Jesus says, knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Jesus is the Door. No where in the New Testament has the window of heaven ever been mentioned. It is behold an open door and no man can shut it. God can never open the window of heaven when the door of heaven has been opened for us through Jesus the begotten Son of God. The loving God cannot ask us to give 10% of our income before He will bless us. We didn't give Him 10% before He sent His Son to die for our sins. As wicked as we are, we do not require our children to give to us before we provide for them. Are we calling the merciful God Fool? Where in the Bible did Jesus collect tithe? He says, we should take up the cross and follow Him. It is the Cross and NOT the TITHE that we should be known for as His followers.
In this debate about whether tithe is mandatory for Christians, Pastor Raphael Idoko of Living Saints in Christ Ministry has soundly and spiritually presented the gospel truth about why tithe is not mandatory to be paid by Christians. Just like Pastor Chris Ojigbani, whose article was published here in this medium on 1st November, 2018, Pastor Idoko has presented reasons citing biblical references why tithe is not mandatory for Christians to pay. No one is imposing his belief or interpretation on anyone. You too can join the debate. We do not discriminate against any opinion, whether for or against. No Pastor or Denomination should feel threatened or uncomfortable that non-payment of tithe will affect finances of the Church. Preach righteousness, preach holiness and the Kingdom of God, and the money you want will come in triple.
Please take your time to read this article:
The Publisher,
Barrister Ijuo Okpe,
Many thanks for this wonderful service to mankind. May God continue to prosper you in Jesus name. I would like to lend a spiritual voice to the subject of tithe.
The hue and cry over tithes by some Christians in Nigeria has embarrassingly reached a deafening crescendo and Jesus Christ, the head of the church is not glorified. What a disservice to the name of our savior! The word of God is clear on this subject and His word remains the absolute truth. We are not saved by tithes neither are we saved by any act of work. The Bible made it clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, curse is every one that hangs on a tree that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith (Galatians 3:13-14). On the other hand, Malachi 3;9 says, you are cursed with a curse; for you have robbed me even this whole nation. Juxtaposing Malachi 3:9 with Galatians 3:13. You are cursed with a curse and Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, it is pertinent to ask this simple question. Does the finished work of the cross exclude the Malachi curse arising from the law of tithing? Of course not. Malachi was a prophet like other prophets. I strongly believe that the finished work of the cross cancelled all the curses and could not have possibly left out that of Malachi.
The finished work of the cross is the foundation for christian living not tithes or any other works. Jesus completed the work. He said, it is finished. Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets, I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill (Matt. 5:17). The fulfillment of the law simply means the end of the law. Christ did not come to fulfill the law so that the law or the prophets may continue indefinitely. Fulfilling the law or the prophets imply meeting the demands of the law or the prophets by satisfying the terms and conditions with a view to bringing them to an end. When a man fulfilled either a bail conditions or terms of a contract, he is left off the hook. Jesus fulfilled the law or the prophets so that we can be left off the hook.
No man fulfill a bail conditions and remain in detention, if he does, the purpose of meeting the bail conditions is defeated. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus was only pointing out errors of tithing outside love. He said, you paid tithe of mint, coins.... but you ignore love, justice...Because he did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill the law, he counseled them on how tithe should have be done but made no attempt to stop them because he had not yet fulfilled the law (cross). Hear what Jesus said, if the son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8;36) because he never secure your freedom by crook. He paid dearly for it. No wonder, we no longer sacrifice goat or cow to atone for our sins.
The blessing of Abraham came to us through the finished work of the cross and not through tithes. There is therefore now, no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit, for the law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). This scripture is very clear when place side by side with Malachi 3:6 which reads, I am the Lord, I change not, you sons of Jacob are not consumed. God never change but he has made provision for us to do away with the spirit of the law of sin and death through the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin, curse and death. Apostole Paul says, If I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law, I am dead to the law that I might live unto God (Galatians 2:18-19). If we seek to return to the covenant system of law-keeping, we would be found a transgressor of the law of the new covenant of Christ.
