Article 1: A Day for the Tithing of My People (written by the Bishopric)
Article 2: Many are called, but few are chosen: What have you chosen? (by Samuel Gould)
Article 3: Love thy neighbor as thyself, but who is my neighbor? (by Wagner Zeppenfeld)
Volume 13, Article 1-April 2022 - written by the Bishopric: Robert Cackler and Kelvin Henson
A Day for the Tithing of My People
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The purpose of this letter is to provide information to the members of the church about the revelation of June 30, 2021 on tithing and consecration. It is our hope that each family will find this information helpful as they prayerfully plan for the implementation of these commandments.
It is our desire to assist our members in the fulfillment of the law of tithing. To many of us, implementing tithing and all of its parts, as presented to the church at this time, will be a new, but without a doubt, a fulfilling and rewarding experience as we journey together to the coming Holy City of God.
Questions about tithing may be sent to the Bishopric at any time.
Your Brothers in Christ,
Robert Cackler, Presiding Bishop
Kelvin Henson, Assistant Presiding Bishop
— Tithing —
—Introduction—
These are exciting times in which we live. The Lord of Heaven and Earth is bringing His church out of obscurity and darkness under the leadership of the Prophet, Maurício A Berger. Recently, the church was blessed with a revelation on tithing and consecration. Through this letter, the Bishopric would like to provide some guidance about tithing and its implementation in the church today.
As members of the Restoration churches, and others from various faiths, are gathering together into the Second Invitation, they are forming what Moroni has called a true church without walls. In this process, all are asked to lay down past traditions and precepts and learn and adopt the true ways of the Lord that are being restored through the Sealed Book of Mormon and by revelation.
—Supporting the Work of Christ—
Throughout the dispensations, the Lord has expected His people to support the work of building up His church through the giving of tithes and offerings. And, as with every other commandment, the obedient are the recipients of a multitude of blessings. In addition to the blessings, giving with a cheerful and obedient heart teaches some very valuable life lessons.
One of the most important, is the understanding of the spiritual benefits of separating oneself from undo emotional attachment to one’s physical possessions and monetary resources. As followers of Jesus, we acknowledge that what we call our own is really God’s. We are not owners, but stewards. But, in our humanness, we find it difficult, at times, to live this concept to the fullest extent possible. We are tempted to trust in our possessions as a means of security and not in the Lord. Thankfully, in the Father’s perfect wisdom, He protects His children from harm through commandments, which act as guardrails for life keeping the obedient on the right path.
Moreover, the scriptures contain examples to help us understand the importance of severing our attachment to temporal things. The rich ruler of Luke 18:18-25 was asked to sell all of his possessions and then go and follow Jesus. And, recorded in Matthew 6 and Luke 16 is the lesson the Lord gave about the unjust steward and unrighteous mammon. This parable uses the example of an unjust steward of worldly things to emphasize the transformation required to become a just steward of spiritual things. Without godly restraints present in our lives, there is the temptation to put our heart into the accumulation of worldly riches, not spiritual and eternal ones. So, it is easily understandable why Timothy recorded these words for our benefit:
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:7-12
It is a part of every believer’s stewardship to obtain, manage, and use money wisely according to the law of Christ. Having incorrect feelings and attitudes about money can lead to destruction. In the context of the love of money causing one to be led away from righteousness, this poignant warning about the importance of giving tithes to the Lord is cause for timely introspection:
22 And after that day, I, the Lord, will not hold any guilty that shall go with an open heart up to the land of Zion; for I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men.
23 Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.
24 For after today cometh the burning—this is speaking after the manner of the Lord—for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon.
25 Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today. D&C 64:22-25
—Our Past Understandings—
Because of different church experiences, our members have paid tithing based on different methodologies. Some were taught to pay tithing on income after basic living needs are deducted (which was called the increase). Others, were taught to pay tithing on total income (either gross or net as determined by the individual). Recently, the church has been blessed with a new revelation (June 30, 2021) that details how the Lord wants tithing to be implemented among the members in the Second Invitation.
