Page One

Page One, Part Six On Tithing ... In Conclusion:

1. If it seems that I have been unfair in this message, then I certainly apologize. I am most aware that there are many wonderful Ministers and teachers that are teaching God's Holy Word straight from the Bible. I certainly, do not condemn those great men of God. Nevertheless, it is because of the Old Testament works and ordinances, that is usually taught in practically every Assembly building, that makes many men and woman guilty of teaching and applying covenant Theology to saints of God today that upsets me. It is because of false doctrine that I decided to write this treatise. Some will say: "so what, if "Tithing" is wrong to teach in this age, how then will the Assembly bills be paid, if it is not taught to the people?"

2. My answer can only be: "that it is much better to be truthful and preach the Lord's truth concerning His Word, and leave it up to Him as to whether the overhead bills of the Assembly are paid or not. Or, would it be better to preach falsehoods to the Congregation according to Satan's doctrine, and receive money by corrupting ones-self and others with lies?" Many may become bitter because of this message, but:

3. {V. 13} Scripture: "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

4. {V. 14} But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts [minds], glory not, and lie not against the truth, {James 3:13-14}."

5. The two verses above paraphrased:

6. {13}: Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom.

7. {14}: But if you have bitter jealousy [envy] and contention [rivalry, selfish ambition] in your minds, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of, and false to the Truth." [The question which opens these verses sets the theme for {Vs. 13-18}.

The answer to {V. 13} is: The person who remembers his moral responsibilities].

8. I personally would rather teach the truth and worship in a "brush arbor" then to tell an out-right untruth in order that I might be able to worship in a magnificent cathedral. As to paying the Minister's salary, I find no Scripture authorizing such, but I also find no fault with it. The Bible states: "(that the workman is worthy of his hire)." There's no possible way for an assembly to have a full time pastor without paying him a salary. No, I would be the last person to advocate not paying a pastor a salary. But let us trust the Lord and have faith in Him as to whether the Assembly bills will be paid or not.

9. The whole world belongs to Christ, He created it. It belongs to Him. Therefore, it is up to Him, and He is very able to see that His will is accomplished. On the other hand, I can see no reason for any leader, after studying this message, to anymore preach the untruth of "Tithing." You can know what folks are by whether they teach the truth or lies! Put your leaders to a test, let them read this message and then see what they will teach concerning "Tithing." If the teachers fail to teach truth, this next verses could possibly be applied to them:

10. {V. 6} Scripture: "For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly woman laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.

11. [These silly women apparently because of sin, were changeable of mind, prone to accept false ideas and swayed by impulses.]

12. {V. 7} Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

13. {V. 8} Now as Jan'nes and Jam'bres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

14. {V. 9} But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was, {2- Timothy 3:6-9}."

15. The above 4 verses paraphrased ...

16. {6}: "For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate silly weak-natured and spiritually dwarfed women, loaded down with [the burden of their] sins, [and easily] swayed and led away by various evil desires and seductive impulses.

17. {7}: [These weak women will listen to anybody who will teach them]; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the truth.

18. {8}: Now just as Jannas and Jambres were hostile to sound doctrine, and resisted the words of Moses, so these men who are hostile to the truth, and these other men who falsely teach and oppose the truth, they have depraved and distorted minds, and are reprobate and counterfeit and to be rejected as far as the faith is concerned. See {Exodus 7:11}.

19. {9}: But they will not get very far, for their rash folly will become obvious to everybody, as was that of those [magicians mentioned]." [Remember that this above comes from the Bible, not just what this writer believes! ]

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20. [Jannes and Jambres, though these names do not appear in the O. T; in late Hebrew, pagan, and certain early Christian writings they are applied to the Egyptian magicians who performed counterfeit miracles in opposition to Moses {Exodus 7:11, 22}. They are symbols of the folly of opposing the truth. Some think the Egyptian magicians accomplished this feat through slight of hand, or through demonic power, or by using snakes that they charmed into a rigid position to appear as rods. The names of the sorcerers were Jannes and Jambres as mentioned above in {V. 8}. Evidently the magicians turned small quantities of water [obtained in the way described in {V. 24} into blood, and this satisfied Pharaoh. It would have been more helpful had they been able to change the bloody water back to good water.

