I fully agree that tithing is not for New Covenant believers ie Christians! Thank you for bringing this topic up. International speakers/pastors including Francis Chan, Daniel Marita, Vlad Savchuk, Robert Breaker, Zac Poonen speak against tithing. We should NOT mix tithing with giving!!!
Two things regarding tithing some may have overlooked. The Levitical tithe was exclusive towards the tribe of Levi. The tribe called for priesthood starting from Aaron. The Levitical priests bore the responsibility of offering the sacrifices required by the Mosaic Law. Thus unlike other tribes their calling was to serve God directly at the temple. Receiving the tithes was the inheritance exclusive to the tribe of Levi. Also tithing back then wasn't money, it was food. 21"I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting. 22 From now on the Israelites must not go near the tent of meeting, or they will bear the consequences of their sin and will die. 23 It is the Levites who are to do the work at the tent of meeting and bear the responsibility for any offenses they commit against it. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. They will receive no inheritance among the Israelites. 24 Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the Lord. That is why I said concerning them: 'They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.' " 25 The Lord said to Moses, 26 "Speak to the Levites and say to them: 'When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord's offering. 27 Your offering will be reckoned to you as grain from the threshing floor or juice from the winepress. Numbers 18:21-27 22Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. 23 Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always. Deuteronomy 14:22-23 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; Proverbs 3:9
I believe this is what Joseph Prince fears the most about his critics - their exposure of his heresies on tithing. Why? This could end the financial 'scheme' of all his heretical or lawless efforts against the word of God. This could mean he will have to close 'shop'. Do you know why the tithing principle is one of the most controversial issues in the churches today? It is because no preacher dare to make it compulsory or say that if you don't tithe, you won't prosper. Preachers like Joseph Prince can only entice you to tithe with heresies or psycho you to tithe with fear. As we can see, majority of Christians do not really observe the 'law' of tithing closely or fearfully (what I means is - giving exactly or strictly 10% every month). This also explains why majority of the wise and mature believers are clear about the irrelevance of tithing under the New Testament, and they know that no one can threaten them to tithe or not to tithe. Please think, Does God need our tithe? Of course not. God instituted the tithe just to support the Levitical Priesthood and the construction of the tabernacle and temple. When Jesus Himself has fulfilled the sacrificial requirement of the Old Covenant, He also fulfilled the Levitical Priesthood requirement and tithing requirement too. So, I would think that everything that was required to support the old covenant temple system, like the Levitical Priesthood, animal sacrifices, rituals, ceremonies, building structures, utensils, linen clothing, temple tokens, and tithing of harvest, crops, commodities, and money would no longer be necessary too. What still remains is the true spirit of worship and obedience to God. So, the requirement of worship and obedience under the New Covenant is no longer shown by the *PHYSICAL* temple structures, sacrifices, rituals, commodities, or monetary value. In another words, it should not be shown or limited by what were instituted 'physically' under the Old Covenant. It should now be shown and instituted by a higher *SPIRITUAL* law for the church under the New Covenant. Does it mean that less people will give to God if we move from the Old Covenant requirement of tithing to the New Covenant of giving (without any physical constraint or limit)? No, this should not affect those who have the genuine faith or spirit to give; however, this will surely set free many of those who have been giving to Joseph Prince out of fear (or out of greed for more).
So, we don't tithe out of fear or greed; we might give or bless out of revelation; but definitely not 'tithe' out of revelation. When we must do or get something to fulfil a certain sum or amount, we are going back to the law of the Old Covenant. This is certainly not the law and spirit of the New Covenant. I don't think Jesus or His disciples paid tithes. It's because they did not have regular income every month, and even if they had, they would not consider giving to the Pharisees to support their corrupted religious system. They only gave tribute to the Roman government: Mat 17:24-27 KJV And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. Please think again, After Peter became the leader of the church, do you think he would ask the Jewish disciples to pay tithes to the church instead? Very unlikely. I believe that it was not an issue at all if all the believers chose to treat the tithe as an irrelevant law for any church or Gentiles to keep; otherwise, it would have been mentioned and discussed together with the issue of circumcision in Acts: Act 15:23-31 KJV And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: (24) Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: (25) It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (27) We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; (29) That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. (30) So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: (31) Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. Normally we don't stop people from giving offerings as tithes if they sincerely give it as their love and appreciation of what they have received from God. But if the false prophets have used it as the tool or scheme to oppress the people to give like those who were under the law and taken advantage of by the Pharisees, I don't think God would allow it. Today many preachers including Joseph Prince and the prosperity preachers have 'promoted' (and