Part 3A: “Dear Saint of God, The Lord Has A Question For You, And He Deserves An Answer!” (Mal. 3:6-12)
Praise the Lord, and Happy Sunday to you all. I have a very large Sermon Letter for you, and I will take the next two Sundays preaching from it.
Nearly all Christians are familiar with the Old Covenant Scripture, Malachi 3:8, regarding tithes and offerings. The Scripture reads as follows:
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
God who changes not is asking this same age-old question of Christians today: Will a man rob God? In fact, let’s bring the question home and directly to your front door.
Will you rob God? Will you rob God in tithes and offerings?
Amazingly, most born-again Christians immediately stop in their tracks when they hear this Scripture, and remain silent. Um, I wonder why that is? God is asking a simple and direct question. Will you rob God in tithes and offerings?
Please understand, in no way am I trying to provoke anyone to anger and offend them—but God’s question deserves an answer—because He is God and your Daddy!
In this Series, we are talking about watching over your money and keeping the thief, the devil, from stealing it from you. We have talked about two of the three methods, in which God uses to transfer wealth to His people. This is through: (1) Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost, and (2) Wages earned and invested from righteous labor performed with our hands. (See Sermons dated, Oct. 16 & 23, 2022.) The third method God uses to transfer wealth to us, is through tithing and giving sacrificial offerings unto the Lord.
As I have said many times before, now that we have been baptized into Jesus Christ, and abide in Him, we must yield ourselves completely to doing things God’s way— the Bible Way—and not our own way. The Apostle Paul wrote the following at Colossians 3:1-3:
If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
As born-again Christians, we need to fall in love with “All-things God!” Jesus Christ said if you love me keep my commandments. (John 14:15) If you love Jesus Christ, then you must also love His commandments. Are you in love with tithing and giving sacrificially to God—not because of the requirements under the Law of Moses, which has been fulfilled through Jesus Christ finished works on the cross, but because you LOVE GOD?
I believe if you ask born-again Christians to seriously consider whether they are robbers of God, the vast majority of Christians would say they, “would never rob God.” No Christian wants to point the finger at themselves as a thief of God. But, the truth is most Christians are robbers of God, and are lying against the Holy Ghost if they say they are not.
Many studies conducted down through the years on Christian giving report that, “only five-percent “of Christians are regular tithers. If these data are correct, that means that 95 percent of Christians do not tithe.
Further, recent data reported on giving among Evangelicals, which largely consist of those who affirm they are “born-again” Christians, shows that, “only 13 percent indicated they are tithers.” Conversely, 83 percent reported they do not tithe. Also the data show, “50 percent of Evangelicals give away less than 1% percent of their annual income.” I wonder where the other 99 percent of their income is going. (Christian Post Church & Ministries, October 29, 2021)
So while Christians may remain silent on whether they are robbers of God, or say that they are not robbers, their actions in putting money in the offering plate on Sundays tell a completely different story!
We should however take time out to give thanks unto God, that while Christian giving has been sparse within the body of Christ, the Church has still been able to accomplish great things in preaching the gospel around the world and providing care and hope for those in need. Today, Christianity remains the most recognized and followed religion in the world. Still, we could accomplish super abundantly more for God, if every Christian did their part and honored God with their money.
Among the many reasons why I love God, is because there is none like Him. No matter who you are, God is always frank and to the point to say exactly what is on His mind. His questions and probing of us are sharp and piercing and divide the soul, spirit, and joints. (Heb. 4:12) His questions can be perceived as confrontational as they shine a bright light on our ways, and show us exactly where we stand with Him. (John 1:5) And, at times even, God’s questions and reasoning can appear to be insensitive to human feelings and emotions.
When we give our answers to God, He desires that we open up our hearts and mouths and tell Him the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. (Psalm 51:6. John 4:23-24 & John 8:32) In fact, God is well known for continuing to ask the same question over, and over, and over until we give Him a satisfactory answer, which is the truth!
