Supporting the Gospel of the Kingdom of God

Greetings, Wayne, a servant of God, by the grace of God, for the people of God, and placed into the hands of Jesus Christ.

Please be ready to write down scripture references as there is a lot to cover on this most important subject.

I will be the words in green. Purple highlights in the scriptures are key words of truth.

We will begin in Genesis:

Gen 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

Old Testament, before the house of Israel betrayed God. The New Testament (Jesus) teaches that we should sell property and possessions and give to the poor, take up our cross and follow Him, pressing hard to make it into the Kingdom of God.

Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it.

Now concerning tithing, do a search: "where did tithing of currency originate"? Expect to find this answer among the results:

In the early 300s, 567, and 585 AD, Emperor Constantine and the Catholic Bishop Councils [church and state; the same arrangement that was responsible for the death or life imprisonment of many of the saints of God during the medieval time known as the inquisition] decided that one Old Covenant law would benefit them. They would be rewarded by tweaking the tithe and turning it into monetary giving. This is how tithing agriculture [and if I may add, livestock] turned into giving money and brought us to our modern-day system.

So we see that God gave no such commandment of currency, but rather men did. Therefore, we as the people of God ought to be focusing on the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and those He sent into the world to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God - the apostles.

The Rich Young Man

Mar 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Mar 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

Mar 10:19 You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour your father and mother.

Mar 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

Mar 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: [possibly a reservation in the Kingdom which will come from heaven (Rev 3:12)] and come, take up the cross, and follow me [meaning press into it: Mat 7:13,14 and Luk 13:24].

Now concerning helping the poor, the following is a law from the Old Testament:

Deu 15:7 If there be among you a poor man of one of your brethren within any of your gates in your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother:

Continuing in verse 22 of Mark 10:

Mar 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

Mar 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and said unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Mar 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Mar 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Mar 10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

Mar 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them said, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

For an example see Luk 19: 1-10 where Jesus is satisfied with the generosity to the poor and the repenting attitude along with the genuine desire to atone for the wrong that had been done.

Let us now look at the example of Abraham giving a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek:

Gen 14:16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.

We see great blessings here.

Gen 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale [valley].

Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Gen 14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

Confirming God’s ownership of the heavens (universe) and the earth.

Gen 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which has delivered your enemies into your hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Abraham gave a tenth of all his goods or substance, not out of commandment, but out of a good conscience toward God for the blessings he had received.

Now, the purpose of this video is to emphasize the importance of a good conscience toward God, in truth. For there be some who like to hold the truth in unrighteousness (Rom 1:18).

Now to Peter for an example of a good conscience toward God:

1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

By whom all nations shall be blessed (Gen 12:3).

Now to Jacob:

Gen 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

Gen 28:21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:

Gen 28:22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that you shall give me I will surely give the tenth unto you.

If certain conditions were met by God appears to be the context. And again no commandment.

Now, a free will offering imposes no conditions on God, but rather is an offering to God from the heart, according to one's substance (property and possessions), as we will see later in the New Testament.

Gen 30:43 And the man [Jacob] increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

Yet, no mention of tithing of these things but only an offering of some of it to appease his brother Esau who he feared (read Gen 32: 1-21).

Then there is no more mention of tithing until the Levitical Priesthood where tithing of agriculture and livestock WAS commanded, unless long distances made carrying the goods too heavy or threatened to cause the fruits and vegetables to spoil. In such a case, the commandment was to sell them and bring the currency instead, which was used to buy the goods required to eat along with the rest who were commanded to eat in the place that GOD chose to put HIS name.

Now let us look at the Old Testament tithing laws that were tweaked by men, long after the ascension of God’s Christ and the deaths of all the apostles:

Num 18:20 And the LORD spoke unto Aaron, You [the Levites (priests) of the house of Israel; God's ministers or servants] shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any part among them: I am your part and your inheritance among the children of Israel.

Num 18:21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

But, was that tenth currency?

