Advertisement
Bringing people together in love and faith
My Blog
Blogs > godlycook > WHAT IS MAN'S CHIEF END ?
WHAT IS MAN'S CHIEF END ?
  
For the Glory of God.
Title View |
BORN-AGAIN AND REGERENATION May 31, 2008 10:22 am
572 Views
I'm currently having a discussion with someone about the terms " regeneration " and " Born- Again ". There seems to be a misunderstanding of what these two terms mean. What is your understanding of these two terms ? Explain your answer.
I think they mean two completely different things.
I think they mean the same thing.
I don't know.
Other.
18 Comments, 8 votes
DELETED POST May 23, 2008 8:02 am
494 Views
I just tried to read look at my post on tithing, only to find it had been deleted. I didn't delete it so who did ?
4 Comments
THE THINGS THEIVES ARE STEALING TODAY May 23, 2008 7:57 am
433 Views
Have you heard the latest things, thieves are into stealing these days ? I've been watching the news; and lately the hottest things being stolen, are chopper ( mostly from air conditioner units ), and the catalytic converters off of cars. Why catalytic converters ? Well, apparently they contain a small amount of platinum, which the thieves take to the salvage yards for money.

I was talking to the owner of a restaurant I frequent, who had become a victim of catalytic converter theft. He drives one of those big Toyota SUV's ( I forget the name of it ), but apparently any vehicle with a high ground clearance; is easy prey. They use some kind of electric saw, and can have it off in a matter of five minutes or so. The thieves would have to collect a lot of catalytic converts; to get any decent money off of them, but it is rather costly to replace one taken off of your car. The owner of the restaurant, I mentioned; had to pay over $1400.00 to replace his. Ouch !!!

As for the copper taken from central air conditioning units ( it only contains a small amount ), a couple interviewed on the news said; it cost them $3000.00 to replace their air conditioning unit. Wow !!! So, what else can we expect the thieves to steal ? You guessed it. Gas ! Some have already figured how to steal gas directly from the pump, and in broad daylight. I expect to start seeing people going out to their cars in the morning ( those of us who don't park in a garage ), only to find a hose hanging out of their gas tanks, leaving them with an empty tank. When will the madness stop ?
3 Comments
THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT TITHING May 22, 2008 6:59 pm
423 Views
This is a repost from 2005...... enjoy.

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 the tithe 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.

[size 4" 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 tithe of 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

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." NKJV

This is the only time which money is ever 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 be food in My house." Mal. 3:9-10a

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 seemed 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 ?
5 Comments
THE WORK OF HIS HAND May 20, 2008 2:00 pm
358 Views
" And there is no one who calls on Your name, Who stirs himself up to take hold of you; For You have hidden Your face from us, And have consumed us because of our iniquities.

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.Isa.64: 7,8
2 Comments
BEWARE OF FLAT PANEL HD TV'S May 18, 2008 7:54 am
388 Views
Have you ever desired owning one of those flat panel Plasma or LCD TV's. They sure look nice in the stores, and they're becoming more affordable. But before you plunk down your hard earned money ( or even your tax rebate check ), make sure you no what you're buying. That means research the manufacturer, and any problems which may plague certain tv's. There are certain brands of these HD TV's, which are nothing but trouble ( some models only last six months ), and its not just the off brands; which can suddenly go out.

Many models are considered throw-away TV's, and getting parts for others is next to impossible. No matter where you purchase one of these TV's make sure you purchase the extended warranty. That way, if the TV goes out just outside of the one year Mfrs warranty, the store has to fix or replace it. Hopefully the retail store has a good warranty service. Even some retailers extended warranties suck, and their technicians don't have a clue; how to fix these new HD TV's.

Another thing, people buy these TV's and have them mounted on the wall; they really look good over that fireplace. But there are a couple things to consider before you mount that TV on the wall. One is, if ( and when ) you have to get the TV serviced, you'll have to pay, just to have the TV taken off the wall......thats right.......you had to pay to have it mounted on the wall, and you'll have to pay to have it taken down off the wall. Then you pay for the tech to service it. Unless you do that sort of thing for a living, don't try to mount it on the wall yourself. I've had customers who dropped their $3,000.00 TV, while trying to mount the TV on the wall themselves ( and that's not covered by the warranty ). Ouch!!!

The second thing to consider is mounting Plasma TV's over a fireplace. If the fireplace isn't used, then its not a problem; but if you use the fireplace, don't have a fire going while you're watching the TV. Why ? Because Plasma TV's get rather hot, and the added heat from the fireplace; can shorten the life of your new Plasma TV. Also, before you place the TV over the fireplace; measure the temperature of the wall. I don't remember for sure, but I think the temp. shouldn't rise above 88° or 90°.

