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The Jesus Principle
Air Date: 4/23/21 - “With great power comes great responsibility.” That’s the Peter Parker Principle from the Spiderman series. So, who said, “When someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required”? Pastor Nat introduces us to The Jesus Principle!
Back to the Bible Presents: Nat Crawford
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It is so hard to know what to give from my very limited income I'm always so afraid I will run out of money before my next monthly check. How can I be sure of what God wants me to give? The 10 percent is a great guide and I have heard many pastors who say if you tithe God will take care of you. But it's so hard not to be afraid My past credit cards were a big downfall for me and now I'm doing a credit program where my bills are paid off in 4 years. However it requires almost a third of my check every month and there is little left for everything else. I use the free of low cost help that I'm eligible for but there are many things I have to push aside that I really need to have money for. I'm just not sure what God wants me to do. Pastor Nat. I would appreciate your opinion or anyone's who reads this. If anyone does cos I realize this was Friday's episode! Thanks anyway!
1 reply
Afternoon, Karen. Your question and your situation is not uncommon. In fact, it's very common. Thank your or being willing to ask such a sensitive subject. Few things are more sensitive than our financial situations.
Regarding tithing, this is a “debated” topic amongst pastors, theologians, and ministry leaders. In fact, I did a quick search on google and found that one of the most respected gospel-focused ministries had two articles with polar opposite conclusions!
There is no doubt that the OT specifically discusses a tithe (a tenth) of our resources going back to God. We know that “Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils of war to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20), and Hebrews appeals to this account to support the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over Levi’s (Heb. 7:4–10). God met Jacob at Bethel and promised him covenant blessings; the patriarch promised God a tenth of everything granted him (Gen. 28:22).
A tenth of Israel’s seed, fruit, and flocks were given to the Lord (Lev. 27:30–32; Deut. 14:22–24; cf. 2 Chron. 31:5–6; Neh. 13:5, 12). The people gave a tenth to the Levites to support them (Num. 18:21–24; cf. Neh. 10:38; 12:44), and the Levites, in turn, were to give a tenth to the chief priest (Num. 18:25–28). Those who didn’t tithe were threatened with a curse, while those who did tithe were promised blessing (Mal. 3:8–10).”
But as people living under the NT covenant, Believers are no longer under the Mosaic covenant (Rom. 6:14–15; 7:5–6; Gal. 3:15–4:7; 2 Cor. 3:4–18).
We are commanded to support those who preach the gospel (Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:6–14; 1 Tim. 5:17–18). And while we should enjoy the good things God gives us, we are also called to be generous to those in need (1 Tim. 6:17–19; 2 Cor. 8–9). Wealth can so easily become an idol, leading us to abandon the Lord.
Since God is to be our treasure, believers are to give generously and freely. For many in the West, this will mean giving more than 10 percent.
But for others, as they rebuild their financial home, that may mean far less to pay off our obligations. This will free us to give more later.
So I would encourage you to look at your financial situation honestly and ask, "how much does God want me to give?" Then give out of joy. Not out of fear or obligation. God truly will provide for our every need. He makes the 90, 95, 98% after giving cover the needs.
I hope this helps. If you want to discuss further or specifics, I'd be happy to e-mail you. I used to do budget counseling for some while serving at the church. Just let me know.
Regarding tithing, this is a “debated” topic amongst pastors, theologians, and ministry leaders. In fact, I did a quick search on google and found that one of the most respected gospel-focused ministries had two articles with polar opposite conclusions!
There is no doubt that the OT specifically discusses a tithe (a tenth) of our resources going back to God. We know that “Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils of war to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20), and Hebrews appeals to this account to support the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over Levi’s (Heb. 7:4–10). God met Jacob at Bethel and promised him covenant blessings; the patriarch promised God a tenth of everything granted him (Gen. 28:22).
A tenth of Israel’s seed, fruit, and flocks were given to the Lord (Lev. 27:30–32; Deut. 14:22–24; cf. 2 Chron. 31:5–6; Neh. 13:5, 12). The people gave a tenth to the Levites to support them (Num. 18:21–24; cf. Neh. 10:38; 12:44), and the Levites, in turn, were to give a tenth to the chief priest (Num. 18:25–28). Those who didn’t tithe were threatened with a curse, while those who did tithe were promised blessing (Mal. 3:8–10).”
But as people living under the NT covenant, Believers are no longer under the Mosaic covenant (Rom. 6:14–15; 7:5–6; Gal. 3:15–4:7; 2 Cor. 3:4–18).
We are commanded to support those who preach the gospel (Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:6–14; 1 Tim. 5:17–18). And while we should enjoy the good things God gives us, we are also called to be generous to those in need (1 Tim. 6:17–19; 2 Cor. 8–9). Wealth can so easily become an idol, leading us to abandon the Lord.
Since God is to be our treasure, believers are to give generously and freely. For many in the West, this will mean giving more than 10 percent.
But for others, as they rebuild their financial home, that may mean far less to pay off our obligations. This will free us to give more later.
So I would encourage you to look at your financial situation honestly and ask, "how much does God want me to give?" Then give out of joy. Not out of fear or obligation. God truly will provide for our every need. He makes the 90, 95, 98% after giving cover the needs.
I hope this helps. If you want to discuss further or specifics, I'd be happy to e-mail you. I used to do budget counseling for some while serving at the church. Just let me know.
I need to be a better steward. Thanks for the message.
Thank you for sharing Pastor Nat. I must confess that I am not consistent in my stewardship and tend to focus on self. Please pray for me to be more faithful.
1 reply
I am praying for you and all of us on GT. Stewardship is a constant battle. Thankfully, God is there for us to help get us on track again.
Thank you pastor Nat I love the message I believe that I am lazy and each of those areas I need help to grow in each area Lord I just ask that you would help me show me how I can be a better Stewart in each of those areas Amen.
1 reply
Eva, we all struggle in all areas. I know I do. When you work full-time and then having kids in school and sports, it seems like my attention is committed. But I know I can divert my attention to serve and to give more freely. A challenging message.
God has given us gifts of treasures, God will reward you as much.