₦airaland Forum

OTHER LAWS ABOUT GIVING FOR THE JEWS
Apart from the 3 tithes discussed above, the Jews had other commandments from God as to how to further give of their income for His purpose:
a. The law concerning gleanings: Leviticus 19:9-10. By this law, a Jew was not allowed to reap/harvest to the last comer. He was to deliberately leave some for the poor, widows, and strangers. How man pastors teach their members to observe this in their cocoa, cassava and maize farm today?
b. The law concerning forgotten sheaves: Deuteronomy 24:19-20. By this law, a Jew was not allowed to go back to pick up forgotten or dropped sheaves. Again we ask: How many pastors today teach their members to observe this law? Do pastors teach their members not to pick up forgotten or dropped tubers of yam? Or not climb their orange trees for the second time? So that the widows and the strangers can eat from them? We all know these pastors only collect money for themselves.
c. Annual claims of first fruits. Exodus 22:29: If you read also Exodus 13:2-12, you will see that this include the first born also. God lays claim to the firstborn of human and animals. But there is no price of redemption for sons.
d. Free will offering and vows. Deuteronomy 16:10-11, Exodus 36:6. Leviticus 23:21. Deuteronomy 23:21-23
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From the above, anyone can see that a faithful Jew gave more than a tenth to God. A faithful Jew gave far, far more! And a faithful Christian living under a Better Covenant with better promises must give more than the Jew. Luke 12:48, Matthew 5:20, Hebrews 8:6

TITHES IN THE JEWISH AGE
So many in churches today feel that as soon as they pay tithes, they have fulfilled all requirement of giving to God. But this is gross error. In the first place, God has not commanded tithing for Christians in the churches. Tithes were only required of the Jews in Judaism - in the OT. Most people who say they are paying tithes today are not really paying tithes (1/10). Most people I have come across do not pay 1/10 or 10%, they only pay some money to the church or pastor and call it tithe. Third, when we study the history of the Jews we find out that they gave more than tithes. They gave not just one tithes but three (3) tithes. Two tithes every year and one tithes every 3 years, thus -
1. The priestly tithes: Leviticus 27:30-34. Also called the Tithe of the Lord. It comes from all income of other Jews' herds, flocks, fruits - and were paid to the priests - the Levites Exodus 28:29, Exodus 32:26-29, Leviticus 8, Numbers 8:14-26, Numbers 18:28-29. Don't forget that God did not allow the Levites to have a share of the land Numbers 18:20-30, Joshua 13:14, Nehimaiah 10:38. The priests - who were levites - ate from the tithes that came into the temple.
2. The festival tithes. Deuteronomy 14:22-23. This tithe (a) consisted of the yearly increase of the Lord. (b) was to be eaten by the offered, his household and the levites. (c) was to be eaten at the place that the Lord will choose. (d) may be converted into money if the distance where the Lord had choose was too far to carry the products involved. And the money is to be re-converted into products to be eaten at the location of the Lord Deuteronomy 16:3, 13, 16

3. The poor tithes. Deuteronomy 14:28-29. This 1/10 was set aside at the end of every 3 years to cater for the levites, strangers, orphans and widows. In total, an average Jew gave not just a tenth, which is 10 per cent, but up to 30 - 45 per cent of his income to God in the form of the various tithes he paid. And for all the tithes a declaration of honesty was required to avoid cheating Deuteronomy 26:12-15. There was no tithing on the 7th year, that is the Sabbath year during which no formal income is anticipated. Leviticus 25:1-12

TITHES UNDER THE PATRIARCHAL AGE
1. Tithes were paid before the Mosaic age. VP Black wrote: Not only the Hebrews, but other ancient people devoted the tenth part of their produce, cattle, or booty to sacred purpose. The Phoenicians offered a tithe of their booty as also the Greeks. Further, he wrote: when we study religious history, we learn that the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Romans, and other heathen people centred their giving around tenth.
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Abraham and other patriarchs in the old testament practiced some form of tithing. Genesis 14:20, Genesis 28:22

Unfortunately, many religious leaders around us are not interested in what the bible teaches about the subject of giving. They are interested in many ways they can get their followers to pay more money to them. And since such church leaders can easily find biblical references Malachi 3:8-11, to tithes and tithe-paying, they think they have all the justification for extorting these payments from their members in the name of tithes. Among others, the questions we want to consider in this context are:
1. What were tithes in the Bible?
2. Were they money or products?
3. Who paid tithes and to whom were tithes paid?
4. Did Christ or anyone command tithes in the New Testament - Under Christianity?
5. When did the law of tithing end?
6. What is the law of giving in the New Testament?
7. How many are actuall/truly/honestly paying tithes in their churches today?
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All these shall be discussed subsequently. Just keep reading

