By Babatope Babalobi babalobi@yahoo.com +2348035897435
Two weeks ago, a read in a National daily in Nigeria, that there was uproar in a local church because the Pastor requested members of the congregation to pay their first salary of the year- for the month of January as first fruit offering to the Church.
Yesterday, I attended a Church service, where a similar request was made by the Presiding Pastor. He reminded all working members of the need to give their first month full salary to the Church as first fruit, and for Businesses- the profit of the first month. The Pastor reminded them that this is a Biblical injunction.
I must admit that this is the first time that I heard of Churches requesting members to give their first month Salary as first fruit. Before now the injunction in most Churches is that the first Salary of a new Job should be given as first fruit. And I am aware that most practicing Christians do this
In an earlier post, I outlined the main scriptural passages that dwell on the giving of firstfruits. For the benefit of all those that missed that posting, the scriptural passages are reproduced below:
And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the filed….the first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God – Exodus 23 vs. 16 and 19
And thou shall observe the feat of weeks, of the firstfruit of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year end- Exodus 34 vs. 22
The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God – Exodus 34 vs. 26
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, when ye be come unto the land which I gave unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruit of your harvest unto the Priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you:…’ –Leviticus 23 vs. 10
All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, they firstfruit of them which they shall offer unto the Lord, them have I given thee…
And whatsoever is first ripe in the land , which they shall bring unto the Lord, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thy house shall ear of it. – Numbers 18 vs. 12-13
And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O Lord , hast given me. And thou shall set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God – Deut. 26 vs. 10
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thy increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine – Proverbs 3 vs. 9-10
The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thy oil and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him- Deut 18 vs. 4
But now is Christ risen from death, and become the firstfruits of them that slept – 1 Corinthians 15 vs. 20
Let me start by stating that, from experiences and spiritual revelations, I have come to learn and believe that no man can out give God. Any offering made in righteousness and holiness, will always receive a reward.
Therefore, even if you decide to commit all your earnings or profit to the work of God, in faith, you shall surely receive a reward and God will provide for all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.
Be this as it may, I do not remember that I ever given all my first salary in any new job or all the first month’s salary of year as a firstfruit. I have given out of it, but definitely have never given all. I do not believe there is scriptural injunction for this.
Let us remember that Church doctrines are different from Scriptural injunctions, and in all my decisions I allow my understanding of the Bible to dictate my Christian life, even if this is against popular church opinion.
I believe in firstfruits, but I do not believe all my first salary in a new year or from a new job or all my initial profit in a new business endevaour constitutes firstfruits.
If we study the passages quoted above that dwell on firstfruits, we shall understand clearly that the intention of God in instituting this ordinance are:
To honour him, as the maker and giver of wealth.
To ensure that Priests and Levites that are working for him full time, are also honoured and have their material needs provided for.
To create an atmosphere of Praise and worship in his presence, helping us remember our past years in the wilderness when we lacked, how we cried unto him, and he had delivered us from our afflictions.
To ensure a continuous flow of income for the expansion of the work of God.
In effect, giving of first fruits is a biblical injunction. But we need to answer two critical questions, what is a firstfruits and what constitutes first fruits?
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thy increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine – Proverbs 3 vs. 9-10
The passage above from Proverbs should help us to answer the first question. A firstfruits is best described as the initial gain or profit you derive from every NEW activity that increases you.
Now to the second part of the question- What constitutes firstfruits? Let us study more passages:
And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the filed….the first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God – Exodus 23 vs. 16 and 19
The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God – Exodus 34 vs. 26
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, when ye be come unto the land which I gave unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruit of your harvest unto the Priest:
And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you:…’ –Leviticus 23 vs. 10
If we study Proverbs 3 vs. 9-10 in conjunction and in the context of Exodus 34 vs.19, Exodus 34 vs. 26 , and Leviticus 23 vs.10 , then we can reach some conclusions.
In Exodus 34 vs.19, the Bible mentions the ‘first of the firstfruits’ not all the firstfruits; in Exodus 34 vs. 26 the Bible talks again about the ‘first of the firstfruits’ and not all the firstfruits; and lastly in Leviticus 23 vs.10 God demands a’ sheaf’ of the firstfruit of your harvest’ not all the firstfruits of all your harvest.
If we consider this analysis dispassionately, it is clear, unambiguous and obvious that God does not expect us to give him all the firstfruits of our profits (for Businessmen’s), or the first salary(for paid workers), or the first month salary in the new year as some Churches are preaching. This is the biblical truth.
What God expects us to do is to give the BEST of our firstfruits to honour him as the source of all increase. It is not left to the individual to decide what constitutes the ‘best’ or to use the Bible language what you consider as the ‘first’ or a ‘sheaf’ out of your firstfruits.
If you consider 20% or more out of your first salary in a new work or 20% or more out of your initial business profit as the best sheaf out of your firstfruit, so be it. If you consider the whole salary or the whole profit as the ‘best’ ‘first’ or ‘sheaf’ out of the firstfruits, so be it.
But the express injunctions in some Churches that members should give all the first salary in any new work place, in a new year, or all the profit of a new business endeavour as firstfruits, is carnal and definitely has no Scriptural basis.
The truth is that the Spirit of mammon has taken over most of our Churches and various sorts of doctrines are being propagated as the Gospel truth.
In any case, there is no scriptural injunction that defies rationality. Jesus came to carry our burdens and lighten our yokes, not to add to it.
But like I stated earlier, decide what constitutes the ‘first’ or best ‘sheaf’ out of your firstfruits and act according to you faith.
Babatope Babalobi +2348035897435
babalobi@yahoo.com
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Save the World Ministry 
thanks for the help, i start a new job tomorrow and this really shed some light on the situation. God bless
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Thanks, i was a little unclear about this.
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Hi, your article is interesting. Good on you…..i just try to find out the meaning of first fruit offering and how i can pratically do it … I give tithes regulerly..but the concept of first fruit is new to me… I agree with you that we should check the truth ourselves…not just accept whatever taught
I just want to comment on your first point…that the first fruit is our initial gain or profit of NEW ACTIVITY… I used to think like that as well..
But i found the word NEW ACTIVITY is vague and easily manipulated by ourselves.
In addition to that, i think in old testatement, the israel people doesn’t do new TYPE of Activity.
Every year they do the similar thing…plow, sow, and harvest as farmer… like us as worker or business man…(businessman may even do a NEW TYPE ACTIVITY everytime…so you mean they must give first fruit every time they receive their profit)
If you say…they START NEW ACTIVITY (BUT THE SAME TYPE) every year… we can see ourselves …START NEW ACTIVITY(BUT THE SAME TYPE) every day..or every months as well in our job…. (so i think it shoud be given yearly)
So In my view… God intended the first fruit to be annually celebrated (in the old testament as part of first fruit festival) to celebrate and remember that God is our provider…While tithes (a tenth) is our offering for all our harvest(salary) during the year (note we also tithing our first fruit)… I am quite sure its suppose at to be at least annually…
Now about the second…point…assuming the first month salary is the wholesome first fruit of the year…how much to give as first fruit offering…? I am sure as well… but i recognize the old testament..there is called tithes of first fruit and grain offering from first fruit…. (so i supposed we also give a tenth(tithing) of our first fruit (first month salary).So the first fruit offering should be taken from some proportion left (a portion from 90% of first fruit)…. But i am not sure as well it shoudl be all 90% salary or just part of it as you say..
sorry for my bad english…
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While I benefit it from the new insights you have given, I think the most important thing is that we can not be too legalistic about offerings to God.
The NIV version of the Bible talks about Jesus coming to cancel the ‘Legalistic righteousness’ of the Pharisees.
Determine if you mind the best you want to give God. And God will reward it for this. Dont let us give offerings to God based on what percentage of our salary it constitutes, but how much we want to joyfully and voluntarily give..without duress.
When offerings are made a compulsion, then it is becoming a tax.
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its good to give first fruits. In our modern world we dont farm any more like the old times however God has provided us with other forms of earning income. I do believe that we have to keep doing all that we need to do as christians. Jesus is our first fruit so why should we hold back our first fruit?
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Thank you. No one else has explained this, and it makes a lot of sense … quantity is not quality. Quality is my best. No Ananias and Saphirra. Thank you. God bless.
