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Every Pastor Who Collects Tithes is a Thief – Pastor Femi Aribisala
Popular pastor and public affairs analyst, Femi Aribisala has berated the act of collecting tithes by their churches which he believes is not biblical.
As far as many pastors are concerned, the most important scripture of all is not to be found in the word of Jesus. Neither is it even in the New Testament. That scripture says: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’” (Malachi 3:10).
This scripture is drummed repeatedly into Christians on Sundays. However, the only time Jesus mentioned tithing in scripture, he pointed out that it was not a weighty matter of the law. (Matthew 23:23). Hebrews says people only receive tithes “according to the law.” (Hebrews 7:5). It then insists tithing (and everything else under the law) has been annulled: “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless.” (Hebrews 7:18-19). Nevertheless, mercenary pastors continue to insist on the payment of tithes.
Latter-day Pharisees
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for keeping part instead of the whole law. (Matthew 23:23). That is what tithe-collecting pastors do today. If we insist our congregants must pay tithes, we must also insist that they keep the rest of the law. James says: “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10). Therefore, if we insist on tithing, we should also refrain from eating pork. We should stone adulterers, execute homosexuals, kill Sabbath violators and restore blood-sacrifices.
Tithe-collecting pastors counter this by maintaining the payment of tithes pre-dated the law. Here Abraham is cited as the cardinal example of someone who paid tithes before the promulgation of the Law of Moses, as did Jacob, his grandson. However, such arguments are disingenuous.
Before the law, tithing was at best an example but not a commandment. Moreover, pastors fail to mention that Abraham only tithed once in his lifetime. When he did, he did not even tithe his own money: he tithed the spoils of war. He gave ten percent of the plunder he took when he rescued Lot to Melchisedec, king of Salem. But then he did not even keep the rest but returned it (all ninety percent) to the king of Sodom.
For his part, Jacob also tithed only once. He did this in a “let’s make a deal” arrangement he offered to God: “Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God. And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will surely give a tenth to you.’” (Genesis 28:20-22). This kind of deal about accepting God only under certain self-serving conditions should certainly not be a term of reference for any serious believer.
Lies upon lies
The first lie pastors tell Christians is what some have referred to as “the eleventh commandment:” “Thou shalt pay thy tithes to thy local church.” But the bible says no such thing. The storehouse of Malachi was not a church. It was a place where food was kept.
Pastors hide from church-members the fact that money was not acceptable as tithe. The tithe was a tenth of the seed and fruit of the land and of the animals which ate of the land. (Leviticus 27:30-32). That is why God says: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be FOOD in my house.” (Malachi 3:10). He does not say “that there may be MONEY in my house.” The food was used to feed the Levites, the poor, widows, orphans and strangers.
Pastors also conveniently fail to teach the biblical tithe. The principles of tithing were not laid down by Malachi. They were laid down by Moses. The study of Moses’ guidelines quickly reveals that the biblical tithe has no application whatsoever to Christians and is mischievously violated by tithe-collecting pastors today.
According to the Law of Moses, the tithe was divided into three allocations. The first year, it was given to the Levite. The second year, it was given to widows, orphans and the poor. The third year, it was eaten in the company of the faithful before the Lord as thanksgiving for his faithfulness. (Deuteronomy 14:22-28). In the seventh year, there was no planting and no reaping and therefore no tithing.
So the next time your pastor asks you to pay tithe, ask him about the seventh-year reprieve. Also ask him if you can give your tithe to the orphanage, or bring it as food items to be eaten in church. Believe me; he will not agree with you because it is your money he is after.
Inapplicability of Tithes
Tithing was only applicable to Jews and to the land of Israel. When large populations of Jews lived in Babylon, Ammon, Moab, Egypt, and Syria, these lands became tithe-able lands. However, tithes were not acceptable from strictly Gentile lands. So you need to ask your pastor how come he is collecting tithes in Nigeria.
