Q & A with A Reader on Christian Giving

Q & A WITH A READER ON CHRISTIAN GIVING 

Q1 - Does the Tithing Command in Malachi 3 apply to New Testament Believers? 

MY ATTEMPT 

The Malachi context was a totally different scenario from the New Testament context. The Jews were legally obligated to tithe under Levitical laws (Leviticus 27:30-32). These laws are however not binding on New Testament believers. The church only borrows the moral on principle of tithing for godly giving since we believe this practise preceded the law. New Testament believers do not share in the curses contemplated in Malachi 3!

Q2. It has been argued that Abraham and Jacob were the first set of patriarchs to tithe. Is there evidence in Scripture that the two men consistently tithed? 

MY ATTEMPT 

The mention of tithing relating to Abraham and Jacob has been generally understood as a theological justification for the view that tithing preceded the law (Genesis 14:20, 28:20-22)

We believe the two patriarchs and several others not mentioned in Scripture faithfully and consistently gave to God a tithe of their increase. Scripture does not have to capture every detail to authenticate the validity of tithing as a godly practise. In any case, we are not given the details of all givers in the Torah texts. 

Secondly, the New Testament believers are not legally compelled to tithe or to give offerings. We give God freely out of our personal convictions in honour of Christ and to support His mission on earth. Tithing is one of the means for achieving that purpose. There is nothing ungodly in teaching about tithes provided that we teach the full counsel of God on Christian giving and Christian liberty. 

I am aware that some Evangelical and Pentecostal traditions will disagree with this statement because they do not permit Christian liberty in giving. Besides, some charismatic teachers manipulate their followers into giving beyond what is contemplated in Scripture.   

Thirdly, a believer is at liberty to give as he pleases. Some give 20% or more. Others prefer the traditional 10% tithing. Others give less. Some traditions insist that offerings are sufficient for Christian giving. If Christian giving is done in good faith and to the glory of God, well and good. 

Q. 3 - Some preachers have argued that the best way to teach a New Testament believer to give is by teaching about the love of God through Christ Jesus. If a Christian understood the magnitude of God's love and grace, they would withhold nothing from Him. Do you agree with this view?

MY ATTEMPT 

I concur with you on the significance of teaching about the love of God. However we also need to teach believers about Christian giving within the New Testament context. Believers should be taught the truths of God's word on a regular basis in order to build their convictions on the authority of God's word in guiding our practical Christian living. 

Q. 4 - Should Christians Tithe their Time to God? 

MY ATTEMPT: 

I have not come across any teaching of Scripture that compels believers to tithe their time to God. I believe sacrificing time to serve God is a godly practise for believers. However, we may not specifically align ministry time sacrifice to tithing. Believers are gifted differently with diverse skills talents and abilities and God expects us to apply these skills in a manner that advances His Kingdom. 

Some ministry commitments such as missionary work may require full time service from believers. Others ministry skills and talents are applied during the corporate gathering of the church in worship. Some skills are occasionally required. All these ministry skills are valuable to the kingdom of God. 

Each line of ministry calling and gifting should therefore be understood within its context. What is significant is that our Christian witness is a 24/7 calling. We should be prepared to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). We are ambassadors of Christ wherever God has placed us in this world (2 Corinthians 5:20). We should therefore put on Christ and glorify God in our walk of faith.

Q. 5. Is the First fruits giving binding on New Testament Believers? 

MY ATTEMPT 

The Levitical priesthood first fruit giving is not binding on New Testament believers. To my knowledge, no text or passage of New Testament Scriptures  teaches or implies that believers should submit to the demands of the Levitical priesthood ritual offerings. We can however give a thanksgiving offering to God from our increase or blessings that God extended to us . 

Some Christian traditions have retained some of the Levitical priesthood ritual regulations without any theological justification from the New Testament Scriptures. This does not imply that believers should blindly follow such teachings. 

