The CHEQUMATE series rounds off with an exposition on tithing and giving the Biblical way.

We discover that not many believers know how to separate which parts of the Old Testament laws still apply today. This is due to a lack of understanding of the context of the law.

When it comes to the subject of tithing, the wrong understanding would cause you to fall into two possible ditches, which are:

1. A ditch of pure compliance following the law of tithing, regardless of context, heart, or understanding.

2. A ditch that swings so far towards the essence of the law that compliance disappears altogether.

However, when we look at the act of giving in the New Testament, we see that it was purposeful, frequent, sacrificial, and structural. It was also done as a form of worship to God.

God is sovereign and at the same time a father. In His sovereignty, He has established systems and yet still chooses to intervene in favour of people and places according to His will.

We are stewards of the resources we have. Just like in a game of chess, where there are moves to protect the king, you must “Guard your heart with all diligence...”, as the Bible instructs.

Work hard, but also examine your motives.

If the King falls, you fall—so you must protect the King.

The life of Solomon, who is said to be the wisest man who ever lived, was examined in this teaching. We discover that most of his life choices did not align with the true wisdom of God after all.

His final position on how we should perceive wealth and riches is one to note, as he had acquired all there was in relation to money.

We are reminded that the money we possess is only a tool that should be stewarded rightly, and Jesus must be Lord over it all.

One of the most misleading ideas about the Bible is that it teaches you every single thing you need to know about life. The central theme of the Bible is Jesus and the salvation plan. And even though God can bless us financially, that is not the promise of the gospel.

These are a few points we learn about the gospel and money:

1. Jesus did not die to make us rich.

2. Being saved does not make you rich.

3. The blessings of God are not always money and riches.

4. The Word of God does not teach us how to make money. It teaches contentment and what to do with money.

In the game of chess, your opponent is after your king. Putting your opponent’s king in a position where it has no moves is a winning strategy.

In the same way, if you willingly say that Jesus is Lord, it must mean something. It demands surrender. Everything in your life—your time, your resources—must bow alongside you.

Among other things, there are two that can easily become idols in your life: love and money.

Anything you deliberately exclude from the hand of the Lord is proof that it can become an idol in your life.

If Jesus is truly Lord over your life, He should be able to tell you what to do, and you obey.

Is Jesus truly Lord over your life?

Does the Word of God carry as much weight in your life?

The Last Supper that Jesus and His disciples had in the Bible was not a new invention at the time. The practice was from a feast called the Passover, and what they did was in remembrance of that day, when God made death pass over the children of Israel. 

Jesus explains the meaning of the Passover meal using figures of speech. The bread signifies His body, which came back to life, as the Passover was fulfilled in his death. 

The Lord’s Supper does not stop at being a mere symbol. What we celebrate now is reinstituted as the new Passover in remembrance of Him- Christ,

‎It is important to know that even in God’s family, there is room for romantic love.

But if we are going to do it right, we have to know God’s perspective: How should love be treated? How should we, His children, love, care for, and cleave to one another?

In addition to this teaching, "Valentine Letters" are addressed to both singles and couples.

Our reverence for God is based on our ability to discern His activities in a place. Worshipping God is not just about singing. Worship is a life of sacrifice and reverence to God.

Showing reverence to God’s systems and structures in the church is how you show reverence for Him. Our actions substantiate our honour for God and His people.

The danger of a lack of honour for church leadership is that it could lead to the restriction of the flow of the Spirit, misalignment, and more.

Marriage has a divine purpose, but we confuse the tool with the purpose. There is so much misinterpretation about the role of marriage and the role of a helper in marriage. 

These and more about the family unit are addressed in detail:

1. Family is crucial to God’s plan on the earth.

2. Lineage is crucial to the spirit realm. 

3. God established standards for their order because God’s purpose depends on families.

In this teaching, we discuss the early church and some of the things they did together. As a believer, you should be joyful about your community, your church. Oikia denotes fellowship, the family of God. 

Some of the things the early church did together were:

1. They lived as one family in unity.

2. They took care of each other’s needs.

3. They honoured the leadership and spiritual authority.

4. They prayed for one another.