Money trouble? Read here of a financial LAW that truly works. It is as REAL as the law of gravity!
Of COURSE people are afraid of financial gimmicks. Or of religious "come-ons," or of people who would "help" them manage their fortunes. Human nature is tricky. But through the Work that sponsors this magazine thousands are learning more deeply and factually that God is REAL. He is working out a purpose here below. He does truly intervene in the lives of those who serve Him and live by His Word. Notice this recent letter from one of our readers:
"God has really blessed me. Before I started tithing about six years ago I never made more than three or four thousand dollars a year. I'm expecting twelve thousand this year, and next year with the new raise I got, I should make about fourteen thousand, not counting my shoe-selling part-time job. I really know where the blessing comes from, and I also know that the money is being used for something that is really lasting."
Almighty God BACKS UP His Word and His Promises
The reason more people do not receive God's blessings is that they do not actually believe in the REALITY of a personal, living GOD who sits at the controls of this universe! They do not seek HIS wisdom and guidance in their lives. They do not study to find out what His WORD, the Bible, really does say. The law, of tithing simply means that the great GOD who made us — who gave us our life, our talents, our minds, the strength with which we work, and the very land and materials which we employ in our work — requires us to pay Him the first tenth of our increase or income. As far as the direct matter of tithing is concerned, God does not consider that we are "giving" anything — bat are PAYING our Creator a very nominal amount which He requires as our Maker, our Sustainer, our Landlord, our Protector and our God! Nevertheless, the Almighty promises: "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be FILLED with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine" (Prov. 3:9-10). Many of our readers have further demonstrated and proved God's existence to themselves by OBEYING this very principle in faith. A listener from Portland, Oregon, writes us:
"Here is my tithe for the Work. It seems every time I pay my tithe I always get paid back in full. It never has failed. It seems like while others are breaking limbs and ending up in the hospital I get further ahead. It's the best insurance policy I have ever taken out."
Yes, if you are faithful in obeying God and paying Him the first tenth — or "tithe" — of your income — He will BLESS your life in many physical and material ways. He has PROMISED — and God never breaks His Word!
God's Challenge
In Malachi 3, speaking to modern-day Jacob or Israel (verse 6) , God declares: "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In TITHES and OFFERINGS." God here indicts our modern English-speaking people for ROBBING our very Creator and His Work today! No wonder there is so little true religion left on earth today! No wonder there is so much confusion and deceit going about in the name of Christianity! God continues: "Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation." Then God PROMISES in His Word: "Bring ye all the TITHES into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a BLESSING, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:8-10). ere is a blistering CHALLENGE from Almighty God! God says He WILL BLESS YOU if you begin tithing — as He commands — through faith in Him and in His Word. Literally hundreds of case histories may be cited to show that God certainly does bless the tither even in material ways. He may not always do so immediately. You may have to obey Him and exercise faith for a while. But as you serve Him, obey Him, trust Him, God will keep His part of the bargain. Your blessing is CERTAIN to come! Notice this joyful letter from one of our listeners who took God's promise literally:
"A few weeks ago I was absolutely broke financially. I received ten cents. I was tempted not to tithe the one cent. I did. Then a few days later I received one dollar. Again, I was tempted to keep the tithe because of many needs. I just received forty dollars and am getting the tithe off to you as soon as possible. I have been faithful and SO HAS GOD. If someone tells me God isn't faithful, I AM GOING TO LAUGH IN HIS FACE. [Emphasis ours.]
Now here is another letter showing the BLESSINGS of obeying God's tithing law:
"God does bless the tither. Here is one of my proofs. About two months ago my husband was in need of some work clothes, along with some other items. His paycheck just wasn't enough to meet these needs, so he and I discussed these matters. After my husband had gone to work, I went down on my knees to God in honest and believing prayer, reminding Him of His promises to us. In about two weeks, my husband received a check for $216. He was so surprised because it's the first time anything like this has ever happened to us. For a while he was almost afraid to cash it, so I told him about my prayers. He and I then fell on our knees together before God, thanking Him for His wonderful and timely blessing. We sent in an offering from the $216, then about one week later we received a $50 check. Next morning my husband cashed it to send tithes. The next day he received $40 from our house rent. Then, Monday, our two sons got a job and made about $20, each one decided to pay tithe from it. The following week our older son, who is now 15-years-of-age, got a job making more than $100 per month watering the golf course, and my husband has more extra work than he can possibly do. So we can truthfully say, 'God does mean what He says in Malachi 3:10.'"
