Ask the Pastor: Marques Ferrell

comments: What scriptures can I give my Pastor regarding that we no longer have to tithe because we're under grace?

Reply from: Dan

Dear Marques

To be honest, It probably wouldn't be wise to present any scriptures to your pastor, especially in the form of a debate. I have found that there are generally two kinds of preachers that preach tithing. The ones who know it is unlawful, un-scriptural and simply want your money out of greed, and those who truly believe it is Gods will.

The latter has probably had this so ingrained into him from an early age, that nothing you say could possibly change his mind. The former knows it is unlawful, but does all he can to extort money from people, using guilt as their main motivation tool to do so. In either case, it is unlikely that you will change their mind.

Some of the main scriptures preachers base tithing on are Malachi 3:8 - 10

Mal 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, 'How have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.

Mal 3:9 "You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you!

Mal 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

Malachi is the last book of the old testament. We are no longer obligated to live under the old

testament laws of Moses. Galatians 3:10 - 13

Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM."

Gal 3:11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

Gal 3:12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM."

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"--

Another scripture preachers base tithing on is Luke 11:42, where Jesus is telling the pharisee that he should not only tithe, but not disregard justice and love.

Luke 11:42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.

The point that is commonly overlooked here, is the fact that the laws of Moses were not fulfilled and done away with at that time. It was through the death of Christ that the laws were done away with, and Jesus was still alive at that point. Jesus lived by those laws. He had to in order to fulfill them.

Another passage used to promote tithing is the story of the widow who put all she had into the offering box in Mark 12:42. Usually the preacher commonly points out that Jesus was commending the widow for making the offering that she did. However, I will point out a couple of things.

1. The widow did not give 10% (a tithe) she gave 100% (all she had)

So if preachers are going to use this as a standard or example, they should demand that you give 100%, not 10%.

2. Jesus was not commending the widow. If you simply back up 5 verses to Mark 5:38, and put this verse in context, it is clear that Jesus was referring to the greed of the church and how the scribes devoured widows houses under the guise of serving God.

Another golden oldie that is always pointed out just before the offering plate is shoved in your face is: The example of Abraham tithing to Melchizedek king of Salem.

Genesis 14:20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." He gave him a tenth of all.

Again, if this is the example or standard we are to follow, then we should do likewise. Abraham tithed from all the goods he took from Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, whom he had defeated in battle. (Genesis 14:17)

The point is: Abraham tithed to Melchizedek “only one time” and he did it with other peoples goods.

The tithe was done away with along with the other 612 laws of Moses. We now live under a new covenant. FAITH IN CHRIST!

Should you give? Absolutely! Although Jesus never commanded us to give to the Church, he repeated multiple times in the new testament the words “Give to the poor”. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians to give what our heart tells us to give.

2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

I myself also believe in giving. God smiles on us when we give to the poor. If anyone gives to the church, good for them, if the Church is promoting Gods true plan. (if they demand tithing, I don't believe they are) By all means give to support the church. You can give one dollar if that's what your heart tells you to do, or you can give 90% of your earning.

However, if you are compelled to give 10% out of fear, or any set amount with a threat attached, you have fallen under bondage. Jesus did “not” set us free so we would live in bondage.

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?

God Bless You - Stay in touch

Dan Douglass

Power of Faith Ministries

http://www.powerofaith.com

talk@powerofaith.com

*******************************

I have been dating a man for 4 years. His ex-wife has been a huge issue. Ex-wife deals with the cult. She one day entered my truck and took my clothes out and cut them with a butcher knife. I realize that this women is with much anger, because she sees the change in my finacee with me which probably she feels it was due to her for the years of suffering she gone through with him.

My financee and I praise the lord and are finally looking at getting married. But we still have alot of issues as well with the Children (which are all grown with children of their own) but, after this epidosed that happened with my property I don't feel to be in her presence b/c she has gone and also threatened to hurt me as well. My Finacee and I have prayed on this issue but, He feels that when there is a family fiesta we should be there... but I told him that since I have a home we can have our own fiesta for them here.

I am so Confused and I feel so uncomfortable around them and her and her family when I am there. I found your website and I have been praying for them...but I think that my Finacee has to step and let his family understand that I am in his life and our Lifes do not include Drugs and Alcohol and for that reason that is why I don't like going to these family gatherings... please need some help thank you and god bless
 

Reply From: Dan

Dear Norma

Matthew 11:19 - "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." (I guess that one slipped by you the last 5 times to skimmed through the bible)

I noticed after reviewing my logs, that you were only on the website a total of six minutes and 14 seconds. (6:14) I suspect that a good deal of that time was spent, thinking about, and composing your critical letter to me. If you used the same method when you read the bible through 5 times, as you did my article, (speed reading) I can see why your facts are a bit jumbled. (Slow down and read the whole thing next time)

Luke 5:39 - "And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough.'"

Romans 14:20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense.

Romans 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.

