A comment was made that I want to control people and take their money. That is pretty mean spirited as well as completely untrue.

I tithe. I believe in tithing, and it is the biblical system for supporting God's ministry. Anyone here can do what ever they want.

REGARDING THIS STATEMENT
Read this with me, Art.

verse 27. Who needeth not daily, as those high priests , to offer up sacrifice , first for his own sins , and then for for the people's : for this he did once , when he offered up himself.

ALL DEBTS PAID!!!! MONETARY And ALL SINS!!! PERIOD!!!!

ME NOW:
THE VERSE YOU SPEAK OF CHRIST NOW BEING THE HIGH PRIEST, AND THAT UNLIKE THE PHYSICAL HIGH PRIEST, HE DOES NOT HAVE TO GO INTO THE HOLY OF HOLIES EVERY YEAR, NEITHER DOES THERE NEED TO BE A YEARLY SACRIFICE. CONSIDER THE CONTEXT.

Heb 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Heb 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Heb 7:28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

SO CHRIST IS OUR HIGH PRIEST. DO YOU THINK THAT HIS ONE SACRIFICE COVERS ALL YOU FUTURE SINS? DO YOU THINK THAT YOU NOW HAVE A LICENSE TO SIN? THAT IS NOT WHAT ANY OF THESE VERSES MEAN. CHRIST SITS ON THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER AND MAKES CONSTANT INTERCESSION FOR US. IT IS NOT A SINGLE SIGN THE PAMPHLET ONE TIME ACCEPTANCE OF CHRIST THAT NOW MAKES US FREE TO BREAK THE LAW ANY TIME WE WANT. NOTICE PAUL'S ADMONATION.

Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of SINS THAT ARE PAST, through the forbearance of God;

CHRIST'S SACRIFICE COVERS OUR SINS WHEN WE REPENT OF THEM. iT IS NOT SOME SORT OF FREE PASS. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

OUR FAITH LEADS US TO OBEY GOD. WHEN WE SLIP AND FALL, WE CAN REPENT AND WE ARE JUSTIFIED AGAIN. WE GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS DURING OUR LIVES BECOMING MORE AND MORE LIKE HE WAS. WE WALK AS HE WALKED

OUR FAITH IS NOT THAT WE WE ARE FREE FROM THE LAW, OUR FAITH LEADS US TO KEEP IT

Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

YOU THEN WANT MORE FUN, SAYING

One more just for fun, Art.

Hebrews 7 : 28.

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity ; but the word of the oath , which was since the law , maketh the Son , who is consecrated for evermore.

IT IS TALKING ABOUT CHRIST BEING A HIGH PRIEST FOREVER & WITHOUT SIN.

Art, it is time to sit down and learn and let others that don't sling mud to the teaching.

YOU CAN CONTINUE TEACHING THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO OBEY GOD, HOWEVER, IT WON'T LAST FOREVER. WHEN JESUS RETURNS, HE WILL BRING THE ENTIRE WORLD UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. AND THE KINGDOM UNFORTUNATELY FOR YOU, HAS A KING WHO IS NOT MOCKED. THERE IS TERRITORY AND SUBJECT, AND OH YES---LAWS.

THEN YOU PRAISE ME WITH THESE WORDS:

In your congregation, I will not be darkening the doorway, only bnecause I do not enter in =to other men's labor.

I doubt you would want me preaching there anyway.

It would undoubtedly undo your errors.

ME NOW:

IN OUR CONGREGATION, WE HAVE A Q&A AFTER EVERY MESSAGE. TRUST ME YOU WOULD BE HAMMERED--POLITELY--RESPECTULLY, BUT HAMMERED.

NEXT YOU SAY:

IN CLOSING, I WILL QUOTE HEBREWS 8 ; 11-13 that my witness be true.

11. And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother , saying , Know the Lord : for all shall know me , from the least to the greatest. 12. For I will be kind to their unrighteousness , and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more .13. In that he saith , A new covenant , he hath made first old . Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

ACTUALLY YOU MISS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THOSE VERSES. FIRST OF ALL THE BOOK OF HEBREWS IS WRITTEN TO THEM, NOT THE GENTIES, AND THEREFORE THE VERSES STATE:

Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. Heb 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

WHAT IS THE FAULT? IS IT THE LAW? NO! THE FAULT WAS THAT THEY COULD NOT KEEP THE LAW. THE FAULT WAS WITH THE PEOPLE. THE COVENANT HE SPEAKS OF IS IN JEREMIAH 31:31 IT IS SPEAKING ABOUT AFTER CHRIST RETURNS AND SETS UP THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD ON EARTH.

Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

SO, THE LAW IS NOT GOING TO BE IN THE STONES, BUT IN OUR MINDS AND HEARTS IN THE FUTURE KINGDOM WHEN GOD REUNITES JUDAH AND ISRAEL.


Heb 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

SO IS GOD'S LAW BEING WRITTEN IN YOUR HEART, OR IS YOUR HEART AGAINST THE LAW

Heb 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

I think its old and decayed and probably not much more than dust and a memory, Art.