Q. 6 - Should Believers Surrender their First Salary to God? 

There is no command from Scripture that compels New Testament believers to sacrifice their first salary or entire earnings to God. The illustration of the parable of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44 does not suggest that believers should give everything at their disposal. The widow sacrificed more than the rich men who gave out their abundance. 

The argument in favour of giving the entire pay to God as a special offering has been misapplied by some Bible teachers to cash in on unsuspecting Christians. My view is that the teaching on the giving of the first salary to God is a false teaching meant to defraud believers. 

How will this believer pay his rent and meet his family upkeep after surrendering his entire salary to the so called MOG? If the believer tithes out of that salary or gives an offering or thanksgiving from it, that should suffice. 

Q. 7 - Will a Believer miss Heaven if they don't give to God?

MY ATTEMPT 

Our relationship with God is founded on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Believers have received redemption from sinful condemnation. There is nothing to add to what Christ has accomplished for us in His atoning death. He purchased our souls through His shed blood and we received the guarantee of eternal life. 

Having said as much, I am persuaded that a mature believer would lovingly serve God with their resources, talents, and abilities including giving tithes and offerings. They will cheerfully give to God on a free will basis rather than by coercion or compulsion. 

Whereas no believer will be denied entry to heaven merely because they did not offer a tithe or offering to God, a true follower of Jesus Christ cannot withhold his resources from the gospel effort. It would therefore be unusual to find a believer in heaven who had no passion for God's kingdom. 

@ Ezekiel Kimosop 2026.

Is it Biblical to Describe Believers as Covenant People?

IS IT BIBLICAL TO DESCRIBE BELIEVERS AS COVENANT PEOPLE?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Someone addressed this question to me. He insisted that the title is inappropriate because, in his considered view, only Old Testament believers were under a covenant relationship with God. He also claimed that none of the New Testament writers assigned this title to believers. 

Here's my take.

My view is that one is at liberty to choose any name tags that they consider appropriate in describing believers provided that they align with Scripture. The writers of Scripture have not provided exhaustive descriptions for the Christian community. Reading through the New Testament Scriptures, one discovers that several imagery and metaphors and allegories are employed in describing believers on different occasions. Most of these metaphors are attributed to Apostle Paul, Apostle Peter, and Apostle John.

Scripture describes believers as Pilgrims (1 Peter 1:1), Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), Temple (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:5), Flock/Sheep (John 10:1-18), Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32; Rev. 12:2); and Soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3-4). 

It is instructive that the writings of Scripture are aligned to two covenants which we refer to as the Old Testament and the New Testament, respectively. A covenant is a contractual relationship that contemplates two parties - the giver and the recipients. It conveys clear terms and conditions that mutually bind the parties in agreement.

The Old Testament was made between God and the Jewish people at Mt Sinai. God sought to draw the Jewish people to Himself in covenant obedience. Unfortunately, His people repeatedly violated their covenant terms and God was compelled to hand them over to the heathen nations. The Book of Judges describes the cyclic pattern of the apostasy of God's covenant people. 

There are several other covenants described in the Bible including God's covenants with Abraham, Jacob, and David. 

God is the author of the New Testament covenant which was sealed by Christ's shed blood at Calvary (Hebrews 9:15-28). This covenant is anchored on God's offer of redemption and eternal life for any sinner that freely signs up with Christ. Whosoever therefore repents of sin and turns to Christ is immediately admitted into God's family or household of faith and is therefore understood as a covenant believer in Christ Jesus in that context (John 1:12, 3:16-17; Romans 8:1-2; 1 Corinthians 5:17).

I am persuaded that the use of the title "covenant people" to refer to the church or the Christian community is consistent with the revelation and authority of Scripture.

A covenant believer is a person who has turned from sinful disobedience to Christ; from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. He is committed to walking with Christ in fellowship and submits to the revelation and authority of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

This covenant believer earnestly looks forward to Christ's soon coming.

Are you a covenant believer?