In returning to an attempt to be legally justified by flawless living under the law such as paying of tithes, one would easily side steps the law of grace and faith. Whatsoever is not of faith is a sin (Romans14:23) and the law is certainly not of faith. The law (including the law of tithes) was given to Israel not to save those to whom it was given but to manifest the need for God's grace in the life of those to whom it was given. It is surprising that instead of accessing grace through faith in Christ Jesus, whom God ordained for it, many are still struggling to achieve it through keeping of the law. One can legally perform the rituals of the law such as payment of tithes and still live contrary to its principle.
There are tithers who cheat, steal, keep malice among other viles. They are not different from the Pharisees and the Scribes. Remember, the Bible says, except your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees and the Scribes, you shall by no means enter the kingdom of God. (Matt.5:20). The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus operates on the principle of love. If you love God and your neighbor as yourself, you have conquered the law or the prophets.
Giving to a project that you love is easy and stress free. Do we need to tell a loving father that if you don't pay your son's school fees, you will go to hell? The love of his son compels him to pay his school fees. Study these few scriptures and you will discover that there is no any element of do or die in giving to God in the new testament. Our God is love. (1John 4:8). For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). And he answering said, you shall love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27). But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he....(Duet. 8:18).
"Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. The central theme from these verses is love. What is required of us to give to God acceptably according to the new testament law is a loving heart. God gave us a practical example, he loved and gave his only begotten son which represents his best. If we truly love God with all our heart, 10% is too poor for him.
Jesus said, where your heart is, there shall your treasure be also. I give cheerfully far more than 10% because I love him with all my heart. I am not under any obligation to give but the love of God compels me to give. God is asking for our hearts and not our tithes first. If you can sincerely surrender your heart, your treasure will flow in the direction of your heart. Pastors, if we can win people's heart and love for God, tithe will never be an issue for them. As I conclude, Tithe is not an obligation for Christians to pay because the law of sin and death has been replaced with the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus which operates on the principle of love. God loves a cheerful giver, we are not to give grudgingly because he is not a taskmaster. Most of our members cheerfully and sacrificially give far more than the 10% that uncle Malachi advocated. This shows that love is greater than law. God bless you and whatever you are giving, ensure you live rapturable by constantly examine your life in the light of the word.
Pastor Raphael Idoko is the Overseer of the Living Saints In Christ Ministry. Our vision is to raise an army of disciples who will reach out to souls and resuscitate the dying love of Jesus Christ among brethren.
Pastor Raphael Idoko can be reached at:
Email: livingsaintsinchristministry@gmail.com
raph4wisdom@yahoo.com
Tel: 08026994148
In this debate about whether tithe is mandatory for Christians, Pastor Raphael Idoko of Living Saints in Christ Ministry has soundly and spiritually presented the gospel truth about why tithe is not mandatory to be paid by Christians. Just like Pastor Chris Ojigbani, whose article was published here in this medium on 1st November, 2018, Pastor Idoko has presented reasons citing biblical references why tithe is not mandatory for Christians to pay. No one is imposing his belief or interpretation on anyone. You too can join the debate. We do not discriminate against any opinion, whether for or against. No Pastor or Denomination should feel threatened or uncomfortable that non-payment of tithe will affect finances of the Church. Preach righteousness, preach holiness and the Kingdom of God, and the money you want will come in triple.
 |
| Pastor Raphael Idoko |
Please take your time to read this article:
The Publisher,
Barrister Ijuo Okpe,
Many thanks for this wonderful service to mankind. May God continue to prosper you in Jesus name. I would like to lend a spiritual voice to the subject of tithe.
The hue and cry over tithes by some Christians in Nigeria has embarrassingly reached a deafening crescendo and Jesus Christ, the head of the church is not glorified. What a disservice to the name of our savior! The word of God is clear on this subject and His word remains the absolute truth. We are not saved by tithes neither are we saved by any act of work. The Bible made it clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, curse is every one that hangs on a tree that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith (Galatians 3:13-14). On the other hand, Malachi 3;9 says, you are cursed with a curse; for you have robbed me even this whole nation. Juxtaposing Malachi 3:9 with Galatians 3:13. You are cursed with a curse and Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, it is pertinent to ask this simple question. Does the finished work of the cross exclude the Malachi curse arising from the law of tithing? Of course not. Malachi was a prophet like other prophets. I strongly believe that the finished work of the cross cancelled all the curses and could not have possibly left out that of Malachi.
