Reply to Steve Lyston, the Gleanor, on Tithing

Comments about The Gleanor
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120305/business/business1.html

Steve Lyston: There are several causes of poverty. In truth, it cannot be dealt with unless individuals and nations address the spiritual aspects of this issue.

Russell E Kelly: Do not leave out the education aspects and self-motivation.

You: When we disobey God's word (Deuteronomy 28), it leads to both spiritual and physical poverty

Comment: Read ALL of Deuteronomy 28-30. First, it was addressed ONLY to Old Covenant national Israel. Second, since it is impossible to obey ALL 600 plus commands, Israel ended up being cursed. Read Galatians 3:10-13. Your theology seems to be based on legalism.

You: when we build on God's governmental principles,

Comment: New Covenant principles; not O.T. principles which were given only to Israel per Ex 19:5-6; Lev 27:34; Mal 4:4.

You: The root cause of poverty is disobedience.

Comment: There is no ONE root cause. Lack of education and motivation are just as important.

You: Tithe - Malachi 3:8-10. Tithing is not for the pastor to get rich.

Comment: That is what it usually accomplishes while most of his flock remain poor.

You: Tithing is for your blessing. It is your obedience to this instruction that will bring your blessing from God.

Comment: Not so. True biblical HOLY tithes were always only food from inside God’s holy land which God had miraculously increased. Tithes could not come from outside Israel, from Gentiles, or from what man increased. This is your major error concerning tithing. Tithing, like the whole law, was only commanded to O.T. Israel. Israel was commanded NOT to share its covenant. In order to be blessed for tithing, one must also obey the whole law. Deut 27:26; Gal 3:10. How do you explain these texts?