Tithing: The Position of the Scriptures

 
The discussion of tithes in recent times have been more of a back and forth argument from those who are ministers of the gospel, the laity and the public. Many claim to know what is right, either quoting from the Bible or speaking based on convictions. However, the concern of SINCERE TRUTH SEEKING CHRISTIANS is the desire to do the will of God. Based on this, my take is also from the Bible. Not just the Bible but the very words of Jesus found in Matthew 23:23.

Matthew 23:23 (NTWE) 'You scribes and Pharisees will have trouble. You who are not true to yourselves! You give God a tenth part of small garden plants. But you have not done those bigger matters of the law. You have not judged in the right way. You have not been kind. You have not believed God. You should be doing these things and the other things too.

Here, Jesus spoke about how the ministers of his days were more concerned with tithes, while other salient issues were set aside. This made Him disapprove their actions NOT the giving of tithes. One may ask- what exactly did he disapprove? From the above scripture, Jesus was not happy that the ministers have ignored the ‘BIGGER MATTERS OF THE LAW’ which are in threefold 

1. Judging in the right way.
2. Being kind.
3. Believing God

I believe this is also the challenge today. Quite a number of ministers and ministries have ignored these ‘threefold mandate' from God. Little wonder you see church members suffering without any attention from some leaders. If the concern of the public is on the neglect of these, then we could just bring the attention of those concerned to it. It is not in our power to logically conclude matters such as this. Drawing again from the above scripture, Jesus said and I quote “… You should be doing these things and the other things too.

In other words, Jesus is saying that the threefold mandate must be done alongside GIVING OF TITHES. I am yet to see in the New Testament where Jesus or the early Apostles told the Church not to pay tithes. If Jesus has spoken about it this way, then we need to believe God. Moreover, is it a problem to honour your Maker with a tenth of your substance? Think about it! 

Give to God your tithes. What anyone does with it should not necessarily be our agitation. Allow God to fight for Himself. Our God is not weak. In conclusion, let all Christians be faithful to God. A faithful Christian will honour God and will never mismanage God’s resources. Stay faithful. Shalom.

What Are You Doing to the Church?

The Church of God is the home where God's children are taught to be more like their Father in attitude. A place where people are taught to live right, not a place where His children are to be earthly minded. The unbecoming attitudes of some brethren towards material things and money is as a result of the kind teachings that have enveloped our pulpits today.

Teachings on self improvement void of the Holy Spirit; Prosperity void of Godliness and Contentment; Building the Mind void of the Word of God. All these teachings are raising children that are canal and fictitious. It is time for teachers of God's Word to review their teachings by asking themselves these questions 

1. Are those taught becoming more like God in Holiness or the opposite is the case? 

2. Are they satisfied with holding on to God's Word or dissatisfied with these two words meekness and patience?

If we can answer these questions sincerely then we will know what we are doing to the church. The Lord will help us in Jesus' name. SHALOM.

SEASON OF HEALINGS

It is a thing of joy when God permits us to see a new day like this- a day to celebrate and desire for testimonies. Therefore, I congratulate you for being opportune to see today. However, if for any reason your joy is not full then this message is for you. I perceive in my spirit that the LORD wants to heal several people (especially His children) all over the world in this season irrespective of the difficulties.

But to you who give worship to my name, the sun of righteousness will come up with new life in its wings; and you will go out, playing like young oxen full of food.                                                                

                                                                                 Malachi 4:2 (BBE)

 

God’s word says the sun of righteousness will come up with new life (healings as some versions put it) in its wings thereby declaring that you will go out, meaning that whatsoever has hindered you will be removed totally. Therefore, I decree that any physical ailment on anyone reading this should disappear in Jesus’ name. This version says ‘New Life’- it means that which is regarded as dead but ought not to be will come alive again. In the name of Jesus’ every dead cells, career, calling, business or marriage should receive a new life. Jesus is coming your way at this season. All you need is to be expectant and you will rejoice again. Keep worshipping Him and share your testimonies to the glory of God alone. Remember, Jesus has taken away our infirmities. YOU ARE HEALED IN JESUS’ NAME. AMEN.

It is a thing of joy when God permits us to see a new day like this- a day to celebrate and desire for testimonies. Therefore, I congratulate you for being opportune to see today. However, if for any reason your joy is not full then this message is for you. I perceive in my spirit that the LORD wants to heal several people (especially His children) all over the world in this season irrespective of the difficulties.

