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Greetings to all of you subscribers! I do pray that your hope in Christ is being renewed day by day, even as we face the start of another year. This month's newsletter contains two articles. They are: Evolution Revolution Tithes and Offerings Recently I have been asking myself about what a newsletter should be. All my life I have been receiving various newsletters; but now the content responsibilities and deadlines are my own! It is a somewhat daunting task, that my wife and I are still getting accustomed to. The interest from various areas of the world also becomes a challenge in regard to specific needs I am unfamiliar with. I do encourage you not to hesitate in sharing those prayer requests with us, or asking questions that you may have. In writing our newsletters, I hope to be able to address issues that each of us run into daily—from the perspective of an adopted child of God, saved through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Time is truly confining to us right now, but we will do our best through the Holy Spirit to provide helpful insights through our newsletters. As our website is still young and growing, we welcome suggestions regarding topics that have yet to be covered. I do know of some big ones remaining! Remember we will do our best to respond to your inquiries within 48 hours of receiving them. May the Lord bless you! Remember, we will be home with Jesus soon! Yours in Christ, Andy Evolution Revolution The theory of evolution has been a plague upon humanity since it was first widely broadcast. Darwin’s book, The Origin of Species, was published in 1859. God-hating people all over the world wildly applauded; for now they had a hopeful theory to deceive them into thinking that they would not be judged by a supreme creator after death. Evolution was not an original idea from Darwin. He was, instead, the tool for its widespread publicity. It is also no coincidence that the major attack on God’s Word followed shortly afterward (1871-81), through revision committee’s new “translation” of the Bible. In this way, the devil was trying to remove the Christian’s spiritual weapon with which we would best fight that theory (see Ephesians 6:17). Since it’s foundation, evolution has led to a godless society. It has produced countless wars and genocides—as mankind now merely sees himself as a random animal that has a legal right to kill to survive. True believers (not all, but most) are left dumb-founded at how to respond. Great, respected scientists, teachers and leaders all tout evolution and treat it as if it were a well established scientific fact. It is important to understand that evolution is actually anti-science. It is a perfect example of “science falsely so called” (I Timothy 6:20) in God’s Word. Evolution was presumed to be true long before the science existed to verify or refute it. Charles Darwin knew this and openly admitted it. In the years following his book’s publication, he became quite frustrated as every bit of follow up research done refuted his theories, rather than establish them. Evolution is in fact, a religion. A desperate theory of fairy tales, violating thousands of scientific laws and experiments. It is supposition thousands of times more impossible than creation by a Supreme God. In fact, the scientific experiments performed in an attempt to validate evolution instead wind up validating creation. So why such a seemingly universal acceptance of the theory? Why is it pushed so hard in schools and on television? Why are so many intelligent, educated people simply falling into agreement with this? Why do so many professing Christian leaders even include evolution as a part of the message they preach? I had to find out the answers to these questions. Any research done by the believer must be filtered through God’s Word; the only source of genuine truth. It is therefore fitting for us to look at the spiritual side of the explanation first. Our God has shown us,
We must not underestimate Satan’s abilities or cunning. When we believe what Jesus has shown us about him, then trust our Lord in faith, we will understand and overwhelmingly conquer! Romans 8:37 When it comes to the promotion of this unscientific theory, these individuals are spoken of in II Corinthians 4:4:
Beyond this, all of mankind has a sinful and rebellious nature. Living a holy life and having faith do not come naturally for anyone. This is why we need the perfect blood of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
Yes, our God knew of the coming evolution theory, and what it would lead to in the last days. Romans chapter one wonderfully addresses what we are now facing. I encourage you to read it entirely.
On a more immediately visible level, it is simply a lie repeated over and over again. We are now beginning a fourth generation under evolution; each one being taught by the other that it is true—it is never questioned. Many who have proven evolution untrue by experiment, still cling to it. They may hate the thought of God! Perhaps they don’t want to be ostracized by fellow colleagues. There is also enormous pressure from our government and colleges to conform—or be cut off financially, as well! It also could follow, that all the heavy indoctrination into accepting evolution makes it impossible to let go. These individuals rationalize that “we just don’t understand it yet.” Satan’s grip is growing ever stronger upon the world now, during our final moments. Yet still, 150 years after The Origin of Species was published, science is awakening out of the slumber of evolution. This is another reason why the adversary must move quickly. In my opinion, if the world were to last another thirty years or so, we would see a revolution—as evolution would be utterly thrown out as a concept. It was loved as a theory before science could verify or disprove it. And now it has been disproved scientifically, in thousands of different ways. Which brings me to my own response. First, I do wish that more could have been on our website before now. It was actually one of the first two topics that I was writing seven months ago; meant to be one of the initial ones in establishing HeedTheWatchman.com. The Lord led me down a different path, and had me wait. Returning to the truth and purity of God’s Word, and being led through it by the Holy Spirit, are of far greater value than addressing this topic.
