Giving and Tithing – Part 3/4

We are about to embark and ready to begin on our study portion part 3, of a study entitled “Giving and Tithing.” We shared quite a bit the last two segments, for some of you a paradigm shift, a completely different change in worldview, and how Yahweh wants us to manage the resources He’s given us, and whether it be our time, our finances or whatever it might be.

And we talked a lot about Yahweh’s standard for giving and how it’s radically different than the standard found in what’s called the “American Dream.” And if we are very alert when we’re reading the Scriptures, we will find an expectation on Yahweh’s part that is a lot higher than most people realize.

I was actually upstairs moments ago, and I think Yahweh gave me a word. I’m not gonna act like I’m a prophet, but it seems to make sense to me, and I want to share it with you. This right now here we are in 2020, we’re in springtime of 2020 or Biblical summer of 2020, and at this time there is this coronavirus going around ravaging communities. And to the extent that in many parts of the country people are cancelling their Passover observances, people are canceling their weekly Sabbath assemblies.

And that thought just came in my mind about something I’d actually shared a previous segment. And it came from Isaiah chapter 1 verse 13 where it said – Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense – This would be prayers, spiritual prayers are. – an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies– I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. – And He is talking about the time of an otherwise righteous nation, under otherwise righteous King, and He couldn’t stand their gatherings. And so, He said don’t even, you’re calling this assembly, what good is it, what good is it, He says. –
¹⁴ Your New Moons, your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I’m weary of bearing them.
¹⁵ When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. – And that’s I believe one thing the nation that we live in is dealing with right now. As I’ve shared before why I believe Yahweh is allowing the coronavirus to ravage the world, is because of bloodshed on the land. Now, there is a physical bloodshed and there is a spiritual as well. But anyway, it says –
¹⁶ “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do to do evil,
¹⁷ Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. – He is crying out for people to take care of the widow and the fatherless. We’re talking physical needs, we’re talking spiritual needs. And there are many widows or, as I shared last week, single moms who are basically widows because of men who will not take care of their children. And He’s saying, “Where are you men, you got to rise up and care for these fatherless children, take care of their mamas.” Because they need to know someone loves them; they need to know that there is a heavenly Father who wants to be their Father. And so, He can’t stand the calling of assemblies unless we are taking care of the physical and spiritual needs of an orphan, or the fatherless and the widow. Or I believe also applies, as I shared the previous segment, the single mom taking care of the babies, taking care of the children. It says –
¹⁸ “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says Yahweh, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; – Because the land will be healed. –
²⁰ But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of Yahweh has spoken. –

So, there are some who, because we are not taking care of the fatherless among us, and though even the widows among us, and I know of widows who have been pretty much ignored by the majority of Torah observant believers, and because of that they are in spiritual, spiritually difficult place. Maybe even a spiritually dark place.

I was talking to a widow this week, and they need our help, they need our help. I’m talking to several widows and single moms this week. They need our help, they need our service, they need our love and our care. And so, could it be, I’m just, you know, throwing this out there, possibility, that you know, judgment begins at the household of Yahweh, right.

So, we need to quit chasing the things that don’t profit. We live in a Laodicean way, a Laodicean world, and that’s where Yahushua says (Revelation 3:15-17) – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.
¹⁶ “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
¹⁷ “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’– and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked– –

You see, if riches don’t completely take us away from Yahweh, they can certainly reduce the heat level of our spiritual walk. And that’s actually more dangerous. If the world and trying to build our own little kingdom doesn’t completely pull us away from the Father, if it even reduces our heat level by a small amount, it’s actually more dangerous, because He said, “I’d rather you be cold or hot,” right?

Now, what He said here the very beginning, “I wish you were cold or hot. I could work with that, I can work with someone who’s spiritually cold or hot, but this lukewarm stuff sure is hard to work with.” That’s what I’m hearing here. He would rather, so, this lukewarm, the problem is it gives us a false sense of security, a false sense that we’re doing just fine in our spiritual thermometer. Or we compare ourselves with the people who happen to be at a lower temperature than we are. And we assume that we’re doing fine. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. – 2 Corinthians 10:12.

Because the only worthy comparison when it comes to our spiritual thermometer, our spiritual walk, is Yahushua the Messiah and perhaps the Apostles are a pretty good measure as well. Although they’re they weren’t to His level, they were fanatics, they were radical givers, they were completely sold out for Yahushua, and the world had no hold on them.

It says (Acts 4:32-33) – Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, – Think about that, it was if as that they didn’t really own anything, it was really everybody’s. – but they had all things in common
³³ And with great power the Apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Master Yahushua. And great grace was upon them all. – You see, they had a message to share. They had a message that needed to go out to the whole world. I’m here to tell you, “We have a message to share.” People know about the resurrection, but they don’t know about the Torah. We have a message to share. Both are important, both are necessary. It says –
³⁴ 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,
³⁵ and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed each as anyone had need. –

Look at that. Talk about radical giving. I mean, this was the raw, most authentic time of faith, untainted. They didn’t always do this later on. And I don’t know that it’s necessary we have to do this today, because I mean, who are you gonna find to lead this thing, and actually be someone you can trust. I’ve known communes out there, you know, communes that were they tried this, the most of them have turned cultish, or they crashed and burned because of division, you know. We sure could use the wise and humble leadership of the apostles nowadays. I’m not sure anyone’s worthy of that kind of trustworthy leadership today. But they had the truth and we’re trying to protect it. We’ve lost it and we’re trying to get back to it.

And I think the problem is that so many people get busy building their little commune or, I don’t care if it’s your little house, or your little utopian commune, they’re still not reaching outwardly to the lost souls of this world. And so, being self-focused it creates a perfect environment for self-centeredness, and arguments, and fights over who gets what, and who does what. Because the group still consists of self-centered people trying to build their own kingdom. They were doing that before, they just changed addresses. And a change of address does not necessarily bring a changed heart.