But to you who give worship to my name, the sun of righteousness will come up with new life in its wings; and you will go out, playing like young oxen full of food.                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                   Malachi 4:2 (BBE)

God’s word says the sun of righteousness will come up with new life (healings as some versions put it) in its wings thereby declaring that you will go out, meaning that whatsoever has hindered you will be removed totally. Therefore, I decree that any physical ailment on anyone reading this should disappear in Jesus’ name. This version says ‘New Life’- it means that which is regarded as dead but ought not to be will come alive again. In the name of Jesus’ every dead cells, career, calling, business or marriage should receive a new life. Jesus is coming your way at this season. All you need is to be expectant and you will rejoice again. Keep worshipping Him and share your testimonies to the glory of God alone. Remember, Jesus has taken away our infirmities. YOU ARE HEALED IN JESUS’ NAME. AMEN.

Pray For Nigeria

Nigeria is a country that has passed through prosperity (Oil boom and agricultural success), challenges and different leaders (Colonial rule, Civilian rule and Military rule) yet the country is still crawling towards freedom from corruption, poverty, oppression and divisions. Who is the cause of all these? Could it be the Military as the politicians say? Or the Colonial masters? In my own opinion I guess the present struggles faced in Nigeria would have been overcome if it was caused by the Colonial masters because we have had over fifty years to redeem the nation from pains and clamour for a better Nigeria.

Many are praying for a change. People desire to see a new Nigeria where graduates do not remain unemployed for more than a year; a Nigeria that electricity supply is on for 24 hours and the roads are good. This is our cry. However, the Bible commands that ….first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority…(1 Timothy 2:1-2). Thank God for Nigerians! We pray a lot even for our leaders but the question is what is wrong? It seems the clamour for change is still on despite changes in leadership of the nation.

This passion for a better Nigeria led me to ask God to have mercy on this nation. And His response to my plea was that Nigerians should pray for freedom. This got me thinking and I realised that indeed what we need is FREEDOM. Freedom from all vices and plots of the devil; freedom from the people that has held Nigeria captive for years (not necessarily a particular political party) but freedom from those who are squandering the resources of Nigeria. Anytime I see a Nigerian child weeping I imagine that the child is weeping because of the state of the nation.

Fellow brethren in Christ, it is time to lift up our voices in prayer to ask God to FREE Nigeria from oppression, terrorism, selfishness, calamities, corruption and from men with hardened hearts for wickedness. I know that God will hear and answer.

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.   

2 Chronicles 7:14

 

God will free and heal our land in Jesus’ Name. Amen. God bless Nigeria.

Is America Still God's Own Country?

The United States of America is no doubt one of the strongest countries of the world as it is widely agreed. A country full of opportunities, aids, encouragement and most importantly is the freedom power of her citizens within and in a few cases outside their domain. What a great privilege! This is why quite a number of people from different part of the world desire to be citizens of this great country or at least pay a visit to what is known as God’s Own Country. This reminds me of what a radio presenter once said – “America is such a wonderful place full of riches and opportunities for everyone. It is possible that if one do not visit America one may not be permitted to enter heaven. Therefore, make sure you get there before death comes calling”. The statement really amused me because I saw in it the ardent desire of a man towards a country that has in God we trust written on their currency.

However, my question is –Is America still trusting God? Are they interested in allowing God to direct the affairs of their country? These are questions begging for answers now especially with the declaration of the Supreme Court in U.S.A. consenting to gay marriage. Is the concession really a victory for America? America started on a godly note where the commandment of God was used as yard stick in the rule of law. The Ten Commandments in the Bible (Book of Exodus) was pasted in schools to guide and help children grow in the way of the LORD. At such times the issue of gay marriage was not paramount because the Word of God was exalted above human emotions. However, things took a different turn when human laws stood against that laid down by God; the same Judiciary ruled that The Ten Commandments be removed from schools just in the name of freedom. Freedom is indeed God’s desire for His people which includes Americans but the freedom has bounds, otherwise it becomes something else.

 

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

                                                Galatians 5:13

The Word of God says we must not use our freedom to benefit the flesh. It is not for fleshy gains rather it ought to be for godly gains. And a God’s Own Country will desire to do what the owner bids. If a subordinate decides to take decisions without consulting with the superior it means there will be discord and confusion. But God is not the author of confusion in the midst of His own people who sincerely trust Him indeed. I still believe that the tag ‘God’s Own Country’ attached to U.S.A. is worth it on the condition that they obey the infallible Word of God.

Marriage is a blessing to families and nations when it is done properly. The truth is that without a man and woman coming together there cannot be reproduction. I heard that some people said the gay couples will adopt children but the question is from where? From the same proper sexual union of man and woman that is being despised?

The candid advice to nations about gay marriage is that all should submit to God alone. God abhors disobedience (Genesis 19). It is time to have a rethink. God bless all nations of the world that have chosen to honour God. Shalom.

 

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

                                                                                Proverbs 14:34