Revolution Era

Part II: Understanding the New Model

Let's get the fluffy stuff people use in the New Testament to argue pro-tithing out of the way right off the bat. In Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 Jesus addresses Scribes and Pharisees who though they kept the tithe according to the Law of Moses, they failed to realize the reason behind the tithe: to show justice, mercy, and faithfulness. And in Luke 18:12, Jesus again speaks about another Pharisee regarding tithing according to the provisions of the Law of Moses. And yet, two verses later Jesus comments that this was an act of SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS, and that the sinner he was contrasted with was more justified than the Pharisee. 

In all these instances, we need to remember that Jesus came to Israel WHILE they were still under the Law of Moses, the Old Covenant (Jesus included). The New Covenant did not commence until his resurrection. Everyone around him were still obligated to obey the Law of Moses - obviously including the Scribes and the Pharisees. But we know that everything was about to change, forever.

As for the Hebrew 7:4-10 mention of tithing, the writer's whole point is to make it clear to his Jewish readers that Jesus Christ was of the order of Melchizedek (before and outside the Law of Moses), an order greater than that of the Levitical priesthood (under the Law of Moses). He argues this by suggesting that even though under the Old Covenant the people gave tithes to the Levites (on a 3 year rotation), the Levites themselves tithed to Jesus Christ. The writer explains how: The Levites where in the loins of Abraham, and Melchizedek was a type or symbol of Jesus Christ. In short, the promise of Abraham came before the Law of Moses, and it was through Abraham that all the peoples of the world would be blessed. And it was through faith that Abraham was declared to be righteous, not by the Law of Moses. In no way, shape, or form is there any order or command given here in which we are required to tithe. In fact, the opposite is true. Because we are in Christ, we are the ones worthy of receiving tithes.

So it looks like we have a clean slate. We do not have to live under the thought or burden of needing to tithe as a sort of "hush money" to keep God's wrath at bay. We are free from the Torah, from Malachi, from any curse or calamity. Moving forward, we have concluded that we are not cursed (to use accounting terms, in the "red"). But how then do we experience the life that Jesus and Paul talk about with respect to living in abundance (to be in the "black")? The answers lie in the New Testament, not the Law of Moses.

Matthew 6:25-34

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

   “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

(I've written an entire article on all the teachings of Jesus Christ concerning money. I especially recommend it if you have a "wealth" complex, or think that poverty = righteousness. You can find it here: http://revolutionera.com/serve-god-master-mammon-part-1 )

Since I've written about this passage exhaustively in my other article, I will simply summarize the gist of it (realizing that doing so diminishes the richness of Christ's teaching here). Jesus is inviting us to fixate our attention on Him, whereby in the process we stop giving our attention to our present needs in the sense that it cause us to worry despair. To seek the Kingdom of God is to seek Jesus Christ. You cannot come into the Kingdom without Christ. As for food, clothing, and shelter, "all these things will be given to you as well." So stop placing your faith in the wrong place with the result that you live in worry. God is inviting us to live in a trust and love-based relationship, not a performance-based agreement. We are to learn from the faith and trust that God's other creations have in Him to provide for them and sustain them.

What About Paul - He suffered Lack! 

"...for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.  Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account." Phil 4:16-17

"I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked." 2 Cor 11:27

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Phil 4:12

There is no way to dance around the fact that one of the greatest Believers of all time seems to have lived almost in contradiction to what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 6. Or did he? Paul's circumstance, I will propose, exposes the reality of God's new system of giving (not tithing) in the New Covenant. Paul went through PERIODS of lack, not permanent lack. Most of us have had similar periods of lean living in our lives. But note also that Paul also experienced times of abundance. And how did he overcome those seasons of lack?

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

Paul was following the words of Christ in Matthew 6:33. Now I haven't yet explained why I have suggested that Paul experiencing periods of lack as being evidence that we are in a new system of giving in the New Covenant. I will now explain this notion. If we continue reading Philippians 4, we gain some insight:

"Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities." Phil 4:14-16

Paul suffered lack because other Christians in the places Paul was traveling through were NOT giving to Paul and meeting his needs, only the brethren of the Philippian church. And so Paul commends them, "even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities".

