Many modern Pharisees constantly preach emotionally
on tithing, yet reject the other Mosaic Laws.
Plus, they pick and choose, even in the law of tithing, how they want to govern its collection and usage; thus, nullifying the very spirit and purpose for paying tithes! We see that the owner of the farm had to tithe, but not his hired help, since they did not own the crops or the animals. Plus, only the increase from the owner’s land or animals was tithable. “There is no reference to a tithe of fish in the Bible or in later Jewish sources. Likewise, the mining industry is referred to in Deut. 8:9, but the tithe of minerals extracted from the earth was never called for. The same would hold true for those earning an income from weaving, handicrafts, or any form of manufacturing. Indeed, all were immune from tithing except the owners of farms and flocks. And, even the rancher who had fewer than ten cattle in the Old Testament did not have to tithe on them because the requirement stated that only the tenth animal which passed under the rod was to be tithed (Lev. 37:32).” Martin, Pg. 9.
Originally Moses had instructed in Exodus 13:2 and 22:29 that all firstborn children of the Israelites, regardless of what tribe they came from, were to be consecrated to help the Priests in the service of the tabernacle. But, after the census revealed that the firstborn males numbered 22,273 and the tribe of Levi numbered exactly 22,000 males, (Numbers 3:39), Moses decided to use the entire Tribe of Levi instead of using the firstborn from every tribe (Numbers 3:44-51).
As I mentioned in the beginning of this article,
control and money (tithes) divide many churches today,
as the brethren are alienated and many times attacked
by the Pharisee behind the pulpit.
I, personally, would not have problems with Pharisees if leadership and money were not issues. I work with many humble pastors across the United States who are not jealous or greedy concerning God’s Bride or God’s money. They just want to promote Jesus’ kingdom. But, there are other pastors who are promoting their own little kingdoms and want to control God’s people and money. They twist the Scriptures to do both, as the Pharisees did to Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets. I have said it many times that if the pastor who attacks me were stationed in a country where it is a crime to witness and lead others to Jesus, then there would be no more conflict. That pastor would be happy for me to share in the sufferings and dangers of ministering to the flock. And, since he is earning his own living aside from living off the tithes of the people or has outside support as a missionary, there would be no jealousy. Also, he could not build a white elephant (church) in that country anyway, since it is illegal to pastor or lead people to Jesus. Then his motives would be holy and pure, to be builders of the true Bride of Christ, instead of being private kingdom builders or denominational kingdom builders.
“...the rebellion of Korah came principally because of an argument over rank and money. About twenty years had passed since Moses commanded the Levites to take the position of firstborn. Korah was one of the leaders of the top family of Levites. He, along with prominent members of the Tribe of Reuben, went to Moses and complained that Aaron and his sons were taking too much authority to themselves. The problem was a dynastic quarrel over priestly rulership in Israel. The fact is, Reuben was the actual firstborn tribe (Genesis 49:3). But, the Levites also had been given firstborn status. Yet, it was Aaron’s family that had the most prominent position in the nation under Moses. These anomalies over the firstborn rank caused arguments to take place. The problem involved who was to rule and who should have the money assigned to that rulership. The outcome of the confrontation is well known. The earth opened up and swallowed Korah and the other rebellious Levites and Reubenites (Number16:31-35). From that time forward there was no doubt that the Tribe of Reuben was no longer recognized as a firstborn tribe. And, though the Levites maintained their position as helpers of the Priests in the temple, only the family of Aaron from that time forward was reckoned as being of priesthood rank.” Martin, Pg. 11
In the next two articles I will be discussing why Moses made some changes, as well as some different heresies surrounding tithing. This three part series is extremely important as God is still telling different Pharoahs to “let my people go.” Jesus was conspired against and betrayed out of jealousy and resentment because He was telling the people to serve the Lord and not the Pharisees. The Pharisees in turn hated Jesus as Jesus summarized the hypocrisy in the areas surrounding the Pharisees’ teaching on tithes. (Matthew 23: 23). I have no problems with people giving ten percent to their local churches. In fact, I believe we should give much more for the extension of the kingdom of God and the love for the Bride of Jesus Christ. Let us all look at and study this three part series on “Is Tithing For Today” most seriously. The reality is that people today are bound as slaves were in Egypt because they serve at times taskmasters who really only care for their own empires. Thus, the people suffer under mental brainwashing and put up with it for a lack of knowledge. The people feel like they are serving God by paying their tithes (bricks), yet the only ones they are serving at times is another pharaoh who has coerced them through guilt instead of the whip into building dreams and goals which at times are not God’s but the vanity of the pastor. And all God’s people and leaders (pastors) said “AMEN AND AMEN”!
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TO BE CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE
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