anyone who gives to a minister who preaches a "gospel" differing from the one Jesus brought is accursed along with the ministry (see Galatians 1:8-10).  As according to II John :10-11, "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:  [Verse 11], For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."

 When a ministry becomes "exalted" through receiving vast sums of money, they generally become self-indulgent and abusive overlords.  The more money they bring in, the higher the lifestyle they enjoy, and they pass the tithe around to each other; sort of keeping it in the family, so to speak.  They appear as "ministers of light," when in fact they are ministers of Satan.  And this statement can be made, as the doctrine of tithing was never advocated by Jesus for the New Testament believers.  It's time the ministry gave account for their deceitful practices.  If they really loved Jesus, they would follow His doctrines.  II Corinthians 11:13-15 asserts, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  [Verse 14], And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  [Verse 15], Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
 
   

Chapter 13

THE ONE TRUE CHURCH!
 
 

 For many years, there have been ministers preaching that one has to enter into their church or organization as it is the only true church, and the seat of the Government of God. They predicate this by saying one must follow all the dictates set down by their organization and follow it to the death if need be.

 One church, before baptizing anyone, would ask them if they had counted the cost of choosing to follow that way! Another would say that to enter into their organization was a commitment for life, and some of the converts, to show a penitent attitude, crawl on their knees, until they bleed, to atone for their sins.  All of this, plus giving much of their living to the church, on the pain of loosing out on eternal life if they did not.

 The researchers of this book, unfortunately, belonged to one such organization whose teachings and precepts were expounded  with militaristic commands to submissive sheep by an overlord, who commanded with "fear."  The reason we became ensnared was we did not know and comprehend how to rightly divide the Word of God.  However, God is faithful and patiently continues to teach us His Way.

 How do others become embroiled in this kind of mind control with the resultant "you overlord, me sheep" attitude? People want to belong to organizations who spoon feed them and give them instant gratification.  It takes work to study and discern God's Word.  The nation has become willing to swallow anything, otherwise cults would not exist.  The feelings of guilt, anger, fear, and the need to know and understand God (but not comprehending how this is done) bring the masses into organizations who say, "We know it all."  Unfortunately, this can and does lead to disaster.

 Some cling to churches they grew up in thinking it was "the one true church," and did not know (mentally) any other way.  However, we are convinced that in their spirit they know the way as God has stated in Romans 2:14-15, "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law [did not grow up under the law], do by nature the things contained in the law, these not having the law, are a law unto themselves [they have a code of ethics and morals].  [Verse 15], WHICH SHEW THE WORK OF THE LAW WRITTEN IN THEIR HEARTS, THEIR CONSCIENCE ALSO BEARING WITNESS, AND THEIR THOUGHTS THE MEANWHILE ACCUSING OR ELSE EXCUSING ONE ANOTHER."  This statement was written about the Gentiles, before they were converted, showing God's law of love (the New Covenant) written in their minds and hearts.  Remember, the Gentiles were never required to abide by the Old Covenant laws and precepts.

 God stated in Hebrews 8:10, "FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAITH THE LORD; I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MIND, AND WRITE THEM IN THEIR HEARTS:  AND I WILL BE TO THEM A GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE TO ME A PEOPLE:"

 Verse 11, "AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERY MAN HIS NEIGHBOR, AND EVERY MAN HIS BROTHER, SAYING, `KNOW THE LORD;' FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST."

 Verse 12, "FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE."

 Verse 13, "IN THAT HE SAITH, A NEW COVENANT, HE HATH MADE THE FIRST OLD.  NOW THAT WHICH DECAYETH AND WAXETH OLD IS READY [Greek #1451, "eggus," to squeeze or throttle, neigh, ready, at hand] TO VANISH AWAY [Greek #854, "aphanismos," disappearance, abrogation, vanish away]."

 Hebrews 9:11 says, "But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;... [Verse 15], AND FOR THIS CAUSE HE IS THE MEDIATOR OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."  Jesus did away with the Old Covenant and made a New Covenant.

 Hebrews 10:16 expounds, "`THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS' [after the resurrection of Jesus Christ], SAITH THE LORD, `I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR HEARTS, AND IN THEIR MINDS WILL I WRITE THEM; [Verse 17], AND THEIR SINS AND INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE.'"

 God has rewritten the marriage covenant between Himself, and those He has called to be His people.  That invitation has gone out to all the world, and He did not put a monetary figure on His invitation.  Isaiah 55:1 states, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."

 Verse 2, "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?  and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.  [Verse 3], Incline your ear, and come unto me:  hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."

 In Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, `All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.  [Verse 19], Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; [Verse 20], Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.  Amen.'"

 Mark 16:15-18 declares, "And He said unto them, `Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [Verse 16], He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but He that believeth not shall be damned.  [Verse 17], And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [Verse 18], They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.'"

 Those words spoken by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, were not just meant for the few, they were meant for every man, woman and child who embraces Jesus as Lord.  WE ARE THE CHURCH!  It is not some grandiose hall carved by the hands of man, it is each of us, individually, fashioned by God Himself.

