₦airaland Forum

THE PRESENT ASSAULT ON TITHING
By Martin White

Few days ago I was told of a trending video where members of a particular church congregants walked out on their pastor in the middle of his teaching on the subject of tithe.

What’s happening to the church in Nigeria? Has the pulpit been dishonest to the pews? Have pastors deliberately robbed church people by twisting the truth? Is tithe supposed to be a New Testament practice of faith?

While reflecting on the heated debates on tithe by believers and nonbelievers, I knew that the church in Nigeria is at the same historical threshold with the American church, where intellectualism is confused for divine revelation.

We are at a point in church history where divine revelations intended to deepen the believer’s faith walk with God is only deplored as a weapon of assault against the eternal Gospel principles of Christ.

Alas, the lives of those claiming to supposedly exegete the scripture rightly now are in deep contrast with the divine revelation that they claim to know. It’s a pitiable Christianity devoid of the power of God.

We have teachers who are unable to heal headache. They’re just rumble-rousers ranting and making noise everywhere on social media. Obviously, God cannot back what is not his Word. The responsibility of the New Testament church is to preach the Gospel and to confirm the Gospel.

For a while now, I have read on Facebook with dismay scathing diatribes on tithing by some people who want to be at the forefront of disproving the legitimacy of tithing for a New Testament believer.

The grand design of the present agitation against tithe is actually to disrepute pastors and the church in Nigeria whenever the debate against tithe eventually becomes a generally acceptable truth.

The manner and way in which some pastors hitherto have threatened God’s people with hardship and difficulty in life if compliance to tithe payment isn’t regular is one of the root causes of the present discovery against it.

Actually, a believer is not blessed because he paid tithe. The believer in Christ is already blessed with spiritual blessings in the heavenly places. The very moment we were accepted in the Beloved, all rights and privileges that comes with the Gospel automatically becomes ours.

Now, the two schools of thought debating this tithe issue are as follows: 1. Tithe is obsolete because Christ has fulfilled the law. 2. Tithe preceded the Mosaic Law because Abraham paid tithe to Melchizedek before the law.

Who is Melchizedek?

Abraham met Melchizedek on his way from battle and tithed the spoils of war to Melchizedek who is said to have no beginning and end.

In actual scriptural term, Abraham’s meeting with Melchizedek was God’s proclamation of the Gospel or foretelling of a Saviour long beforehand to him, and in response to that Abraham tithed.

What does this symbolize? Let me explain.

God, knowing that he’d justify men through faith in the finished works of Christ, firstly met Abraham and preached the Gospel to him. So Abraham’s meeting with Melchizedek was actually a transaction availing him the rare privilege of seeing Christ’s day of the Gospel of faith (Galatians 3).

Jesus Christ confirmed this when he said that Abraham rejoiced to see his days; he did and was glad (John 8:56). Abraham saw Christ’s days where men would be justified by faith when the Gospel was preached to him and when his two sons (Ishmael and Isaac) where also used as the symbolic representations of the Law and Grace.

Scripturally, the sending away of Ishmael and Hagar is the actual symbolic end of the Law, while Isaac symbolic representation of the Grace era, for he was the child of promise (Galatians 4:21-31).

Now, what is the symbolism of the tithe paid by Abraham to Melchizedek? Is it the same as the tithe of the Levitical Priesthood? I will answer right away!

Tithe paid by Abraham to Melchizedek is not the same as the tithe of the Levitical Priesthood. Tithe under the Levitical Priesthood was designated as the wage for the priesthood and welfare for the poor, widow and strangers.

But the tithe given by Abraham to Melchizedek wasn’t a wage or a welfare for anybody. It was given in reception to the Gospel adumbrated to him. The Melchizedek that Abraham met typifies Christ.

Hence, Abraham’s response of tithe to the Gospel or Saviour revealed to him beforehand is an expression of his faith in that same Gospel; hence, Galatians 3:6 noted that Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

This implies that whenever we give tithe as a faith response to the Gospel of Christ, we are reckoned to be of faith and children of Abraham.

