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Welcome, let us remind ourselves of a few things that may seem small but are of great importance in the fight of faith.<\/p>\n
There is a difference between an offering and charity. When you help the poor, that is charity, and it has its reward before God (Proverbs 19:17). But an offering carries even greater spiritual significance because it is directly connected to God\u2019s altar.<\/p>\n
What is an offering?<\/p>\n
An offering is any gift or sacrifice that involves an altar. In the Old Testament, the offering that was accepted by God was always brought before His altar, in His house\u2014whether it was a lamb, a grain offering, or any other sacrifice. The requirement was that it had to be presented at the Tent of Meeting or in the Temple of God (Leviticus 17:5\u20136).<\/p>\n
If you give to the poor, that\u2019s charity, not an offering. You will indeed be blessed for your generosity, but it is not the same as presenting an offering to God. For something to be considered an offering, it must involve the altar of the Lord.<\/p>\n
Even in the world of darkness, those who consult witch doctors are always instructed to bring their sacrifices directly to the witch doctor\u2019s altar. They are told to leave the offering there\u2014never to slaughter an animal at home and then give it to the needy. Why? Because for something to qualify as a sacrifice, it must be placed on the altar connected to that spiritual system.<\/p>\n
There is no offering without an altar.<\/p>\n
Jesus emphasized this connection in Matthew 23:18:<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you say, \u2018If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gift on it is bound by that oath.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
This highlights the inseparable link between an offering and the altar on which it is presented.<\/p>\n
Where should a Christian bring their offering?<\/p>\n
If you are a believer, bring your offerings to the church\u2014the place where you are spiritually nourished, such as your local congregation, gospel meetings, or conferences. That is where you will experience the fullness of God\u2019s blessing (Malachi 3:10). This does not mean we should neglect the poor, for helping them also brings great reward from God (Proverbs 22:9). But the spiritual impact of an offering given at the Lord\u2019s altar is far greater.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the enemy has sown a destructive mindset in many hearts:<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I give my offering in church, I\u2019m just enriching the pastors\u2014better to give to the poor.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is a lie of the enemy meant to rob believers of their blessing. Do not allow this deception to take root in your heart.<\/p>\n
Jesus also taught:<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.\u201d (Matthew 5:23\u201324)<\/p>\n
This shows how deeply God values the purity of our hearts when bringing offerings.<\/p>\n
Beloved, your tithe belongs in the house of the Lord, and your thanksgiving offerings should also be brought before His altar. Do not let the enemy rob you of the blessing that comes with honoring God with your offerings.<\/p>\n
May the Lord bless you richly as you obey Him.<\/p>\n
Please share this message with others. If you would like to receive more teachings by email or WhatsApp, send us a message in the comment box below or contact us at:<\/p>\n
+255 693036618 \/ +255 789001312.<\/p>\n
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