Israel actually had this problem when they returned from Babylon. They changed addresses, but their heart had not yet changed to the place that Yahweh required of them. And so, Yahweh sent Haggai the prophet. In chapter 1 and verse 7 it says (Haggai 1:4-7) – “Is it time for yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” – Now think of the spiritual impact here. We came out of Babylon, did we not? Is it time for us to dwell in our panel houses and Yahweh’s temple lie in ruins? –
⁵ Now therefore, thus says Yahweh of hosts: “Consider your ways!
⁶ “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”
⁷ Thus says Yahweh of hosts: “Consider your ways!”

Yahweh just delivered them from Babylon, now they’re inhabitants of Jerusalem, and there are a lot of people in this place today. Yahweh’s brought us out of Babylon, offered us residence in the Eternal City, we dwell in our nice paneled houses, our dry-walled homes, focusing on building this little earthly kingdom, while the temple of Yahweh is ignored. Or put in a lower place. It should be first and foremost. It should be the main thing. The only reason we’ve been building this earthly thing is, so that we can somehow bring the heavenly temple into a greater place, where there’s more and more people dwelling in this temple. And more and more people who are willing to allow their bodies to be the temple the Holy Spirit.

And the life we live in our paneled houses is mostly operating off of a self-serving schedule. The life in paneled houses is more important than building Yahweh’s temple, and so there isn’t much joining together in service to proclaim the awesome word of Yahweh, the Torah, to this community we live in. Or to the world. And it’s so bad today, some people don’t even tithe anymore. Forget giving what you have extra, not even giving ten percent. And it used to be a common thing. Almost everyone that attend a congregation would tithe. But I can tell you, in my thirty years experience in being in ministry and being around Torah observant brethren, there are a lot fewer people out there tithing in our circles than there are in traditional Christianity. And I understand why and we’re going to talk about that.

First of all let me say this, “If you are not tithing if you’re not giving at least ten percent of your income toward ministry, to the spiritually and physically poor; I’m not saying has to be to me, I’m saying somehow, someway, spiritually and physically poor are being cared for by your ten percent, if you’re not doing at least ten percent, you may be in grave spiritual danger.”

Now, all the Scriptures I’ve shared with this point have clearly pointed in that direction. What the Father’s will actually is, and if you think you don’t need to tithe, all I can say is, “You better be right.”

In Malachi 3:8, now don’t turn off the screen just because I quote this Scripture, listen to what Yahweh is saying – “Will a man rob Elohim? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. – Now, how many of you have ever been a victim of a robbery? Or someone just stole something from you? I mean it’s kind of unnerving. I mean, if you kind of feel violated, disrespected. In some cases you might even have given it to them if they’d asked. But they have it stolen from you, and causes you to feel disrespected, hated and violated. And that is how Yahweh describes the way He feels when we keep the tithes and offerings for ourselves.

Not just tithes but also offerings. Yahweh provided everything we have and He says ten percent is to be reserved for His ministry to help people be fed, whether they need to be spiritually fed or physically fed. I say “spiritually” and “physically” because even the Levites at this time were proclaiming the Torah of Yahweh. Malachi chapter 2 verse 7 says – “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of Yahweh of hosts. –

Yahweh had appointed the priests to teach the Torah. And so, the tithe is for the physical needs and the spiritual needs of the people. The Levites were not to own land but were to minister to the people by proclaiming the Torah and the Messiah. Yes, the Messiah was proclaimed in temple service. Hidden ways, in a parable way, in a symbolic way, but still proclaiming our need for atonement and for cleansing of sin.

The Torah and the Messiah are the two ministries that are consistently found to be in operation from one end of the Scriptures to the other. Going all the way back, even Abraham’s day.

(Genesis 14:18-20) – Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; – The bread is Torah, the wine representing the blood of Messiah. – he was the priest of Elohim Most High.
¹⁹ And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of Elohim Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
²⁰ And blessed be Elohim Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of (all) – A few things? No everything. Even the spoils of war. He did not plant, he did not sow, he gave him a tithe of everything he had.

And so, there were priests long before there was a nation of Israel. This particular priest was also a king. Being king of Salem. Salem is modern-day Jerusalem. So he was a king and a priest, and so that’s why Yahushua is the King and the Priest after the order of Melchizedek. And so he would have known, he would have proclaimed the truth of Yahweh. Melchizedek would have proclaimed the statutes and commandments of Yahweh. And that’s the statutes and commandments that Abraham would have obeyed. That’s how they, how did they know how to tithe? How did they even know that? How did they know how, you know, sacrifices were necessary? These priests that were functioning, would have been keepers of Yahweh’s ways and proclaimers of Yahweh’s ways. And just as it is during the time when Israel was a nation, the priests would keep knowledge and proclaim the Torah, the law, the will of Yahweh from his mouth. Whether he was a Melchizedek priest or a Levite priest. That’s the purpose of a priest, proclaiming Torah and Messiah. And so, Melchizedek would have been a teacher, and he would have been doing sacrifices.

Another priest would have been Jethro. We find Jethro in the book of Exodus chapter 3:1 says – Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. – So they were priests over different areas, there is priests over Salem, this is a priest over Midian. And I would say there are probably other priests over different areas. – And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of Elohim. –

So, Mosheh did allow this priest, he was a priest of Yahweh because he, Mosheh did allow (Exodus 18:12) – Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to Elohim. – I mean, if he was a pagan priest, why would Moses, a righteous man, leading the children of Israel out of Egypt, allow him to do these sacrifices. And so – And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before Elohim. – And so, there were priests then. And this one offered sacrifices to Yahweh with the approval of Moses, or Mosheh. And so, he will go to proclaim Yahweh’s will, and later on Mosheh listened to him when he said, “Hey, make captains of tens, and hundreds” and “You can’t do this all yourself,” he listened to the advice of the priest; who happened to also be his father-in-law.

And so, when Yahweh appeared to Mosheh in a burning bush, he wasn’t too, he wasn’t unfamiliar with who Yahweh was. But yes, there were things that were hidden, things that were being lost, things that were going away. And I think that’s one reason why there was a Torah that need to be written down so that people would not lose the teaching.

