One way to think about God's economic philosophy

Recently I listened to a seminar by Tony Fitzgerald (www.cotn.org), “God’s Interest in Your Financial Interests” on 8 CDs. He describes following the biblical economics of God’s kingdom as key to discipling nations and he contrasts God’s economic philosophy with that of the world. He says that the world’s philosophy is based on the lack or the imminent lack of resources which is antithetical to the way a good Father provides for His children. He calls the philosophy of lack a lie that is poised to bring into doubt that the Father’s heart ensures us provision, position, and transition into a place of wealth. Furthermore he encourages Christians not to seek blessing, which is “commanded” but to seek the kingdom. Blessing, Fitzgerald asserts, will seek after you. He interprets the book of Philemon as the biblical basis to pray for a supernatural cancellation of debt. He advices that we practice giving tithes and offerings in the way that they were understood by the rabbis and the Christians of the first century AD. The first offering is “First Fruits” which is 1/40 or 2.5% of a person’s gross income. It was not to be eaten; rather given to a person who is speaking and serving spiritually into your life and it releases a spirit of generosity while ensuring that the 97.5% remainder of the gross income will be blessed by God. The first tithe, 9.75% of the gross went to the Levitical priesthood in the Jewish tradition. The second tithe was only collected for two out of three years or 2/3 of 9.75% of the gross income. This tithe was put aside for the family to use to celebrate the biblical feasts and for the children’s inheritance. The third tithe was collected during one year out of three so it is equivalent to 1/3 of 9.75% of the gross income and it is to be given to the poor.