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I forgot to add that I learnt about first fruits toward the end of last year and gave my best in the New year. It resulted in me getting so much overtime at work, my overtime pay exceeded my regular pay. I’ve been with this employer for over six years, and that had never happened before. I was able to work shorter hours for the summer so I could be with my family and furnish a new apartment the had recently blessed me with, after loosing all of my new purchased furniture running away from my abusive spouse. Faith works!
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when it comes to giving people get goosy.if God was to ask us now to sacrifice our first son ,not a tithe of christians will do it.when a pastor ask the congregants to sacrifice their first month salary as first fruits(after removing the tithes ofcourse),that is a wonderful opportunity to be blessed.if God will bless you for giving part of your first salary to his work ,think of what will happen if you gave all.the mystery of first fruits is applied when you get a new job or when you are entering a new year(this is a type of first fruit of the year just as a first fruit of a new job).if one thinks the pastor is conning you out of your money don,t give and stop complaining.the first fruit mystery can extended to the first child that opens the womb.hannah did that and got results.Abraham did that and got results.God the Father sacrificed his first son and got many more sons by adoption.what the pastor asked the people to do was a first fruit sacrifice something more powerful than the first fruit offerring.it is a stretching of the firts fruit offering.
the christian who posted this did not check to see whether it was an intruction the pastor received from the Holy spirit.talking about us not being in the old testament and so are not under the law is misguiding.if we are not under the law why are carrying bibles that contain the old testament.if we are not under the law,does it mean that we break the ten commandments since they are part of the old law?
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I’ve been thinking about this very same topic that has been addressed here. I believe that its only fair to say that as people we have been given the freedom of choice to act in any way that we feel will be beneficial to us. Yes I’ll admit that there is a tendency to follow church doctrine even if it does not go down well with us. But I now believe that that is wrong.
Giving to God is by faith, and love because without these then your giving has become a sin because you have done it grudgingly. So as our first fruits offering at church approaches I’ll study, meditate and call upon the Holy Spirit to minister unto me as to what is required of me. I did that with the thanksgiving, I was clearly told what was required of me and I gave it and I’m blessed each day in small and big ways.
If anything we do is without faith its pointless and an insult to God our Father.
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This is the most profound comment I have read on this topic. Give by faith..not by religious injuction…thats the key word
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thanks Sir for good explanation on first fruit.
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Thank you for writting on this topic. We are just learning about First Fruits. It is my undestanding we are to give of the first of ALL our increase. Meaning, if we purchase a new car. The first months car payment is to be a first fruit. House,boat etc… This is in addition to our salaries and any raises received at our place of employment. I agree whole heartedly with you and Emmanuel. We must give by faith,not by religious injuction.
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Thanks that puts things very clearly!
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Thanks that put things into perspective for me.
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I want to thank you for this article-this has help me so much to understanding First fruits.
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the word demands that we give first ourselves before anything else. Tiths, first fruits etc, are covenants with their corresponding blessings. thanks for sharing some views from the word. God needs our hearts and not just our money.
keep searching the truth
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The bible says whatever is not of faith is sin. If people give these first fruits without understanding and out of fear without faith, God has said it in his word that THEY ARE SINNING(as a man purposes in his heart so let him give, not out of compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Corinthians) . People must understand that Christianity and what you believe is your personal responsibility thats why the early church in Acts when they heard preachings they went home and checked if what they were taught was true.
Remember the scriptures say if any man or ANGEL comes and teaches you something that is different from what is in the word, You the child of God you should reject it. If God wanted the Gentiles to give first fruits why didn’t Paul instruct it clearly in the epistles.
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THANK YOU !..THIS WILL BE MY FIRST FULL YEAR OF RECIEVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENIFITS,ALONG WITH A SMALL PENSION.A VERY POPULAR MINISTRY HAS SAID THAT CHRISTIANS ARE TO GIVE ALL OF A DAY,WEEK,OR MONTH,IF THAT IS WHAT YOU RECIEVE FIRST…OK,SO THERE ARE TWO MEN,ONE MAKES 52,000 A YEAR,THE OTHER GETS 12,000 AYEAR AS A RETIREE..THE FIRST MAN GIVES ONE WEEKS SALARY,AND HAS 51 WEEKS,OR 51,000 REMAINING,THE OTHER IS PENILISED,BY GIVING FOUR TIMES AS MUCH BECAUSE HE GETS PAID ONCE A MONTH.THE BIBLICAL STANDARD FOR A WORK CYCLE IS A WEEK…AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY GOD RESTED..JUST AS A TENTH IS A TENTH TO ANYONE,SO IS A WEEK,(WORK CYCLE) I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD HONOR GOD,WITH OUR SUBSTANCE,THIS IS WISE BECAUSE HE IS THE SOURCE,FOR ME THIS MEANS A WEEKS PAY FROM BOTH MY SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK,AND MY PENSION.IM GLAD WE GOT THAT CLEARED UP…THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
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ONE MORE THING…SINCE WE ARE NOT DEALING WITH THE BEST OF APPLES,OR GRAIN,OR ANIMAILS ECT ,BUT IN DOLLAR BILLS ,ALL OF WHICH LOOK VERY MUCH ALIKE,I THINK QUANTITY BECOMES THE STANDARD OF ONES BEST.I THINK THAT WHEN ONE HAS LITTLE BUT IS WILLING TO GIVE GENEROUSLY FROM IT,HE HAS GIVEN HIS BEST,OF THE FIRST.
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It is vey interesting to see the comments we are making as Christians. It just means our God is really great. we have different levels of understanding of the requirements of the Lord God.We have different levels of faith with respect to following what God needs from us.
Firstfruit was practised by Abel in Gen 4:3-5 and it is recorded in Heb 11:4 as a act of faith. It must be our duty as Christian to study the word and trust God to give us His rhema concerning what we read. It is very important for the Firstfruits to be done with an understanding of trust in God.
King Solomon practised the Firstfruit and stated in Prov. 3 :9-10 how it must be done and what the benefits are.
Lets know that God wants to give to us rather than take from us.The Firstfruit is just a token of what we get in the year.It must be done annually. God gave Christ to us as the Firstfruit and see the great harvest of believers waiting to be harvested by our Father.
We must remember that we are the Firstfruit of the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth.
Lets allow love to underline whatever substance we give to God.
Remember, you cant outgive God.
Stay blessed.
Love.
There is a world out there that needs us, the firstfruits of God.
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It is very interesting to see the comments we are making as Christians. It just means our God is really great. we have different levels of understanding of the requirements of the Lord God.We have different levels of faith with respect to following what God needs from us.
Firstfruit was practised by Abel in Gen 4:3-5 and it is recorded in Heb 11:4 as a act of faith. It must be our duty as Christian to study the word and trust God to give us His rhema concerning what we read. It is very important for the Firstfruits to be done with an understanding of trust in God.
King Solomon practised the Firstfruit and stated in Prov. 3 :9-10 how it must be done and what the benefits are.
Lets know that God wants to give to us rather than take from us.The Firstfruit is just a token of what we get in the year.It must be done annually. God gave Christ to us as the Firstfruit and see the great harvest of believers waiting to be harvested by our Father.
We must remember that we are the Firstfruit of the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth.
Lets allow love to underline whatever substance we give to God.
Remember, you cant outgive God.
Stay blessed.
Love.
There is a world out there that needs us, the firstfruits of God.
God wants to give us out of immeasurable riches.
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THE SHEAF OF FIRST FRUITS IN THE BIBLE
God commanded the people to bring a sheaf of the harvest (Leviticus
23:10). Remember, three times a year God commanded the people to come
to Jerusalem to celebrate the Festivals of Passover, Pentecost , and
Tabernacles. All three of these festivals are agricultural harvest
Festivals. Passover is the barley harvest. Pentecost is the wheat
harvest. Both of these Festivals are first fruits harvests before the
final harvest that was to come at the end of the year during the
Festival of Tabernacles, which is the fruit harvest.
The harvest represents all who would put their faith, trust, and
confidence in the Messiah (Matthew 13:39). So, the sheaf is the first
of the first fruits. Since a sheaf in the Bible is used to typify a
person or persons (Genesis 37:5-11), a sheaf spiritually represents
people who accept the Messiah into their hearts.
The nation of Israel was familiar with the concept of first fruits or
the firstborn. The first fruits were always the choicest, the foremost,
the first, the best, the preeminent of all that was to follow. They
were holy to the Lord. The concept of first fruits or firstborn is a
major theme in the Bible. This can be seen by the following Scriptures:
Exodus 34:26, Leviticus 23:20, Numbers 18:12-15, Deuteronomy 18:1-5,
26:2-4, and Proverbs 3:9.
EVERYTHING ON THE EARTH, BOTH MAN AND BEAST, WAS TO BE PRESENTED BEFORE
THE LORD AS FIRST FRUITS TO HIM
–The firstborn of both man and beast were sanctified (made holy) and
presented to the Lord (Exodus 13:2,22:29).
–The first fruits of all the earth were presented to the Lord at His
altar in praise and thanksgiving (Deuteronomy 26:1-11).
THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL OF FIRST FRUITS IS RESURRECTION AND SALVATION
There are several important events tht happened on this day in the
Bible.
1. Noah’s ark rests on Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4).
2. Israel crosses the Red Sea (Exodus chapter 14).
3. Israel eats the first fruits of the Promised Land (Joshua 5:10-12).
The manna that God gave from Heaven during the days in the wilderness
ceased the sixteenth day of Nisan after the people ate of the old corn
of the land. The day following was the seventeenth of Nisan, the day
when the children of Israel ate the first fruits of the Promised Land.
4. Haman is defeated (Esther 3:1-6).
In the Book of Esther, Haman plotted to kill all the Jews in Persia and
Media. Haman had ten sons. By this, we can see tht Haman is a tye of
the false Messiah (antichrist). A decree was sent out on the thirteenth
of Nisan that all the Jews would be killed. Upon hearing this news,
Esther proclaims a three-day fast, which would be Nisan 14-16. On the
sixteenth of Nisan, Esther risked her life when she came to King
Ahasuerus. The king asked her, in effect, “Tell me, what do you want?”
Esther replied, “If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman
come this day unto the banquet tht I have prepared for him.” This was
the sixteenth day of Nisan. At the banquet, the king again asked Esther
what she wanted, and she asked the king to come to another banquet to be
held the next day, the seventeenth of Nisan. On this day, Haman (a type
of the false Messiah or antichrist, as well as of satan) is hanged.
5. The resurrection of Jesus (John 12:24, 1 Corinthians 15:16-20).
The Lord Jesus celebrated the Festival of First Fruits by offering
Himself as the first fruits to all future generations (Matthew
27:52-53).
JESUS IS THE FIRST FRUITS OF THE BARLEY HARVEST
1. Jesus is the firstborn of Mary (Matthew 1:23-25)
2. Jesus is the first-begotten of God the Father (Hebrews 1:6)
3. Jesus is the firstborn of every creature (Colossians 1:15)
4. Jesus is the first-begotten from the dead (Revelation 1:5)
5. Jesus is the firstborn of many brethren (Romans 8:29)
6. Jesus is the first fruits of the resurrected ones (1 Corinthians
15:20,23)
7. Jesus is the beginning of the creation of God (Revelation 3:14)
8. Jesus is the preeminent One (Colossians 1:18)
Jesus is indeed the Most Holy One of God and is sanctified by the
Father. Jesus is the first, the choicest, the preeminent One. He is
both the firstborn of God and the first fruits unto God. Jesus is the
sheaf of the first fruits.
FIRST FRUITS IS PROPHETIC OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
The Festival of the sheaf of the first fruits is prophetic of the
resurrection of Jesus. Jesus prophesied that He would rise three days
and nights after He was crucified upon the cross (Matthew 12:40, Luke
24:46). This was foreshadowed to happen in the Old Testament by type
and shadow (Genesis 22:1-6, Exodus 3:18, 8:27).
Since Jesus was crucified on the day of Passover, the fourteenth of
Nisan, and He arose from the grave three days and nights after He was
crucified, Jesus arose from the grave on the seventeenth of Nisan, the
day of the festival of First Fruits. This day would be the day after
the weekly sabbath during the week of Passover (Mark 16:1-6). In fact,
Jesus is called the first fruits of those who rise from the dead.
-But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of
them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the
resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ
shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the
firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. –1
Corinthians 15:20-23
THE SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING OF FIRST FRUITS
A sheaf in the Bible is used to typify a person or ersons (Genesis
37:5-11). Christ will return to earth (Zechariah 14:4) during His
second coming as King over all the earth. He also will bring the
sheaves (the believers in Jesus as the Messiah) with Him (Psalm 126,
Mark 4:26-29, Jude 14).
The 144,000 Jewish witnesses who witness of Christ during the
tribulation are first fruits to God during the tribulation (Revelation
14:1-4).
The following are Scriptures in the Bible concerning first fruits.
1. Israel was God’s firstborn (Exodus 4:22). But, the first will be
last and the last will be first (Mark 10:31). Therefore, the Gentiles
became the first to receive the Messiah (Isaiah 60:1-3, 62:1-3, Acts
15:14-16). At the end of this present age, the Jews as a corporate
people will accept Jesus as Messiah as well.
2. The Gospel was preached to the Jew first and then to the non-Jews
(Romans 1:16).
3. We are called to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
4. Jesus was alive the first day of the week (Mark16:1-6).
5. Jesus was the first to rise from the dead (Acts 26:23).
6. The early believers were a kind of first fruits (James 1:17-18).
7. Those who arose from the dead with Christ during His resurrection
became the first fruits of all those who would rise from the dead
(Matthew 27:52-53, Ephesians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
8. Jesus first loved us, and He is to be our first love (1 John 4:9,
Revelation 2:4).
9. Jesus is the first (Alpha) and the last (Omega) (Revelation 1:8, 17,
22:13, Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, 48:12).
Few people understand that God follows a systematic plan, symbolized by
His Holy Days, to save all humanity by offering all people eternal life
in His Kingdom.
In this world we are simply at the beginning of the harvest from the
Kingdom of God.
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Bible study of first fruits
https://christonline.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/bible-study-on-first-fruits/
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The word of God is sure, follow it. Christianity is now a thing of convenence. I take the part of the bible that I like an mould the part that doesn’t suit me to suit my wishes. God cannot be mocked. if you want to give, please give and receive your reward. If you do not want to give please leave it and receive you reward. Don’t forget that the reward from all these is not from Man but from God. So let him be the judge over giving and blessing. Cheers.
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The Firstfruits offering preceded the Law just as Tithes, so the abolition of the Law does not have anything to do with what the Law did not establish. Most people who want to justify their inablity to respond to the word of God by Faith always look for a away out and cricize others who have the ability to do. I thank God for many who understand the principle of giving to God and His work and their response concerning this article. Paul while commending a particular Church said that they gave in their “ability and beyond their abilities”. You see, you can teach people to increase and exercise their faith in giving bcos, the measure you met would be metted out to you.I have been involved in giving my Firstfruits offering for over 5 years and I give all, and there is nothing to regret about giving all. God has been so faithful to me and my families and I attribute all these to my givings not only firstfruits but all givings. I have encouraged many people to kick off giving their firstfruits in whole and they don’t seize to thank me for that. Thanks.
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i think as christians, we should do everything with obidence and faith, we can never out give God so why should poeple come up with various excuses just to short change their glory to come. i think to conclude everything, we need to consider
1- give to God by faith and not by religious believes or induction
2-God needs our salvation and not our money
3-As a man proposes in his heart so let him give, not out of compulsion
4- lastly we should be aware that the firstfriut and tiths are used to promot GOD’s world across the entire universe.
thanks
omotosho oluwaseun
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I thank you for this eye opener.
In the Old Testatment and in the farming villages harvest is not done in one day. It usually takes weeks as people go in and out of their farms to bring the fruits of their harvest. It is clear from all the talk that ‘first fruit offering’ is about honouring God with the first ‘payment’ out of our ‘receipt’. First ‘payment’, the first money we give out of our salary. For most of us who work in the formal sector it is impossible to do this as certain deductions have been made before we receive the net salary. If try then to gross up and pay the percentage on the gross or the whole gross it would be like trying to pick the fruits that fell of the trees or the ones eaten by birds and bringing them to God as ‘first fruit offering’.
Giving to God, who owns the cattles upon a thousand hills, should be based on a heart of thanksgiving and a recognition of the fact that He made it possible for you to have the ‘increase’. Legalism will not cut it. Faith and delight in God will do it. I will not give anything where my heart is not clear to give.
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Well! As for me, the promise I made to God & His angels when I was looking for a job must be fulfilld – giving a FIRST FRUIT offering – if I get d job. Now he has blessd me wit one that makes me meet presidents, governors, ministers, etc as a reporter, I believe in His provisions that even in dat niche of my position, He wud move me from minimum 2 maximum.