—Initial Tithe (of All Possessions)—
The law of tithing begins with the requirement to pay a tithe (10%) of all a person possesses. This is in accordance with the example of Abraham paying tithe to the High Priest Melchizedek. The account is found in Genesis, Chapter 14, and in the Sealed Book of Moses, Chapter 9, where it states that even the father of our faith was not exempt from the law of tithing. This initial tithe of all possessions is paid only once, and then followed annually by the tithe of either surplus or income.
—Acceptance of Initial Tithe—
With the Restoration, the Lord restored His church to the earth in 1830 when Joseph Smith, Jr and several others formally organized the Church of Christ (later known by various names, some of which included the phrase, “Latter Day Saints” or derivations thereof). Since 1830, the church has been scattered into many groups with different names. During these years, the church fell into what the Lord has called “obscurity and darkness” because of the erroneous precepts and traditions of men that had entered into the church ordinances and practices.
With the advent of the Second Invitation, under the authority of the Prophet Maurício Berger, the church has been brought out of that obscurity and darkness. Even though the church was scattered into many groups, the Lord has made it clear that the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood continued in most of these groups. Because of this, members may be accepted into the church today by the authority of their original baptisms. In addition, the tithing paid in the past in the various branches of the Restoration can also be acknowledged by the Bishopric, if this is the desire of the member.
Alternatively, new members from other branches of the Restoration may choose to make a new start with tithing by offering the initial tithe again. This is similar to the previously baptized Restoration member who requests baptism in the Second Invitation as a symbol of spiritual rebirth (see Acts of the Three Nephites 8:2).
—Offerings and Consecrations—
A new member’s first financial duty is to be in compliance with the law of tithing. Once, having obeyed this law, the member may also wish to make general offering or consecration, as directed by the Holy Spirit. These contributions are also an important part of the financial law that supports the work of the kingdom. For more information on offerings and consecrations, please contact the Bishopric.
—Law of Surplus Tithe (An Option for New Members)—
All newly baptized members, and members coming from other restoration groups based on their original authoritative baptisms, are required by the Lord, at a minimum, to annually pay the tithe of increase (also called the law of surplus tithe). This is actually the lessor law of tithing, but it prepares the new member for the greater law by allowing them to experience the blessings that are given to the obedient in regard to tithing.
—Tithing (Ma’asser) of the Greater Law—
Now, as the church has been set in order, its members are commissioned with the implementation of the law of consecration that is required by the United Order of Enoch. This begins with tithing as taught in the law of Moses. The June 2021 revelation states that the church members who desire to participate in the law of consecration, must begin by fully implementing tithing and all of its parts as explained in the revelation. This must be fully implemented in the church among those who desire to participate in the rising up of the United Order in our day. As we know, the United Order is the precursor of Zion.
7 These are the tithes, "ma'asser", required by My law from the beginning of all time, which all leaders, authorities and members who enter into the Eternal and Immutable Covenant of Consecration must strictly observe… Revelation on Tithing & Consecration 2021-06-30, verse 7
9 So let us stand up to erect the society and city that Jesus Christ has presented to us, so that we may enter into His rest. The Acts of the Three Nephites 6:9
—First Tithe (or simply the Ma’asser)—
The first part of the tithing that is required in the greater law is to tithe according to the teachings of the Law of Moses. This tithe or simply the Ma’asser consists of 10 percent of all a person possesses, followed annually by 10 percent of increase (income). The Lord has emphasized that the United Order, and the associated places of refuge, cannot be built with only the tithe of surplus (increase). It requires this greater commitment by all church members.
—Tithe of the Tithe (Terumah Hama’asser)—
The revelation then states that from the tithing collected, the church must designate a tithe of the tithe (Terumah Hama’asser) for the support of the priesthood. This tithe was originally for the support of the Levites. Today, this tithe is to support the prophets of the church and their families.
—Second Tithe (Ma’asser Rishon)—
The second part of the tithe is the Ma’asser Rishon. This is an annual tithe for the future construction and repair of the Temple.
—Third Tithe (Ma’asser Sheni)—
The third part of the tithe is the Ma’asser Sheni. This tithe is paid every five years on possessions acquired in the previous five years. These tithes are to be used for laying the foundation of Zion and its stakes, and for debts incurred in building the Kingdom.
