Tithes Giving! From God or from men?

Every worship day, either it's Sunday or Saturday, member of the church (whatever church they belong) drop their tithes and offerings on their respective baskets (but honestly not everybody is giving). This act of giving to the church, where this came from? From men or from God? Well, as I always say, let the Bible speak. Open the Book of Malachi 3:8-10, it says, don't rub God but He said, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. So, we've proven that this is from God. Do you know that even Abraham and Jacob gave their tithes to God (Gen 14:19-20, Gen 28:20-22)? How about in new testament? What can we read? During the time of Jesus Christ on earth the Pharisees ask about paying taxes, read what Lord Jesus said to them on Luke 20:22-25; "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." So, if it's our obligation to give tax to the government, then we shouldn't forget our tithes to God.

You might ask what is the purpose of tithes and offerings, this will I answer on my next blog. Just always remember, Giving is an issue of the heart. You can give without love, but you cannot love without giving.

Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it!

Believer or non believer is always entitled to his/her opinion about his beliefs in life or about God but we should make sure that it’s always according to what is written on the Bible. There are many examples written by the apostles and done by the first disciples of Jesus Christ who first believe Him and His teachings during the time He was still in the flesh. He is from above (John 8:23) who came to earth (Phil. 2:6-8) and gave examples how we should live as Christians so we may inherit eternal life. God said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeded out of His mouth” (Matt. 4:4). So, what this mean? That we should search the scriptures to know His commandments (John 5:39), and learn from the parables and story of first believers. I believe that there are many things we could learn from reading it and should be applied in our daily lives. We shouldn’t depend with our own knowledge and understanding. Why? Because, there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Prov. 16:25). It is not good enough that we say we believe in God, when infact we don’t follow His commandments. If we do this, we become liars. Remember, what God said on Matt. 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”, but blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it (Luke 11:28).

True Church & Pure Religion

I really appreciate comments on my blogs, thanks cons. Anyway, I want to share to you this, I know this will help clear those doubts in your mind but I just hope you believe in Bible (better if you are using the King James Version). Since you’re a wide reader then I assume you are also reading the word of God. We should let the Bible speak and be not wise with our own eyes (Proverbs 3:7)

GOD BUILD HIS CHURCH ON EARTH

When God (Jesus Christ) humbled himself and became man like us (Phil 2:6-8), He choose twelve apostles to become His helpmates on His ministry on earth (Matthew 10:1-4). On Matthew 16:18, Christ build His church through Peter but Jesus Christ himself was the foundation of it (I Cor. 3:11). He even choose disciples to take care of it (Eph. 4:11-12) and Christ love that church which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28). He even compared to it as “One Family” (Eph. 5:23-25, 29, Matthew 12:46-50, Luke 8:19-21). And before Christ return to His throne in heaven, what was one of His instructions? That we should not forsake the assembling (Hebrew 10:25)... and where it is to be done?? Of course in the church (which is called synagogue in the Bible), which Jesus also observed during Sabbath day when He is still in the flesh (Hebrew 4:9-11, Matthew 5:23)

From the verses I’ve mentioned above it is clear that “THERE IS A CHURCH” God left for those who want to be saved. And if you want to know if there is a religion, please read James 1:27 which says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world”.

True Riches in Christ

There are still many verses in the Bible that God the Father in the Old Testament and Jesus Christ is only one (John 10:30), but let me share with you another important thing in life.

Life in this world can be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually challenging. There are a lot of competitions and pressures, and oftentimes we became so stressed that we forgot what is really important in this life. We become focused on earthly things like fame, wealth and good reputation, but what are the true riches in Christ??

Life on earth is just temporary; we may be here today and gone tomorrow, like the grass which was compared to us (James 1:10-11, I Peter 1:24-25). God told us to store treasures in heaven instead, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20). Besides we can’t even carry these earthly things with us when we die. (Psalm 49:17) This is not to say that all income-generating activities or business goals should cease. Everything must be put in proper perspective. It cannot be above the pursuit of God. Do you not know that God greatly rewards those who seek Him and faithfully follow Him? If you put God’s business above yours, He will take care of your business. Always remember what God said that we should seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:33).

Now the big question is how do you store treasures in heaven?

For us to store treasure in heaven is to do good to our fellowman. Remember that parable of good Samaritan which is written on Luke 10:30-37? Also please read Matthew 25:34-45. These are examples of storing treasures in heaven and these are the true riches in Christ.

Who is MIGHTY & ALMIGHTY?

GOD – The ALMIGHTY, was HE called The MIGHTY also??

Some Religions believe that God in the old the Testament was called Almighty, and JESUS is just a Mighty God. Let’s open the Holy Bible and read what’s written. On Genesis chapter 17, verse 1, this is what was written, “The Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the ALMIGHTY GOD; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” Also, on Exodus chapter 6 verse 3 says, “I appeared to Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name GOD ALMIGHTY”. So, these two verses prove that GOD in the Old Testament is really called ALMIGHTY, no question about that. But was HE called also MIGHTY?? Let’s read the Book of Job, chapter 36 verse 5, “God is Mighty, but does not despise men; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.” How about the Book of Isaiah, let’s open chapter 49 verse 26, and chapter 1 verse 24... What did you read?? God in the Old Testament, was also called MIGHTY, right?


JESUS – MIGHTY or ALMIGHTY??

Many believe that JESUS CHRIST is just “small God or mighty God” and never Almighty. Is this true?? Ok, let’s find out…

Before JESUS was to be born, prophet Isaiah already written something about Him, the prophecy. “For unto us a child is born… And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace..” He was called Mighty God, that’s right… But was He not called ALMIGHTY??? Open the book of Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and Omega, who is, who was and who is to come, the ALMIGHTY”. If you are not sure “who is to come” please read verses Acts 1:9-11 and Hebrew 9:28.