THE FAULT OF THE OLD COVENANT WAS NOT THE LAW. THE LAW IS HOLY, PERFECT, AND GOOD. WE ARE THE PROBLEM, NOT THE LAW. WHAT IS OLD IS THE DISOBEDIENCE. THAT DISAPPEARS IN THE NEW COVENANT AND KEEPING THE LAW IN THE SPIRIT BECOMES THE NORM.

HERE IS THE THING. YOU QUOTE OUT OF CONTEXT HERE. THINK ABOUT IT. YES THE OLD COVENANT IS PHASING OUT, AND WE ARE ESPOUSED TO CHRIST IN A NEW COVENANT. BUT DOES THAT COVENANT DO AWAY WITH GOD'S LAWS? NO! IT RAISES OUR OBEDIENCE. THE NEW COVENANT WRITES THE LAW IN OUR HEARTS. WE ARE SOLD ON THE VALUE OF HIS LAW. WE LIVE NOT BY THE LETTER OF THE LAW, BUT BY HIS SPIRIT WE UNDERSTAND AND LIVE BY THE SPIRIT OF HIS LAW:

Unless you choose to live under death and decay.

WELL, I AM STRIVING TO LIVE UNDER THE NEW COVENANT. I WANT TO KEEP GOD'S LAW IN THE SPIRIT. ISN'T DISOBEYING GOD THE FAILURE OF THE OLD COVENANT. ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU ARE PROPAGATING? ISN'T THAT WHAT IS FADING AWAY?

ANYWAY, I THINK I AM OVERCOOKED HERE. A MILLION ARGUMENTS CAN BE DEVISED TO CONVINCE PEOPLE THAT GOD NO LONGER CARES ABOUT US OBEYING HIM. i THINK THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE ISSUE. WILL WE OBEY GOD OR NOT?

MORE SCRIPTURES WON'T HAVE ANY EFFECT.

Art

you can cite commentary until you are blue in the face, Art.

They only echo error and none of them are meaningful to

Christian doctrine.

The scripture speaks for itself.

You and your commentaries are out of context, unbiblical and unsupported by the authority of scripture.



You are deliberately ignoring the scripture.


The commandments are not grievous ,ART.

they are liberating. Love one another.

Those that support a congregation do so in love, not by compulsion.

People working together in harmony, truthfully.


You are depicting an intellectually dishonest argument for tithing.

And you defend it not with scripture that is given for reproof, but by commentary of equally deluded pretensious heretics.

Basically, you are lying to people, Art.

Pretty blunt, don't you think?

Sit down.

Be still.

Pray.







And remember, Art.

All of your sin is forgiven in Christ. You quoted it. Believe it.

The book of Hebrews is to all. written to them to know what they should know as well.
Heb. 8 : 13 was conveniently dropped in yur rebuttal, Art.
That colored your deceit.

Repent. The Lord rebuke you. Man cannot.

Wow. Your people must be miserable inside. That really sucks.

Politely 'hammered'. I think that pretty much sums up your ministry. Killing people with a smile. I don't even think you do it intentionally, you're just caught up in your own web.

your thread got hijacked.


it's going to take weeks to clean up the mess.

IS TITHING A COMMANDMENT?
Yes, Tithing is not called a commandment. It is in the category of a statute, but then all the law is commanded by God. All of it hangs on the commandments to love God and love toward neighbor. Don't be fooled. Tithing is not God's suggestion.

SOOOO RAPPED UP IN LEGALITY?
You sir, are sooo rapped up in illegality. You reject God's law, and He says that if you do, he will reject you. The example for Israel was written to us at the end of the age.

IS THE LAW OUTDATED?
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

You say the law is out dated. But, Jesus says it will not pass until heaven and earth pass. Mal 3 speaks of us robbing God with our tithes just before Christ's second coming. Further, the Scriptures reveal a priesthood in the future kingdom on earth. It will be supported by Tithes. It is God's system and God does not change, Mal 3:6, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, Heb 13:8.

IS TITHING MY PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW?
Your position is the personal one. It is just your opinion. I am stating what the Scriptures state. You cannot point to one single verse that says Tithing is done away in the New Testament. The issue of Circumcision required a church conference. Do you think that something as big as tithing would be done away, and there would be no reference to it in the Bible? Jesus actually said that we should tithe:

Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: THESES OUGHT YOU TO HAVE DONE (TITHING) and not to leave the other undone.

You say we should not tithe. Jesus says we should

MY KIND OF REASONING IS WHY THERE ARE FEW GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT TODAY?
It is the opposite my friend. God gives His spirit to those who obey Him, not to those who do not obey Him. There is so little evidence of God in the world today because those who profess to believe in Him are not faithful in obeying Him.

Act 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

WHY PEOPLE CANNOT STAND CHRISTIANS
The reason people cannot stand Christians is because they teach that everyone has to become a Christian or else they will burn forever in a terrifying hell fire. Then, those same Christians are hypocrites. They say they love Jesus, but don't live the way Jesus lived.


Art

Art,

The law is superceded, not amended

The perfect law of liberty requires personal accession of judgement against others.

The duty of Christians is to walk in Christ and respect the judgement of God in the lives of all.

We are personally credentialled and personally accountable to God by and through the Judgement of God as given to Christ.

This is our personal responsibility and the accountability for it is prescribed for us.

