Responsa To: What Then Does God Require?

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
     You'll probably be glad to hear, this is the last Responsa to the question, should the New Covenant Children Tithe?

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

What Then Does God Require?

Matthew 22:15-22

1.     Matt 22:15-22  YES, render to Ceasar (government) what’s do him, and to God what’s do GOD.

I'm really tired of justifying God's Word.  This is a fact, I and many others have lived tithing and giving offerings since the Holy Spirit told us too.

I started out with 5% telling God, IF I met my bills that month, I would go to the 10%.  Needless to say, His Word is true!  My bills were met, and once I gave the 10%, I no longer lived check to check.  

Then I started giving offerings, different amounts of the extra I had.  And the Lord increased my giving offerings as of today to $424.00/month.  I gladly give it to His various ministries, but especially to anything concerning the Jews, widows, orphans, missionaries and other ministries I receive teaching from (like TV Evangelists).  

God truly does NOT need your money, but IF you are a Child of His, and are broke, busted and miserable -  I WOULD TELL YOU as others told me, TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT!

This is just like any other battle you'll have in life - THE ENEMY wants you broke, busted and miserable,  Always REMEMBER, that the Lord came that we would have an ABUNDANDT LIFE!  "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.  John 10:10 NASB.  That’s why the thief (world, or satan = same thing) wants to keep you down, so you won't go to Lord, and receive what He wants you to have.  Yet through the Grace of God, the Word shows us it’s not His Will and through our obedience of gladly giving Him our Tithes and Offerings – You will have the abundance He wants you to have.

     Personally, the only battle I’ve ever heard before this one was; do I pay on the gross or net?  That can be answered in 2 ways.  1)  Do you want God in on your taxes?  And 2) what’s taken out of your check are bills you owe, usually the government taxes and various insurance fees.  For me, I answer yes on both and pay my tithes on the gross.

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

What Then Does God Require?

Matthew 22:15-22

1.     Matt 22:15-22  YES, render to Ceasar (government) what’s do him, and to God what’s do GOD.

     Dear Family of God, this topic has driven me nuts, because I’m a teacher and I know the truth, for the Lord has showed me it, day after day, I’ve lived it and rejoice because of His Blessings He has given me.

 May the Lord bless you and your families in the abundance, as He wants you to live in.

Sandy F. – The Lords Servant

Responsa To: Should The Money Be Used To Build Big Temples/Churches?

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

     I had a revelation on Matthew 16:15-18, which I share with you below.  When I mentioned this to a friend, she said she's known that since she was a child.  Unfortunately, I was not raised Christianly, so it took me a little longer to get the true meaning.  What's the saying, everyday there is something to learn!  How true, but there are times, I really believe the Lord added certain words in the Bible, after I read it for the 6th time, years ago (hehe)!

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

Should The Money Be Used To Build Big Temples/Churches?

Matthew 16:15-18, John 1:11-13, 1 Peter 2:1-9,
I Corinthians 9:7-14

1.     Matt 16:15-18  Here, Jesus renames Simon Bar-Jonah to Peter, which means Rock.  But his name wasn’t changed until Simon got the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.  Which Jesus acknowledged could only come from God the Father.  Peter was told on this rock He would build His church.  I believe that the church would be built NOT on or by Peter, but by revelation from God.  Or could it be that the revelation knowledge we receive from the Holy Spirit, after Jesus went to the Father, is what will stop the “gates of hades not prevailing” against His church?

2.     Jhn 1:11-13  Jesus first came to His own – the Jews, (religious leaders) but they did not receive Him.  Yet those Jews (individual people) who did, He gave the right to become children of God.

3.     1 Pe 2:1-9  Again, these 3 Scriptures have nothing to do with the topic above, except we must ALL FREELY Choose to follow Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

4.     1 Cor 9:7-14  YES, what you grow, plant, raise you will eat some of, or go to war it will cost you.  Vs 10 is a Scripture I can agree with that many scriptures (including the Law of Moses) IS WRITTEN NO DOUBT, FOR OUR SAKES concerning God's principles.  Vs 13-14 Yes, I agree with these also, that those who minister holy things EAT of the things of the temple or altar, just as King David did, when he and his men were hungry.  EVEN SO, those ministering the gospel should live from the gospel, as when Jesus sent the disciples out and said take nothing with you. He knew the people in the towns would give them a place to sleep and feed them.

o      NOTE:  Ministers, of all 5 fold ministries (Ephesians 4:11) must have God as their source.  Living a life that is pleasing to God.  For without faith you cannot please God (Heb 11:6).  But also remember, not to boast or think you are better than others, for the Word also says, Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”  So NO MAN IS PERFECT, we should repent and ask for forgiveness daily!

