Tithes & Alms

Order in the Church 

• Now in the Church and interacting amongst each other, we have more guidance. Firstly, those in positions of oversight ought to do so willingly and readily not for financial gain

1 Peter 5:2  

Feed the flock of Alahayim which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

• The children of Israel are committed the oracles, giving of the law, and the service of Alahayim, [Rom 9:4] so brethren of the Gentiles do not hold such positions in the Church of teaching the law and presiding over the churches. The children of Israel shall be called by men, “the ministers of our Alahayim” so it is Israel’s duty to minister: [Isa 61:6]  

Rom 3:1-2   

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2  Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of Alahayim.

Isa 61:6  

But ye shall be named the Priests of Ahayah: men shall call you the Ministers of our Alahayim:…...

Rom 9:4  

Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of Alahayim, and the promises;

• Those brethren of the Hebrews in such positions have admonitions to do things right in the sight of the Lord:

1 Peter 5:3 

Neither as being lords over Alahayim's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

• Those in positions of oversight don’t seek to be lords but rather examples of believers to the flock: 

1 Peter 5:4 

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

• They have their reward of the Lord rather than seeking the glory of men and lording over them:

1 Peter 5:5 

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for Alahayim resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

• We submit to our elders and one another seeking grace through humility: 

1 Peter 5:6  

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of Alahayim, that he may exalt you in due time: 

• This humility will lead to our exaltation if we humble ourselves under the hand of Alahayim to obey his laws. We have to exemplify the Elect of Alahayim:

Colossians 3:12 

Put on therefore, as the elect of Alahayim, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.   

• Through forbearing one another, forgiving one another and being honest with each other in love, we can fulfill the law that no hatred enter in our hearts: 

Leviticus 19:17 

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

• If a brother trespasses against us, we are to speak with him about what’s right and not suffer sin upon him lest hatred get an advantage over us to hate our brother by not saying anything. Our words needs be in faith and love as well with good intent of mind and in due season:

Mat 18:15  

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Mat 18:16   

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Mat 18:17  

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

• We have admonitions of how to deal with one another in the faith and as brothers or sisters in Christ Yache. Let every man love his brother and hide one another’s faults and deal discretely with one another in love. 

1Ti 5:1  

Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

1Ti 5:2  

The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

•  These admonitions will allow us to maintain gentleness and goodness when having to admonish one another. If someone continues to do wrong, its unlawful to bear a grudge or render evil for evil: 

Leviticus 19:18 

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am Ahayah.

• We love through forgiving that we may be forgiven:

Mat 18:21  

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Mat 18:22  

Yache saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

• We avoid growing bitter or giving into any works of the flesh as well: 

Eph 4:31  

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Eph 4:32  

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Alahayim for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.  ​

• In the instances of an accusation against an elder, it must be before two or three witnesses and whoever sinned, whether the elder and/or the accuser(s), them that sinned must be rebuked before all the church so others may also fear:

1 Timothy 5:19-20

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

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Qualifications for Bishops

1Ti 3:2-7  

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of Alahayim?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Tit 1:6-9 

If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of Alahayim; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 

Qualifications for Deacons

1Ti 3:8-12

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 

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Guidelines for the Church      

• When we sit in group settings to discuss sound doctrine and doctrinal questions we have guidance through scripture to do things in proper order:

1Co 14:34  

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1Co 14:35  

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

• Husbands and fathers, let your women ask their questions at home and if it be necessary for you to present the question yourself so as to abide within the ordinance, that would be well to do. Unmarried women or women who do not have husbands in the faith are also to learn in silence in the church:

1Ti 2:11  

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

• If an unmarried woman or a woman who has no husband in the faith, has a questions let her direct her questions privately unto the minister in the Church who have rule over the church for the edification of the body.

Ephesians 4:11-12

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

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• Women are also not permitted to teach in church:

1Ti 2:12  

But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

·      When men are discoursing in the Church setting admonitions are as follows:

1Co 14:26-28 

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to Alahayim.

• If one speaks a foreign language with no interpreter, it’s an ordinance to keep silence and speak to oneself and Alahayim:

1Co 14:29-30

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

• We avoid interrupting people in the midst of their talk:

1Co 14:31  

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For Alahayim is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

• Alahayim is not the author of confusion for prophets to be lying or speaking over one another as the law instructs not to interrupt men in the midst of their speech as well. [Sir 11:8]

1Co 14:37  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

• Though we let that man be ignorant to the proper order of things, we still have to abide in the commandments of the Lord:

1Co 14:39  

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. 

• For further edification on speaking with tongues, please reference the website tab "What is Speaking in Tongues?"

https://www.hebrewreaders.com/what-is-speaking-in-tounges

• In regards to prophesying, in these latter days, children shall prophesy, old men shall dream dreams, and young men shall see visions:

Joe 2:28  

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

• A prophet/prophetess is spoken to by dreams/visions and seldom times the voice of Alahayim

Num 12:6  

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I Ahayah will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 

• This doesn’t mean they understand the dreams or visions though in every instance as these things are in dark sentences hard to be understood unless the interpretation comes from Alahayim:

Job 33:14-18   

For Alahayim speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. ·      

• No person was spoken to in the same manner face to face as Moses since the Lord said he will speak with prophets in dreams and visions but not so with Moses:

Num 12:7  

My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

Num 12:8  

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of Ahayah shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?   

• If a person claims to be spoken to just like Moses it is clear indication of concern that it is not a true prophet. Also, dreams alone doesn’t make one a true prophet as dreams are common to all men:

Sir 34:3  

The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.

Sir 34:1-2, 6-7   

The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools. 2 Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind. 6 If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them. 7 For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them.