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It’s funny how churches now days take certain scriptures from their bible for themselves while completely ignoring the others (scriptures)… are these churches that are now demanding the “firstfruits” in terms of money also demanding their members firstborn sons… are they sacrificing animals on the alter… are they observing all the law written in the old testament …
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A note to Kea in particular and also to Babalobi:
All thine “increase” means income, assets–not expenses. You can’t give of your house or car note because both are classified as liabilities (something you owe–not something you own) as well as expenses or a decrease in income. If you sold either for a profit (above what you paid), you’ve experienced increase and may give to God out of the revenue generated. I know for certain that anything that counts as a loss, debt or decrease is not increase! Student loan money is not increase—it’s a loan! A scholarship or grant however, is increase because you own it outright and also because even the government classifies it as income and therefore will tax the lump. It’s your call to tithe or sow from the profit left after your school expenses are paid….
If you bought something for $10 and sold it for $5, you’ve not increased, but if the Lord says to sow the $5, you’ll not lose out. I was unemployed for two years. Even though I made less than my previous job, it was still weekly increase to my household—why? Because I had no regular income so $0 plus $328/week is $328/week increase! I tithed and sowed the entire time and was provided for above and beyond unemployment. Eventually, I received a position with the same company. Much has been restored to date except the salary and hours I had when I left. However, as I now move towards giving first fruit regularly, I believe that all that was lost during the two years will be restored… I do believe that each time we get income from labor of any type the tithe and/or first fruit is due. Why? If your annual salary is $50,000 and you receive a lump sum at the beginning of the calendar year or your company’s fiscal year (July or September for some), then you could give $5,000 + first fruit in January for example and not be in error. However, most of us get paid in increments: monthly, biweekly or weekly. Which means to only give a month’s salary, would mean falling short of the tithe/first fruit by about $833. To be in “compliance” with the tithe, you’d actually have to give nearly two-month’s salary each year especially if taxes and insurance (if that is withdrawn) is subtracted from your gross income. For most, it’s best to give in the manner that they receive their increase unless God says otherwise. Some people only give when they receive a raise: the difference between the prior year’s salary and the current year’s salary, which again happens for most annually. Businesses can give according to the difference between what their last client paid and a current client, which gets very technical because some businesses have more than one product, more hours may go into one product than another; a client may have incurred late fees… So how do you measure “increase” for a business? Can’t look at your income statement because if your income was less this year than last, you’d not be inclined give, but that does not mean that you did not experience an increase of some sort….
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Part II
Whether you give in a lump sum (annually) or give incrementally as each form of increase occurs, you’ll be fulfilling the law versus being driven by the letter of the same. I did see a math explanation of how to figure the first fruit, but I’m not sure how Biblically accurate it is b/c it is based on agriculture vs. money as a means of increase. It seems quite practical that a percent of your income goes towards the work of God and “the lump” be it 70, 80 or 90% is what you use to live off of and reap more increase. I believe we get in fear not knowing what to do if we give God any percent that leaves us with not enough to cover our expenses. For some it’s an issue of pride—why should I give anything if I worked for it? Greed is an issue for those who prefer to keep 100% because “it’s theirs”. For some it’s an issue of obedience—just do it because God says so that all will be well with you!
The key to all of this is giving by faith, out of obedience and gratitude for having increase at all. It was God who got you the position, the new business, etc. Why not honor Him with a gift that reflects ALL of your increase?
Keep the faith all. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide as well as your comfort.
## End
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Thank you so very much! I needed the insight of a disinterested 3rd party because my thoughts overwhelmed me. I want to do “what is right” but figuring out “what is right” has been a challenge as my communication with The Most High is challenged to say the least. Truth is I am still trying to “hear” God so going to Him to ask seems pointless. However having read your post it speaks to me and answers my prayers.
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for we walk by faith nt by sight. Giving is who we are its wat we do.
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This is a very lucid explanation of the notion of ‘Firstfruits’. The interpretation that one should give ‘all of the harvest’ is some pastors’ attempt to contiunously subdue those whom Jesus has already set free. Such ‘pastorspeak’ totally belies the Christian faith. It’s a shame that anyone would consciously do evil in the name of the Lord, and hope they’ll get away with it. A lot of such pastors have made their congregation believe that once you give such money, then God will return it to you a millionfold, no matter the level of His light in your life. What a pity!
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It is when it comes to giving to GOD that we Christians need an exegesis on His injunction. The first sentence “…as first fruit offering to the Church” has already set the tone for the message.
If you want to give all, do so & let no man e…xplain away GOD’s leading. If you want to give a substantial amount, do so & be blessed of GOD. If you don’t want to give at all, please by all means withhold.
No one needs explanation on how GOD blesses us or answers our prayers, on why GOD had to use the only legitimate son to test Abraham,on why Solomon’s unprecedented offering moved GOD, or how JESUS had to die so we could live (couldn’t GOD have done it any other way? Now that’s a paradox worth expatiating)! It is faith!
Your level of faith in GOD determines what you decide to give to GOD! Not to a church or a pastor.
It’s the last days and people’s ears are itching to hear what they like, or is palatable. Woe to both the teller of such words and the hearers because each one will answer for his/her decisions, actions, and inactions! To him who knows what is right, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great… things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV) Any simpler? No!
“Let him who has an ear…”
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When it comes to money that is when we start calculating 4 God.why dnt we put God to test and see how much more he will bless us if we obey and give him our all.dnt lets 4get this God is not mocked.whatso ever a man sows he will reap.i will like to sow 100% so dat i will reap 100%
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wait a minute,this is insightful but lacks wholeness.fine its good 2 pay first fruit bt how? the writer apparently hasnt cracked scriptural hermeneutics.what do you knw abt d law of first mention,law of dispensation and interpretation.has it occured to you that the first of firstfruits is talking bout d priest offering d first out of d whole firstfruits.please do more research but meanwhile i shall continue paying my all,cuz that miraculous escape from death is a testimony
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Its great having to be convenated with God. Paying first fruit is like having a convenant with God for the remaing days of the year. Though I have never paid first fruit but with my previous experience in giving sacrificially, I know what it is to give to God willingly.
This year, I have heard the teaching times without number but still having thought of How will I ………….do this or that? And up till now, I have not touched the first month salary. You can imagine God has been faithful by providing for all my needs even when I have not been since trhe begining of the year up till now by taking care of all my bills.
He is more than enough and with the comments I have read from different contributors couple with previous exprerience, I am giving out my first fruit as I am speaking. I know He will suprise me more than expectation. You can not give to HIM without getting a reward. Never! I have done it before though not as first fruit and now I am starting this year on a good note by paying it all as first fruit.
Do it as God as laid it in your heart but it has to be all. Think, what will happen assuming you dont get that money, or you were not paid the salary, or you get robbed by thieves, or sickness or hospital bills is waiting to gulp the money. I am sure you will survive, so think and do the right thing. Giving to God is not a waste.
Thanks and God bless
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Babalobi, more grace to you for shedding light on an issue that’s really confused a large number of us.
I have got a little question though.
We see direct references by Jesus (in the gospels) to tithing not just as a prophetic concept but as a personal practice of giving expected of the Church in the New Testament. There’s even an argument made by the writer of Hebrews about the pre-Mosiac dating of Tithing. However, I do not see direct references to First-fruits as a practice of giving expected of the New convenant Church anywhere in the New Testament.
References to First-fruits in the NT are largely Messanic and Prophetic in nature as very well elucidated by Alemawor in his comments to your post.
Now the question…Do you know of any such direct New Testament reference to First-Fruits as a practice of giving for the Church? If so, can you share them please?
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This article has just cleared the misuderstanding and wrong application being given on teachings about First Fruit giving . God expects us to give a representation of the whole for first fruit . This can be any amount from 10% up to 100% of the whole according to the faith of the believer . Never should first fruit be given out of compulsion
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This article has just cleared the misuderstanding and wrong application being given on teachings about First Fruit giving . God expects us to give a representation of the whole for first fruit . This can be any amount from 10% up to 100% of the whole according to the faith of the believer . Never should first fruit be given out of compulsion but out of a loving heart towards God
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i always thought so from my studies
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As for the principle of “First Fruits,” I have an aversion to “principlizing” Scripture. I think God said what He intended and that He did not intend us to draw a principle from what He said, but rather to do what He said. However, having said that, I do find that God often asked His people to give Him the firstfruits of their increase. The feast of the first fruits (modern Pentecost) was just such a thing. In Proverbs 3 there is instruction on giving God what is first. The concept is that the first of the crop would be given to God and then what is left was for us. Israel was not to give God merely what was left over. We find this same concept in Elijah and the widow. First, she was to prepare something for Elijah, and God rewarded her for it.
