Category: tithing

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #114

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

God’s ministry needs funding, so we can and should give of our resources (money, time, energy) to support it as we are able. Yet, this is not tithing! If the Word of God’s Grace works in us, if His Holy Spirit fills us, then we will give cheerfully—exactly as in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 (never once does the word “tithe” appear in those passages). Regrettably, leaders tend to steal those supplies simply to build manmade denominational systems on the backs of ignorant, gullible people. They teach false doctrine and extort money from spiritual children. Religion is big bu$ine$$—and this should not surprise us in the least because it was big bu$ine$$ over 2,000 years ago in New Testament times. Judaism, God’s religion, had been corrupted, transformed into a money-making scheme: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses [cheating widows out of everything they own by offering to pray for their dead husbands at a steep price!!], and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation” (Matthew 23:14; cf. Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47).

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:12,13; cf. Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45,46). As Jews from other nations came to worship for the feasts of Judaism, they brought foreign currencies to the Jerusalem Temple. These heathen monies would be converted to the Jewish shekel, and, in the process, the visitors were given less than what they were owed while the (corrupt) moneychangers took more than what they were owed. Jesus cleansing the Temple infuriated those religious leaders to the point they wanted to kill Him, for He had eliminated their source of (dishonest) income (Mark 11:18; Luke 19:47,48)!!

Of course, it should not astonish us when religionists and denominationalists violently react as we share sound Bible doctrine now….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #113

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Materialism and covetousness are so widespread in countless churches and “Christian” schools that people wonder if they should fund the preacher’s/teacher’s lavish lifestyle or pay their own bills. They suppose they can add another “0” to their donation so as to avert God’s disfavor. Or, consider the man who gave $10,000 (!) a (!) month (!) to his megachurch. He told his Christian stepmother that he had to give it to get to Heaven (what was he learning at that “church?!”). She tried in vain to convince him otherwise. As far as we know, he died in his sins… just as lost as the poorest pauper in Adam!

It is nobody’s business what amount we give to God’s ministry. Nevertheless, denominational boards have presumptuously reviewed personal financial/tax records to see who is giving what—and to reprimand contributors who fall short of that anticipated precious 10%! A man once explained how he, in frustration, stopped attending his feel-good megachurch. They had just constructed a 3,000-seat auditorium, so the preacher constantly begged for tithes and offerings to pay it off. A dear Christian friend informed me that his denominational church (which he has since left) placed the names of large financial donors on a sign for everyone to notice. If the praise of men is our incentive to give to God’s ministry, beloved, we should not give a single penny. A gift donated with that attitude—even if billions of dollars—will be absolutely worthless at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Are they really upholding sound Bible doctrine when they refer to “raising money” for “ministry” and “missions?” Or, are they just seeking funds for the proselytization of people so their denominations can increase membership (which individuals are still unsaved!). We should always cheerfully give of our resources to support God’s ministry, but let us be sure that we are backing God’s work rather than the Devil’s! It should be a legitimate grace ministry, teaching the Word of God rightly divided and clearly preaching the Message of Grace. If not, we ought not waste one cent giving there or one second going there….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #112

Monday, September 14, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Reflecting on Christendom’s boundless confusion, we must realize that they know more than we assume. For instance, the pastor of the last denominational church I attended was aware of the truth about tithing; after all, I had taught him. Yet, his exact words when we met in private were: “Do not tell my people they are not under the tithe. They do not give enough as it is!” (By the way, he had allowed old, domineering, wealthy women in his congregation to bully a senior citizen on a fixed income to “give more!”) Hearing those words with my own ears forever settled in my mind that more denominational leaders know the truth about tithing (and other issues) than we suppose, but they choose to be silent. They will not openly embrace or preach the truth because it would divide their little social club of food, fun, fellowship, and foolishness!

In fact, when I was an infant, my family went to one local assembly. A certain deacon seemed to be the “most spiritual” of everyone there. HA! Once I reached adulthood and learned dispensational Bible truth, I confronted him about tithing, thinking I would bring him some light. I was surprised to hear him say: “I have longtime known that we are not under the tithe, but I never told your family or anyone else at our former church because it would have been too controversial!” Again, this is my firsthand knowledge that denominationalists comprehend more than we think. Beloved, it ought to bother us, alarm us, that this deception has been going on in our churches for centuries… all in the name of “Jesus,” of course!

Denominationalists cry out, “We literally cannot afford to tolerate or tell the truth; it will drive us out of bu$ine$$! We are not going to challenge or change our long-held traditions, no matter how wrong they are and no matter how wrong we are!” Demetrius confessed something similar in Acts 19:23-27. He understood Paul’s preaching would dry up his income and collapse his city’s economy that depended on idol-making!