Jacob would have tithed to a priest somewhere. Genesis 28:22 – “And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be Elohim’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You. – Not of just little things but everything he says, “of all”, just like Abraham, “Of all that you give me I will give a tenth to you.” The only priestly order at the time was the order of Melchizedek. We don’t know if there’s others prior to him or what the names of these people were, the priests only names some. But we know from other Scriptures Yahushua was given a priesthood. His sacrifice was not an animal sacrifice, His sacrifice was Himself. Hebrews chapter 9 verse 24 – For Messiah has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of Elohim for us;
²⁵ not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another–
²⁶ He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. – So He is our high priest, being without blemish, it was an acceptable offering.

And we are called also to offer ourselves in Messiah Yahushua. Romans 12:1 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Elohim, which is your reasonable service. – And so we are called to walk out Yahushua’s example.

And we are that royal priesthood according to 1 Peter 2:9 – You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood – A priesthood that is of royalty is also a king, right? Royalty is kingship. And in priesthood. And so Yahushua was a king and a priest just like Melchizedek, and so we are part of – a holy nation, His own special people – And we’re called to – proclaim His praises who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. –

So, that what was unique about Melchizedek was, in the Torah we know that there was a Levites, they were the priests, and then there was the sons of David, they were the kings, later on down through the ages. But originally it was just king and priest under one order. Now it’s really important that we understand that, because the apostles, who were not Levites, took up the task of teaching the Law of Yahweh and proclaiming the Messiah. They took up this task. Even though they were not Levites. Paul was a Benjamite. But he did a whole lot of teaching. Well, though it’s supposed to be (Mal. 2:7) – “ . . . the lips of the priests (should keep knowledge), And people should seek the law from his mouth; – Well, if we are now a royal priesthood then we have a responsibility to proclaim the Torah and Messiah, even as the Levites would once have done.

So. And so Paul says, “they were teachers and ministers of the New Covenant.” This is – Not that we are sufficient of ourselves – 2 Corinthians chapter 3 verse 5 – to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from Elohim,
⁶ who also made us sufficient as ministers of the New Covenant. . . – And so we’re ministers of the New Covenant. And our ministry is to proclaim the ministry of the Spirit which is able to cleanse man of all sin. But we also teach righteous living which is according to the standards found in Yahweh’s Law.

And so just as Melchizedek brought forth the bread and the wine, Yahushua brought us His bread and the blood of the sacrifice. We are called to bring forth spiritual bread which is the Word of Yahweh, and bring forth the fruit of the vine which is the ministry of the New Covenant in Yahushua’s blood. Both the New Covenant and the Old Covenant contain Torah.

With the Torah being written in the hearts and the minds of those who are in the New Covenant. Jeremiah 31:33 – “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put My torah – My law – in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their Mighty One, and they shall be My people. –

Guess what. The Old Covenant also had this element of Yahweh’s Word being on the hearts and minds. We see this in Deuteronomy chapter 30 verse 11. It says – “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off.
. . .
¹⁴ “But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. –

So if the Word of Yahweh is in our heart, if Yahweh’s Law is in our heart, it’s because Yahushua is in our heart. And He is the Word that became flesh, dwelt among us, and now He takes residence in our heart. And therefore we are able to do it. We are able to keep Torah. And so just as the Levites did teach, even though the Word of Yahweh was in the hearts of Israel, the ministers of the New Covenant also teach, even though the Law of Yahweh is in our hearts and minds. And in fact, this is part of the process of placing the Law of Yahweh in our hearts and in our minds, okay.

So, in light of the fact that the Levites received tithes, we see Melchizedek received tithes. So if one wanted to tithe, which ministry would they tithe to. I noticed in the book of Hebrews chapter 7 it says –
⁴ Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham give a tenth of the spoils.
⁵ And indeed those who are the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;
⁶ but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. – Just referring to the time that Abraham defeated the four kings. And when he came back and Melchizedek met him and gave him the tithe of all. We read that earlier. So Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, right? Okay. So it says in verse 7 (Heb 7:7-10) –
⁷ Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.
⁸ Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.
⁹ Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,
¹⁰ for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. –

So which is the greater priesthood, that of Melchizedek or that of the Levites? Certainly, the greater ministry is the ministry of Melchizedek, to the extent that Levi and all of Israel paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. So the greater priesthood is a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.

And we even see in Acts chapter 4 verse 36 it says – And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), – Here’s a Levite – a Levite – okay – of the country of Cyprus,
³⁷ having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. – So here’s a Levite giving money to the Melchizedek priests. I find that interesting. And so, just as the Levites had their needs provided for, while they ministered to the people, the same is true for those who were of the Melchizedek order.

Yahushua did not work a regular job. Neither did the apostles. But how did they get their needs met? Luke chapter 8 verse 1 says (Luke 8:1-3) – Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of Elohim. And the twelve were with Him,
² and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities– Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,
³ and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who – What? – provided for Him from their substance – Other people provided for the needs of Yahushua and the apostles.

The word “substance” is (<5224>) huparchonta {hoop-ar’-khon-tah}—possessions, goods, wealth, property. So Yahushua was being supported, His ministry is being supported. In this case by even the women, were supporting the ministry. So yes, it’s acceptable for Yahushua to receive possessions, good, wealth, property from Chuza, Susanna, many others, it says, who had provided for Him. It says many others had provided.

So, of course, I mean how else are they going to be able to survive and proclaim the Word of Yahweh. And they had a money box. John chapter 13 verse 29 – For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Yahushua had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. – And so, Yahushua was focused on ministry to the poor, and He did use the money box, the funds that came in for ministry, in this case, so they could purchase things for the festival. It must have been a common occurrence or it wasn’t been brought up.

And so we see that the apostles following this same example. For instance Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:11-15 – If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? – Like, of course!–
¹² If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? – Suggesting that there were others who were getting their material needs provided for, because they were sowing spiritual things in their hearts. He says, “Well if you’re doing that for others aren’t we also going to have the same right?” Even more so, I mean it was Paul and those who were with him who brought the gospel to the people of Corinth. – Nevertheless – he said – we have not used this right – It is a right but he’s not used it. – but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Messiah.
¹³ Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? – Nothing wrong with that. And so, he says –
¹⁴ Even so – verse 14 – the Master has – Suggested? Hints from Heloise? No! –
commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. – Look, I didn’t write the mail. It is what it says, okay? He says okay, I’ve not used anything. –
¹⁵ 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 then that anyone should make my boasting void. – What’s he talking about? He’s saying he did not want their material things at all.

