₦airaland Forum

OLAADEGBU:
I do but for the benefit of those who don't have one.

chuna1985:
Since u have one, have u read it

chuna1985:
It's a scam because d church obviously read only it aloud in church so that all the monies we are supposed to use for work of God Will be given to dem.

We are no longer under d law, its very unnecessary to pay tithe.

OLAADEGBU:
The onus probandi is on you to read, understand and post what you have read and understood before asking others to do your homework for you.

Daily Manna
Thursday, 10 September,2015

A Liberal Soul

TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 11:1-3

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days" (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

God is rich in mercy to all. Though we are unworthy of His manifold blessings, He nevertheless provides for us liberally out of His abundant storehouse. In like manner, He expects us to show mercy to other people.

The text gives a pressing exhortation to works of charity towards the poor, the less privileged, the infirm, as well as those in need of help.

Adjudged to be the wisest man of his time, the writer of the text impresses it on us to do good to others and abound in liberal works since this would guarantee commensurate blessings someday. Though this work of mercy is expressed as being cast "upon the waters" (a metaphor), "thou shalt find it after many days". As a farmer reaps more than he sowed during a plentiful harvest, and the merchant profits richly from his venture, so will a liberal soul reap abundantly. Whatever was sown is not lost, but well laid up for future harvest. In God’s providence, our works of charity will yield interest here; yet, the principal will remain sure, laid up in heaven for us.

When it says, "thou shalt find it after many days", it implies that the returns may be slow, but it is certain that it will come because, "the liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself " (Proverbs 11:25). So, take time to look around. There are people in dire need of your love and touch of liberality. Cast your "bread" upon the "waters" of their lives. Show a little bit of love and kindness. This is the best cure against unbridled accumulation of wealth which we shall leave behind one day.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 3 - 4

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The heart that readily gives shall never lack"

See more HERE:

Image123:
Help me to understand this,Malachi is a scam but Deuteronomy is the educative one?

OLAADEGBU:
MarkMiwerds is like...

MarkMiwerds:
Yeah, I'm the smart one. I'm not on the ladder. LoL.

Image123:
Tithing is not SENSELESS copying or repetition. BTW, any 2 or 3 things you learn from the Israelites 40years in the wilderness?
You need to understand that James and scriptures generally is talking in context of being born again/justified/pleasing acceptable to God. The route to being acceptable to God has changed. If one wants to follow the old testament route, then one has to follow it thoroughly which BTW is impossible(says the Bible). Nothing wrong with good works(tithing is one), but if you want to use good works route to be justified or seen as righteous before God, you have to observe every law without missing it(which i say again is impossible). Jesus told the people of His time that none of them was keeping the law. Paul said all have sinned and there is none good, not one etc. That route is impossible. The new testament route is faith in Jesus. You will continue to miss it and be confused if you don't understand this foundational truth, whoever YOU are. Get that into your spirit.

MarkMiwerds:
God did not say one-tenth of the firstfruits belong to Him! Firstfruits were a small handful or basket from gardens and orchards that were taken to the Temple at the beginning of harvest. Tithes were taken to the Levites in the farming cities at the end of the harvest. (see Nehemiah 10:37-38; Deuteronomy 26:1-4)

And Jesus' statement, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and render unto God the things that are God's" has nothing to do with tithes.

Whose Image and Superscription?

by Ronald W Robey

“Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and unto God that which is God’s.” Matthew 22:21

The above statement made by Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees is often taken out of its context and used by pastors and laymen alike, in an attempt to prove that God requires tithe of money from the Church member today.

But, when read in context with the entire discourse, and rightly dividing the Word of Truth, it is easy to see that Jesus was not endorsing a monetary tithe at all.

Matthew 22:15-22 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

The disciples of the Pharisees and Herodians asked Jesus a question concerning tribute paid to Caesar. Jesus’ profound reply is overlooked by many today.

The image and superscription on the tribute money was that of the ruling government… Caesar’s. In our modern language, we would say it thusly, “Pay the government the taxes they require. The money is theirs.”

Jesus also said that those disciples who questioned Him were to give to God that which was God’s. Was He speaking of money when He said, “Render unto God the things that are God’s”? Not at all.In the very first chapter of the Bible, we are told that man was created in God’s image. So, the question arises, “Whose image and superscription is on man?”

