Dear Christian friends:

During our Evangelism Mission we had one question: "What does the Lutheran Church teach about tithing?" Many of you saw what Rev. Ring answered and he gave a good short answer. We are preparing for our Every Member Visitation, E.V.M. and pledge Sunday, November 24. And so we would do well to study more about that. In our text Jesus says some important things about tithing.

I. In our text Jesus tells the Scribes and Pharisees to do it, "not leave it undone."

It is a good law and God is still pleased to see us do it today if we do it with the right heart and faith. We must remember Jesus was talking to Jews, still under the Old Testament (Agreement). They were commanded to pay the tithe, so Jesus tells them they should. The New Testament was not enforce yet. That began with Jesus' resurrection. No writing of the Apostles, commands the New Testament Christians to tithe. But Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:2 commands percentage giving "as God has prospered you" which means that Christians should not all give the same amount. Park City a bad example! Paul says that the rich man should give more than the poor. Explain "Pledge Estimator."

II. But no matter if you pledge 3% or 15% you must remember that giving does not save you from hell. If you think you can buy your sin forgiveness you are wrong. Jesus and Jesus alone won forgiveness of sins for us by his perfect life and by His bitter death on the cross. Jesus' merit and Jesus' blood, that and that alone hides sin. Praise God.

Now if you really believe that you will cheerfully and voluntarily give and pledge yourself and money for Jesus. You will give with the right heart and spirit - with love and thanks to your Savior.

The Scribes and Pharisees gave tithes to show off, outwardly but their heart was wicked inside. (verses 23&27) So we should be careful about that - that our heart is right and loves Jesus in giving.

A man who earns $100 a week and gives only $.50 or a $1.00 maybe does not really love Jesus or he is very ignorant about his responsibilities. Small gifts usually mean small or no love.

But even the man who gives 10% or even 20% must be careful that his heart is right. How? Daily kneel before Jesus' Cross. See you sins on Him. See how He suffered and paid for your sins. Then see His kind love for you that he volunteered to suffer and sacrifice His holy life and blood for sinners: Then stop and think how His heavenly Father also loved you because He sent His only Son to die for you. The Son's love and the Father's love will keep your heart right: humble, generous, and full of mercy and thanks.

So keep your eye on Jesus and you will pledge right and give right! If you don't, you will be lost. God help us!

Amen.