—Implementation of Tithing—
This explanation is a very brief overview of tithing as presented to the church in the recent revelation. The Bishopric and the Quorum of Apostles will assist church members in the full implementation of these important commandments.
All church members should make sure that they are in compliance with the law of tithing. Initially this may involve the tithe for new members or, optionally, the First Tithe of the law of consecration followed by the observance of the Second Tithe annually, and the Third Tithe every five years.
To repeat a passage from D&C 64, that was previously shared, this truly is “a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of My people.” God’s people who implement the teachings of the Sealed Book in their lives, have entered the final part of the journey to the kingdom of God on earth—Zion. May the ministry of the Holy Spirit guide each family in their preparation to implement all of the parts of the law of tithing.
The prophet Malachi recorded these inspired words for all God’s children to prayerfully consider:
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Malachi 3:8-9
Recognizing our financial indebtedness to the Lord, may we gratefully offer our tithes to Him. His promise will be fulfilled:
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
Questions about tithing may be addressed to the Bishopric or the Apostle in charge of your area. We look forward to working with the members of the church in the days ahead in fulfilling these crucial commandments.
Sincerely,
Robert Cackler, Presiding Bishop
Kelvin Henson, Assistant Presiding Bishop
Resources:
- The revelation of June 30, 2021 on tithing and consecration: https://thesealedbookofficial.org/index.php/herald-of-the-second-invitation-vol-5-august-2021/#HeraldV5rev
- John Pratt’s article on tithing: https://thesealedbookofficial.org/index.php/herald-of-the-second-invitation-vol-5-august-2021/#HeraldV5A1
— contributions —
—Names Used for the Church—
To clarify, the name that is being used for the church which was given through revelation, is Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. However, due to legal issues concerning the use of this name, it is not used officially, but only privately among the members and in church ordinances such as confirmations, ordinations and special blessings.
To identify ourselves in our localities, the church is using various names. “Church of Christ” is used in Palhoça, Brazil and Bemidji, Minnesota. “Center Place Branch” is used in Independence, Missouri. The “United Order of Zion” is used in Independence, Missouri and worldwide. Since, the Second Invitation is occurring worldwide, other names may be used for the church in the places where the church is established. Together, all of these constitute the church without walls under the spiritual name, “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.”
Legally and financially, the church has been organized in the United States in Missouri under the name, “United Order of Zion.” In Palhoça, Brazil, the name “Projeto Sião” is used.
—How to Contribute—
Contributions of tithing, consecrations, and offerings can be made through the church’s website, https://thesealedbookofficial.org or http://olivroseladooficial.org. On the ‘Contribute Here’ page, the English PayPal button will send donations to the Bishopric in Missouri for the United Order of Zion, and the Portuguese PayPal button will send donations to Projeto Sião in Brazil. All of the funds received from either PayPal button will be used for the work of the church in Brazil and worldwide.
These PayPal buttons are used by members from around the world. However, people who are living in countries other than Brazil should use the English PayPal button so the tithes and offerings are received by the Bishop in Zion. People who are living in Brazil should use the Portuguese PayPal button because the Lord has stated in recent revelation that the tithes of the church members in Brazil must stay in Brazil to support the work there. Please note that even the funds received in Zion may be used, as the Spirit directs, to support the missionary and other church work in Brazil. Regardless of how funds are received, the Bishopric will ensure that they are used as intended.
For church members living in the United States, another way to send donations is directly to the church’s bank account through a bank wire or Zelle. Please contact the Bishopric for instructions on using these methods. Finally, checks may be mailed to our post office box, United Order of Zion, PO Box 1761, Independence, MO 64055-1761.
For more information, please contact the Bishopric.
Sincerely,
Robert Cackler, Presiding Bishop
Kelvin Henson, Assistant Presiding Bishop
Volume 13, Article 2 - April 2022: by Apostle Samuel S. Gould
Many are called, but few are chosen: What have you chosen?
Welcome, My Beloved Brothers and Sisters, you who bring Joy to the Heart of God and all those of the Second Invitation who have enlisted in this Marvelous Work and Wonder planted in our midst by Our Heavenly Father.