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Confidence in His Presence - Approaching God with Boldness - 1 John 5:13-15

CONFIDENCE IN HIS PRESENCE - APPROACHING GOD WITH BOLDNESS - 1 JOHN 5:13-15

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

1 John 5:13 says "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." (NKJV). 

This text of Scripture affirms that believers are assured of eternal life in Christ Jesus even as they grow in the knowledge of Him. The writer takes pride in this truth as he encourages his recipients to stand firm in the faith. 

Our journey of faith in this world takes us through the mountains and valleys of life. The mountain season is a moment of celebration of God's faithfulness in the particular circumstances of context. The valley experience represents the trying moments of life when our faith is tried and tested by God (Psalm 34:19; James 1:2-4). This is the moment that messages of comfort and encouragement from Scripture are profound to the suffering believer. 

Job went through the valley experience in Job 1-2. The visit by his three friends did not help matters. They took him through a fault-finding contour rather than praying and comforting him! Thankfully, God came out for Job in the end. God has the final say. 

1 John 5:14-15 says "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (NKJV).

This scripture assures us of God's immeasurable grace whenever we approach Him in prayer. It inspires our confidence in Christ. It also underscores God's divine discretion on our petitions. In the exercise of His divine discretion, God will answer us in accordance with His will. God truly hears His covenant people whenever they approach His divine presence in prayer. 

This assurance is significant because our relationship with God is founded on our covenant with Him through Christ. Whether are prayers are granted, modified, differed, or declined, we have peace in our hearts that God's purposes for us will be served.

How does the assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:13) relate to our confidence in prayer (1 John 5:14-15)?

Our assurance of eternal is the anchor and pillar of hope that stands out whenever we appear before the presence of God. We are conscious of our special relationship with God as His redeemed in Christ. We are members of God's household of faith, His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). 

We therefore have our solid standing before the presence of God as His covenant children (John 1:12); His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:19-20); His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9); His precious saints that He has purchased through Christ's shed blood (John 1:29). He hears us when we pray and cherishes our special relationship with Him. We can therefore walk into His holy presence unannounced and petition Him in confidence because of the righteousness of Christ in us. We have put on Christ. 

This privileged standing in the presence of God should always lift our hearts as we call on our heavenly Father. If however there's any condemnation in our hearts, we ought to seeking forgiveness and reconciliation as we approach His presence so that our prayers are not hindered. 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Has the Battle of Armageddon Started?

HAS THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON STARTED? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

The current situation in the Middle East is deeply worrying. America and Israel expected a quick fix in sinking the Iranian autocratic regime but this has not happened so far. The war is now ballooning into a regional conflict pitting America and Israel against Iran. It has also sucked in American Middle East allies such as UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. 

Some European countries have distanced themselves from the war, fearing for huge military casualties and the economic costs involved. America and Israel have meanwhile been isolated on the battleground. Will Europe join their old ally later in this war?

Military experts reckon that the Iranian regime has built deep underground secret chambers and tunnels where thousands of missiles, drones, and cluster bombs have been hidden. It is also feared that the Iranian nuclear enrichment program could be going on in the secrecy of  these deep bunkers. 

Analysts believe this war may take decades to conclude unless peace negotiations are successfully undertaken at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of military personnel may sacrifice their lives on both sides.

Analysts also consider the growing influence and support of the Iranian regime by Russia and China as a worrying trend. These two powerful Iranian allies are believed to covertly offer military hardware and intelligence to Iran. China is understood as major commercial destination for Iranian oil. Russia is meanwhile benefiting from the war, thanks to the exponential rise in crude oil prices and the lifting of American sanctions against their oil trade. 

The Iranian backed militia groups such as the Yemeni Houthis, the Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas in Gaza are classified as an auxiliary axis for the Iranian regime. They all target Israel and its allies in the Middle East, thanks to Iranian funding.

