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WHAT IS MAN'S CHIEF END ?
  
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Word of Faith or Word Changers Nov 29, 2005 7:48 pm
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What is the Word of Faith Movement ? Where did it come from, and where is it going ? The Word of Faith movement had its emergence within the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement in the later part of the 20th century. Usually Kenneth Hagin is credited with starting the Word of Faith movement; but actually it had its beginnings with a man by the name of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby ( 1802-1866 ). He felt that all disease started in the mind, and he held that God or Wisdom constituted all reality; and considered matter an illusion or manifestation of God. Quimby's philosophy laid the foundation of Christian Science ( not to be confused with Scientology ); which was later lead by Mary Baker Eddy.

Another man who was influenced by Quimby was E.W. Kenyon who's teachings inspired Kenneth Hagan, and most other WOF teachers draw their inspiration from Kenneth Hagan. So, he has been called the " father " of the WOF movement. There is no hierarchy within the WOF movement; even though there are a number of high profile teachers. Being a strange mix of orthodox Christianity and mysticism; it has become extremely attractive to those searching for health, wealth ( Gospel according to the flesh ). Historical Christian doctrines are not necessarily considered true in WOF. So, its not unusual for WOF teachers to teach anything, from heretical to downright ridiculous, and I do mean ridiculous. For example, one of them said that Adam could fly.

WOF teachers are notorious for changing the meaning of scripture to suite their own theological systems. Not only do they contradict the Bible; they contradict each other. Although WOF teachers don't always agree on everything they teach, they all have these two things in common...........The "Force" of Faith, and "revelation knowledge".........This revelation knowledge supersedes scripture and is suppose to come directly from God Himself ( Gnosticism ). This gives the WOF teachers an inside tract to God, that the ordinary pastor doesn't have. Those who follow these WOF teachers lack discernment, and are told that questioning these false teachers is synonymous with " Touching God's Anointed "

But is it ?

TO BE CONTINUED
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Sinless Perfection ? Continued Nov 28, 2005 6:21 pm
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When the Lord first saved me I joined a holiness church, where I was taught the idea of sinless perfection. You are taught what is called the second blessing experience. Which means you become saved at one point, and at a later point; you receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, with evidence of speaking in tongues. This then leads you to be able to live a sinless life. Being a new Christian I believed it for a short time, until the Lord showed me otherwise. One of the problems of believing this notion, is how do you explain the doctrine of Propitiation ( or Atonement ).

Propitiation in the context of Christianity has God in Christ satisfying His own justice; or placating His wrath. Christ then is seen as taking the place of wicked men in order to satisfy God's justice. Christ being the sinless Son of God, and Lawgiver suffered the penalty of the broken law. He is the only one ever to satisfy Gods wrath. Jesus did not simply come to give us a second chance or show himself as a moral example to follow. If He did; He set an impossible example to follow. No, he paid a debt which we could never pay. We cannot propitiate God for ourselves, and in order to do so we would have to be on a par with Christ ( the sinless Son of God ). Christ has indeed saved us from the power and penalty of sin.

" whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith." Rom. 3:25

" Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." Heb.2:17

Anyone who doesn't understand this truth; will believe that they can attain sinless perfection, and please God with their own flesh. Their are some members of Big church who believe that very thing, and their Blogs reflect it.

TO BE CONTINUED
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Galations 3:10 Continued = With Answers Nov 28, 2005 3:04 pm
Mood: 14, 708 Views
Its been a while since I addressed this topic, And I've given more than enough time for members to answer the questions. So now I'm going to give the correct answers.

The answers are as follows:

1. James 1:25 is the perfect law....of liberty.
2. James 2:8 is the royal law.
3. James 2:12 is the law of liberty again.
4. James 2:11 and 4:11 are addressing the moral law
5. James 1:25, 2:8, 2:12 are not addressing the moral law.

Here's the problem........ if you understand James 1:25, 2:8 and 2:12 to be addressing the Ten Commandments you'll create a fierce contradiction between Paul and James.

Just taking a closer look at the text will reveal this truth.