The way we govern ourselves is not to concede the judgement of our consensus to a few, but to respect the judgement of others at all.

If one stumbles at the liberties of any of the brethren in the faith (that are abrogated from another's inferred adoption of superceded laws and ordinances) only speaks to the partiality of such adoptions made of none effect at the cross, not the voracity of anyones faith, belief and conviction.

Christianity , at its core expression , is not an elitist policy. It is a way of life and of service to Our Lord

That Jesus and Paul, for that matter, exemplified the model of abstinance from reciprocation and fair trade for services rendered is no mark of approval of your doctrine.

It does engender that we are to walk in the truth of a principle; Freely we are given, freely give.

Also, that we are bought with a price and the price is Christ's substitutionary sacrifice.

Many are called and few be chosen. Is that up to you or God?
Judge yourself, lest you be judged by God. Reap what you sow, in that regard.

When Ananias and Sapphira held back a partiality of their offering, it was tainted. Not that the gift was tainted, but that the partiality attached to the gift was tainted and blasphemous.

Guarantee your impartiality and do as you choose.

I will choose the higher road, and less travelled one, and serve Him without earthly renumeration as an incumbancy upon my available service to Him before my fellow man and prevent suspicion of any impure motive for my weaker brothers' sake, NOT YOURS!!!!!!



Good day to you, Sir.

Lots of big words there my friend, but I honestly can't make much sense of it. I get the impression that you believe I am judgmental, elitist, or are condemning others for not tithing. I am not doing any of that. I only quote scriptures to support that God's system is to tithe.

Speaking of your wording, however it sounds very personal to you, like you are not trying to speak for the rest of us to understand.

One thing that stands out, however, is that you don't quote any scriptures. By that, what you say is simply your opinion. I know it is the opinion of many others here. I know it is taught in the churches, but so are other lies.

God does not say that the law is done away. He says the opposite that it won't be done away until heaven and earth are done away. He says it is now being written in our hearts and minds. He says we are to serve in the spirit and not the letter.

Serving in the spirit does not mean that we don't do the physical. It means we do the physical but we do it understanding God's intent and purpose.

I think I would like to conclude with some human reasoning. Consider that all the professing Christians on this site would agree that we should give to God. We all agree that we have received freely, but we understand that it costs something for other to give us this gift freely. Further, we see that Christ gave us everything--His entire life.

That said, what should we give? So, many demand that no legal amount be stated. They believe that this is against God's freedom in Christ.

Just for a moment, lets all consider that is is true. We don't have an obligation to give any specific amount. Ok, then what amount do you think we should give?

The amount God said in the past was 10%. That is the amount that Israel paid, the disciples, paid, and the amount Christ paid.

With that background, what should we give? Why not give the amount God thought was a good number. He picked 10. What percent you you think is a good percent. What would you recommend?

I would recommend the amount God thought was a good one. You are welcome to choose what ever amount you want. We are all free to give what we want. I am saying to give what God says is the right amount, not what we think in our own minds.

What would ever possess us to think we know better than God?

This is the height of arrogance, not me saying we should give 10%. It really is all backwards if you can hear it.

Walk as He walked my friend, and you won't stumble.

Art

Shalom Art.

I see there is quite a lot of views on Tithing and the Law in general.

It does seem to me that you have to be consistant in what you believe and practice. I would like to show some examples of the Law to begin with being kept after the messiah’s death Stephens accusations against him. Acts 6:8-7:1

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us." 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.


NKJV

1st we see that they were not able to resist Stephens words.

Acts 6:9-10
Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
NKJV

2nd what did these men decide to do about Stephen?

Acts 6:11-13
Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and Elohim." 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.
NKJV

3rd They planned to have men lie about what Stephen was saying. What was it that they claimed here? That Stephen was speaking against Moses and Elohim.

4th Lie about what? What was speaking against Mose and Elohim?

Acts 6:13-14
They also set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
NKJV

5th Stephen was accussed about lieing about “this Holy place and the LAW. Remember in V. 10 why.

Acts 6:10
10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
NKJV

Stephens words were very powerful

6 What else did these men claim?

Acts 6:14-15
for we have heard him say that this Yahshua of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us." 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
NKJV

He said Yahshua’s words that he would destroy the temple. Yet we know the temple was not destroyed untill about 70ad.

And he was going to change the customs of Moses.


7 Just who were these men making these accusations to?

Acts 7:1

Then the high priest said, "Are these things so?"
NKJV

Are these things so? Just like they did and said to Yahshua.

Are you breaking the law and destroying the temple.
We know surely now this was a lie brought on by false witnesses. So Stephen goes on to declare to all that they murdered the prophets. That they did not keep the law.

8 What did he say to finally seal his fate?

Acts 7:51-54

"You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it."
NKJV

Stephen says they are the ones not keeping the law. He spoke of the prophets who foretold of Yahshua’s coming and they killed him and Yahshua.

They not keep the law. When men could not resist his words and set out to lie about him keeping the law. Yet he did keep it. For this stephen was stoned and look at who was their.

Acts 7:54-8:1

When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of Yahweh, and Yahshua standing at the right hand of Yahweh, 56 and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of Yahweh!"

