Because of a bungled translation of a single verse of Scripture in the English Bible, countless Christians in the face of testing have prayed in vain for deliverance which the Lord did not promise; some have searched for a non-existent way of escape. In the process, some have lost their faith.

Yet, when correctly translated and viewed in the light of another passage, the verse reveals a remarkable truth which eliminates the need for escape or deliverance; yet the truth has gone unnoticed by virtually everyone.

Contrary to popular notion, the Lord God does not provide deliverance from testing or a “way of escape.” Rather, with the testing, the Lord God provides an outcome or “sequel” which is designed to motivate and encourage endurance of the episode of trial.

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The post 1.6 Testing & the “Way of Escape”  [ No. 086 ] appeared first on Broadcaster.org.

The Justified walking in the Way of Life are commanded to give. The Scripture sets forth three distinct categories of giving. The first and most vital category is support of the local Shepherd, that he may teach the Word of God. The second is support of the Evangelist, that he may proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. The third is relief of fellow saints who have fallen into economic distress. Of the three categories, the oft-quoted criterion, “not grudgingly or of necessity,” applies only to the latter two. Support of the Shepherd of the local Christian assembly is not optional.

Contrary to the general teaching of the Protestant Pulpit, the Tithe is the criterion for the first category of giving. The Scripture records that both Abraham and Jacob paid the Tithe to Melchizedek, and that Christ Jesus is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Thus, it is seen that the Tithe was instituted long before institution of the Old Covenant, and the Tithe continues in force in the present era of the New Covenant.

This study looks in detail not only at the valid categories of giving, but also at categories which bring discipline and cursing. It enumerates the blessings associated with giving and the judgment which results from failure to give. Throughout the study, particular attention is paid to the ministry of the apostle Paul, and to the example which the ministry of Paul provides regarding the ownership of physical assets of a ministry or local congregation.

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The post 1.4 Biblical Giving Explained: Tithes, Offerings, and Support of Ministry  [ No. 084 ] appeared first on Broadcaster.org.