 There is a "priesthood" in action today; it's that body of believers known to God through His son and they are those who know that their "warfare" is of the Spirit and against the "wicked spirits in high places."  (See Ephesians 6:12.)

 Galatians 3:26-29 says that we are all the children of God, by faith in Jesus Christ.  And "there is neither Jew nor Greek [Gentile], there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus, And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

 There is also in I John 2:26-27, "These things have I written unto you CONCERNING THEM THAT SEDUCE YOU.  [Verse 27], But the ANOINTING WHICH YOU HAVE RECEIVED OF HIM ABIDETH IN YOU, AND YE NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU; BUT AS THE SAME ANOINTING TEACHETH YOU OF ALL THINGS, AND IS TRUTH, AND IS NO LIE, AND EVEN AS IT HATH TAUGHT YOU, YE SHALL ABIDE IN HIM."  This shows God will teach us directly through the Holy Spirit that indwells each convert.
 Each individual, converted not just in word, but in heart and attitude, has a commission from God.  Every individual has a calling and a purpose with each of us being a part of the Body of Christ.  We are not called into this Body for one man to make a show, lording it over the others.  Each has a work to accomplish.  Each has varying gifts (some having more than others).  Not all are called to teach and preach, but we are all called to serve one another as we were served by Jesus, who set the example that we should follow in His steps.  (See Romans 12.)

 Paul also left an example.  He labored as a tentmaker and preached the gospel freely.  He admonished those who followed him to also follow his example.

 We are not to forget to assemble ourselves together as is stated in Hebrews 10:25.  But does this mean in a building that some minister erected, where one wears their best "bib & tucker" for a glorious show?  Or does it mean in Christian fellowship?  Perhaps in someone's home as it was with the early church as found in Acts 2:46-47.  This is where good food, good song, and praise to God is found along with sharing His blessings, exhorting each other in good works, where strangers may be invited so they could see for themselves the glory of God.  Assembling with those of like mind can also be as little as two or three walking together in agreement, as God promises to be in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).

 What have all the buildings, called churches, brought about?  They are stark, cold, and unfeeling, some filled with statues of "saints" to pray to.  And many filled with "traditions and commandments of men" and wicked, controlling, religious "spirits in high places."  God does not reside in these "tombs." He resides in the "tabernacle not made with hands."  He lives in us!  We are HIS JOINT-HEIRS, we are HIS BODY, we are HIS CHURCH!  WE ARE HIS "TITHE," redeemed from the curse of the law.  WE ARE THE FIRST-FRUITS to God through Jesus Christ.

 Our sacrifices today are to be SACRIFICES of PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING!  WE ARE CALLED TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR, AS OURSELVES, TO DO GOOD, AND TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE THE ENEMIES OF GOD, IN ORDER THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED.  WE ARE CALLED TO PRAY FOR THE SICK, TO LAY HANDS UPON THEM, THAT THEY MAY RECOVER FROM DISEASE (which is demonic oppression in Acts 10:38). AND WE ARE CALLED TO PRAY FOR MEN EVERYWHERE, AND FOR GOVERNMENTS, IN ORDER THAT WE MAY LIVE A QUIET AND PEACEABLE LIFE ON THIS EARTH.

 Revelation 1:6 states, "AND HATH MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS UNTO GOD AND HIS FATHER; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen."

 There was a song that came out a few years ago, called "We Are The World, We Are The Children."  That message is true.  We, the regenerated being through Jesus Christ, are the children of God in this Universe (which means One Song).  We are responsible for praying for the world, in order for it to be in harmony, in  one song, (under Jesus) to insure "there will be a better place for you and me."

  The churches are teaching that Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming!  Prophecies state He is returning this decade.  Yet, how can He come back until we, the church, get our act together and render judgment, mercy and faith--the very things God said Abraham would teach his children to accomplish. Yet Jesus said, the Scribes and Pharisees (the Levites) the ministers of His day had omitted this, the weightier matters of the law.  (See Matthew 23:23.)  Are the priests and kings of today the modern day Scribes and Pharisees?  Have we omitted the weighter matters of the law, judgment and mercy?
 
  

Chapter 14

THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN
 
 

 In Acts 8, we find a man named Simon.  Simon was a sorcerer and bewitched the people of the city of Samaria. Using sorcery, he had these people convinced that he was someone great and they listened to him for a long time.  There had come into the city a man of God, by the name of Philip, who had performed many miracles.  The people of the city were greatly impressed with Philip's words and the miracles which occurred, and became converted and were baptized.

 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard what had been occurring in Samaria they sent Peter and John there to be with Philip.  When they arrived in Samaria, they prayed and asked that the Holy Spirit come unto those who had received Jesus as their Lord.  When Simon, the sorcerer, saw what was happening through the laying on of the Apostles' hands, he offered them money, as he hoped to buy this power.  In verse 20, "But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. [Verse 21], Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter:  for thy heart is not right in the sight of God."

