Chapter 17: Myth—Giving 10% Is A Tithe
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Myth—Giving 10% Is A Tithe
Now as you reflect on all this law teaching and the fact that the
Sabbath commandment has strings attached to it, listen to the summation of this issue from Apostle Paul.
“Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but
not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become a slave of anything or be brought under its power.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 AMP
Verily I say to you that “the day is approaching” fast now. If you can understand the teachings in this chapter, you will no longer be hung up with the issues of the Law such as tithing and Sunday services. Paul wasn’t and neither was Jesus. Yet you will be hung up on learning as much as you can
about God as you too seek to get acquainted with Him before it is too late.
One could envision a laundry list of what laws, commandments, commands, etc. to obey. If such a clear list existed, you would not run up
against Jesus saying you “practiced lawlessness”—would you? My guess is that you would, since you would not be operating in faith. The big list of rules did not help the Israelites. Why would another list help us now? Such a list only reinforces a losing legalistic mentality.
What you need to do is activate your faith. Therefore, I tell you to give your heart completely to God just like Abraham did and obey His commandments. Then read the Law so you can get a perspective of how
God feels about our human civil and social issues. You will learn obvious common sense things like He wants obedient and respectful children. When you fully appreciate His perspectives, you can teach them to your family and your friends. Only by understanding God’s perspective can we realize what
is right and what is wrong. When Jesus says to do what is right, he means we should do what is right in God’s eyes. This comes natural to those with a heart for God. Remember, they are on automatic pilot with their soul-spirit. However, it does not come natural to those who “appear to be righteous,”
but have not taken the leap of faith. Another way of expressing that leap of faith is a total 100% surrender of everything in your life to God.
Copyright 2005 Edward G. Palmer, All Rights Reserved. Book of Edward—Chapter 17