Tithing and Giving: A Biblical Study guides readers through an in-depth exploration of biblical tithing, contrasting Old Testament mandates with New Testament freedoms, structured around the idea that the commonly accepted modern practices of tithing, especially monetary, are misunderstood and not supported by Scripture. What inspired you to write this important book?

That is a good question.  In truth I had no intention on writing a book about tithing and especially had no plans to teach on giving.  This all began with the idea to take some study material I had already done on biblical tithing and do a short study on it for my family.

The title was literally A short Study on Tithing.  However, when I began to type things out I felt that the Holy Spirit was leading me to write a book.  It was some what terrifying for me as I did not feel qualified and was not looking forward to the heavy pushback that I would get.  Since this was not the first time I have had this experience with the Holy Spirit as far as being inspired to teach as he instructed me, which is what happened with The Beauty of Tribulation, I decided not to fight.  Once I gave in it felt more like he was using my fingers to convey the message he desired and I was just along for the ride.  It did not even feel like time was passing at a significant rate as my fingers danced across the keyboard.  Then the next scary thing happened, he had me teach on giving.  I was not prepared to do such a thing and did not really want to do so, who in the world am I to teach anyone on financial stewardship?  Again, I yielded and the rest is officially history.  I am learning more and more that it is not about being comfortable, competent or prepared when God desires you to obey.

What is the most common misconception you feel people have about tithing in today’s world?

This is not an easy question since I feel the misconceptions are all equally concerning.  One that God taught me through writing this book is that Christians should not expect God to give them a reward just because they have done as he has commanded.  God owes us nothing but is greatly moved by obedience.  Even so you will not get like for like as a precedent set in stone regardless of how much you give or do.  The reason that this one is so damaging is that it is used greatly in so-called messages about prosperity.

 What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

As I was writing these are some of the important ideas that God brought to my attention in this teaching.

·         What Paul taught about when not to give.

·         What it really means to give hilariously or cheerfully.

·         What sacrificial giving actually is?

·         That the act of giving is the blessing not what you get because you gave.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Tithing and Giving?

One thing I pray that readers take away from Tithing and Giving is the freedom to give to God from their heart not out of obligation, fear, tradition or because they feel that they must so that they can truly experience his blessedness as well as the understanding that giving to God is also looking out first for those who are members of his body and then those who are  without.

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