Tithe?

For Sunday, August 11, 2024:

Malachi 3:10 NLT: “’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”

I was brought up in a church where members decided how much they could afford to give to the church, and filled out pledge cards. But the Bible says that the first tenth – the BEST tenth – of everything belongs to the Lord. We are simply called to transport into the storehouse what already belongs to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches benevolence without specifying any amount. At The Way, the first Christian assembly, worshipers gave to meet each other’s needs. They would sell buildings or land and donate the sum for the good of all. With a guaranteed home in heaven, there was no longer any point in hoarding earthly possessions.

In general, the Bible tells us to trust the Lord, not test the Lord. This is an exception. God is challenging believers: “Give it a try, and see if you like the results!” You’ll be amazed!

God loves a cheerful giver!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship