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The Tithe, is it for today, what is it for?

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Posted by: JG

My Dear Friends:

This is one of the greatest lessons in the Bible.
It has many deep hidden secrets.
Our flesh wants to skip it.
Our mind says we already know all about this
When in fact it is the Key to great prosperity and riches.

I am starting off with a Chart of the Tithe
There are three types of Tithe
Few people speak about them.
There are seven years to the Tithe.
Did you know in the 6th year you get a double portion
Did you know in the 7th year you get a years vacation.

When we approach a subject we must always look to the word to see what it says.
So many of you have said:
"I feel", "I believe"

I hope you find this an interesting lesson on "The Tithe"
Do you know the purpose of the TITHE according to the WORD?
Do you know the types of TITHE according to the WORD?

Those who have an ear to hear will read every word.
If you have the thought you don't have time for this
Please know that thought was not from God
It was from your flesh or satan trying to steal the blessing.

Remember satan comes to steal the seed by the wayside.
So it will not find it's way into your heart.

I hope this little lesson helps you.
Pastor Jerry

The three types of TITHE. What are they for? What is the blessing? What is the purpose?

Tithe

1st Year

2nd Year

3rd Year

4th Year

5th Year

6th Year

7th Year

The first Tithe to the Levi (Ma'aser rishon) Deu 14:22

10% of 100%

10% of 100%

10% of 100%

10% of 100%

10% of 100%

10% of 100%

None

Purpose of the first tithe was to support the priest or ministers and the storehouse of the lord Deu 14:29 Mal 3
NUM 18:21 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. Exo23:10 "For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove. So you see the tithe is to the ministers, the priest, the storehouse where you are being fed. It is for worship and for the poor. Nowhere is it limited to the church but to the ministers of God's work.

The Tithe of Worship (Ma'aser sheni) Deu 14:26

10% of 90%

10% of 90%

None

10% of 90%

10% of 90%

None

None

Purpose: of the Worship Tithe it was eaten in the presence of Go Deu 14:23 ......that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. Numbers 12:1 These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth. ...12:5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: 12:6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: 12:7 And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

The Tithe to the Poor (Ma'aser ani)

None

None

10% of 90%

None

None

10% of 90%

None

Purpose of the third tithe was to help the widow Deu 26:12 When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled; Deu 26:13 Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them.

Total Tithe %

19%

19%

19%

19%

19%

19%

None

The purpose of the tithe
First: ---Deu 14:29 That the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
Second: Deu 14:23 That thou mayest learn to worship and reverence God
Third: --Deu: 14:22 To support the ministry around you
Fourth: -Deu: 15:01 That on the seventh year the tithe taught you to be debt free.

Deuteronomy 14:23b – The purpose of the tithe is “so that you may learn to fear or "stand in awe" or revere the Lord our God always.” The word “fear” here means to have reverence for, honor of and respect for the Lord your God. The bringing the tithe was in large part a celebration of God’s goodness and faithfulness. It served as a reminder in the hearts of the people that God is the owner of all things and that he graciously provides everything you need. The bringing of the tithe was a public declaration that you knew God, and the you understood that he was the giver of all good things. It was a public declaration that you understood that you owed everything to God. The tithe served as a form of worship. It said very clearly, “I honor, worship and love my God.”

Isn't it amazing how tithing, became a way not only for resources for those in ministry but, for expressing our love to God and our love to our neighbors which is the center of all the commandments as Jesus stated in the great commandment in Matthew 22:37-40. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.



Posted by: JG

1. What is the first mention the the TITHE.

After Adam and Eve sinned we see the battle begin.
It is very clear the Lord had taught Able and Cane how to Worship
with their offerings.
How do we know this? Without God telling them they would not have known what to do.

Just as today whenever there is pure worship Satan is at the door trying to steal the blessing.
Able offered a perfect sacrifice
Cane did not give an offering that was pleasing to God Heb: 11

So instead of asking his younger brother to learn how
Cane had a religious spirit and killed the giver.

When Mary the sister of Lazareth offered the anointing oil by pouring it on Jesus
Judas was there to try and stop pure worship.

For 6,000 years the Lord is still talking about Able's offering. Heb 11

Are we always trying to learn how to give the Lord our best.
Are we always looking for the opportunity to bless our Jesus.
Jesus said when you do this to the least of these you are ministering to Me.

Remember Satan is always crouching by your open door of blessing trying to steal it. You must master him.