Num 18:24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD [sacrificial offering; Merriam-Webster defines it as a separated portion of an ancient Israelite religious offering that was ceremonially raised and lowered in dedication to God] , I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Num 18:26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When you take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall offer up an heave of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.

Num 18:27 And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshing-floor, and as the fulness of the winepress [food and drink].

Num 18:28 Thus you also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which you receive of the children of Israel; and you shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.

Num 18:31 And you shall eat it in every place, you and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.

The eating confirming crops being that reward and not currency.

Now to Leviticus:

Lev 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD.

Is filthy money Holy unto the Lord (1Ti 3:3,8; Tit 1:7,11; 1Pe 5:2)?

Continuing in verse 32:

Lev 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Now to Deuteronomy:

Deu 14:22 You shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed, that the field brings forth year by year.

Deu 14:23 And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place which He shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of your corn, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks; that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

Deu 14:24 And if the way be too long for you, so that you are not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from you, which the LORD your God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD your God has blessed you:

Deu 14:25 Then shall you turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and shall go unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose :

This place was literally chosen by God through His true Holy Prophets.

Let us confirm in 2Peter:

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [Spirit].

See also Heb 1:1.

Now back to Deuteronomy to see what was to be done with the tithes of corn, wine, oil, herds, and flocks turned into money and brought to the place where God placed His name:

Deu 14:26 And you shall bestow [apply or use] that money for whatsoever your soul lusts after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever your soul desires: and you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you, and your household,

No tithing of currency to anyone for anything.

Today, Jesus the Christ in the New Testament, speaks directly to us by every red-lettered word (Heb 1:2).

And now, concerning property and possessions in the New Testament:

Luk 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he [Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings [or Gospel] of the kingdom of God: and the twelve [apostles] were with him,

So the twelve apostles were fully aware of how the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God would be supported.

Luk 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

Luk 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance [property and possessions].

A freewill offering reflecting how much one's heart is into the preaching and following of that Gospel.

Now to verse 15:

Luk 8:15 But that on the good ground [parable of the Sower] are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word [His word], keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

And how does God look upon those with an honest and good heart?

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Parable of the Prodigal Son:

Luk 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods [property and possessions] that fall to me. And he divided unto them his living [goods or livelihood].

((Luk 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance [property and possessions] with riotous living.

Now, to those who have yielded to God’s will through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Mat 19:29 And every one that has forsaken houses , or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

A clear and defining choice has to be made to show God your true heart:

Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [which is wealth].

The apostle Paul:

1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded [Greek: meaning lofty or arrogant], nor trust in uncertain riches [Merriam-Webster: not reliable; untrustworthy], but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;

1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute [Greek: impart; Merriam-Webster: to give; distribute; to divide among several or many], willing to communicate;

That was the apostle Paul following the teachings of our Lord.

Back to the rich young man in Luke’s account:

Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lack you one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute [Greek: to give; to give throughout a crowd; divide] unto the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Mark’s account emphasizes the pressing into the Kingdom:

Mar 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

And by doing so:

1Ti 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come [judgement time], that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Is there anything more valuable than eternal life?

They in the world love to have property and possessions. Are you followers of the world or of Jesus the Christ?

Jas 4:4 You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity [Greek: meaning hostility, opposition; hatred] with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

The following examples are where our hearts should be:

Rom 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Rom 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Rom 15:6 That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 15:7 Wherefore receive you one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

How strong is your faith? What should that faith be in?

1Co 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

Consider the beatings and stripes and humiliation the apostle Paul had to endure to preach what you have now been made part of – a better resurrection.

1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Do you believe in that power?

1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost [Spirit] teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1Co 2:16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Here is the mind of Christ:

1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection [Greek: contribution; Merriam-Webster: the giving or supplying of something that plays a significant part of making something happen; now I ask, would that making something happen not be the spreading of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (and the seeing to the necessities of the saints)?] for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you.

1Co 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Notice, "as God has prospered him".