What the Bible Actually SAYS
In spite of the obvious BLESSINGS that come to those who obey God's tithing law, some still have arguments or questions. Wasn't the idea of tithing an invention of Moses? Wasn't it "done away" by Jesus? Wasn't it just for the physical nation of Israel — a form of taxation for both church and state? Long before the "law of Moses" was ever codified, Abraham — the father of the faithful — was faithfully paying TITHES to God! We read in Genesis 14:17-20 how Abraham honored God's High Priest Melchizedek after God had delivered his enemies into his hand, "And he gave Him TITHES of all." Later, as he began to serve God, Jacob promised to serve the God of Abraham and stated: "Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the TENTH [or tithe] unto thee" (Gen. 28:22). Still later, when God temporarily instituted the Levitical Priesthood, He directed that the tithe be paid to them during that time as His human representatives: "And all the TITHE of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord.... And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the Hock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the TENTH shall be holy unto the Lord" (Lev. 27:30, 32). Now notice Numbers 18:21: "And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the TENTH in Israel fur an inheritance, fur their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation." Since God's ministry during this time was a physical ministry — of offering sacrifices and oblations — and since the Levites fulfilling this ministry as their work, God's TITHE went to them as His representative and servants.
New Testament Instructions on Tithing
In the New Testament, God inspired the Apostle Paul to show that the law of tithing is now altered or changed so that the tithes are once again to be paid to God's spiritual priesthood — as that of Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes. This account is found in the seventh chapter of Hebrews. Paul describes how Abraham paid tithes to Melchisedec (verse 2). Next, he describes how GREAT Melchisedec's priesthood must have been (verses 3-4). Then Paul shows that the Levites themselves — through their ancestor Abraham — paid tithes to Melchisedec, obviously a GREATER Priest in view of this fact. In verses 11-12, Paul shows that the Levitical Priesthood was only temporary And never brought perfection. Therefore, ONCE AGAIN the spiritual priesthood of Melchisedec has been reinstated through Christ and the tithing law is again CHANGED so that God's tithes revert as before to the spiritual priest — the true ministers of Jesus Christ! While the Apostle Paul was writing to Jewish Christians who understood at least the letter of God's Law and had no "argument" about the FACT of the tithing law, and while his main emphasis is the greatness of Christ's spiritual ministry, nevertheless it is important to realize that throughout this New Testament passage Paul definitely speaks of tithing as a LAW! And he shows that it is a LAW which has existed since dim antiquity, during the days of Melchisedec — and STILL EXIST — although now changed so that the tithes revert once again to God's spiritual ministers who are doing His Work today! For a more detailed explanation of this and other important points on the subject of Tithing, write for our free booklet, Ending Your Financial Worries. So anyone who fails to tithe is breaking an important LAW of the Creator God! This is one reason for so many Personal and financial CURSES on our land today!
Jesus Christ Personally Taught Tithing
Not fully understanding that Jesus Christ is the "Word" of God — the One who inspired the Old Testament — not realizing that the laws of God are fully listed ONLY in the Old Testament and merely spiritually magnified and explained in the New Testament, some will still insist: "We want some DIRECT statement by Christ which show that He approved of the tithing law!" All right — you shall have them! Will you then Believe? Will you OBEY? In speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, who often made a self-righteous display of strictly keeping some of the smaller points of God's Law, Jesus said: 'Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: there ought ye to have done [these weightier matters], and NOT TO LEAVE THE OTHER [carefully tithing!] UNDONE" (Matt. 23:23). Isn't that clear enough? Jesus said that spiritual qualities such as mercy and faith ought to he put ahead of carefully and strictly paying tithes on every little plant that might grow in your garden — especially when that strictness led to self-righteousness. But Christ said "NOT to leave the other undone" — NOT to fail to pay your full tithes, as God has commanded! In Luke 11:42, this same command is repeated in a similar manner — inspired to be placed here also by God's Holy Spirit! Man would like to regard God's tithing law as of least importance. But speaking of even the smaller points of God's Law, Jesus stated: "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall DO and TEACH them, the same shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:19). How plain! If we are looking for an argument, we will always find one. But if we are willing to "hunger and thirst" for righteousness, to obey even the smaller points of God's Law, we will be BLESSED for so doing.