But I believe that each of these passages and each of the places in Scripture help give visible reminders of what it means to give our lives to Him. We seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness and He will take care of the rest.
Should we give the firstfruits of our salaries, etc. today? Such is not a sin to do so. But neither is it commanded. God, in my view, is not near as interested in our money as in our lives. As for a money, we are taught to be generous, to give as God has blessed us, to give liberally, to give cheerfully, to meet the needs of others. He does not say that the first month and a half of paychecks must all be given to Him. To the contrary, He seems to say that if you withhold from supporting your family, including your parents, because you say it belongs to God, you are violating His command.
I do not see that God has commanded us to give our firstfruits. However, He has commanded us to lay up treasures in heaven and sometimes if we wait to do so, we will never get it done. Christ has redeemed all things and He is our first fruit. This part of OT law does not apply any longer. Christ is my first fruit!
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Thank you for sharing this article. I was confused re first fruit ofering. Not anymore.
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Everyone are just talking about what the Old Testaments says about the subject, but what about what New Testament say on the subject? If we are all familiar with what we call biblical theology, then we will realized that most of the ceremonial law, and the festivals in the Old Testament are just but a typology and symbol of things to come. These typologies and symbolic events and festivals finds their fulfillment in Christ, and are their meanings are better explained in the New Testaments. Bible students who accept the Bible as divinely inspired, traditionally have recognized that the typology of the Old Testament provides the key to interpret much of the message of the New Testament. We have all other festivals in the Old Testaments. The question is : Why are these pastors singling out only the first fruit festival? If anyone wants to observe the Old Testaments Law, you better be ready to observe them ALL. And also you must be ready to be judged by them.
The Offering of First-Fruits in the Old Testament:
On the day after Passover the first barley sheaf (known as omer) was waved by the priest before the Lord (Lev 23:11). The ceremony marked the countdown of the fifty days to Pentecost. The purpose of the wave-sheaf offering was to consecrate and inaugurate the Spring grain harvest which lasted about seven weeks until Pentecost (Lev 23:9-14). The first sheaf of the barley harvest was waved before the Lord as a pledge of the full harvest that was to follow. Before the wave-sheaf offering, no reaping of the harvest for personal use could be done (Lev 23:14). A portion of the wave-sheaf was placed on the altar and the rest was eaten by the priest. A male lamb was sacrificed as a burnt offering (Lev 23:12).
The offering of the first fruits represented a human expression of thanksgiving to divine generosity. This meaning is clear in Deuteronomy 26:10 where the Israelites are instructed to bring some of the first fruits of the harvest to the priest and publicly to confess: “Behold, now I bring the first of the fruits of the ground, which thou, O Lord, has given me.” The gift from God calls for a gift from His people.
The Bible attaches special significance to the offering of the first fruits or firstborn. Everything on the earth, including man and beast, was to be presented before the Lord as first fruits to Him (Ex 13:2; 22:29). The consecration of the first fruits sanctifies the whole harvest, since the part stands for the whole. As Paul puts it, “If the dough offered as first fruits is holy, so is the whole lump” (Rom 11:16). By the symbolic gesture of consecrating the first fruits, the whole of the harvest was consecrated to God. The same principle applies to the consecration of the Sabbath time, which represents the consecration of our total life to Him.
The First-Fruits in the New Testament:
In the New Testament, the typology of the wave-sheaf offering has a Christological, ecclesiological, and eschatological fulfillment. Or, we might say that the wave-sheaf offering is related to Christ, the church, and the End.
Christologically, Christ’s resurrection is seen as the antitypical fulfillment of the wave-sheaf offering because He rose as the first fruits of redeemed humanity on the very day when the first sheaf of barley was presented at the Temple. Paul alludes to the connection between the two events when he writes: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ” (1 Cor 15:20-23).27 In this passage, Paul speaks of Christ twice as “the first fruits,” not only to indicate that He was the first to rise bodily from the grave, but also that by so doing He fulfilled the offering of the first fruits.
Eschatologically, that is, in relation to the End, the New Testament sees the ultimate fulfillment of the first fruits typology in the resurrection of the redeemed at Christ’s Return. As the first sheaf of the barley harvest was waved before the Lord by the priest as a pledge of the full harvest to follow, so Christ’s resurrection is the ‘first fruits,’ or pledge, of the great harvest that will follow when all the righteous dead are raised at the second coming of Jesus (see 1 Cor 15:23; 1 Thess 4:14-16). “Each in his own order,” (1 Cor 15:23), explains Paul. First, there is the fulfillment of the first fruits of Christ’s resurrection and then of all the believers.
It is noteworthy that the priest did not present before the Lord just one head of grain, but a whole sheaf of barley. Similarly, Christ did not come forth from the grave alone, for “many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised” (Matt 27:52). Paul tells us that when Christ “ascended on high he led a host of captives” (Eph 4:8). Those who were raised at Christ’s death (Matt 27:53) ascended with Christ to heaven as trophies of His power to resurrect all who sleep in the grave. As the offering of the first sheaf of barley was a pledge of the coming harvest, so the saints that Christ raised at the time of His death are a pledge of the countless multitude that Christ will awaken from the dust of the earth at His Second Advent. The 144,000 saints who follow the Lamb are “the first fruits for God and the Lamb” (Rev 14:4) because they represent the glorious destiny that awaits the redeemed of all ages.
Ecclesiologically, that is, in relation to the church, the first fruits typify our present privilege to receive the first fruits of the Spirit while we await the resurrection harvest. “We ourselves,” Paul says, “who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Rom 8:23). This typological meaning of the offering of the first fruits can be lived out every day in our life as our inward being is renewed daily by God’s Spirit (2 Cor 4:16). As we receive the fruits of the Spirit, we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit in our life, namely, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22). These, in turn, enable us to become the first fruits of God. When we respond to the Gospel’s invitation, we become God’s first fruits. James brings out this truth, saying: ” Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (Ja 1:18).
The various applications of the first fruits typology to Christ’s resurrection, the reception of the Holy Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit in the life of the believer, the Christian calling to be God’s first fruits in this world, and the redeemed as the first fruits of mankind show the importance of this Old Testament type in Christian thought and practice.
In summary:
First fruits symbolizes God’s harvest of souls, it illustrates giving to God from a grateful heart, and it sets a pattern of giving back to Him the first (and the best) of what He has given us. Not being under the Old Testament Law, the Christian is under no further obligation than to give cheerfully and liberally (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
I think God said what He intended, and that He did not intend us to draw a principle from what He said, but rather to do what He said. However, having said that, I do find that God often asked His people to give Him the first fruits of their increase. The feast of the first fruits (modern Pentecost) was just such a thing. In Proverbs 3 there is instruction on giving God what is first. The concept is that the first of the crop would be given to God and then what is left was for us. Israel was not to give God merely what was left over. We find this same concept in Elijah and the widow. First, she was to prepare something for Elijah, and God rewarded her for it.
But I believe that each of these passages and each of the places in Scripture help give visible reminders of what it means to give our lives to Him. We seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness and He will take care of the rest.
Should we give the first fruits of our salaries, etc. today? Such is not a sin to do so. But neither is it commanded. God, in my view, is not near as interested in our money as in our lives. As for money, we are taught to be generous, to give as God has blessed us, to give liberally, to give cheerfully, and to meet the needs of others. He does not say that the first month and a half of pay checks must all be given to Him. To the contrary, He seems to say that if you withhold from supporting your family, including your parents, because you say it belongs to God, you are violating His command.
The Old Testament festival of First Fruits celebrated the first harvest of the grain crop, while it actually symbolized the New Testament “first harvest” of humanity, the “first fruits of salvation”:
“But we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23 RSV)
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23 RSV).
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What’s so difficult to accept? It took a great leap of faith for Abraham to give his only son and God gave him many more than anyone can count. God gave His only son and gained many more than anyone can count.
I want to emulate Abraham. It’s only a great pleasure and a privilage to give to God!