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on Yahweh and saying, "Master Yahshua, receive my spirit." 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice,"Master, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
NKJV

Sounds a lot like Yahshua. But in verse 58
And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

I am sure you know that Saul was called Paul after his conversion. He witnesses Stephens Death.

No wonder the desiples were so cautious about Saul/Pauls intentions.

Acts 9:20-22

Immediately he preached the Messiah in the synagogues, that He is the Son of Yahweh.

21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?"

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Yahshua is the Messiah.
NKJV

In V21 the disciples did not know what to think. Was he the one who brought Stephen before the High Priests so that he would be stoned and now has come to bring us their also?

They had very good reason to wonder.

So did Paul keep the law after his conversion in chapter 9 of acts?

Did paul go so far as to even Sacrafice in the Temple?
He could not have Messiah took that away. Hebrews speaks of no more sacrifices. Could Yahshua and the writer of Hebrews meant after the destruction of the Temple would be when you could not sacrafice in the temple no more?
Wouldn’t this go completely against the New Testament?
Lets see.

Acts 21:17-22

17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which Elohim had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Master. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come
NKJV

Humm.. Here the disciples are telling Paul there is a rumour going around that he tells the Jews who are amoung the gentiles to forsake Moses law. To not circumsize or walk in the customs. They are worried about this rumour and tell Paul the assembly must meet about this.

I can see that the Law was being upheld by the disciples hers why.

Acts 21:23-25
Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.
NKJV

Paul is told lets squash this rumor now. You do keep the law Paul this can not go any further. So take these 4 men who have a vow on them.

Now what exactly was this vow?

We know that they tell Paul to go and be purified with them pay their expenses and shave their Heads?

What vow is their that you would have to shave your head when the vow is completed?

Remember Sampson? He had a vow. A Nazorite vow. To find out the ordinances for the completion of a Nazorite Vow we will have to go back to Num.6 and see what the LAW says.

The Nazorite Vow

This is a little long but to see the total picture of taking the vow and then how to end the vow is important becas=use as you read just before. Four men were brought to Paul with this vow where they need to shave their heads. I believe in reading this also you will see how high up Paul was before his conversion to the Body of Messiah.\

Num 6:1-21
6:1 The Law of the Nazirite
Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to Yahweh, 3 he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins. 4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin.

5'All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to Yahweh, he shall be holy. Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. 6 All the days that he separates himself to Yahweh he shall not go near a dead body. 7 He shall not make himself unclean even for his father or his mother, for his brother or his sister, when they die, because his separation to Elohim is on his head. 8 All the days of his separation he shall be holy to Yahweh.

9'And if anyone dies very suddenly beside him, and he defiles his consecrated head, then he shall shave his head on the day of his cleansing; on the seventh day he shall shave it. 10 Then on the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting; 11 and the priest shall offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, and make atonement for him, because he sinned in regard to the corpse; and he shall sanctify his head that same day. 12 He shall consecrate to Yahweh the days of his separation, and bring a male lamb in its first year as a trespass offering; but the former days shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

13'Now this is the law of the Nazirite: When the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 14 And he shall present his offering to Yahweh: one male lamb in its first year without blemish as a burnt offering, one ewe lamb in its first year without blemish as a sin offering, one ram without blemish as a peace offering, 15 a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their grain offering with their drink offerings.

16'Then the priest shall bring them before Yahweh and offer his sin offering and his burnt offering; 17 and he shall offer the ram as a sacrifice of a peace offering to Yahweh, with the basket of unleavened bread; the priest shall also offer its grain offering and its drink offering. 18 Then the Nazirite shall shave his consecrated head at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and shall take the hair from his consecrated head and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offering.

19'And the priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them upon the hands of the Nazirite after he has shaved his consecrated hair, 20 and the priest shall wave them as a wave offering before Yahweh; they are holy for the priest, together with the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.'

21 "This is the law of the Nazirite who vows to Yahweh the offering for his separation, and besides that, whatever else his hand is able to provide; according to the vow which he takes, so he must do according to the law of his separation."
NKJV

Now back to paul.

Acts 21:20-25
You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.
NKJV

1 They claim Paul forsakes Moses Law

2They want him to finish the Law of the Nazorite Vow.

3 This needs a Priest to do this duty. Paul apparently was a priest.

4 The Priest dring this purification has to offer up sacrifices up to Yahweh in the temple whether it be pigions or lamb or goat.

This seems to go directly against what is taught about the new found ( The Way)







So what does Paul do?

Acts 21:26-29

Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.

27 Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." 29(For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
NKJV

Again an untrue accussation. Why would their be such an uproar about Paul performing the purification of these 4 men if they did not know Paul kept the law and were afraid of him convincing the people Yahshua was the Son of Yahweh.

If you read Acts closely you will see Paul was also considered a Roman because the Jews wanted to stone him. But paul appealed to ceaser and this is the reason Paul went to Rome as a prisoner.

Paul speaks of Moses said do not muzzle an ox. The ox works and deserves to be fed. Look at what Paul has to say..

1 Cor 9:7-14
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth Elohim take care for oxen?

10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Messiah.