Let us keep exploring and correcting the misunderstandings about money matters in Christendom….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #111

Sunday, September 13, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Doubtless, tithing is Scriptural—but is it dispensational? To wit, is it God’s Word to and about us? No! Even if we wanted to, it is impossible to give a biblical tithe today. There is no functioning Levitical priesthood, no Jerusalem Temple, no Mosaic Law, and no Israel in God’s current relations with man. Furthermore, no biblical tithe would ever fund manmade denominations!

Israel’s tithing was to prove God’s faithfulness to bless in response to obedience (or, His faithfulness to curse in reaction to disobedience!). However, giving under Grace (God’s present dealings with us) is to prove our gratitude to God for Him blessing us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Tithing is driven by fear and guilt, but giving under Grace originates from love and thankfulness. Mark it well: God’s grace is not against giving; it is against tithing!

The Bible is clear that local churches should financially support their pastors and teachers as much as they are able, for those leaders do the work of the ministry (1 Corinthians 9:1-18; 2 Corinthians 11:9; Galatians 6:6,10; Philippians 4:10-18; 1 Timothy 5:17,18). Alas, there is so much abuse, as staggering sums of money have been taken—and are still being taken—under fraudulent pretenses. For centuries upon centuries, denominational people have been giving out of guilt and fear (Law, not Grace), thinking they will receive material riches from God in return (“prosperity theology”). Such extortion has proliferated substantially since the advent of telecommunications (radio, television, and internet). The Scriptures foretold in 1 Timothy 6:3-19 about multimillionaire preachers and multimillionaire teachers—and those who lacked enough spiritual sense to avoid being scammed have no one to blame but themselves.

After a brother came to understand the Bible dispensationally, learning how we are not obligated to tithe but are free to give under Grace, he told me, “All these denominational churches are about is money!” Sure! It took him only 60 years to figure that out. Unfortunately, before he graduated to Heaven, he wound up back at a church of his former denomination! (His case is not isolated.)

Let us see if we can drive out even more Bible ignorance….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #110

Saturday, September 12, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Re-read that classic proof-text denominations relentlessly use as they beg for “tithes:” “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:8-11).

Context matters! The “cursed nation” of Malachi 3:9 is Israel (Malachi 1:1), suffering the curses of Leviticus 26:1-46 and Deuteronomy 27:1–28:68. By withholding tithes and offerings, they have violated the Law of Moses (an agreement they made with God, originally promising to give Him those tithes!). The LORD through the Prophet Malachi challenges Israel to “prove” (test) Him: He will remove the curse and bless them if they obey (give Him tithes and offerings). As per the Law motivation principle of “guilt and fear,” they are expected to tithe and thereby avoid punishment. However, giving under Grace results from gratitude for how God has already blessed us in Christ through Calvary’s finished crosswork: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3; cf. Romans 8:32). Giving under Grace does not prove God’s love for us (Calvary does that!—Romans 5:8), but it does prove our love for Him! “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love” (2 Corinthians 8:8).

Israel gave tithes and offerings so God could bless them. We give under Grace because God has already blessed us in Christ. Tithing with the Law and giving under Grace are totally incompatible….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #109

Thursday, September 10, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The Law of Moses has three 10% tithes. Such giving was compulsory, obligatory, mandatory—just like stipulated taxes paid to government now (Romans 13:1-7). However, when our Apostle Paul writes to us the Church the Body of Christ, he makes it so clear that “ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14,15; cf. Galatians 5:18). Above all, we do not appeal to Moses for Christian living because Moses is Judaism! Furthermore, there is not a single command in Romans through Philemon to give a specific amount to God’s ministry (whether 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, or 100%). The Holy Spirit through Paul devoted three whole chapters on giving under grace—2 Corinthians chapters 8–10. We read in 2 Corinthians 9:6,7: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Under grace, it is not “make him give,” but “let him give.” Plus, the amount is what the man “purposeth in his heart;” it is not what the preacher or denomination requires him to give, but what he wants to give as the Word of God’s Grace works in his heart. This giving under grace is “not grudgingly” (it is not given with grief/complaint or reluctance/unwillingness); tithing was the exact opposite, as it could involve hesitancy. Moreover, giving under grace is “not… of necessity” (it is not giving that is forced or demanded); tithing was the exact opposite, as it was binding. Giving under grace pertains to God loving a “cheerful giver,” one who is merry or happy (by the way, “cheerful” in Greek is “hilaros,” “hilariously”—the whole heart is in it!). These are just a few examples of how tithing under Law and giving under Grace are mutually exclusive. They are not the same, and cannot be confounded or combined. Let us look even closer at their differences….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #108

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Those who have constructed their theological systems upon Matthew to John and early Acts have inadvertently created insurmountable hurdles for themselves. A classic example is, in their effort to “be like Jesus,” they are forced to confront the verses where He warned not to lay up treasures on Earth but rather lay up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). To wit, they would have to part with their bank accounts and all their material goods—but they will not follow Him here, dismissing these words of His as mere “figurative language.” Yet, the problem is that believers in early Acts obeyed Him literally, actually selling their possessions and giving the proceeds to the poor (Acts 2:44,45; Acts 4:32–5:11). Upon being asked for money, Peter thus answered in Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold have I none!” Why was there 100% giving here? Was that not “too extreme?”

