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The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

Many Christians today struggle with questions about giving, tithing, and what God expects from us financially. While we live under the New Covenant, there are powerful principles from the Old Testament that can transform how we approach generosity and experience God's blessings in our lives.

Why Does Giving Matter for Christians Today?

God loves cheerful givers, and giving is far more than just a financial transaction. When we give, we're partnering with God in His work on earth. We're not made to be mere consumers of God's blessings - we're designed to be contributors who help advance His kingdom.

The breakthrough that some believers need is actually on the other side of what they sow. This is a fundamental spiritual principle: if you don't sow, you cannot have a harvest. As Paul teaches in Galatians 6 and 2 Corinthians 9, if you sow sparingly, you'll reap sparingly.

The Holy Rice Offering: A Modern Example

In post-war Korea during the 1950s, Pastor Paul Young Cho led a congregation of impoverished villagers living in cardboard shanties. Despite having almost nothing, the women of the church developed what became known as the "holy rice offering."

Each day, before cooking rice for their families, they would take the first spoonful and set it aside for the Lord. This simple act of faith accomplished two things: it demonstrated trust that God would make the remaining rice sufficient for their families, and it changed their mindset from victims to partners with God.

That small congregation grew to become the largest evangelical Pentecostal church in the world, with approximately 900,000 members. The principle remains: breakthrough often comes through faithful sowing.

What Does the Old Testament Teach About Tithing?

Abraham: The First Tither

The concept of tithing first appears in Genesis 14, when Abraham rescues his nephew Lot and encounters Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. After his victory, Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had recovered.

This is significant because Abraham tithed before any law required it. He gave out of gratitude and recognition of God's blessing, not out of obligation.

Jacob's Commitment

Abraham's grandson Jacob also committed to tithing before it became law. After his dream of the ladder to heaven, Jacob declared that he would give God a tenth of everything he was blessed with. This shows that tithing was a family practice passed down through generations.

The Mosaic Law

When Moses received the law, tithing became a formal requirement for the nation of Israel. Leviticus 27:30 states that "all the tithe of the land is holy to the Lord." This tenth portion was consecrated to God for His purposes.

Importantly, Abraham and Jacob were tithing 400+ years before the law was given, showing that this principle transcends legal requirements.

What About New Testament Giving?

While we're not under Old Testament law, we live under a better covenant with better promises. The question isn't whether we should give less than Old Testament believers, but whether we should give more out of gratitude for what Christ has done.

Jesus is now our great High Priest, just as Melchizedek was a priest to whom Abraham gave his tithe. When we participate in communion with bread and wine, we remember Christ's sacrifice and our relationship with our High Priest.

The Promise of Malachi

In Malachi 3:10, God challenges His people to "bring all the tithes into the storehouse" and promises to "open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that you cannot contain." He also promises to "rebuke the devourer" for those who are faithful in giving.

This isn't about getting rich quick, but about experiencing God's provision and protection in supernatural ways.

What Are the Benefits of Biblical Giving?

It Demonstrates Gratitude

Giving is our response to God's goodness. We don't give to get blessed - we give because we're already blessed and want to express our thankfulness.

It's an Act of Faith

When we give, we're sowing seed for future harvest. We're making eternal investments, laying up treasures in heaven rather than storing up temporary wealth on earth.

It Expresses Joy

God loves cheerful givers. Our giving should be an expression of joy, celebrating God's goodness in our lives.

It Shows Our Priorities

Jesus said that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. When we give our first and best to God, we're declaring that He has first place in our lives.

It Supports God's Work

The church can fulfill its calling when believers are faithful givers. We become partners in advancing God's kingdom on earth.

How Should We Start Giving?

If you're not currently giving, start today - even if it's just a dollar. The amount isn't as important as taking that first step of faith. Consider setting the tithe (10%) as your starting point, recognizing it as a time-honored biblical principle.

Give where you're being spiritually fed, and give offerings wherever the Lord leads you. Remember, you can't outgive God. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The William Colgate Example

William Colgate was a poor teenager who had to leave home because his family couldn't afford to feed him. On his way to New York City, he met an old canal boat captain who led him to Christ and gave him prophetic advice: be honest, make good products, and give God what belongs to Him.

Colgate started working at a soap factory and faithfully gave 10% of his profits to the Lord. As God blessed his business, he increased his giving to 20%, then 30%, then 40%, and eventually gave everything the company made to God's work, living off his investments.

The Colgate company, Colgate University, and the American Bible Society all exist because one young man committed to honor God with his finances.

Life Application

This week, take a courageous step of faith in the area of giving. If you're not currently giving, start with whatever amount you can - even a dollar. If you're already giving, ask God if He wants you to increase your generosity. Remember, this isn't about legalism or getting rich, but about partnering with God and experiencing the joy of being a contributor rather than just a consumer.

Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:

  • Am I currently a faithful giver, or am I primarily a consumer of God's blessings?
  • What mindset do I need to change to become a more generous person?
  • How can I teach my children the principles of biblical giving and generosity?
  • What step of faith is God calling me to take in the area of giving this week?

Remember, God is not looking to get something from you - He wants to do something through you. When you become a faithful giver, you position yourself to experience the windows of heaven opening over your life and to be used by God in ways you never imagined possible.