Do YOUR PART Fully
Yes, Jesus Christ taught tithing! And, as we have seen, He commanded His apostles to teach the nations "ALL things whatsoever I have commanded you." He then promised: "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20). So, if we would have God's blessing and live the ABUNDANT LIFE which Jesus Christ promised, we should pay God's tithe faithfully and also do all the OTHER things which Jesus taught. Among these other teachings, relating to our job and success, Jesus said: "Let your LIGHT so shine before men, that they may see your GOOD WORKS, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). The true Christian, then, is to be an EXAMPLE to others in all that he says or does. The LIVING CHRIST inspired the Apostle Paul to write: "Servants [or Workers], obey in all things your masters [bosses or supervisors] according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Col. 3:22-23). Christ's, Word here instructs you to put your whole heart into your work at ALL times — whether the boss is around or not! You are told to do this sincerely and earnestly as if you were working for God Himself. For, in fact, you are! The true Christian life is a life "calling" — or vocation in the fullest sense of the term.
Be ZEALOUS in Your Work
In His Word, God states: "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the DILIGENT maketh rich" (Prov. 10:4). Are you really DILIGENT in your work? Again, God states: "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by LABOUR shall increase" (Prov. 13:11). Many people today earn their living in what might be termed "marginal" occupations — such as gambling, selling people things that they don't need, taking unnecessary profits as a middleman of some sort, etc. But God says that the basis of permanent wealth and His blessing will be given to a man who LABORS — really produces and accomplishes something worthwhile! Now notice Proverbs 13:18: "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured." In this proverb, you are advised by God to heed the instructions of those over you in your work or in any situation in life. Learn to do the job as your boss wants it done! Learn to listen carefully — to THINK — to keep GROWING in knowledge and ability on the job! A very important principle for daily living is brought out in Proverbs 15:22: "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established." When a big decision comes up involving your business or farm — or selling your house or changing jobs — learn to get advice from many quarters! Learn to weigh this advice carefully and objectively — asking God's guidance and wisdom. [Ed. Note: Request our free article, "HOW to Make Wise Decisions."] Finally, God commands: "Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread" (Prov. 20:13). Learn to get up early, to work diligently and to PRODUCE in your job or business! Then be honest — OBEY the Ten Commandments and strive to show love, friendliness and fairness toward all with whom you come in contact. This is YOUR PART in making a success in this physical life. Then, obey God's financial law of tithing — recognizing that all the strength and ability with which you produce in your line of work, all the materials you use, all the food you eat and air you breathe in order to gain strength — all this comes from God who only asks that you pay Him ONE TENTH of what you produce in return!
Where Should You Send GOD'S Tithes?
A man from Texas writes:
"After much fighting with my conscience I now believe in my heart I have been cheating God, but there is one thing that I need help on. I do not belong to a church. So where can I send God's money? Could you please tell me where to send God's money?"
At least this man already apparently understands one basic principle which many avoid proving! That principle is that the tithe of your income is GOD'S money! It does NOT belong to you. It does not belong to any human organization of men cut off from God and denying His Word and His Commandments! It is vitally important that you send God's tithe to His true representatives! Somewhere on earth today are the true ministers of God. As the end of this age approaches, they will be carrying out Christ's commission with increasing POWER. They will make plain the Good News of the soon-coming Kingdom or Government of God. Without fear or favor they will explain the LAWS of that Kingdom. They will make plain and clear the hundreds of prophecies referring to this endtime. Through God's Spirit they alone can be definite and SPECIFIC about the tremendous events soon to occur on this earth! Jesus spoke prophetically of the great worldwide work His true ministers would carry out in this last age: "And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the END come" (Matt. 24:14). You had better check up and PROVE to yourself that The WORLD TOMORROW broadcast is the Work on earth which is fulfilling Christ's commission! If this is not yet clear to you, then just keep an open mind and let the fruits PROVE to you where Almighty God is really working! Check UP and see where the truth of the Bible is being made PLAIN and CLEAR. Determine positively for yourself (Acts 17:11) where the real Good News of the Kingdom of God (TOMORROW'S WORLD) is being preached! (Matt. 24:14.) Find out who is warning the world of the SPECIFIC, major prophesied events now beginning to affect our life! And most important for you personally, find that Work which shows how you can escape being destroyed in those same prophesied events. Look for the Work God is using today to bring the answers for YOUR TOMORROW! For this is your life — your ONLY life! If you will take the trouble to prove it with an open mind, you CAN know where God is working! God's true ministers are carrying on His Work. They represent HIM — and as God's representatives it is to them that you should pay your tithes and cheerfully give your offerings. God then directs them to use HIS money for HIS Work. Come help Humanity! This dying world desperately NEEDS to be reached with God's truth. It needs the understanding of the purpose for human existence, the great living LAWS of life, the DEFINITE prophesied events soon to occur in our time and the MEANING of all these things!
Be DILIGENT in Serving the Living God!
Once you have made your decision to tithe, be sure you send your tithes to God's representatives who will be doing His Work and preaching His message! Just as God commands you to be diligent in serving your human bosses, how much more ZEALOUS should you be in obeying your very Maker in this financial law? Don't get to thinking you cannot afford to pay tithes. You cannot afford not to! Not to grind an axe, but to sincerely and thankfully share with you the BLESSINGS of those who are obeying God's financial law and voluntarily shouldering their part in the true Work of God, notice two more outstanding letters from our PLAIN TRUTH readers who have begun to tithe:
"Does it really pay to tithe? In June, 1964 my wife and I started to listen to the broadcast and receive The PLAIN TRUTH. That time was an extremely low period in our lives financially, but by February, 1965 I had a new job with a monthly salary of $475. New knowledge and truths were beginning to be opened to us, especially the one that says, 'Prove me now herewith' (Malachi 3:10). By each following February my income had increased 30% over the previous February with this current year resulting in a monthly income of $1,375. Just two days ago we sent in our regular tithe, plus $30 as a special offering in response to the needs of the Work. You can guess what happened! Today I received a $300 bonus check from my employer whom I have been with for just four months. That was a 1,000% return on the $30 offering! Does it really pay to tithe?" (Man from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.)
Now notice a recent letter from Mesquite, Texas:
"I can't begin to tell you all the good blessings we have received since we started tithing. Just one year ago, my husband and I were (in the verge of a breakup after seven years of marriage and two little boys. We were dependent on his family for many things. My husband made a good salary but it just went out the window. Today, after just one year, we have a nice car, very nice home and more than we could ask for. Our relationship has become a prized possession and somehow we manage without his family — but we know God is making it possible. What a difference tithing makes!"
God often works through human instruments. He will work through you if you will yield to Him and put His Kingdom FIRST in your life. As we have seen, the law of tithing was a part of Christ's Gospel. As such, it must be proclaimed to the world — and to you — as a witness. Ask GOD for wisdom, faith and strength of purpose to obey Him in this financial law. It will cause you to put God first. It will force you to budget — to plan — to organize your affairs perhaps more than ever before. It will lead you to exercise FAITH in your Creator to back up His laws and His promises. But God cannot lie. So you will find that it is VERY MUCH "possible" for you to tithe! And — if you act in love and faith — the physical and spiritual blessings that come will be just as REAL as God Himself is real. Make God your business partner — join yourself to Him by agreeing to His contract in Malachi 3:10. Make life more vital every day Today. Then look forward with faith to that time, so near, when you can share Life with the Possessor of Heaven and Earth in the WORLD TOMORROW!
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