As we consistently express our faith in the Gospel with our giving as a proof of our faith, the righteousness of God imparted to our spirit is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).

In this wise, the tithe or the best is not restricted to ten percent; it is from faith to faith. We give according to our faith in the Gospel. He that sows sparingly shall receive sparingly, and he that sows bountifully shall receive bountifully.

Hence, the more we give, i.e. ten percent, twenty percent, thirty percent, or forty percent that we give in faith to the Gospel, the more we reap as increase in the fruits of our righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10).

Hebrews 7:8 says that in the Levitical Priesthood tithes are received by men who are subject to death, but in the Melchizedek Priesthood in whose order our Lord Jesus came tithes are received by Christ who lives forever.

So what then is tithe and how does Christ receive tithe?

Tithe is not one tenth as being promulgated everywhere by the church of this age. Tithe means the tenth. The word “tenth” means the top of the heap. In scripture the top of the heap actually means the best part of it.

So how does Christ receive our best response to the Gospel whenever it is preached to us? Our best response is ascertained by how we commit to the Gospel whenever the Gospel is being taught.

If Abraham gave a tenth or his best as his faith response to the Gospel revealed to him, it means that whenever the Gospel is being preached there must be a response with the tenth as a proof of our faith in it.

So who receive the tenth for Jesus?

Some months ago, a young Nigerian living in Dubai attempted to send a tithe to me in response to my teachings that has blessed him immensely but I refused it because the tithe is not a wage for any individual.

If monies are given by God’s people as their faith response to the Gospel of Christ that they’re taught, it means that the monies should be used to further the spread of the same Gospel, not to service any individual.

Every church organization must have an administrative mechanism that provide a specified wage and attend to the welfare of their pastors and church ministers. But insisting that the tenth or summative best of what God’s people are giving to the church belongs to the senior pastor is actually the cause of church proliferation and greed in the church system of today.

All monies given as tenth belongs to the church, not the pastor. In the Gospel, nobody is entitled to the tenth or the best of what people give as their faith-based response to the Gospel of Christ. Monies such as this should be received on Christ behalf and used to further the spread of the Gospel.

Coveting and converting a hallowed thing such as this for personal use is the reason some men now have cursed swollen belly that people mistake as evidence of good living.

Finally, a minister of the Gospel must have a curtailed appetite. The present chase for money by church ministers is a proof of our drift from God and spiritual realities.

If wayward girls are slaying on social media with a provocative dress sense, pastors shouldn’t slay by displaying exotic cars, designers, magnificent church edifice, or personal buildings on Facebook.

These are the things stirring the present agitation against tithe. People see more of the abuse than the blessedness…

Thanks for reading.

Martin White, a teacher, writer and speaker, writes from Abuja. He is the president, Martin White Organization and publisher, Ecumenical Review

9 DAYS TO GO... Apostle Joshua Selman will be live in Abuja for the IMPACT CONFERENCE 2017. At the Change Embassy Ministry Abuja. see the flyer for more details.

Apostle Joshua Selman will be live in Abuja for the IMPACT CONFERENCE 2017. See the flyer for more details.

IMPACT CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 2017...16 DAYS TO GO...

Meet Some Speakers at IMPACT LEADERS' FORUM...

Senator (Dr) Joy Emodi (CON)
Senator (Dr) Joy Emodi is on record as the first Igbo woman to be elected into the Nigerian Senate. She was a member of the fifth and sixth Senate before serving as Special Adviser to Former President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly Matters. She was one-time governorship aspirant in Anambra State.

Senator Emodi is a trained Lawyer, an outstanding Educationist and Founder/Chairman of Brickhall School, Abuja where she is building a brand which can compete with any school in any part of the world with a lot of Nigerian value system as the base.

She runs a foundation which focuses on less privileged, especially women, the girl-child and widows. She is a recipient of the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Senator Emodi will be LIVE at IMPACT LEADERS' FORUM and will be speaking on: 'BUILDING A CULTURE OF INTEGRITY IN NIGERIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM'. Focus will be on the current and future fight against corruption.