If God in the Old Testament was called ALMIGHTY, why JESUS was also called ALMIGHTY?? In one Kingdom, it’s impossible to have two persons or two identities to have one position not unless they refer to only ONE, right??

So, it’s now becoming clear in our very own eyes to discover the mystery of God.

The Mystery of God – Part III- God Manifested in the Flesh (Man)

The God of Old Testament, manifested in the flesh thru Jesus Christ (in the New Testament). Read Phil. 2:5-8, Jesus Christ; who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God, but made himself nothing being made in human likeness. Here on this verse tells us that Jesus Christ is really God who just made himself human. Another supporting verse is written on John 1,1, 14 which says that the WORD was GOD who was made flesh and dwelt among us. We can’t say that there is two God for the scriptures tell us that there is ONLY ONE GOD, (Isaiah 43:10-11). Now it’s becoming clear the mystery of God.

Actually in the Old Testament, there were many names of God. He called himself “I am that I am” – (Exo. 3:13-14), Jealous God (Exo. 34:14), Holy (Isa. 57:15) and Jehovah (Exo. 6:3) but on Zech. 14:9 there was prophecy that a time will come that there be one Lord and His name one. This was prophecy fulfilled in the new Testament.

Below are supporting verses whitch tells us that JESUS CHRIST is the God of Old Testament whose name was JEHOVAH before.


“I AM HE – old testament”

1. Understand that I (Jehovah) am He (Jesus) written on Isa. 43:10, Isa. 41:4)
2. Hearkened unto me, O Jacob and Israel, I (Jehovah) am He (Jesus), written on Isa. 48:12
3. Therefore they shall know in that day that I (Jehovah) am He (Jesus) that doth speak (Isa. 52:6)

“I AM HE – new testament”

1. For if ye believe not that I (Jesus) am He (Jehovah, or God or Father), ye shall die in your sins. This is written on John 8:24, 28
2. Ye may believe that I (Jesus) am He (Jehovah, or God or Father), written on John 13:19

The Mystery of God Part II - "JESUS", the new name promised!

Because God’s holy name was blasphemed in the Old Testament, He sworn His great name "JEHOVAH" and promised a new name that shall not be cut off (Isa. 56:5, Isa. 63:12) and a new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34, Heb. 8:6-9) and . The prophecy was foretold on Micah 5:2, that out of Judah a ruler will come out. Also, it is written on Isa. 9:6 that a child will be born, and on Isa. 7:14 a sign was given that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His name shall be called Immanuel (which means God is with us). The fulfillment of these prophecies is written on Luke 1:26-35, when angel Gabriel spoke to Mary that she’ll bear a child thru Holy Spirit (not from the will of man) and that she’ll call this child “JESUS” (Matt. 1:21-23). This is the “new name” God promised in the Old Testament, and the new covenant is the “new testament” (Matt. 26:17-20, 26:28 Heb. 7:22, 9:15-17) which was written by the “apostles” which JESUS choose during His stay on earth.

The Mystery of God Part II – The New Name & The New Covenant

Because God’s holy name was blasphemed in the Old Testament, He sworn His great name "JEHOVAH" and promised new a covenant(Jer. 31:31-34, Heb. 8:6-9) and a new NAME that shall not be cut off (Isa. 56:5, Isa. 63:12). The prophecy was foretold on Micah 5:2, that out of Judah a ruler will come out. Also, it is written on Isa. 9:6 that a child will be born, and on Isa. 7:14 a sign was given that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His name shall be called Immanuel (which means God is with us). The fulfillment of these prophecies is written on Luke 1:26-35, when angel Gabriel spoke to Mary that she’ll bear a child thru Holy Spirit (not from the will of man) and that she’ll call this child “JESUS” (Matt. 1:21-23). This is the “new name” God promised in the Old Testament, and the new covenant is the “new testament” (Matt. 26:17-20, 26:28 Heb. 7:22, 9:15-17) which was written by the “apostles” which JESUS choose during His stay on earth.

The Great Mystery of God Part I - God's Name in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God's name was JEHOVAH, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Ex. 6:3, Ps. 83:18, Isa. 12:2, Isa. 26:4). These three persons were so obedient with God's commandments. When Jacob was tested and won the fight with an angel, God blessed him and changed his name to Israel (Gen. 32:28). Jacob's offsprings (the Israelites) were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous (Ex. 1:7). Israelites were the chosen people of God. He took them out of Egypt and freed them from the bondage of slavery for almost 430 years (Ex. 12:40-41). God promised them a land (Genesis 15:18-19), which is called now Israel (after Jacob's name). God's love for this nation was so great (Deut. 7:1-26), but when their forfathers died, the new generation despised God's covenant and did evil in the eyes of the Lord (Judges 2:10-23). They provoked Him to anger, and they even profaned His Holy Name (Eze. 36:16-23), so He sworn His Great Name (Jer. 44:26) and promised a "new name" that shall not be cut off (Isa. 56:5, Isa. 63:12) and a new covenant (Isa 55:1-3, Jer. 31:31-32).

One God!

The Old Testament says that “GOD IS ONLY ONE” (Isa. 43:10-11, 44:8, 45:5, 21, 46:9), and this only God had chosen Abraham and his descendants to give His covenant and a promised land (Gen. 17:6-8)

Even in the New Testament, it's written that there is one God (Isa. 44:8, Mark 12:32)?? But why there are trinity belief, the Father, Son & Spirit?? Well, that's "the mystery of God" (I Tim. 3:16).