Friday, October 17, 2014

QUESTIONS AND BIBLE ANSWERS by Bro Harlan D Sorrell

QUESTIONS AND BIBLE ANSWERS

1.  How can I be sure I have joined the right church?

By simply joining the Lord Jesus Christ and becoming one with Him in spirit. “Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.” Jeremiah 50:5. “He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” 1 Corinthians 6:17. We have no scriptural injunction to formally join any church. But Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30. In other words, Jesus invites us to join Him. He wants to be our good Shepherd – the One who makes us to lie down in green pastures, leads us beside still waters, restores our souls, and leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23). “Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon.” Song of Solomon 1:7.  When we yoke up with Jesus He will connect us with others who are also joined to Him in one spirit. He will lead us to His feeding ground and connect us with His flock. He says, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shall go in and [then on] out, and find pasture.” John 10:9.

2.  Who will take me into the church?

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47.

3.  How can I know I’m saved?

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.” 1 John 5:10. “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13. “And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” 1 John 5:6. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:16. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14. “Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5.

4.  What is the mode of entrance into the church, or body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23)?

“For through him we both [Jews and Gentiles] have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:18. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. … But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Corinthians 12:13, 14, 18. Therefore, “I need to join no earth-begotten thing, the church that Jesus built is all I see; and God Himself has truly set me in, and that’s surely good enough for me.” – Excerpt from a song written by D. S. Warner.

5.  On what membership roll will my name be recorded?

“… Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20. “And I [Paul] entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3. “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.” Hebrews 12:22-23. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation 21:27.

6.  How can I be sure who my fellow members are and who I should fellowship?

“If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9. “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. … Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:18, 20. “I (Christ) am the vine, ye are the branches.” John 15:5. “And if the root be holy, so are the branches.” Romans 11:16. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. … In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” 1 John 3:6-8, 10. “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. … if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5, 7. “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:20-21. “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” Malachi 3:18.

7.  What if I don’t always see eye to eye with some of my fellow members in Christ?

“I [Paul] therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. … Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:1-3, 13. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” Ephesians 4:4. “But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. … For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:15, 17-19.

8. How can I know I’m going the right way?

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  John 14:5-6.

9.  What will it cost me to take this way?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23.

 “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. … So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27, 33.

10.  Will there be many traveling with me if I take this way?

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:23-24.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14. The ones who “are chosen” are those who “strive to enter in at the strait gate” by denying themselves, taking up their cross daily, and following and obeying Jesus in every aspect of their lives. The reason most folk are not chosen is because, not understanding the great value of it, they never become willing to do this. Therefore, they are unable to enter in. But Jesus is still inviting “whosoever will” to deny themselves, take up the cross, follow Him, and be among the chosen. And to all who do, He says, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32.

11.  Is it worth it to follow Jesus in the “narrow” way with His “little flock?”

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46.

“Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” Mark 10:28-30.

Only One Narrow Way!

Only one narrow way, “I am the way,” Only one open door, “I am the door,”

Only one Shepherd kind, to heal the sick and blind;
Only one reeking cross for souls that are lost.

Oh, see His crimson blood, flowing for all: Behold thy patient Friend drinking life’s gall;
Only one rest complete, low at His lovely feet,
Only one fountain free, ‘tis flowing for thee.

Only one mind and mouth, all speak the same; Only one church of God, kept in His name;
Only one gentle hand to lead the little band,
Only one holy plane, one Heaven to gain.
– Birdie Fink

“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” Isaiah 35:8.

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Songs of Zion

Long ago the prophets told
Of the time we now behold,
When the glorious church or city of our God
Would upon a mountain stand,
As a light to all the land,
And to it the nations all would flow together. Refrain:
Together, together,
We were raised up together from the miry clay of sin,
And we dwell now together, every heart to heart akin;
We in heav’nly places sit,
For we’re framed and joined and knit,
In the love of Christ our Savior together.
From the loathsome plains of sin,
Where our suff’ring souls had been
Held in bondage under Satan’s tyrant sway,
To the mount of holiness,
High above unrighteousness,
Jesus’ love has gathered all of us together.
We’re the temple of the Lord,
Built together on His word,
And our Father in His temple ever dwells;
We will walk together here,
In His love and godly fear,
And our voices shall exalt His name together.
In this temple of our God
We’re admitted through the blood
Which the Savior shed to cleanse and make us whole,
Then we’re “lively stones” indeed,
Conqu’rors through the holy seed,
And are pillars in the church of God forever.
Of the church of God alone
Jesus is the “Corner stone,”
And the standard is the plumbline of His word;
With His Spirit as our guide
Who has come with us to ’bide—
Sanctified, the light, the truth we see together.
There are many souls in sin,
Jesus seeks to bring them in;
Let us work together with the Lord today:
Then when all the work is done,
And He comes to claim His own,
We’ll be caught up in the clouds with Him together.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
Holy is the church of God,
And holy is her Lord;
Her children all are born of God,
They stand upon His word. Refrain:
Holy is the church of God,
Pure in Jesus’ blood;
Holy is the bride of Christ,
Holy is her Lord.
Holy, holy, holy,
Christ, the Father’s Son;
Holy is His bride the church,
Blest holy two made one.
Holy is the church of God:
If you would enter in,
You must be cleansed in Jesus’ blood
From every stain of sin.
Holy is the church of God,
And holy we must be,
If we would share her blessings here,
Her final glory see.
Holy is the church of God;
It is her Master’s will;
And while the endless ages roll,
She shall be holy still.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
Now to the holy city
The faithful gather home;
To Zion’s mount of glory
With songs of joy they come.
Jerusalem the golden,
Jerusalem the free,
With joyful hearts and voices
The ransomed come to thee.
Now eye to eye beholding
The way-marks on the road,
All bound in love together,
They’re coming home to God:
One mind and mouth possessing,
They speak with one accord,
And in the heights of Zion
They shout and praise the Lord.
Sing glory to the Savior,
High over all the world;
On Zion’s heights forever
His banner is unfurled.
God’s church can be no longer
Obscured from human sight;
For see, on yonder mountain,
A city filled with light!
No longer Babel’s bondage
The bride of Christ can hold;
God’s children now are holy,
And free from Babel’s fold:
For it is fallen, fallen,
And it shall rise no more;
We cling alone to Jesus,
As did the saints of yore.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
Church of the Living God,
The pillar of the truth,
Thou dost enclose within thy walls
The aged and the youth;
Here in thy light of love,
Both saints and angels meet;
Here every tribe and kindred come
In fellowship so sweet.
Church of the Living God,
Thou light of this dark vale,
Against thy onward march divine
All hell cannot prevail;
For thee a price was paid,
The blessed Savior’s blood;
By His own hand He’ll hold thee up,
And bring thee home to God.
Church of the Living God,
We wait no future time,
But now on earth with joy we dwell
Within thy courts sublime;
Oh, thou dost triumph now,
And shalt at any cost;
And if thy glory be unseen,
’Tis hid but to the lost.
Church of the Living God,
So peaceful is thy rest,
For God has placed thy members all
As pleaseth Him the best;
No envy breaks thy peace;
The Father gave His Son
To cleanse thee from each vain desire,
And mold thee all in one.
Church of the Living God,
Thou lovely one so pure,
No strangers come within thy gates,
For Jesus is the door;
By Him if any come,
They must from sin be free;
He guardeth well the only door,
And holds the only key.
Church of the Living God,
Thy sons are born of love;
In Heaven’s golden book of life
Their names are kept above;
And God shall count His saints,
Preserve them by His grace,
And naught but sin against His Word
Shall e’er their names erase.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
Church of God, thou spotless virgin,
Church of Christ, for whom He died,
Thou hast known no human founder,
Jesus bought thee for His bride.
Sanctified by God the Father,
Built by Jesus Christ the Son,
Tempered by the Holy Spirit,
Like the Holy Three in One.
God Himself has set the members
In His body all complete,
Organized by Jesus only,
Oh, the union, pure and sweet!
Church of God, the angels marvel
At the music of thy song;
Earth and hell in terror tremble,
As thy army moves along.
Church of God, “beloved city,”
Thou art of celestial mold;
Lo, from God, and out of heaven,
Came the city of pure gold.
Stones of jasper, clear as crystal,
Is the building of thy wall;
And the Lamb, thy light forever,
Jesus, Jesus, all in all.
God’s own holiness within thee,
His own beauty on thy brow;
Glorified in His own image,
This thy wondrous portion now.
In thee dwells the triune fullness,
Blessing all thy pilgrim days;
All around thee His salvation,
And before thee gates of praise.
Church of God, in heaven written,
Thine the risen life of Christ,
And the treasures to thee given,
Never, never can be priced.
Far above this world’s confusion,
Walking close by Jesus’ side,
Leaning on His loving bosom,
Is the church, His chosen bride.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
“Called unto holiness,” church of our God,
Purchase of Jesus, redeemed by His blood;
Called from the world and its idols to flee,
Called from the bondage of sin to be free. Refrain:
“Holiness unto the Lord” is our watchword and song,
“Holiness unto the Lord” as we’re marching along;
Sing it, shout it, loud and long,
“Holiness unto the Lord,” now and forever.
“Called unto holiness,” children of light,
Walking with Jesus in garments of white;
Raiment unsullied, nor tarnished with sin;
God’s Holy Spirit abiding within.
“Called unto holiness,” praise His dear Name!
This blessed secret to faith now made plain:
Not our own righteousness, but Christ within,
Living, and reigning, and saving from sin.
“Called unto holiness,” glorious thought!
Up from the wilderness wanderings brought,
Out from the shadows and darkness of night,
Into the Canaan of perfect delight.
“Called unto holiness,” bride of the Lamb,
Waiting the Bridegroom’s returning again!
Lift up your heads, for the day draweth near
When in His beauty the King shall appear.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
The church of the morning bright,
Like crystal so clear her light,
Triumphant, she knew no fears;
In finest white linen dressed;
Pure holiness she possessed,
Two hundred and sev’nty years. Refrain:
Hell never can destroy the church,
Built by the Savior’s hands;
Upon the Rock, the solid Rock,
Christ Jesus, still she stands;
Despite of persecution’s flood,
And gates of hell forsooth;
She’s still the kingdom of the Lord,
The pillar of the truth.
The sun went down ere his time,
The moon also ceased to shine,
Left Zion in bitter tears;
No star then appeared in sight,
Oh, long dreary papal night!
Twelve hundred and sixty years.
A rising the sun of day,
Disperses the night away
While popery quakes with fears;
Shone dimly the gospel ray,
There followed a cloudy day—
Three hundred and fifty years.
We welcome the evening light;
The gospel so clear and bright
Breaks forth as in days of yore;
The mists are all cleared away,
All hail the supernal day!
The sun shall go down no more.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
O church of God, in Christ a new creation
Wrought by His great salvation,
Thy golden glory now breaks forth upon our sight!
Sitting aloft in the top of the mountains,
Now we behold her—the city of light! Refrain:
Beautiful for situation is Mount Zion,
The joy of the earth, the mountain of love!
Up to her summit all nations now flow—
All souls who are born from above.
O church of God, the city of the holy,
The dwelling of the lowly,
What bliss to dwell where we may e’er her blessings share!
Surely the “springs of the Lord” are within her,
Sparkling with graces so rich and so rare.
O church of God, what fold have we beside thee?
What man-made creed can hide thee?
Thy light and glory shall shine forth forevermore!
“Come, all ye people,” her sweet voice is calling,
“Enter through Jesus, for He is the door.”
O church of God, thou art a “holy nation,”
A “chosen generation,”
Which hast found mercy through God’s dear, beloved Son;
Out from all schisms and classes of people
Thou He hast purchased and molded in one.
O church of God, the place of God’s own dwelling—
All darkness here dispelling—
The Lord of glory walks and talks in holy men;
He is their God and they are His people;
He has redeemed them from all of their sin.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
The gates of hell cannot prevail
Against the church divine;
Though sword and fire and unbelief
And hate and scorn combine
To trample her beneath their tread,
She shall arise and shine. Refrain:
Jerusalem, Mount Zion fair,
Thou city of the free!
Thy matchless walls, thy palaces,
Thy strong high tow’rs we see!
Thou mother of each holy one—
Our hearts exult in thee!
The gates of hell cannot prevail,
The right shall triumph still;
High over all, in spite of foes,
Shall reign God’s sov’reign will;
As waters overspread the seas,
His glory earth shall fill.
The gates of hell cannot prevail;
To holy war arise!
Lift high the banners of the Lord
And shout to earth and skies!
Our King Immanuel marches on,
And hosts of hell defies.
The gates of hell cannot prevail;
Infernal legions strong
Must cower ’neath the mighty tread
Of victors over wrong!
Oh, lift thy voice, thou church of God,
In joyous battle song.
Top of Form
Unlike · 
·         You and Siby Philip Varghese like this.
·         Eric Winter
Bottom of Form
https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/t1.0-1/c13.0.50.50/1900040_669316493133816_264698345_t.jpg
Do you hear them coming, brother?—
Thronging up the steeps of light,
Clad in glorious shining garments,
Blood-washed garments, pure and white! Refrain:
’Tis a glorious church without spot or wrinkle,
Washed in the blood of the Lamb;
’Tis a glorious church without spot or wrinkle,
Washed in the blood of the Lamb.
Do you hear the stirring anthems,
Filling all the earth and sky?
’Tis a grand, victorious army;
Lift its banner up on high!
Never fear the clouds of sorrow,
Never fear the storms of sin:
We shall triumph on the morrow—
Even now our joys begin.
Wave the banner, shout His praises,
For our victory is nigh!
Following our conqu’ring Savior,
We shall reign with Him on high!


Thursday, February 13, 2014

The Origin of Tithing by W. M. Pettigrew, Sr.

The Origin of Tithing
Author: W. M. Pettigrew, Sr.

 
The true origin of tithing is unknown. We find that it was practiced by both Jew and Gentile at a very early date, but we have no record of where or when it had its beginning.
ABRAHAM'S TITHE
The first biblical account we have of tithing is where Abraham on his return from the slaughtering of the kings, gave Melchisedec, the king of Salem, the tenth of his spoils. See Genesis 14:17-20.
JACOB'S TITHE
Some time later Jacob, Abraham's grandson, who had been evicted from his father's house, promised God that if He would restore him to his father's house in peace he would give Him a tenth of all that God gave him. See Genesis 28:20-22.

God heard his prayers and granted his request, and furthermore gave him his father's inheritance, the land of Canaan, for his future possession. See Genesis 35:11-12. Then, according to the contract, the tenth of the entire production of the land of Canaan legally belonged to God, and to withhold this tithe from God was considered robbery. See Malachi 3:8-10. MOSES' TITHE

Later, when Moses gave the law to Israel (Jacob's posterity) in Canaan, this contract was remembered and inserted in the law to be imposed upon the Israelites during the life of the nation, or their stay in Canaan. See Leviticus 27:30-34.

As this contract was made with Jacob and only included Jacob's inheritance, the land of Canaan, it could not be extended beyond its bounds, or to any other people. This is how and why tithing was carried into the Jewish church and imposed upon them as a duty to be observed.

TITHING ABOLISHED
Tithing, like all other types and shadows of the old law covenant, was fulfilled by Christ and came to an end at the cross. Here is what Jesus Himself says about it: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matt. 5:17-18. Here it is clearly stated that when the law covenant reached its fulfillment, it would pass away. If you notice, He says, "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." To "fulfil" Mr. Webster says, is "to bring to a close; to finish." When Christ expired on the cross and cried, "It is finished," (John 19:30), all things written of Him were then fulfilled. (John 19:28). The law then came to an end and passed out just as Jesus said it would. For additional proof, see Gal. 3:24-25; 4:22-31; Heb. 8:6-13; 10: 9.

Here someone may ask, "How much of this law passed out?" Tithers tell us only a part of it, but Jesus says all of it did, every "jot" and every "tittle" of it, with nothing reserved. See Matthew 5:17-18. Tithing, He tells us, was a part of this law. See Matthew 23:23. So tithing was abolished and passed out with the law.

WHY WAS IT ABOLISHED?

The old tithing system was abolished because of its many faults and imperfections. The old law covenant of which tithing was a part, was found to be faulty, (See Heb. 8:6-8) with nothing perfect. "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did." (Heb.7:19). As the tithing system was a part of this law, it was one of its many imperfections and was therefore abolished.
SOME FAULTS OF THE LAW SYSTEM
The law system of tithing was faulty and imperfect because it was only a shadow. In fact, the whole law system was but a group of shadows whose substance is found in Christ. See Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:14-17. When Christ came these old shadows passed away and gave place for the substance. See Galatians 3:24-26; Hebrews 10:9; and Romans 6:14. Among these groups of shadows, tithing was one of the most beautiful and attractive of them all, when properly understood. Here it is: Literal Israel's consecration of her physical energies in literal Canaan, beautifully typifies spiritual Israel's consecration of her spiritual energies in spiritual Canaan. This consecration is beautifully described by the apostle Paul in the following words: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Gal. 2:20. Do you know of anything more beautiful?

Again, the tithing system is imperfect and wrong because it is a fixed law of taxation imposed upon another person without his consent. This is also contrary to the Christian's law of liberty and freedom given him by inspiration, which says, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give." (II Cor. 9:6-9).

Now, let us go over into the new covenant and see if the Church was tithing over there. If they were, we will have abundant proof of it in both precept and example. 

THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM

The church at Jerusalem was the first church set in order under the new covenant and that was done by the apostles themselves; by inspired men of God who were with the Lord in His entire ministry, and who well knew of His doctrine and manner of life. Did these apostles have this church tithing? No, they did not. Instead of tithing, or giving their "tenth," they were giving their "all," withholding nothing. And this giving was voluntary and not forced, demanded, or requested.
THE CHURCH AT CORINTH
The church at Corinth was not tithing. Their system of giving was by a "freewill offering," with the amount given decided upon by the people themselves. "As he purposeth in his heart, so let him give" was what they were told to do. (II Cor. 9:6-7). This is what all the churches of Galatia were doing. See I Corinthians 16:1-2. If tithing had been a doctrine of the Church as tithers claim, these inspired apostles would have known it and would have had them tithing instead of doing something else, would they not? The very fact that they did not have them tithing is positive proof that tithing +does not belong to the gospel of Christ or to the Church. These apostles would not have been guilty of such a sin of neglect.
TITHERS' ARGUMENTS CONSIDERED
Tithers, having no Scripture to support them in their false claim for tithing, resort to such Scriptures that they can wrest unnoticed for their proofs. Malachi 3:8-10 will be the first of these Scriptures for our consideration. Now, get your Bible and carefully read this Scripture. The command here to tithe, tithers tell us, was to the Christian, and if we, as Christians do not tithe, we are thieves and robbers. To expose this falsehood, if you will consult the chronology of your Bible, you will see that this command was to the Jew back under the old covenant 400 years before the rise of Christianity, or before there were such people known as Christians. Therefore it could not apply to them. Some "twist," is it not?
MATTHEW 23:23
Matthew 23:23 is another Scripture they subject to the same violence; but if you notice this Scripture, it, like the other one, was to the Jew under the law, and not to the Christian under grace. Certainly those Jews "ought" to have been, and still were tithing because they still lived under the law that required it; but we as Christians are not under the law but under grace. (Rom. 6:14).

Here is another one of their "twists": "As Christ here in the New Testament endorsed tithing, is proof that tithing belongs to the gospel of Christ." In reply to this: If this were true, the entire law system would belong to the gospel of Christ; for Christ endorsed and taught strict obedience to every jot and tittle of it as long as He lived. See Matthew 5:17-19. The last thing He did in this life was to keep the old Jewish Passover. See Luke 22:7-15. To explain: The first four books of the New Testament are a mixture of the law and the gospel. The things recorded in these four books that Moses instituted belong to the old covenant, and were abolished at the cross; while the things that Christ instituted belong to the new covenant and are to be observed on down to the end of time. See Matthew 28:19-20. As tithing was not instituted by Christ, it has no part in the gospel of Christ.

Tithers lament finding so little about tithing in the New Testament. The reason for this is because the writers of the New Testament knew that it had been abolished; therefore they had nothing to say about it. Why should they?

Here is another very deceptive little "twist." If the word "ought" in John 13:14 binds the Christian to wash feet (which we all admit), the same word in Matthew 23:23 would bind them to tithe. Now to expose this "twist," I will call your attention to the fact that Jesus did not tell these Jews that they "ought" to tithe, for they were already tithing. It was the weightier matters that they had neglected which Jesus told them they "ought" to have been doing. Shame, shame, on people who so pervert the Scriptures. The Bible nowhere says that the Christian "ought" to tithe-it is the tither who says that, and not the Bible at all. There is not a single Scripture in the Bible requiring the Christian to tithe.

In conclusion, I wish to advise that I do not object to tithing or any other method of gospel giving provided it is done voluntarily. If you should want to tithe you have a perfect right to do so, and should you do such a thing God will bless you in it; however, He will not bless you because you are tithing, but because you are giving; and the more you give, the more you will be blessed. See II Cor. 9:6-9.

What I object to is the false claim that tithing is a doctrine of the Church, commanded and enforced by intimidation and threats, as some are doing, thereby making it a test of fellowship. If people want to tithe we should encourage it as a privilege and pleasure, not as a duty. Tell them the truth about it‹do not tell them it is a doctrine of the Church when you know it is not.

Printed By: Faith Publishing House, P.O. Box 518, Guthrie, OK  73044


Copyright © 2005 - Church of God. All Rights Reserved.