Consider also the context of the other passage I cited above, 2 Corinthians 11:27. Chapters 8 and 9 (which we will discuss later) Paul talks about the collection of money he is taking up for the Believers in Jerusalem, and essentially asks the Corinthians to honor their word which they gave a year or so prior to help contribute to this relief fund. In chapter 10, Paul addresses the fact that his authority and credibility are being called into question by cowards that wish to undermine and usurp Paul's leadership over the people in Corinth. In light of this, Paul begins to defend his role as an apostle. This is where one of two crucial statements are made by Paul that relate to our discussion. This first is in 2 Corinthians 11:7-9:

"Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied."

The second was made in an earlier letter to the same congregations, in 1 Corinthians 9:3-18:

"Do we have no right to eat and drink? ...Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? ... For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? ... If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? ...Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ... Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel... But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void."

We now know why Paul suffered lack in most instances. He refused to receive provision from certain Believers at times, and in other times Christians were unwilling to give to him. In refusing provision Paul stated he would rather starve in order to ensure that the Gospel is properly demonstrated (not just taught) than risk having people think that all he really wants is money. It was Paul's own initiative to ignore the fact that "the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel".

At other times, Christians were not able or willing to provide for his needs, even though Paul had obviously taught that giving to others is part of being obedient to Christ (2 Cor 8:12-14; 2 Cor 9:5-15; Rom 12:12-13; Rom 15:26-27). Paul did not suffer lack because God was unfaithful. Paul suffered lack for two reasons:

1.    Because he chose not to receive his provision in the manner God has chosen to give it.

2.    Christians were unwilling or unable at times to meet his needs.

More importantly, we must note that there were people who were WILLING to meet Paul's needs. In fact, they had been meeting the needs of other leaders as well. This should be considered in conjunction with the hearts of those in Jerusalem (Acts 4:32-37), who were WILLING to give to those around them in need. This is a foreign thought here in North America.

 God has chosen to manifest giving THROUGH His people. Not exclusively, but preferentially. This is the way Jesus Christ has chosen to establish things in the New Covenant. So how does all this apply to you and I? Paul's provision came from people. So when he didn't have Believer's around him to give, or when he would refuse their gifts, he often went without. Now does this exclude times of supernatural intervention? Of course not! But, it's amazing that it's not the norm. Why? Because it takes away from the need for you and I to learn how to be selfless. As we will see, the notion that Believers are responsible for looking after the needs of other Believers (and this action being attributed to God's provision) is one we will see again and again in the New Testament.

In the New Covenant, everything changed with regards to how God interacts with us. In the Old Covenant, it was God doing things for us and apart from us (Ex 33:12-16). Now it is God moving THROUGH us (Col 1:27). His Spirit would rest upon select people before the Cross, but now it has been poured out and takes up RESIDENCE inside us (Acts 2:14-24; 1 John 2:27). Now, God has sent YOU and I on a mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ with signs following (Mark 16:15-20, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).

The responsibility is 100% yours and mine when it comes to many things in the New Covenant. You choose to tell someone about Jesus Christ or not. You choose when to sin or not. You choose to pray for someone who is sick or not. You choose to spend time with the Lord or not. And finally, you choose to give or not to give. The reason we see Jesus rebuking Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 is because they failed to understand how to have love in their hearts towards others. Law bring conformity, and conformity doesn't allow for personal expression. Why I say this is because God wants people to be real with Him. He won't force you to come to Him - He calls you and gives you a choice. He won't force you to spend time with Him - He gives you a choice. And it isn't by accident that God doesn't force you to give - again, He gives you a choice.

The question then is why does God give you a choice. The answer is simple. Love. God will not force anyone to be intimate with Him (that's called rape). The Law made everyone look the same in action, but it hid their hearts and intentions (look at the Scribes and the Pharisees). Grace, on the other hand, exposes your heart and intentions. Your choices now not only matter, but they will always reveal your heart. It is the easiest way for you to see how well you've learned to walk in and manifest selfless love.