I am Samuel Gould, an especial witness of the Plates of Mormon and the Sealed Book of Mormon that came forth by the Power and Gift of Almighty God through the instrumentality of the Seer Mauricio Artur Berger in this call to the Second Invitation to the Wedding Supper of the Lord (Luke 14:21-22).
It was Moroni that commissioned the first part of this sacred mission with the plates, and interpreters, to bring forth this invitation to us as directed by Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Harvest, in the presence of the four witnesses of Brazil.
Words of Moroni 52 The re-establishment of my Church, therefore, does not require that you found a new organization, but that I have redeemed the principles governing that which had been spiritually restored in its fullness by the hand of my servant, Joseph Smith Jr, in a church without walls, founded on living stones, built upon this foundation stone, and sustained by the pillars of truth, to which must burn in you a remnant sense of the 'ORIGINAL CHURCH,' this being your common legacy, what zeal must ascend to heaven as never before seen on earth, in whose spirit each member of it is imbued with the one purpose which builds the foundations of this organization, the fullness of the administration of my gospel among the children of men.
Many are Called but few are Chosen: What have you Chosen?
We find in the record:
D&C 121:34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
D&C 121:35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
The love of the world must be banished from our hearts and then from our midst being swept away by the engrafting of the true and noble sentiments derived from the fruits of the Spirit of God (A3N 8:1).
The Love of the World that is the
(a) lusts of the flesh,
(b) lust of the eyes, and
(c) the pride of life,
will always displace the gifts of God written and nurtured within our hearts (1 John 2:15-16).
D&C 121:36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
D&C 121:37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
It is the natural human condition to rely on self-deception and self-justification in deceiving ourselves, varnished in an effort to white wash over our sins with a broad brush, but the road of repentance is our only cure that will bring us back in joy and peace of full communion with our God.
D&C 121:38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
Those who will not heed this admonition, will be found in their natural state as the enemies of God. We, therefore must bury the natural man and have those tendencies carved out of our hearts by yielding our hearts unto the perfecting leadings of the Spirit of God in the “humility and meekness” of a “broken and contrite” Spirit.
D&C 121:39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
Regrettably, I have in times past found myself caught in this net of the adversary of our souls, leaving the wreckage of human reasoning in my wake and attempting to cover the damage over with self-justification from the fall to “pride and vanity” of my heart. The path of repentance is the only salve of salvation that can be applied with a godly sorrow for the misdeeds that have broken the heart of God and the dear lambs of His fold.
Many will not adhere to the seven steps of repentance.
(1) Realize your error and the damage it has caused.
(2) Regret your actions with a Godly sorrow.
(3) Resolve to change by yielding to the Holy Spirit.
(4) Reveal to the Bride of Christ and confess your sin.
(5) Restitution is made where possible through Jesus.
(6) Release your sins through forgiveness of all.
(7) Receive the Peace of Forgiveness from God.
If you have not received that Peace of Forgiveness from God, then you have not completed one or more of the seven steps, return to the process that you may be a “Chosen Vessel” to receive the transforming gift of the peace of God unto your souls.
D&C 121:40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.
Will you be a “Chosen Vessel” of God in the Second Invitation to the Wedding Supper of the Lord?
It is our choice to be a Chosen Vessel through the “Humility and Meekness” unto the victory of the Cross of Jesus or sadly,
The forsaken choice to be a Broken Vessel through “Pride and Vanity” in the Wreckage of the World.
I am,
Your Servant in Jesus Christ,
Brother Samuel
Volume 13, Article 3- April 2022: by Apostle Wagner Zeppenfeld
Love thy neighbor as thyself, but who is my neighbor?
Good evening, dear brothers, and dear sisters.
The Bible says that there are two commandments that sum up all laws: Love God above all things and love your neighbor as yourself. But who is my neighbor?
My neighbor is the one who is really close to us, it can be the people in our families, our neighbor, our co-workers, and also those who pass by us in our daily life, even on the street.
Many times we don't fully love the people we like, let alone the people we don't have much connection with or that neighbor who at a certain moment we felt uncomfortable with because of something that happened.
Nobody told us that it would be easy to follow the commandments of our Savior Jesus Christ. But are our brothers and sisters comfortable too? Do they not need help, a support, a friendly word?