You don't want to miss this one program. The Kingdom has taken over!
Save the date: This Saturday, 21st October, 2017
@ The Change Embassy, Glory Mojec Plaza, Behind Banex Plaza, Beside Berger Paints, Wuse 2, Abuja. 10.00am.

(Watch out for other speakers tomorrow).

email: olagundoyeakin@gmail.com
waiting the the link. thanks

You carry God's calling over your life. You were once passionate about it. You even made many verbal commitments to God. But now, you have become so comfortable under those air conditions in your office and have forgotten about the calling and your commitment. Your pocket has grown tremendously and your oil has declined consistently. Your passion for souls, impact, and divine calling has been replaced by work, career and family. You would celebrate grace over others while Heaven weeps over the grace that was ordained for you but being wasted. And because you have not fully heeded, the many lives tied to your obedience have been hijacked. Beloved, you may be smiling with the luxurious car(s), flamboyant house(s), executive office, and all the travels from one country or place to another, but Heaven mourns over your "failed existence". Those things you celebrate as " blessings " would be evidence of disobedience.
So, am I saying you should quit what you are doing and do what? No no no. I am simply saying, go back and obey God. And let Him determine the price of obedience in your situation. This message was given me for you. Eternity would judge existence, whether it be for God or for self. Blessings.

The Word That Can Change Lives...

The word of God is the most potent instrument for changing the lives of men. When people hear the word, their lives are patterned after the God kind of life. Nothing liberates like the truth.

One of the challenges of our time is the absence of true words from the altars. Words of life are scarce now. And so people are not experiencing inner change that is required to be rapture and Heaven ready.

So, what can we do? One thing we can do is to help the people find the true word that can change their lives. How do we do this? There are 2 ways;

1. Take the word to them. Post words in places they can see them - on Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.

2. Bring them close to the word. You can bring them close to the word by bringing them to church where they will hear the true words of God and experience the transformational power of God's word. As they come to church and continue to hear the word, their lives will continually be patterned after the God kind of life. Amen.

@ The Change Embassy...
The word of God is present. We have continued to see people's lives changed by the transforming word of God. We are also privileged to be under an apostolic-prophetic cover. We have seen and experienced it.

So, why not invite someone to church so that their lives can be changed by the power of God's word at work in The Change Embassy? You will be sowing a seed into the person's eternity and you will reap the fruit in life and eternity.

Sunday: 8.00am
Wednesday: 6.00pm

Thank you for sharing. 08035744063 always opened for enquiries.
The Change Embassy,
(The Impact Place),
Glory Mojec Plaza,
Behind Banex Plaza,
Beside Berger Paints,
Wuse 2, Abuja.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH NIGERIA?

Dr Bukola Williams

People can write epistles and books on this question. But here are just three of the answers.

1. Nigerians are the problems of Nigeria. The clergy preaching hate is the problem of Nigeria. The arrogant leader who respects rules abroad but despises rules in Nigeria; he is the problem of Nigeria. The leader who mismanages public fund is the problem of Nigeria. Those men and women peddling hates are the problems of Nigeria.

2. Systemic failure is another problem of Nigeria.
Any nation that has structures but lacks systems will remain in the comity of undeveloped nations. It appears the only system that works is that in which money is instantly generated into the pockets of a few disgruntled minds. There are no systems to maximize the evolving potentials of the youthful population in the fields of creativity, science, technology etc. As long as there's less value on systems, there's only a thin foundation being laid for the future.

3. Poor choice of Leadership
Why blame leaders when you elected them or did nothing in electing them?! The problem with Nigeria is that of leadership failure. And the way to correct it is not to be sentimental about the choice of leaders but to place values above tribe or titles.