 Simon, the sorcerer, tried to buy an apostleship from Peter and John, with the power (Holy Spirit) that went along with the "office."  There were others who crept into the New Testament church, called "false apostles," who entered to abuse the "power," and to devour the flock.  Paul warned the brethren in his first letter to Timothy, that in the latter times some would depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; and having their conscience seared with a hot iron.  (See I Timothy 4:1-2.)

 And in his second letter to Timothy he warned that in the last days perilous times would come (a time of instability). He said that men would be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (means powerless, without self-control from the Greek word #193 "akrates"), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; and having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.  Paul admonished them to turn away from such people.  (See II Timothy 3:1-5.)

 Revelation 2:9 and 3:9 speak of a synagogue of Satan. These people say they are (spiritual) Jews, but Jesus says they are not.  To preach "tithing" as a New Testament law is a lie and anyone who professes this as a doctrine must be warned. Through their traditions, they have called curses upon this nation and the world that are grievous to be born.  Those who are in the "faith" ministries, who say that our words bring "good or bad" into being, must know what they are speaking when they state that one will be "cursed" for not "tithing."  Through your traditions, and by accepting the teaching of others who have not gone to God to seek the word from His mouth on this subject, is to deny the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and hold Him up to an open shame.

 Have you ever wondered why there are nations who do not profess Jesus Christ as their Lord, yet are far ahead of the United States financially in gross national product, etc.?  Could it be that they are not having curses spoken over them?  After all, Jesus says whatsoever you believe, you shall receive.  Have we, as sheep, believed a lie?  Have we been overcome, at sometime, with the tithing "curse," especially since 1929 when such drivel was proclaimed over the airwaves through radio? Was this nation overcome by the prince of the power of the air?  It's still out there and it now comes to us through television.  The words of these tele-evangelists are brought to pass as those who agree with them help establish their message (Matthew 18:19) good or bad.

 Another aspect of the "synagogue of Satan" is to preach physical identity with the Jews.  There has been a mountain of literature published on the identity of Israel today, and all it does is trouble people with wanting to be part of what they think is an "in group" with God.  Some who teach tithing call themselves "spiritual Levites," identifying themselves as "Jews" to associate with the identity of physical Israel.  Perhaps they do not realize it is totally contrary to the Word of God to trust in a "physical" connection.  Is this not an example of what Paul called (in Romans 8) "Walking after the flesh"?

 Galatians 6:14-15 is Paul's sentiment on identifying with the "circumcision" or any group.  "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.  For, in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creature."  This means neither Jew nor Gentile, as we are all new creatures through Jesus Christ.

 Revelation 3:9 declares, "BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE THEM OF THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN, WHICH SAY THEY ARE JEWS, AND ARE NOT, BUT DO LIE; BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE THEM TO COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE THY FEET,(this means to hear about God from you, not to worship you.) AND TO KNOW THAT I HAVE LOVED THEE.  [Verse 10], BECAUSE THOU HAST KEPT THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE, I ALSO WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION, WHICH SHALL COME UPON ALL THE WORLD, TO TRY THEM THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH. [Verse 11], BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY:  HOLD THAT FAST WHICH THOU HAST, THAT NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN."

AMEN! and AMEN!
 
 Chapter 15

SUMMARY
 
 

 In the Old Testament when the Israelites came into the promised land and went about to plant fruit trees, they were told they could not eat of the tree until it budded fruit in the fifth year.  Until then, the fruit that grew on the tree was holy unto the Lord.  In the fifth year they could partake of the fruit of the tree.  In alagory, we are the "fruit tree."  Once we have accepted Jesus Christ into our lives, God expects us to bear "fruit."  God, being merciful, does not expect us to be capable of picking up His Word and immediately bud; He is patient and gives us time.  However, by the fifth year, God expects us to be not only producing fruit, but also capable of "feeding" it to others who ask.  Jesus gives us a parable of this in Luke 13:8.

 God is also a God of order and not confusion (I Corinthians 14:33) which is why He gave us His Word, who became "flesh" and dwelt among us.  He speaks to us through Jesus who is our "Bread of Life" and when "we eat of this bread" we grow up into maturity.  Ephesians 4:11 expounds, "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [verse 12] for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; [verse 13] Till we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."  The "some" spoken of here applies to each of us, we are the "some."  We are also the "saints," and we each have differing gifts as found in Romans 12.  God gave these gifts to us in order for us to share them with each other in the faith, and others as seems appropriate.  He did not give us these gifts for us to "overlord" anyone, they were to be used only for edification in love.
 With this in mind, we need to understand that everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus.  Jesus is and was the first of the "firstfruits" paid as the "TITHE" to God.  Each of us is also a "tithe" of "firstfruits," brought to the Father, by Jesus, who first offered Himself.  THE "TITHE" TODAY IS NOT MONEY, BUT EACH OF US PRESENTED TO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD.
 

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