The Odorkor Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Patrick Aseyoro, has explained that tithe belongs to God and not man.
Speaking on the topic, “Tithes and Offering” at the 2018 Axim Area Apostolisation, Apostle Aseyoro took his Bible readings from Genesis 14:15-20 and Malachi 3:6-12. He explained tithe as “a tenth of all incomes and gains, including gifts.” Thus, ten percent (10%) of all profits.
He added that the payment of tithes was a gesture of love and appreciation that Abraham, according to Genesis 14:18, demonstrated his response to the Lord’s guidance and protection in rescuing his nephew Lot.
He disclosed that Abraham was not commanded by God to pay tithes, but he gave it out to the king of Salem, Melchizedek out of love, service, worship and appreciation.
According to him, it was during the leadership of Moses that God instituted the payment of tithes and other offerings. In Malachi chapter 3:8-10, God instructed the Israelites to bring the whole tithes into the storehouse; not a part of the tithes, he stressed.
He added that tithe is not meant for donation to the poor, the sick nor the widow, but, it is to be brought to the storehouse of God.
Reading from Malachi 3:8-12, Apostle Aseyoro admonished Christians to see the payment of tithes as an obedience to God and an appreciation of the Lord’s blessings on them.
“Tithes is very necessary and anyone who pays his tithes faithfully receives blessings and protection from the Lord,” he said.
Concluding, the Odorkor Area Head encouraged believers to pay their tithes faithfully and not out of compulsion. He explained that tithes paid enables the church to improve upon its infrastructure and missionary mandate in fulfilment of the Great Commission.
After the teachings, Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo, the International Missions Director, and Apostle Philip Osei-Korsah, the Acting Area Head of Axim, responded to several questions relating to tithes and general Christian conduct during the interaction and Pastoralia session.
Report By: Kwaku Kwantwi Asiedu, Axim Area Reporter.