The Holy Bible is chock-full of examples of the persistence and frankness of God’s questions and commands posed to those for whom He has called into relationship with Himself.
For example, after Adam fell into sin in the Garden of Eden, he and Eve ran and hid from the presence of God. However, when the voice of God caught up to the couple, God asked of Adam questions intended for him to search himself for truth: God asked, “Where art thou?” “Have you eaten of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil?” “Who told you, you were naked?” (Gen. 3:9-13)
When Cain slew his twin brother Able, God asked Cain where Able was? Cain replied that he did not know, and sharply replied to God, “am I my brother’s keeper?” God then asked Cain “what he had done, for the voice of the blood of Able cried out to God from the ground.” (Gen. 4:8-9)
Concerning the death of Moses,—“the Man of God”—“His Friend,” after a month of grieving for Moses, God said to the children of Israel, “my servant Moses is dead,” and with no other expression of sympathy commanded Israel to “arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.” (Jos.1: 2)
At I Sam. 16:1, God asked of the prophet Samuel, “How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?” Fill thine horn with oil, and go. I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided me a king among his sons.”
Recall the Samaritan woman who Jesus Christ encountered at Jacob's well. Jesus asked if she would “give Him water to drink?” Even though He was well aware of the racial and cultural animosity that existed between the Jews and Samaritans. (John 4:7-9).
And after Jesus had a brief conversation with woman about giving her living water, such that she would never thirst again, and the woman being desirous to receive it, Jesus told her to “go and get her husband.” She admitted having none. Jesus told her that she had spoken well and proceeded to reveal knowledge about her whole life, including her past and current living situation, saying:
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thou husband: in that sadist is true. (John 4:17-18)
Recall that a rich young ruler came running to Jesus Christ inquiring how he might receive eternal life. Jesus told him he knew the commandments of the Law of Moses not to murder, commit adultery, steal, or bear false witness. The young ruler said he had kept all these from his youth. Jesus loving him, told him, “if he would be perfect,” to go sell all that he owned and give it to the poor, and he would have treasure in heaven and come and follow him.” But the young ruler went away sorrowful at the saying because he had “great possessions.” (Matt.19:16-24) He would not let go of the things that possessed him—his possessions.
And lastly, remember after the Lord’s passion and resurrection from the dead, He came to His disciple Peter who had denied Him three times, just as the Lord had earlier predicted. (Matt. 26:24) Immediately after dining with the disciples, Jesus went to Peter, face to face, and asked him, “Do you love me more than the other disciples?” And after he replied yes, Jesus asked two more times, if Peter loved Him.
In other words, Jesus was saying to Peter, now that you have seen all that I said I would do come to pass—how deep is your love for me Peter? Are you all in now? As the rock upon which I will build my Church, are you ready to feed my sheep, suffer, and die for me? (John 21:15-17)
So you can see, God has no problem with “putting us on the spot,” by asking seemingly tough and uncomfortable questions. Please understand that God does not ask questions of us, such as the question in today’s Lesson: Will a man rob God of tithes and offerings for injurious reasons—to break our hearts. Rather, God is “All Knowing.” He knows the beginning from the end, and the end from the beginning. God knows what is coming next! About God our Father, Isaiah 46:10 says:
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.
God wants us to understand that what He has in store in the future, is far greater than our today or yesterday. There is nothing in your past that can compare with what God has for you in the future. When God is finished with an old way of doing things, He desires and is adamant about moving forward and bringing us into a new thing!
But, so often, born-again Christians want to hold on to their own way of thinking and doing things. So many Christians resist the transformational processes of God, they resist change. This is true of Christians in every arena of their lives—so many of us want to hold on to old ways and habits: Old systems, processes, traditions, jobs, hobbies, dead relationships, dead people; and of course the ways in which we handle the money in our pockets! Most Christians handle the money in their pockets, just like they did when they were sinners in the world! How about you?