indirectly imposed) the tithing requirements on their church members. So, most of these preachers have become exceedingly rich, especially in those countries where the law of the country is not very strong (like Africa, Nigeria, and even the modern USA). As a result, many false prophets can 'con' legitimately in the name of religion and charity with minimal interruption or audit from the government. They have even come up with weird theory of money to accumulate money for their own disposal without any accountability to anyone. So, we don't need to be a rocket scientist to know why preachers like Joseph Prince, Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Brian Houston are super rich AND are good friends to one another. They are 'wolves' of the same skin, with Joseph Prince slightly different from the rest because he has to keep a low profile in a very 'law-conscious' country. Recently I have heard that, in his testifying of an accident, he deliberately mentioned that he has switched from his luxurious BMW to a Toyota family car. He even mentioned that he takes chicken rice or roti prata. Well, we can tell him, That's a good try, but we know roughly how much you earn or had earned. Do you remember the Newspaper report in 2008 and 2009? It is still recorded in the Wikipedia. This is self-explanatory: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Prince *On 5 October 2008,* in an interview with the Sunday Times, Prince, also the executive chairman of the church council, acknowledged that he was "well-paid" with his salary going up $50,000 a month .. *On 30 March 2009,* The Straits Times reported that the church had paid one employee between $500,001 and $550,000 in its last financial year .. .. While not confirming the identity of the employee, the church responded that its policy is to "recognize and reward key contributors to the church and Senior Pastor Prince is the main pillar of our church's growth and revenue. *On 15 April 2009,* Deacon Matthew Kang, the church chairman, responded that it was not a public charity and did not solicit public donations, asserting that "there is absolutely no compulsion to give whether in tithes or offerings, and any giving is done out of a willing heart", and .. Of course, I am not jealous or against anyone individual who can earn big bucks, but if a preacher like Joseph Prince, Kenneth Copeland, or Brian Houston says that they prosper and so can you, something is wrong. I will ask them, "How do I prosper if I give you all my money so that you can prosper? Besides, if you really drive only Toyota or eat only roti prata, what will you do with the rest of the money collected (or conned from those who believe in your 'con' theory of money) ? Invest in stock and shares or buy bigger mansions?" I know that they won't answer our questions because they think that they are only accountable to God. So, let's see what will they say to the Lord in that day when they are judged before His throne (or before the 'Bema' seat which they believe to be a throne that has enough mercy and grace to forgive all their greed and lawlessness)? Oh, yes, I have to mention Brian Houston too, not only because he is a good friend of Joseph Prince, he is also the author of a book called 'Money'. He will tell you how to get more money if you give to them, give to their churches, ministries, or 'banks'. I hope nobody will still give to Brian Houston now after knowing that he doesn't really prosper and his money theory won't prosper you too: ruclips.net/video/9C_hHU7olpE/видео.htmlsi=ctylxVmwdJaMVSEe
@@WordsofGodThe Hi Brother, very well said...And Rev George's videos are getting more and more "tok kong". Hitting JP in all the sweet spots with his precision laser guilded missiles. Pity JP, he must be wetting in his pants nowadays. Better that he close "shop" and reinvent his life to become a motivational speaker. At least there is still tonnes of money to be had as an international speaker with lots of travelling and shoulder rubbing with the rich and famous. Suits him to a T. He still can buy "many" Toyota family cars. And he will have zero critics. Spare the flock please.....they have had enough!!!
Actually, the mentioning of Abraham giving his tithe to Melchizedek in the book of Hebrews is not to show that we have to give tithe too. On the contrary, it is to show that we are no longer required to tithe under the law because we have a greater high priest who is of a higher order than than Moses and Aaron who came from the tribe of Levites. We have to read Hebrews 7 together with Hebrews 8 which show that Jesus is of the priesthood order of Melchizedek which is higher than the priesthood order of Aaron because even Abraham (the ancestor of both Moses and Aaron) would pay tithe to Him: *HEB 7:1-7 LITV* For this "Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God," the one meeting Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, "and blessing him;" (2) to whom also Abraham "divided a tenth from all" (first being interpreted, king of righteousness; and then also king of Salem, which is, king of peace, Gen. 14:17-20 (3) without father, without mother, without genealogy, nor beginning of days, nor having end of life, but having been made like the Son of God, he remains a priest in perpetuity). (4) Now behold how great this one was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils; (5) and indeed those of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood have a command to tithe the people according to Law, (that is, from their brothers, though coming forth out of Abraham's loins), (6) but he not counting his genealogy from them has tithed Abraham, and has blessed the one having the promises. (7) But without contradiction, the lesser is blessed by the better. So, under the priesthood of Christ, the law relating to the temple sacrifices, giving, and rituals have truly changed: *HEB **7:12**-14 LITV* For the priestly office having been changed, of necessity a change of law also occurs. (13) For the One of whom these things are said has partaken of another tribe, from which no one has given devotion at the altar. (14) For it is clear that our Lord has risen out of Judah, as to