THE BATTLE AXE: Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013)—Because they rely upon extra biblical sources, and models for successful institutions in the world, many are confused about the free gifts from GOD, and their duty to give to the work of GOD performed through the church. The death of Jesus upon the cross is the ultimate demonstration to reveal divine love, and is fitted with the work of proclaiming the Gospel to transform human awareness that centers upon Self. With obedience to sacred law, the rendering of offerings and tithes are acts expressing faith and humility that position a believer as one who freely gives to GOD for acknowledgment of divine blessings and gifts that reveal Divine Person (e.g., forbearance, praise, prayer, prophecy) as well as for displaying gratitude in response to sacred events that impart life recognized through birth, seed, planting, resurrection, and harvest. Material emblems and tokens may be utilized as lawful gifts in divine exchange, therefore, the paschal lamb, bread, wine, and even money become sacred objects and devices for conveying spirit matter to and from Divine Person. In Scripture, sacrifice (for atonement and expiation) is seen begun at Adam, while tithing (for thanks giving) is begun far later, at Abraham, and continued through Jacob as his heir. For Jacob, tithes came into view as an aspect of a vow, a statement swearing to perform certain tasks, and provide a specific gift to GOD (we say, free will offering separate from or in addition to mandatory donations that are like taxes, and are to be paid by all). Jesus did not call for tithes to his own ministry; and, by his day, sacrifices and tithes were primarily for support of the priesthood in the Temple at Jerusalem. Jesus did willingly accept private financial gifts; and the blood of the cross is accounted sufficient for every debt of atonement, thus ending the oblations of the Temple. For believers, today, tithes are an obligation taken on through lawful (we say, legal) written agreements pledging membership for oneself (and on behalf of ones children) to faithfully participate in a chosen community of believers. (Minor children may not enter into binding agreements that have the force of law.) Many think tithing is optional, a personal expression of gratitude, rather than obedience to law. Because continuing the regular operations of an assembly may depend heavily upon the collection of tithes, violation of ones agreement even may be seen as criminal. Churches now seek to create multiple streams of income using approaches that range from bake sales to special theatrical pageants during holiday seasons. Given their financial commitments to others, the cash flow for our churches must be continuous, predictable, reliable, and stable. As with any other formal contracts that address investing and sharing ones finances for a special enterprise, church members may be strictly charged, denied membership (we say, excommunicated, dropped from the rolls), and otherwise held accountable or penalized for failure to render their portion, the tithes, in a timely manner. Normally, children growing up as part of the congregation have no legal status, and do not pay tithes until they become adults who (1) accept responsibility to the church as an aspect of their duty to parents as heirs and offspring, as a matter of family honor, and continuation of their own spiritual growth, or (2) are formally confirmed after instruction and acknowledged to be full members of the church. So to speak, tithing is to be done as part of ones promissory note (we also say, sacred pledge) to serve as members who fund pastoral counseling, evangelism, missionary, music ministry, worship and other devotional activities. (See Malachi 3: 8-12, John 13: 17, Luke 6: 38, and 2nd Corinthians 9: 6-8, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. (Proverbs 9: 6-11, KJV)
Grow in grace
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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