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Dear Uche,
There is nothing wrong with giving to God and taking a big leap of faith. God has through His word ask us to give. It is our mandate as a Christian. You can decide to give all your N5,000 000 gain you got from your first contract job ever. It is between you and God, and as a matter of fact, you are giving it all out because you so desire from your heart. I do not not agree with pastors (as in the case of the Pentecostals) compelling people to give first fruit. You could decide to distribute it among the poor, which again, is really a cheerful giving. The scripture requires us to be this way.
However, there is no NT justification for demanding first fruit. No injunction for it at all. You have to be able to explain this OT injunction in light of the NT. The two are not separate entity.
Are we under the Old Testament law today?
The answer to this is both yes and no. The Old Testament law covered two aspects of the Jews life, their personal and national relationship to God as well as their relationship as an individual to civil authority. The civil law is still in effect today. But the law concerning our relationship to God has undergone a change (Hebrew 7:12) under the new covenant. If one studies civil laws, we can clearly see today that our civil law’s have their roots in the old covenant law.
The law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) has all the components of the moral law of the Old Testament but none of the ceremonial law (circumcision, ceremonial washing, Saturday worship, etc.). Not to say that we don’t have some ceremonial aspects (communion, water baptism) but these are not requirements to maintain a proper relationship. These are requirements to maintain a proper perspective of what Christ has done. While in the old law, circumcisions were mandatory or you were not right with God. But we can do without communion or water baptism and still maintain our salvation. The fact that we are free from the Old Testament law is a revelation that Apostle Paul received and one he fought hard for. This concept was very difficult for the other apostles to completely grasp at first but eventually it was a revelation they received. Jesus talked about the law being fulfilled and thus passing away but they did not have ears to hear that.
If we try to fulfil the law today it puts our salvation in jeopardy. Galatians 5:3-4 “we are severed from Christ if we keep the law”.
• No. 1 no one except Jesus ever did it.
• No. 2 if you break one law you are guilty of them all and deserve death.
Trying to keep the law is trying to develop your own righteousness. Accepting Christ is accepting his righteousness and realizing you can’t be good enough. So God wants us to stop trying. God wants us to stop trying to obey the Old Testament law. When we receive Christ he writes his law on our hearts. Our salvation is both immediate and progressive. Our walk includes a progressive salvation of our soul by allowing the life in our spirit to renew our soul one step at a time, from glory to glory. Our spirit becomes a new creation instantly; our soul is renewed day by day. God’s word cuts through the veil of division of the soul and spirit to release the life changing power of the living word within us. The Holy Spirit will let us know when we violate the inward law. Circumcision, ceremonial washing, Saturday worship, holy days, dietary laws, Temple worship, stoning, all are part of the Old Testament law. Do them all or NONE AT ALL.
The law was fulfilled. In fact the Bible says this law was “until John the Baptist”. Jesus was “born under the law” and so he told the Jews they should follow the law. That was only true until his death, burial and resurrection. I’m sure Jesus followed every point of the Old Testament law and I’m also sure it pains him to see us try to do the same. He did it so we wouldn’t have to. He nailed that system to the cross. (Col. 2:14) I’m free, I’m free, and I’m free indeed.
If I lie today I violate the Royal law spelled out in the New Testament not the Old Testament “thou shalt not” law, that is before God, we are not talking before man’s court. This is not just semantics; this is potentially where we spend eternity. Galatians 5:3-4.
Below are what the New Testament says about being under the Old Testament Law:
Matthew 11:13 law prophesied till John,
Luke 16:16 law and prophets until John then gospel of the kingdom,
Matthew 22:37 Love God with all your heart with all your soul etc-love your neighbor-these two ARE the whole law and prophets,
John 1:17 law through Moses Grace and truth through Jesus,
John 7:23 circumcision a must to keep the law,
Acts 13:39 not justified by law,
Acts 15:5-20 observe law? Saved through faith,
Acts 18:13 these men want us to worship contrary to the law,
Acts 21:21 you teach to forsake Moses,
Romans 3:19 want the law says it says to those who are under the law, Romans 3:21 apart from the law is righteousness manifested,
Romans 3:27 the law of faith,
Romans 3:28 saved by faith apart from the law,
Romans 4:1-16 faith not law,
Romans 6:14 we are not under the law but under Grace,
Romans 7:4 we are dead to the law,
Romans 7:6 we are released from the law,
Romans 8:3-4 the law is fulfilled,
Romans 10:4 Christ is the end of the law,
Romans 13:8, 10 love fulfils the law,
1st Corinthians 9:20 not being under the law,
Galatians 2:16 we are not justified by the law,
Galatians 2:21 if righteousness is through the law Christ died in vain, Galatians 3:2 does the spirit comes by the law or faith,
Galatians 3:5 are miracles by law?,
Galatians 3:10 if you’re under the law your under a curse,
Galatians 3:11 were not justified by law,
Galatians 3:13 we are redeemed from a curse,
Galatians 3:17-29 not by law but by faith we are linked to Abraham’s blessings,
Galatians 5:3-4 we are severed from Christ if we keep the law,
Galatians 5:14 law fulfilled by love,
Galatians 5:18 we are led by the spirit thus not under the law,
Galatians 6:2 law of Christ,
Philippines 3:9 we are made right by faith not by law,
1st Timothy 1:9 law is not for righteous,
Hebrew 7:12 priesthood has changed and is necessary to change the law,
Hebrew 7:28 after the law comes the son,
Hebrew 8:6 we’re under a better covenant,
Hebrew’s 8:7 after the first; there is the second,
Hebrew’s 8:13 the 1st has become obsolete and is ready to disappear,
Hebrews 9-10 describes the first being the law and the second being faith
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We were saved by grace, and we attempt to be sanctified by law. Wrong. Whatsoever you as a believer should be based on the love of GOD not for reward and for blessing. We have made our christinity so carnal, and earthly relevant that love grace mercy righteousness have been pushed aside. First fruit should not be based on law but based on love. If we obey and practice one part of the law and seek to be justified by it, we need to practice all parts of the law. Our faith is not for profit or things, but primarily to glorify GOD. The bible says you cannot lot serve GOD and mamon. A lot of our preaching and teaching is to self gratifying and not GOD glorifying. The commandments of GOD are not grevious. If you choose to give your first fruit as you understand it give it out of love of GOD, not because of what you want from GOD. the church should be delivered from carnality and self profiting.
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Thank you Victor!
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Dont corrupt believers mind toward first fruit.Teach people to obey God.
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Anything done outside faith, is sin. GOD is not your master HE is your father. Honor the LORD with the first fruit of your increase. Giving to GOD is a proof of love, not a transaction. GOD does not need your money, HE needs your heart. Lets worry about our relationship with GOD, not money first fruit etc, that have no eternal relevance. If the HOLY SPIRIT dwells in you as a believer ask HIM about first fruit and HE would give insight. HE is the spirit of light, the decenrner of the thoughts and intents of the heart of men.
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Well I am catholic and also a member of catholic charismatic renewal. What we are giving as our firstfruit offering is for businessmen and women the first sales of the year. I mean the the profit from the first sales of the year and for workers, they will divide their first salary equaly and bring one part as their firstfruit offering. Anybody asking you to bring all your first month profit or first month salary should read those bible chapters again. I hope i have made a point here. Thanks
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We are never too old to learn. The Bible says in the last days knowledge will be increased. What was hidden from the wise and prudent, will be revealed to the babe and suckling. I just learnt abou first fruits three years ago and I started giving, my business is expanded and more clients coming in. I believe there are some things that we need to copy from the old testament, bearing in mind that we cant even walk without him holding our hands.
All things belong to him, our life, our money, our family, everything. Honor the Lord with the first fruit of all thine increase would mean our salary also, because it is the first increase of the year. I know this takes faith to put in practice. I pray for those who are struggling to do so, and hope you are not thinking like Cain, that it is too good to give. Remember, he gave something but it was not accepted because he did not give his best. Again, I say it is a struggle but I hope you will come out making the right decision.
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good write up.pls keep d light shinning.nagode
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RJames,
Are u saying that the reason your business is blessed is owed to the fact that you gave first fruit? You are simply saying that you can gain righteousness through your works (in this case, your firstfruit). If you could add anything to your salvation and the fact that God is blessing you, then, it is no more the Grace of God (it is now “the shared grace of God”). And mind you, God doesn’t share his glory with any man. He wants the glory to himself and himself alone! This is why it obvious in the scripture that God keeps saying to us that our “righteousness means nothing…”
You’ve got to be like the Bereans people (Acts 17:10-14)!