Blessings, to you and your families.

Sandy F. - The Lord's Servant

Responsa To: How Then Is The Church Supposed To Operate?

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

     My notes at the end, will tell you what these Scriptures really are saying.

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

How Then Is The Church Supposed To Operate?

Exodus 35:4-10, 36:2-7, 1Chronicles 29:1-17

1.     Exodus 34:4-10  This concerns when the Israelites left Egypt.  God had told them to go the Egyptians and get their gold and silver from them.  Here it’s called an offering from God, and they were to offer some back, with a willing heart, so they could make a Tabernacle in the wilderness.  THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH TITHE.

2.     Exodus 36:2-7  ALL OFFERINGS ARE FREE WILL, AND THESE SCRIPTURES HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TITHE.

3.     1 Chronicles 29:1-17  King David restored Praise & Worship in the Sanctuary.  It was his hearts desire to build a new Sanctuary for God.  Because of the blood on his hands, God said Solomon was to build it.  So for many years, David saved gold, silver, precious jewels, wood and money to help Solomon when he was ready to start building.  How many kings today would give up their coffers, for what their son has been called to accomplish?  Vs 14, 16 I really like and would hope we would do the same, giving up what the Lord has given us.

o      NOTE:  AGAIN, these scriptures are about OFFERINGS, not TITHE. 

(So free will offerings are for building) – BOLOGNEY!  In Old Testament the tithes and any offerings they might get were for the hopeless, needy, widows and orphans.  The tithe was for the building and maintenance.  The priests were theives and kept the money for themselves, rather than restore their buildings.

 Blessings As Always,

Sandy F. - The Lord's Servant

     I would add a PS: on this one to wish you all a Blessed PASSOVER WEEK.  For both the Jews and Christians, Jesus set us free, free to choose our way with Him.  Keep the Word close to your heart this week and praise Him for all He's done in your life.

Responsa To: Priests With An Inheritance?

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

     We Christians are blessed in such abundance, why would we ever want to "rob God" as Malachi said?

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

Priests With An Inheritance?

Ephesians 1:11-23, 5:5

1.     Eph 1:11-23  All inheritances do not concern TITHE or OFFERINGS.  They only concern the obedience and walk in their position with God and man.  Vs 18 where it states the “RICHES of the glory of HIS Inheritance in the saints.”   NOTE: Riches are NOT dollars, but positions in Heaven.  To rule and reign on earth with Jesus i.e, be a judge, teacher to younger ones (like the 53+ million aborted) I can’t image all the jobs that will be available, but I do know we will not be idle.  It also might be, if we live in an apartment or house in a city or suburb?  But most of our inheritance, I would presume, will be based on our works here on earth.  I know, we cloth the bride of Christ with our good works Rev 19:8.  “And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

Church To Become “Wealthy” Via Offerings?

Mark 10:20-22, Luke 12:32-34, Matthew 6:19-21

1.     Mark 10:20-22  First, what is needed in Heaven has nothing to do with what is need on earth.  Jesus was telling a young “rich” man, who was used to a high life, that to follow Jesus his dependence had to be on God, not man, or he’d fall by trying to serve 2 masters.  When a man changes what’s important, like helping the needy then he could take up a cross and follow Jesus.  Plus, his rewards in heaven would be great.

2.     Luke 12:32-34  Again, our needs in Heaven are different than earth.  Giving “Alms” is GIFTS to the poor.  I’ve always been taught that when you help others, it’s like opening a savings account in Heaven.  Gifts would be under Offerings and you receive 30-60 or 100 fold on your offerings.  So when I had a financial need, Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete, therewith it shall be measured to you again."  God uses other men, because He does NOT HAVE MONEY IN HEAVEN.  Just a book of Remembrance, to know your good works and reward you accordingly.

3.     Matt 6:19-21 Treasurers on earth are us being greedy.  Robbers, moths and rust will destroy them.  Be more concerned with the treasurers in Heaven for eternity you’ll receive.  Final comment is “for where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.”  IF YOU walk in the world – and have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, but are not a “DOER” of the Word, you may just clean the pearly gate for your job in eternity.  But, IF YOU walk in the obedience of the Word YOU WILL gain great rewards.

o      NOTE:  I personally do not know of many local churches that are rich.  Do you?  It costs to do the upkeep in a church, to expand a church, to pay salaries to a pastor, music or youth pastor.  Most churches are not rich.  Those on TV may have more, but unless you’re not going to a local church to tithe to, TV Evangelists should only get your offerings, not tithes.