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

That’s right… God’s image. And when man places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for his Salvation, God’s superscription is upon that man.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:1-2 tell us that we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices unto God, holy and acceptable unto Him.

“Render unto God that which is God’s.”

In Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus was not telling the Pharisaical and Herodian disciples to tithe money. He was telling them to yield their own selves, their bodies to the LORD’s service. And Paul echoed that admonition in his epistle to the Romans thirty years later.

God’s image is on us. Let us always be prepared to be yielded to His service.

OLAADEGBU:
All tithes belong to God. (Leviticus 27:30).

Image123:
Tithing is not SENSELESS copying or repetition. BTW, any 2 or 3 things you learn from the Israelites 40years in the wilderness?
You need to understand that James and scriptures generally is talking in context of being born again/justified/pleasing acceptable to God. The route to being acceptable to God has changed. If one wants to follow the old testament route, then one has to follow it thoroughly which BTW is impossible(says the Bible). Nothing wrong with good works(tithing is one), but if you want to use good works route to be justified or seen as righteous before God, you have to observe every law without missing it(which i say again is impossible). Jesus told the people of His time that none of them was keeping the law. Paul said all have sinned and there is none good, not one etc. That route is impossible. The new testament route is faith in Jesus. You will continue to miss it and be confused if you don't understand this foundational truth, whoever YOU are. Get that into your spirit.

Daily Manna
Wednesday, July 29, 2015

A Call For Cleansing

TEXT: EZRA 10:9-11

"And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel" (Ezra 10:10).

Our text notes the cooperation of the Israelites to cleanse themselves of the sin, which had caused them serious national embarrassment. Ezra, since he heard of the people’s compromise, had been much concerned. The princes and elders assisted him to call an assembly. The people felt very sorry for their sin as they gathered in front of the house of God.

Ezra made it clear to them that they had disobeyed God's laws. When God brought their forefathers out of Egypt, He had told them point-blank not to take wives from among the people around them to avoid a situation where their hearts would turn away from Him. He equally ordered them to pass the instruction to their children. Unfortunately, the Israelites could not keep this divine injunction. For God to have mercy on them, they must confess their sins to Him, send their strange wives away, separate themselves from the idolatrous nations and avoid close relationships with them.

Obedience to God must be absolute if anyone is to be assured of His abiding mercies and benevolence. Without mincing words, Ezra firmly admonished the congregation that sin had made them miss the mark. They must repent and return to God in order to be spared of His indignation and judgment.

If you have missed the mark in your walk with God, you must return to the basics; repent and forsake sin and make restitution where necessary. Tithe and offering, good works and alms giving can never take the place of repentance. The sacrifice God accepts is a contrite and a broken spirit.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EPHESIANS 1 - 3

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "All that God asks is that the heart be cleansed from sin"

See more HERE:

This Grace Also
November 8, 2015

"Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also" (2 Corinthians 8:7)

The "grace" of which Paul was writing in our text is the grace of giving! Many Christians may show diligence and love in their Christian life, but are still very reluctant to give sacrificially to the work of the Lord.

Many follow what they consider the "law of tithing" (most Christians don't even do that!) and consider this to be meritorious. The fact is, however, that giving for the Christian is not a law to be obeyed, but a grace to be cultivated.

The motivation cited by Paul for abounding in this grace was not the Old Testament ordinance, but the New Testament example in the church at Philippi. Consider, he said, "the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality . . . beyond their power they were willing of themselves." And the real secret of their motivation was that they "first gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Corinthians 8:1-3, 5). An even greater motive for abounding in this grace is the example of Christ: "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

This grace of giving is thus displayed when one gives liberally (even in times of affliction and poverty) out of wholehearted devotion to the Lord and for the spiritual enrichment of those who are spiritually impoverished.

"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" (2 Corinthians 9:8 ). HMM

For more . . . .

Image123:
Lol, even the utility bills have been paid oh,some christains refuse responsibility.

Daily Manna
Tuesday 1, December, 2015

A Privileged Offering

TEXT: EXODUS 25:1-22

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering" (Exodus 25:2).

Man, by nature, is full of absurdities. He always likes to receive good things. In spite of God's benevolence toward him, he is most unwilling to give unless it is extracted from him. But for a person that will walk with God acceptably, he will not only accept to give, he should be ready to give willingly, for such attitude makes the offering acceptable to God.