Now, a lot is said about the overfed preacher, and no one can deny that’s true, okay? But it’s also, it cannot be denied, it’s commanded here, that ministers be supported. We see the example Yahushua being supported, the apostles being supported. You cannot erase this Scripture from your Bible no matter how often you may try. Yes, it has been abused but it’s still here, it’s still right there in the text for everybody to see. I mean, it’s not going to go anywhere. And it’s the example in the Torah for the Levites, the example of Melchizedek receiving tithes, it’s an example of Yahushua Himself. And so, it continues that same example among the apostles. It’s a commandment, okay?

Now, – ⁴ “Carry neither money bag – He said in Luke chapter 10. Don’t even bring money with you, forget the money. Don’t bring – knapsack, – Don’t bring even – sandals – walk along barefoot; – and greet nobody along the road. – Right? –
⁵ “But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘(Peace)Shalom to this house.’
⁶ “And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; – This is when he sent out the apostles to the different countries and cities. – If not, it will return to you.
⁷ “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for – What? – the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. – So don’t worry about your money bag, other people are gonna take care of you. He expected that, He expected it.

And Yahushua gives the comparison of a person working in ministry to one working any other occupation, saying, “Hey, you’re laboring, you’re worthy of wages because you’re laboring.” He said they did not need to carry a money bag with them, and by faith they could trust their needs be provided for because Yahweh would lead various individuals to provide for them. And He said, “Well, I’ve got a money box here, but this time I want you to go out with no money bag.” And so He sent the disciples out in a special mission, a temporary mission, and He wanted to demonstrate Yahweh is gonna be with you—When you go out and you proclaim the word something will happen and there will be people Yahweh will send to take care of you.

Now, Paul chose not to do that because he want to continue his occupation there for a reason. I think he did not want to be accused of preaching Yahushua or being a convert to believing in the Messiah so he can gain something monetarily. Some money somehow. And maybe being, you know, being a former persecutor of believers, someone might have otherwise accused him of joining this faith so he can get something from it—money or whatever. But being he continued his occupation while proclaiming the Good News, he could prove his only motive is to do this out of love for Yahweh and for his fellow man. Not out of a love for money.

And so, I mean, I myself I took Paul’s route too. That first eighteen years I’ve ministered online I continued my normal occupations and I did ministry here, elsewhere. And it wasn’t until about six years ago or so, a little over six years ago, the growth of the ministry and other things kind of brought me to a place where I felt like I needed to do it full-time. But we see here that Paul did not want the Good News to be hindered. I really didn’t either, and that’s one reason I did that. But I see that there’s a need and I wanted to supply that need for the people. It required me to invest more time than I could do otherwise.

So, at least the Corinthians, actually when I research this further, I found out that Paul, look what he said in 2 Corinthians chapter 12. He says – ¹³ For what is it in which you were inferior to other (churches) assemblies, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong! – He’s kind of being sarcastic here. And so what he’s saying here is, only in the Corinth was he choosing not to be a burden to the people in Corinth. Other assemblies he did not take that same position. He did allow himself to be supported by other assemblies. But when he came to Corinth, this is a new area, he didn’t want to be a burden to them. And he chose not to be, particularly to the Corinthians.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 11 verse 7 it says – Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of Elohim to you free of charge?
⁸ I robbed other churches, – In other words he actually was being supported by other churches. – taking wages from them to minister to you – The Corinthians. And so he did for it at first start doing a tentmaker thing, but then later the ministry needs became so great, he had to borrow from other assemblies in order to continue providing for them without money and without requiring anything from them. And so, he says –
⁹ 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. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. –

So, although much is made about Paul being a tentmaker and he continued to do so, there were times based on his words here he did rely upon the funds from other assemblies and from other brethren, particularly Macedonia, to supply for his needs. And some of you may be very surprised to see that, but it’s clearly here written in the word.

Acts 18 verses 1 through 4. It says – After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.
² And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.
³ So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
⁴ And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. –

And this would be the day when he first arrived, okay? But we see here that later on it appears he did have to require the support from other assemblies. Because this is the very first visit to Corinth, right here in Acts 18. And so he stayed there and eventually the brothers in Macedonia and other places came along and helped, okay? And he did the same thing, if you look in 1 Thessalonians chapter 2. He did the same thing to Thessalonica, that he ended up not being a burden to them, but then other folks came in later and helped.

So it seems to me that Paul did not want to step right in and start, “Okay, you all support me,” you know. And so he chose to continue to make his living as normal. And then again, I followed that same pattern eighteen years. And one thing I’ve not done, one thing I will don’t ever want to do, is offer my teachings for a fee.

Imagine Yahushua saying, “All right, get all the disciples together, sermon on the mountain, five shekels”, you know that’s not the way He did things. And so, never was the poor at a disadvantage when it comes to hearing the word of Yahweh. Never, ever, ever. And so, while there were some who were practicing that in ancient times, it was not a Biblical practice.

We see in the Book of Micah chapter 3 in verse 11 it says – Her heads judge for a bribe, – Her heads judge for a bribe; in other words, you give me money I’ll make your judgment. Of course the money is gonna thwart your judgment and cause your judgment to be leaning in the wrong direction, right? It says – Her priests teach for pay, – In the same way judging for bribe can corrupt the judgment, the teaching for pay can corrupt the teaching. And that’s why I believe it’s wrong to offer teachings on your website for $4.95 or $10.95 or $29.95 or whatever “ninety-five” you want to call it, I think it’s wrong. It says – And her prophets divine for money. Yet they lean on Yahweh, and say, “Is not Yahweh among us? No harm can come upon us.”
¹² Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed like a field, Jerusalem shall become heaps of ruins, And the mountain and the temple Like the bare hills of the forest. – Because they’re teaching for pay. I didn’t write the mail, I mean, that’s what it says.

