Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Ecclesiastes 5:1–20 Foundations Commentary Big Idea Ecclesiastes 5 reminds us that true joy is not found in talking more, possessing more, or controlling more. It is found in reverently walking with God, trusting His provision, and enjoying His gifts. Introduction: The Sound of Silence When was the last time you experienced complete silence? No phone... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 6:19–24 continues Jesus’ teaching on devotion to the Father, moving from spiritual practices (giving, prayer, fasting) to the deeper issue of the heart—what we truly treasure. Read it in three movements: (1) treasure (what you value), (2) vision (how you see), and (3) master (who you serve). Key: What... Continue Reading →
Again, thank you for taking the time to explore this topic of tithing, generosity, and biblical stewardship with me. As I reflect on this study and what I have discovered in Scripture and church history, I must admit that I am still somewhat surprised. The relationship between the Old Testament tithe and the giving of... Continue Reading →
Should Christians Tithe Today? Series Investing in Eternity: The Goal of Christian Stewardship After exploring the Old Testament tithe, the words of Jesus, the teaching of the apostles, and the development of church history, we now come to the bigger issue behind all of it: what is the goal of Christian stewardship? This final article... Continue Reading →
Should Christians Tithe Today? Series Why the Apostles Never Command Christians to Tithe If tithing was such an important part of life under the Old Testament, why do the apostles never simply tell the church, “Christians must tithe”? That question sits near the center of the modern debate. In this article, we will look at... Continue Reading →
Should Christians Tithe Today? Series What Jesus Actually Said About Tithing Jesus did speak about tithing—but not often, and not in the way many people assume. When we look carefully at the Gospels, we find that Jesus mentions tithing in contexts tied to the Mosaic Law, the Pharisees, and the still-standing temple system. At the... Continue Reading →
Should Christians Tithe Today? Series Who Actually Paid the Tithe in Israel? If the Old Testament tithe was more than a simple 10% rule, the next question naturally follows: who was actually required to pay it? Did every Israelite tithe in the same way? What about fishermen, craftsmen, hired workers, and merchants? This article helps... Continue Reading →
Should Christians Tithe Today? Series Was the Tithe Really Just 10%? Many Christians hear the word tithe and immediately think “10%.” But when we read the Old Testament carefully, the picture is more layered than that. Israel’s giving system included multiple tithes and obligations that supported worship, the priesthood, national celebrations, and care for the... Continue Reading →
Should Christians Tithe Today? Series The Tithe in the Bible: What It Actually Was Before asking whether Christians should tithe today, we need to answer a simpler question first: what was the tithe in the Bible? This article resets common assumptions by walking through the meaning of the word, the earliest biblical example, the Mosaic... Continue Reading →