SIDE NOTE: The area of finances is just one of the many aspects of the Christian life that has suffered dearly from the Old Covenant mindset that still plagues much of the Church at large, which comes down to people putting on God what He's entrusted us to do. It's people asking God to do for them what He's told us to do for Him. Here are some examples: I won't tell people about Jesus (as Jesus told me to), I'll just ask God to touch their hearts. I won't advance the reign and rule of Jesus Christ over this earth (as Jesus told me to); instead I'll ask God to come quickly and blow up the planet. I won't lay hands on the sick so that they will recover (as Jesus told me to), I'll just trust that if God wants them well He will heal them Himself. The list goes on and on! Take up responsibility for your actions, and get to know what Christ is asking of you. God won't do things for you as much as He will do things through you.

Jesus Began to Model It 

"After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means." Luke 8:1-3

Wait just a minute! Did you just read what I read? The Messiah Jesus, Son of Yahweh the Living God, was receiving monetary funding from people? Not just people, but women, who at the time were considered to be second rate and classed differently in their society! Why wouldn't God have just kept sending fish to Jesus with coins in their mouths (Mat 17:24-27) and angels (Mk 1:13) to provide for him as he needed? I want to propose that Jesus was modeling a new way of life for us. He certainly was not following the customs and practices of Law of Moses or his culture here. If supernatural provision was to be the norm, then Jesus certainly would have lived that way all the time. But it seems as though supernatural intervention was never meant to replace the greater work of God manifesting Himself THROUGH people. Yes, that's right - greater work. So great is this reality we now live in that Paul writes,

" the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people... which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col 1:26-27

The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages? Wow! So with this in mind, we begin to see why Jesus would rather be financially supported by women (Luke 8:1-3), and housed by tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:13-17; Luke 19:1-10), and be fed by teachers of the Law and Pharisees (Luke 14:1-24; 17:36), and given water by a Samaritan woman (John 4:7), than to have constantly had angels waiting on him (Mark 1:13) and fish finding him coins. Jesus wants people to be given a chance to learn how to love one another. And now with the help of His abiding Spirit, they are enabled to do so. The Law did not create an environment for those women to give to Jesus, nor did it bring about a change of heart in Zacchaeus so as to have him invite Jesus into his home and give half of his possessions to the poor. Grace created the opportunity for these individuals to express love.

Luke 6:27-36, 38

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful...

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Jesus sets the bar so high here that he goes beyond giving to friends, family, and those who are of God's family. Christ calls us to a level of giving that is unconditional because the love we are to have is also unconditional. Giving is a way to express God's unconditional love. Not only are we to act this way to our brethren, but even to enemies, sinners and strangers. Selah.

Luke 14:12-14

"Then He also said to him who invited Him, 'When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.'' 

Wow. I won't say much about this one. I know that I haven't done this yet. I'm just in awe of the level of love Jesus has called us to walk in and manifest. I only know of one or two families personally that have done this. They are a great example to me.

1 John 3:16-18

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?  Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

John, Jesus Christ's best friend, seems to emulate the heart of Jesus as he writes here. Instead of having a charity drive every 3 years (Old Testament tithing), we are are called to respond immediately, as occasion calls. Notice that no amount is specified here. Nor is there a call for the one in lack to give to the one with means. Yes, I am aware of the danger of slipping into Communist territory here. But the giving is initiated by love. Later we will see that it is advantageous for the one in lack to continue to give. But understand that they are not OBLIGATED to give. The love of God in a person enables them to give to another in need. This is how God wants to manifest His provision in the New Covenant - THROUGH you.

Hebrews 13:2

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."

This is a reminder to continue to manifest love in the form of hospitality and giving.

Romans 12:12-13

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality."

There it is again - distributing to the needs of the saints and practicing hospitality.

1 Peter 4:8-9

"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.' Be hospitable to one another without grumbling."

Love and giving go hand in hand.

James 1:27

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

James 2:14-17

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. "

What's sad is that this actually takes place every Sunday in church buildings across North America. Every Sunday families, single parents, students, and immigrants often lack basic necessities, don't have money for their monthly bills, and can't afford to give their children good clothes. And yet they are greeted by fellow Christians with the usual Sunday cheer and sent on their way often empty handed. This is to our shame.

Romans 15:26-27

"For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things."

What About Acts? 

Acts 4:32-37

"Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet."

Acts 6:1-3

"Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business..."