This subject is a big one, however. It has brought vast physical and spiritual destruction to the world. It has also caused confusion within the true church; even causing some to err from the faith and teach heresies. There are dozens of creation research institutes, and thousands of scientists and political leaders (even non-believers) who disbelieve evolution. Be encouraged! I first found resources at Chick.com, which makes available numerous tracts and books on the subject. Creation Science Evangelism (CSE) is a main resource I have used in learning about this topic. Dr. Hovind’s Creation Seminar series is a wonderful learning and witnessing tool. This and more are available at Dr.Dino.com. The Hovinds also have established Dino Adventure Land in their home city of Pensacola, Florida. Kids love dinosaurs, but need to learn about them from God’s true Word; not the lies permeating school textbooks. Research information and further resources are also available at Evolution-Facts.org. Their “Evolution Handbook” (paper and hardback) are a great resource tool to help Christians understand the issues surrounding evolution, and what science actually reveals concerning them. The book is about 1,000 pages, and $7.00 a piece! The book can also be read on their website for free. Remember, any money spent in this direction can be counted as tithes and offerings—seeing that it is for the spiritual growth and witness of the believer. I say this especially for those who might be strained financially. As I was concluding my studies, I felt a little ridiculous. We all know that this complex universe could not have been an accident—and the direct evidence is enormously overwhelming. It is like arguing with someone that we have gravity, or that the sun is hot, or the night is dark! Is it any wonder what God gave us in I Timothy 6:20,21?
The arguments can be a futile waste of time with those entirely deceived. And some believers trying to pacify them and find “common ground,” have greatly compromised their faith and yielded to lies that are unscientific. My suggestion is that you study and become acquainted with the issues and the science pertaining to them (see Hosea 4:6). While it is good not to get caught up in vain arguing, knowing the facts will be a blessing; and greatly increase your faith, and the faith of others. It can also be a witness to the world around you, so that they will not take the lie of evolution at face value—but will question it. What is presented now is a small composite of my studies into the subject. It may help you with an initial understanding of some key factors, and prepare you for dealing with others when confronted. I really hope that in looking at this, your interest would be stirred to bring about further study. What I did, was to choose twelve points which I thought were key, and often encountered. Then I created an anagram to help me remember. This I will use in presenting to you. Mi. L.I.F.T.E.D. S.H.A.M.E. is the anagram. It represents the following: 1) Mi: Microevolution 2) L: Laws of thermodynamics 3) I: Interdependence, or irreducible complexity 4) F: Fossil evidence 5) T: Transitions not found 6) E: Evolution theories: mutation, natural selection 7) D: DNA evidence and barriers 8) S: Sexual reproduction 9) H: Halos—radio halos in granite 10) A: Ape ancestry 11) M: Miller’s experiment with amino acids 12) E: Ethics of mankind
1) Microevolution. This is one of the two basic types of evolution; the other being macroevolution, which is the true evolution being pushed today. Macroevolution means big changes across species barriers. As when a fish becomes a lizard, a lizard becomes a bird, etc. Microevolution is not really evolution at all, but has been desperately clung to because it is observed to be true. Microevolution is small variations within a species: such as when two short, brown-haired parents produce a tall blond offspring. Color variations in animal fur or skin. Longer or shorter bird bills, and the like. The peppered moth is the widely used example in attempting to prove evolution. The peppered moth of England produces light and dark varieties. The light moth used to appear in greater numbers than the dark, until the industrial revolution in the mid 1800’s. Evolutionists claimed the moth was “evolving” darker as a better camouflage from predators like birds. The bandwagon was quickly promoted and pushed before studies could produce any inconvenient evidence to the contrary…The studies showed that there was no change in the light moth to dark moth birth ratio! The predators did find the light moth easier to find and eat, making it appear as if the overall moth populace was growing darker. Only the survivors were darker! Even if studies had shown otherwise, it was still a peppered moth! It did not change into another species to avoid being eaten, which would be very convenient! All information in regard to the moth’s coloring is there to find within it’s DNA code already—nothing new is produced. Evolutionists often use this example as a “proof;” now you know the truth! 