![Are there specific guidelines for donating to a church as God's instructions? [Continuation]](/en/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/20250629030713_church-tithing-giving-of-tithes-to-god-and-fellowshipping-with-god-illustrated-with-examples-from-genesis.jpeg)
God's Guidelines for Church Tithes Continued (Part Two)
Hey there! Let's dive into today's chat about church giving - specifically, the aspects of tithes and fellowship with God.
Tithing to God
Remember Abraham, the dude from Genesis 14? Well, when he won a big battle, he gave 10% of his loot to Melchizedek, which was a cool way of showing gratitude and obeying God. This act was a divine arrangement, as God was working within Abraham to make this happen. In fact, God decided on the tenth part to be given - Abraham just followed through.
This pattern continues when God gave Israel specific rules about tithing. The thing is, tithing isn’t just about being generous; it’s a unique kind of offering God chose to receive from His people exclusively.
Fellowshipping with God
Now, let’s go back to that meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek. Melchizedek brought bread and wine to the party, and that tells us that Abraham’s tithe offering was done during a communion ceremony with Melchizedek as a stand-in for God. This sacred event probably helped Abraham build a strong bond with God and deepen his understanding of God's personal nature.
In the next session, we'll discuss the two remaining aspects of the God rubrics for church tithing – dedicating one's life to God and committing to the kingdom of God program, which involves participating in Christ and the church.
Cheers!
(P.S: FYI, the importance of tithing and fellowship with God centers around gratitude, obedience, and spiritual partnership. It's a way of saying thanks, acknowledging God as our provider, and strengthening our relationship with Him.)
(P.P.S: Tithing stems from ancient practices – it was observed before the Mosaic Law and even by Abraham, as well as Jacob. In the Mosaic Law, tithing was made mandatory to support the temple, Levites, and the community. In the New Testament, the focus is more on voluntary, heartfelt giving rather than legal obligations, though tithing remains an inspiring model for faithful giving in the church setting.)
The act of tithing by Abraham to Melchizedek, as seen in the Genesis 14 story, can be considered a financial report of his gratitude and obedience towards God.
During the communion ceremony with Melchizedek, Abraham's tithe offering was also a form of fellowship with God, potentially building a strong bond and deepening his understanding of God's personal nature.
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