You know what, I think I should apologize. I just realized that's twice now I posted to Rightonline before you responded yourself. Please forgive me for stepping on toes!
No apology necessary. You responded far better than I could have. I agree with you completely about verses for Israel as well as the high standard needed to keep the Law not just in letter but in spirit. If some of the outwardly righteous Jews of Jesus's day couldn't perceive the wickedness of their hearts and their sinful state after He read the riot act to them, I don't know what would have convinced them.
Anyone who tries to convince me that tithing is Old Testament only......that it doesn't apply to us today......that it's useless, etc. etc. is wasting their breath.
Such a person should also find a real church, frankly.