Who Were the Bereans?
The Bereans stood out to the apostles because of their eagerness with which they received the Gospel. Berea, which is now called Veria, was a Greek city located approximately 73 km from Thessalonica. From the Biblical account, we know that Berea was a city of both Jews and Gentiles, because there was a Jewish synagogue there. The Bible also says that “Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of Greek women and many Greek men” (Acts 17:12).
The Berean Character
As Acts 17:11 states: “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians…” Bible commentator Albert Barnes (1798-1870) writes “This literally means more noble by birth…But here the word is used to denote a quality of mind and heart. They were more generous, liberal and noble in their feelings; more disposed to inquire candidly into the truth of the doctrines advanced by Paul and Silas” (see References: bibletools.org).
The Berean attitude contrasted with the attitudes of many others of Paul’s day. For example, we see in the same chapter in the preceding verses that Paul and Silas had traveled to Thessalonica to teach. There, the man who kept Paul and Silas at his home, a Christian named Jason, had been arrested and posted bond to be released.
Although the Bereans did accept Paul and Silas, it was not without scrutiny. The Book of Acts tells us that the Bereans “examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
Lessons from Berea
The Bereans stand as examples to Christians today, not just for their acceptance of scripture but also for the fact that they thoroughly examined scripture to see that what they were being taught was correct. We don’t know for sure how long Paul and Silas spent in Berea, but it was for a number of days; as the scripture points out, the Bereans examined the scriptures “every day.” However, we can believe that Paul and Silas were glad that the Bereans were willing to put them to a test, because the scriptures call readers and believers to study the Bible and to test what they read. For example, Paul later writes in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Also, Peter would later write in 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
So Christians are called to study and to know their Bibles as the Bereans did, not only so that they can know the Bible stories and doctrines but also to be able to challenge teachers who teach false doctrine and to be able to effectively evangelize or explain the reason for their beliefs.
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I also agree that JESUS came to set us free from the heavy woke,and at the same time we need to live according tto the word of the LORD. Read the bible to understand it.
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want to understand is it the whole figure or part of it pliz help
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An exceptional commentary into a mostly misunderstood principal. Very insightful …. This has really assisted me with my own personal conviction and offers a balanced overview of first fruits.
Thank you – appreciated.
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Im really glad I found this message…I have just been blessed with a great job with salary & God has been dealing with me to give …so in my heart I set a percentage but then first fruits been circling in my head…& I’ve been debating if I should give my entire first weeks check…so I perceive that what I set in my heart is what I will give…& as you said you can’t out give the Lord…I just want to do it the right way & not be coerced into giving more when what I am giving is more than most people would consider giving…& if God said hey Daughter give it all…guess what???? I wouldn’t rest till I did…thankyou so much for this message very informative biblical and great insight…
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Bros, thank you very much. you have make me to understood the meaning of first of the first fruit. May God give you more inspiration to continue to work in his vineyard. God bless you.
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i was unclear about this.thanks 4 sheding more light
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Could you please, as “Christian” is defined as footstep follower 0f JESUS, tell us what is HIS and the Apostles views on first fruit and thithes?
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Thank you;this is a very good answer.
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we do first fruit at our church and we give the first week of our harvest. however, obedience is better sacrifice and your first fruit should be what your pastor ask for believing that he is being obedient the god.
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thank you for this explanation. It cleared doubts i entertained concerning payment of all my monthly salary. I would starve and become beggarly and our lord would not approve of such
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Thank you very much for this revelation! I will surely give best of my first fruit this year and going forwards!
I now know what’s right, am blessed and favoured! Glory to God
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D bible say we should over d 1stfruit of ur dough(which means money:read nehemiah 10:37,ezekel 44:30 state it clearly that we should give d firest of our dough.so please make your correction. Thank u. Joseph
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I find it sad that as Christians today, we seems to rush to agree with those things that will require very little of us. Simply acknowledging Christ is a sacrifce because you may lose family and friends over it, yet it has become fashionable to be a Chritian. This goes to show that we do not understand what God requires of us. We want to be Christians but still keep carnal mindsets and habits, which means we are no different from somone in the world. Giving is done out of love for God and understanding of His word. Do we meditate on His instructions and seek His face for direction in every aspect of our lives, including giving? Why are we quick to go for less and complain about more. If we love God trully we will give Him more of everything including ourselves, even if He does not require it because it would be our hearts desire to please Him! When you love someone, you want them to know it and and are willing to give up everything for them and God knows a loving child when He sees one. Are you willing to lay down your life for God if he is to require it of you or will you say, please take an arm but let me live? How much are you willing to give God, even of your First Fruit?
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There is no NT justification for demanding first fruit. No injunction for it at all. You have to be able to explain this OT injunction in light of the NT. The two are not separate entity. If you want to obey the laws in OT, you better obey them in totality. Pastors only points to those laws that would benefit their church or their pockets. You pay first fruit, then you have to abide by the other laws and you must be ready to be judged by it. I am no longer under the law but under Grace and right now, in this dispensation, the law is now written in my heart. All the Laws in the OT foreshadows Jesus’ coming and He is the end of the Law. Why are these pastor taking good ones from the laws in the OT and leaving the ones that are not benefiting to them? Are they second Jesus now – reshaping and re branding the laws of God? When I give, I give cheerfully and this is what Paul encourages and so were the other great disciples. I can decide to give my house. However, there is no command for me to give my house; I did from my own cheerful giving. So no pastor should make it a law but to encourage cheerful giving. The are not suppose to scare people in to giving with their prosperity teaching grammar. Pay the first fruit as a law and follow all the laws in Leviticus, then, you will be in good standing with Lord. It mean you don’t need Jesus. All you need it to fulfill all the requirement of the law and you will be in good standing with the Lord. And be warned, it never written in the scripture that if you abide by all the laws in the OT you will make heaven.
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I absolutely agreed with this. Just like Apostle would say l believe you have the spirit of God.l want to add that first income of any new job is more appropriate to first fruit of the land, because God provides the job.
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Based on the Book of Nehemiah 10Vs 35 which says “We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord”, i believe first fruits is a yearly thing. God will continue to enlighten us. Amen.
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I get pleasure from, result in I discovered just what I used to be looking for.
You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you
man. Have a nice day. Bye
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THIS ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS PROBLEM BETWEEN ME AND MY SPOUSE YESTERDAY. THE FIRST FRUIT IS AN INJUNCTION FROM GOD. IT IS FOR GOD! BUT WHY MUST IT BE PAID INTO THE PURSE/OFFERING BASKET OF THE CHURCH? GOD HAS THREE (3) IMPORTANT CONSTITUENCIES HE DOES NOT JOKE WITH (AS EXPLAINED BY JESUS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT), THAT IS; THE FATHERLESS AND MOTHERLESS, THE WIDOW, AND THE POOR OR THE NEEDY.
WHY CAN’T I USE MY FIRST FRUIT AND MY TITHE TO HELP THOSE ONES INSTEAD OF ENRICHING A PASTOR OR A MINISTRY?
MUST IT ALSO BE PAID IN MY CHURCH?………………… THOSE WERE MY POSITIONS AS DIFFERENT FROM MY SPOUSE’S.
MAY GOD HELP US. THERE IS SO MUCH CONFUSION IN THE CRISTIAN DOM.
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amen
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Your explanations and teaching are wonderful. It has solved a whole lot touble burdering me. God bless you.
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Please i wish to have your email.
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Brethren, it is our duty to give our first fruit to God,,,,proverb 3vs -9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the first fruits of all your crops…it is foolishness to be stingy in given God our first fruit, but you call is sharp guy by buying your girlfriEND gift that might be costly than your salary, or buying material things that might be costly than your salary, but remember when you don’t have that job, the promises you made to God and by his merciful heart, he grant you the Job…even if you give God all your annual income, he worth it,,the life,house,car,investment you have today is God’s blessing towards you……..SO PLEASE BE WISE, DON’T BE DECEIVED BY PEOPLE OF LITTLE FAITH, GIVE YOUR FIRST FRUIT TO GOD FOR MORE BLESSINGS
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babalobi@yahoo.com
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very enlightening. thanks
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Tnx 4 dis explanation on firstfruit offering. One give d firstfruit offering as one is led by d Holy Spirit. None can out give God, let everyone give cheerfully, joyfully, thankfully etc, all 2 d Glory of God.