Entrepreneurs Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John all left their fishing businesses behind (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11). “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:11). “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?…. [Jesus answered] And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matthew 19:27,29; cf. Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). This is what materialistic/unbelieving/idolatrous Israel refused to do (Matthew 19:16-26, Mark 10:17-27, Luke 12:13-21, and Luke 18:18-27)!

These saints were awaiting the Antichrist, whose economic system would not allow them to buy or sell without his mark, his name, or the number of his name (Revelation 13:16-18). Hence, by divesting themselves of all material goods, believing Israel would not be faced with the choice of deciding between following Antichrist and following Christ. Matthew 24:15-22 and Mark 13:14-20 enlarge upon these (yet future) events. Of course, such is prophecy instead of mystery, meaning neither tithing nor 100% giving pertain to us….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #107

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Under the Law of Moses, Israel’s yearly tax rate was 23.3% (two 10% [Levitical and festival] tithes given annually, and one 10% [welfare] tithe exacted triennially). These were fruits, vegetables, and animals whose value supported the tribe of Levi (priests), funded three yearly trips to Jerusalem for the feasts of Passover and Pentecost and Tabernacles, and sustained the welfare system. Endeavoring to appear “spiritual,” denominationalists today give a measly “10% tithe” (ignorant of how there are really three biblical tithes!). Moreover, a select few brag about donating “reverse tithes” (“I make so much money as a feel-good preacher that I can afford to ‘tithe’ 90% of my income!”). This too is Bible ignorance. Who among them is willing to give away 100% of their income? The reason why we ask this is simple: though there is not one command in the New Testament to give a “ten-percent” tithe, there is 100% giving in Matthew to John and early Acts!

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21). “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth” (Luke 12:33). “Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all [!] that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). In early Acts, it was indeed 100% giving: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44,45; cf. Acts 4:32–5:11).

Let us study why this 100% giving was necessary….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #106

Sunday, September 6, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Under the Law of Moses, there were really three tithes. The first tithe was national, a gross federal income tax on Israel’s agricultural production—each tribe giving 10% to the tribe of Levi. Israel was a theocracy, God governing them by the Levites (the priestly tribe); these Levites served in the Tabernacle, and later, the Jerusalem Temple. See Leviticus 27:30-34 and Deuteronomy 14:27.

The second tithe, a net income tax (also 10%), was the “festival/vacation” tithe. All male Jews set aside resources to fund their personal trips to Jerusalem three times a year—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16; cf. Exodus 23:14-17). “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always” (Deuteronomy 14:22,23). You can keep reading into verses 24-26.

The third tithe—an additional net tax of 10%, given every three years—supported the welfare system: “At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest” (Deuteronomy 14:28,29). Also see Deuteronomy 26:12,13.

Annual tithing in Israel under the Law thus averaged 23.3% (two 10% tithes [Levitical and festival] every year, plus one 10% [welfare] tithe every three years). Those bragging about giving “biblical tithes” today are likely not giving this much! In addition, they seldom show interest in giving the amount that replaced the tithe in Matthew to John….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #105

Saturday, September 5, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Frankly, we could not care less how denominations define tithing. What we are interested in is what the Word of God teaches. Under the Law of Moses, this is tithing: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD…. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD” (Leviticus 27:30,32). A 20% interest penalty was paid if this tithe was converted to currency: “And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof” (verse 31). Notice how the tithe pertained to “seed… fruit” (plants) and “herd… flock” (animals). See also Deuteronomy 12:17; 2 Chronicles 31:5,6; Nehemiah 10:37; Nehemiah 12:44; Nehemiah 13:5,12; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42. Each tribe of Israel gave a tenth of their yearly income (agricultural production) to their national government, the Levites or priestly tribe (Nehemiah 10:37,38; Nehemiah 13:5; Hebrews 7:5,8,9).

These tithes were to be deposited at the Tabernacle (later, the Jerusalem Temple), where there was a storehouse/granary/barn/warehouse/silo or chambers: “Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:…” (Deuteronomy 12:11). See also Deuteronomy 12:5,6; Deuteronomy 26:12; 2 Chronicles 31:11,12; Nehemiah 10:38,39; Nehemiah 12:44; Nehemiah 13:12; Malachi 3:10.

While at a denominational church building, I noticed a large metal box bolted to the wall. Below the narrow slot in the top was a sign: “Tithes & Offerings.” How could they place fruits, vegetables, and livestock in such a tiny opening? After all, a biblical tithe is not money or personal checks in envelopes but food for the Levites! See, religion does not make sense, and it is not supposed to make sense. It originated with mindlessness, and is preserved only by ignorance….