Let us now go to Luke:

The Widow's Offering

Luk 21:1 And he [Jesus] looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

Now, this WAS currency, but the Lord did not use the word "tithe" to describe it, but rather a gift; an offering; observe:

Luk 21:2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in there two mites [small coins].

Luk 21:3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow has cast in more than they all:

Luk 21:4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury has cast in all the living that she had.

The fruit of a heart fit for the Kingdom of God.

Now back to 1Co:

1Co 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever you shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality [Greek: graciousness; especially the divine influence upon the heart; gift; Merriam-Webster: marked by kindness and courtesy] unto Jerusalem.

Now to further see the mind of Christ, which comes from the Holy Spirit, let us read in Acts 2 beginning with verse 38 to see the early examples set by those who were like-minded in supporting the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, as well as obeying our Lord to sell their possessions and goods, distribute to the poor, and by doing so, follow Him.

And how the poor do increase in these tough economic times.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost [Spirit].

Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

See Joh 6:44; God will do His part in calling who He shall call; our part is to believe (and obey) the Gospel (Mar 1:15; 2Th 1:8; 1Pe 4:17).

Continuing in acts 2 verse 40:

Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward [Greek: warped, perverse, crooked] generation.

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

The Fellowship of the Believers of the Gospel:

Act 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Did you notice the words “apostles' doctrine”? None of the apostles, including the apostle Paul, even mention the word tithing let alone tithing of currency as a doctrine.

Continuing with the fellowship:

Act 2:43 And fear [Greek: alarm or fright; do we truly have that fear?] came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

This would have been the perfect setting to introduce a changing of the law of tithing from agriculture and livestock to the tithing of one’s wages by the apostles.

Hebrews 7 addresses Old Testament tithing in a few verses but makes no direction connection to tithing of currency.

Verse 12 mentions a necessity for a changing of the law but on whose authority? Neither our Lord nor His apostles confirm such a change, and we will soon see why. Besides, Hebrews 8:3 sums up the matter with gifts and offerings.

Now back to Acts 2:

Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple [is that not the spiritual body of Christ today?], and breaking bread from house to house [Greek: meaning dwelling (Act 28:30); which clearly shows that the apostle Paul rented and did not own], did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people [Mat 5:16]. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

So you see how obedience to our Lord enabled the church to grow daily.

But now what about the herb tithing Pharisees?

Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

The seat of Old Testament law. The Pharisees were still tithing of the seed of the land (Lev 27:30). That is why He said to the Pharisees “and not to leave the other undone” concerning tithing of the seed. It was [is] still a law of the Old Testament.

And what did Jesus say about all the law including the tithing law of the Levitical Priesthood?

Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law [the Old Testament law; it was the only law that existed at that time], till all be fulfilled [all prophesy].

So we see that Jesus was not going to change that tithing law to currency. History tells us who did – men.

But what about the priesthood returning to Melchizedek who Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils? Well, earlier we saw no command. Therefore God was watching to see what Abraham would do as the result of the blessings, or possessions, he received. And so I ask, what will you do with your blessings?

But let us go to Hebrews to be reminded of what we HAVE heard from our Lord in the New Testament:

Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Heb 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers [various] miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost [Spirit], according to his own will?

1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

So brethren we must fast and pray about these things. And while we do, consider Isa 58. I will read some beginning in verse 6.

Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

Isa 58:7 Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor that are cast out to your house? when you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you hide not yourself from your own flesh?

Isa 58:8 Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily: and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rereward [Merriam- Webster: rear guard].

Isa 58:9 Then shall you call, and the LORD shall answer; you shall cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the putting forth [pointing] of the finger, and speaking vanity;

Isa 58:10 And if you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall your light rise in obscurity, and your darkness be as the noonday:

Isa 58:11 And the LORD shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and make fat your bones: and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Referring to the Holy spirit which with following God’s will leads to eternal life, see Joh 7:38,39 and also Mar 10:29,30.

Will you believe in a system cunningly devised by men, or will you believe the commandment of our Lord?

Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel.

Freely I have received, Freely I have given.

Peace unto all,

Servanthood

Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.