Savvy Stewardship
Simple financial solutions that inspire fearless generosity.
That's our goal.
Many financial talking heads "sprinkle" Jesus in the discussion but misrepresent Him and His word. Greed is often masked as the "blessing" of the Lord.
We are unapologetically Christ-centered in our approach.
My wife and I have experienced nearly every imaginable financial faux pas. When we began untangling our money mess our net worth was negative, our debt load was massive, our bank account was empty, stress levels were sky-high, our giving was paltry, and legitimate answers seemed elusive.
We’ve celebrated giftless birthdays and anniversaries. Many of our cars required prayer to get them started and additional prayers to get them to stop (only kind of kidding). Our children wore hand-me-down clothing out of necessity.
We’ve prayed the “fishes and loaves” prayers over our paychecks.
Life, for many years, was one large financial pain in the posterior.
Yet, God’s grace was sufficient during the struggle. He didn’t give up on us when we repeated the same money blunders. He was always gracious and patient.
We learned and applied Biblical financial wisdom. We pivoted when necessary and called audibles when it made sense.
God was with us every step of the way.
I want to share what we've learned over the past three decades.
Savvy Stewardship
Who Is Melchizedek? (The Man of Mystery)
In this conversation, Tim Kiser and Joe Bachota discuss the topic of tithing and the role of Melchizedek in the Bible.
Joe shares his journey of coming out of the prosperity gospel and his mission to help others hurt by it.
They debunk the common misconception that tithing is a requirement for Christians and explain the historical context of tithing in the Old Testament. They also explore the significance of Melchizedek in Genesis 14 and Psalm 110, and how Jesus is superior in every way to the Old Testament Law.
The conversation highlights the importance of studying the Bible in context and avoiding theological leaps. They explore the biblical passages related to tithing, particularly Hebrews 7, and debunk common misconceptions about tithing. They emphasize that tithing was a one-time act by Abraham to Melchizedek and was not a commandment or a prescriptive practice for believers today. They also highlight the importance of understanding the context and purpose of biblical passages to avoid misinterpretation.
The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the grace of God and give cheerfully and joyfully, rather than out of a sense of obligation or to earn special treatment from God.
Takeaways
- Tithing is often misunderstood and misinterpreted in the church. It is important to study the Bible in context and understand the historical and cultural background of tithing in the Old Testament.
- Tithing in the Old Testament was not limited to giving 10% of one's income. Multiple tithes and offerings add up to more than 10% of a person's resources.
- The role of Melchizedek in the Bible is significant because it foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate high priest. Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood and his sacrifice on the cross fulfills the requirements of the Old Testament law.
- It is crucial to approach the topic of tithing with discernment and not to use it as a means of manipulation or guilt-tripping. Giving should be done willingly and cheerfully, according to one's convictions and ability.
- Studying the Bible in context and seeking a deeper understanding of its teachings can help protect against false teachings and ensure a more accurate interpretation of scripture. Tithing was a one-time act by Abraham to Melchizedek and was not a commandment or a prescriptive practice for believers today.
- Understanding the context and purpose of biblical passages is crucial to avoid misinterpretation.
- Giving should be done cheerfully and joyfully, out of appreciation for God's grace, rather than as a means to earn special treatment.
- The Old Covenant, including the practice of tithing, is inferior and obsolete compared to the New Covenant in Christ.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
06:35
Understanding Tithing and the Role of Melchizedek
15:03
Misconceptions and Theological Leaps in Tithing
32:25
Understanding the Context of Tithing in Hebrews 7
43:28
The Superiority of the New Covenant in Christ
51:42
Conclusion and Call to Radical Generosity
Thanks for listening!
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