James 1:25 says"But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer this man shall be blessed in what he does."

In the verses preceding James says:
vv22-24

" but prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was."

It should be noticed that the " word" of verses 22 and 23 becomes the perfect law of liberty in verse 25. This contrast is simple and deals with the issue of self deceit. James shows us that the Christian who looks into the word and continues to do so, maintaining the perception shaped by the word. Not forgetting what he has heard; but does it is proven genuine.

This would mean that the terms which James is using i.e., the the perfect law of liberty and the royal must be seen as a comprehensive term; referring to scripture as a whole ( see Ps. 19 : 7-9 ). Anyone who insists that James is referring to the Ten Commandments ( in 1:25 ) hasn't come to a proper understanding of what scripture teaches elsewhere about the moral law.

This is made especially clear in the second chapter, in verses 8,9 where he says " If you really keep the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself." you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."

In verse 8 James is quoting from Lev. 19:18 and in verse 9 he makes an inference to Dt. 1:17; neither of which is one of the Ten Commandments. He then draws this analogy; just as a man who keeps the whole law and stumbles at one point; is guilty of breaking it all [ thats why you shouldn't try to keep it ]. So is the person who shows partiality, toward to poor; guilty of not fulfilling the law of Christ, the whole spirit of which is contrary to partiality.
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SPIRITUAL GIFTS CONTINUED Nov 22, 2005 9:01 pm
Mood: 14, 732 Views
Last time I gave a short intro on spiritual gifts. It seemed to have sparked some interest; especially in the area of how to discover your spiritual gift. Some didn't care for what I said about tongues and I'll be addressing that later. Well, just how do you discover what your gift is ? First, its important not to confuse talents; with spiritual gifts. There is a difference, but sometimes there can be a relationship between the two. In the Old Testament we learn about two men; Bezalel and Oholiab ( Ex. 31:3-5 ) who had been given a natural talent of craftsmanship. But Bezale had also received the spiritual gifts; of wisdom and understanding. We are all born with a natural skill or ability ( talent ) to do something well. It may be an artistic ability, mechanical ability, or athletic ability and so on.

In Proverbs 22:6 where Solomon says:

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

He is talking about discovering your child's natural bent (talent), and steering him (or her) in that direction. Often, this verse is used to teach that parents are to instruct their children in the things of God. Yes, parents should also instruct their children in the things of the Lord; and there are plenty of other scriptural references instructing us to do so.

Second, is understanding what a spiritual gift is:

" a capacity for service which is given to every true Christian without exception and which is something each did not possess before he became a Christian."( Ray C. Stedman )

So, what is it that you can do now, extra ordinarily well; that you couldn't do before you became a Christian ? I'm not talking about sign gifts yet. Do you perhaps always find yourself put in a situation (by God) where you're always helping someone in need ? If you do and you really have a passion for helping and can't seem to get enough of helping others. And other people recognize how much you enjoy helping, and may even say to you " you really have a gift for helping others." Then you have 3 signs of what your gift is( 1 Cor. 12:28 ) = helps

You have God always placing you in the situation, you really like being in the situation and have a passion for it; and others recognize the gift in you. That's how I came to recognize my gift of teaching. The Lord was always putting me in a situation where I was teaching...... I really enjoy doing it and others saw how good I am at doing it. Then I would be asked to teach Sunday school or adult Bible studies. So, do you have an idea of what your gift is yet ? I have a second gift which I'll discuss next time.

TO BE CONTINUED
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SPIRITUAL GIFTS Nov 18, 2005 8:02 pm
Mood: 14, 825 Views
Today there is much debate over what scripture teaches about spiritual gifts. On one hand you have those who believe that the gifts have ceased ( after the completion of scripture ), and on the other hand, you have those who place; undo stress on certain sign gifts. The contention can be of such a nature, as to lead to both sides wrongly judging each other ( more so from the side that stresses speaking in tongues ). I myself disagree with both positions, and can find no scriptural support for the idea that the gifts have ceased, just as well there is no evidence, in scripture for believing; that every Christian is suppose to speak in tongues; as a sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

charisma Indicates a grace gift; sovereignly given by God to His people, according to His will. We don't get to choose our gift. This Greek word appears 17 times in the new testament, and there are two major passages: Rom. 12, and 1 Cor. 12. In both places; Paul explains the individual and communal aspects of the gifts. We are to see ourselves as a body, with each person having a distinct function. No one gift is superior over any other, yet it is more desirable to prophesy than speak in an unknown tongue ( 1 Cor. 14:1-5 ). But most important is love. Even though I don't believe that the gifts have ceased, I know not to believe every spirit ( 1 John 4:1 ).

1. Do you know how to discover what your gift is ?
2. Is it possible to have more than one gift ?
3. Can Satan mimic the gifts, and how could you tell the differents ?
4. Do you believe you have to speak in tongues as proof; that you have received the Holy Spirit ?

TO BE CONTINUED
7 Comments
Sinless Perfection ? Nov 15, 2005 11:42 am
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Have you ever heard or had someone say to you:

" I haven't sinned since I was saved." or " I haven't sinned in ten years." or " I didn't sin this week."

Is it possible to live as a Christian, without sinning ? When was the last time you sinned ( without going into any details ) ? Be honest.

The apostle John wrote his epistle to combat the ascetic form of Gnostic influence which had infiltrated the churches of Asia Minor.
What did the Gnostic's exhibit and believe ?

1. Cosmological dualism; matter was inherently evil and spirit was good.
2. Salvation is escape from the body ( not by faith in Christ ) but special knowledge.
3. Docetism: They denied Christ's true humanity ( He didn't really come in the flesh) or Cerinthianism claimed that the Christ joined the man Jesus at baptism and left Him just before His death.
4.Extremely libertine behavior, while at the same time considering themselves "pearls" who could not be soiled by sin.

It was this backdrop which caused John to write his epistle. In the very first chapter, he reminds us that we walk in the light (truth), for God is light. In Him there is no darkness( falsehood ). He tells us four interesting things about the believer and sin. The two main ideas in this epistle are light and darkness. We as Christians have been called into God's light and cannot return to the darkness.

1. You cannot have fellowship with God and walk in darkness.
2. We have unbroken fellowship with Him because we walk in the light and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.
3. When we confess( agree with God ) by admitting our sin, He forgives us of all unrighteousness.
4. If we claim we have not sinned we make God a liar and His Word has no place in our lives.

I know someone will question the believers walk in the light, and say that we can get out of fellowship with God. So, I have a question for those who believe that.

What is it exactly we would have to do, to get out of fellowship with God ? To be continued
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WHO SAVES YOU ? PART 2 Nov 12, 2005 8:00 pm
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Recently I asked the question: Who saves you? I didn't get many replies, and from the few I did get; I think I'll do a short study on Salvation.

Salvation is of the LORD

When Jonah was delivered from the belly of the great fish, he declared; that salvation is of the LORD ( Jonah 2:9 ). God makes this fact clear; for He alone has the power to save ( Isa.45:21 ). Christ declared that He alone is the way to the Father, the one who fulfilled all of the law, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. There is no other way, and no other name given under heaven whereby; men must be saved ( Acts 4:12 ). He ( Christ ) has therefore; supplied all that is necessary for the salvation of those who believe on Him.

" But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption - that , as it is written, " He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

What can you or I add to that ? ....................Nothing!
If Jesus hasn't done it all, there's nothing you or I can do to make up for what He didn't do! So the answer, to how much do you contribute to your salvation is:

Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! In other words; if its you and Jesus; who saves you.......... you are still in your sin and lost. Some of the things that I'll be going over are; the benefits of being saved. What it means to be saved and how we are to live after being saved. You can't do a study on salvation without looking at things like sanctification, baptism, and justification.