Now, there was nothing wrong with the Levites receiving tithes from a general fund. Just like we have judges on earth here who receive salary, okay? Nothing wrong with that. But to receive payments for specific judgments from specific people has the potential to corrupt, right? And so, there’s nothing wrong with the Levites receiving tithes from a general fund and being teachers of the Word of Yahweh. But for them to start going, “Okay, I’ll give you a teaching on this topic, you pay me this much.” Not the way it works. Never the way it works.

But what’s going on today—teach for pay model. Some teachings are behind a paywall. I find it disgusting. Because then the poor can’t get the teaching. And so the poor man, you know, “you go somewhere else, you don’t get to hear the Word of Yahweh.” That’s shameful.

So there are 2 ways of corrupting and teaching—either bribe the judges who judge the law, or you bribe the teachers by paying them to teach the law the way you want to be taught. And so, you bribe the teacher, you bribe the one judging. It’s like that in America today. Either you bribe the judges or you lobby the lawmakers. Either way, same problem, okay?

So Yahushua and His disciples, yes they received donations but they never engaged in practice with charging people to hear them teach. That has the potential to corrupt the teaching just as bribes can corrupt a judgment. And so, yeah, someone can offer X amount of dollars to teachers so they’ll hear what they want to hear. Just as easily as they can offer X amount of dollars for the judge to bribe and to judge the way they want to be judged. And that’s what’s happening on television. That’s what’s happening in Messianic, among Messianic teachers. Requiring payments for teaching creates this marketplace atmosphere where all these competitors are vying for the people’s money. No thanks. No no way, okay?

¹⁷ For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of Elohim; but as of sincerity, but as from Elohim, we speak in the sight of Elohim in Messiah. – 2 Corinthians 2:17. And there are many out there who are “Word of Elohim peddlers.” So do I believe the Melchizedek priesthood should receive and use tithes? Yes! Paul said in fact Yahweh commanded those who preach the good news should live from it. But I don’t like the teach for pay model because that’s not how Yahushua did it, it’s not how Paul did it, it’s not like any righteous judge ever did it, or any righteous teacher ever did it. It’s done by modern Christians, but that’s one of the many modern church practices that are not following the Biblical pattern.

Now, when it comes to tithing there are some who are teaching we don’t have to tithe of our money at all. The only thing we need ancient Israel was required to do is tithe of their agriculture—Produce from the ground; offspring of animals. All right, I can’t find a Scripture that require tithes of money. True. But I want to point out something very important. First of all when it came to tithing to the Levites, they only tithe of the land and the animals. But the Melchizedek priesthood, we don’t see that pattern, okay? What we see is Abraham tithing of all. We see Jacob tithing of all, okay? So, it’s different. It could be different. It could be different expectations. Maybe that’s why Yahushua had a money box, okay? Not a stall for animals and a grainery for food.

Another thing I want to point out is, we need to walk in not just the rote commands, but also the principles, okay? The Biblical principles are very important, not just the statute itself, okay? When it comes to Biblical practice the one thing we have to look at is the purpose, the purpose of the law. The purpose of the law according to 1 Timothy chapter 1 verse 5 is love – . . . love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, – That’s the purpose of the law, okay? And some have strayed from this and they don’t understand it. And so, they don’t understand how to apply Torah because they don’t understand it’s purpose, okay?

Now, Paul himself used this Scripture, Deuteronomy 25 verse 4 – You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain. Paul used this Scripture to tell people they should not cheat the workmen of his wages. In 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 9 – For it is written in the law of Mosheh, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it – the oxen – oxen Elohim is concerned about? – Is it just the oxen? –
¹⁰ . . . For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. – You know. –
¹¹ If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we – Talking about himself. – reap your material things? –

Now, he is taking people who probably don’t even own an ox, okay, what he basically says, “Don’t deprive the ox of its needs like to eat while it’s doing its work for you.” In other words, if you’re getting fed with Yahweh’s Word and you’re getting fed because someone is giving you sound teaching from the Word of Yahweh, you have a responsibility to make sure you are not muzzling the one who’s giving you the grain, the spiritual grain. And you’re providing for the one working for you. And just as it is ultimately for a man’s own benefit that he treats the ox well, it is for your own benefit that the person who is providing the spiritual bread for you is provided for, so that he can labor in the Word and do so unhindered, undistracted and therefore provide a more sound teaching. Because the starving ox will not do the work of one is doing well. A starving teacher will not be as effective in treading out the grain, that is providing the spiritual food you’re looking for.

And that’s why Yahweh told Israel don’t forsake the Levite. He wanted the Levites to be taken care of so they could teach the Law of Yahweh unhindered. It’s a basic principle of justice. I mean, people have no problem paying counselors, professors, teachers at schools, paying big money. But when it comes to ministers, all of a sudden that’s a bad thing. Scripture says, “Those who benefit from sowing spiritual things have an obligation to provide material things for the workers.” We’re all called to serve each other, right? Not just the one person serving you, you’re supposed to serve them too. It’s two way. We’re supposed, the one hand wash the other, right?

So, Paul is sharing a concept here, it goes all the way back to patriarchal times. Just because there are TV evangelists out there abuse their position doesn’t mean this truth is any less truth. He’s sharing a Biblical principle from the Law of Yahweh. And he’s applying it beyond the actual statute. He’s looking at the principles of it.

And so we cannot be keepers of Yahweh’s Law unless we understand the purpose—the purpose is love. If you’re starving the man who has given you spiritual grain, that’s not love. If he’s stressed out because he can’t meet his next bill because no one’s providing for him, yeah he’s providing for you, it’s not easy. I’ve been in that place many a time. But it’s true, full-time ministers should never abuse their position, and live lavishly. But ask yourself if it isn’t also true full-time ministers should have ongoing support and never have to wonder how they’re gonna be able to afford housing, clothing and other basic needs for their families.

Now, Yahweh has provided for me one way or another, I am in full-time ministry, one way or another. But there have been numerous times brothers and sisters, both I and elder Neil have been in situations we’re like oxen looking around through a desert land trying to find some piece of grass to chew on. While we were putting in countless hours; for me seventy – eighty hours a week at times in the ministry. Right now about fifty-five to sixty hours a week in ministry. I know Neil puts in about fifty hours a week in ministry. And he’s a retired guy, I mean he’s retired, he’s putting fifty hours a week in ministry. He gets a pension, but it’s not always enough to cover him. And I’ve had to help him a number of times.