Romans 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Matthew 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

When you read your bible through for the sixth time, slow down, pray that God will reveal hidden things, then see what happens. If I sound harsh, it’s not intended. The bible is an amazing book for the fact that, you can read it a thousand times, but the next time you read it, you "will" find something "new and amazing" that you didn’t see before. http://powerofaith.com/secrets.htm

You don’t know where I got my information, because you didn’t actually read the article while you were there. Read it this time. The info came directly from the bible. Http://powerofaith.com/tithe.htm

REPLY FROM: Dan

Dear Chinedu

It's easy, just revisit the website: http://www.powerofaith.com/miracle1.htm then read it slower this time.

God Bless You -

Dan Douglass

REPLY FROM: Dan

Dear Safari -

"I got your Point"

REPLY FROM: Dan

Dear Ruth

Thanks for Nothing!
 

REPLY FROM: Dan (no return address provided)

Of course it was "not" in God’s plan to divorce and remarry. Neither was it in his plan for wives "not" to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord, (literally) or for husbands "not" to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. (And died for her - literally!) I’ve found that if even one spouse takes these commands of God seriously, divorce is rarely if ever an issue.

If you want to condemn someone for getting divorced and then remarried, you need to back up a few sins, then wait in line! I'm sure it was not God's original plan to divorce Israel either, but, Ummmmm - he did!

Jeremiah 3:8 "And I saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had sent her away and given her a writ of divorce, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear; but she went and was a harlot also.

Apparently, Paul didn't feel that every person who remarried was doomed to condemnation either. (I encourage you to get out your bible and read this verse in context)

1 Corinthians 7:28 But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you.

Make no mistake about it. Paul said that such people would have trouble in this life, and I will confirm it! They will! I'll go farther than that. If people use this scripture to justify doing anything they want, they will not just have trouble in "this" life, but beyond.

God hates divorce, so you would be wise to walk out of yours blameless in his eyes, if you are going through one. Do everything you can to save your marriage. But, even God reached a point when he said: "Enough is enough"

Tithing: Teresa Blevins

Comments: Dan, I am not afraid to use my email and name but I do know this YES you do have to pay your Tithes, if not you will be cursed the bible is the bible not matter where in the bible its still the truth you have to pay your tithes, sorry but your wrong on that one man.

REPLY FROM: Dan (Undeliverable - bogus email address)

Dear Teresa

After reviewing my web logs, I see that you were on the web page 3 minutes and 17 seconds. A good deal of that time must have been spent composing your letter to me. This makes it obvious to me that you probably read no more than a couple of paragraphs at most, before criticizing the website.

If you ever care to actually read the website before leaving criticism, I would be most interested in hearing any intelligent comments you might have to add. You have inadvertently brought up a very good point though. Since there is no scripture or record of Jesus ever paying tithes, (or receiving any for that matter) he must be cursed! Have we all been following the wrong guy all this time?

Please! Before you quote Matthew 22:15 - 23, (give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar) the scripture only proves that Jesus paid "Taxes" not "Tithes". Neither can it be found in the scriptures where the disciples or apostles ever paid or received tithes.

If we are cursed with a curse according to Malachi 3:9, that was only one of 613 laws. Here’s another one. Have you ever spoken disrespectfully to your parents?

Mark 7:10 "For Moses said, 'HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER'; and, 'HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER, IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH';

Only 611 more laws to go! Better brush up! Stop taking other peoples word for it. (Even mine) Get out your bible and get the information first hand.
 

Comments: you like yo twist the words around in the bible don't you?

REPLY FROM: Dan (Undeliverable - sIgned: "Nobody, and a bogus email address)

Again, this person spent 2 minutes and 9 seconds carefully reading this article before writing to me. (amazing) All I can say in reply to this message is: Even if I were guilty of twisting words, (which I am not) at least "I" read them.

Prophet: C

Comments: Hello, 
 
This was very informative and I appreciate the easy access to your website. I hope you will tackle more interesting questions people may have. 
 
Why attacks make you stop being involved and overcome the pressure?

Reply from Dan: Dear "C"

Attacks come from an enemy. His name is Satan. He has many angels under his command and they are now referred to as "demons". Satan is "very" intelligent. He is also very subtle. Your enemy 'hates" you! His power is limited by God. If not, he would simply have killed you long ago.

The attacks are designed to overcome you with pressure! To stop being involved with God is his goal, and is foolishness on your part if you do. If you were in a tank of water, and the water level kept rising, should you quit swimming? It has been my experience that Satan will not just simply attack you, but attack you from many different fronts at one time!

Those who seek God and a personal relationship with him, run to God and wait under his protection for the storm to pass and for God to defeat their enemies. The others have more faith in Satan and lose.

Reply from Dan: Dear Katina - Are you sure it was God who gave your daughter diabetes? I hear allot of preachers say: "God never moves or does anything unless someone prays or intercedes first". I haven't researched this and can't tell you what scriptures they are basing this on, but I tend to believe it.

You didn't read the page "Free Will" while you were there, did you? How often did you pray for protection over your child before she was afflicted? (or children) Once a day? Once a week? Month? Have you "ever" prayed protection over your child? Did you prepare only healthy meals for your child, or did you do like millions of other parents and make "sugar" the main course for every meal?

