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Some arguments assume that tithing came from Moses, and therefore vanished with Moses. That it was established in the Law and we are “no longer bound by law”.

But the key in my understanding is this. Tithing did NOT begin with Moses, nor is it connected to the law alone.

It existed hundreds of years before the Law, in a covenant that predates Israel, predates Sinai, and predates Moses, before there was a tabernacle, Levites or rituals.

Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18–20.

Jacob vowed a tithe to God in Genesis 28:20–22.

Both of these “tithes” happened centuries before the Law.

So what, you may ask?

This…

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“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us).”

Isaiah 7:14

Sentimentalities abound during Christmas. The virtues of family, giving, selflessness and even romance (just ask Hallmark) are emphasized as the “reason for the season”. And lest I be labeled a Grinch, I will stipulate that some of these virtues are certainly worthy of being underscored and yes, I have seen the videos of spontaneous Carol singing at box stores across the country which certainly is encouraging. All of that being said, the day signifies something far more profound. It emphasizes the incarnation.

I realize people, even Christian people, can be uninterested in doctrine. The very word suggests in many people’s mind some theological technicality which probably has little connection to practicality. The depth of most people’s hermeneutic is the question, “What does that mean for me?” -or “What does it even matter in my life?” 

More than you might know… 

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Most people have heard of “The Billy Graham Rule” which is a personal conduct guideline followed by primarily male Christian leaders, to avoid being alone with women who are not their wives or immediate family members. Key examples could include never eating alone with another woman, nor traveling alone with another woman. In our era it might also include careful selection of personal assistants as in the case of the recently fired Michigan head football coach who sadly was discovered to be in an affair with his young assistant.

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These are some things I have learned through the years…

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