2) Laws of Thermodynamics. These are well-established, ages old principles which are known to be scientifically factual. The first law states that matter can neither be created or destroyed. It can change forms (food into energy and waste), but something cannot come from nothing! And this is what evolution claims—that all came from the nothingness of an empty universe. The second law of thermodynamics is also called the Law of Increasing Entropy. This refers to energy decay, randomness, breaking apart. In other words, everything is getting old, running down, being disorganized. Each one of us has viewed this principle at work—within our bodies, our homes, our cars. Evolution claims that the universe is getting more orderly. Everything is “evolving” bigger, better, stronger, smarter. Evolution attempts to refute the scientific second law of thermodynamics—a law which everyone observes to be true every day! 3) Interdependence or Irreducible Complexity. The two are not the same, but each are vital. The living world has many examples of interdependence. A specific animal totally dependent on one plant, and vice versa. Animals dependent on another animal, also. But how? The two could not exist without the other; so how could they miraculously evolve at the same time, neither one complete without the other? Sometimes the two are also supposedly separated by millions of years of evolution! Irreducible complexity simply means that something must have a certain level of complexity to function. The human eye is a great example; it can only work put together the way it is—any missing part or variant will render it useless. There could be no such thing as a “lesser” eye that it evolved from. 4) Fossil Evidence. Fossils are an important argument for evolutionists, one which many believers (myself included) have stumbled. In reality they are testimony to the truth of our faith—specifically, the worldwide flood recorded in Genesis. Fossilization does not occur under ordinary circumstances. This is easily observed through daily passing by the remains of an animal. The weather decays flesh and blood; and both are also consumed by other animals and insects. Fossils are produced when the organism is quickly covered by a large sediment deposit: such deposits were created through the Flood, and the subsequent receding waters. You may be somewhat familiar with the geologic column, and its supposed dating of earth ages and fossils. The dating used for this column has always been assumed, not proven. The column was created without the knowledge and insights that later were produced by true science. First of all, the geologic column does not exist anywhere in the world! Older layers upon younger layers; even whole mountains of great age resting upon younger soil. Secondly, the layering of the sediments was categorized to fit the evolution theory! Smaller, supposedly more simple life forms in the lower layers—with gradually increasingly “complex” life in the higher levels. Yet the sediment layering with fossils is exactly how it would have occurred if produced by a world-wide flood! Time tables for geological ages have been assumed, not proven. Evolutionists have much trouble with The Cambrian Explosion. The Cambrian strata is when the “earliest” life forms appeared, according to evolution. But in this layer, life bursts forth—with thousands of different species, some very complex. Nothing leads up to it! Shouldn’t there have been some smaller numbers of lesser forms beforehand? And why are even human footprints found in this, the lowest level? As believers in Christ, we know the truth because of God’s grace! Praise the Lord! How many times do we read or hear, “scientists today discovered a dinosaur fossil which is at least 70 million years old”? It sounds so convincing! Surely, educated scientists must know these things! In fact, they do not. If the years given are not an outright lie, they are repeating the lies passed down to them from three previous generations of “learned” men. When the scientist/geologist is asked how they know the age of the fossil, they will reply, “We determine the fossil’s age due to the layer of strata we find it in.” If you then ask how they know the strata’s age, they will reply, “We know the strata’s age because of the type of fossils we find in it.” Circular reasoning, folks! Throughout geologic timetables, the composition of strata layers are exactly the same. They are only differentiated by fossil types. This is not science, brethren. Pray for those deceived, that the scales might fall from their eyes. 5) Transitions not found. According to evolution, one species changes into another slowly over millions of years. Why are there then no transition fossils? Why don’t we see living evolutionary transitions today? Everything examined is complete and entire within its own set species. 6) Evolution theories. How does it happen? Two avenues are pursued, and both go nowhere. Natural selection was the early favorite back in Darwin’s day. “Survival of the fittest” became a catch-phrase most are well acquainted with. Natural selection claims that nature randomly chooses the best in each species and promotes its characteristics, leaving the worst behind. Eventually this leads to an entirely new species, better than the old one. This theory of evolution was heavily promoted prior to any serious study. Fourteen years after The Origin of Species was published, Darwin abandoned the natural selection theory he postulated! Years of observation and experiment by himself and other “experts” conclusively proved that evolution does not happen this way. Rather than a species promoting the “big, strong, and smart;” all species promote a more stable model. The average is what supplies the most