Join us on Impact Leaders Forum on Saturday as we discuss and strategize on the present and future of Nigeria. This is part of the church and kingdom contribution to good governance, politics, leadership, entrepreneurship, etc.
Date: Saturday, 21st October, 2017
Time: 10.00am
Venue: The Change Embassy, Glory Mojec Plaza, Behind Banex, Beside Berger Paints, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Speakers:
1. Senator Dr Joy Emodi (CON)
2. Felix Enwenode
3. Dr Bukola Williams
And others

Registration and participation is free.
To participate, call 08035744063.

Watch out for details

This Sunday... A platform to ask your questions and speak your mind. Singles & Married Service #wisdom #worship #word
Enquiries: 07034616715

"ASK ME IF I WANT THEM TO LEAVE WHERE THEY ARE"

These were shocking words the Lord said to me this morning in the place of devotion while I prayed. When I explain how it came about it will be clearer and many of us will appreciate it as we apply the principle to our lives.

I usually go to pray in one church and there I met a brother who worked full-time as the church administrator. He is a graduate and wanted something better both pay wise and otherwise.

One day, the brother who found out where I work decided to approach me about helping him secure a job in the place where I work. I have the influence to do it, so I collected his CV and gave it to the Human Resources Manager as a KIV for potential recruitment.

After a while, an opening came and I discussed with this brother the option including the pay which isn't what he would want at that moment. We agreed we will wait for something bigger. And we have been waiting.

So, this morning, as I was in prayers inside the same church, the brother walked in and went about his job. It was at that moment God spoke to me. The Lord ministered to me that the brother is currently doing what is ordained for him per time in his life. He is going through a phase in his life journey. And that when I tried getting him a job I was going to pull him out of a place Heaven has planted him to serve for a particular period. And the Lord summed it up by saying "whenever you to assist believers in getting another job, ASK ME IF I WANT THEM TO LEAVE WHERE THEY ARE". Oh my God!

I was deeply touched. How many times do we offer to assist and help people, and in the process move them out of God's agenda per time for their lives? Many times maybe. This word was for me. But I have shared so that it can bless you and someone who would read it. I encourage you share with fellow believers. Together we strengthen one another. Shalom.
#DrBukolaWilliams
#08035744063

Dr Bukola Williams shared;

Hebrews 11:11
"Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed..."

Faith releases strength. When you walk in faith you connect with three dimensions of strength;
1. Spiritual strength
This is how a life of faith is a power-based life. Fear saps spiritual vitality. A fearful man is viewed as a weakling before the devil.
"...and this is our victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).
Faith infuses the spirit man with a spiritual force called power!

2. Mental strength
This is the source of courage to carry on no matter the situation. Faith makes you mentally strong. A man of faith is not a candidate for depression. Frustration is alien to a faith man. And the mental strength of faith stirs intellectual capacity. You are mentally strong and outstanding.

3. Biological strength
Sarah received also biological strength. Faith caused the weak womb to be strong enough to process sperm and retain pregnancy. Faith can strengthen a weak cell, tissue, organ or system. It can strengthen a failing kidney. It can strengthen a failing heart. Faith provides strength for a broken emotion.

"Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed..."

If you will begin to walk in faith from now, you will begin to experience the empowering virtue of the faith life. You are receiving spiritual strength above any demonic oppression. You are receiving mental strength not to be discouraged and to thrive intellectually. You are receiving healing in your body now. Hallelujah! Glory to God!!

It's a blessed day. Share and spread the word.

#DrBukolaWilliams #TheChangeEmbassyNG#08035744063

In psychology, it has been established that a child's personality would have formed by the age of 5. This gives insight into how to relate with a child and as he/she grows up.
1. Be a parent to the child between birth and 12 years of age. This is when the spankings, etc can come in. Whatever you don't correct at this age, forget about correcting later. Correct their perceptions, their orientations, etc. Be available to physically incorporate values into them.
2. From the age of 13-19, you are to be a friend to them.
Many parents want to do core parenting at this age range. If you didn't achieve that earlier, you may not succeed outrightly here.
Note that one significant factor that can help the child at this phase is the God-factor. If they find God at this age or earlier, they will likely stick to Him forever.
3. From age 20 and above, the best you can be to the 'child' is a mentor.
At this phase, be an inspiration to him/her. Let your life inspire him/her. Let your marriage inspire. Inspire them to do things rather than wanting to push your way through. You cannot be adopting spanking and slappings at this age. That is if you are not slapped back. Because if you did a good job, you won't have to be slapping a 25 year old.