For many Christians, when they give an offering to God it’s based on a pre-determined budget. They give the same amount every Sunday for years, and years, and years—just bucket plunking—without even consulting the Holy Ghost about the amount to give. But, in this moment, I hear God saying “when will my people trust me to do a new thing with money?” “When will they listen to me at offering time, and give as I command them.”
God is trying to bring us into a new dimension—a brand new thing concerning tithing and sacrificial offerings unto Him. But stubborn and stiff necked Christians are set on doing the same old things with money, and expecting God to bless it! Giving 1 percent of their income to God, as the survey showed, and expecting God to multiply it exponentially. Some Christians even have the audacity to give nothing to God, and expect God to bless their bread and water!
When are we going to wake up to the truth about our lives in Christ Jesus? We are born-again Christians, recreated in God in Christ Jesus to behold and experience all new things. (II Cor. 5:17) We will never have God’s best, by continually going about life doing the same old wrong things! God’s been telling the Church corporately, and Christians individually, for ages to stop robbing Him and to bring all the tithes and offerings into His House—so He can do a new thing with the body of Christ.
You know what, let me digress for a moment and say this about Christians who are offended about the subject of tithing and offerings, and who refuse to participate in giving to God. Rather than stopping up your ears, ignoring God, getting puffed up, and unnerved every Sunday at offering time, it would be far more expedient if would go and pray (have an open and candid conversation with God) about tithing. (Is.1:18) You should just truthfully say something like this to God.
“Lord, yes I am thief and robber of you. I will not offer another excuse for my disobedience. The truth is I don’t trust you with my money. I don’t see how tithing profits me. I do not believe you will open up the windows of heaven and empower me to prosper in all things, and keep the enemy (the devil) from out of my harvest when I tithe and give offerings sacrificially.” (Mal. 3:10-12) “I need your help God to overcome my unbelief. “Yes, I am likely to rob you today at offering time, and on future pay days, if I don't get your help! For there is nothing I can do apart from you.” (John 15:5)
God prefers that you either be hot or cold, as He has no tolerance for lukewarm folks! (Rev. 3:15-16) As you empty your heart to God about tithing, then listen to what God has to say to you, and then go do it!
Most assuredly, here is what God will say in response to you during the conversation. God will tell you to “prove (test) Him.” (Mal. 3:10) God will never change His Word. He will not conform Himself to your excuses and acts of disobedience in refusing to tithe. He will never say to you “Oh I understand Sister Mable that you have bills to pay, forget about tithing and giving offerings.” Rather, God will impress upon you further the need for you to be transformed into His Word. (Rom. 12:2) God always requires you to step out in faith. For without faith it is impossible to please God and receive His rewards. (Heb. 11:6)
Born-again Christians hear me—it is not possible to receive anything from God unless faith is applied with works following. Faith in God is required of us to connect with and bring into manifestation; the unknown, unseen, and unheard of things that God has in store for those who love Him. (Heb.11:1 & I Cor. 2:9) In tithing and sacrificial offerings, God seeks to make a “Love Connection” with us in the secret place of the Most High God.
God has given to every born-again Christian the same measure of faith—the faith of Jesus Christ—so we can obtain every precious promise in His Word. We can have no excuse for not appropriating the faith of Jesus Christ to receive the divine promises of God—faith is the gift of God. (Rom. 12:3 & Eph. 2:8) No Christian has an excuse for not tithing and giving sacrificial offerings to God.
Tithing and giving sacrificial offerings are directly tied to an exceedingly great and precious promise of God. Most Christians, who believe in and practice tithing and giving sacrificial offerings tend to focus on the personal financial benefits that result from it. But obedience in tithing and giving offerings sacrificially is all about a promise that God has made to cause “all nations of the earth to call His people blessed!” Tithing is not just about you or me being prospered by God financially, it’s about the whole-body of Christ bearing the glory of God before the people of the world. See Malachi 3:12 for the ultimate promise of tithing and offering to God. It reads:
And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land saith the Lord of hosts.