Global crude oil prices are expected to skyrocket if the Straight of Hormuz remains blocked, keeping hundreds of crude oil vessels stuck in the high seas on either side. This will have catastrophic implications on the global economy and many vulnerable countries are likely to pile pressure on America to accept cease-fire negotiations. 

Will Donald Trump yield to his critics and back down? What happens if he suddenly pulls back claiming America's military objectives have been met? Will Israel survive the Iranian onslaught without American support in the Middle East? Will the Arab nations unite against Israel?

Some observers consider a ground invasion option as the new Vietnam war which mirrors the American experience in Vietnam in the 1970s during which tens of thousands of America military personnel were killed and others trapped in the deep Vietnamese jungles. This led to the coining of the American slogan: "can't win, can't get out". 

It is instructive that Americans are sharply divided over their involvement in the Iran war which is thousands of miles away from American territories.

Theologically speaking, some Bible scholars have speculated that the conflict might precipitate into the battle of Armageddon which will usher in the end times mentioned in Scripture (Revelation 16:12-16). These speculations are now at the centre of global theological discourse. 

Could this war herald the end times? Is it setting the pace for the unveiling of the Antichrist system taught in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12? Is the church staring at the final apocalypse contemplated in Scripture? 

We cannot precisely tell at this point what God has in store concerning the developments in the Middle East. God is sovereign over global human affairs and will assert His divine authority at His pleasure.

This conflict perhaps serves to remind us that this world is under a divine lease which will expire at God's appointed time when Christ returns to take His saints and later reign at Jerusalem for 1000 years (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 20:4-6). 

As God's covenant people, we should earnestly pray for God's intervention in bringing a lasting solution to the Middle East crisis. Let us also watch and pray so that we are not caught unawares when God's divine clock synchronises with human history. 

Luke 21:28 says "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (NKJV). 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What are The True Marks of a Child of God?

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A TRUE CHILD OF GOD?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

1 John 5:1 says "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him."

The true marks of a child of God are outlined in Scripture. A child of God is a person who has turned from sinful disobedience to Christ. They have been transformed from a sinful vessel. 2 Timothy 2:21 says "Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (NKJV). 

The child of God has been transformed by God so that the old sinful nature has been replaced by a new life of obedience and submission to God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

The believer has also been adopted into God's family of faith and therefore numbered among God's holy people.

John 1:12-13 says "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (NKJV). 

1 Peter 2:9 says "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (NKJV). 

This text of Scripture affirms that believers have been sanctified by God and set apart as a royal priesthood in God's kingdom. They minister before God and lead men to God. They should therefore glorify God by their manner of living. 

There is a clear demarcation between God's covenant people and the people of this sinful world. That distinction should always be maintained by God's children. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 says, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God..." (NKJV). 

God desires that as His children continue to grow in Christ, their discernment of their spiritual identity and destiny continues to manifest in their lives. 

A true child of God is therefore marked out by what Scripture teaches concerning them. They have put on Christ. 

This is not to suggest or imply that believers can attain sinless perfection on earth. They will fail God's divine standards from time to time because they live in a sinful world. However, by the leading of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of Scripture, believers can discern when they cross the red line and would readily repent of sin and turn to the Lord with sincere hearts. 

The people of this sinful world are described as "sons of disobedience" because they are trapped in sinful rebellion and have no capacity to submit to God until they repent of sin and turn to Christ. 

Ephesians 2:2 says, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience." (NKJV)

Colossians 3:5-7 says "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them." (NKJV). 

Finally, every child of God earnestly looks forward to the soon coming of Jesus Christ when they will be united in glory with Christ and with God forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). 

Keep it Christ. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Where Are the Dead in Christ?

WHERE ARE THE DEAD IN CHRIST? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop

This question lingered in the minds of the Thessalonian Christians who earnestly looked forward to Christ's coming in their generation. When they noticed that some believers in their midst had passed away, they were deeply worried about their divine destiny. The Thessalonians had not been adequately taught the foundational truths of the Christian faith at this point in time. Paul was compelled to respond to their questions and set the record straight. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 says: "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." (NKJV). 