Conclusion...
1. Never stop praying for your child however old they grow. Never stop committing them to God's hands.
2. Never stop being a parent no matter how old they grow, but don't forget that life is in phases and maximize every phase of their lives by the right approach. Your child is not just the body you see but a soul with an eternity. Parents have a role to play in where that eternity would be.

#Dr Bukola Williams is Lead Pastor at The Change Embassy Church International, Abuja. He trained as a Medical Doctor and Psychotherapist.
Can be reached on 08151433007.
#Share with others

How can someone get past questions for the exam? preferably soft copy. thanks

Thanks for this info. can you help with materials to prepare for the exam because I will be submitting my application soon. waiting for your response

segunojo866:
I disappeared and run away from nairaland after two delay but now visa approved at the 3rd attempt in Lagos embassy at 7:00am appointment . Transcripting loading. Trying to charge my phone now. Thanks to walspring, texrem and others for support

Congratulations

joeluv:
Visa Approved. Transcript loading. God has surely fulfilled his promise ���

Congratulations

na2016:
Mail ptdf so they can move your centre to PHC.

it may be possible but I don't think is visible

has anyone from ondo received an invite for the cbt?

kinesis:
My friend told me she received hers this night. Nothing yetbfrom my end

which state is she from?

state? [quote author=Emaimo post=57839375]I just received my invitation for CBT. 6th July on point. Port Harcourt qu

moravelu:
Visa approved today
Hallelujah. thanks to everyone who encourage me and asked me to prepare my self and fireoff again.

Rejected on monday 19 June
Approved friday 22 June 6:30 interview

I was rejected on monday because I had applied a second bsc in a totally different field from sceince to religious studies.

To cut it short, I prayed very hard and I told God that only white papers will be issued until it gets to my turn, na so e happen oh, but only for windows 7 (if im correct) a white man probably 40s, first guy white paper, second white paper, me third white paper also.

See my transcript.

Vo: Good morning, pass me your i20 and passport
Me: here it is, and how was your night
Vo: fine thank you

Vo: why this school?
Me: I will give u two reasons, first the school is engineered to produce graduating students who are both fit to become ministers and christian educators, for me this is killing two birds with one stone (vo cuts in)

Vo: and how is that?
Me: Based on the curriculum
Vo: Tell me about the curriculum?
Me: The have programs like cross cultural ministry (for ministers) and comparative theology (for educators)

Vo: How many school did you apply
Me: 2
Vo: why this one?
Me: the have missionary trips...., mentored ministry..., practical ministry training...., all programs are based on the bible no mix up with ecumenism or scientology
Before I finish vo cuts in

Vo: pick up your visa in three days time
Me: Dancing lagbaja, praising God,
Na so e end oh, leave boyfriend and Girlfriend matter eh no dey pay, Na baba Jesu way sure pass. His words never fail.

Thank you all

anything is possible is the atmosphere created by God and stirred by the Spirit. congratulations and I connect to your testimony. God bless u

adewotired:
Visa got approved this morning.

Really grateful to God, and to everyone that helped me on here(Texrem, PrinceDekunle, electronic, tomisinobm and abujaniv sef )

Transcript goes thus.

VO: Pass your documents
Me: Here you go sir

VO: What are you going to do in the United States?
Me: I am going for my Bachelors degree in Computer and Information Science...