To Be Continued
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Tithing is legalistic ! ! continued Nov 7, 2005 10:39 am
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I recently posted a new Blog on tithing, and why it has nothing to do with; Christians or the Christian Church. I answered the four questions I had asked:

What was tithed ? ........... Answer; Food.
Who received the tithe ? ........ Answer; The Levitical Priest.
What was the tithe used for ? Answer; To support the Priest.
Where did the tithe have to be taken ? Answer; Jerusalem.

I clearly show that the tithe is part of the law,( and we as Christians have died to the law Rom. 7:4-6). So, why do so many still relate to the law ? It has been said that, " Traditions die hard.", and by some of the responses I've gotten; to my blog on tithing; truer words could not have been spoken.

Traditionally, many well meaning Pastors have taught ( without any real study ), their congregations to give a tithe ( a tenth ) of their income to God. Some Pastors use the tithe as a means to control and manipulate; their congregations, and others are just down right afraid that if they don't make their members pay a tithe; that their members would stop supporting the church (not true ). There is no excuse for these men; who have been ( supposedly) called.......trained ....... Spirit filled; to be teaching, their members they have to tithe.

Jesus had some pretty harsh words for the Pharisees; for putting tradition, above the Word of God ( Mk. 7:1-13 ). If we are serious about serving God, then we must know what His word teaches us about the differences between law and grace. I have another question for those who believe they must tithe.

Can you prove your position without using the law to do it ? Don't think that by simply saying.....Mal. 3 tells me to tithe; that you have proven your point.

OK ........ Bible 101
The details of the Old Testament are given to us in 39 books; which are divided into 5 categories.
They are:
1.The Law Books(also called Pentateuch or Torah) Gen.-Duet. (5)
2. History Books................ Joshua - Ester (12)
3. Wisdom Books.............. Job - Songs of Solomon (5)
4. Major Prophets.............. Isaiah - Daniel (5)
5. Minor prophets............. Hosea - Malachi(12)

Some seem to have a problem recognizing the fact, that the Book of Genesis is included in the Law ( and law is included in Gen). So, I'm going to attempt to clarify the issue. Before the law was given at Mount Sinai, there was what was called oral transmission of God's commands. They were only written, after God gave this historical information through Moses.

So, when God gave commands to certain people(like Adam and Abraham) even though they were not written down, they passed these commands on ( orally ) to their descendants, and their descendants passed them on; to their descendants ......and so on. This is how, for example; Cain and Able knew about the offering ( Gen. 4:3,4 ) which they were to bring to the LORD. Abraham was commanded (directly by God) to be circumcised ( Gen. 17: 9-14 ), he than passed this command on to his descendants( orally ), and all who worshiped the God of Israel, out of obedience to Him; had to receive this sign of the covenant.

It was so serious in fact; that God almost killed Moses for neglecting to circumcise his own son( Exodus 4:24-26 ). Circumcision was the outward sign of what God commanded for His covenant people. He later spoke of a need for an inward circumcision. Now, some 400 years later the law was written down ( at Sinai and became a binding contract )no one could say I never heard of that. Unfortunately, Israel forgot the association between Abraham and circumcision, and only came to associate circumcision with Moses. Much like some members on this site. To be continued
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Tithing is leglalistic !! Nov 5, 2005 10:02 pm
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It appears that in response to my Blog on tithing; that no one wants to take the time, to research the subject; in order to find answers. So, even though I didn't want to have to give the answers myself; it looks like thats what I'm going to have to do. What is legalism ? Legalism can be defined; as a fleshly attitude , which conforms to a code; in order to exalt self( Chuck Swindal).
This study has been condensed, I don't want to make it so long that others won't read it.

Have you ever heard a person who thinks he tithes; say something like, " I'm blessed because I tithe." Thats self exalting. Sometimes a tither will say to a person who doesn't tithe, " God won't bless you because you don't tithe." Thats telling the non-tither he needs to conform to a code.

The Word God, the Bible; is a book of redemptive history. When studied ( not just read ), it must be studied in it's historical and grammatical context. If you simply read the Bible; like you would any ordinary book, you do it ( the Bible ) and yourself a great disservice. Keeping that in mind lets look at the four questions, and their answers.

