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Christianity, RCCG, Daddy Freeze: The ‘Maybes’ of Tithes in the New Testament -By Nneka Okumazie

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Maybe Christ left the decision to give tithe open, to prevent – commitment to it, seen as replacement for holiness. [Luke 18:11, The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, GOD, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.] [Luke 18:12, I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.]

To the individual who said this prayer, he probably saw giving tithe, as important to GOD. He didn’t see humility, or contriteness, or thanksgiving, or worship as important.

Meanwhile, the other individual, who possibly was a tithe giver, prayed differently.

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[Luke 18:13, But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to Heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, O GOD, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.]

So while tenth giving is in the New Testament, it wasn’t emphasized because Salvation has to be right, first, then whoever chooses to give to GOD could.

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This is so similar to general giving in the New Testament. Christ talked more about giving to the poor. Though, some brandished it, it was supposed to be an act of care unlikely to be seen as a replacement for salvation. [Matthew 6:2, Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.]

So hypocrites used giving for show, but it was unlikely they would use giving to the poor as claim to righteousness.

Forgiveness, pure heart and right spirit are much more important to Christ, than giving in the Temple.

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[Matthew 5:23, Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee] [Matthew 5:24, Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.]

Christ could have talked about giving to GOD in more direct ways, but He talked about giving in general terms, to avoid misunderstanding that giving to GOD was a justification to seek wealth desperately, or sin.

The teaching of Christ in Matthew 5 alone was heavy on humility, brokenness, selflessness, etc.

Swear not; don’t call someone a fool, don’t judge; let your yes be yes/no be no; when someone slaps you on the right cheek turn to the next; if you’re sued and a shirt is taken give your coat too; if thy right eye/hand offend thee, cut if off; avoid divorce; if someone asks you to go a mile with them go two miles instead; don’t commit immorality in your hearts, give to those who ask, lend to those who request; love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you; be perfect for GOD is perfect.

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Most are impossible without lots of help from the Holy Spirit. They are also applicable to the present digital era.

It is impossible to achieve 50% of the lessons of Christ in Matthew 5, and find it difficult to give tithe. So there are far higher standards of Christ than tithe.

The Apostles also didn’t discuss tithe, or much on giving in Churches. There was a couple who lied – while they gave.

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The Apostles, following Christ, rated honesty, than giving. So Church giving was never meant to be emphasized so that it doesn’t corrupt the true message of Holiness.

Giving is far easier, because giving can be made while detached. But GOD requires much more than giving from His people. [Acts 10:42, And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of GOD [to be] the Judge of quick and dead.]

Preaching requires the Holy Ghost and Power – principally. Resources are also important to be able to do the work collectively.

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No one knows if tithes were given in the Churches in the Epistles, because the Epistles didn’t say how the Church services went. The Epistles didn’t also say how contributions to open Churches, expand or maintain, were made. But the Epistles discussed so much against sin, against the works of the flesh. [Galatians 5:19-21, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]

; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of GOD.]

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Giving or tithe is not what will save a sinner. But, giving can be used in judgment of GOD too, because everyone will answer. [Matthew 25:37, Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, LORD, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [Thee]? or thirsty, and gave [Thee] drink?] [Matthew 25:40, And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto Me.]

Also, [1 John 4:20, If someone says, “I love GOD,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love GOD, whom we cannot see?]

So there are several things Christ said, or requires superior to tithe, but some would single out tithe to try to discredit Christianity.

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Christ spoke importantly and showed examples of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

All these are superior to just giving. Tithe is a choice and does not cause poverty. Income, purchasing power of that income and conditions of living are responsible for poverty. [Matthew 23:23, What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law-justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.] [Matthew 5:20, For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.]

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