13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

14 Even so hath Yahweh ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
KJV

He is speaking of the Tithe. In v8 Paul speaks that he is worthy of receiving of the tithe. In the Law the tithe was for the work of the priests. Peter calls us a kingdom of priests. Meaning many will travel and spread the word as Priests. Not in an earthly temple. But is a spiritual Temple which are Yahweh’s Children now. The ones who dedicate themselves to the work is who takes the tithes and uses it for his needs but also as he sees need. there are also 2 other tithes in the scriptures but I will not get into them.

The saying do not muzzle an ox as he is treading out the corn that Paul quoted. Is the same as a man is worthy of his labor. You do not work for free. Niether does a minister.

Here is Yahweh’s command for the tithe to the priest.

Num 18:21-24

"Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 22 Hereafter the children of Israel shall not come near the tabernacle of meeting, lest they bear sin and die. 23 But the Levites shall perform the work of the tabernacle of meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity; it shall be a statute forever, throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 24 For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to YAHWEH, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, 'Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.'"
NKJV

there is A NEW Priesthood with Yahshua as our High Priest. Yahshua said the son of man has nowhere to lay his head. He did not have a home an earthly inheritance.

We are of a New priesthood after the order of Melchezidek. Yahweh is our inheritanse just like he was for the Levitical Priests.

Eph 2:19-22

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of Elohim, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahshua our Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in Yahweh, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Yahweh in the Spirit.
NKJV

Like I said before we are the temple of the living Elohim.
Built of the promices of.
Eph 2:20
Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahshua Himself being the chief cornerstone
NKJV

Yahweh is the same today,tomorrow and yesterday. Learn the Torah as Yahshua was the walking Torah who nobody could deny. Then the foundation of faith will be in your heart. The spirit of truth will then teach you all things opening up the Mysteries of Yahweh.


May Yahweh Open Your Minds To His Holy Torah..Blessings…Miles

i've been wondering about the true biblical-ness of tithing. i just recently started tithing to my church. i tithe because i am blessed. i make a decent amount for my age and i can easily live off the 90% i have left. i tithe because my church rocks and i believe in what they are doing and teaching. the selfish side of me wants to keep the 10% and reason out of it, but i wouldnt even be alive if not for god. every day is a gift from him and the 10% is how i show my thanks, along with following him in my daily decisions. i think it's kinda up in the air. tithing is kinda "up in the air" in the bible to me. could be interpreted either way.

the main point is that "god likes a cheerful giver". don't give if it's only out of obligation or guilt. give because you realize god's providence and love for you and give joyously out of that. there are plenty of people my church can help with my 10%, and i entrust them to use it well with god's guidance.

i don't think a christian should tithe because you "have to". do it because you "want to" and it takes time to get to that point in your faith where you can do that. i just got there, and i'm still learning to enjoy it. that's $300/month i could be spending on me.

ANOTHER GOOD TOPIC. does time count as your tithe? does money spent in a biblical way count as a a tithe? for instance, i sponsor a child in haiti for $35/month. so does that count as part of my tithe?

ART, i'd like your opinion on that last paragraph. thanks folks. thats my 2 cents.

A clarification for those who choose to tithe. We are to tithe on our increase, not the gross. Taxes are a cost of doing business in our country. Tools or clothes for work, travel costs and such things can be deducted before the tithe.



I Tithe to the church I support because I believe in what they teach also, but I would tithe somewhere not just because I like the church. I do tithe because God says to. To me there is no better reason.



Right there is an indicator if tithing is right or wrong. If it reveals our humanity and flaws, it is right and good. James speaks of us looking into the perfect law of liberty. God's law is like a mirror. We look into it to see our flaws. That is the point of the law. It is not to save us, but to condemn us. It shows us what is true and right and good, and what is not.

You admit what I believe motivates others, but what they will not admit. It is the selfish side of us that does not want to tithe. I don't believe for a minute that their claim that we are not to tithe is motivated by a passion and love for God and His word. I just admire your honesty.



How can it be up in the air? The Biblical example is that God took tithes from the time of Abraham and Jacob. When He formed the nation of Israel, He did not adopt some other form of financing His work. In the New Testament Jesus had to have tithed or He would have sinned. We are told that He was our example, and we are to walk as He walked. Jesus says you should tithe but not think that you have fulfilled the law and thus omit the more important purpose of the law--which is faith. It takes true judgment and faith to tithe. It shows mercy to those who receive it. Christ says the law won't be done away until the earth and heavens are done away. He says that we are to give our tax money to the political ruler, and then says we are to give to God's what is God's. In Malachi 3, God says we rob Him by not giving the tithe, and the context is Christ's second coming when He cleanses the sons of Levi. From Malachi, there is no other conclusion, that which is God's is the tithe.

Then, lets look on the other side. The Bible never says not to tithe.

Is this question really up in the air?

{quote]
the main point is that "god likes a cheerful giver". don't give if it's only out of obligation or guilt. give because you realize god's providence and love for you and give joyously out of that. there are plenty of people my church can help with my 10%, and i entrust them to use it well with god's guidance.
i don't think a Christian should tithe because you "have to". do it because you "want to" and it takes time to get to that point in your faith where you can do that. I just got there, and i'm still learning to enjoy it. that's $300/month i could be spending on me.


