Number 17									  

"Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers."   James 1:22

We hope and pray that these topicals are useful for you, or to give to someone
else. Often people will consider God's Word in the safety of privacy.  We only
hope to stir an interest in God's Word. Jesus said His truth will set you free.
We're not experts on the Bible, just people desiring to share this exciting life
in Christ Jesus. If you want more information please call or write us.

                    Taxes and Tithes - Can God be Cheated?

This is a greatly misunderstood subject. Please read the whole letter before
you form your conclusions. Base your beliefs on God's Will from His Word.
If our opinions don't line up with the Bible ignore ours. This topical has to
do with giving to God and it is a vital indicator of where we stand with Him.

COMMITTED: As kids, a popular slogan was " Put your money were your mouth is !".
If a person really believes in something, they will back it up with action.
How is it possible that so many Christians are stingy with God? Could it be that
many speak of God but don't know Him personally? How grieving it must be to God
that so many people don't have a love relationship with Jesus. "If I give all my
possessions, but do not have love, it profits me nothing." 1 Cor 13:3

GIVING: God still desires sacrafices from His people. People used to sacrafice
animals such as sheep. The lamb symbolized food, clothing, and future profits.
Material goods were used instead of money in those days. Today money represents
what we have. To those with no faith it appears to be a waste to give to God.
Are we listening to those of no faith and holding back our sacrafices? Why do
we give more attention to the IRS than the Lord Almighty?

A TENTH: Tithing is the giving of ten percent of what you earn. Tithing was
practiced before the Law of Moses. Abraham gave a tenth of everything to
Melchizedek, the priest of God (Gen 14:20). Greater details are given in Hebrews
7:1-10. Jacob promises God a tenth of all after his pact with God (Gen 28:22).
Both rich and poor were to give. All were expected to contribute.

THE LAW: Later, in the Old Testament Law, God did commanded the Israelites to
tithe their possessions to Him. "All the tithe of the land is the Lord's."  Lev
27:30. "You shall surely tithe all the produce, etc. ... in order that God may
bless  you in all you do."  Deut 14:22-29. He also requires us to "Give
generously, not grieving in heart, for this God will bless you in all your
work."  Deut 15:10. "Do as you have purposed in your heart, not grudgingly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."  2 Cor 9:7.  Does it sound
like we're to give until it hurts and be happy about it? Keep reading as to why.

                                      - 2 -

THE BLESSINGS: Money and possessions are mentioned in ~2000 verses in the Bible.
Faith and prayer got only 500 verses each. 16 of 38 parables have to do with
money. Jesus knew that our money is a piece of ourselves. We are to be like
Jesus and give of ourselves. "The generous man will be prosperous."  Prov 11:25

"`Return to Me, and I will return to you' says the Lord Almighty. `Will a man
rob God? Yet you rob Me.' `How do you rob Me?' `In tithes and offerings. You are
under a curse - the whole nation of you - because you are robbing Me. Bring the
whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in
this, and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much
blessing that you will not have room enough for it.' ..."       Malachi 3:7-12

PROMISES: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your
crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing ... "  Proverbs 3:9-10.
God can't be out-given. He has unlimited resources. "Give and it will be given
unto you, good measure, pressed down (packed), shaken together, and runnin over
... for with the measure you use, so will it be measured to you."   Luke 6:38 &
Mark 4:24     "He who gives to the poor will lack nothing."   Prov 28:27

GIVE AS UNTO GOD: Seek the Giver not the gifts. We should give our tithe to our
local church.  Offerings can be to other worthy causes. Don't proclaim what you
give "so that your giving may be in secret." Matt 6:4.  We are to give wisely
and prayerfully. Pray that God will use and multiply our gifts. God doesn't need
our money, but He lets us invest in and be a part of His kingdom.

STEWARDSHIP: It isn't wrong to be rich. Abraham, Job, David, and Solomon were
rich men. "Remember the Lord, it is He that gives you the power to get wealth."
Deut 8:18. But, remember the story of the talents. With riches and power come
greater responsibility. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).
If most church members were tithing, the churches could effectively serve the
poor. Since we've failed to do this, we have the government welfare mess and
higher taxes. It has been said that God exacts His tithe one way or another.

DON'T LOVE MONEY: Money can consume you. Possessions can become obsessions and
end up enslaving you. "The love of money is the root of all evil."  1 Tim 6:10.
"Do not store up treasures on earth ... Store up for yourselves treasures in
heaven ...  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt
6:20-21.  Are you investing in the Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ? If Jesus is not
top priority in your life, then repent. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to
God what is God's" Matt 22:21. "No one can serve two masters ... you cannot
serve both God and money." Matt 6:24    "Choose this day ..." Joshua 24:15

YOUR RETURN: If you haven't honored God with your giving or your life, start now
by giving a portion of your tax return to God. God knows our motives. Give to
please Him, not for any benefit you'll receive back. Break that barrier of
selfishness that is preventing you from entering the abundant life in Jesus!

Many people have experienced dramatic blessings after they began tithing. Some
argue that we are under Grace and not the Law. Well, we who are under Grace
ought to go beyond 10% with offerings. Do you believe that everything belongs to
God? In Acts 4:32-37, "No one claimed that anything was his own." Because "My
God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches" Phil 4:19
Our giving reflects our relationship. God has given everything to us including
the sacrafice of His Holy Son.  Are you sold out for Jesus?  or another?