I am writing briefly to our entire congregation during this time of Stewardship Emphasis at MountCalvaryBaptistChurch to express appreciation for your faithfulness over the years in generous giving of Tithes and Offerings.
It is evident that the Hand of God is upon this congregation as we look around and see obvious tangible evidence of his provision through the obedience of His people.
Many of our members and adherents can testify to the faithfulness of God in their own lives as they have given to the Lord a Tithe (tenth) of their income to their local church. Numerous verses in the Old Testament refer to the practice of tithing. Jesus Himself in the New Testament told of the importance of tithing when He rebuked the Hypocritical Pharisees in Luke 11:42—“But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone”.
This scripture makes it clear that even in the New Testament age; we are to consider judgment and the love of God, and not to leave the other [undone]. While some have said that Tithing passed away with the Law, it is hardly the case as the very first “tither” was Abraham who gave tithes to Melchizidek (before the Law was instituted), and the above statement of Christ in New Testament times. Christ clearly had opportunity to abolish the system of tithing; however, it is clear that He affirmed it.
Beyond this, anyone who has ever tithed as well as given offerings to the House of God can truly testify that God is faithful in supplying the needs for their own individual households. The Bible says in: Malachi 3:10—“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Again, we praise God for His faithfulness to MountCalvaryBaptistChurch, and look forward to greater Ministry in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and regardless of your giving abilities, we welcome you at MountCalvaryBaptistChurch.
In Christ,
Bryant L. Bacon, Sr.
Pastor