I do say to give it out of obligation, even if you don't feel like it. We don't automatically feel good about doing everything we are commanded to do. We are to become like Christ, and the scriptures say to put on Christ. We have to start by doing it, and then the understanding comes later.
A good understanding have all they that do His commandments. Psalm 111:10.



I ask you to consider this. Would you use this language in regard to any other aspects of God's law?

I don't think a Christian should not worship others God's because we have to
I don't think we should not murder because God says we must not
I don't think we should not bear false witness because God says we must not.
I don't think we should not steal because we have to not steal

You understand the point. We have been sold a bill of goods. We have been taught that we are to only give to God what we want, not what He commands. Somehow, we have the idea that God doesn't have any requirements of us. None!

That is a blatant lie. Christ said we only abide in Him if we keep His commandments. He said we should tithe and not think we can omit the other stuff because we do.



It really should not apply, but again, it can depend on how things are structured. Biblically, God required three tithes from the Israelites. The first one was dedicated to the priests, or the ministry if you will. It was for the Levite, and service of the temple. For this reason, I would give my entire tithe to the work of the church which is preaching the gospel around the world.

The people were to save an extra tithe for the poor. Thus, in practical fact, they gave 3.3 % extra a year for the poor. This was a national "poor tax."

Giving to the poor in Haiti falls under this part of God's law. However, our people in America for example pay far more than that in welfare and social security. I think in the UK it is even more. Thus, this fills our obligation in that regard.

I now function as the devil's advocate. Kidding

Since the Church today does not recognize these differences in the tithe, and they don't administer it the way that God said, things can get a little messy. For example, consider that if you were to tithe to the ministry and they used that money for helping others in haiti, then your contribution can fall into the right category and do the same thing.

See what I mean, it gets messy because men are involved and they changed things from what the Bible actually says, so you will have to personally decide about this one.

Art

Art,

I will address your last three paragraphs, assumimg that you suffice to close with these statements.

Whatever relevance you place on us knowing more than God in any regard towards tithing or any other aspect of our faith in His Faithfulness is beyond the scope of my remarks. We do well to project the image that is Christ. Selflessness in all things, not a fraction or selective fractions. Quoting scripture does no good in our exchange since the deportment of your answers seek to justify your own authority over the truth of His words.

The Word speaks for itself and we follow the spirit of it, not the letter of it. The Bible says, and you know how to find the quote if you are so incined to do so, that the Lord seeks for us to worship him in spirit and in truth. Legalism only breeds contempt from the wary. Let us not preach legalism, but Christ crucified and all that attends His Lordship and ability to guide the individual seeking and finding Him.

That's not a tithe, that's a whole endeavor. See with spiritual eyes , spiritual things. Same goes for hearing.

Your lastt statement suggests that I am stumbling.

Be that as it may, The Lord knows what He has accomplished through me and I will continue in that. I neither seek nor require your approval or concurrances. View that as negatively as you like, I am not coloring your responses as such, but you clearly have taken every availability to defy any brotherhood or acknowledgement of the truth that is in me seeing that you prefer your own particular branding of discourse.

I will close with scripturally based heartfelt remark that may make its way into your heart in a disengenuous fashion, but that is neither here nor there but rather intended to edify and exhort your understanding of a varying intensity that I pronounce over the governance of my actions concerning our common faith in Christ in truth.

And that is, What things I do I do as unto the Lord and what He does through me is His, not mine. I will not glory in those things that glorify Him, but will rejoice with those that He is glorified in, by and through. I gave him my crown , as depicted in the Book of Revelations, prior to the indwelling of my unction from Him and do not intend on breaching it now that I know that was Hiss will for us, before I was.

I possess my reward presently and sought or seek no more.

Let me be the pauper of paupers that I am.

I glorify Him in the softening of hearts that he searches, not in my boastings and self proclamations.

Each and every step, I wait on Him to put the ground under and I bear my weight on each step knowing He is full aware of the risks and full aware of the step being dependant upon Him.

He and I need not wrestle with that, Art.


Peace, beloved.

In the contects of it all the law through Paul and stephen was upheld and done. Not done away with. To each his own. Yahweh knows our hearts and Yahshua as a shepard calls his sheep and they come. For another voice they will not follow. To the Law and the Testimony the sheep glory in.... Blessings...Miles

An Act of Worship
Although God’s way does lead to prosperity, we must understand that tithing is not a financial investment plan for this life. The very idea of tithing in order to get more for the self violates God’s divine purpose for instituting the law of tithing.
Few really fully understand tithing in the light that God intended. Indeed, many have become jaded in their thinking by the constant barrage of false values of the materialistic, secular society we all live in. As a consequence, some have come to view the Church as a business that supplies religious goods and services. To these people, Church members are little more than consumers, and the pastor is simply a man doing his job.
But we should never view the Church, or the support we contribute to it, in this way. We must always remember that tithing is not an expense, not a financial obligation and not a bill we have to pay like electricity, water, or rent. Tithing is a very personal, intimate act of worship. But how is this so? How is tithing an act of worship?
The word “worship” comes from the English word “worth-ship,” meaning that someone or something is worthy of receiving reverence, adoration and thanksgiving. Only the God of the Bible is worthy of such devotion, and while tithing is a voluntary act performed individually by each person, by giving God the amount that He commands, we show our reverence, devotion and faith in Him. It is our personal acknowledgment that He owns all things and that He is the source of all our blessings.
The fact that we pay tithes shows our trust in Him, but the way in which we pay it reflects the real depth of the personal relationship we share with the Eternal. For example, when Abraham came before the priest to give a tenth of the spoils, the scriptures state that He did “obeisance.” He bowed in reverence before God as he tithed. We should pattern our worship after Abraham, the father of the faithful (Galatians 3:29).
Simply writing a check to the church of your choice is not what God desires. Instead, we should reverently bow, and do obeisance to Him. We should write our check in an attitude of prayerful and humble gratitude, praying as we pay our tithe, realizing this act of faith and obedience has eternal consequences.

