Obedience, Tithes, and Community

The sermon’s topic is “Obey and be Fruitful”.

• Core Message: The sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s word and commandments, particularly regarding tithing, as a path to receiving blessings and being fruitful. It suggests that obedience demonstrates love for God and leads to a life of abundance and prosperity, warning against negative consequences for disobedience.
• Critique of Disobedience: The speaker notes that people can be “too clever than God” and deviate from His commands, particularly concerning tithing. This deviation is seen as pulling oneself backward and multiplying problems.
• Importance and Benefits of Tithing:
  • It helps to be more trusting in God as the provider.
  • It strengthens faith.
  • It is an act of giving back to God what is precious.
  • It helps members to be more generous.
  • It helps in understanding God as the source of provisions.
  • Tithes are intended as a welfare plan for the needy and are to be brought to God’s house.
  • Tithing is considered a spiritual bond offering.
  • Deceiving God by bringing an “empty envelope” for tithes is explicitly warned against, as it is seen as adding to one’s problems.
• Origin of Tithing: The sermon references Abraham as the first man from whom tithing originated, highlighting his act of giving a tenth to Melchizedek, who was both a king and a priest.
• Method of Tithing: Tithes should be extracted from net pay and brought to the “house of the Lord”. Direct payments to the church account via direct debit or standing order are acceptable, provided they are clearly marked as “tithe”.
• Importance of Thanksgiving: Giving thanks to God is described as a spiritual Christian obligation that brings and invites blessings. It is emphasized that it is the will of God to give thanks in everything.

Bible Verses Referenced

The following Bible verses were referenced during the sermon:

• Deuteronomy 8:18
• Deuteronomy 7:6
• Deuteronomy 28:1-2
• Deuteronomy 10:12
• Jeremiah 5:14
• 2 Corinthians 2:11
• Job 5:11 (mentioned, but the specific application or quote is not fully clear in the transcript)
• Malachi 3 (implied in the discussion about opening the “treasures of Heaven”)
• Proverbs 3:9
• Proverbs 11:24-25
• 2 Chronicles 20:22
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Malachi 1:6
• Malachi 1:8
• John 8:44