Reply to First Baptist 'Troy, Tn

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, TROY, TN
http://partrek.podbean.com/2010/01/17/giving-at-ground-zero/
Original Article: Vann Kissell, January 17, 2010
Comments by Russell Earl Kelly, www.tithing-russkelly.com

God’s Plan for Old Covenant national Israel, not the Church (Ex 19:4-6; Lev 27:34; Neh 10:29; Mal 4:4).

Malachi 3:8-9 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation!” NKJV

Kelly: Tithe = ten percent of only food from inside God's holy land of Israel and only from that which He had miraculously increased (See Lev. 27:30, 32; Num. 18:27-28; Deut. 12:17; 14:22-23; 26:12; 2 Chron. 31:5-6; Neh. 10:37; 13:5; Mal. 3:10-11; Matt. 23:23; Luke 11: 42).
3:10a “Bring all of the tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house.” NKJV
Malachi “. . . . . that there may be food in My house.” NKJV

Malachi 3:10 “Try Me now in this.” NKJV
The whole law of commandments, statutes and ordinances was a test. Obey ALL and live; break ONE and die.

Matt 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (See Mt 5:19-48 for all 3)

Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

The only way for a Hebrew to be blessed by tithing was to observe all 600+ commands of the law.

God is now dealing with the church in terms of His New Covenant. He cannot and does not bless or curse New Covenant believers because of their obedience to the "vanished," "annulled" or "nailed to the cross" ordinance of the Old Covenant (Heb 8:12; 7:18; Col 2:14).

Malachi 3:10 “. . . . I will open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” NKJV

"Windows of heaven" always refers to rain. The context is rain for farmers inside Israel.

Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” NKJV

Tithes and firstfruits are never the same thing in the Bible. Firstfruits are very small token offerings (Deu 26:1-4; Neh 10:35-38).

1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

A Christian's first of income should got buy medicine, food and essentials for the family.

The Apostle Paul did not teach tithing to the Church. Neither Hebrews nor Gentiles outside Israel qualified as tithe-payers.

Paul boasted that he was self-supporting. First Cor 9:12-19; Acts 20:29-35.

Malachi 3:11 “‘I will rebuke the devourer for your sake so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,’ says the Lord of hosts.” NKJV

This was an Old Covenant promise only made to national Israel. God only gave Israel the law to elevate them above other nations.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” NKJV

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Please read all of Numbers 18 which is the tithing ordinance-statute of the law.
(1) Tithes are always only food from inside Israel.
(2) Levitical tithes went to the servants who were ushers, deacons, choir, musicians and politicians (1 Chron 23 to 26).
(3) Ministers were to KILL anybody who dared enter the sanctuary and worship God directly.
(4) Tithe-receiving Levites and ministers were not allowed to own or inherit property.