I've heard it said that churches today model their financial system after the events of Acts 4:32-37. This is simply not true. The only thing that is being emulated today is the fact that people bring their money to the leadership of a congregation. The rest, as we know, simply doesn't happen the way it did in Acts. In order for us to experience something similar to this event, several things need to change. But before this, we need to get a full understanding of what happened here.

There are a few key points that need to be made regarding the Acts 4 model in order to arrive at a concise understanding of what actually took place. For the sake of keeping this article as short as possible, I will just provide point form notes:

- "All who were possessors of land and houses" meant something different in their time and world than it does ours. Very few people then were able to afford land. Owning land and homes was an indication of wealth. Therefore, it was those who were affluent who were selling some of their properties to provide. And I want to propose that they didn't sell ALL their land. This wouldn't be smart for  business, and would result in them becoming poor as well.

- Acts 6:1-3 indicates that their system was not perfect. It also indicates that it is possible to stray from what Christ intends for his Bride. Thankfully, they recognized it and reformed their system.

- 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 shows us that the Acts 4 model was inconsistent. This may be due to the fact that there were a predominant amount of impoverished converts in comparison to affluent ones. Hence, Paul needs to raise money for a relief fund to send to them. Or it could be that if the affluent did indeed sell ALL their possessions. So once those resources were depleted, they had nothing left to contribute. (If this was the case, then they would have possibly misunderstood Christ's teaching regarding wealth. For more on this subject please read: http://revolutionera.com/serve-god-master-mammon-part-1)

Today, if we are to follow after this model, then it isn't enough to simply ask for people to place their money in offering plates. That is only the beginning. I wan't to suggest that the greater emphasis must be placed on the following passages:

"Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common."

This is a reform of the heart. It clashes greatly with our North American culture. Therefore, we must introduce, emphasize, and emulate heaven's culture. This doesn't begin with a teaching series or sermon, it begins with the leadership of a congregation or home group modeling it themselves.

"Nor was there anyone among them who lacked."

Why was this the case, even if it was temporal?

"[The Apostles] distributed to each as anyone had need."

This is the fundamental difference between their congregation and the majority of ours. As I will discuss in detail at the end of this article, our process needs to change entirely. The distribution went first to those in need among them. First... 1st... F. I. R. S. T. ... I don't know how to make this any clearer. Until we give to those in need among our groups or congregations first, we are not following this model.

Paul's Longest Discussion About Money

2 Corinthians 8 and 9

Since it will take up too much room here, I invite you now to pause your reading of this article and to look up and read 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. Go! Do it! Paul is trying to raise money to send to the Christians in Jerusalem. Many had promised to help, and now Paul is checking to see that they will follow through on their promise and not flake out. He proceeds to remind them of why it is it that Christians need to give (remember that they come from a Hellenistic culture, where such acts of unconditional love were uncommon).

Highlights

"Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God." 2 Cor 8:1-5

These people were struggling financially and yet they decided to support Paul and his team financially. Now here's the kicker: Paul says that it was because they had given their lives to God [through Jesus Christ], that they acted out God's will to give to Paul and his team!

"For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality." 2 Cor 8:12-14

This is one of the key passages in chapter 8 and 9. First, Paul speaks about a person needing to be willing - which means they have a choice to not be willing. Second, he doesn't ask that those who are suffering lack suffer even more by giving more than they can. Yet at the same time, Paul sees that as the saints practice the teachings of Christ with regards to being selfless and practicing hospitality that in the end all the saints will be better off. Or as Paul puts it, "that there may be equality" (v14).

"Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  As it is written:

'He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.'