Buying a TV today, isn't as simple as it use to be, and dishonest salesmen don't make it any easier. So, before you buy, do lots of research, get the extended warranty, sit back and enjoy that great HD picture.
5 Comments
THE CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE May 14, 2008 5:35 am
716 Views
With all of the recent hype, thats been going on, over the news of Ken and Mia getting together, I thought it only proper to say something. I like both Ken and Mia, but I believe their judgment is clouded; on this matter. I must say I was rather surprised with Mia, but expected nothing different from Ken. The excuses, the language, and threats; have been shameful to say the least. Anyone can make excuses, for their behavior; but Christians don't make excuses, they admit and confess their sin.

One of the things which Ken has been harping on is the marriage certificate. He has given the impression that this certificate is only man made, and that all he and Mia have to do is be committed to one another; in the site of God. Even if we were to set aside the effects of culture, society and law ( of man ) that still wouldn't do away with the moral principles laid out by God. God did in fact give guidelines for marriage and divorce, to the nation of Israel.

A question for Ken. If the piece of paper that you have such disdain for was simply a man made idea; why was it necessary for a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce ? Even though Joseph and Mary were engaged, they didn't live together ( Joseph had such respect for Mary ) and when Joseph found Mary to be pregnant; he was going to divorce her. This shows the seriousness of the marriage covenant.

How serious is living together, before you actually get married ?

I think you are disrespecting Mia, and her willingness to follow shows she hasn't much respect for herself. You both are too quick to jump into the sack ( it is better to marry than to burn ), without any regard for what God commands of us. Did I just trash you ? No, I'm only trying to keep you both from making a serious mistake. Be a man, and do the right thing.

By the way do you have the blessings of your pastor, and the church you attend ?
30 Comments
FLYING SOLO May 11, 2008 10:37 am
431 Views
I'm sure many of you are familiar with the bumper sticker which reads, " God is my co-pilot ". I'm also certain that many of you have also read the poem " Footprints ". If not here it is:

Footprints
Also Known As "I Had a Dream"

One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

Margaret Fishback Powers, 1964

As for the " God is my co-pilot " bumper sticker, it conveys the idea, that man is the one in control. I assure you that God is no ones co-pilot, and nor does He need our assistance in piloting the plane. Have you ever flown on a plane, where as the pilot taxied the plane onto the runway; and just as he started taking off, asked the passengers to start flapping their arms to help the plane accomplish lift ? How silly is that ? Yet men will insist that they must help God to accomplish His will.

The poem " Footprints " is surly an inspiring poem, but it too misrepresents what God actually does for us. It presents the same type of co-piloting idea as the bumper sticker. Notice the two sets of footprints, the writer sees in the sand. Why are there two sets of footprints ? The writer questioned the times that he went through trials, where he only saw one set of footprints, as though God had left him. While at the end of the poem, he ( the writer ) shows that during times of trails was when God picked him up and carried him. But is that an accurate picture of the God of the Bible ? The Biblical picture of God, is one in which; there is always only, one set of Footprints.....God's. He carries us all the way ( all the time ), and never puts us down, to walk on our own.
8 Comments
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY May 11, 2008 5:50 am
419 Views
To all you mothers here at BC......have a great day.

31:27" She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

31:30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. "Proverbs
3 Comments
SUNDAY BREAKFAST May 4, 2008 6:53 am
596 Views
Spanish omelet, grits, smoked sausage, toast ( and jelly )......and lets not forget the French roast coffee. Did I forget anything ?
5 Comments
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 10 ... 20 ... 30 ... 40 41 42

To link to this blog (godlycook) use [blog godlycook] in your messages.
61 M
Guidelines
January 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
        1
  		2
  		3
 
4
1
5
  		6
  		7
  		8
  		9
  		10
 
11
  		12
  		13
  		14
  		15
  		16
  		17
 
18
  		19
  		20
  		21
  		22
  		23
  		24
 
25
  		26
  		27
  		28
  		29
  		30
  		31
 

Recent Visitors
VisitorAgeSexDate
wantedbygod 59F1/7
longing4more49F1/5
Sojourner45 63F1/5
reallysaved2 50F1/4
mshopeful2 43F1/4
fratello 46M1/3
BristerBate 55M1/2
Sweethoney200748F12/28
sharloa 61F12/26
meow33744 50M12/25
Most Recent Comments by Others
PostPosterPost Date
INTO A NEW YEARreallysaved2Jan 4 8:56 am
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!Sweethoney2007Dec 28 2:25 pm
PRAY FOR DENNIS!!!godlycookDec 18 5:18 am
THE HYPE ABOUT THE UN-FAIRNESS DOCTRINE ?unlovedDec 8 1:19 pm
THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATESBristerBateDec 6 5:33 am
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!gmartiNov 28 4:33 pm
HE MUST JUMP TOOreallysaved2Nov 20 5:30 pm
STRONG-WILLED WOMEN ( A man's imput )ladylightwalkerNov 20 12:03 pm
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