Giving - that's what it's all about today. And I just read something that is highly appropriate, and even more highly misunderstood amongst modern Christians. It's regarding the tithe, which means 10%. According to Dr. John Tolson, "Jesus VALIDATED the mandatory tithe, even on the small things (Matthew 23:23). But there is no mention of tithing after the Gospels. It's neither commanded nor rescinded... [but] every New Testament goes far BEYOND the tithe. However, none falls short of it. The New Testament actually raises the stakes, teaching that all our possessions and wealth belong to God, not just ten percent!"
"There's a timeless truth behind the concept of giving God our first fruits. Whether or not the tithe is still the minimal measure of those first fruits, I ask myself, 'does God expect His New Covenant children to give less or more? Jesus raised the spiritual bar; He never lowered it (Matthew 5:27-28).'"
-- Randy Alcorn
Before saying the standard, "We don't have enough left over to give 10%, much less more!" remember, you wouldn't have anything without Him. Besides, God isn't asking for what you have left over. He's asking for our FIRST FRUITS.
Merry Christmas and happy giving in 2016!
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