resiliency to the organism! Evolutionists today are largely ashamed of Darwin’s theories and overall outlook. Mutation is the other avenue evolution takes. Sudden, unexplained changes that appear very occasionally over the millions and billions of years. Yet mutations are always destructive, not beneficial! After learning how to produce radiation, scientists were then able to employ it to study its effects. In thousands upon thousands of mutations observed (natural and manmade), not one beneficial one has been known. Even if one attribute appears to be enhanced, it costs the organism weakening compromise within the rest of its systems. Yet with natural selection rendered completely unviable, evolutionists cling to a “beneficial” mutation theory! Even though science has shown them otherwise. The current variant of mutation evolution is known as the “hopeful monster” theory. According to this outlook, millions of beneficial mutations happen all at once every 50,000 years of so. Obviously, the mutations would have to happen twice and in exactly the same way at the same time (male and female). Does this sound like science—or a special creation? Mankind’s sinful nature contrives every conceivable way to deny God.
7) DNA evidence. The discovery and study of DNA nails a lid on the coffin of the “changing species” evolution theory. DNA is absolutely necessary for life! It is a blueprint, without which anatomy and physical characteristics could not be coordinated and function. No one knows how life could exist at all without it. DNA also provides a fixed barrier which prevents species crossover. Even as DNA “blueprints” each life form, no outer changes can enter inside of it. Some DNA codes contain huge variants of possibility within them, while others are quite limited. But life cannot come to being and continue without the DNA blueprint, neither can changes be made to that plan. 8) Sexual reproduction. Why does nearly everything reproduce through male and female? It is an obvious condition of our world, so few really think about it. For the evolutionists, it is an inexplicable problem. Why should life evolve requiring two nearly identical life forms? How could they have known to evolve so perfectly to fit together and reproduce? How would they know there would even be another, or how to find it, or why they should not kill it immediately? Then, these two (male and female) supposedly random mutations of evolution would have to occur within the same life expectancy and geographic area to reproduce. Otherwise, their “highly evolved” selves would die alone—and nature would have to produce another such phenomenon through blind chance! One of our most common experiences is one of evolution’s most damning evidences! 9) “Halos” in granite. Granite rock is the base rock of our planet. The continents with sediment layering are above it, with earth’s molten core beneath. Granite by itself is a mystery to evolutionary geologists. According to the “big bang” theory, the entire earth was once a molten mass which cooled slowly over billions of years. However, when man has melted granite and let it cool, it always reforms itself into ryolite. Ryolite is a different substance with smaller crystals, and even visually appears to be something other than granite! So we know that granite was not formed from molten rock. Yet what has been discovered within the granite is the big evidence… Radio halos made by polonium appear by the trillions in granite rock everywhere. These “halos” could not be held in a molten state (we know granite is never molten), and are only emitted for up to three minutes before ending. Therefore, these radio-halos testify that the granite base rock of our world was formed in under three minutes! Don’t let anyone tell you that special creation cannot be proven scientifically! It is shown many times over; through science, and the obvious testimony of our senses. My explanation here is brief, so I encourage you to look up a more thorough review at Evolution-Facts.org. 10) Ape ancestry. Evolution theory declares that mankind descended from apes, and even declares to have found some intermediate fossils which hint at it. Honest scientists will openly acknowledge that no “mission links” have been found. The bone fragments discovered are only about enough to fill and average size coffin, and there are no complete skeletons. Over millions of years, shouldn’t there be more? Neanderthal Man: Even from the start, many scientists agreed it was a modern human skeleton. Further studies concluded it to be a severely arthritic old man. It is also possible to have come from the pre-flood world some 5,000 years ago. Human facial bones grow our entire lives, and life spans were far greater before the flood (800-900 years). Piltdown Man: Introduced in 1912, it was heralded as a “missing link” for some forty years. When true scientists were finally allowed to examine it (a skull only), it was found to be a hoax! An ape lower jaw had been placed with a human skull; teeth were filed, bones stained to create an old appearance. The skull was determined to be quite recent; drilling into it produced shavings, not dust as you would expect from something of a million year age. Nebraska Man: Discovered in 1920, and used heavily in the Scopes Monkey Trial, this skeleton was built up from one tooth! Seven years later, this tooth was found to belong to a type of extinct pig. Peking Man: A supposed half-million year old skeleton discovered near Peking (now Beijing) China. All evidence has disappeared. Lucy: A more recent discovery in Africa, Lucy was later determined to be a young chimpanzee. Immature chimps and humans have similar facial structure. Lucy was jumped on as human because tools were also found 100 feet away! Evolutionists are desperate to find some missing link to help them deny their creator. I suppose that they try to push “ape ancestry,” simply because it is more plausible than all life coming from a rock, long ago! Cro-Magnon Man: A fancy name for modern human skeletons—why give it a special designation? 11) Miller’s Experiment. In the early 1950’s, a scientist named Stanley Miller produced two amino acids in a laboratory experiment. Newspapers declared, “Scientist creates life in laboratory.” Even today, it is passed down that science has created life—many believe it without question. In all fairness, Stanley Miller never declared to have created life. Amino acids are known as the building blocks of life, but they also occur outside living organisms. Among living organisms, twenty amino acids are the minimum found in any creature. I believe humans contain forty-six amino acids. Proteins make up the amino acids, and all the proteins in living organisms are left-handed. Amino acids outside living tissue always have equal numbers of right handed and left handed proteins: these are the type created by Stanley Miller. Professor Miller was indeed trying to research how life may have come to evolve. His experiment was done in a sealed environment—when oxygen was added it fell apart! Everyone knows oxygen is essential for all life. He also added regular, gentle pulses of electricity to supposedly simulate lightning. Lightning strikes are not gentle and regular! They are occasional, and always destructive. This was another way of stating hope for a beneficial mutation, which all of science has shown to never happen. 12) Ethics of man. What is right or wrong? The fact of mankind’s ethics suggests we are a spiritual being in a physical body. Why would an animal, created accidentally by random circumstances, care about the welfare of other creatures? Wouldn’t that “animal” be concerned only for its own welfare or survival? The existence of our ethical values perplexes evolutionists. Yet generations of teaching this false science has indeed led to numerous genocides among mankind. Especially here in the Western World, humans are much more preoccupied with self gratification than with the welfare of others. Our vital ethics are slipping away, as we deny more and more the special creation which underlies our existence.
Unfortunately, repeated evolution brain washing has infected the organized church. Acknowledging sin is being shunned, in favor of our own form of godliness. There are also outspoken church leaders who deny Jesus Christ (the Word) and embrace parts of evolution. They have fallen for the repeated lies they have heard, without any research of their own. Eager to compromise to please men, they “add to and diminish from” the Word of God by inventing their own versions of creations. This is a natural result of inviting the world into the church, instead of going into the world to make disciples—then bringing them into the church. Some claim the “days” of Genesis One are million-year ages—instead of the six literal 24 hour days God says it is. In this they deny huge portions of scripture, and make God into a liar. They also deny the actual science which conclusively shows the earth to be only thousands of years old, not millions or billions. Some also say God created the universe to “evolve.” In this, they are stating that death came before sin; another scriptural denial. Besides, science shows evolution cannot happen, and has never happened. It is an atheistic religion which denies a divine creator. Brethren, do not fall for these wolves in sheep clothing! In faith believe all that God says (KJV only), even beyond your understanding.
May the Lord Jesus bless as you further study this subject. My praise to God increases, as I am amazed over and over again by His special creation. The existence and origin of our universe will never be in doubt.
Money Tips: Tithes and Offerings It seems only fitting to examine this Bible doctrine in relation to our spending or saving money. The devil has caused many to stumble in this area, as he does attack every teaching from the Word of God. As many of you know by now, there was a point in my life that I realized many teachings of the organized church did not line up with Bible doctrine. So I was also curious if this was the case regarding tithes and offerings. In this, I must acknowledge perhaps a root of the carnal nature within me—I wanted to see if I could do with all my finances as I pleased! God’s Word is the true believer’s instruction manual. It is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. And that is, every word that proceeds from God (Matthew 4:4). There are so many today that manipulate God’s Word to show what they want it to say. Thus the appeal of the many different “versions” of the Bible. I strive continually in prayer to not fall into this trap. We do know this…
It is therefore important to study the Word of God diligently and with reverence; praying always that the Holy Spirit will lead us in understanding the truth of Jesus Christ (the Word).