1. What was tithed ?
We find the answer to the first question in Lev. 27:30-32

" And all thetithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree,is the LORD'S. It is holy to the LORD. If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithe, he shall add one-fifth to it. And concerning thetithe of herd or flock,of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD" NKJV

It is clear from the above text that the tithe consisted of food. All of the food grown from the seeds planted in the ground; or food which came from the herds and flocks raised by the Israelites. What's so hard about that ? Well, even though its clear from the text; that the tithe was food, some would have us believe,that since Christians don't have farms; that we are to substitute money for food. But can we do that ? Can we take that kind of liberty with God's Word ? Keeping with the historical context thetithe must remain food More so, if Christ didn't change the law ( Matt. 5:1), what gives us the right to ?

If Lev. 27:30-32 doesn't make it clear enough Duet. 14:22,23 should.

" You shall truly tithe all theincrease of your grain that the field produces year to year. And youshall eatbefore the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the titheof your grainand yournew wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herbs and flocks,that you may learn to fear the LORD your God Always." NKJV ( emphasis mine)

If thats not food ! What is ? This gets better. Have you ever heard a preacher say, the reason the Jews tithed food was because they didn't have money, like we do today. In the same chapter (14) we find something interesting. The LORD commanded Israel, that if the place He chooses to place His name; was too far for them; to carry their tithes. That they could exchange ( sell ) the tithe for money; then carry the money, to that place he had chosen, and buy back the tithe; when they arrived there, and enjoy it before the LORD.

" But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the Lord your God has blessed you, then you shall exchange it for money, take themoneyin your hand, and go to the place which the LORD your God chooses. And you shallspend that moneyfor whatever your heart desires; for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drinkfor whatever your heart desires; you shalleatthere before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household." (emphasis mine) NKJV

This is the only time which money is mentioned in relation to the tithe. The money which they had at that time; wasn't minted as we have today but they definitely had money.

2. Who received the tithe ?
We find the answer to the second question in Lev. 18:21-24

Since the Levites did not get an inheritance of land, and because they were responsible for maintaining the tabernacle. The Jews were commanded to support them with a tithe.

" 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 ..... For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the LORD, 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

If you read on; you'll find that even the Levites were required to tithe, a tithe of the tithe; the best of the tithe ( the best of all of them ) and give it to the priest ( v.28 ). so, its clear the tithe was received by the Levites, in support the Levites as well as the priest. In the Christian church we have no need to support any type of Levitical priesthood, there is no tabernacle and no storehouse. Christ has received a ministry that is superior to that of the Levites; because he is the mediator of a superior covenant(Heb.8:6). Whats puzzling, is why some have turned to a system that didn't work for Israel expecting to be blessed.

Anyone who understands the concept of covenant; should know not to rely on a covenant that brings a curse rather than a blessing.

" You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, Even the whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may befood in My house." Mal. 3:9-10a (emphasis mine)

looking at this verse in its historical context, we see that the curse was applicable to the nation of Israel, and there is no storehouse to take the tithe to ( the local church is not the storehouse). However, in the New Testament we see a curse of a different kind (much more severe), a warning to those who attempt to keep any part of the law(Gal. 3:10). If you try to keep any part of the law; you must keep it all( some 613 commandments).

3. What was the tithe used for ?

There were three tithes. The Levitical, the celebration, and the welfare tithe. There should be no question as to the primary use of the tithe. However, there was also a special 3rd year tithe, which included the less fortunate (Duet.26:12,13). This special tithe was the only one that didn't have to be taken to the sanctuary. Instead it was stored within the individual cities, and used to feed those with special needs.

4. Where did the tithe have to taken ?

In order to determine the place where the tithe had to be taken; all we need to do is follow the various locations, starting with the tabernacle ( at Sinai ); to the building of the temple. The tabernacle was erected in several temporary locations, Kadesh, Gilgal, Possibly Shechem, Shiloh and Gibeon. Gibeon became the place of sacrificial worship until the time of Solomon. After the erection of the temple in Jerusalem; the temple superseded the tent of meeting( tabernacle ); as the place of worship, to offer sacrifices, and bring the tithe. Years before the building of the temple; the LORD gave strict instructions to the Israelites to be sure to take their offerings to this new place He would choose to put His name ( Duet. 12:5,6 ).

