When the prophet Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the broken city walls, the first few things he did were to restore the teaching of God’s Word, the weekly worship and –TITHING (Nehemiah 10:37-39). Why was tithing so important when it came to rebuilding the city? In fact, further down in Neh. 13:10-12, the prophet said, “I also realized that the portions for the Levites had not been given them … So I contended with the rulers, and said, ”Why is the house of God forsaken?”
The word “tithing” means “1/10” or “10%” of your increase or your income. It is important for three reasons:
#1: Tithing expresses HONOR.
Tithing is a powerful way of honoring God. Prov. 3:9-10 says to “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.” That’s the tithe! When we give to God our tithe (10%), we are telling God in no uncertain terms, “Lord, everything I have is Yours.”
#2: Tithing expresses GRATITUDE.
In Matt. 6:21, Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If we desire to stay connected to God’s house, we must put “a part of our treasure” – our tithe – in our church. Every month, when we work out our tithes, we are reminded of the faithfulness of God. When we give toward our church, it locks our hearts to our Lord Jesus and the vision He has given to City Harvest.
#3: Tithing expresses LOVE and WORSHIP.
The first time the word “love” and “worship” appear in the Bible, it has to do with Abraham’s giving (Gen. 22:1-5,12). Abraham was so willing to give his son Isaac to the Lord because in his heart, he loved and worshipped the Lord. God Himself demonstrated this same love to us – He gave us His only begotten Son. Like giving the tithe, God gave Jesus Christ to express His love and devotion for us.
Now, what happens to the tithe and offering that is collected in the house of God every week? The Bible spells out three uses of the tithe we bring to God:
In-reach (Manpower) Num. 18:21, 24 “the Sacred Tithe” – Tithes are used to pay the wages of the full-time workers in the house of God.
Up-reach (Ministry) Deut. 14:23 “the tithe for the feasts” – In our modern day context, the tithes provide for the ministry and events of the church that help people grow in their walk with God.
Out-reach (Mission) Deut. 14:28-29 “the tithe for the lost and needy” –This was also called the tithe for the lost and needy, in other words, for evangelism and missions.
When we are faithful to tithe as God’s people, we will trigger seven great blessings of God laid out in Mal. 3:10-12.
Bring in all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house (STRONG CHURCH);
If I will not open for you the windows of heaven (OPEN HEAVEN);
And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it (SUCCESS);
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes (VICTORY);
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground (PRODUCTIVE CAREER);
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field (PROFITABLE INVESTMENTS); and
All nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land (GLOBAL INFLUENCE & LEGACY).
To date, there are 77 churches in City Harvest’s network of affiliate and associate churches. Apart from these, we also have thousands of graduates from the School of Theology involved in the harvest fields of world. The message of the Great Commandment, the Great Commission and the Cultural Mandate is seeing contemporary churches sprouting all throughout Asia. Such influence and impact could only come about with financial resources. Without faithful tithers, the work of the kingdom could not have taken place on such a global stage.
City Harvest, let’s put God FIRST in our lives and let’s be MINDFUL of the work of the gospel. Make a decision to be a faithful tither and a generous giver!
Preaching the gospel of Christ in a way that’s both progressive and heartfelt, Dr. Kong Hee is a highly sought-after conference speaker worldwide, and his messages minister to millions of people around the world who are inspired to become true ambassadors for Christ wherever God has placed them. Kong is also the founder and senior pastor of City Harvest Church – a thriving, contemporary congregation in the heart of Singapore. His international TV program, Alive! With Kong, encourages millions around the world each week. For more information on Kong’s ministry and materials, please visit konghee.com.
http://edition.konghee.com/