Storing our Treasure
God gives us the gift of eternal life freely. It is of such enormous value that it is absolutely beyond what any person could pay. However, it is a gift that God will give only to those who are faithful. When we pay our tithes to God, we are demonstrating our faithfulness, and by so doing we are also storing up a future reward.
A story illustrates this point. There was once an elderly gentleman who attended church in the state of Texas. In the early part of the 20th century, he had become very wealthy from the oil industry that was booming there. This man gave vast sums of money to his church and to a college that educated young Christians. He even sponsored the pastor to travel to Europe to preach to American soldiers during the First World War. But in 1929, the stock market crashed suddenly and he lost all of his money. One day, an old friend chanced to meet him on the street. He saw how humbly the man was now living. He remembered how wealthy he had once been, and he could not resist asking a question, “Now that you find yourself in this position, when you think about all the money you gave away to the church in the past, do you ever wish you could take some of it back?” The man did not hesitate in answering. He said, "Oh no friend. In my mind, the only thing I really have left is what I gave away.”
This story illustrates a profound truth in life. We can’t take it with us. However, there is a wonderful flip side to this truth. It is possible to invest our money in that which is eternal—the Kingdom of God. The effort we make to be Godly, the service given toward others, and the tithes we pay all add up! The Almighty is keeping a record of our works, and in time, He promises to repay His faithful followers. Tithing faithfully will bring dividends to us for all eternity. The law of tithing is not for God’s benefit, it is for our benefit. Tithing not only frees us from the accusation that we are stealing from God, it cuts us loose from the envy and covetousness that characterizes this modern age. It frees us from the financial bondage of the economic system we live in. It frees us from anxiety about money.
Tithing is an eternal law designed by our Creator for our ultimate good. By practicing tithing we learn to live God’s way of give. We participate in God’s system of financing His work and providing for the needs of the Church. We perform a personal, intimate act of worship that promises us a future with Jesus Christ and the Father—a future that will exceed our greatest hopes, dreams and expectations.

Is the tithe calculated on the gross or net?
Some churches insist that their members tithe on their gross income, before taxes. They teach that we are to give God what is His first, before we give the civil government the portion belonging to them. On the surface this teaching might have an appearance of righteousness, but is it really what God wants us to do? When the Almighty states that we are to tithe on our increase, does He consider a person's gross income as their increase?
In a commercial enterprise this question is easily understood. Corporations realize that the increase is their profit after business expenses. Before they can count how much they have earned, they must first pay fixed and variable expenses such as insurance, rent, taxes, depreciation on equipment, interest paid on loans, building maintenance, office expense, salaries, government fees, and various taxes. Such costs for doing business have risen to the point, where in our modern world, companies are considered successful if they earn enough to even net a ten percent gain. This means that a business owner must gross receipts of $250,000 in order to take home a mere $25,000.
If the business owner had to pay tithes on the gross, he would be required to pay $25,000 in tithe money. Consequently, he would be left with nothing to live on. Therefore, it is clear that a business owner must pay tithes on the net and not the gross.
In a like manner employees working for others have a cost for the privilege of working in the country—taxes! In America the average tax paid by the middle class is somewhere near 20%. In other countries it can be far more. For example, in Denmark, it can attain heights of 63% for large income earners, and in Belgium it can reach nearly 60%.
Consider a person earning $50,000 per year in Belgium, and paying tithes of $5,000 for their tithe. Including taxes, such an individual would pay $35,000.00 in tithes and taxes. Out of all the money they earned, they would be left with only $15,000 to live on. In Belgium, paying tithe on the gross becomes absolutely preposterous to consider, and impossible to perform.
A solution some churches that operate in multiple countires have resorted to is to provide a tithe structured according to the country in which church members live. Those residing in socialistic countries with 50-60 % tax brackets were to tithe on the net. In America and other countries with lower tax rates, members were to tithe on the gross. While this system seems fairer to those living in countries with high tax rates, it does not follow God's law which states:

Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God (Leviticus 24:22).

God’s law should not be changed to apply to one group of people differently than to others. The principle found in the verse above shows that God's law is to apply to those in the Church wherever they live. There should be one law for all. Therefore, if those who live in Denmark should tithe on the net—their increase—then we also in other countries should tithe on our net.
The tax laws that apply to our income are a cost that we incur as a result of doing business in our country. This means that, like the business owner, we can deduct these costs. When it comes to other taxes that apply to purchases we make, like sales taxes, a distinction must be made however. A business owner who was required to pay sales tax on items needed to run the business could deduct them. Taxes on personal spending have nothing to do with the increase of an individual's personal income, however. They are not deductible when a person spends the increase they have made.