21. Scripture: "No man that wars [concerns himself in spiritual warfare] entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier, {2- Timothy 2:4}."

22. [Entangles: "A Minister or teacher must put priority on his calling and be completely dedicated to his task and his commander Who is Christ Jesus].

23. {V. 1} Scripture: "I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His [sitting up of His Millennial] Kingdom;

24. [Referring to those who are still alive at His Second Coming to set up the 1,000 year Kingdom reign. He will inaugurate the judgment and His faithful will be gathered into His Kingdom].

25. {V. 2} Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. See {Hebrews 4:12}.

26. {V. 3} For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

27. {V. 4} And shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables,

28. {V. 5} But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry, {2- Timothy 4:1-5}."

29. {Vs. 1-5} above paraphrased:

30. {1}: [ "I charge you in the presence of the Triune God and of [Jesus Christ in particular] Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by [in the light: knowledge - of] His Second Coming to begin His Millennial Kingdom reign:

31. {2}: Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency (stand by, be at hand and ready, whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable, whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it be welcome or unwelcome, you as a preacher of the world are to show people in what way their lives are wrong) and convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.

32. {3}: For the time is coming when people will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but having ears itching (for something pleasing and gratifying), they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold,

33. {4}: And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions.

34. {5}: As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist; fully performing all the duties of your ministry]." The book of Hebrews states:

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35. {V. 12} Scripture: "For the [God breathed] Word of God is quick, and powerful [with energy], and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul [life] and [the human] spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents [ideas] of the heart [mind].

36. {V. 13} Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do, {Hebrews 4:12-13}."

37. {V. 12-13} above paraphrased:

38. {12}: "For the Word that God speaks - is alive and full of power ... making it active, operative, energizing and effective; it is sharper than any twoedged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life [soul] and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [that is, of the deepest parts of our nature] exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the mind.

39. {13}: And not a creature exists that is concealed from His [Christ's] sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do]."

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40. All the above is a warning to, and a description of, false ministers and teachers who were in Paul's time and still are even yet in our own last days, no longer content to teach sound doctrine. People who twist the meaning of the truth to satisfy folks in their own denominations. Now they are told to do some soul searching, and to teach the truth. Too many in our Assemblies are impelled to continually turn away and accept the doctrine of different teachers of novelty and unsound truth, because it is what their own denomination has been teaching!

41. To teach "Tithing" and apply several other O.T. ordinances to the Body of Christ is an out and out sin. This is trying to force Children of God to comply with the devil's doctrine of O.T. works in order to gain wealth for one reason or another. This writer will agree that the idea of using a tenth as a base for giving would not be wrong as long as it is not taught that the giver is not compelled to do so because of Israel's old ordinance of "Tithing." But, to teach that a tenth is required of the Saint by the Lord, would be to teach an untruth concerning the Word of God. When one teaches that Christians should "Tithe" according to the Old Testament book of Malachi is to teach that folks should fulfill all the requirements of that and other rituals of the O.T.

42. For instance: the "Tither" should also "Tithe" an equal amount of grain, garden produce, livestock, and even ones hen's eggs. Remember that Malachi was present 400 years before the birth of Christ. This was during the "Old Law Period," hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, Before the end of the law, Before the birth of Paul, and before the beginning of the Dispensation of the Mystery program instituted by Paul to begin by the outward calling of the Body of Christ. There is much proof in the Scriptures that it was impossible for the Israelites to obey all the ordinances under the law.

43. Because they could not keep the "Tithing" ordinance, how on earth could the Body of Christ keep Israel's ordinances today? Further more, ask yourself this question: have you given 10 percent of everything you have acquired since you have become a Christian? You say you have, you would never lie would you? We advise the reader to read the whole 3rd chapter of Malachi again. The Word of God states that one should give as he has prospered, the fact is, I doubt if anyone except Jesus ever kept that ordinance to the full extent! Read the following verses: "{2- Corinthians 9:6-15} ...