Servants or slaves who worked on the land did not tithe because the land did not belong to them. Since only agricultural and animal resources were included, a fisherman gave no tithe of his fisheries. Neither did a miner or a carpenter pay tithes, nor anyone from the various professional occupations. So if you are not a farmer or a keeper of livestock, tell your 419 pastor tithing is biblically inapplicable to you.
Moreover, the only people authorised to receive tithes were the Levites. (Hebrews 7:5). So if your Pastor is a “tithe-collector,” ask him if he happens to be a Jew. Remind him that, even though a Jew, Jesus could not receive the tithe because he was not from the tribe of Levi but from that of Judah.
The trick, of course, is for pastors today to claim we are “Levites.” If your pastor is one such dissembler, ask him if he lives as a Levite. Remind him that Levites had no land and did not have private property. Ask him also how he knows he is from the tribe of Levi, which happens to be one of the lost tribes of Israel. Point out to him that even Jewish rabbis don’t claim to be Levites today because all Jewish genealogical records were lost with the destruction of the Temple in AD 70, ensuring that it is no longer possible to ascertain the true identity of Levites.
Therefore, if Jews no longer tithe because the Levites are a lost tribe, how can Christian pastors collect tithes when we are not even Jewish, how much more Levites? If Jewish rabbis, whose terms of reference remain the Old Testament no longer collect tithes, then pastors who insist Christians are under a New Testament have no business doing so.
The conclusion then is inescapable. Every pastor who collects tithes is nothing but “a thief and a robber.” (John 10:1).
Banwo Accuses Alex Otti Administration of Governance by Propaganda
Public commentator and lawyer Dr. Ope Banwo has criticised the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti, accusing the administration of running what he described as a “propaganda-driven government” built on exaggerated claims and selective messaging rather than measurable governance outcomes.
In a detailed commentary, Banwo argued that while Abia State has recorded some progress in specific sectors, the government’s media machinery has inflated limited achievements into what he called “statewide miracles,” creating a disconnect between online narratives and lived realities.
Banwo, who said he initially viewed Governor Otti as a symbol of hope following the 2023 elections, noted that his concerns emerged after engaging residents and professionals living in Abia to verify widely circulated claims about infrastructure, power supply, healthcare, and transportation.
Central to Banwo’s critique is the portrayal of Abia as a state with uninterrupted electricity. He acknowledged the existence of the Aba ring-fenced power arrangement involving Aba Power and Geometric Power but argued that the arrangement has been misrepresented as statewide energy independence.
According to him, extending the Aba power project to represent the entire state amounts to misinformation, especially given acknowledged outages and the limited geographical coverage of the scheme.
He further questioned claims that Abia was the first state to assume intrastate electricity regulation, stating that other states, including Lagos State, had taken similar steps earlier.
Banwo also raised concerns over viral claims suggesting that biogas facilities are already powering Abia communities, arguing that pilot projects have been prematurely presented as fully operational infrastructure.
He noted that residents he spoke with were largely unaware of any functional biogas-powered communities, stressing that government announcements should be backed by publicly available data on scale, output, and sustainability.
On healthcare, the founder of Naija Lives Matters (NLM) questioned reports that Abia offers free medical care to all citizens above 60 years of age for life, describing the claim as unverified and unsupported by legislation, budgetary provisions, or formal policy documents.
Similarly, he criticised claims suggesting that electric vehicles operate widely across the state and that all roads have been tarred, describing such assertions as exaggerated and misleading.
The self-acclaimed Mayor of Fadeyi argued that the core issue is not the absence of development but what he described as a governance style driven by social media optics rather than transparent performance metrics.
He warned that excessive reliance on viral content, influencers, and unverified claims risks eroding public trust and undermining accountability, noting that effective governance requires data, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
“A serious government does not need to exaggerate results,” Banwo said, adding that citizens require reliable services, not slogans.
He also advised the Abia government to avoid constant comparisons with states like Lagos and its governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging the administration to focus instead on publishing verifiable performance records.
