KFLCC Kingdom Economics

F INANCIAL S ECURITY IN THE L AST D AYS

witnessed that he lives” (Heb. 7:8). Thus, our giving on earth is recognized in heaven. In the Bible, the word tithe in Hebrew is ma'aser, meaning tenth. The idea actually originated in ancient Mesopotamia with the concept that God gave you ten fingers with which to work, so you should bring one tenth of the grain, fruit or livestock to the temple and present it in appreciation, as well as for the provision of the priesthood of that particular temple. Thus tithe is linked to the blessing that comes through the works of your hands. When the Apostle Paul was conducting missionary journeys, he depended upon the financial gifts of churches to provide for ship travel, food, support of poor churches, and other ministry needs. One church at Philippi consistently gave offerings for Paul’s travel expenses and the needs of other churches. When thanking these believers, he wrote that it was “not that I desire a gift but that fruit may abound to your account” (Phil 4:17). Another translation reads, “Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]" (AMP). The good deeds and financial gifts that we give on earth are observed in heaven and even build a memorial there (Acts 10:1-4). These actions are accredited to our account. When this church financed Paul’s journey to preach the gospel and win souls, those souls who converted to Christ were added to the believer's account in heaven. The blessings for a giver are both heavenly and earthly, as indicated in Mark 10:29-30: Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. In Philippians 4:19 Paul reveals, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). According to Greek scholar Rick Renner, the word supply means cram a net, to level up something, and to provide for what is missing. The original word referred to “on behalf of the choir.” The imagery is that the large choirs practiced in theatres for months and eventually the time came to travel and perform. However, after months of hard work the choir fund had run dry. Now their dreams were shattered and their work

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