Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, recently engaged his congregation during their Monday Bible study to shed light on the significance and intention behind Christians giving tithes.
He encouraged the congregation to understand that while fasting and tithing are important practices, they should not be seen merely as ways to earn favor with God. Instead, he emphasized that these actions are expressions of faith and should be accompanied by a genuine relationship with God, which is essential for entering His Kingdom. …CONTINUE READING
The pastor encouraged the faithful to understand that tithing after being born again is an expression of gratitude to God, not a transaction for salvation. He said, “The tithe that you give is just to show appreciation: “What could I have done? What could I have earned? What could I have possessed except what you have given me?”
Pastor Kumuyi referred to Luke 18:12, where the Pharisee boasted, saying, “I fast twice in the week.” He explained that such religious rituals, while outwardly impressive, do not reflect the humility required for salvation.
He further explained that the Pharisee’s pride in giving tithes, as mentioned in the same verse, was misplaced. Pastor Kumuyi stated that before one is born again, tithing holds no value in the Kingdom of God. The key to salvation, he clarified, is not through tithing, but through Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary.
“Your tithes, if you are born again, if you are righteous in the Lord, if you are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, are your gratitude to God,” Kumuyi stated. He emphasized that tithing should be a response to God’s blessings and not a means of trying to “buy” heaven.
Kumuyi also referenced the Publican in Luke 18:13, who, unlike the Pharisee, humbly asked for mercy, demonstrating that true repentance and humility, rather than outward rituals, are what matter to God.
Pastor Kumuyi concluded by urging Christians to recognize that salvation comes through Christ alone, and tithing is a reflection of appreciation for God’s grace.