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44. {V. 6} Scripture: "But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

45. See {Proverbs 11:24-28; 19:17; Luke 6:38; and Galatians 6:7}. [Literally; But this ("as to this, however"). Paul now turns his attention to some positive instruction and encouragement regarding giving. In so doing he provides the Assembly with the clearest and most comprehensive treatment of the subject to be found in the N.T. His approach is to extract principles from both the O.T. and experience to demonstrate why and how they are to give. Read the verse again. What is returned to the giver is determined by his investment. The Greek expression "ep eulogiais" ordinarily translated "with blessings," here has the sense of "freely." While it does not suggest "undiscriminating" giving, it does denote "understanding" giving.

46. {V. 7} Every man according as he purposes in his heart [mind], so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

47. Paul in {V. 7}, does not have a minimum quota, nor yet a minimum percentage figure in mind. For each individual it is an amount to be determined before the Lord. But, not given grudgingly, or of necessity: for the Lord loves a cheerful giver. There is to be a willing mind and a sincere desire on the part of the one giving in order to participate. Paul is not so much interested in their money, nor is the Lord, for that matter, as the passage from {Proverbs 22:9} indicates. The Greek term "hilaron" from which the English term "hilarious" derives, is best rendered as the Authorized Version suggests, "cheerful." Giving is not a joke; it is serious business, but it can also be a delightful experience.

48. {V. 8} And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

49. [The Lord will supply the generous giver with enough to meet his own needs, and enough to give to every good work]. Paul's logic in {V. 8} is identical to that of our Lord in {Matthew 6:33}. When the temporal concerns of life are placed first, God is usually excluded. But when the Kingdom of God as a whole is placed first, the Lord sees to it that the temporal needs are included. Giving is a grace that has wonderful benefits.

50. {V. 9} [As it is written, He [the Lord] has dispersed abroad; He has given to the poor: His righteousness remains forever.

51. {V. 9} contains the same thought pattern as {V. 8}. Naturally, Paul nor the psalmist intended to mean that every Believer will always be wealthy, nor yet that the Believer who gives regularly and faithfully will always be wealthy. Both experience and the context of {Ch. 8:2} deny this. He only intends to say that the abundance of God's riches are available to those who are related in the right way to Himself. The righteous acts of the giver who readily gives and supplies the needs of others have eternal value.

52. {V. 10} Now He [the Lord] that ministers seed to the sower both ministers bread for your food, and multiplies your seed sown, and increases the fruits of your righteousness;]

53. [The generous giver will be given increasing means to give (multiply your seed sown) and increasing fruit.]. See {Hosea 10:12}. The A.V. renders this as a prayer to God. Actually it is an affirmation of the surety of the Lord's supply]. The above verse as we see it, has a twofold meaning. The first Clause refers to the substance one gives as a contribution. The second clause refers to the Lord Who ministers the Word of God to a preacher or a teacher, who will himself sow this Seed [God's Word], to increase the knowledge of the Word to others. By sowing the [good seed] the bread of life [the Word of God] to others, may save many souls! Thus, this seed sown, will glorify the Lord.

54. {V. 11} Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God.

55. {V. 12} For the administration of this service not only supplies the wants of the Saints, but is abundant also by many Thanksgivings unto God;

56. [V. 12-14: The gift of money will (1) supply need (V. 12); [2] be a cause for thanksgiving (V. 12); (3) prove their obedience (V. 13}.

57. {V. 13} While by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel Of Christ [grace of God by and through the Mystery Gospel], and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

58. The Gospel of Christ is synonymous with the "Gospel of the Grace of God" or the Gospel of the Mystery, it is mentioned several places in the N.T. See {Romans 1:16; and Ephesians 3:3-9}. Giving consummates in a twofold grace. As {Vs. 12-13} above state: It supplies the wants of the Believers, and it is abundant ["overflowing"] by means of many thankgivings unto the Lord. The final result is that God is glorified. It will be noted that the process is revolving or recurring. Out of the riches of the Lord's grace, Christ supplies the needs of the Believer. The child of God, in an expression of gratitude and liberality shares of his abundance with others. They, in turn, direct their expressions of thanksgiving ["grace"] to God from whom the supply originated. Therefore, the cycle is complete. And so Paul makes clear that the act of giving is evidence of obedience to the Gospel of the Mystery for this age of grace.

59. {V. 14} And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

60. The connection is with "abundant" in {V. 12}. Another positive result of faithful giving is that the recipients are induced to extend the giver before the Throne of Grace. It is in this way that the giver is compensated by the recipient of the gift. This further explains the thought of {2- Corinthians 8:14}.