But listen. We’re putting in the work. And most people don’t think to help, fine, I mean Yahweh leads you as you want. But if someone can’t help, you can’t, all right, whatever. But neither of us want to ever want someone to feel guilty and therefore, “O well, I’m gonna give because I feel guilty.” We want you to give out of love. Because the purpose of these commands is love from pure heart and from a sincere faith. We want the Word of Yahweh to go out freely, without charge and without price to any who would be in need spiritually, to any who would be in need physically. We are ministers to the poor, seeking to enrich people, whether lost spiritually, seeking to enrich people who don’t have their basic needs met. That’s what we do and that’s what we’re about.

Scripture says Galatians 6:6 – Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. – That’s Scripture. It’s not like, “Hey, just making this up for us to get what we want.” This is Scripture, this is truth from the Word, okay? And just because it happens to involve money, and what not, toward people in this ministry doesn’t change the Scripture. It is what it says. It says (Romans 15:27) – For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. – It is all over the Word from one end to the other.

And I’m not saying this because I’m begging for money. I’m not sharing this message so I can line my pockets. I’m sharing these things because it’s in the Scriptures. And I am a minister of the Word, I must share with you what is in the Scriptures. It is a command, it is a principle we are expected to obey. It is a part of what Scripture teaches, and since I’m a teacher of the Word I am required to teach it. If you think “I’m out to get your money,” do not, I repeat do not send me a dime. I don’t want it. I don’t want it!

(2 Corinthians 9:7) – So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for Elohim loves a cheerful giver.

Now, I’m not saying every time a brother shares with you a teaching that helps you spiritually, you have to hand him a gift. You should look for people who aren’t peddling the Word, who are giving you the full counsel of Yahweh’s Word, who are givers to the poor and needy both spiritually and physically, does not have to be this ministry.

But there are some listening the broadcast who have been listeners to this ministry for many years, and may even found this ministry to be their main source of teaching, so you’re benefiting, maybe even greatly benefiting, yet have never shared anything in return. Not for the expenses involved, not for the poor we take care of, not for anything. Just taking and never giving. And that’s why Yahweh set up the tithe, to ensure the needs are met. To ensure no one have the excuse of not having enough to share. To ensure the Word of Yahweh will go out freely, without hindrance.

I would say every Torah observant believer would actually, if they were to actually tithe to the people they’re giving sound teaching, their resources that would be available to reach millions of people. The carriers of the true Good News. We’re the ones proclaiming the full counsel of Yahweh’s Word. And we’re in the midst of a huge revival right now. I mean, not since the first century have so many people come to both Torah and Messiah. The people are hungry, they’re starving spiritually for this truth because they’re not getting it from traditional Christianity.

And so, if His people, if He can do already this with so little, imagine how much more He could do if the people were the kind of givers He’s called us to be. And people truly put their money where their mouth is and not just loved in word but loved in deed (1 John 3:18). And we’re living in a time when the Word of Yahweh can go out freely right now.

And right now with the coronavirus and the things going on, the people are ripe to hear the word. And I’ll tell you what—no one’s stopping us from proclaiming the Word. Why are we sitting around our houses trying to build our little utopias, and our little whatever. Look, it’s not time for us to dwell in paneled houses when the true and traditional religions have left the temple of Yahweh unattended (Haggai 1:4-5). We’re not here to live this “American Dream” that you see going on in the lives of most people. We’re here to show the self-sacrificing life of our dear Savior who gave His whole life for others. His whole life! He came to serve, that was His life mission, was to give (Mark 10:45). Is that your life mission to give? Does your life mission line up with His life mission? That’s an important question!

(1 John 2:6) – He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. – Right? We should see ourselves like the early apostles did, really. They knew they had a message that need to go out to the whole world, right? So do we. They saw themselves not even having any possessions of their own. They were so uninterested in worldly things. I mean, if you had a long-lost child that you knew was spiritually destitute, lost, confused, and in need. And that all you had to do was somehow, someway get that message to them, and you knew they would receive it, I’m sure you would do anything you could to reach them, wouldn’t you? Sure you would. Especially if you knew they’d receive it.

But what if it’s Yahweh’s child? He has many children around the globe who are lost, confused, spiritually poor, and they would receive the truth if only someone would invest time and resources to get the Word out to them. If only people would care enough to invest in His children. Invest in their souls. There’s so much more that can be done. If you’re trying to decide whether you’re going to invest in a nicer car or saving a soul proclaiming the truth, which one you’re going to choose? What do you think is going to matter in the end, when you die? How much money you made for yourself or how many souls you saved from hell? Answer that question.

We need to ask ourselves: if there’s spiritual benefit to anything we purchase, I don’t care what it is. We’re either sold out for Yahushua or not. He who is with Him and he who is against Him. All you have to do is not be with Him and you’re against Him. And the early disciples they were with Him. And they didn’t even consider their earthly possessions to be their own. How about us, is that our attitudes? And just because you don’t consider yourself a pastor or a minister, maybe your main job isn’t really ministry, but if you have this world’s goods, and yet you’re spinning it all on yourself instead of investing in the lives of others and caring for others, we’ve seen very clearly in this study series where the Scriptures teach “That’s not the way Yahushua lived His life.”

Think about the tremendous good that could be done if you would live the way Yahushua lived His life. And think about what Yahushua said to the rich young ruler. Think about that. One reason I think we see so many Torah observant ministers charging money for their teachings, because they know Torah observant believers are not going to support them, any other way. They’ve got to put the little carrot on a stick—here I’ll give you this teaching and you pay for it but, you know. And they’ve been, you know, people, I know people, look, we’ve been burned by pastors, right? A lot of you’ve been burned by your pastors who took your tithes, taught you traditions of men rather than the commandments of Yahweh. And so, you just said. “Never again.” I know. I’ve been around you, I’ve been around you thirty years, I know you guys pretty well.