So many say there was no mention of the Tithe with Adam and his family. But the word is very clear Able offered a TITHE: Heb 11 and Deu 12 show this was the TITHE.

Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

The term Firstlings is reflection of the first example of the TITHE.
Deu 12:6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

The same word used for the TITHE in Deu is used here.

And again in the New Testament we see the Holy Spirit giving commentary on the TITHE and on Able 4,000 years later.
Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,
by which he obtained witness
that he was righteous,
God testifying of his gifts:
and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Is God talking about your offerings.
Is God Testifying about your worship through giving.
Is God standing up in heaven and saying you gave a great sacrifice.

Have you ever gave an offering to God that would speak for you for 6,000 years?

Or are we looking for a way to give less to God so we can have more for ourself.

We see the battle of the TITHE started in the very beginning.
Satan is at the door trying to steal the blessing God brings because of the TITHE.

We also see God looks at your offerings so he can speak good about you.

4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. (Or you must master it)niv

Now we see Sin or satan is at the door to steal the blessing.
If you do not give out of a pure heart satan will steal the blessing.
So some people have given in the flesh not the Spirit and lost the blessing.

When it was done right God blessed it.

The TITHE is not yours it belongs to the Lord.

So we see here the battle is a battle of heart.
Are we looking for an opportunity to Bless God
Or are we looking for a reason to lose the blessing.

Will we give our best or just enough?

God said he wants to bless so we must find out how He wants to do this.


Posted by: jeremiah184

Does the Neew Test. command us to tithe. Many have said that Jesus did not give the command to tithe but that we are to give as a "cheerful giver." Does this mean, once one ask Jesus to be one's Saviour, becomes born again, baptized by the Holy Spirit, that one is ask, seek and knowck and iquire of the Lord what He wants one to do for tithing?


Posted by: JG

This is the second time the TITHE is mentioned in the BIBLE.

It is called the Melchizedek Blessing. It is one of the secret keys to great blessing in the bible. When the Lord showed me this I almost fell out of my chair.

Oh I pray you read every word hear. Faith comes by hearing a word from God. Let the eyes of your understanding be opened to this GREAT BLESSING.

You will see the transition from promise
You will see the transition from Prophecy
To the declared Word of God.
Today is your day to learn how to see God's word fulfilled in your life

Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the priest of the most high God.
Gen 14:19 And
he blessed him, and said,
Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God,
possessor of heaven and earth:

Gen 14:20 And blessed be the most high God,
which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.
And he gave him tithes of all.

Please notice something here
God said I will do this until .....

Then Abraham obeyed God by giving the TITHE to Melchizedek
The I wills changed to I have.
In Chapters 17 and 22 God made a declarative statement.
The I wills are I have also.

The secret is in having a heart to honor and give because you want to.

Let us now take a look at the Abraham blessings to understand the Melchizedek blessing.
Please notice that before Abraham gave the TITHE to Melchizedek God said "I WILL"

The TITHE opened the window of blessing for Abraham

Up until now God did not say he had blessed
but rather he would bless.
Until now the promise of blessing had not been fulfilled.
God said He would do this and that.
The TITHE opened the window in heaven so God could
fulfill the promise given

Here God said he would bless
Gen 12:2 And
I will make of thee a great nation, and
I will bless thee, and
(I will) make thy name great; and
thou shalt be a blessing:
Gen 12:3 And
I will bless them that bless thee, and
(I will) curse him that curseth thee: and
in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

again God said He would bless
Gen 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed
will I give this land:
and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

Here we see:
Abraham obeyed
and God promised to bless again.

Gen 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram,
after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: Gen 13:15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee
will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Gen 13:16 And
I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed also be numbered.
Gen 13:17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for
I will give it unto thee.

Now we see something has changed
God was not saying he just would bless
God was saying Abraham is blessed:

Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the priest of the most high God.
Gen 14:19 And he blessed him, and said,
Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God,
possessor of heaven and earth: Gen 14:20
And blessed be the most high God,
which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.
And he gave him tithes of all.
The Holy Spirit gives us commentary now by saying

Notice he did not say I will bless
He said you are blessed
He did not say you will possess
He said you are possessor
He did not say I will deliver
He said I have delivered

WOW what a change.
All because of the TITHE.

The Holy Spirit gives us some commentary in Hebrews
Hbr 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings,
and blessed him; Hbr 7:2
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all;
first being by interpretation King of righteousness,
and after that also King of Salem,
which is, King of peace; Hbr 7:3
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Hbr 7:4

Now consider how great this man [was], unto whom
even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. (plunder of war NIV) Hbr 7:5

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: Hbr 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. Hbr 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. Hbr 7:8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. Hbr 7:9 And as I may so say,

Levi also, who receiveth tithes,
payed tithes in Abraham. Hbr 7:10
For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.


The Holy Spirit wanted us to know that the priest had paid their TITHE through Abraham. This is true accountability. It is very clear the Lord wanted us to understand the secret blessing in the TITHE that he put it in the book of Hebrews so we could understand it's power.

This is such a wonderful commentary by God. So many say Abraham did not pay TITHE. But God said 7 times in this short verse Abraham paid TITHE. He would not have waisted the space unless it was important for us to know this.


Now lets look at the final blessings of Abraham he is 99 years old now.
Because he humbled himself before the Lord
God said he would and has blessed.

Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, (99) the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Gen 17:2 And

I will make my covenant between me and thee, and
I will multiply thee exceedingly. Gen 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, Gen 17:4 As for me, behold,

my covenant [is] with thee, and
thou shalt be a father of many nations.

Gen 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name
shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations
have I made thee. Gen 17:6 And
I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and
I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. Gen 17:7 And
I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Gen 17:8 And

I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and
I will be their God. Gen 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah [shall] her name [be]. Gen 17:16 And
I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea,
I will bless her, and she shall be [a mother] of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Gen 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall [a child] be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? .....
Gen 17:19 And God said,
Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him.
...
Gen 17:21 But my covenant
will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.


Because he obeyed the Lord

Gen 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. Gen 22:11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here [am] I. Gen 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son] from me. Gen 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind [him] a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. Gen 22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. Gen 22:15

And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, Gen 22:16 And said, By myself
I have sworn, saith the LORD, for
because thou hast done this thing,
and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

Was God saying:
Because you have given me your son
I will give you my son

Gen 22:17 That in blessing (when you bless others)
I will bless thee, and
in multiplying (Give and it shall be given)
I will multiply thy seed
as the stars of the heaven, and
as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and
thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; Gen 22:18
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Abraham learned that it was in giving the promises turned into reality.

Abraham gave
1: the TITHE
2: blessing
3: worship
4: obedience

Each time he gave God gave.
More than the sands in the sea
More then the stars in the heavens
means a number of blessing more than you can count.
means more than you can hold
means more than you can even think.

Your flesh will look for reasons not to give
Let your spirit Look for reasons to give.


Posted by: JG

The secret to great VICTORY IN BATTLE

Please take a moment to read and pray about this little lesson
Abraham had a nephew named Lot
When they came out of Egypt they both were very rich.
So rich the land could not hold both of them

Abraham became one of the richest men in the world at that time.
Lot lost everything he had. Have you ever wondered why?

Abraham told Lot to pick what part of the land he wanted.
The word says he lifted up his eyes and saw Sodom
Sodom means city burning with Lust.
The King of Sodom was named Bera.
His name means King of the Son of Evil
Lot also saw Gomorah which means Submerged in Sin
The king of Gororah was Birsha meaning King of weakness and sin

These are the friends of lot.
This is where he ran to. And did not want to leave.

Who are you hanging out with
Who are your friends.

These are Lots Friends
1. Bera king of Sodom - means King of the Son of Evil
Sodom means burning lust
2. Birsha King of Gomorah means King of Weakness and Sin
Gomorah means Bondage or submersion into sin
3. Shinab king of Admach means King of Devouring Fire or lust
means things of the earth
4. Shemeber king of Zeboiim means King of pride
Zeboim means animal like
5. King of Bela or Zoar means King of Death and Destruction
Zoar means turn you into nothing

Lot's enemy, the armies that came against him
Who is coming against you to steal, kill and destroy

These are the four kings that came against Lot
1. Amraphel king of Shinar His name means he is the King of Darkness
2. Arioch king of Ellasar Means King of Rebellion Roaring like a Lion
Eliasar means who revolts from God
3. Chedorlaomer king of Elam Chedorlaomer means King of Slavery and bondage in Hell
Elam means hell forever
4. Tidal king of nations means King of Fear
Nation means Nation filled with fear

THE FIRST BATTLE
Genesis 14:5 (NKJV) In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that [were] with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which [is] by the wilderness.

1. Defeat of the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim
means they defeated the Rephaims = giants, strongholds
in Ashteroth or their Gods of the mountain
2. Defeat of the Zuzims In Ham
Zuzims were the Roving creatures
in Ham which is the mountain that burned with fire
3. Defeat of the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim
Emims means the terrible people
Shaveh Kiriathaim in the valley of twin cities
4. Defeat of the Horites in their Mount Seir unto Elparan
Horites means Cave dwellers; they dwelt in the sandstone cliffs
Seir means place of Hairy or shaggymen
Elparan means the land south of the Dead Sea the desert


Genesis 14:7 (NKJV) Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that [is], Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar.

Genesis 14:8 (NKJV) And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that [is], Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim 9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar--four kings against five. 10 Now the Valley of Siddim [was] [full] [of] asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; [some] fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. 11 Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. 12 They also took Lot, Abram's brother's son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

Genesis 14:13 (NKJV) Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they [were] allies with Abram. 14 Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained [servants] who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which [is] north of Damascus. 16 So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.

One who had escaped informed Abram of Lot's fate. Immediately, Abram armed 318 servants and prepared to pursue Chedorlaomer and his four armies. These servants were men born in his own house and trained to fight. In addition to Abram's private militia,
Abraham friends were,
Mamre which means great strength,
Eschol means great prosperity, and
Aner means set aside or apart for God, they joined Abraham.



After Abraham won the battle He IS GREETED BY the KING OF EVIL AND LUST

Genesis 14:17 (NKJV) And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that [is], the King's Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who [were] with him.

DOES ANYONE FIND IT INTERESTING THE "SON OF EVIL" RAN IN FRONT OF MELCHIZEDEK OR JESUS TO TRY AND STEAL THE SOULS OF THE PEOPLE.

Genesis 14:18 (NKJV) Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he [was] the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tithe of all.

WHAT IS THE TITHE OF ALL
THERE WERE 4 ARMIES DEFEATED
The king of Darkness
The king of Rebellion
The king of Slavery and hell
The king of Fear

Who had defeated
The King of the Son of Evil
The King of Sin
The King of Fire and Lust
The King of Pride
The King of Destruction and death

So Abraham had ALL the spoils of 9 nations.
Rulers of Darkenss and Wickedness in high places were defeated and lost the spoils of war.

So Abraham gave a TITHE OF GREAT WEALTH OF 9 NATION
to Melchizedek king of Salem or King of Peace

He gave the rest to his friends
Abraham friends were,
Mamre which means great strength,
Eschol means great prosperity, and
Aner means set aside or apart for God, they joined Abraham.

Genesis 14:21 (NKJV) Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself." 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 "that I [will] [take] nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that [is] yours, lest you should say, `I have made Abram rich'-- 24 "except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion."

So you see here it was the Son of Evils portion that Abraham did not touch. The devil always wants to try and find a way to steal God's Glory.

The Encounter With Melchizedek
In Verse 17, we see that the king of Sodom had evaded captivity.
Though he is the first to go out to meet Abram,
it is Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God,
who first encounters Abram.
Melchizedek is a type of Christ in His unending priesthood. As such he meets Abram with bread and wine, and greets Abram with a blessing. The "bread and wine" are definitely symbols of the elements of communion and of the New Covenant.

Following the importation of bread and wine, Melchizedek pronounces two blessings. First he blesses Abram and declares the source of the blessing to be "God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth."
In his simple statement he declares that God is the absolute sovereign of the universe and that there is no other God besides Him or above Him.
Second, he blesses God and states that He is the source of Abram's victory-"Who delivered your enemies into your hand."

Abram's response was to gift Melchizedek with a tenth of the spoils. This suggests several things.
First, Abram was honoring Melchizedek.
Second, by giving a tithe to Melchizedek, Abram acknowledged God to be the source of his victory.

The Encounter With Bera king of the Son of Evil

The first words out of Bera's mouth are "give me."
This is quite a contrast to the blessings brought and spoken by Melchizedek.
This was also different with the heart of Abraham to give all to God.

This encounter with Bera is more dangerous than Abram's encounter with Chedorlaomer The King of Hell. Bera comes to pollute the testimony of the Lord by making demands of compromise.

"Give me the people, (the souls),
and you can take the goods for yourself" (v. 21).

Where was Bera (the King of Evil) when Chedorlaomer (the King of Hell) was hauling the souls and goods away as captives? What authority or right does Bera have to set conditions on Abram? This audacious coward is an apt symbol of satan.

God enables Abram to bring deliverance and the son of evil Bera seeks to take charge of the results.

Abram, armed from his encounter with Melchizedek refuses Bera's proposition.

First, he refuses to take that belongs to the son of evil because he knew that Bera will say he had made Abram rich.

This statement and decision is based on the blessing spoken by Melchizedek, in which he declared God to be the "possessor of heaven and earth."

Secondly, Abram seems to have settled this issue before he went in pursuit of Chedorlaomer-
His prayer to the Lord was: "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours." That belongs to the Son of Evil

Third, the only thing that Abram keeps is the food eaten by his servants and the portion that is due to .
Abraham friends who were,
Mamre which means great strength,
Eschol means great prosperity, and
Aner means set aside or apart for God,

Other than that he takes nothing for himself.

Because Abraham gave everything to God
We will see in Chapter 15 God gave
Everything to Abraham

Gen 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward. ...
Gen 15:5 And God brought him forth abroad, and said,
Look now toward heaven, and
tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him,
So shall thy seed be. Gen 15:6
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Gen 15:7 And he said unto him, I [am] the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

God gave Abraham everything from Egypt to Iraq
God said the blessings would be so large you could not count them

Because he GAVE EVERYTHING TO GOD


Posted by: JG


Abraham was the first intercessor.
He stood in the Gap just like Jesus
to deliver a friend from evil.

Even though the friend who was taken captive in chains
put into slavery would run back to the Son of Evil once again.

Abraham did his job and will do it one more time.
Because of His love and compassion we see a picture of Jesus here.

How did Lot end up this way. How do our friends end up in so much sin?

1. The path to Slavery begins with catering to the flesh.
First, Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom (13:12).
Next he lived in Sodom (the city burning with Lust ruled by the "Son of Evil")(14:12)
Then he was taken captive along with the Sodomites (14:12).

The man who thinks he can serve God and indulge the flesh is only fooling himself. Paul tells us "the carnal mind is enmity with God" (Rom. 8:7), and
"those who are in the flesh cannot please God" (Rom. 8:8).
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (See Rom. 8:13; Galatians 5:16, 24-25.)

2. Slavery is Slavery.
There is a slavery to sin so obvious that the captive and those who observe him are aware of it. The man bound by chains does not need anyone to tell him he is a prisoner. He is aware that he has lost control of his life and is in need of deliverance.

The Genesis record says, "They took Lot" (14:12).
Stripped of his wealth,
Lot is lead away in chains. Lest we think this is the beginning of Lot's captivity, may I say that Lot was a prisoner of sin long before this.

3. The way of faith is the way of love.
Someone may say, "Chedorlaomer was Lot's problem, not Abram's." Yes, but love made it Abram's affair. Men who have fallen themselves tend to be compassionate when dealing with the failures of others. Perhaps Abram remembered Egypt and his own failure in that place. His restoration at the altar was also a part of this memory.
Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jud 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

4. The need for a deliverer.
Lot would have lived the rest of his life in captivity if it had not been for Abram.
The sinner doesn't need another chance he needs a deliverer.
There are some things that we can't quit and walk away from.
They are areas of bondage and we need deliverance.

5. Not just anyone can be a deliverer.
a. The deliverer must be free. Bound men do not make good deliverers.

i. Free from attitudes - If Abram had been bound by hatred and unforgiveness he would not have sought to deliver Lot. He would have viewed Lot's bondage as Lot's just reward.
Pro 24:16 For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Pro 24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Pro 24:18 Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Pro 24:19 Fret not thyself because of evil [men], neither be thou envious at the wicked; Pro 24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

ii. Free from evil companions - If he had gone to Sodom with Lot, he would have been as bound as Lot was. We must walk in holiness if we are going to be used of God in the area of deliverance. We can only give what we have and we can only lift a person to where we are. Religious men can only offer you religion, but a man in relationship with God can offer you deliverance.
2Cr 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, 2Cr 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

b. The deliverer must love the bound one. See point three above.
c. The deliverer must be merciful.
The objective is deliverance, not destruction. We must give the captive one what he/she does not deserve and be careful not to give them what they do deserve.

6. Doing good and leaving the rest to God.

In spite of Abram's rescue of Lot, there is no evidence that Lot said thanks or had a change of heart. To the contrary, everything in the record indicates that Lot went right back to Sodom.

Our task is not to change Lot, but to set him free.

What he does with that freedom is between him and God. Abram was a success even though Lot went back to Sodom.

Paul exhorts us "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" (Gal. 5:1).

This is why we are here to stand in the gap and make up a wall of protection for the ignorant and those in sin Heb: 5


Posted by: GODS Grace

Thank you Jerry for teaching us God's word. This word is very timely for us. I need to stand on God's word and promises in this area.

My husband and I went to see the movie Chronicles of Narnia. The part of the movie that really stood was how the evil ruler lady "demanded her rights." That is so contrary to the character of God. He is so loving, giving, and patient.

My husband always says that we want to always stay under the blessings of God. It's good to have this teaching to stand on as truth so we don't have to listen to the lies the enemy brings.

I really enjoy Bill's thread on interpreting dreams. I hope he will be able to return soon HE AND HIS SISTER ARE IN MY PRAYERS. Yesterday, I dreamed that I my purse was being held as evidence and I would be judged as to it's content. Yicks! That is one reason I say that this is a timely word.

My husband and I have always tithed to our church. We have been waiting for a major break through in our finances. We think we may receive a large sum and have questioned if we should give all the tithe to our local church or should we get to money also to other ministries that we see are bearing good fruit? We have questioned the accountability of our church’s finances. I would like if you could give me insight. Thank You.

Malachi 3:8-11 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, In what way have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings.
(9) You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
(10) Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this, Says the LORD of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
(11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field, Says the LORD of hosts;”


Posted by: JG

Dear Grace:

Thank you for your wonderful trust.
Thank you for being such a blessing to us.

Will you please let me have time to finish the lessons on the tithe and giving then pray and see if your question is answered.

As most of you know I pour over the word, day and night.

So I want the answer from the Lord not man.

Thank You again and may the GRACE of God follow you all the days of your life.

Pastor Jerry


Posted by: eagle4him

Why would any follower of Christ today choose to put himself back under the Law of Moses, or the "ministry of death"?

If you choose to keep any part of the Law then you must try to keep it all. Jesus fulfilled the Law for us, since He knew none of us could.

Read Galatians 3:10 and 5:4.

The book of Hebrews states that there was a change of priesthood--Jesus is now our High Priest, and with that came a change of the Law!

If you choose to trust in the Law of Moses, then you are denying the power of the blood of Jesus!

Malachi 3:10 is the most abused scripture that I am aware of. It is actually the Levites (priests) that are being rebuked for not giving their tithe to the high priest.(not the congregation)

No, Luke 6:38 is also widely abused. Read Luke 6:37 and you will find out that Jesus is talking about forgiveness not giving you "tithe".

You all have free will. You can choose to live by the power of the Spirit of God or by the Law of Moses, which brought death, not life. I hope you will choose life.

I am not going to debate scriptures here. Ask the Lord for yourselves!

God bless you and give you wisdom.


Posted by: JeriRose12

I would really love to see more teaching on this.

I understand about giving the ten percent right along to those who feed us spiritually. But how do we give this worship offering? What would that consist of today? Would it be worship as in singing praise to Him? The giving to the poor makes sense, too.

Only, I don't fully understand how the Old Testement principles square with what we are to do today. Scripture in the NT indicates possibly we are to give MORE than ten percent -- as in giving a hilarious amount. Or that we are to simply determine an amount before God (might be less than 10%) and store that aside to give when the collection is taken. We are told throughout scripture to give to the poor, to help a brother or sister in need and so on. . . .So we know giving to the poor is also important today. But it would seem that there is no hard and fast rule, as in to follow the exact 10 amounts.

I do understand what you are saying about Jesus being a priest after the order of Melchisedek, so that means we should still be giving ten percent. From what I see in the NT (except there, which could be implied), there is no exact amount specified, and, personally, I am thinking we are really supposed to be giving more, which is what the hilarious giving would suggest. The early church had "all things common" -- that is how they cared for the poor among them. It's kind of like me moving in with my family so we could all share rent and make this work. I thought it said of the Philippians that they gave above their ability to do so. . . .So, it seems that God is more plased with a heart that is generous, and doesn't just dutifully give 10% as a minimum requirement.

I do not even say that I do what I said in the above paragraph. I can just see that the principle of giving seems to be one of giving to SACRIFICE. How much sacrifice is involved if I have some left over to buy this and that with? I am not saying God doesn't want us to have anything, either. I believe He rewards us with good things (read Psalm 34). But I honestly think most of us could be giving more, we just don't think that we can.

The thing that I see throughout scripture is that the generous man is just blessed more and more. I don't by any means live there. I get nervous that there won't be enough for me, and I get stingy. You know, the old "What about me?" syndrome. But it seems that as we give without worrying, God supplies bountifully.

I am not saying we should not pay our bills, either. Of course, PAY YOUR BILLS!

But, first, before all else, give God HIS PORTION! If 10% is where you want to start, start there. The FIRST FRUITS redeems all else; this is seen from Old Testement to New. Even though we are not under law but grace, these principles remain the same. When God wanted sons and daughters, He gave His FIRST and BEST -- JESUS. They were told in the NT to give, too, an amont they set aside from every pay day, to store up until the minister came. And so on. Because everything in the New Covenant is better, we should not have to live by an exact amount. We should freely give because God freely gives us all things that pertain to life and Godliness. This suggests to me more than 10%.

Anyway, I pray these are not my thoughts....but God's from His Word.

It is about a heart attitude. About love for God. If He has our money, He pretty much has us.

All I can testify, is that every time I have increased my amount of giving, God has come through with all that I need for bills, etc.

~JeriRose~


Posted by: JeriRose12

So, if the 7th year is represented by 2007, I am curious to know about the worship offering. That is the one they gave in the first year and the second year. How does this compute in our times? I know the old covenant is just that -- the old covenant. But Jesus said He didn't come to do away with the law but to fulifll it. In what way does Jesus fulifll it in regards to the tithe? And how would I give the modern day equivalent of a worship tithe? Is it money and given where or is it stuff? Or you said they ate it in the Presence of God. . . .that was like the animal sacrifices and such of OT covenant. We don't sacrifice animals now. So would it be giving Him my best (as in they were to give the best lamb, etc.?) I can see that it involves sacrifice of some kind, but also, they were called "offerings." In the NT there is that verse about offering the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips giving thanks. Is this like when David said he knew a day was coming when we would lift up our hands as a sacrifice (rather than give animal sacrifices)? I was hoping more scritpures that pertain to this could be brought to light, something that would help us understand how to give this sacrifice or offering today.

~JeriRose~


Posted by: MarkSentMe

"Where your treasure is, your heart is also." Luke 12:34

You give your 10% at your place of worship. The rest is above and beyond the 10%, which opens up the option of giving to charity.

How many of us go to Wal*Mart and buy brand new stuff to give to GoodWill? We usually give things which we do not want or need anymore- hardly a sacrifice. God doesn't want our cast-offs or leftovers, He wants our best...because He has given US His best- Jesus! God didn't send a sinful fallen man to be our Saviour, He sent a perfect incarnation of Himself.

I truly believe God wants us to pay our bills. I also believe that God loves a cheerful giver. If we give reluctantly or resentfully, God will not bless that. God doesn't need our money. God isn't looking to non-believers to build His church.

My family has been blessed. We're not blessed because we tithe (meaning that being blessed is not a prerequisite for tithing and we are not rewarded for tithing). We tithe because we are blessed. We're not garanteed even our next breath.

The Great Misunderstanding is that "If I tithe, I will not have enough for myself or my family. I can't afford to tithe."
You can't afford not to. Many go through life with 2 catcher's mitts on, expecting to receive and receive and receive blessings. You have to throw something back once in awhile. With tight clenched fists, nothing goes out, but nothing comes in either.

Tithing is fair. It's 10%. If you earn $100 a week, it's a $10 tithe. If you earn $500 a week, it's $50. Taxes aren't this fair! Yet no one balks at paying taxes (yeah, we all complain, but no one really flat-out refuses to pay tax, whether it's income tax or sales tax). So who is the Lord and Master? God or Uncle Sam?




Posted by: JeriRose12

I understand about the giving to the poor. But according to this cycle (Jerry's chart) it is the year to give the worship offering, and I was wondering what that would consist of.

JeriRose


Posted by: Christian Commando

Well, in the New Test., we are to give as God guides us by the Holy Spirit. It is in joy we are to give, for it is God not us guiding us to do so.

In Luke Chapter 6, Jesus shows us, its about giving from all aspects, not just monetary, but materially, in deed for another, plus more.

Jesus shows in 6:21-22 how people who are lacking in some way shall recieve Blessing for, in thier need, they shall seek God more, making them stronger leaning upon God more for such.

When Paul Glorified God, it was not of God's Accomplishments thru him, but of Paul's own infirmities, that God could be seen a stronger witness thru Paul upholding Paul thru his weaknesses.

Vs 22-23 Jesus speaks of those who will be Blessed when tried by the world against thier witness of God and Christ, giving reference to how Old Test. Prophets had been Blessed by God for the same.

Vs 24-26 Jesus warns us not to reach a point of being fully satisfied and not seeking God for needs. Being rich, you will have recieved your reward-24, being full- (no need to learn more)- for you shall hunger, or who laugh- (no worries), for you shall weep and mourn-25, and 26- "when all men shall speak well of you! For so did thier fathers to the false prophets."- (prideful boasting).

Jesus then shows the "do good to those who treat you ill" reasoning from vs 27-38. But, in v 38, I've seen God Bless others and myself from all directions concerning "Give and it shall be given you".

For in this understanding, it matters not what part of "giving" it relates to, be it to others or to the Church, God will still Bless you for serving God as such. So tithing is included in this as well.

Christ, when spoke in Luke to the people, taught this understanding for all aspects of our lives to be used in all cases, not just this one or that one. God teaches us later thru the Apostles, to be always thinking on all things that Glorify God, as described in Colo. 3:12-17 and Philip. 4:8. This covers the whole spectrum of aspects of our lives, not just in one way or another for giving.

The religious Leaders of those days, became so strict about the "Law", they walked away from dealing with the "condition of the heart" of people. This is why Jesus, when spoke in Luke here, shows how we are to consider all things from love and compassion and forgiveness, of which the "Law" was originally given man to teach them about.

We dare not deny "trusting in the Law".For it is the "Law", God's Word, which has prophecied since man's fall, of Jesus' coming and attoning for our sins. We must "trust" the Law to tell us of Jesus Christ who became our ultimate sacrifice, of which God declares as Jesus does, Jesus became the Word of God manifest in the flesh.

And beyond that, how to live more correctly before God, avoiding sin where possible. God did not just offer Salvation and cut us off from any other Blessings. He gave us instructions how to live, that we may recieve treasures in Heaven that will last forever too.

In the process, following these instructions, now we have a way, with His other instructions, where the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, can help us to Glorify He who created us, then saved us and gives us a way to live free from bondage.

Yes, Jesus' Shed Blood is our attonement, but, without the "Law"- (Word of God), we would not have heard of this to be able to accept It-(faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God) or have record of It, or be able to live as God has instructed us to be individually, the best witnesses for God and Christ we can be.

And Jesus Himself states fairly often, those who do not the "Will" of the Father are not of the Father. God declares we are to read and learn His Word to show ourselves approved in rightly dividing Truth. The Holy Spirit guides you thru understanding that Truth.

I have not seen, unless carried over from Old Test. times, the set amount to be given in the New Test. But it comes across more as God guides your heart to give.

Jesus entered the Temple at one point amnd sat next to the offering basket. He watched as rich people put in quite a bit of money, but it wasn't till after a poor woman put in but a few pence, Jesus told His Disciples, that someone such as she will be Blessed more, for the giving all she had, compared to the rich only giving part of thiers.

Now, as for method of tithing. God has also shown me, when you don't have monetary means to tithe, there are other ways to do so. My old Pastor would always return my tithe when paid something in, for he told me, my tithe to God was always paid in the time I spent working thru our church to serve God in so many ways.

Give as God by the Holy Spirit guides each of you to give. Not everyone is in the same boat financially, but you can always tithe in other ways to God thru your church.

Let us not limit God for what He will Bless us for, or in ways He will, by claiming limitations on things within the boundaries God has given us to Glorify Him.

God Bless!!


Posted by: JeriRose12

My giving at the first of the year did not particulary match with the OT chart and that's why I was wondering. God clearly told me to give what I gave, so I'm not under any sort of bondage that I messed up or something. I am just looking for clarification of what the best way to fulfill God's tithing and giving guidelines are in the NT times. Some want to say that we don't have to tithe anymore, yada, yada (as in these preachers who say this are just after our money). But, truth is, the NT seems to show a giving of more than 10% with references to "give boutinfully" and "give hilariously." I think if those preachers really studied it out, they would be required to give MORE, not do away with the tithe altogether. If we look at the famous passage on this -- Malachi 3:9 & 10 -- it is plain that they gave the tithe AND they gave offerings. I am not sure where this one guy gets the idea that today's preachers are wrong in preaching this, when in the OT they weren't even allowed in the tabernacle without giving a portion. He says "the storehouse" is our own house, and we are storing it up for our own future, as though this whole thing was a provide for ourselves and a wise plan to make sure we have it in the future. But you can see from Cane and Able to Noah and onward they all gave THE FIRST PORTION to God.

Anyway, it's a let God lead issue, and, over the tithe, that I give to those who feed me, I just give as God leads.

~JeriRose~