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 Christian Revival and Money
The Impact of Spiritual Transformations on Tithes and Offerings
The following is taken from Global Revival: Worldwide Outpourings – Forty-Three Visitations of the Holy Spirit and is used by permission. Theft against God To be called a thief is a title that none of us would like to have. I once had to confront someone under my authority over the action of their friend who whilst staying with us took an item which belonged to me. This person acknowledged that their friend had taken my property, but would not hear of him being called a thief. I asked the person, “What would you call a person who has taken something which does not belong to them?” ‘Thief’ was not one of the words. Most of us would never even dream of pick-pocketing or mugging someone, making bogus claims on our insurance or tax forms, driving out of the petrol / gas station without paying for our fuel or stealing from a shop, yet many Christians are unknowingly thieves! One preacher said to his congregation, “Some of you have come here today in stolen cars, with stolen money, wearing stolen jewellery” – he went on to explain that these people have stolen from God because they have robbed Him in tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-10). We must also be just as careful as to whom we give our money to. If we have surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ, what is ours is now His. We are all called to be good stewards of that which is entrusted to us; our wage, disposable income, a bonus, an inheritance and our legacy, (via our written will) is an entrustment and must be used wisely. Sadly there are many Christian broadcasts which would be funny; if they weren’t exploiting the gullible, the naïve and the poor – those that make promises and claims which aren’t Scriptural. Many of whom come up with new gimmicks to fleece our hard earned money, so that they can build their kingdom and not God’s. Generally speaking, we give our tithe to the church (to those who are spiritually feeding us), offerings as directed by the Holy Spirit or out of a heart of compassion (when you see someone is hungry, ‘the least of these’ or you have the ability to help a brother etc.). In essence sow joyfully and generously into God’s Kingdom and make sure that it is fertile soil so that fruit can be birthed for the glory of God. Many of us have robbed God by our sins of omission. By not doing things which we should be doing; loving our neighbours as ourselves, praying for those in authority, being salt and light, running a good race, blessing and not cursing etc. Have we robbed God in our time and commitment to Him, in our Bible reading, devotion and have we given God that which is our duty? – We should become disciples and not church-goers with the nickname Christian. Are we making disciples as we take up our cross daily and follow Him? Have we been loyal to God in our time, in our witness of Him and in our lifestyles? These are serious questions which we must honestly and humbly answer before God if we seriously want to see revival. As we ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, we may realise that we are not as close to God and to our brothers and sisters in Christ as we thought we were. But, if we acknowledge a problem we can rectify it. Confess and forsake all known sin (Proverbs 28:13). Used by permission from Global Revival: Worldwide Outpourings – Forty-Three Visitations of the Holy Spirit Revival CANNOT be Bought Some years ago a pastor on a Christian TV who was claiming to have revival in his church said, “If you want a part of this revival then the ‘only’ way is to partner with us.” He went on to ask for money, and as an experiment asked to send him your wage, whether you got paid weekly or monthly! He asked that you send it all so that you could receive from God! Linking a “promise” of blessing from God to the giving of finances is not Scriptural and is similar to the sin of simony where Simon the sorcerer who was converted and baptised during the Revival in Samaria wanted to buy the impartation of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:5-25). Also, to state that by giving to the ministry concerned was the ‘only’ way to receive was totally unscriptural, unjustifiable and was playing on the hopes, dreams and emotions of many weak or biblically illiterate brothers and sisters in Christ. It is wrong to pass judgment on just one hearing so I tuned in on several occasions over the following weeks and also watched a few online broadcasts. Some of these financial appeals were linking anointing with giving, whereas anointing is linked to sacrifice, taking up one’s cross daily, denying self and abiding in the Vine, see, John 15:1-11, Romans 12:1-2 and 1 John chapter 2. Revival cannot be given away, bought, sold (for thirty shekels of silver!) or imparted; though an anointing to some degree can be imparted, as can a gift (see 2 Timothy 1:6). God gives His gifts freely and in measure to the level of our obedience to Him. God does not fill dirty vessels or anoint or empower us to entertain others, but to do the works of the Father. Revival is a sovereign work of God, coupled with man’s obedience – the Divine-human partnership and is seen in the fullness of time. Giving to the work of God is biblical (tithes, offerings and helping the brethren etc.) and God loves a generous giver. Give your tithes to your local church (unless God directs you otherwise) and your offerings to the right ministry, organisation or individual for the right reasons as good stewards of God with pure motives. There are times of necessity when someone is in desperate need and you have the means to help and you may be led to (1 John 3:17-18), but be led of the Spirit and not by an emotional impulse or appeal as there are many unscrupulous people (even Christian ministers and ministries) who take advantage and fleece people. Malachi 3:8-12 states that by non-giving we are actually stealing from God. 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9 is also very informative on Christian giving. Click Here to learn about Handling your Finances ‘If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land’ (2 Chronicles 7:14). Recommended Books: Holy Spirit Power The Holy Spirit in a Man Revival Answers, True and False Revivals Heaven – A Journey to Paradise and the Heavenly City Prophecy Now, Prophetic Words and Divine Revelations Revival Fires and Awakenings: Thirty-Six Visitations of the Holy Spirit Global Revival: Worldwide Outpourings - Forty-Three Visitations of the Holy Spirit Revival Fire - 150 Years of Revivals: Spiritual Awakenings and Moves of the Holy Spirit Understanding Revival and Addressing the Issues it Provokes Jesus Today, Daily Devotional: 100 Days with Jesus Christ Samuel Rees Howells: A Life of Intercession Samuel, Son and Successor of Rees Howells Recommended Revival DVD: Great Christian Revivals Thus says the Lord: “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants and My blessing on your offspring” (Isaiah 44:3). REVIVAL LINKS ‘O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do it for Your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many, we have sinned against You’ (Jeremiah 14:7). |
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