which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. How would the law under the Old Covenant changed? The Bible passage passage above has shown clearly that it would change for the better because the new priesthood under Christ was confirmed or appointed with oath-taking and clear promises from God under the order of Melchizedek which is of a higher order than the Levites: *HEB **7:15**-28 LITV* And it is still more abundantly clear that if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, (16) who has not become so according to a law of a fleshly command, but according to the power of an indissoluble life .. .. (19) For the Law perfected nothing, .. .. (21) for they truly becoming priests are without oath-taking, but He with oath-taking, through the One saying to Him, The Lord swore, and will not care to change, "You are a priest to the age according to the order of Melchizedek;" (22) by so much Jesus has become Surety of a better covenant .. .. (26) For such a High Priest was fitting for us: holy, harmless, undefiled, and separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens; (27) who has no need, as do the high priests, to offer sacrifices day by day, first for His own sins, then for those of the people. For He did this once for all, offering up Himself. (28) For the Law makes men high priests who have infirmity, but the word of the oath-taking after the Law appoints the Son to the age, having been perfected. If we read from here to the next chapter Hebrews 8, we will notice that the Hebrew writer continued to talk about the comparison between the new covenant and old covenant: *HEB 8:8-10 LITV* For finding fault, He said to them, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, and I will make an end on the house of Israel and on the house of Judah; a new covenant shall be, (9) not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day of My taking hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not regard them, says the Lord. (10) Because this is the covenant which I will covenant with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord, giving My Laws into their mind, and I will write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." I show all the Bible passages here and I show it in LITV which is an easier version because I want you to see *WHAT IS THE REAL CONTEXT* when Abraham gave the tithe to Melchizedek? Is it mainly to establish the law of tithing again or pay tithe to Christ under the new order of Melchizedek? Obviously, I don't think so. Firstly, there is no mentioning of the 'requirement' to tithe in the whole chapter of Hebrews 7 and 8. Tithing is mentioned here only as a comparison or event to show that the priesthood of Christ is higher than that of Moses or Aaron who were Levites or descendants of Abraham. Secondly, if we read Hebrews 7 and 8 continuously, we will find that the focus of the whole passage is consistent but it is not on tithing or on doing what Abraham did. I know that Joseph Prince had used the tithing of Abraham to argue that we should tithe like Abraham because as "Abraham prospered and tithed, we should do the same too.. As Abraham was imputed with the righteousness of God, we should be imputed with the righteousness of God too .. As Abraham was favored, we should be favored too .. and etc." I will ask Joseph Prince, If this is the formula to tithe, prosper, and do like Abraham, will you also sacrifice your son because Abraham sacrificed his son too? Or will you lie because Abraham lied too? So, when Joseph Prince preached about Hebrews 7 to show you that you need to tithe like Abraham, he is definitely quoting it out of context again.
However, ironically when Joseph Prince endeavors to prove that you cannot be under law and grace together, he did not quote from Hebrews 7 and 8. Instead, he used another Bible passage in Rev 3:15-16 to say that you cannot mix law and grace. Obviously, this is another of his deliberate attempt to preach something out of context again: ruclips.net/video/4Ui9RR26iBU/видео.html Obviously, there is nowhere in the Bible that tells us that lukewarmness or lukewarm attitude of the believers in Rev 3:15-16 is referring to mixture of law and grace, balancing between law and grace, or putting the new wine into the old wine skin. The Bible has given us many clear examples and metaphors that explain why we cannot be under law and grace at the same time and Abraham's tithe in Hebrews 7 is one of the clear example or explanation for that. However, why did Joseph Prince 'out of the blue' used Rev 3:15-16 or something that is inconsistent to explain that? Obviously, he has already suspected or understood that Abraham's tithe and the law of tithing should be done away with together with the law of the Old Covenant. He knew that expounding on Abraham's tithe in Hebrews 7 will clearly remove the need of tithing and this is absolutely a taboo or disaster to his ministry. So, in the end he has to find something else to explain removal of everything in the law except tithing. So, this shows how 'smart' or cunning is Joseph Prince, but it also undoubtedly shows that his 'smartness' is not just simply an ordinary street-smartness; but something very 'spiritual', as it could involve 'something' that he really has to pay with a high price when he was sold to the dark Prince, back-dated probably to the time when he 'envisioned' himself or change his name to be a 'prince', or when he endeavored to take the name of a prince to follow a greater 'Prince'. Some people have their name followed by the 'Prince' because they were born as a prince or given the name of prince; but when he changed his name to be a prince, it certainly required a lot of his 'efforts', determination, and planning, probably including waiting for the 'kairos' time of after his father has passed away and before he entered into the church era from his witchcraft practices that have started since his childhood days. Like Simon, he might not have repented when he realized that he could 'prosper' even more after seeing mighty works of the Holy Spirit and decided to switch a more 'glorifying' experience to impress more people after knowing and learning the tricks and treats of witchcraft from young.
Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. 11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. 13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. 15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. 16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
From time to time JP or his pastors would make mention of Abraham tithing to Melchizedek. What were they trying to sugggest? They were trying to induce the congregation to tithe through their subtle message that they need to tithe to get rich. But Abraham was already rich in livestock and in silver and gold even BEFORE he met Melchizedek (Genesis 13) When Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, the tithe was on the spoils of war, not his posessions. God did not command Abraham to tithe. In fact tithing was a custom practiced in the Mid-Eastern cultures before Abraham. The Babylonians were already giving a portion of their produce or possessions as offerings to their deities or priests. Abraham surely must have known of this custom. God's promise to Abraham( land of Canaan, numerous descendants, all nations blessed through Abraham) was based on faith and had nothing to do with tithing. "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." ( Gen 15:6) Tithing was never mentioned as a condition. Give God 10% and your 90% will be holy, says JP. This is instilling fear in his listeners. What sort of Christ is he preaching? A Christ whose blood cannot redeem everything but needs 10% from the believer? Cheapening the blood of Christ and the grace of God. This so-called dubious I-preach-Jesus preacher by the name of Prince has weaponised the tithe, guilt and fear to fulfil his own financial laws - at great cost to his followers. Further reference: Tithing: Low-realm, Obsolete & Defunct by Matthew Narramore
All these discussions are slowly making sense to me. Thank u for sharing. But still confusing why many churches now asking for tithe and the msg that u be "blessed" if u tithe. We should not ask for anything in return from God.
@@randomdove007 The New Covenant is based on Jesus' blood alone not Jesus' blood plus tithe. In Matt 26:28 , "This is My blood of the new covenant..." In Gal 3:13-15 "CHRIST hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through JESUS CHRIST ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith". Jesus' blood, not the blood plus tithe, redeemed us. Blessing of Abraham on the Gentiles comes through Christ not through Chris plus tithe. Recommended : Gysbert Brits' "Jesus is the Tithe : The Message of God Releasing the Child from Manipulation"
But JP will always try to talk you round to tithing. Tithing is your responsibility, he said in a recent sermon. Those are his own manufactured words. He is trying to guilt people into tithing. Let giving be filtered through godly wisdom. Giving yes but not to greedy deceitful false preachers. As John Macarthur says, the prosperity gospel is a con job, a pyramid scheme that makes the few at the top very rich. JP is always tempting his audience with notions of prosperity in quoting "He also brought them out with silver and gold". His followers are so proud of his huge congregation, not knowing that they are the base of the pyramid. A pastor preaches Jesus and not Jesus + Tithing. But a self-serving pastor would twist it to dress up tithing as part of grace. Sure he would not preach circumcision by dressing it up as part of grace. What grace is that if a relationship with God is based on give-to-get? That give-to-get message is very subtly preached by JP. Even tithing does not mean success for a company's owner as some, including water treatment business, have bitten the dust.
05:22 i had attended NCC for 16 years (until 2023), what Bro Andrew Tan said about tithing before being appointed as a leader is very true. i heard it from my ministry serving team leader who had served as a leader for 2 decades. The first pre-requisite to be a NCC leader is one must be "successful" aka wealthy and the person must be giving back his wealth to NCC. NCC cannot have someone who is not so "blessed and successful" to be a leader as this will not be in-line with their tag line of "highly favoured and greatly blessed".
Not sure is this true also, heard from my friend years ago she wanted to join the NCC choir, but was rejected. Apparently, they do not recruit fat, plump, pimple faced, or not presentable people. Coz must look good on stage.
@@randomdove007 🙋🏻♀️ One of our brother who could play instruments and compose song submitted a song composed by him to NCC and they replied him saying their standard of worship ministry was very strict therefore they would require at least a min of standard from anyone wants to serve in worship was to have at least a diploma cert in music or else cannot serve in NCC music ministry. As for the choir, those who want to join will have to go through strict test as to be able to sing very well, to have a voice like those worship leaders or else you can't be able to join. Apparently there was a sister wanted to join NCC choir so much till she paid and joined a vocal class which happened the vocal institution owned by one of the worship leader. After this sister got a passed from the vocal classes, sadly she was turned down by NCC choir ministry, reason given was not good enough to join their choir. When i heard this, i thought NCC was conducting a talent stage show like "who's got talent?" Of course the person who owned the vocal institution was very furious about it and wanted to know why her student whom she passed couldn't get into the choir. As for the sister who has been turned down requested not to further enquire NCC choir ministry as she willing to let it go and accepted her lot.
But today the tides has changed. Anyone can easily get into the choir because many choir members has left. They need more servers now therefore they need to lower down their high horses.
Thank you Rev George for bringing out the truth
I fully agree that tithing is not for New Covenant believers ie Christians! Thank you for bringing this topic up. International speakers/pastors including Francis Chan, Daniel Marita, Vlad Savchuk, Robert Breaker, Zac Poonen speak against tithing. We should NOT mix tithing with giving!!!