In our text, God instructed Moses to tell the people of Israel to bring their offering, but made it clear that only those offered willingly were to be taken on His behalf. The offering was to be deployed in the worship and service of God, and in building a sanctuary unto Him. God's work, however, suffers a lot today because many worshippers do not give to God and when they do, they do so reluctantly and sparingly. Such worshippers sometimes harbour the erroneous belief that whatever they give goes to church leaders and founders. But God makes it clear here that whatever is brought to His house is meant for Him.

His commandment in Malachi is a further proof of the divine ownership of tithes and offerings: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in my house…" (Malachi 3:10).

It then implies that those who give to God are promoting or sponsoring His work. Besides, those who pay their tithes and offerings are also honouring God (Proverbs 3:8 ). If you want to be prosperous in a manner that glorifies God, become a cheerful and bountiful giver from today.

Bible Reading in one Year: HOSEA 10 - 14

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "It is a privilege to give to God"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Friday, 11 December, 2015

The Leaven Of Faultfinders

TEXT: JOHN 12:1-11

"Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?" (John 12:4,5).

Christ warned His disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees". This leaven, according to the Scripture, means hypocrisy or the doctrine of the Pharisees (Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:12). The reference here therefore borders on lifestyle and influence. Perhaps, another set of people of whose leaven we must be wary is the faultfinders. They, like the hypocrites, carry with them masked but sinister intentions.

Judas Iscariot, in today's text, exhibited the trademark of chronic faultfinders. Six days before the Passover, Christ was in Bethany where he had raised Lazarus from death. Mary seized the occasion to express her appreciation and love for the Lord Jesus by anointing His feet with a costly ointment of spikenard, wiping same with her hair. Judas found fault with this lavish honour, regarding it as wasteful and loudly wished the ointment were sold and the proceeds given to the poor. But notice verse 6, "This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein."

Mary's act of worship and adoration was however regarded as significantly prophetic and connected to Christ's death. It was a most sacrificial and self-abasing commitment to Him. But faultfinders will always censor any commitment or consecration superior to anything they can offer.
Beneath such censorship is always a selfish motive – envy, jealousy, pride or some other inordinate quest. Often, these ulterior motives are covered with care-for-the-poor kind of mask. Fortunately, we are dealing with God who knows the heart of everyone.

As we reflect on the goodness of God in our lives, it should be our resolve to always offer to Him the best that we have. We should not let anyone's censorious attitude moderate our devotion or deter us from going the extra mile for the Lord. The Lord's commendation is all that matters.

The Bible IN ONE YEAR: ISAIAH 38 - 41

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "To the upright, the world's criticisms often translate to the Lord’s commendation."

See more HERE:

chuna1985:
And he became confused... Fact is I've opened ur eyes to something important. Quit d argument. Cheers.

engrelvis:
i think d issue of tithe has to do wit what u believe.infact our spiritual orientation go long way to determine d end product.people who dnt pay tithe also prosper.most of our pastor has abuse these tithe .listen d reason y church is boomin here is because of poverty.u can be preachin in US n b tellin yr congregation u will v a car or house in jesus name.y? because there is already a structure on ground to take of dt.am a christain by GODGRACE but most pastor here r taking advantage of poverty problem of their members

OLAADEGBU:
If the Lord said it and I believe it that settles it for me.

Muafrika2:
Agreed.

Am not really a tither but I don't mind giving, even tithing. But I stop as soon as whoever am giving to turns it into something that I don't have a choice in. Or they start making comments like "your doors will be opened, just keep doing this " I mean I wasn't trying to do that

Muafrika2:
Agreed.

Am not really a tither but I don't mind giving, even tithing. But I stop as soon as whoever am giving to turns it into something that I don't have a choice in. Or they start making comments like "your doors will be opened, just keep doing this " I mean I wasn't trying to do that

OLAADEGBU:
Why then did you tithe?

vooks:
The same reason you go to church every Sunday
Cc Muafrika2

OLAADEGBU:
Why then did you tithe?

Muafrika2:
To give. Just for the sake of giving.

But I stopped putting aside "tithe" after years of searching out the spiritual or scriptural significance of the activity in this age.

Nowadays church wealth is personalised. So if someone is rich, they should stop threatening poor congregants with curses to collect money, it becomes usury.

vooks:
The same reason you go to church every Sunday

Cc Muafrika2