Banwo challenged the Otti administration to release clear documentation supporting its claims, including power coverage maps, healthcare policy instruments, infrastructure project lists, and implementation timelines.
He concluded that while Abia State has not “collapsed,” the growing gap between online narratives and on-ground realities could become more damaging than infrastructural deficits if left unaddressed.
Celebrating Strength and Spiritual Grace: Mama Genesis Turns a Year Older
Today marks a special day in the life of a remarkable woman, Prophetess Adeshola Abike Ogundipe, affectionately known as Mama Genesis. On this auspicious occasion, we celebrate not just a birthday but a journey of resilience, faith, and unwavering support.
Prophetess Adeshola Abike Ogundipe is intricately woven into the narrative of Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, widely recognized as Genesis. Their journey, characterized by grace, love, and unwavering commitment, is a testament to the power of unity in the face of life’s challenges. Beyond her spiritual calling, she is also a visionary CEO and entrepreneur, leading impactful ventures such as BELLYBLISS CATERING and BELLYBLISS BAKERY.
From humble beginnings to the forefront of spiritual leadership, Mama Genesis has been a steadfast companion, standing by her husband through thick and thin. The Facebook posts appreciating grace with her beloved husband and son reflect the deep bonds of family and devotion.
Mama Genesis’s life mirrors a journey from grass to grace, embodying strength, resilience, and the transformative power of faith. As we celebrate her birthday, let us acknowledge the woman behind the title, the partner who has been an anchor in Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe’s life. Her influence also extends into lifestyle and wellness through DASHTUSHUP CLOSET and FRUITS & HERBS WELLNESS, reflecting her passion for nurturing both body and spirit.
In the tapestry of their family, Mama Genesis’s role extends beyond a title; she is a beacon of love, support, and inspiration. Her dedication to her family and her unwavering support for her husband’s mission are qualities deserving of admiration.
On this special day, let us join hands in celebrating the life of Prophetess Adeshola Abike Ogundipe. Happy birthday, Mama Genesis! May your day be filled with joy, love, and the same grace that has defined your remarkable journey.
celebrity radar - gossips
Governor Lawal Honored with Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, Pledges Continued Commitment to Zamfara’s Development
Governor Lawal Honored with Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, Pledges Continued Commitment to Zamfara’s Development
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, Ph.D., has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to fostering tangible progress and rebuilding public trust in the governance of Zamfara State. His commitment to the state’s development was underscored during the recent Leadership Newspaper annual conference, where he was awarded the LEADERSHIP Newspaper Governor of the Year Award today Thursday 12th of February at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
This award symbolizes recognition from the LEADERSHIP Newspaper, which aims to honor distinguished figures who have made significant contributions worthy of national admiration. According to a statement released by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the annual awards and conference highlight exemplary leadership and achievements across various sectors in Nigeria.
The event was graced by notable figures, including Dr. Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who delivered an insightful keynote address. Dr. Mohammed elaborated on this year’s theme: “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” emphasizing the critical need for strong governance to navigate contemporary challenges.
When presenting the award to Governor Lawal, the LEADERSHIP Newspaper highlighted the governor’s exemplary leadership qualities and his comprehensive transformative initiatives that have marked significant progress in Zamfara State. The statement noted, “Governor Dauda Lawal’s remarkable performance and courageous leadership have positioned Zamfara on a renewed path of progress, peace, and sustainable development.”
This recognition is a testament to the impactful policies and initiatives launched under Governor Lawal’s administration, including efforts to enhance security, improve infrastructure, and promote economic growth. The newspaper concluded that Governor Lawal’s leadership reflects excellence and profound commitment to the welfare of his constituents, making him exceptionally deserving of this esteemed national recognition.
Notably, this accolade follows closely on the heels of another significant honor bestowed upon the governor just two weeks prior, when he was named The Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year at a ceremony held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. These accolades signify a growing acknowledgment of his transformative leadership and the positive changes taking root in Zamfara State under his guidance.
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