Certain people questioned the choice (God's) of Aaron as High Priest. That questioning was seen by God as an act of rebellion against God. There is an important principle that we should take forward to our church. It should be God's idea to add an elder or pastor and it is the Holy Spirit who is to choose him. How is that done today? It is done by the children of God committed to the church through membership who are to fast and pray and collectively determine (vote) to decide. Because each believer has the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit can speak through the people. Each person must be sure that they are searching God's will, not their own. Once chosen, the elder or pastor must be respected as God's chosen to lead. Over-ruling an Elder Council decision should be done with much prayer as should the decision of the Elder Council! The church belongs to Jesus - not the elders, not the congregation.
Tithing is introduced to the people of Israel to support the Levites - those who will minister before the LORD. All of the people are to tithe - giving one tenth of all of their increase to the Levites. All should tithe and it is to be 10% of the gross, not the net. It is to be the people's first fruits and their best. Giving to the Levites is tantamount to giving to the LORD. Carrying these principles forward - we should give 10% of our gross income to our local church. Some people think tithing is another word for giving - it isn't - tithing means to give 10% of your increase - income and all other increases like gifts, inheritances, etc. Some people think it means 10% should be all charitable giving. That is not the principle here.
There will be more on tithing and charitable giving as we go along.
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