April 23, 2022 (22nd day of 1st biblical month)
Heb. 7:1-17 The change in the law mentioned here is absolutely talking about about who would become high priest, not humans of the Levite tribe, but Christ himself of the tribe of Judah. That's the change. Tithes did not change. Says nothing about tithes ceasing.
King Melchizedek received first fruit tithes from Abraham and Melchizedek is still living.
James 5:4 Warning against not paying workers. Pastors are workers of the harvest of the Kingdom.
1 Cor. 9:1-21
:9 Don't muzzle the ox. Don't hinder the gospel workers by not giving them the supplies, food and money that they need to do the job.
Although Paul says in these verses, at that time, to that specific group of people, that he didn't use his right to demand the receiving of tithes, at the same time, he defends his right to do so, and teaches the people to not hinder the gospel by withholding tithes. He also teaches that the pastors/apostles can and should support themselves from the tithes and offerings.
Note on vs. 9 says Deut. 26:4 but should say 25:4.
Add reference to 1 Tim. 5:17-18.
1 Tim 5:17-18 "double honor" and "don't muzzle the ox", means that we should financially support the pastors.
Pastors should not need to work outside of the gospel.
A pastor should be busy in the ministry and should not be hindered from his ministry work in the pursuit of money from the carnal jobs of the world.
:18 add reference to 1 Cor. 9:9
Matt. 6 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
:24 You cannot serve both God and wealth.
Matt. 19:21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Don't say that you will tithe if you have any left. That shows you don't have faith in God to bless you. It's the same sin of the people in the wilderness. It provokes God.
Tithes should be of 1st Fruits. Not last fruits, not what's left over remnants/scraps.
Mal. 3:1-12 Robbery and another John figure type. law in end times.
:5 Withholding the wages of workers in connection to tithes!
:5 Add reference to 1 Cor. 9:9 1 Tim. 5:17-18
:10-12 Promises of blessings if we obey commandment of tithes in addition to all other commandments.
1st tithe should be sent to the ministry. The ministry can use it for any/all of the following: Evangelism (including promotion of the ministry & publishing, website fees, computer programs, church building rent, etc), support of ministers/pastors, support to prisoners, orphans, widows, poor, disabled, homeless, etc.
2nd tithe is not sent to the ministry. But instead, is personally saved by each person for paying for travel expenses & shelter expenses and other expenses related to any of the holy days especially the 3 annual pilgrimages: Passover/UB, Pentecost & Tabernacles. It's God's way of funding your holy vacations and feast days.
3rd tithe is sent to the ministry for the ministry to use for: Support of ministers/pastors, prisoners, orphans, widows, poor, disabled, homeless, etc. It is not for evangelism, but rather to help people in need including the needs of the pastors.
3rd tithe is paid only every 3rd year of each 7 year cycle beginning at true baptism. So this is only 2 years out of every 7 years. That's not over burdensome.
For example, a person baptized in Jan. 1, 2000 would count all of 2000 as their 1st year. Only 1st + 2nd tithes.
2001 = 2nd year. Only 1st + 2nd tithes.
2002 = 3rd year. 1st, 2nd + 3rd tithes.
2003 = 4th year. Only 1st + 2nd tithes.
2004 = 5th year. Only 1st + 2nd tithes.
2005 = 6th year. 1st, 2nd + 3rd tithes.
2006 = 7th year. Only 1st + 2nd tithes.
At the end of 2006, that concludes their 7 year cycle.
On Jan. 1, 2007, they begin to count another 7 year cycle identical to the one above.
Holy day offerings:
I recommend at least 2.2% of what money you received in the previous 30 days before Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles, to be sent/given to the ministry during those holy days.
Additional free will offerings:
2 Cor. 9 (Entire chapter) In addition to all of the required amounts and times of giving, a person should freely give additional amounts to the ministry.
Paul sounds like a "prosperity gospel" preacher here!
But the difference is, he didn't focus on money/blessings and financial success all the time like the modern day prosperity gospel preachers.
Paul was correct in his teachings that God blesses people who obey God in tithes and offerings and gifts.
Listen to this entire sermon at https://this-gospel-of-the-kingdom.mixlr.com/recordings/1717844
Learn more bible verses about tithes and offerings at www.isawthelightministries.com/tithes.html