See, others have decided, you see, I know, you don’t have to tithe of your money, I get it. In other words—some believe there’s no such thing in Scripture as tithing from the money you make in laboring. And only if you’re a farmer do you have to tithe. Sure. If you follow the letter of the law, you’d say that. But then, if you only follow the letter of the law, then you couldn’t compare a “muzzled ox” to a “minister of the Word” either. Because you’re following the letter of the law.

The Torah says, “Well, if your neighbors’ ox or donkey goes astray, and he’s your enemy, bring it back to him again.” You could say, “Well, I see his sheep went astray so I don’t have to bring it back to him.” You’re missing it. The purpose of the law is love. You’ve got to walk in the principles and the spirit of the law, not just the rote commands.

That’s why Paul got that concept from the Torah. If you only looked at letter of the law then Yahushua would never have said lust was adultery and slander was murder. But we’re not just called the follow the letter of the law. We’re called to look for the spirit of the law, the intent of the law, the principles that the law is teaching us, and apply it to our lives in a broader way than just the rote commands and statutes.

What’s the principle behind Levites getting tithes from produce of the ground and animals from the herd? What’s the concept here? It says (Numbers 18:21) – “Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.” – And we also know that they were teachers, right? We read that earlier.

Deuteronomy 12:19 – “Take heed to yourself that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land.” – See, that was their income, the food be provided for.

But may I ask you a question, “What if they wanted to build a house? What if they needed ovens to cook their food in? What if they needed pitchers to drink from, and clothing for their families, and sandals to wear?” You can’t build a house out of barley grain, right? I mean, either Israel did tithe from this silver coinage or maybe the Levites would sell their grain or their animals to other people so they could have money to make necessary purchases, okay? But either way the needs of the Levite and the poor was provided for.

And now our culture is very, very different from the culture and ancient Israel. If you’re only to tithe from your produce and animals, that simply is not gonna work. And those who do full-time ministry are going to be muzzled oxen, and they’re not going to have their needs provided for, because, and the poor be left out on the street with no home to live in, because of modern technology has made food and meat so cheap. And so someone wanted to try to devote their lives a full-time ministry they’d have to find a farmer somewhere willing to give ten percent of his crop there, that you’re not gonna find. These mega farms giving away ten percent of the grain, and we gonna do ship the grain to areas the country, like around here there’s no there’s no corn farmers around here brothers and sisters, there’s no one’s selling vegetables here. We live in a very acidic soil here in Missouri, and only thing around here is farm animals.

So, you know, there be few, and very few people even tithe of their agriculture anyway. I mean, how many farmers out there who are on their combines are thinking, “Yep ten percent of this is gonna go to the poor, I’m not going to combine the corners of the field, and if any is left behind I’m going to make sure it goes to the to the poor.” They’re not doing that. In fact most people, even believers who have gardens, don’t tithe of the produce to ministers and poor people. I mean, maybe some of you do, I’m sure, I’m not putting you down, but a lot of people don’t even think about it.

In our nation today, listen, one out of two hundred people in America are self employed in agriculture. One out of two hundred. Compared to life in ancient times where most people were farmers. And so, what’s the Biblical reason for tithing? It is so that the needs of the Levites are provided for while they’re devoting their lives to full-time ministry, okay? And so, and for the poor. And so, the poor would have their needs provided for. And so, quite simply it’s not going to work, this whole, “Well, tithe of your animals and things like that.” It’s just not going to work.

And so the end result is—the ministers will get nothing. Now if you’re gonna walk in the rote commands, sure; but you’ve gotta look at the principle behind it. Yahweh wanted to make sure the ministers had their needs provided for, right? And you come along with your loophole in the law and say, “Well, I only don’t have to tithe of my money,” okay?

Moses said Yahushua was kind of putting down the Pharisees and scribes. He says (Mark 7:10-13) – “For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and he who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’
¹¹ “But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”–’ (that is, a gift to Elohim),
¹² “then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother,
¹³ “making the word of Elohim of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” – Many such things you do, He says.

So, the end result was the mom and the dad don’t get the food they need, and the provision they need. And so, there’s nothing wrong of course of dedicating the things you own to Yahweh. But in this case it’s being used as a means to violate the principle of love. Taking care of your parents who taught you and caused you to grow into an adult. And so, Yahweh has provided ministries to help people grow from spiritual babies to mature believers.

But there are some who say, “Well, I don’t have to tithe, I’m not a farmer.” And so, you don’t provide. And so hardly anyone has produce or animals to give, so therefore the ministries otherwise would be provided for are not provided for. And therefore you no longer walk in love. Making the commandment of Yahweh, namely to “those who would preach from the gospel should live from the gospel,” of no effect. In the same way “honor your father and mother” is of no effect.

You see, I’ve been sharing since part 1 of this study, there’s a mountain of Scriptures speaking of the need to share whatever extra we have to the spiritual poor and the physically poor. Even if it’s the one extra set of clothes, you got an extra set of clothes, give it to the one it has none. So we should be guilty for having these nice things while other people are going spiritually or physically hungry.

 

And so ask yourself, “Are you robbing Elohim in some way?” It says (Malachi 3:8-10) – “Will a man rob Elohim? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. – And some of you may say, “Well, I don’t really have the money to tithe right now.” And actually maybe there’s a reason for that. –
⁹ You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
¹⁰ Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says Yahweh of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. – I don’t know of any other Scripture where Yahweh says, “Test Me please. Test Me. Check Me out.” But here He says, “Try Me out.” Interesting.
¹¹ “And I will be rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says Yahweh of hosts;
¹² “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land, . . .” – I don’t know. This is interesting Scripture. You step out in faith and watch Him give to you.

And Luke 6:38 – “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.” – It works in more than one way, not just in judgment and monetary means.

But again, the giving has to be done out of love. Do it out of love not out of fearing condemnation. And really, ten percent is a bare minimum. I mean, if you’re worried about it, remember, we have an alms fund. If you were to give to our ministry and you needed some of that back, you’re gonna get it back, okay? Don’t worry about it, okay? If you’ve got financial needs, you’re gonna get it back, that’s the way ancient Israel worked. They give to the Levite and then the Levite saw yeah they got a need, you’re having a need and you get some of that back, that’s okay. But there’s accountability there. And so we understand that, all right?

