Tithing
There is no direct command to tithe given to the church. Jesus did tell the scribes and Pharisees who were still under the law, that they should tithe (Matthew 23:23). However, the priesthood changed from Melchizedek to the Levites and is now given to Jesus.
“The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on.” (Hebrews 7:8 NLT)
I dream of a church that does not need a command, but is of a willing heart that generously tithes to bless Jesus’ ministry on earth, because we recognize His priesthood.
“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” (vs 17b)
Faith
When we speak of a community of faith, we look at those who have gone on before us (Hebrews 11). We acknowledge them.
“... we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1 WEB).
I dream of a church that believes and trusts God as they did.
Support Your Leaders
Oh how joyful it is to be in a church where the leaders are loved and encouraged, and how stressful and sorrowful it is when self-willed rebels ruin a church.
“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” (Hebrews 13:17 NLT)
I dream of a church where the whole congregation supports a unified vision given by God to its leaders.
Temptation
We are all tempted, but we don’t all give in to it.
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15 ESV)
So, the process is simple: lust allowed to fester brings sin and sin allowed to fester brings death. I dream of a church that is learning to stop temptation in its tracks before sin is conceived.
Doers
The Bible is practical, not just theory.
“You must be doers of the word and not only hearers who mislead themselves.” (James 1:22 CEB)
I dream of a church that puts the Bible into practice.