In tithing and sacrificial offerings, God promises to make the entire body of Christ wax rich, so that the people of this world might take note, and see for themselves how blessed we are with wealth, health, and longevity having escaped the lust and corruption that is in the world! A people who love God only, and not money and possessions. A people who are more determined and made happy to see to it that “God’s House” has more “meat” in it, than their own houses. A people who happily and willing communicate their wealth with those in need under the unction of the Holy Ghost. (I Tim. 6:17-19)
Saints of God, God expects there to be “meat” (wealth, money, and possessions) in His House so that the Church can effectively and efficiently carryout the divine Will, Plan, and Purposes of God in the earth. The Church of Jesus Christ is the local place of worship where we congregate weekly and receive the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ for the saving of souls, Christian education, and spiritual and daily living help.
God expects, everybody who names Jesus Christ, The Lord, to come into His House and bring the tithe and sacrificial offerings unto Him. So that (1) Pastors and other Church leaders who labor for your souls are financially supported, (2) the gospel of Jesus Christ may be preached around the world for the saving of souls, (3) the local Church may provide support to the poor, the widow, and orphaned in our communities and abroad, and (4) the general business administration of the Church may be continued without interruption.
But in many of our Churches the storehouses are barren and God is starving for “meat!” When there is no meat in God’s House, Pastors and Church leaders with their families experience financial difficulties, in which many of them have very low or no incomes and retirement savings. When there is no meat in the storehouse, Churches lack the resources needed to evangelize locally and abroad, and every year approximately 3,000 churches permanently close their doors in the United States. This is extremely damaging because as the Church goes—so goes our families, neighborhoods, communities, nation, and world! When we fail to tithe and give offerings sacrificially to God, the devil is stealing the “meat “from God’s House! Stop the Steal!
I ask you: Are you among the Christians who starving God?
Let me tell you, for about the last 8-years, Exousia Ministries, Inc. has partnered with a Ministry in Kisii, Kenya, led by Pastor Benard Michieka. By the grace of God, we have been able to send translated Bibles, food, and other necessities to his congregation and tribal community. Pastor Benard and congregation always are exceedingly grateful for all of the help we have given them. There Church prays for us and our successful work in Jesus Christ.
Under very harsh environmental, and at times weather-related conditions, his congregation walks several miles each Sunday to meet for worship services in huts and outdoors. (See pictures below.)
Pastor Benard also considers me to be one of his mentors in the gospel. He reads and studies my Sermons online to enrich His study and revelation of God’s Word. Not many months ago, his homeland suffered horrible flooding, and just last month a great famine in which many homes, schools, businesses, and livestock were destroyed. (See pictures below)
There are presently massive shortages of food, water, and other necessities. Nearly every month, Pastor Benard humbly pleads for our help. Regretfully though, several times during the Pandemic, I have had to tell Pastor Benard that our Ministry was unable to help because our treasury was almost empty.
Tell me Saints of God, is there meat in God’s House to help Pastor Benard and his congregation? Whatever we do, or fail to do, for Pastor Benard and congregation is also done unto Jesus Christ Himself. (Matt. 25:40) The Apostle John pinned at I John 3:17 the following words concerning helping our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
We are going to close this Session and take up the offering now. Let us bring our tithes and offerings into the storehouse of God, so there is plenty of meat to carry out the Will and Plan of God in this Church, community, nation, and around the world. In this moment of opportunity to give to God, let us obey the voice of the Holy Ghost and give as He directs.
Please send your tithes and offerings in support of Exousia Ministries, Inc. to the PayPal link below. May God exponentially multiply your cheerful and hilarious giving to our Ministry and ever take you deeper into the knowledge of Himself. Thank you for your giving today.