The Eternal Kingdom: July 2012

KINGDOM GIVING

Many people have questions about New Testament giving. Adding to this misunderstanding is the confusion many people have about keeping the law versus walking in the Kingdom principles contained within it. If we are truly a follower of Jesus then we will seek to understand the Kingdom principles concerning giving. We will want to walk in them because we love God and want to please Him. Kingdom giving comes from Kingdom living. Those who are not living for The Kingdom will find it difficult to give according to Kingdom principles.

The Tithe and The Kingdom

Although the “tithe” (the first 10 percent of our income) is part of the Old Testament law it was a principle that preceded the Law. Leviticus 27:30 states the principle that “The tithe is the Lords.” It is a principle that both Abraham and Jacob practiced before the Law was given. (Genesis 14:20, & 28:22) Why does “the tithe” belong to God? He is the source of every blessing we have. “The tithe” is the test of our heart. Giving a tithe from the first fruits of what He’s blessed us with is our way of acknowledging Him as our source and showing we trust Him to provide for our needs. The way we handle the material blessings God gives us is an indication of our relationship with Him. Jesus put it this way, “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of Heaven?” (Luke 16:11 NLT)

Scripture indicates that the purpose of “the tithe” is to provide for the needs of those we receive ministry from so they will be free to minister to us. Abraham gave his tithe to the local priest. The children of Israel gave their tithe to the Levites that lived among them. Paul put it this way “Let him who is taught the Word share in all good things with him who teaches;” and “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”(Galatians 6:6 & 1Timothy 5:18)

Offerings and The Kingdom

Offerings come from our heart when we love others more than we love ourselves. This type of love is a sign of true spiritual maturity.

Ephesians 4:28 makes it clear that the reason we are blessed with a job is not only to meet our needs, but to give to the genuine needs we see around us. 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 tells us that we should have a desire that every person has their needs met and live as comfortably as we do. This is part of loving your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Proverbs 3:27-28 tells us we should give our neighbor what he needs if we are able to do so. Paul put it this way in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (NKJV) The word “all” includes those we do not like or agree with. Proverbs 25:21 & Romans 12:17-21 tells that one of the ways we overcome the evil in this world is by giving to our enemies. Jesus gave to Judas even though He knew he would betray Him.

You cannot out give God

Kingdom giving leads to blessings. Living to bless ourselves causes us to be cursed. To selfishly live an extravagant lifestyle when there are people we know who are in genuine need is a sign we love ourselves more than God. The love of money is the root of much of the evil in this world. It comes from a heart that loves its own pleasure more than it desires to do God’s will, and does not trust God to meet its needs. The Word makes it very clear, “He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.” (Proverbs 14:21 NKJV) “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge.” (Proverbs 29:7 NKJV) “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27)

Those who give according to Kingdom principles believe God’s Word is true. “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” (Proverbs 14:31 NKJV) “He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9 NKJV) “He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.” (Proverbs 19:17 NKJV) ^“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop, but the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give, and don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous……”

(2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NLT)

Question: Are you giving according to Kingdom principles because you love God and want to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven?

Henry & Rita Pulsifer

As God leads share this message with someone.

Feel free to make copies.

If you would like to know more about Kingdom giving, please contact us.

Email: henry@basicministries.com or rita@basicministries.com

Phone: (228) 255-9251

P.O. Box 633

Grapevine, TX 76099
USA

You will find this and other MESSAGES
on our Web-page: www.basicministries.com

IS DEMOCRACY THE ANSWER?

MANY WORLD LEADERS SAY: Freedom and democracy is the answer to the world’s problems.

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM SAYS: Trusting Jesus, growing to know Him and fulfilling His purposes; is the only thing that will establish peace and justice in this world.

Question: Where is your hope, democracy or Jesus?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Isaiah 9:7, 16:5, & 42:4