 Blessings as always,

Sandy F. - The Lord's Servant

Responsa To: Do Priests Pay Tithes?

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

     My base response to any human, no matter what job they have, would be to tithe not just what you have, but any financial gifts you receive as well.

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

Do Priests Pay Tithes?

Hebres 7:1-28, Colossians 3:22-24, Hebrews 9:15 & 1 Peter 1:3-5

1.     Hebrews 7:1-28    Vs 1-2  Yes, Abraham gave 10% to Melchizedek (probably Jesus) but Abraham was not commanded or told to – he did it on his own, he knew how to treat a king.  Don’t forget, Samuel was told by God, what a king would want; 1 Samuel 8:10-15  “So Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who asked him for a king. 11  And he said, "This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint  them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots.  12  "He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.  13  "He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers.  14  "And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants.  15  "He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants.  So the rules on what was kosher in those days, to give a King was already established.  Now, 10% doesn’t sound so bad compared to what the kings took from the people.

o      Vs 7-8  Beyond contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.  So Abraham blessed many mortal men in tithes, but there Abraham received them from the Levite priesthood for under it the people received the law.  The Law always had promises given when obeyed, refer to:

·       Deut 28:1-14 for the blessings available to them. Vs 1-2 “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of Jehovah thy God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that Jehovah thy God will set thee on high above all the nations of the earth: 2  and all these blessings shall come upon thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God.”

·       1 Samuel 12:6  “Then Samuel said to the people, "It is the LORD who raised up Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up from the land of Egypt.”  Notice Samuel a Prophet said God raised up Moses (A deliverer) and Aaron (a Prophet)

o      Vs 15-16  Paul talks about Melchizedek, who had no parent, no birth date, yet came in the flesh as a High Priest (as Jesus will) the greater High Priest to come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the POWER of an ENDLESS LIFE. Also, the inheritor, The King of Kings of all the earth!

2.     Col 3:22-24  I don’t believe this fits in here, with the exception of receiving an inheritance for you to serve the Lord Christ.  But it’s SO MUCH MORE we inherit!  To me, the main theme is Accept Jesus as your Savior and Messiah.

3.     Heb 9:15  Like above I don’t think this fits in here.

4.     1 Pet 1:3-5  Like above, this is about heaven and where we are.

(Although Priests, We Need Not A Tithe For We Have A Better Inheritance) – UNTRUE!  You’ll stay broke and busted, wondering where God is in your life.

 o      NOTE:  TITHE IS NOT ABOUT OUR INHERITANCE, BUT HOW THE HECK DO WE STAY AFLOAT ON EARTH TILL HE COMES….  IF YOU WANT TO PROSPER, TITHE AND GIVE OFFERINGS.  THAT HAS WORKED FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS AND THE JEWS STILL DO IT AND ARE BLESSED IN ABUNDANCE!

Responsa To: Is Tithing In The Heart Of God?

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

     This Responsa,  When it comes to the Old Testament, we are NOT under the laws, just the principals to receive the blessings.  Especially since God is the same yesterday, today and forever, so it's never a curse to worry about, just His Favor to receive!

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

Is Tithing In The Heart Of God?

Genesis 14:18-24

1.     Gen 14:18-24  I do not disagree with these Scriptures, because Abram was blessed by the Kedorlaomer and his allied kings.   Melchizek, the priest of God Most High (possibly Jesus) so Abram gave Melchizek a tithe from king Kedorlaomer and his allied kings

o      Vs. 16-17 of this plunder. 

o      Vs 22-23 Abram took nothing from the king of Sodom, but what the men had eaten and those he came with, as God commanded.

Yes, God’s heart wants the obedience of Tithing.  What else can it be?  God does NOT need money in heaven, He needs His ministers to do His work on earth – AND that takes money, even back then.  God does receive and want Glory and Honor from us, which obedience brings to Him.

(This is what the enemy is teaching)

Who Are We Today As Believers?

Revelation 1:4-6, 5:9-10

1.     Rev 1:4-6  This explains, a believers purpose in

o      Vs 6.  And yes, because of His inheritance and Abba’s approval we are made kings and priests to rule and reign with Him as our inheritance.

o       This is also in 1 Peter 2:26-29, Psalms 149:1

2.     Rev 5:9-10  This could be when we, as the raptured saints, sing how worthy He is to open the seals on the scroll.