|
Is tithing for the Christian today? Tithing was a part of the Law of Moses under the legal economy of Israel. It does not apply to the Church today, since we are under grace and not the law (Romans 6:14; 10:4). Therefore, we are obligated to give first our bodies and souls as living sacrifices in reasonable service to God (Romans 12:1–2). The New Testament teaches proportional giving according to what we have, not what we don’t have (2 Cor. 8:12). If we can only give 5% as the Lord leads, so be it. It is not how much you give that matters to God, but the attitude and motive which you are giving from. This is the concern of the New Testament with regard to giving, rather than measuring the amount that is given (see 2 Cor. 8–9).
Zola Levitt was the most beloved and well known Messianic Jewish Bible teacher and Middle East commentator of his day. He was a Jewish Christian thoroughly educated in the synagogues and brought to the Messiah in 1971. He held music degrees from Duquesne University and Indiana University (doctoral coursework completed), and an Honorary Th.D. from Faith Bible College. He is best known as the host of the weekly national television program Zola Levitt Presents, and was formerly the host of two top-rated radio talk shows — The Heart of the Matter in Dallas, and the nationally syndicated Zola Levitt Live. Zola was also a widely published author with more than 50 books in several languages, and the composer of some 200 spiritual songs and personally performed on most of his albums. Zola acted as lecturer and tour host on more than 80 trips to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, the areas of the seven churches, Mediterranean islands, European capitals, etc. He formerly taught a course on “Christ in the Old Testament” at Dallas Baptist University and gave seminars at other education institutions. Zola Levitt, founder and patriarch of Zola Levitt Ministries, died peacefully on April 19, 2006 at his home in Dallas, Texas, following a courageous two-month battle with lung cancer. He was 67 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra, who carries both his name and his legacy; a son Mark, who takes the lead in administrating this ever expanding world wide ministry; a son Aaron, who participates behind the scenes, helping with writing, editing and more; and a stepson Will — “Our Man in Jerusalem” — who keeps us up-to-date with things in Israel. Together with an old associate Jeffrey Seif, who was asked to take the teaching helm and serve as the principal spokesperson, with Ken Berg, his faithful producer of 28 years, and with the help of a dedicated staff of professionals, the Levitt legacy continues, as it will until the coming of our Lord. |