How do you handle tithing?
Rating: +3
Brief history of how we have handled our tithes since 1986
Mr. Dervaes continued to tithe for some time after being disfellowshipped by the WCG in hopes that the ministry was sincerely mistaken and just temporarily deceived. He also knew that the truth of the Laodicea Era would fall under prophetic understanding and, therefore, there would be natural resistance to it. But when the Church started to change the doctrines and began to dismantle HWA’s restored truths, then he ceased to tithe to the WCG. After giving the Laodicean warnings to the ministers, evangelists, etc., and upon their rejection of it (all the while he was still hoping that they would carry on HWA’s work), he eventually had to conclude that he was the only one carrying out Mr. Armstrong’s work in the biblically correct manner. He never intended this but it was the way it happened.
Mr. Dervaes realizes that his situation is unique. Fortunately, in his circumstances, he had a physical work to do that was religious in nature. He was able to use his tithe to carry on this work — purchasing banners, signs, paper supplies, printing, postage, etc., (and now the website) to warn the brethren . So the money was, and still is, set aside strictly for materials, not for salary or any personal use.
Mr. Dervaes realizes he is in a very fortunate position by working in gardening/agriculture. So, in raising a lot of our own produce, we can follow the Old Testament example of making offerings to God through immolation. But, since it would be illegal to burn up our sacrifices in the city, we must, at this time, resort to destroying the tithe-fruits of our labor by burying them. One day he plans to do it right by using an altar. Meanwhile, he feels he is in “good company” with the patriarchs, from Adam through Noah, on through Abraham/Isaac/Jacob and through to Moses. (Abram/Abraham did tithe to Melchisedec but that was a special case because that priest was the Son of God.) Since a good part of God’s work was done before the earthly priesthood/ministry was ever established, man did have this way to honor God prior to turning over the tithes to the Levites, whose job it was to perform the sacrifices for the general populace.
After the WCG left God, Mr. Dervaes understood more and more that “we” (”church” members, first; then all humanity later) will be returning to the Old Testament practices and lifestyle in order to restore Eden.
Second tithe
We spend it during the Feast of Tabernacle for travel, food or just doing something special with the family.
Third tithe
Mr. Armstrong used the Church to administer third tithe to brethren in need. Like the state government with regard to welfare, the church government was able to do this work efficiently and proficiently. The individual member can still give to other members in need without the agency of the Church, except that there may be problems involved in who, when, what amount, and how. Because the WCG has failed us, we now have to figure this out by ourselves.
Presently, we use our third tithe on the work associated with Path to Freedom.com We consider this to be “helping people” with bettering their lives through right education and giving them encouragement to change their lifestyles. It is a beginning work which will freely assist those whom God is working with to establish an earthly kingdom.
Mr. Dervaes has no salary; he is self-employed and is running two businesses at present {JulesDervaes.com and growing organic produce for fine restaurants and caterers in the area which is in associated with PathtoFreedom.com}. With all the expenses that are needed to keep them operational, the annual increase is minimal.