When I was a kid, I practically lived off of candy and pop. (especially peanut butter cups) It is a miracle that "I" never developed diabetes. It is easy to blame God, but usually there are a number of things we could have done differently using 20/20 hindsight. The most important would have been "praying for protection".

If my response seems cold to you, it is simply to make a point. It's not too late! Nothing is impossible with God. Chances are, God will not heal your daughter if all you do is sit and wait for it, or accuse him. Miracles still happen today, but it usually requires allot of prayer.

If this were my child, I would be making prayer a full time job! Read my website/article "Receive a Miracle".

Reply from Dan: Dear Daniel - I have met him thank you. It was his teachings that inspired the page you read. After looking at the web logs, I see you spent a total of 2:46 (two minutes and 46 seconds) carefully studying my article before emailing a sarcastic comment. We do have one thing in common, I am also praying that you will meet him.

If you truly believe that you will be saved by any of your works, (tithing included) you may sadly be told by him one day: "I never knew you". If you care to actually read the article this time, it is all explained there and is 100% based on scripture.

REPLY FROM: Daniel - December 24, 2007

REPLY FROM: Dan - December 24, 2007

Reply from Dan: - Dear Daniel

Romans - 5:10 - For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Comment: why do you all do this stupid stuff. it is in the bible to give 10% to God. It is all HIS. STUPID.

Reply From Dan: Dear Nobody - All I can say is: Wow! That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. (Dan wipes away a tear) I noticed after checking my logs, that you were only on the page long enough to write this nicely thought out letter. You didn't actually "read" anything.

All of the answers and information are on that page. "The Truth About Tithing". Most people actually "read" the page before leaving hate mail. I invite you to actually read the page this time, but I will leave you with this question:

Are you saved by the grace of God? (Acts 2:21) or are you cursed with a curse if you don't tithe? (Malachi 3:8-9) It can't be both, it can only be one. Your answers are on the webpage. "Good Luck"

P.S. - You are correct in one thing though. It all belongs to God, so stop hoarding the other 90%, or find out what God would have you do with your money.

Comment: I personally don't think that you should have said this about smoking. although you are right about the bible not stating a thing about smoking, but if you know your scriptures and understand them to the fullest, there is a scripture that says............NOT TO SMOKE.........in these words.....your body is the temple of GOD.

Reply from Dan: Dear Renay - The scripture you are referring to is:

1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

This verse is only speaking about immorality. Specifically, it refers to "Sleeping with prostitutes". It has nothing to do with smoking! Please read "the whole thing!" Read 1-Corinthians 6:15 through 6:20 (It's only 6 verses) Verse 6:18 clearly states that Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body.

If smoking were a sin, (which is very questionable) this scripture would not apply to it. Something much more dangerous than smoking is going on here. At some point some preacher said this to you. Either he himself, didn't read these scriptures in context, or he lied to you for the purpose of filling his own agenda! Either way - "Not Good".

Tithing: Mac

Comments: I think you don't know what you are talking about. "We are free from the law of Moses?" Are you serious? So basically you're saying that the 10 commandments doesn't still stand. You need to seek Jesus more guy.
 

Reply from Dan: Dear Mac

I took your advice and sought Jesus more. I found that Jesus mentioned and testified of Moses 19 times in the New Testament. Matthew 8:4, 19:8, & 23:2 - Mark 1:44, 7:10, 10:3 & 12:26 - Luke 5:14, 16:29, 16:31 & 20:37 - John 3:14, 5:45, 5:46 & 6:32. (For your personal reference)

In four of these scriptures Jesus refers to the "Law of Moses". Luke 24:44, 7:19, 7:22 & 7:23. And concerning being set free from the law of Moses?

John 1:17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

Which one do you choose? Now you strike me as a man that is not bothered by "facts and details", but let me try to explain the difference. The Ten Commandments were "not" written by Moses! They were written by God (Literally) "in stone". (twice as a matter of fact) Thus the phrase was invented "It is written in stone". A phrase we use even today to describe something that is iron clad and un-changeable.

Here is an example: God wrote: (personally, in stone and literally)

Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

Mark 7:10 "For Moses said, 'HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER'; and, 'HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER, IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH';

So, to answer your question "Yes!, I’m serious" and so was Jesus. God personally gave us ten commandments, (laws) Moses gave us 613 of them. Tithing was one of those. If you are going to live by even one of these laws, you are obligated to live under "all" of these laws!

Romans 2:12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;

Jesus set us free from the law. He was the only one who could. It was his purpose and mission. For anyone to say that they earned their way into heaven by their works, (tithing etc...) are making the statement that they do not need Jesus to enter heaven.

I personally have no stake in this. I’m just the messenger. Jesus set us free. You can accept the freedom, or you can choose bondage. If you chose the latter, there are 613 laws. Better read up on them as not to break any, because you will be judged by them. However, I must warn you, only one person in history was able to accomplish this. His name was Jesus.

Now, I did exactly as you requested. I sought Jesus more. Now it is your turn. Seek Jesus! Seek the truth. Good luck

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