And so, we’re all called to give to the poor, every single one of us are called to give to the poor. And giving to the ministry that helps the poor, is giving to the poor. Giving to your neighbor who’s poor, is helping the poor. Giving to a ministry that enriches people spiritually, is giving to the poor. And so, I mean rather than saving for a boat, a nicer this or a nicer that, how about saving a soul?

Basically, Eliyah Ministry has been, always has been, about focused on serving those who are spiritually and physically poor. We desire to enrich you with the Word of Yahweh and supply your material needs if the situation will arise. We’ve always had a shortage. The only thing holding us back is the shortages. We could help a whole lot more poor, we could help a whole lot more widows and single moms, we could reach a whole lot more people with the Gospel, with the truth, the full counsel of Yahweh’s Word, both the ministry of the Torah and Messiah. But we are limited by the resources that come in. But we want to help. Wherever you pour in we will pour out, I can guarantee you that. We are at your service, that’s the attitude I want to maintain until I draw my last breath on the earth. And we’re looking for laborers. People who will labor alongside us in the garden of Yahweh.

Brother Ryan Swingholm, “shalom brother”, I respect that man. He went to Uganda, risked his life, went in faith Yahweh provided, and there’s a huge ministry going on there right now. Hundreds of people are coming to Torah and Messiah. He set it in motion, other people are keeping it going, he wants to go to other places. I want to join with him, I want to help finance it, I really do. Can’t afford it. But I praise Yahweh for those who have come to labor with me, and those who are laboring in other ministries. I don’t view other ministries as my competitors, I’m not that kind of person, I view them as partners. I don’t get upset if you tune in to other ministries, perhaps they got a word for you over there you gotta hear, it doesn’t matter to me as long as the Word’s being preached. They shouldn’t be upset if you tune into this broadcast. We’re all here to serve wherever the needs might arise.

And so, looking at the overall vision that we see in Scripture for the proper use of money, I’m asking this question, “Who is going to follow Yahushua’s example and be completely sold out to serve others? Who among us is gonna rise up out of our paneled houses and focus on being about our Father’s business and building the Temple? Who among us will give a tithe of all, like Abraham did? As a seed of Abraham we’re called to. To Melchizedek, knowing Melchizedek is giving to Yahushua, and that it will result in the poor having their needs met, both spiritually and physically. Who among us is gonna follow the example of the early disciples and say, ‘You know what, my possessions are not mine anyway. I’m only a steward of these things and Yahweh decides how these things will be spent.’ Who among us are going to understand that loving is giving and giving is loving? Whether it be giving of our time, giving of our resources, giving is loving and if we aren’t giving we’re not loving.”

We can do all things, you know, wear the finest tassels, keep the Sabbath perfectly, know the right feast dates, the right pronunciations, and have not love. “Who among us are gonna care about the poor among us and actually want to do something about it? Who were the sheep who looked for the needs of people around them and provided? Who were the goats and just were disinterested. Who among us will refuse to be like the rich young ruler? Who couldn’t give up the things he had. Who among us instead will be like Job and see their funds as simply as a means to help the fatherless, to help the widow, to proclaim the Gospel to the spiritually poor and to the spiritually fatherless. Because they do not have the Heavenly Father in their lives. Who among us will heed the warnings in Scripture and to share?”

Let me say, “It’s truly more blessed to give than it is to receive.” And we can sow in hope, knowing Yahweh’s Word will not return to Him void. It will accomplish what He pleases. He wants to get the Word out. He wants the Gospel to be preached to all nations, and only then will the end come. You want Yahushua to come? It’s not gonna happen until the Gospel goes out to all nations. That’s what it says in Matthew 24. Who among us will open up our mouth and share with the lost people around us who have no hope?

You have a responsibility. Especially now in a time as this to share that hope that’s in us, directly with your neighbor, with your friend, with the people in this world who are in such a panic, and are under bondage because of a fear of death. “Who among us will help those who are opening their mouth, who are sticking their neck out, knowing one day they’ll probably get their neck cut off. Their whole head is gonna be falling on the ground because they’re sticking their neck out, right?” We know it’s gonna happen and it probably will happen to me, it probably will. They’re already trying I can tell you that right now. But we have to be bold. The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. “Who among us will love?”

Heavenly Father Yahweh, great and mighty Elohim. Do Your great work Father. Glorify Your great name Father. Show the people of this world there is an Elohim in Israel. And though we are few, You only need a few. You defeated so many with Gideon. Father, pour out Your love through Your people, that Your love might reach other people and that this might grow exponentially. That Your work may be accomplished. Father I stand here as a willing laborer. I know there are other willingly laborers alongside, then we all stand together Father, asking “What do You want us to do next. We are reporting for duty.” Call more laborers into the harvest for the harvest is great but the laborers are few. And there are few who are willing to even help the laborers who are here. Father, glorify Your name. Let Your Good News be proclaimed to all nations, and we want to be ones who are doing that Father, for You. And for the people of this lost and dying world who desperately, desperately need a Father in their life who will love them, a Savior who will rescue them. And people in need of leadership by Your Spirit that dwells in them. Glorify Your name and convict Your people to do the right thing.

For truly we know and we are sure, Yours is the kingdom, and power, and glory, and majesty; and all praise, and honor, and worship belongs to You Yahweh Eloheinu, Yahweh our Mighty One, forever and ever in Yahushua’s great name, amein.

We’re not finished with this study on “tithing and giving.” I have a few things that we’re going to explore in a future segment, which will probably be our final segment.

• Should we still tithe to Levites? That’s a question that comes up a lot.
• Is there a second, is there a third tithe?
• Can we tithe to ourselves?
• Do receivers of tithe money have to tithe?
• Do we tithe every third year?
• Do we delay eating from fruit trees?
• What do we do with our gardens and our firstborn animals?
• And what do we give during the feasts so as not to be empty-handed?

It’s coming up here very soon, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, so.

May Yahweh direct our hearts into His perfect will, and may Yahweh bless You and may Yahweh truly, in all His glory, have mercy on us all.