Brothers in the book of 1 John chapter 4 verses 7 and 8 says that we should love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. And he who does not love does not know God, for God is LOVE.
A little further on in verse 16 it is written "God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him."
In the book of John chapter 3 verse 16 it says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
What greater proof of love than that of a Father sending his only begotten Son in the flesh, to pay for the sins of all mankind. Christ loved every single one of us. He paid for our sins without even knowing us. His love was unconditional.
In John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
14 You will be my friends if you do what I command you."
What a great privilege it is that we can be recognized by God as his friends. May we do what he requires of us in order to have this place reserved for us with him.
We can take as a learning experience the Parable of the Good Samaritan that is found in the book of Luke 10 verses 30 to 35, where it reads:
"30 ... A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and departed, leaving him almost dead. 31 A priest happened to be coming down the same road. When he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So also a Levite; when he came to the place and saw him, he passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he was traveling, came to where the man was, and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. 34 He came near and bandaged his wounds, pouring wine and oil over them. Then he put him on his own animal, took him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he gave two denarii [coin] to the innkeeper and said to him, 'Take care of him. When I return I will pay you all the expenses you have.'"
When both the priest and the Levite saw the man lying on the road, all bruised and naked, they crossed to the other side so as not to help him. But the Samaritan, even without knowing him, went to meet him and had compassion for his neighbor in such a situation. He bandaged his wounds and took him to an inn so that the man could get well.
Brothers, what a great lesson this parable brings us: let us love one another unconditionally. Let us do for our brother what we would like to be done for ourselves, if necessary. But let us do it without expecting anything in return.
1 John 3: 16 "By this we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
17 If anyone has material resources and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God abide in him?
18 Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in deed and in truth."
In the same way God loves all his children, regardless of any situation. For Him it doesn't matter where we live, our financial condition, our color, our sexual orientation or gender. He is no respecter of persons, what matters to Him is whether we fear him and do what is right.
We as His children created in His image and likeness, and following the commandments He gave us have the obligation and the great privilege to love all our brothers and sisters the same way the Father loves us, unconditionally, without creating obstacles or discriminations to love each other.
This is the second greatest commandment that the Lord gave us. It is something simple, but at the same time something that we make so difficult. Many times we make it difficult, we need to have empathy for our brothers and sisters, to put ourselves in their shoes. Sometimes it takes just a hug for our brother, just a word of comfort, but for the person who is receiving it is something that makes a difference, something that will bring a positive impact in their lives.
Some of you may be thinking at this point that loving our neighbor is easy, that I love all people, but what if I tell you that we must also love our enemies, love those who persecute us, those who do us harm?
The Savior gives us a commandment concerning this too. It is found in the book of Matthew 6, where it says:
"27 But to you who hear this I say, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you;
28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who slander you.
29 "Whosoever shall smite you on the one cheek, turn to him the other also; and from him that taketh away your cloak, ..."
May we remember the Lord's great love for us, that he gave his only begotten son to die for us. Thanks to this sacrifice of Christ, we have the opportunity to come closer to God, Christ is the link of our connection with the Father.
John 15:
"12 This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 You will be My friends if you do what I command you.
15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
17 These things I command you: That you love one another."
God's commandments are for our good. They were given to us to be a blessing in our lives. Love has the ability to change the world, but above all to change ourselves, may we begin to nurture this noble and elevated feeling unconditionally.
May we overcome all the barriers that throughout history have been imposed on us and may we love one another without expecting anything in return, without judging and without expecting recognition from others.
Acts of the Three Nephites 10:
"1 Let us therefore be moved by a higher cause, in which brother watches brother and the Church of Christ as a whole, watch over all the members, so that there is no needy, sick, and afflicted in our midst, that we may show ourselves true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, and be worthy representatives of his name in a midst of a corrupted and misrepresented world.
2 Cease therefore your complaints and your grumblings, for nothing can be more destructive to men in the flesh than to complain continually. Cease looking for mistakes on your brothers or sisters, but love one another just as Christ loved us, for this not only qualifies us to be his disciples, but identifies us as such."
In the name of our Lord, Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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