Herald of maranatha:Daily Devotional
Topic: Tithing and the early church (Apostolic Revival)
Acts 4:34-37 KJV
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, [35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. [36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, [37] Having land, sold it , and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
From this text we can see the manner of giving in the early church. They gave their lives first then they gave everything.
That's a sign of genuine conversion and an evidence of the presence of the Holy Ghost in them.
unlike the rebellious move in our days, when "christians" begins to fight against "tithing" trying to be free from giving a portion of their money to God, and most of such people also claimed to have been baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Don't you see more reasons to ask, if the Holy Spirit here was a different one?
An actively practising adulterer came to tell our modern day Christians in Nigeria, that tithing isn't right and many believed him.
Let's leave that aside, the early church didn't just give a tithe, they sold their possessions and laid it at the Apostles' feet.
How much of your possessions have you sold for the purpose of the gospel? and you're fighting against tithing.
We need to stand by the word of God without sentiment or respect of person, if we must get to heaven.
"The early christians were selfless in giving, the modern Christians are selfish in giving"
See the attitude of the early church;
"2 Corinthians 8:1-5 KJV
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; [2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. [3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; [4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. [5] And this they did , not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."
See the attitude of most of the modern Christians;
"Mark 10:21-25 KJV
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. [22] And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. [23] And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! [24] And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
That's a sign of genuine conversion and an evidence of the presence of the Holy Ghost in them.
unlike the rebellious move in our days, when "christians" begins to fight against "tithing" trying to be free from giving a portion of their money to God, and most of such people also claimed to have been baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Don't you see more reasons to ask, if the Holy Spirit here was a different one?
An actively practising adulterer came to tell our modern day Christians in Nigeria, that tithing isn't right and many believed him.
Let's leave that aside, the early church didn't just give a tithe, they sold their possessions and laid it at the Apostles' feet.
How much of your possessions have you sold for the purpose of the gospel? and you're fighting against tithing.
We need to stand by the word of God without sentiment or respect of person, if we must get to heaven.
"The early christians were selfless in giving, the modern Christians are selfish in giving"
See the attitude of the early church;
"2 Corinthians 8:1-5 KJV
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; [2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. [3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; [4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. [5] And this they did , not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."
See the attitude of most of the modern Christians;
"Mark 10:21-25 KJV
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. [22] And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. [23] And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! [24] And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
May God help our hearts to be pure again in our services towards God.
Prayers: Oh Lord Jesus, grant me great grace to give everything to you genuinely,
equip and fortify me, for the mighty revival.
equip and fortify me, for the mighty revival.
Remain blessed
"if the early church sold and gave their possessions and the modern church is fighting against a tithe of their possessions, then there must be a different spirit involved, not the same Holy Spirit" (Omoloye A A)
If you were blessed by this devotional, please kindly share, that somebody somewhere might benefit from it. God bless you as you do so.
If you were blessed by this devotional, please kindly share, that somebody somewhere might benefit from it. God bless you as you do so.
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