Offerings To A Holy God.

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Time for a cut and paste from Junior Partner Ministries.

Take time to pray and see how God will have you give.

Tithes and offerings. A very touchy subject, easy to approach, difficult to escape. The first step is to realize there is more then just one type of tithe, and there are many types of offerings. The second step is deciding where to begin. God said to the delivered through Jeremiah "For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices; but this thing I commanded them saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you." Jer 7: 22,23 We now, due to our acceptance of the cleansing sacrifice of Christ, have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. With this access we can seek God's will concerning all areas of our life, including financial. How and where to tithe and / or offer gifts unto God? We must ask him, our obedience to his will confirms that we are his people, and it will be well with us.

Read all of ICorinthians chapter 9. Paul shows that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel. Notice he does not mention a tithe. Notice he states he has not accepted any gifts lest he create a hindrance to the spread of the gospel. As Christ said in Luke 10:5 "And into whatsoever house you enter, first say, peace be to this house." and then in Luke 10:7, "And in The same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire." If you read the whole chapter in Luke you will see there is no reference to a tithe, just such food as those in the house are willing to give.

Read also all of IICorinthians chapter 9. We will start about half way through verse 6 "He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

No tithe mentioned, just the admonition to give only if you can give cheerfully. If you are not filled with God's Joy and finding pleasure being led, don't give. Seek God and get in fellowship with him first. Giving is fruit that should come from a healthy vine rooted in good soil.

The final step is to realize; "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Are you brilliant, talented, wealthy, consistent, flexible, or strong? What can you share cheerfully at God's direction? What are your attributes? You have much, seek where God will use you much, that it may be well with you.

Jesus is Lord!