Studying the Word, my conclusion was the absolute directive of giving tithes and offerings—though it is a lesser part of the believer’s life. It is summed up through these words from Jesus’ earthly ministry;
There is much more to share about this issue, in which I have studied extensively. Online, I even examined the teachings of a professing believer who teaches that we no longer need to give tithe! He claims it to be an “Old Testament” teaching, not for us today. While he cites several scriptures to support his view, he ignores at least twice as many which say otherwise—including the last one we’ve listed. He is not even being faithful with “unrighteous mammon,” so how can God use him in things of greater importance?
God has chosen for His people to give tithes and offerings; a portion of their “firstfruits” or of the “fruit of our increase.” It is not a matter of the Old verses New Testament, but an ongoing directive we are to follow. I speculate that it is a way provided for us to have consistent fellowship with our Heavenly Father, through acknowledging Him as the source of blessing and provision.
We cannot know all of God’s reasoning, but can faithfully trust and serve Him as He directs through the Word (Jesus). Remember that God has our best welfare in mind, desiring that we be united with Him eternally through salvation in Jesus Christ.
The book of Malachi contains the most oft cited scripture concerning tithing. Many read verse 8 only; others read verses 8 through 10. I fear that we lose much by not regarding the entire passage.
The Lord of hosts is stating clearly that His people are backslidden—and that the giving of tithes is one key way in which they need to return.
God makes the problem clear in these two verses.
These verses contain the instruction to return to tithing, and the numerous blessing we are promised for this obedience. These blessing include fruitful harvesting, and being a witness to many others that God is with us. For the true believers, we must tithe as we are able. Tithing can also become a hollow ritual of the Law, and I think this is what many rebel against. The cash or check goes into our offering envelopes, which we deposit at our church every Sunday. Without a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, tithing is a meaningless religious ritual. When in right relationship with our Savior, it is a blessed part of our fellowship with God! Luke 18:10-14 is a further example of the right relationship necessity; and that tithing is an instruction of lesser importance. Make no mistake—the importance of tithes and offerings is conveyed to us over and over again in God’s Word. There can be no claim of my “using an obscure verse or two.”
When we obey this instruction, and Jesus is our Lord, all of our resources are at His disposal! Though we are given a percentage as a directive, at times more is asked of us. The book of Acts gives us the pure example made by the early followers of Christ.
If someone dislikes the 10% “Old Testament” tithe principal, how will they feel about the 100% New Testament principal? When we go home to be with Jesus, it will be a great relief to have all our needs fulfilled without money. We are also not currently living within the wonderful system of the early Christian church reported in Acts. Tithe is 10% of our gross (before tax) income, and the “firstfruit” of our increase. God knows many bills and unexpected demands require our finances to care for—such as car repair or replacement, and home maintenance. So before continuing into tithe applications, it should be clearly understood that there may be or will be times when we cannot give our full tithe. Our God makes this clear in His Word, showing that there are greater priorities for the believer. The financial demands of life are often limiting. As I was surrendering this aspect of my life to the Lord, I was not able to pay full tithe. I kept seeking the Lord prayerfully, asking that He would enable me to pay full tithe. In faith, I gave as I was able—sometimes $5, $10, or $20. Within about eight months I had been blessed to be able to honor God through full tithe. It was still early in my understanding of the subject, however. Even if a specific monetary amount for tithe can not be met, remember that we serve Christ with our whole being. Did you run errands for those in need? Provide meals? Perform any cleaning/maintenance for those financially constrained? All of these services are of great value, but a direct cash value is difficult to assign—and we should not. God wants us to be faithful in each aspect of our lives, even if our assets seem to be few.
These passages also reflect priorities greater than tithing. God wants us to provide for our own family first—or it is a denial of Christ! I am quite certain this provision should be for actual needs, not luxuries. Seek God for wisdom of priorities as His steward. Are there needy around you? Don’t think you can’t help. Perhaps you can take a portion of that tithe to help them buy food. Seek the Lord for guidance. The great application of tithe, mentioned the most in scripture, would be to provide for those ministering full time for the Lord. Unfortunately, some pastors do live quite lavishly. Opinions on this are subjective, so it is mostly for you to discern if one is preaching the Biblical truth, or “another gospel” (Galatians 1:8). Organized churches in these last days are almost all in the “falling away” category; so please use caution in what you support. Scriptures for ministry support?
This passage actually shows the Levites to receive one tenth of the tithe offering.
Please read through the entire “Hezekiah revival” of II Chronicles chapters 29-31—it is great blessing! In these few verses I tried to highlight the tithe, the excess, and distribution to the Levites.
Yes, in the New Testament as well! Though some ministers may live luxuriously, others can barely subsist due to stinginess. Then true ministers of the gospel should be cared for well, that their attention may be fully devoted to God’s work. Other passages pertaining to tithe are mentioned as follows (this is not a complete list!); Genesis 4:4; God is honored by Abel’s sacrifice of the “firstlings” of his flock. Genesis 14:20; Abram (Abraham) offers tithes to God’s priest Melchizedek. Also mentioned in Hebrews 7:5 Exodus 23:19; Instruction to offer “firstfruits.” Leviticus 27:30-33; Further tithe instruction Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Another commission to tithe. It shows a certain timing of tithes, and provision for the Levites. Excess tithe (after Levite provision and dedication) is eaten by the people! In other words, tithe need not go to a mission field far away, but can be used to help those immediately surrounding us! Charity should begin at home! Deuteronomy 26:12; Tithe is for the Levite and distributed to those in need—like the church of Acts chapter four. Nehemiah 12:44; Tithing continues, even in captivity.
An instruction to tithe and the promise of blessing, later echoed in Malachi chapter three. Luke 11:42; Another affirmation of tithing, and of noting its secondary importance. I Timothy 5:17,18; More instruction to provide for the full-time ministers. So our tithe should be used to support those in full-time ministry, and provide for the needy around us. What else? If it is for our own growth in Christ, a portion can be used. Such as the purchase of books, or attending a seminar or service. Seek the Lord in prayer about it; for many “good” teachings happen in the name of Christ only. Truly, the Bible contains all that we need. The deeper study of it (the Bible) will shed much light on your everyday issues, and at no additional cost! Yet some things are good to learn about and pertain to faith and witnessing. Studies on Evolution, New Age teachings, and other religions are all legitimate. Remember that the Lord said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...” Some pastors actually claim that those extra purchases should not be a part of tithe! Hey, if you can afford it, that’s fine. But if you personally are pinched for money, it is certainly a legitimate tithe direction. Much of what I have observed about giving concerns me—especially the tax free status. Scripture clearly tells us that we are to pay taxes. Romans 13:1-7 tells us that God has put the authorities in power to administer general law and order. We are to financially support our government. Jesus also makes it plain in Matthew 17:24-27, and 22:17-21. It distresses me to see enormous churches living tax-free. They were Biblically admonished to pay taxes, yet disobey that instruction. It does not matter if they are legally able to do this; they must be spiritually accountable. The neglect of taxes by large land holders also increases the financial yoke of all the citizens around them. Is this the mission of the church? Now I have noted that some churches fund a tax relief payment as a substitute, and I commend them in this. The idea of tax exempt status filters down to the laity as well, in that donations to non-profit organizations are tax deductible. In other words, you receive back a portion of what you give. There are two ways, scripturally, to be challenged in regard to giving.
Here is a commission to give, without receiving anything back in return. I actually do not protest the tax deductions we take for non-profit or church giving. My protest comes to those who give only when getting a tax break! If Jesus is your Lord, directing you, the tax deductibility should never be a measure of God’s will. Another problem is reflected in Matthew 6:1-4:
In this passage, we are admonished to give without broadcasting the fact. Whether it be on a tax return, or a tithe envelope, aren’t we openly pointing out the “alms” we have given? I’m not telling anyone to totally abandon these things. But please, examine your heart before God to find His direction. Please see I Corinthians 11:27-29. Many are the leadings a believer will have to give or purchase, with no attainable tax refund for that action. Let us lay up treasures in heaven through obedience to God.
Hopefully this article will aid your understanding of the principle of tithing. Pray that the Lord Jesus will quicken it in your life, as He sees fit.
WARNING: To avoid falling away, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27. Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist. Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Bible Version section and the section on Eternal Security. With Charity from Christ, Andy  |
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