Whenever a theological question arises and I don't know that answer, at first I have a rudderless, lost feeling. It is like the feeling you get when you are taking a test and read a question you have no idea the answer to. For too long I have taken things taught to me for granted and have not done any fact checking. Those days are over. I encourage anyone reading this to read the Word for yourself. Anytime I hear a message, I want to know where in the Word it can be found. Tithing and law keeping have been my latest subject, as was once the origins of the Earth and how the bible answers those questions. (No, the bible does not say the earth is 6000 years old.) As I continue to study, I continue to uncover what was plain before my eyes. Under the New Covenant we are not bound to Mosaic Law. Especially not to the practice of tithing.
So, on with the theme of the hour.
Acts 15 - I still have discussions with people regarding tithing and how somehow of all 650 Mosaic Law commandments, this one somehow is still in force. People would never dream of making a case for circumcision still being in effect, or animal sacrifce for that matter. But tithing is the sacred cow that can not be touched or challenged. I realize these questions have already been answered in a conference long ago. The answers to all of this were just waiting to be uncovered. So, If I am willing to look for myself, the answer is plainly there.
Acts 15 : 5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses"
So the apostles wanted to decide if they needed to put the Jewish customs onto the new converted Gentiles. I happen to be a Gentile so I am ever grateful for the outcome of this conference 2000 years ago!
Acts 15:10 - "Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
Can it be any more clear? Yes, I know that tithing is not taught as a way to salvation, but it is still taught nonetheless and from this chapter you can see that it was decided NOT to test God by putting on Gentiles the yoke that even the Jews could not bear. So, no tithing, no Mosaic Law keeping, no Sabbath day observation, no circumcision and no earthly priest that stands between you and God. This does not mean we are under NO law, just not under Mosaic Law. So ask the Holy Spirit, that is inside of you and is the sign of the New Covenant what you should give (to a ministry, the needy and those whom the Spirit lays on your heart) and be obedient to that. Give with a cheerful heart and not as one under compulsion.
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