" But you shall seek the place where the LORD your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name for His dwelling place; and there you shall go. There you shall take your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings of your hand, your vowed offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks." NKJV

In verses 8- 12 they are warned not to do whatever seamed right in their own eyes. The LORD then repeats His commands ( v.13 ) ......

" Take heed to yourselves that you do not offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see; but in the place which the LORD chooses, in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you."
Now, if the Lord warned Israel not to do what seemed right in their own eyes, and if He established the only place where offerings ( which included the tithe ); could be taken. What makes Christians today think they can change the location, to any place that seems right to them ( anywhere other than Jerusalem ) ?

So, is it legalistic to teach tithing ? We have examined several places which clearly describe the tithe as part of the law. Jesus Himself taught, that tithing is part of the law ( Matt. 23:23 ); ( which was put in a negative context ) and the writer of the book of Hebrews also relates the tithe to the law.

" And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who received the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the peopleaccording to the law, that is from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham." Heb. 7:5

Just as a side note. Many will say that tithing is not legalistic because Abraham tithed to Melchizedek ( before the law was given ). For the sake of shortening this BLOG, I'm going to briefly show; that its not wise to appeal to Abraham in support of the tithe. The problem with that is found in Gen. 17:9-11.

" And God said to Abraham: " As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you." NKJV

In verse 13; God declares this covenant to be an everlasting covenant. So, was Abraham circumcised before the law was given at Mt. Sinai or after ? It was before. What is the Torah ? The Torah comprises the first five books of the Bible, and all five books are refereed to as the law. Any one who wants to appeal to Abraham for teaching Christians; we're suppose to tithe, must also ( to be consistent ) teach Christian males to be circumcised. How can you, on one hand teach Christians; they should be tithing, and on the other hand neglect to teach circumcision ?

See what happens when you attempt to keep only certain parts of the law. You become guilty of preaching a different gospel ( mixing law and grace ), and come under an ecclesiastical curse. Gal. 1:6-9

How then are Christians suppose to support the church, and those who serve in the church ? Clearly not by tithing. Paul gives us great insight; into the manner in which those who serve in ministry are to be supported ( 1 Cor. 9:11-13 ), and their right to receive such support ( 1 Cor. 9:14 ). Yet, Paul refused such material support ( v. 15 ) for himself; because he felt so compelled to preach the gospel, voluntarily ( free of charge ) not using 9 or abusing 0 his rights for preaching ( vv. 15-18 ). That's having a real passion for preaching the gospel, a willingness to preach the good news of Christ ; without expecting to receive a salary from it.

Today, there aren't many churches where you'll find pastors; who don't expect to receive a salary for preaching. Some are paid astronomical yearly salaries ( 100,000.00 to over 1,000,000,000.00 ) Where's the passion in that ? At one time I attended a church that didn't take up a collection ( by passing a plate ) at all. Instead they had two cedar boxes near the entrance of the church. Members simply dropped their offerings into those two boxes, ( without putting their names on envelopes ), and they collected ( in a 3 year period ) enough money to run the affairs of the church for ten years ! And all that was done without teaching the members they had to tithe. What's stopping other churches from doing the same ?

" So let each man give as he purposes in his own heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9: 7

That's not a tithe.........is it ?
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THOU SHALT NOT ! 2 Nov 3, 2005 5:30 am
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In THOU SHALT NOT 1 I asked the question: Did God give the law to Israel as an expression of His expectations ?

Now I'm changing the question a little.....or.....Did God give the law to Israel as an expression of His requirement ? Can you see the difference ?
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THE ELECTION IS FIXED!!!!godlycookNov 16 8:30 pm
WHO SAVES YOU ?nivekyajNov 7 8:25 pm
REPUBLICANS FOR CHOICE ????ladylightwalkerNov 5 1:22 pm