IINTRODUCTION
Tithes were a form of obligatory payment under the Old System of Worship. Under the OT Laws, it was required of Jews to give a tenth of their income back to God - for God's work - through the Levitical Priests. No Christian today is under the Old Testament and so no Christian is under the obligation to pay tithes. Giving as commanded under the new testament is liberal, cheerful and sacrificial contribution which should be better than tithes Matthew 5:20]
Please be objective in your reading this and let the bible speak...
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May one use instruments at home? Yes. for instrument at home/social gathering is for pleasure and not worshiping God. It is morally right but religiously wrong.
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In conclusion, do you want to Obey God or man? Do you seek to please God or self? Be wise. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastics 12:3
for further information, please contact the church of Christ nearest to You.
Bye for now

What we have learned from history
there is not a solitary reference to the use of instrumental music in any congregation of the Lord's people during the entirety of the apostolic age. Meaning no congregation that we read about in the New Testament ever used instruments. And we all know that Christians copy Christianity from the pages of the new testament. Therefore those who use instruments must have gone beyond 1Corinthians 4:6 to borrow such. Secular history reveals that it was between the 8th and 10th century that instruments were introduced into the church and it wasn't without much disputation.
In Nigeria most of the denominational churches that were introduced came in without instruments in their worship. The Catholics, Anglican, Methodist, etc all sang in those days. The use of instruments was made popular in the 70's by the emergence of Pentecostal movement and the Nigerian indigenous churches like the White Garment and the aladuras. Our appeal is for all to draw a conclusion on this matter by going back to the original apostolic worship of the New Testament Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:42.

Ok here we come, Instrumental music was used in the Old Testament Worship. But lets consider:
a. As well as instruments, David and other Old Testament worshippers, worshipped God with Animal sacrifices, Burnt incenses, Used candles, Kept Sabbath, and practiced polygamy. No one is insisting we bring any of these into Christian worship, simply because they are found in the Old Testament.
B. Christians are not under the law. The old law was given to Israel alone, and for a time Deuteronomy 5:1-5, Galatians 4. Romans 7:1-4. and it has been take away, fulfilled and dead! Colossians 2:14-17, Hebrews 7:8, 10:9, Galatians 4:21, John 1:17 no one can find New testament authority for using instruments in worship.
read on

The scriptures authorize singing.
All the passages that deal with music in the New Testament worship specify singing as the type of music: Matthew 26:30, Acts 16:25, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 13:15. In each and every case, the type of music is vocal. In none of these references is there a mention of musical instruments. We have authority for vocal music but no authority to any other kind of music. To offer any other kind would be strange, unauthorized and sinful Leviticus 10:1,2. We do not have authority to add or take away from he Word of God Deuteronomy 4:12, 2John 9, Revelation 22:18-19

2. Generic and Specific Commands. There are 2 types of commands given in the bible: generic and specific commands. Music is a generic term, because there is more than one kind. If the Lord had commanded, Make music, we could comply with the command by vocal, instrumental or a combination of both. But singing is Specify. In as much all scriptures of the New Testament point to singing, this restricts the music to vocal.

Vinx4Christ:
bro modify ur 1st post u will be able to modify d topic 2....

gratitude bro

Beamborla:
Pls, read 2 Samuel chapter 6:5

we are gettin to that aspect sis, just continue readin

There are 3 basic principles for establishing religious authority
1. Direct command
2. Approved/Apostolic examples
3. Necessary inference
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Any honest seeker of truth will agree that in the New Testament, there is no direct command to use instruments in Christian worship. No example exists for such use. And no one can infer from any teaching or precept the use of mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship.
stay tuned

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My prayer is you will study this subject with an open mind. God's Word is the final authority in all religious matters. Matthew 28:18, 1Corinthians 4:6, 1 Peter 4:11, Jude 3. Revelation 22:18-19.
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If you want to know why Members of the churches of Christ do not use mechanical instruments of music in our worship, then I can offer the following (biblical) reasons.
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1. God Has Not Commanded The Use Of Instruments In Christian Worship
Since God alone is the Object of our worship and is alone worthy to be praised, He should determine what our worship consists of and how and when it should be conducted. God not man is to be worshipped. God not man is therefore to be pleased. What pleases man or what man thinks pleases God, may well be an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15. An act of worship offered to God should be in harmony with the will of God revealed in His Word John 1:17, John 4:24. To do what God has not authorised is to assume that God is not capable of Knowing what He wants. To do something religiously which God has neither commanded nor forbidden is to assume that man is licensed to do what God is silent about.
more in no time

Beamborla:
I remember the use of harp, tambourine, trumpet e.t.c in different portions of the Bible. In those days, the disciples used leg for their ministry including Jesus himself but today, we use car and even aircraft. Should we say because they were not in use back then, it's not appropriate to use them now. I believe your sole purpose for doing whatever you are doing should justify you so long it didn't bring about the backsliding of anyone and does not bring shame or reproach to the body of Christ.

we shall get to Ur point. Just keep reading. The problem is my gadget can't post too large a write up so I have to break it post by post. Thanks

Vinx4Christ:
u can aswell ask did Jesus use microphone?
Did Jesus use the internet?
Did Jesus use a tract?
Did Jesus use a phone?
Did Jesus use a tie?