61. {V. 15} Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift, {2- Corinthians 9:6-15}."

62. The reference in this verse is to God the Father's Son, but the verse is more than a spontaneous outburst of the writer. It is the supreme illustration of the principles Paul has just enumerated. As to the example of Christ which is applied to the experience of suffering in {1- Peter 2:21}, so Paul applies the example of Christ to the grace of giving.

63. The above verses all paraphrased for a better understanding ...

64. {6}: "[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously and that blessings may come to someone, will also reap generously and with blessings.

65. {7}: Let each one give as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his mind, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (that is, He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, person who is quick to give) whose mind is in his giving. See {Proverbs 22:9}.

66. {8}: And the Lord is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need, be self-sufficient ... possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation.

67. {9}: As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever! See {Psalm 112:9}.

68. {10}: And [the Lord] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your (resources for) sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness (which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness and charity). See {Isaiah 55:10; and Hosea 10:12}.

69. {11}: Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, (and your generosity as it is) administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.

70. {12}: For the service the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the Saints (God's people), but it also overflows in many (cries of) thanksgiving to God.

71. {13}: Because at (your) standing of the test of this ministry, they will glorify God at your loyalty and obedience to Christ's Gospel of the Mystery which you confess, as well as for your generous-minded liberality to them and to all (the other needy folks).

72. {14}: And they yearn for you while they pray for you, because of the surpassing measure of God's grace (His favor and mercy and spiritual blessing which is shown forth) in you.

73. {15}: Now thanks be to God for His Gift, (precious) beyond telling ... His indescribable, inexpressible, free gift!]." {2- Corinthians 9:6-15}."

74. You can see by all these verses above, that we should give from the heart [mind] in Christian love.

75. There is so much confusion where "Tithing" and just plain giving is concerned. For instance, to teach that a wealthy person should offer ten percent of his salary could cause him to lose many blessings from God. There are people who earn starvation wages on a weekly salary. Then there are folks who earn as much as 5,000 or more dollars a week. Ten percent of 5,000 dollars adds up to 500 dollars that he is taught to "Tithe." Therefore he offers what he is told his obligation amounts to, so: why should he give more? Of course, there are people that literally have an income of several million dollars a year and also they according to "Tithing" ministers are only obligated to give ten percent to the Lord, when they are well able to offer considerable more. Could it be that the poor person that can hardly give a pittance will be more blessed on judgment day than the wealthy parson who has given his required ten percent? What do you think?

76. The poor person who hardly makes ends meet in his home has perhaps from 5 to 10 children and can hardly afford clothing for his family or food for their table. To tell this man that he in under the ordinance of "Tithing" is to even cause a more drastic hardship on his family. No doubt, it is a blessing to give {Acts 20:35}, but if your family is in great need, it is well to see that they are fed. All Christians should support the Lord's witnessing program to any degree that one may be able to afford, without bringing harm to the family. But there are those whom we believe go overboard in trying to bring us all under the O.T. law program, which is certainly un-scriptural for this age of grace!

77. Scripture: "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again, {Luke 6:38}."

78. {V. 38} here paraphrased: ["Give, and - gifts will be given to you, in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out ... that is, with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others ... it will be measured back to you."]

79. [The imagery is of a container filled to the brim with grain and running over the edge. Isn't it possible that our liberality should be like that]?

80. Scripture: "Charge [warn] them that are rich in this world [Age], that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [to be generous]. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life, {1- Timothy 6:17-19}."

81. {Vs. 17-19} above paraphrased ...

82. {17}: "As for the rich in this world, warn them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, not to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on the Lord, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment;

83. {18}: Warn them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous-hearted, ready to share with others,

84. {19}: In this way laying up for themselves the riches that endures forever, a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is the fulness of eternal life indeed."

85. One should give as the Lord has prospered him, but it should always be a heartfelt offering! This life is not long, why not lay up blessings in Heaven for yourself, but give straight from your heart.

86. Scripture: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart [mind] of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him. But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes the deep things of God, {1- Corinthians 2:9-10}."

"Continued On Part Seven of "Tithing."

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