Two things regarding tithing some may have overlooked. The Levitical tithe was exclusive towards the tribe of Levi. The tribe called for priesthood starting from Aaron. The Levitical priests bore the responsibility of offering the sacrifices required by the Mosaic Law. Thus unlike other tribes their calling was to serve God directly at the temple. Receiving the tithes was the inheritance exclusive to the tribe of Levi. Also tithing back then wasn't money, it was food.
21"I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting. 22 From now on the Israelites must not go near the tent of meeting, or they will bear the consequences of their sin and will die. 23 It is the Levites who are to do the work at the tent of meeting and bear the responsibility for any offenses they commit against it. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. They will receive no inheritance among the Israelites. 24 Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the Lord. That is why I said concerning them: 'They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.' " 25 The Lord said to Moses, 26 "Speak to the Levites and say to them: 'When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord's offering. 27 Your offering will be reckoned to you as grain from the threshing floor or juice from the winepress. Numbers 18:21-27
22Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. 23 Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always. Deuteronomy 14:22-23
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; Proverbs 3:9
I believe this is what Joseph Prince fears the most about his critics - their exposure of his heresies on tithing. Why? This could end the financial 'scheme' of all his heretical or lawless efforts against the word of God. This could mean he will have to close 'shop'.
Do you know why the tithing principle is one of the most controversial issues in the churches today? It is because no preacher dare to make it compulsory or say that if you don't tithe, you won't prosper. Preachers like Joseph Prince can only entice you to tithe with heresies or psycho you to tithe with fear. As we can see, majority of Christians do not really observe the 'law' of tithing closely or fearfully (what I means is - giving exactly or strictly 10% every month). This also explains why majority of the wise and mature believers are clear about the irrelevance of tithing under the New Testament, and they know that no one can threaten them to tithe or not to tithe.
Please think, Does God need our tithe? Of course not. God instituted the tithe just to support the Levitical Priesthood and the construction of the tabernacle and temple. When Jesus Himself has fulfilled the sacrificial requirement of the Old Covenant, He also fulfilled the Levitical Priesthood requirement and tithing requirement too. So, I would think that everything that was required to support the old covenant temple system, like the Levitical Priesthood, animal sacrifices, rituals, ceremonies, building structures, utensils, linen clothing, temple tokens, and tithing of harvest, crops, commodities, and money would no longer be necessary too. What still remains is the true spirit of worship and obedience to God. So, the requirement of worship and obedience under the New Covenant is no longer shown by the *PHYSICAL* temple structures, sacrifices, rituals, commodities, or monetary value. In another words, it should not be shown or limited by what were instituted 'physically' under the Old Covenant. It should now be shown and instituted by a higher *SPIRITUAL* law for the church under the New Covenant.
Does it mean that less people will give to God if we move from the Old Covenant requirement of tithing to the New Covenant of giving (without any physical constraint or limit)? No, this should not affect those who have the genuine faith or spirit to give; however, this will surely set free many of those who have been giving to Joseph Prince out of fear (or out of greed for more).
So, we don't tithe out of fear or greed; we might give or bless out of revelation; but definitely not 'tithe' out of revelation. When we must do or get something to fulfil a certain sum or amount, we are going back to the law of the Old Covenant. This is certainly not the law and spirit of the New Covenant. I don't think Jesus or His disciples paid tithes. It's because they did not have regular income every month, and even if they had, they would not consider giving to the Pharisees to support their corrupted religious system. They only gave tribute to the Roman government:
Mat 17:24-27 KJV And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
Please think again, After Peter became the leader of the church, do you think he would ask the Jewish disciples to pay tithes to the church instead? Very unlikely. I believe that it was not an issue at all if all the believers chose to treat the tithe as an irrelevant law for any church or Gentiles to keep; otherwise, it would have been mentioned and discussed together with the issue of circumcision in Acts:
Act 15:23-31 KJV And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: (24) Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: (25) It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (27) We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; (29) That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. (30) So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: (31) Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Normally we don't stop people from giving offerings as tithes if they sincerely give it as their love and appreciation of what they have received from God. But if the false prophets have used it as the tool or scheme to oppress the people to give like those who were under the law and taken advantage of by the Pharisees, I don't think God would allow it. Today many preachers including Joseph Prince and the prosperity preachers have 'promoted' (and indirectly imposed) the tithing requirements on their church members. So, most of these preachers have become exceedingly rich, especially in those countries where the law of the country is not very strong (like Africa, Nigeria, and even the modern USA). As a result, many false prophets can 'con' legitimately in the name of religion and charity with minimal interruption or audit from the government. They have even come up with weird theory of money to accumulate money for their own disposal without any accountability to anyone. So, we don't need to be a rocket scientist to know why preachers like Joseph Prince, Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Brian Houston are super rich AND are good friends to one another. They are 'wolves' of the same skin, with Joseph Prince slightly different from the rest because he has to keep a low profile in a very 'law-conscious' country. Recently I have heard that, in his testifying of an accident, he deliberately mentioned that he has switched from his luxurious BMW to a Toyota family car. He even mentioned that he takes chicken rice or roti prata. Well, we can tell him, That's a good try, but we know roughly how much you earn or had earned. Do you remember the Newspaper report in 2008 and 2009? It is still recorded in the Wikipedia. This is self-explanatory: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Prince
*On 5 October 2008,* in an interview with the Sunday Times, Prince, also the executive chairman of the church council, acknowledged that he was "well-paid" with his salary going up $50,000 a month ..
