1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV
How many of us have felt that burden of formal christianity? That need to conform, to do as they tell us God wishes us to. Indeed, this is as dominant a part of the christian faith as the life and times of Christ. Many a pulpit pounder will tell you that God "wants" you to fill your local congregations on Sunday morning and He "wants" you to be faithful in your tithes and offerings to your church. These are our human trappings of the worship and reverence of our Lord. Over time, it is also these traditions which have dulled what we see as christianity. So much so, that people have began to question and even leave their faith. Is this really how our Lord envisioned His church? Is this the vision which Jesus had for His congregation? I tend to believe that the model we exhibit in our congregations today is nothing like the church and fellowship Jesus intended for those who follow Him. For in the church of Jesus there is no obligation to perform. One need not prove themselves worthy, for the blood and resurection of Christ Jesus has already made them one with Jesus. There is no longer any need to perform, to apply for membership nor to "Give until it huts." In fact, these were never requirements of the community of Christ Jesus. So, how did there come to be these traditions among churches? Well, as with santa clause, the easter bunny and even the tooth fairy, these were traditions created by men! Is there biblical reference for tithing? Of course, but our tithes and offerings of today are not what God originaly intended they be.
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galations 3: 26-29 NKJV
Now, to lay some truth down for those who are stuck in the idea that we today need to "Give until it hurts" when it comes to our tithes and offerings, please look at Gods original purpose of the tithe in scripture. For the Isrealites were required to pay tithes to support the Levites, who were the tribal priesthood of Isreal. Being tasked with the priesthood of all Isreal, the Levites were also not to work, but to devote everything to their duties. Thus, the Isrealites were tasked to "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house" {Malachai 3:10}. When did the original purpose of Gods tithe go from supporting the priesthood to financing a mega church? Again, as in most traditions, it was created by men. This is not living in freedom, but under compulsion! Very few today know the true freedom of living with and as Christ Jesus. For it is not Jesus who holds us under strict requirements in order that we become a part of His church. NO, when we accept Him, we are ALL a part of the church of Christ Jesus. The only requirement for membership being knowing Him. Indeed, this concept has become lost among many christians today who feel they need to tow the line of their local mega church.
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possesions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 44-47 NKJV
Our freedom to live begins when we come to the realization that we live through Christ Jesus who is in us. Our freedom is not tied to our church membership nor how well we perform before God. Knowing this, we can rejoice in the freedom of knowing that we live as Christ Jesus each and every day.
~Scott~
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