What about inheritance, pensions, unemployment, social security and gifts?
God does not require that a tithe be paid on everything we receive. Instead, the Almighty mandates that a tithe be paid on what is produced through each individual’s labor. Gifts, inheritances, unemployment payments, pensions and some disability benefits that are an award do not qualify as increase derived from our labor and are not subject to the tithe.
On the other hand, some pension plans require investing a portion of the money that is earned as a salary each year. In such cases where this money is neither taxed or tithed on before receiving it at retirement, the pension may be considered as an increase, and, like any other investment, is subject to the laws of tithing.

'THIS' is why people can't stand the church. Legalistic laws that give people BURDENS they were never meant to bear.

Without love you 'perceive rigid'law' that is done away with. Read the black and white and shut up with the half cocked back door explanations. No wonder Jesus called the Pharisees "vipers".

Billings, you hurt the church more than any pagan ever could. Grow a heart and get a life. I have No respect for you other than the fact you are the elder of me, but I will not let this thread stop on your nonsense and contaminate anyone else.

The tithe IS NOT a 'commandment or even a'law' anymore just as sacrafice or tassles.

Even your' picture looks arrogant, the eyes are the lightof the soul sir and YOU are self focused with your own logic.

Go ahead, don't 'like' me, I'm not a cow christian to be led by your pathetic mockery of what church really is. Your kind lose souls and hold us back. Period.

Actually, I only wrote the previous posts to those who believed in tithing, or who might want some specifics on it. I was not really writing to everyone to try to get them to tithe. I don't care if they do or not. I only care about those who wish to tithe. So, I posted some reasons to tithe, and some clarification for those who wish to do so.

On another level, though. do you really think that God does not have laws? The kingdoms of this world have laws. They finance their governments by taxes, but you think you are going into the kingdom and not obeying God's laws. Do you think God Has a kingdom, subjects, territory, and no laws of that Kingdom? That is not smart my friend. The kingdom of God is not anarchy.



Of course, I see tithing as love, as having faith, and as having mercy on those who do God's work. I see it as good judgment. It is God's way.

What is love of God anyway? What do you think? Is it not giving to God? Or is love toward God giving to Him. But you want to give the number you decide. If it were me, I would give to God the number He thought was a good number. He said ten percent. That was His choice. What is yours? As the apostle of love says:

Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jo 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1Jo 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1Jo 2:7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

Regarding tithing, Jesus said, this you should do. But, you don't want to do it. That is your prerogative. God will not force you now. So, I understand that circumcision is not required of Gentiles, but where exactly does it say that tithing is done away?



What I teach may hurt your church if it teaches that tithing is not God's financial system to support His work. However, I think that many other churches could be helped by this teaching. They would have a steady income and would not have to cheapen that which is holy by pleading for money in what they call the house of God.



There is always a spiritual counter part to the physical. Thus, sacrifices are not done away. They are expected of we Christians, but the sacrifice is no longer animals, it is us:

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Further tassels were to remind the people of God's law. That was the physical. Today the law of God is written in the converted Christian's heart. Thus the reminder to keep the law is the spirit of God in our minds and hearts, not strings on our garment.

Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.



I love the irony in some of these posts. I chose that picture for a reason. As homely as I am, I usually don't post a picture, but I chose it because it seemed thoughtful. Besides that my hand sort of hides my double chin. If others post to me, saying it looks arrogant, I'll change it for ya. But, it still won't be pretty.

But, get this -- you have to get the irony of this. Look at your picture. In it, you are attacking everyone. I now too come directly under your attack. Ok, who is really arrogant?

Is any one else laughing?

probably not, but it is funny



I bet I would like you if we were bumming around together. I even think you would like me if only you could see inside my head, and understand what motivates me. You would love my passion for God. You would love to bible study with me, and you could ask questions that you never had answers for. You would love to explore the verses with me. You really would, if you were not mad at me right now.

In actual fact, I admire your zeal, I just think right now it is misguided.

I would have even more respect for you however, if you quoted scriptures and not just say nasty things about me.

Art

Haughtyness is a dangerous emotion.

All scripture is given for sound doctrine, and for reproof.

Tithing is law, and the law never brought about the righteousness of God. It was the measure of sin. The bringing in of a New Covenant did away with the law. As it is written. The spirit gives life and the letter kills.

Giving is a willful expression of love and devotion and worthy of embrace by a healthy fellowship for the communal needs of the fellowship.

The LORD provides.

But we must always be on the guard for the error and closeminded self will that affords a tarnished covetousness.

Covetousness only slew Paul when he had met the Lord on the road to Damascus. Not before.

He knew then, that he had been coveting God's, and not his own.

As the bride of Christ, we covet the LORD's love and unwavering faithfulness to us and he never leaves nor forsakes us.

Always attending to our need for His fellowship with us.

Let us remember not to covet the things of God, but covet our personal relationship with God.


As He has said, "My grace is sufficient for you".


Now, if there is a need to have the last word, so be it.


Take it, and make it good.