*On 30 March 2009,* The Straits Times reported that the church had paid one employee between $500,001 and $550,000 in its last financial year .. .. While not confirming the identity of the employee, the church responded that its policy is to "recognize and reward key contributors to the church and Senior Pastor Prince is the main pillar of our church's growth and revenue.
*On 15 April 2009,* Deacon Matthew Kang, the church chairman, responded that it was not a public charity and did not solicit public donations, asserting that "there is absolutely no compulsion to give whether in tithes or offerings, and any giving is done out of a willing heart", and ..
Of course, I am not jealous or against anyone individual who can earn big bucks, but if a preacher like Joseph Prince, Kenneth Copeland, or Brian Houston says that they prosper and so can you, something is wrong. I will ask them, "How do I prosper if I give you all my money so that you can prosper? Besides, if you really drive only Toyota or eat only roti prata, what will you do with the rest of the money collected (or conned from those who believe in your 'con' theory of money) ? Invest in stock and shares or buy bigger mansions?" I know that they won't answer our questions because they think that they are only accountable to God. So, let's see what will they say to the Lord in that day when they are judged before His throne (or before the 'Bema' seat which they believe to be a throne that has enough mercy and grace to forgive all their greed and lawlessness)? Oh, yes, I have to mention Brian Houston too, not only because he is a good friend of Joseph Prince, he is also the author of a book called 'Money'. He will tell you how to get more money if you give to them, give to their churches, ministries, or 'banks'. I hope nobody will still give to Brian Houston now after knowing that he doesn't really prosper and his money theory won't prosper you too: ruclips.net/video/9C_hHU7olpE/видео.htmlsi=ctylxVmwdJaMVSEe
Well said!!!
@@WordsofGodThe Hi Brother, very well said...And Rev George's videos are getting more and more "tok kong". Hitting JP in all the sweet spots with his precision laser guilded missiles.
Pity JP, he must be wetting in his pants nowadays. Better that he close "shop" and reinvent his life to become a motivational speaker. At least there is still tonnes of money to be had as an international speaker with lots of travelling and shoulder rubbing with the rich and famous. Suits him to a T. He still can buy "many" Toyota family cars. And he will have zero critics. Spare the flock please.....they have had enough!!!
Actually, the mentioning of Abraham giving his tithe to Melchizedek in the book of Hebrews is not to show that we have to give tithe too. On the contrary, it is to show that we are no longer required to tithe under the law because we have a greater high priest who is of a higher order than than Moses and Aaron who came from the tribe of Levites. We have to read Hebrews 7 together with Hebrews 8 which show that Jesus is of the priesthood order of Melchizedek which is higher than the priesthood order of Aaron because even Abraham (the ancestor of both Moses and Aaron) would pay tithe to Him:
*HEB 7:1-7 LITV*
For this "Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God," the one meeting Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, "and blessing him;" (2) to whom also Abraham "divided a tenth from all" (first being interpreted, king of righteousness; and then also king of Salem, which is, king of peace, Gen. 14:17-20 (3) without father, without mother, without genealogy, nor beginning of days, nor having end of life, but having been made like the Son of God, he remains a priest in perpetuity). (4) Now behold how great this one was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils; (5) and indeed those of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood have a command to tithe the people according to Law, (that is, from their brothers, though coming forth out of Abraham's loins), (6) but he not counting his genealogy from them has tithed Abraham, and has blessed the one having the promises. (7) But without contradiction, the lesser is blessed by the better.