The finished work of the cross is the foundation for christian living not tithes or any other works. Jesus completed the work. He said, it is finished. Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets, I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill (Matt. 5:17). The fulfillment of the law simply means the end of the law. Christ did not come to fulfill the law so that the law or the prophets may continue indefinitely. Fulfilling the law or the prophets imply meeting the demands of the law or the prophets by satisfying the terms and conditions with a view to bringing them to an end. When a man fulfilled either a bail conditions or terms of a contract, he is left off the hook. Jesus fulfilled the law or the prophets so that we can be left off the hook.
No man fulfill a bail conditions and remain in detention, if he does, the purpose of meeting the bail conditions is defeated. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus was only pointing out errors of tithing outside love. He said, you paid tithe of mint, coins.... but you ignore love, justice...Because he did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill the law, he counseled them on how tithe should have be done but made no attempt to stop them because he had not yet fulfilled the law (cross). Hear what Jesus said, if the son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8;36) because he never secure your freedom by crook. He paid dearly for it. No wonder, we no longer sacrifice goat or cow to atone for our sins.
The blessing of Abraham came to us through the finished work of the cross and not through tithes. There is therefore now, no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit, for the law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). This scripture is very clear when place side by side with Malachi 3:6 which reads, I am the Lord, I change not, you sons of Jacob are not consumed. God never change but he has made provision for us to do away with the spirit of the law of sin and death through the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin, curse and death. Apostole Paul says, If I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law, I am dead to the law that I might live unto God (Galatians 2:18-19). If we seek to return to the covenant system of law-keeping, we would be found a transgressor of the law of the new covenant of Christ.
In returning to an attempt to be legally justified by flawless living under the law such as paying of tithes, one would easily side steps the law of grace and faith. Whatsoever is not of faith is a sin (Romans14:23) and the law is certainly not of faith. The law (including the law of tithes) was given to Israel not to save those to whom it was given but to manifest the need for God's grace in the life of those to whom it was given. It is surprising that instead of accessing grace through faith in Christ Jesus, whom God ordained for it, many are still struggling to achieve it through keeping of the law. One can legally perform the rituals of the law such as payment of tithes and still live contrary to its principle.
There are tithers who cheat, steal, keep malice among other viles. They are not different from the Pharisees and the Scribes. Remember, the Bible says, except your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees and the Scribes, you shall by no means enter the kingdom of God. (Matt.5:20). The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus operates on the principle of love. If you love God and your neighbor as yourself, you have conquered the law or the prophets.
Giving to a project that you love is easy and stress free. Do we need to tell a loving father that if you don't pay your son's school fees, you will go to hell? The love of his son compels him to pay his school fees. Study these few scriptures and you will discover that there is no any element of do or die in giving to God in the new testament. Our God is love. (1John 4:8). For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). And he answering said, you shall love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27). But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he....(Duet. 8:18).
"Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. The central theme from these verses is love. What is required of us to give to God acceptably according to the new testament law is a loving heart. God gave us a practical example, he loved and gave his only begotten son which represents his best. If we truly love God with all our heart, 10% is too poor for him.
Jesus said, where your heart is, there shall your treasure be also. I give cheerfully far more than 10% because I love him with all my heart. I am not under any obligation to give but the love of God compels me to give. God is asking for our hearts and not our tithes first. If you can sincerely surrender your heart, your treasure will flow in the direction of your heart. Pastors, if we can win people's heart and love for God, tithe will never be an issue for them. As I conclude, Tithe is not an obligation for Christians to pay because the law of sin and death has been replaced with the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus which operates on the principle of love. God loves a cheerful giver, we are not to give grudgingly because he is not a taskmaster. Most of our members cheerfully and sacrificially give far more than the 10% that uncle Malachi advocated. This shows that love is greater than law. God bless you and whatever you are giving, ensure you live rapturable by constantly examine your life in the light of the word.
Pastor Raphael Idoko is the Overseer of the Living Saints In Christ Ministry. Our vision is to raise an army of disciples who will reach out to souls and resuscitate the dying love of Jesus Christ among brethren.
Pastor Raphael Idoko can be reached at:
Email: livingsaintsinchristministry@gmail.com
raph4wisdom@yahoo.com
Tel: 08026994148
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