Reply To: Covenant Of Wealth Discussion Board 1

[obiamonu]

The question stipulates that one case study from the Bible should be used to discuss four principles of the power of giving. However, your essay discusses multiple case studies (e.g., Abraham and Melchizedek, Abraham and Isaac, Joshua’s generation, the widow’s mite). This is a deviation from the assignment. In addition to this, there are some inaccuracies in the biblical references. To meet the assignment requirements, the essay must choose one consistent biblical story and use that to develop the four principles.
Please remember the following text: “Specific Critique of the Essay.”:
1. Tithe: Owner Steward Principle (Abraham and Melchizedek). Your essay uses Genesis 14:18-24 (Abraham and Melchizedek) to introduce the idea of tithing. While this is a good case study the essay then moves to other stories in the Bible for the following principles, which breaks the continuity. Since the essay must use one case study, it would be better to either build all principles around this story or choose another biblical narrative.
2. The Principle of Obedience and Faith The essay introduces Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22, incorrectly referenced as Hebrews 7:17) as a separate case study. This breaks the requirement to stick to one story. While the theme of obedience and faith is relevant, it should be tied to the chosen case study (either Abraham’s tithe or another story). Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek was an act of obedience to God’s revelation. He had been called by God to be a covenant partner, and his faith in God as the provider led him to give a portion of what he had received, trusting that God would continue to bless him. Faith and obedience are essential to giving because they demonstrate trust in God’s provision.
3. The Seed Principle. The essay mentions the seed principle but does not tie it to the central story of Abraham and Melchizedek. Instead, it incorrectly references Genesis 21:28, which is unrelated to seedtime or harvest the tithe that Abraham gave can be seen as a seed sown into God’s kingdom. By giving a portion of his wealth, Abraham was sowing into the future blessings that God had promised him. In Genesis 22:17 NKJV, God reaffirms His promise to bless Abraham and make his descendants numerous. This principle teaches that giving is a form of sowing, and when we sow in faith, we can expect a harvest of blessings.
4. Sacrificial Giving: The essay uses the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1-4) as an example of sacrificial giving, which is a completely different story from Abraham and Melchizedek. This again diverges from the single case study requirement. sacrificial giving can be illustrated in the Abraham and Melchizedek story by emphasizing that Abraham, who had just achieved victory and received spoils, could have kept all for himself but chose to give a tenth in acknowledgment of God’s ownership and blessing. This demonstrates sacrificial giving because Abraham could have claimed everything as his reward but instead honored God with a significant portion. Gen 14:18-20NKJV