This passage of Scripture affirms that those who die in the Lord are not lost. They have simply exited this earthly life and their souls continue to live on in the presence of God until God's appointed time when the last trumpet shall sound. This is the reason that 1 Thessalonians 4:14 speaks of Christ coming with them. 

The bodies of those who have died in Christ shall however lie in their earthly graves awaiting the rapture. 

Scripture elsewhere teaches that to be absent from this world is to be present with Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 says"So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." (NKJV).

We learn from 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 that "...the body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." (NKJV). 

This Scripture underscores the distinction between the perishable earthly body and the spiritual body that the dead in Christ will adorn upon their resurrection. The earthly body is marked with dishonour, weakness, and familiarity. The resurrected body will be glorified and spiritual in nature. 

The precise nature of the spiritual or glorified body is incomprehensible to our finite minds but this reality will be made manifest upon the coming of Christ. There is a residual mystery of the heavenly life that God has concealed from us until Christ is revealed. 

As we yearn for the coming of Christ, we remain steadfast and confident that the souls of the dead in Christ are before the throne of God. Paul looked forward to this special union with God after his martyrdom for which he was prepared (2 Timothy 4:7-8). 

The Bible teaches that at the sounding of the last trumpet, the dead in Christ will rise first and those who will be alive at Christ's coming shall be transformed and will adorn heavenly bodies at the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52) and together they will meet the Lord in the air. They shall forever dwell in His divine presence as the redeemed of God in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

How Does 2 Kings 6:16 Encourage Believers Facing Overwhelming odds?

HOW DOES 2 KINGS 6:16 ENCOURAGE BELIEVERS FACING OVERWHELMING ODDS? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

How does 2 Kings 6:16 encourage believers facing overwhelming odds?

2 Kings 6:16 He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

PASSAGE CONTEXT 

The passage of 2 Kings 6:8-23 records a strange incident during which God blinded the eyes of the Assyrians when they sought to capture prophet Elisha and possibly harm him. God miraculously intervened to protect His prophet from imminent capture. He blinded the eyes of the Assyrian army and Elijah's servant directed them to Samaria, far away from Elisha's location.

Elisha restrained his servants from destroying the Assyrians. Instead, he extended kindness to them by feeding them and sending them away. 

Elisha's prophetic statement recorded in v.16 is compelling. It reveals that God had surrounded Elisha with His heavenly host. There is no greater power than God's army. This was an assurance of God's protection for His servant. God did not permit the Assyrians to capture and possibly kill His servant. 

How does the statement in v.16 encourage believers facing overwhelming odds? 

MORAL LESSONS 

Here's the text: "So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (NKJV). 

Elisha assured his fearful servant that God's heavenly host was at hand to preserve him against the Assyrians. Humanly speaking, this statement was incomprehensible! Elisha prayed that God may open the eyes of his servant so that he could affirm Elisha's prophecy. 

God graciously opened the servants eyes. In v. 17b, the writer says: "Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (NKJV). 

It took God's intervention to calm Elisha's servant. There are circumstances in our lives that God makes some interventions that reveal His presence with His people. God can use these unusual circumstances to calm our fears and to cause us to trust Him. He reveals His loving grace to us through the assurance of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 

John 14:15-18 says "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you 

We may not physically see God's heavenly host surrounding us in our moments of distress. However, the assurance of His abiding presence is indelibly affirmed in Scripture. This should cause us to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Hebrews 11:1 says"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (NKJV)

Scripture assures us that God will never forsake His covenant people. In Deuteronomy 31:6, God assures Joshua of His abiding presence and help, saying, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (NKJV). This assurance should encourage God's people facing overwhelming odds.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says: "And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” (NKJV). 

In the New Testament Scriptures, the writer of Hebrews 13:5 proclaims "For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NKJV). 

No matter what we go through in this passing evil world, we are assured of God's steadfast love and His abiding presence. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026