[iamfreeru2]

Originally Posted by Livefire

Just as a note without going into intensive exegis.......
Tithing never involved money....it was always the firstfuits of the agricultural increase. They had silver and gold back then too!!!! I would like to see what a minister would do if one presented him/her with a chicken and a basket of veggies from the garden! There was also a second and a third tithe taken as well. One was for the person and his famili to eat before the Lord and the other was for the support of the widow and the orphan! In any one year, 19% of the increase was given if you study it out. We also have to remember that ancient Israel was a theocratic republic governed by God and adminstered by men.

I wouldnt mind that set up....if we did that there would be very little poverty in the land today! My practical advice about tithing is this....If you believe wholeheatedly in the vision of a local ecclesia and have the financial means to support it with a "tithe" ...God Bless and I rejoice that He has blessed you in that manner! On the other hand, if you struggle to make ends meet and you let some "minister" lay a guilt trip on you to give that last 10 FRNs in the offering plate instead of taking care of the family, you deserve to have yer backside kicked. A man that doesnt provide for his own house is WORSE than an infidel according to scripture!!! Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the Word of Truth. The Spirit of God will lead you into all Truth!

Remember the tithe was always SUBSTANCE and never a fiction. YHWH does not deal in fictions. FRNs are not only fiction, but an obligation. Does YHWH want an obligation? A piece if paper? A debt? YHWH wants first fruit from our labor. I like what Winston Shrout says "All wealth comes from the ground." Working the ground is not only satisfying but you provide substance for your family and others as well. Too many pastors think money is the only tithe and then do not even know what money is.

Livefire, what YHWH wants is our worship out of love for Him. He wants our trust and knowing that He provides what we need. If He knows we are willing to give our last dollar to Him, He will honor that and provide for us. He will never let His people starve, especially when are obedient to Him. Family is always second to YHWH, remember that.