BIBLICAL TITHE
Biblical Background of Tithing:
- Both the old and the new testament give us the terms of the giving back to God with our tithes and offerings - we are to bring God our first and best of all that is produced. In the case of Prepare Love Praise TM Ministries NFP our "crop" is our messaging on Christian love and praise. In obedience to The Lord we are following the models described for this purpose including:
  1. Proverbs 3:9-10 1

    9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
    10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 1

  2. Malachi 3:10-12 2 instructs us to tithe to “Give Back” to God from what He has provided to us. When we are obedient to the Word of God and follow the tithing model the Bible promises that with our obedience and sacrifice Christians receive The Lord’s promises of provision and protection.

    10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

    11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground;
    neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

    12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts

  3. The Biblical principle of first fruits offering was originally introduced in an agrarian society. In that economic climate the people brought ten percent (10%) of their increase as tithe plus fifteen percent (15%) or more for special event and feast day offerings to God through the priests as a sacrifice. Their income and increase came in the form of crops, livestock and items produced from the crops like wine and oil.

  4. In the New Testament Church often the gifts to God were in the form of money given to help further the growth of God's Kingdom. These funds aided the apostles and missionaries who faithfully carried God’s Word throughout the ancient holy land as well as the Greek and Roman empires. The need continues today to fulfill God’s great commission to take His message to the whole world. (Matthew 28:19-20) 3 We do this one person, family and place at a time.

  5. In our modern society we normally think of tithes and offerings as being a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the cash we receive but the Biblical model is really a first fruits of all God gives us (time, talents and treasures.)

  6. Because we know the promises of God are true forever, as are His instructions which are recorded in the Bible, we can have faith to trust Him with all that He gives us. His Word tells us Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) 4.  Applying the Word of God and its principles allows us to claim the promise of Isaiah 55:11: 5

    11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 5

  7. And so we know that the promises God gave Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ─ including tithing ─ still apply to us today.

  8. Abraham gave ten percent (10%) to Melchizedek to bless God who had blessed him (Hebrews 7:1-2, 6 Genesis 14:18-20 7) and prospered abundantly.
    1. Jacob, who was Abraham’s grandson, came to understand the holiness of God for himself and vowed to give The Lord a tenth (10%) of all that had been given to Him. The full story is in Genesis 28 and ends with Jacob’s vow in Genesis 28:22: 8

      22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. 8
Throughout history people that have followed God's Word and applied His ways have been blessed for their obedience.
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The Alexander Kerr story of God's faithfulness when he tithed on his business.

- Alexander Kerr experienced God's provision and protection through fire, earthquake and more of his Kerr glass manufacturing company from which he tithed. 
Mr. Kerr became a Christian and learned of God’s fulfillment of blessing to Jacob for tithing then applied the principle to his personal life and that of the new business he had started ─ Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company. When earthquake and fire consumed most of the buildings and businesses around the region many thought he was surely ruined financially as his inventory was glass inside a wooden, oil soaked building. Mr. Kerr learned of the earthquake while away and was told his business was in the heart of the fire.
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Why Tithe?   READ MORE
American leaders who tithed in obedience to God and received His gracious provision. READ MORE
1 Holy Bible KJV, BibleGateway.com, Proverbs 3, v. 9-10, King James Version (KJV), www.BibleGateway.com, Scripture taken from the King James Version (KJV) by Public Domain.
  
2 Ibid, Malachi 3, v. 10-12
     
3 Ibid, Matthew 28, v. 19-20
    
4 Ibid, Hebrews 13, v. 8

5 Ibid, Isaiah 55, v. 11

6 Ibid, Hebrews 7, v. 1-2

7 Ibid, Genesis 14, v. 18-20

8 Ibid, Genesis 28, v. 22
Prepare Ye The Way with Love and Praise Ministries NFP
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Prepare Love Praise (R) Ministries NFP, PO Box 139, Chesterfield, IL 62630-0139