The Sentinel Watch

MEANING OF TITHES The word tithes comes from the Hebrew word MA’ASER which means a tenth of the whole. That means if you have ten sticks, one would be the tithe. If you have a hundred sticks, ten would be the tithes. The majority of Christians today practice the tithe which they rightly equate as being ten percent of their gross income. But a careful look into the scriptures reveals that the Israelites whom Christians today are striving to emulate did not practice tithing the way it is done today.  Tithing for the Israelites was 23.3% of their gross income. You may wonder how it came to be that percentage when payment of ten percent only is what is emphasized by today’s church.  THREE TYPES OF TITHES The Jews in scriptures practice three types of tithes. Yes, you heard me right. There were three types of tithes that the Jews practiced. When you added all the three together, it amounted to a total of 23.3%. Levitical Tithes : Numbers 18:21-24, Malachi 3. The Levitical tithes

by :Conrad Mbewe  May 30, 2012   I came across a pamphlet today. It was given to me at the traffic lights while waiting for the lights to go green. It read as follows: My name is Stella Mwanza from Sinda (Eastern Province). I used to read in newspapers and listen to the radio about how different people were testifying concerning Pastor Elijah and I was so impressed with his healing powers that I decided to try him as I had a lot of problems. First, my husband was divorcing me as he accused me of having an affair with another man and even doubted our lastborn child. Pastor Elijah prayed for me and this calmed down my husband and now we’re happily married with our kids. I introduced a friend of mine to the same pastor who had an unstable marriage because her husband was sexually weak and had a tiny manhood. She was going out with other men to satisfy her sexual desire though she loved her husband. Pastor Elijah invited the couple to his place and prayed for both of them. Now

People attend churches for one and a million reasons. The following are a few: 1. To get a husband. 2. To learn how to make money. 3. To get financial blessings. 4. To get business connection. 5. To get wife. 6. To get free from curses. 7. To get high on the worship. 8. To get children. 9. To get miracles. 10. To get solutions from marital problems. 11. To get healed from sicknesses and diseases. 12. To see their favorite preacher. 13.To see their favorite gospel artist. 14. To frow their music career. 15. To get job. The list above is not exhaustive. Feel free to are your own reasons. WHY SHOULD WE ATTEND CHURCH? 1. To be taught the word of God. Acts 2:42-47, Acts 11:26, Mathew 28:20 2. To share with and be encouraged by other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 3. To minister to fellow believers through our spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6-8,1 Corinthians 8: 4. To be under godly leaders that oversee and guide us in our spiritual walk with the Lord. Hebrews 13:7, 1 Timothy 5:17