Some of us are too religous but we claim to be saved

are u saved?
Is not all this dont do dis, dont put dis on that makes u a true believer

A true Believer is someone who live his/her life pleasing God daily.
May God help us all

Bro those stuff weren't there then, if they were then their usage would have been noticed. But at least U knw that instruments were there during the Apostolic Era but weren't used. No grudges pls

continuation
many people actually criticize the Church Of Christ for not using mechanical instrument in our worship. But the questions are: Does God approves the use of instruments of music in Christian worship? That instruments are popular in churches today, does that mean God is pleased? Did Christ anywhere command the use of instruments in His worship? Did the apostles use instruments? Did any of the churches we read about in the New Testament leave us an example of the use of instruments? Do you care what God wants or do you want to please yourself in your worship of God?

CONTINUATION
Special dance steps are being learned or copied from TV stars. No we hear of kingdom dance, gospel raggae, etc. no doubt this carnal-oriented music please (especially) the youths, draws crowd and sustains interest and commitment to the churches. But Jesus has stated: for what is highly esteemed anomg men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15; Proverbs 14:12
continuation in no time

Oops! Please mode can you please change the topic to ''Let The Bible Speak About Music In Christian Worship''? I made a typo. Thanks in anticipation

INTRODUCTION
So much of the worship in many churches around us today is geared towards entertainment. Many people think they have worshipped acceptably if they feel good by what they do in worship. To cater for the satisfaction, entertainment and pleasure of the audience, many churches are going the extra mile to furnish modern and sophisticated musical equipment and gadget. Choirs, solos, special numbers are features of many denominational worship arrangement
more loading, stay tuned please

26. Never put till tomorrow what can be done today. Procrastination has made poor so many.
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27. One thing at a time and in its times the best rule of all activities.
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28. He who hides his/her identity is ashamed of it. Be proud about who made you to be.
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29. A tree doesn't fall in the forest and kill people in their homes. A clear conscience fears not.
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30. Some birds fear water while the duck sleeps on it. Differ strokes for differ folks...
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21. Early to bed, early to rise. Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. There is nil that can be more true.
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22. Every man his own cross. Life is battle won when one dies.
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23. Flies are easily caught with honey than with vinegar. Do the right thing, the right way.
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24. He is richest with fewest wants. Money is not wealth. Riches is contentment.
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25. He that by the plough must thrive, himself must hold or drive. Do with your might what makes you a success.
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13. If you can't make a man think as you do, make him do as you think. Though differ from action.
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14. It is a good horse that never stumbles and a good wife never grumbles. Minimize thy talk woman.
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15. It is easier to pull down than to build. Don't even start the pulling!
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16. The receiver is as bad as the thief. It is better more blessed to give than to receive.
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17. The young thinks the old is fool, while the old is thinking the same. Strength for the young as grey hair wisdom for the old.
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18. The morning sun never last the day. Don't depend on the fantastic exhibition of the start.
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19. The wise makes jest and the fool repeats it. A good test for foolishness.
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20. Courtesy cost nothing. Just show it and see...

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These quotes, Know I, are some familiar ones, nonetheless, are they quotes for to start a year with. Read, Understand and try to apply...
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1. Kill not the goose that lays the golden eggs. Don't take chances
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2. Don't spend a gold to win a brass. Know what's worth
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3. Block by block a house is built. Take things bit by bit
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4. Never claim victory until the war ends. Fight to finish
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5. No effort, no progress. No effort is too little.
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6. A person who lives on the mountain knows the best way to climb it. Ask questions.
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7. Be sure before you marry, of a house wherein to tarry. Know thy spouse and thyself.
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8. By others fault wise men correct their own. Learn from others mistakes.
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9. Eat to leave but don't live to eat. Man shall not live by bread alone.
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10. Give and spend and God will send. Givers hardly lack.
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11. He that will thrive must rise at five. One key to success, Punctuality.
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12. He who ceases to pray ceases to prosper. Pray without ceasing.

These quotes, Know I, are some familiar ones, nonetheless, are they quotes for to start a year with. Read, Understand and try to apply...
.
1. Kill not the goose that lays the golden eggs. Don't take chances
.
2. Don't spend a gold to win a brass. Know what's worth
.
3. Block by block a house is built. Take things bit by bit
.
4. Never claim victory until the war ends. Fight to finish
.
5. No effort, no progress. No effort is too little.
.
6. A person who lives on the mountain knows the best way to climb it. Ask questions.
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7. Be sure before you marry, of a house wherein to tarry. Know thy spouse and thyself.
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8. By others fault wise men correct their own. Learn from others mistakes.
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9. Eat to leave but don't live to eat. Man shall not live by bread alone.
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10. Give and spend and God will send. Givers hardly lack.
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11. He that will thrive must rise at five. One key to success, Punctuality.
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12. He who ceases to pray ceases to prosper. Pray without ceasing.