February 3, 2023

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Dear BFWC Family,

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I am writing briefly to our entire congregation at the beginning of this new year.  I want to express appreciation for your faithfulness over the years in generous giving of Tithes and Offerings.

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It is evident that the Hand of God is upon our congregation.  The obvious tangible evidence is all around us!

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Many of our members and regular attenders can testify to the faithfulness of God in their own lives as they have given to the Lord a Tithe (tenth) of their income to their local church.  Numerous verses in the Old Testament refer to the practice of tithing.  Jesus Himself in the New Testament told of the importance of tithing when He rebuked the Hypocritical Pharisees.   Luke 11:42 – But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

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This Scripture makes it clear that even in the New Testament age, we are to consider judgment and the love of God, and not to leave the other “undone”.  While some have said that Tithing passed away with the Law, it is hardly the case.   The very first “tither” was Abraham who gave tithes to Melchizedek (before the Law was instituted).   Contrast this with the above statement of Christ in New Testament times.  Christ clearly had the opportunity to abolish the system of tithing, however, it is clear that He affirmed it.

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Beyond this, anyone who has ever tithed as well as given offerings to the House of God can truly testify that God is faithful.  He will supply for the needs of their own individual households.

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The only place in the Bible we are encouraged to “test God”!

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The Bible says in: Malachi 3:10 – Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

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Again, we praise God for His faithfulness to Bethel Family Worship Center, and look forward to greater Ministry in the future.

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As you know, we have increased the value and function of our campus through the building of two new restrooms, a bus garage and many campus improvements in 2022.  Your faithfulness in tithes and offerings have helped us do all of it!  We had to reach into our general operating budget to finish these projects.  I’m asking every family to continue your stewardship so we can continue to provide quality ministry through BFWC.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and regardless of your giving abilities, we value you at Bethel Family Worship Center.  Please consider an extra new year's gift to BFWC by giving here.

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Every Blessing,

Pastor Russell Hylton