So, under the priesthood of Christ, the law relating to the temple sacrifices, giving, and rituals have truly changed:
*HEB **7:12**-14 LITV*
For the priestly office having been changed, of necessity a change of law also occurs. (13) For the One of whom these things are said has partaken of another tribe, from which no one has given devotion at the altar. (14) For it is clear that our Lord has risen out of Judah, as to which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
How would the law under the Old Covenant changed? The Bible passage passage above has shown clearly that it would change for the better because the new priesthood under Christ was confirmed or appointed with oath-taking and clear promises from God under the order of Melchizedek which is of a higher order than the Levites:
*HEB **7:15**-28 LITV*
And it is still more abundantly clear that if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, (16) who has not become so according to a law of a fleshly command, but according to the power of an indissoluble life .. .. (19) For the Law perfected nothing, .. .. (21) for they truly becoming priests are without oath-taking, but He with oath-taking, through the One saying to Him, The Lord swore, and will not care to change, "You are a priest to the age according to the order of Melchizedek;" (22) by so much Jesus has become Surety of a better covenant .. .. (26) For such a High Priest was fitting for us: holy, harmless, undefiled, and separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens; (27) who has no need, as do the high priests, to offer sacrifices day by day, first for His own sins, then for those of the people. For He did this once for all, offering up Himself. (28) For the Law makes men high priests who have infirmity, but the word of the oath-taking after the Law appoints the Son to the age, having been perfected.
If we read from here to the next chapter Hebrews 8, we will notice that the Hebrew writer continued to talk about the comparison between the new covenant and old covenant:
*HEB 8:8-10 LITV*
For finding fault, He said to them, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, and I will make an end on the house of Israel and on the house of Judah; a new covenant shall be, (9) not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day of My taking hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not regard them, says the Lord. (10) Because this is the covenant which I will covenant with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord, giving My Laws into their mind, and I will write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
I show all the Bible passages here and I show it in LITV which is an easier version because I want you to see *WHAT IS THE REAL CONTEXT* when Abraham gave the tithe to Melchizedek? Is it mainly to establish the law of tithing again or pay tithe to Christ under the new order of Melchizedek? Obviously, I don't think so. Firstly, there is no mentioning of the 'requirement' to tithe in the whole chapter of Hebrews 7 and 8. Tithing is mentioned here only as a comparison or event to show that the priesthood of Christ is higher than that of Moses or Aaron who were Levites or descendants of Abraham. Secondly, if we read Hebrews 7 and 8 continuously, we will find that the focus of the whole passage is consistent but it is not on tithing or on doing what Abraham did.
I know that Joseph Prince had used the tithing of Abraham to argue that we should tithe like Abraham because as "Abraham prospered and tithed, we should do the same too.. As Abraham was imputed with the righteousness of God, we should be imputed with the righteousness of God too .. As Abraham was favored, we should be favored too .. and etc." I will ask Joseph Prince, If this is the formula to tithe, prosper, and do like Abraham, will you also sacrifice your son because Abraham sacrificed his son too? Or will you lie because Abraham lied too? So, when Joseph Prince preached about Hebrews 7 to show you that you need to tithe like Abraham, he is definitely quoting it out of context again.
However, ironically when Joseph Prince endeavors to prove that you cannot be under law and grace together, he did not quote from Hebrews 7 and 8. Instead, he used another Bible passage in Rev 3:15-16 to say that you cannot mix law and grace. Obviously, this is another of his deliberate attempt to preach something out of context again: ruclips.net/video/4Ui9RR26iBU/видео.html
Obviously, there is nowhere in the Bible that tells us that lukewarmness or lukewarm attitude of the believers in Rev 3:15-16 is referring to mixture of law and grace, balancing between law and grace, or putting the new wine into the old wine skin. The Bible has given us many clear examples and metaphors that explain why we cannot be under law and grace at the same time and Abraham's tithe in Hebrews 7 is one of the clear example or explanation for that. However, why did Joseph Prince 'out of the blue' used Rev 3:15-16 or something that is inconsistent to explain that? Obviously, he has already suspected or understood that Abraham's tithe and the law of tithing should be done away with together with the law of the Old Covenant. He knew that expounding on Abraham's tithe in Hebrews 7 will clearly remove the need of tithing and this is absolutely a taboo or disaster to his ministry. So, in the end he has to find something else to explain removal of everything in the law except tithing.
So, this shows how 'smart' or cunning is Joseph Prince, but it also undoubtedly shows that his 'smartness' is not just simply an ordinary street-smartness; but something very 'spiritual', as it could involve 'something' that he really has to pay with a high price when he was sold to the dark Prince, back-dated probably to the time when he 'envisioned' himself or change his name to be a 'prince', or when he endeavored to take the name of a prince to follow a greater 'Prince'. Some people have their name followed by the 'Prince' because they were born as a prince or given the name of prince; but when he changed his name to be a prince, it certainly required a lot of his 'efforts', determination, and planning, probably including waiting for the 'kairos' time of after his father has passed away and before he entered into the church era from his witchcraft practices that have started since his childhood days. Like Simon, he might not have repented when he realized that he could 'prosper' even more after seeing mighty works of the Holy Spirit and decided to switch a more 'glorifying' experience to impress more people after knowing and learning the tricks and treats of witchcraft from young.