• Understanding that dreams are common, there are true and false prophets, we have guidance to differentiate the true prophets from the false prophets if anyone is in consideration of being a prophet amongst us:

Deu 13:1-4   

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other alahayims, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for Ahayah your Alahayim proveth you, to know whether ye love Ahayah your Alahayim with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after Ahayah your Alahayim, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

• If any dreamer or prophet leads us unto the service of other deities, we know that is not a prophet to follow because if they were true prophets, they would have caused people to hear Ahayah's words and turn them from their evil ways and doings:

Jer 23:21-22   

I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

Jer 23:16  

Thus saith Ahayah of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Ahayah. 

• When they speak of their own heart they speak peace unto those that despise Ahayah by not keeping his commandments:

Jer 23:17  

They say still unto them that despise me, Ahayah hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. 

• An indication of a false prophet is one that consents unto an evil doer justifying their walk in their own imaginations with words of peace and prosperity:

Jer 23:18  

For who hath stood in the counsel of Ahayah, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?

• They teach such things to justify every man walking according to the imagination of his own heart since they allege the counsel of the Lord can’t be known, so every man is right in his own eyes. Along with these admonitions of differentiating a true from false prophet, the Angel of Repentance, gives more clarity to know the difference between the two types of prophets:

Hermas mandate 11

1[43]:1 He shewed me men seated on a couch, and another man seated on a chair. And he saith to me, "Seest thou those that are seated on the couch?" "I see them, Sir," say I. "These," saith he, "are faithful, but he that sitteth on the chair is a false prophet who destroyeth the mind of the servants of Alahayim--I mean, of the doubtful-minded, not of the faithful.

1[43]:2 These doubtful-minded ones then come to him as to a soothsayer and enquire of him what shall befall them. And he, the false prophet, having no power of a divine Spirit in himself, speaketh with them according to their enquiries [and according to the lusts of their wickedness], and filleth their souls as they themselves wish. 1[43]:3 For being empty himself he giveth empty answers to empty enquirers; for what-ever enquiry may be made of him, he answereth according to the emptiness of the man. But he speaketh also some true words; for the devil filleth him with his own spirit, if so be he shall be able to break down some of the righteous.

1[43]:4 So many therefore as are strong in the faith of the Lord, clothed with the truth, cleave not to such spirits, but hold aloof from them; but as many as are doubters and frequently change their minds, practice soothsaying like the Gentiles, and bring upon themselves greater sin by their idolatries. For he that consulteth a false prophet on any matter is an idolater and emptied of the truth, and senseless.

1[43]:5 For no Spirit given of Alahayim needeth to be consulted; but, having the power of deity, speaketh all things of itself, because it is from above, even from the power of the divine Spirit.

1[43]:6 But the spirit which is consulted, and speaketh according to the desires of men, is earthly and fickle, having no power; and it speaketh not at all, unless it be consulted."

1[43]:7 "How then, Sir," say I, "shall a man know who of them is a prophet, and who a false prophet?" "Hear," saith he, "concerning both the prophets; and, as I shall tell thee, so shalt thou test the prophet and the false prophet. By his life test the man that hath the divine Spirit.

1[43]:8 In the first place, he that hath the [divine] Spirit, which is from above, is gentle and tranquil and humble-minded, and abstaineth from all wickedness and vain desire of this present world, and holdeth himself inferior to all men, and giveth no answer to any man when enquired of, nor speaketh in solitude (for neither doth the Holy Spirit speak when a man wisheth Her to speak); but the man speaketh then when Alahayim wisheth him to speak.

1[43]:9 When then the man who hath the divine Spirit cometh into an assembly of righteous men, who have faith in a divine Spirit, and intercession is made to Alahayim by the gathering of those men, then the angel of the prophetic spirit, who is attached to him, filleth the man, and the man, being filled with the Holy Spirit, speaketh to the multitude, according as the Lord willeth.

1[43]:10 In this way then the Spirit of the Deity shall be manifest. This then is the greatness of the power as touching the Spirit of the Deity of the Lord.

1[43]:11 Hear now," saith he, "concerning the earthly and vain spirit, which hath no power but is foolish. 1[43]:12 In the first place, that man who seemeth to have a spirit exalteth himself, and desireth to have a chief place, and straight-way he is impudent and shameless and talkative and conversant in many luxuries and in many other deceits and receiveth money for his prophesying, and if he receiveth not, he prophesieth not. Now can a divine Spirit receive money and prophesy? It is not possible for a prophet of Alahayim to do this, but the spirit of such prophets is earthly.

1[43]:13 In the next place, it never approacheth an assembly of righteous men; but avoideth them, and cleaveth to the doubtful-minded and empty, and prophesieth to them in corners, and deceiveth them, speaking all things in emptiness to gratify their desires; for they too are empty whom it answereth. For the empty vessel placed together with the empty is not broken, but they agree one with the other.

1[43]:14 But when he comes into an assembly full of righteous men who have a Spirit of Deity, and intercession is made from them, that man is emptied, and the earthly spirit fleeth from him in fear, and that man is struck dumb and is altogether broken in pieces, being unable to utter a word. 

1[43]:15 For, if you pack wine or oil into a closet, and place an empty vessel among them, and again desire to unpack the closet, the vessel which you place there empty, empty in like manner you will find it. Thus also the empty prophets, whenever they come unto the spirits of righteous men, are found just such as they came. 1[43]:16 I have given thee the life of both kinds of prophets. Therefore test, by his life and his works, the man who says that he is moved by the Spirit.

1[43]:17 But do thou trust the Spirit that cometh from Alahayim, and hath power; but in the earthly and empty spirit put no trust at all; for in it there is no power, for it cometh from the devil.

 

• Hopefully this helps us identify true prophets and avoid false prophets