Joy Okorie
Popular Cool FM On Air Personality (OAP) in Nigeria, Ifedayo Oparinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, a Leader of free the Sheeple movement and Free the Nation, took to his social network profiles to talk about Tithe, lashing pastors of various renowned churches saying that they have blindfolded the eyes of their congregations and that they are using the tithes to increase their bank accounts.
Giving a back up to his statement, Daddy Freeze, referred to Deuteronomy 14:26. He further wrote on his Instagram handle,
“The Bible, in Deuteronomy 14:26 says you can sell your tithe and buy beer and drink in the presence of the LORD, at the place he has chosen for his name to be worshiped.” He went ahead to ask Questions saying “But how would you know? Do you read your bible? Come, If you read your bible will you die?.” He further stated that “Jesus was described as a wine bibber and wine contained alcohol, that’s why proverbs 20:1 said wine was a mocker, those of you saying Jesus drank grape juice should show us one person 5alive has mocked!” , he then quoted Deuteronomy 14:22-29 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Version
A Tenth for the Lord[22] Each year you are to set aside a tenth (tithe) of all the produce grown in your fields. [23] You are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, in the presence of Yahweh your God at the place where He chooses to have His name dwell, so that you will always learn to fear the Lord your God. [24] But if the distance is too great for you to carry it, since the place where Yahweh your God chooses to put His name is too far away from you and since the Lord your God has blessed you, [25] then exchange your tithe for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the Lord your God chooses. [26] You may spend the money on anything you want: cattle, sheep, wine, beer, or anything you desire. You are to feast there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice with your family.
Luke 7:34 KJV
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!Proverbs 20:1 KJV
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging….. “
His discussion raised several comments from people. Among the comments, a Nigerian’s popular gospel singer, Mike Abdul, stated,
” I have heard some of your teachings and i must confess that i was drawn in. Thank you for making me study more. However, i think due to your passion against tithing, you seem to make statements that are in conflict with what the bible says. Please read Malachi again, this time , not with your mind made up sir. “Yes, there are liberties in Christ that did not apply in the Law of Moses; yes, it’s true that no specific regulation regarding the tithe is to be found in the New Testament; yes, it’s true that many Christians boldly affirm that the old laws on tithing do not apply in the church. However, we are commanded to give “freely,” and to give “liberally,” and to give “as God has prospered us,” etc.” Even Christ made observations in a gathering where people gave and made comments. He said the widow gave more than all who gave because she gave out of her poverty; others gave out of their plenty. If giving was wrong, He would have condemned it outright. He rather endorsed it. In Malachi 3, blessings even followed the commandment to whoever paid tithe. I do not believe in holding GOD ransom because i paid tithe or helped the needy; i believe you should help the needy if you’re a child of GOD. But GOD still made a promise to givers so much that the bible says when you give to the poor, you lend to GOD.”
Mike further said to Daddy Freeze saying,
” there is a designated place to pay tithe. The bible says “GOD’s house”. And that statement was not only to the priest, it says “the whole nation”. We still have good men; we have Men Of GOD. We have people who tremble at the feet of Godliness. We have the WORD Of GOD . We, most importantly have The HOLY SPIRIT who teaches us all things. The letter killeth but the SPIRIT gives life.”
I believe when ever we go through the scriptures we should ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what we are actually reading, for us to get more than the surface meaning for truly the letter KILLETH but the SPIRIT GIVETH LIFE, God bless you.