Psalm 73 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
From time to time JP or his pastors would make mention of Abraham tithing to Melchizedek. What were they trying to sugggest? They were trying to induce the congregation to tithe through their subtle message that they need to tithe to get rich. But Abraham was already rich in livestock and in silver and gold even BEFORE he met Melchizedek (Genesis 13) When Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, the tithe was on the spoils of war, not his posessions. God did not command Abraham to tithe. In fact tithing was a custom practiced in the Mid-Eastern cultures before Abraham. The Babylonians were already giving a portion of their produce or possessions as offerings to their deities or priests. Abraham surely must have known of this custom.
God's promise to Abraham( land of Canaan, numerous descendants, all nations blessed through Abraham) was based on faith and had nothing to do with tithing. "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." ( Gen 15:6) Tithing was never mentioned as a condition.
Give God 10% and your 90% will be holy, says JP. This is instilling fear in his listeners. What sort of Christ is he preaching? A Christ whose blood cannot redeem everything but needs 10% from the believer? Cheapening the blood of Christ and the grace of God.
This so-called dubious I-preach-Jesus preacher by the name of Prince has weaponised the tithe, guilt and fear to fulfil his own financial laws - at great cost to his followers.
Further reference: Tithing: Low-realm, Obsolete & Defunct by Matthew Narramore
All these discussions are slowly making sense to me. Thank u for sharing. But still confusing why many churches now asking for tithe and the msg that u be "blessed" if u tithe. We should not ask for anything in return from God.
@@randomdove007
The New Covenant is based on Jesus' blood alone not Jesus' blood plus tithe. In Matt 26:28 , "This is My blood of the new covenant..." In Gal 3:13-15 "CHRIST hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through JESUS CHRIST ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith".
Jesus' blood, not the blood plus tithe, redeemed us. Blessing of Abraham on the Gentiles comes through Christ not through Chris plus tithe. Recommended : Gysbert Brits' "Jesus is the Tithe : The Message of God Releasing the Child from Manipulation"
But JP will always try to talk you round to tithing. Tithing is your responsibility, he said in a recent sermon. Those are his own manufactured words. He is trying to guilt people into tithing. Let giving be filtered through godly wisdom. Giving yes but not to greedy deceitful false preachers.
As John Macarthur says, the prosperity gospel is a con job, a pyramid scheme that makes the few at the top very rich. JP is always tempting his audience with notions of prosperity in quoting "He also brought them out with silver and gold". His followers are so proud of his huge congregation, not knowing that they are the base of the pyramid.
A pastor preaches Jesus and not Jesus + Tithing. But a self-serving pastor would twist it to dress up tithing as part of grace. Sure he would not preach circumcision by dressing it up as part of grace.
What grace is that if a relationship with God is based on give-to-get? That give-to-get message is very subtly preached by JP. Even tithing does not mean success for a company's owner as some, including water treatment business, have bitten the dust.
05:22 i had attended NCC for 16 years (until 2023), what Bro Andrew Tan said about tithing before being appointed as a leader is very true. i heard it from my ministry serving team leader who had served as a leader for 2 decades. The first pre-requisite to be a NCC leader is one must be "successful" aka wealthy and the person must be giving back his wealth to NCC. NCC cannot have someone who is not so "blessed and successful" to be a leader as this will not be in-line with their tag line of "highly favoured and greatly blessed".
Thanks for your comment. Can you kindly get in touch with me at revgeorgeong@gmail.com thanks
Not sure is this true also, heard from my friend years ago she wanted to join the NCC choir, but was rejected. Apparently, they do not recruit fat, plump, pimple faced, or not presentable people. Coz must look good on stage.
@@randomdove007 I recalled a friend told me she was rejected by the NCC choir cos she was elderly.
You see the superficiality of this ministry.
@@randomdove007
🙋🏻♀️ One of our brother who could play instruments and compose song submitted a song composed by him to NCC and they replied him saying their standard of worship ministry was very strict therefore they would require at least a min of standard from anyone wants to serve in worship was to have at least a diploma cert in music or else cannot serve in NCC music ministry.
As for the choir, those who want to join will have to go through strict test as to be able to sing very well, to have a voice like those worship leaders or else you can't be able to join.
Apparently there was a sister wanted to join NCC choir so much till she paid and joined a vocal class which happened the vocal institution owned by one of the worship leader.
After this sister got a passed from the vocal classes, sadly she was turned down by NCC choir ministry, reason given was not good enough to join their choir.
When i heard this, i thought NCC was conducting a talent stage show like "who's got talent?"
Of course the person who owned the vocal institution was very furious about it and wanted to know why her student whom she passed couldn't get into the choir.
As for the sister who has been turned down requested not to further enquire NCC choir ministry as she willing to let it go and accepted her lot.
But today the tides has changed. Anyone can easily get into the choir because many choir members has left.
They need more servers now therefore they need to lower down their high horses.