The Privilege of Tithes and Offerings

Much debate continues within the Christian faith as to whether a person is instructed to tithe to the Church in the Modern Era. Both sides of the divide are equally convinced as to their belief. The Privilege of Tithes and Offerings offers the reader the opportunity to explore what is really meant when we tithe or offer one’s contributions to God. Do we do it begrudgingly or do we do it as a mark of our true heart condition in relation to all that God has given to us? The reader is left with that decision for themselves but the author challenges each and every one as to where their treasure is. God doesn’t need our money. He doesn’t sit on His throne with a ledger writing down what you have given him in your offerings. Perhaps many of us should be thankful that He does not. Ultimately, every Christian, whichever side of the divide they stand, should have a willing heart in offering to God their Time, Talent, Treasure and Touch. Tithes and offerings are truly a privilege from God, inviting us to step out in faith and put our trust in Him.

The Privilege of Tithes and Offerings is directed toward the Christian's approach as to their giving for the benefit of the gospel. Jesus Christ entrusted His followers with the Great Commission to give freely what they themselves had received freely, that of the redemption of our eternal life through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus told His disciples to preach His word to all nations so that everyone had the opportunity of salvation through God's Grace. During the time of the Israelite nation under the leadership of Moses they were instructed to give tithes. This was not for the purpose of gain, but to support those who were in need of support. Today, that support is still needed in local, regional and international situations far beyond preaching. A Christian is commanded to love and support their fellow man and to provide comfort and protection to the needy. Much debate continues within the Christian faith as to whether a person is instructed to tithe to the Church in the Modern Era. Both sides of the divide are equally convinced as to their belief. The Privilege of Tithes and Offerings offers the reader the opportunity to explore what is really meant when we tithe or offer one’s contributions to God. Do we do it begrudgingly or do we do it as a mark of our true heart condition in relation to all that God has given to us? The reader is left with that decision for themselves but the author challenges each and every one as to where their treasure is. God doesn’t need our money. He doesn’t sit on His throne with a ledger writing down what you have given him in your offerings. Perhaps many of us should be thankful that He does not. Ultimately, every Christian, whichever side of the divide they stand, should have a willing heart in offering to God their Time, Talent, Treasure and Touch. Tithes and offerings are truly a privilege from God inviting us to step out in faith and put our trust in Him.

From around the age of five, Martin Roberts was exposed to religion and over the next twenty years became acquainted with the word of God. At the age of thirteen he was baptized in recognition of accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. In 1982 an experience he had with the denomination he was involved with caused him to question all that he had believed. Instead of seeking God, he led a life for the next twenty years away from God and this led to his life unraveling to a point where he finally questioned what he was doing with it. For more than three decades, he had risen in the ranks of his chosen career in medical sales, but still felt an emptiness in his life. In 2009 he experienced a life changing event that culminated in him losing the sight of his right eye. After questioning what was missing in his life, he realized it was God. From that point on he and his wife Deborah embarked on their search for a place of worship. It was at Meadowbrook Church where Martin experienced his “light bulb” moment of finally following his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He firmly declares that God’s promise is true, that He will never leave you, and He will never forsake you. He insists this is what God promises to those who are willing to openly receive God’s Grace and turn around and repent. His Ministry is now to write Christian related books of inspiration and devotion that he hopes will assist primarily readers who may not currently worship our Lord and Savior but are themselves lost as he once was. He also hopes fellow believers in Christ will benefit from these readings also. His first book in this genre, Front and Center (ISBN 978-1-62839-016-2) was published in August 2013 by Xulon Press. This was followed quickly with his second book, Defending the Bible against “Christians” published by Westbow Press (ISBN 978-1-4908-2408-6). He continues to write and is currently writing his third book and has several more in the stages of development. The youngest of four siblings, he lost both brothers within a year of one another (2008-9) and has an elder sister who still lives in England today. After relocating to the United States in 2005, Martin was proud to become a US Citizen in September 2009. He is a father of 5 children and has 3 grandchildren. Martin is currently enrolled in the Berean Bible and Theology School with Global University. He and Deborah attends Meadowbrook Church (www.mbcocala.com) in Ocala, FL and live close by with their two Labradors Rose and Rusty.