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I made some profit in a new business and decided to give 10% as a first fruit offering. My wife argued that I must give all. In church right now I googled to find the explanation. Am so grateful to you and my wife understands better.
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I am extremely impressed along with your writing talents and also with
the format for your blog. Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it yourself?
Either way keep up the excellent high quality writing,
it is rare to peer a great blog like this one these days.
.
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Hi, you seem very educated. Many churches are corrupt and misled now, which makes it hard for me to find one that I can trust. I dont think any church should make a person feel guilty for not giving to them.
Thanks
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I was blessed by the response note from Alemawor on January 22, 2010 at 11:00 am THE SHEAF OF FIRST FRUITS IN THE BIBLE. I am using it in my preaching Thank you so much.
Regards
Rev Helien Singsit
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I v Just got my first salary for my first job, and I v got no money with me except the salary and I want to pay my first friut, so can I use it and then pay next month?
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Good study, I would disagree with the thought that a pay raise or bonus isn’t considered a first fruit. I believe any increase over my normal income I receive would be considered a first fruit how much an individual gives of this increase they need to determine through prayer. Not the whole first month paycheck of a new job, probably, but the first month of a pay increase is honoring to God, for example; get a pay raise of 5% percent and giving back to God that 5% increase on top of your normal tithe. This would be a great way of honoring God for your pay raise.
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Thanks for the explanation. U really made my day and ALMIGHTY GOD wisdom will never depart from you in the NAME OF JESUS-CHRIST OF NAZARETH (amen)
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i want to answer yinks. you mentioned that the most important thing is to give God your heart; but JESUS clearly said that your treasure will be be where your heart is!!!!! i am talking from experience, you CANNOT love without giving. Some one poured alabaster oil on the lord and EVEN his disciples were awed at the magnitude of waste. From learning, i discovered that was equivalent of the lady’s one year wage which she is expected to go to her husband’s house with. I was thinking Jesus will tell her not to waste a year’s wage on him, but he rebuked people trying to tell her to take it easy. we have been on this road forever trying to figure out God and poverty has dealt with me with all my Philosophy until i started giving ALL by faith. Truth is; ‘YOU CAN’T BEAT GOD GIVING’ if any pastor had taught or forced me to give all, i wouldn’t have passed through untold hardship before i learnt to trust in God WHOLEHEARTEDLY. God is not our mate, let us stop rationalizing him and being religious about giving. People encounter Robbers and loose all their wealth including their lives and they don’t complain. giving is a principle, no matter how holy you are (and I practice holiness). we preach the word with money. Encourage people to even outgive themselves and see what happens. I couldn’t even give to my family until i learnt how to give to God. it makes you stop being “‘stingy” I wish somebody told me this years ago when i was very philosophical and didn’t realize anything out of big big grammar. In life, Principles WORK, not talk. Even though you don’t love someone and you start to give, you will automatically start loving, giving away your treasure is not easy, it is ONLY love that can cause some one to give, I know what am talking about. I am tired of biblical Philosophies, I need results and this has worked for me, I wish i was forced to give years ago. Remember, WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, IS WHERE YOUR HEART WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE. Giving to God keeps your focus on him, you can’t be distracted when you give painfully. But you will be a proof to your unbelieving freinds who refused to be born again to come to Christ. GIVE!!!!!!!
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MEANWHILE @ ADE, GOOD DAY. FIRST FRUITS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS TAKEN TO THE ‘PRIEST’ IT IS FOR THE LORD, NOT FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHANS AND FATHERLESS (MEANWHILE AM FATHERLESS IN CASE) IT IS DIFFERENT FROM MONEY GIVEN TO THE POOR. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, THEY HAD; FREEWILL OFFERINGS, TRESPASS OFFERINGS, SWEET SMELLING OFFERINGS, EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. GOD SAID, ‘NONE SHALL COME BEFORE ME EMPTY HANDED’ DIFFERENT OFFERINGS ARE FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES, GOD BLESS YOU AND THANKS TO THE WRITER OF THIS ARTICLE
.
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Thank you man of God for sharing thought and scripture on first-fruits. When one is monthly salary first -fruit is simply the first day’s income in employment. Remember salary is earned in arrears and the first day’s work and income thereof qualifies as the first fruit. The second day income is not first-fruits . in agriculture it is the first day’s sheaf of harvest which could be one fruit or more but the second day’s harvest does not qualify as first-fruit.
The measure is what comes out first and the best from the farm .usually the first harvest are big and sweeter than the one that follow thereafter. This is usually harvested the first day and unit of measure here is day
in the case of sales the first sale is considered a first- fruit and should offered to the Lord. God does not want us to eat as His blessing will not rest on the balance and next harvest.
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Thanks for all your contributions. It is good to be establish in the truth. Abraham was not under any law to give his first born. Mesha king of Moab, (2Kings3) the unbelieving king was not under any law. God was not under any law to give His only son first.. The practice of covetousness among pastors must not hinder us from doing that which of God.
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The Bible talks of male children being offered to God as first fruits. What about a situation where no male child? All females, does it mean female can’t be offered to God as first fruits even if they are first born? Please explain to me sir. God bless you.
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Thank GOD for his word in your mouth. sir, i totally with you that, it is a thing of the heart and with the GOD that searches the heart of man. take example from CAIN & ABEL. thanks.
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God bless everyone here, who are ready to view this siritually and know the heart of God towards this topic. I pray that His vision over our destiny shall be fulfilled in Jesus Mighty Name
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Biggest problem with churches in Nigeria, North America, etc., preaching to their congregations that God requires their first salary, is it is not biblical
The commandments and statutes that God gave to Israel, He did not give to any other nation. Psalms 147:19-20. This means Gentiles were not commanded to give a firstfruit offering.
If a command found before Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is not repeated in the epistles written to the New Testament Church, then those commandments are not meant for us.
Firstfruits command is not repeated in the epistles to the New Testament Church. It is not for us.
Consequently, a careful and prayerful study of God’s Word will reveal that the command to tithe to the New Testament Church is found nowhere in our Holy Bibles.
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This is seems to be in line with my thoughts on first fruits. Thank you for sharing!
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I thank the writer. I want to say you wrote this under the guardian of the Holy Spirit. I thank the other contributors.It was indeed enriching seeing how we are eager to know what God required of us.In this modern age we shouldn’t be ignorant esp with the internet that avail us the platform to share our thought worldwide from the comfort of our home.
I am a Sunday school teacher. My pastor instructed that First Fruit will be the only topic that will be taught this month(Jan 2016). As one of the teachers I told him that i will find it difficult to teach because I have contrasting view of the practice of first fruit because in my mind I was convinced that it is an OT practice that doesn’t have substance in the new testament.
My pastor and his wife tried to convinced me that it was a good practice even if we could is not see it clear practice in the NT.I strongly believe in Christian giving-Giving from your heart;not under compulsion… 2 Cor 9:7( Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You should not give if it makes you unhappy or if you feel forced to give. God loves those who are happy to give.-ERV Version)
I then decided that i will not give my first fruit because it will not be from my heart. Just before i woke this morning, I got a revelation. I saw myself placing placing my First Fruit at the Altar in my church and my Pastor pouring oil on my head and blessing me. God also show me the amount I place at the Altar. It was 5000 naira (NGN) not all my salary. I thank God for this revelation.
I will conclude by saying that any time we are in doubt we should ask for God revelation… John 16:12-13 (I have so much more to tell you, but it is too much for you to accept now.But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what will happen in the future.-ERV Version)
J
ohn 14:26 ( But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name.)
John 21:25 (There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I think the whole world would not be big enough for all the books that would be written.-ERV)
With this revelation from God, I have made up my mind to pay the said amount that God shown me.
May God bless us and direct us in the right direction. Amen
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Amen
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For instance I earn 20,00 in a month,so will I give all the money for my first fruit?
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Wow…what a discovery for me as regards the issue of First Fruit Giving! You’ve really said it all scripturally. To my own understanding, follow strictly what is written in the Holy Bible as a Christian and I assure you, you can neither go wrong nor be deceived by any man or woman. And that’s why Christians are enjoined to study the Scriptures day and night and dwell upon it because God Almighty knows His children may be deceived or led astray from what He intended for them. May God Almighty help us to study His Word day and night and meditate upon it at all times in order to live right with Him in Jesus’ name…Amen!
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Reblogged this on Deliverance sermons and prayers.
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