Replies

Scubie -

Why are you so intent on separating the commands of the OT from the NT. Neither can be examined in isolation.

All things in Scripture are God-breathed. