What is God’s will for our “giving,” as revealed in Scripture? The following information is Gospel, the “Good News,” to those who are poor and trying to raise a family and unable to meet their basic needs. The “Good News” to those who are struggling with having to choose between meticulously tithing or being able to put food on the table or pay off a massive amount of debt from medical bills and other debt that wasn’t acquired by living an excessive lifestyle. The “Good News” to all families facing bankruptcy after faithfully and sacrificially tithing for decades. This is “Good News” to those who are hungry; whether they’re hungry for food or for the Truth.
After casually reading all of Scripture, verse by verse, for 20 years, one night I happened to come across a verse that someone had posted online. It was as if this verse was something I’d never seen before and it made me question why I’d never noticed it, question what I’d previously been taught, and to be curious if this concept was consistently revealed throughout Scripture. This is the information that I found, which was first and foremost learned by an eye opening search of Scripture with a Bible app, and only after a thorough study of Scripture were other books, commentaries, Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Concordance, and Christian online discussion forums on the subject used to see all sides of the issue. Much of this information has been discussed with pastors and Christian authors. This information is taught by countless Bible scholars, seminary professors, Christian historians, key historical leaders of our faith, and theologians with PhDs.
It turns out that the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to this Truth found in Scripture in the year 2017, which just so happened to be the 500th anniversary of the beginning of The Protestant Reformation, and in this current year, just like in 1517, the Holy Spirit is stirring the hearts of believers to go back to the Bible. Some of our modern teachings are based upon verses that have been taken out of context, yet it is absolutely essential for us to understand the full context in order to properly live our lives for God. Is God pleased by manmade traditions? (Hint; that answer can be found in Mark 7:5-13). Regarding the tithe, there are, at a minimum, more than a quarter of a BILLION Christians alive today who are taught and believe the same information on giving that is found in this study.
What does the Bible teach us regarding how we are to act when we learn something which is different from the manmade traditions we’ve been taught for decades? Do we rush to judgement like the Pharisees? Or do we follow James 1:19? “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Should we be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11? “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” We learn in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Carefully study to present yourself approved to God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Also Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind [which is accomplished by studying Scripture]. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” Truth is like gold: the more it is tested, the more pure it becomes. Jesus gave this instruction in Revelation 13:8 specifically to the current church age in which we live, “I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire… Also buy… ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see,” and this is referring to the knowledge of Scripture, and the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to His Truth contained in Scripture. Test the information contained here and see that it is pure. See if it is not truly God’s will for our lives. See if this is the Scripturally and historically accurate response to many modern false teachings.
How are we to give to God, to whom do we give, what is our relationship to the Mosaic Law, what is the New Covenant, and what is God’s will for our lives? Since the Bible is our ultimate authority, “What saith the Scripture?”
(And for anyone who needs to jump straight to the review and conclusion, that can be found here)
“Helping People See Jesus and Exploring All That He Has Fulfilled” 