New Jerusalem Spiritual Home of Praise Ministry
"We Walk By FAITH, not by sight! 2 Corinthians 5:7"
Gifts of Love/Offerings & Tithes
"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure-- pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." Luke:6:38
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7).
There is a distinct difference between tithes and offerings. They are mentioned separately throughout the Bible, even though the Lord required both to be brought to Him.
OFFERINGS
Offerings are gifts amount brought to God beyond the tithes. The tithe was always ten percent of one’s increase, but with certain offerings, God gave His people some discretion as to the amount or number of offerings to bring.
God does not specify an amount for the offerings, which are voluntary as to the sum given. This is where New Covenant free-will generosity and joyful giving come into play.
An offering is anything you give in addition to your tithe, such as gifts for special projects, the church building fund, missions, appreciation, etc.
We should give not only because God expects us to. Our sincerity in giving is equally important. “He which soweth sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who soweth bountifully will also reap bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” (II Corinthians 9:6-8).
A persons financial situation in life and the depth of their zeal for God reflects their offerings.
As we go forward our ministry needs and depends on financial offerings. We are thankful to all that contribute and in prayer we know that Almighty God will continue to pour His Exuberant blessings upon you.
TITHING
It is the "gateway for the God's children into the covenant of blessings." In the Hebrew "maaser" or "maasrah," is translated tenth, or tenth part, and in Greek "apodekatoo" and in both, it means a payment or giving or receiving of the tenth.
The tithe is that tenth (10%) of our income that we give to God, which enables Him to move on our behalf in the area of blessings. The Bible records numerous accounts of man tithing to God. God is the creator of everything that exists. He owns everything and we are simply stewards of what we have been entrusted with. The tithe principle is this; "He gives unto us, we give back to Him one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with."
Abraham tithed unto Melchizedek, Isaac tithed, His son Jacob and many others also even before the law was given. Many Christians do not tithe because they have been taught that they are not under the law, but under grace. While this is a true statement, God did not institute the tithe to bring us under the law, but to get blessings to His children. Abraham tithed before the law, and God blessed him supernaturally. We're under grace that we might establish the law; not turn from it. Jesus said that He didn't come to do away with the law, but to fulfill it. Because He fulfilled it, we are to establish it. His Words are forever settled in heaven, therefore we establish His Words upon the earth.
Giving is of God, and God is faithful to us according to His word. So knowing that you reap what you sow, be sure to sow plentifully!
Giving and Tithing operates The Law of Reciprocity:
“Give and it will be given to you” defines a remarkable spiritual principle. It can also be called the law of reciprocity, which is quite evident in the physical world: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Smile at another person, and he’ll probably smile back at you. Be critical of others, and they’ll respond in kind. As you give, you will receive. Give generously of that which you would like most to receive, and you’ll receive in like kind and measure to your giving.
When you are generous to God and to others, God rewards us in a very generous fashion. As it is written, “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor (humble); his righteousness endures forever.’ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (II Corinthians 9:8-12).
Where Should You Tithe Now?
In the Old Testament, the Jews were instructed to take their tithes” to the storehouse,” which was the temple; the center of religion for the entire country. Today, it’s important that you give your tithe to the place that feeds you spiritually. Who has given you one or more of the following:
Joy;
Peace;
Inspiration;
Spiritual Guidance;
Directive of your purpose;
Made you feel glad to be alive;
Encouraged to go for your dreams;
Gave you an answer to your question;
Helped you feel the power of the Spirit of God moving you to tithe, give or abundantly share.
Done on a regular basis, tithing serves you as a constant reminder that God is your sole provider. You alone will decide how to account for your leadership of the financial blessings God gives you and how to honor Him with your tithes and offerings
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