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Cor 9:5-15

This is the crux of these two chapters. Paul begins by reminding them to give based on a decision they had already made some time ago when Paul first brought it up to them, asking that they begin to set money aside for this collection. God indeed loves a cheerful and willing giver because He doesn't force anyone to give. Grace exposes the heart. And those that choose to give are choosing to follow the ways of Jesus Christ in obedience to God. And God has put supernatural mechanics in place that trigger blessings to those that choose to give. Moreover, you'll notice again that Paul says that the needs of the saints are being provided for (remember Matthew 6?), and Paul attributes this collection as a gift from God to the saints in Jerusalem who are in need of it! (vs 15). Paul also says that the fact that they are giving to Believers who are in lack demonstrate their OBEDIENCE to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Conversely, the opposite is true: When we DO NOT meet the needs of our fellow brothers and sisters (think 1 John 3:16-18 again) then we are being DISOBEDIENT to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Which then means that the blessings listed in Matthew 6 for example, or the blessings listed above (v. 6-10), aren't triggered. Now think about this. Think about what it means for us today, for you and your family. Have we truly been obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this area? I don't mean to hang this over us as a type of Law. But it's pretty clear here that Jesus Christ desires to have his love be made manifest through us to others by having us provide for their physical needs. The obedience to the Gospel Paul refers to here has nothing to do with tithing. It has everything to do with taking of your own resources and giving it directly to someone who is in need.

Our Present Circumstance 

There is no doubt that money is flowing today from the hands of Christians. In fact, billions of dollars are flowing every year here in North America. But where is it going? Conferences, books, CDs, theater-style seating, $150,000 salaries, programs, etc, etc. Now if billions of dollars are flowing out, and yet a great number of Christians are still struggling to make ends meet year after year in our very own groups and congregations, then the question must be asked: Are we being obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Even in the Law of Moses God's heart was made clear. "However, there should be no poor among you." (Deut 15:4). Is this the case today in our churches? You who are in abundance with say, "No." Yet you who are struggling to make ends meet will shout, "Yes!" This is a tragic reality, and is so because of our disobedience to the model of giving that Christ and his Apostles have established.

Now, before we all start finger point and playing the blame game on churches I want you to pause and think with me. Picture your favorite Christian speaker or writer. I mean your favorite! Now imagine that he or she moved nearby, and bought a house a block away from where you live. And imagine they began to host home-group meetings. Would you attend? Of course you would! But say that in about 6 months time, over 20 families are coming out on a regular basis to be a part of the meetings (if you'd like, you can swap out the speaker/author with yourself). The police begin to show up and write tickets because of this (now) illegal activity. Sooner or later you'll need a new venue. And be it a school, or an old church, or an office, or a warehouse, you are all going to have to split the bill on the rental and utilities. An open field may work for an African crusade, but good luck pulling that off during the 5 months of snow and winter here in Canada! So before you know it, you'll soon have the same issue to deal with as most churches in North America. I go to such lengths to make this obvious point because I want to demonstrate my sensitivity to the real-world challenges leaders face when it comes to dealing with choosing a place to meet, and funding those expenses.

I also understand that many churches have benevolence systems in place for those who qualify to receive them, and donation programs for the extremely impoverished in our society and those overseas. So it's not like churches aren't trying.

I am also an advocate for compensating and supporting financially those who have decided to be teaching, preaching, discipling, mentoring, counseling, missionaries, etc., as their daily activity (as per New Testament guidelines). These last three paragraphs were to show you that I'm not in some 'pie-in-the-sky' dreamland. I understand that there are principles and there is day to day reality. We need to come up with cash to pay for expenses we incur.

Unfortunately, things get mirky from this point on. What do I mean? Let me ask some questions, and you decide what is necessary and what are superfluous expenditures, and operating as a spiritual body versus a corporate enterprise. There are churches that become so big that they decide to build massive "baptism lakes" on their properties. Others have boards and committees that decide to run the church like a business, where religion is the product and Christians are the customers who make a purchase once a week through the offering plate. There are some that have limitless expense accounts for leaders. You decide for yourself: does this follow or make room for the New Testament pattern we've been studying up to now?

Is there a "need" to equip pastors with the latest technology so that they can "do ministry" more effectively? Or is there an absolute "need" to record albums and DVDs as an "evangelism" tool, knowing full well that only Christians will be buying them? I'm sure you have your own stories to add here as well. On the bright side, at least we aren't selling indulgences or upgrades from purgatory to heaven anymore (yes, it did happen for hundreds of years)! But this is what I meant by suggesting that things have gotten carried away in our congregations with regards to the use of the money that comes in. There is no place in the New Testament that even remotely suggests that providing for the financial needs of a building, property, or service takes priority over people's needs.

This is the end of Part II.

To continue reading, proceed to part III here.