VO: (cuts in) In which school?
Me: Coppin State University in Maryland

VO: How did you get to know about the school?
Me: It was introduced to me at a workshop by EducationUSA and I did some more research about it using the CollegeBoard BigFuture portal and
CommonApp

VO: When did you graduate?
Me: Last year, sir

VO: (typing) And who is going to be funding your education?
Me: The school sir. I am on a full ride scholarship.(VO then flipped the i20 to check it)

VO: (still typing) You have any family in that area?
Me: No sir. But I have a brother in the US though.

VO: And where does your brother stay?
Me: He is in Oklahoma sir

The VO stood up and went somewhere, I don't know where.

VO: Are you married?
Me: No sir

VO: You have kids?
Me: No sir.

VO stated typing for about 2 minutes.

VO: I will be approving your visa,(gave me white paper), use this at the DHL office to collect it.... ( I didn't really get the remaining words he
spoke)
Me: Thank you so much sir. I will do that. Do have a nice day.

congratulations

adey2014:
lolz another one of "i am a female'' replies. well sometimes there are reasons where one has to do another undergraduate degree. for instance i had to do another undergraduate degree when i was given E in about 4 courses i didnt register for and dropped me from 2'2 to a third class.so sometimes people do things for specific reasons. i can only share mine cos i have recovered from the shame of telling people i went for a second undergraduate

You have said it all....the reason is best known to the person... sometimes, cgpa may be the cause, you may not even like the course of study you graduated with. going for second undergraduate may just be the way out..... You guys are doing a great job here. I love this thread

asiwaju87:

OK.
Vo; good morning
Me; good morning sir
Vo; please pass me you passport and I20
Me; right away sir
Vo; why are u going to the USA?
Me; I am going for my 2nd undergraduate program.
Vo; where?
Me; etsu
Vo; what course?
Me; business and managerial economics
Vo; what is that course?
Me; (I gave him what I know and read about that course but I guess he's not satisfied with my answers)
Vo; what classes (subjects) will the course be offering?
Me; I sincerely bleeped up here ( this is for the benefit of those that will be reading this trend, please have indepth knowledge of your course and subjects offered) . I gave him some courses I knew about (but at this point I knew I fumbled)
Vo; sorry sir, bla bla bla bla... Good luck
Me; thank you sir. I was like ( I killed myself). I d
Was caught unguided but it was all my fault.

I just need help on how I can reapply soon and if I will need to pay for another, i20, SEVIS fee...

does it necessary you say 2nd undergraduate degree..... why not, I am going for my undergraduate degree in business and bla,bla

ridlaw:
Indiana University of pennsylvania, Msc Safety science

Thanks

ridlaw:
VISA APPROVED THIS MORNING! TRANSCRIPT GOES THUS:

VO: Good morning

ME: Good morning sir (*with a smile*)

VO: Your passport, sevis receipt and i20 please

ME: Passed them across

VO: why this school?

ME: (**I immediately forgot what I wanted to say and paused for few seconds then said**) The curriculum aligns with my career goal.....vo cuts in*

VO: What do you mean by it aligns with your career goal?

ME: It's the only school that offers me both aviation safety and workplace safety in a single program...vo cuts in*

VO: How did you know about the school?

ME: it was recommended to me by my manager who happens to be an alumni of the school.

VO: what did he tell you?

ME: He told me how the studies have been beneficial to his career and I did an extensive research and realised it's actually a school for me.

VO: Tell me the courses you will be doing.

ME: I mentioned like four courses.

VO: what school did you graduate from and course?

ME: University of Lagos, I studied Physics.

VO: OK and types for few seconds. Your visa has been approved.

No document was asked. I didn't write GRE or tofle.

I thank God.

congratulations....can you please help me with name of the school?

Prudento:
The data management system is no longer accessible

what does that mean?

Sambest2:
I've sent the pqs' to 5 people as promised, the five people should keep the files alive by sending to 5 others each.

received... thanks

Sambest2:
sent

please send mine to this email: olagundoyeakin@gmail.com

danduchi:
pls, help me also. smartdj4life@yahoo.com

please, help me with the past question.... olagundoyeakin@gmail.com

@All thanks for your advice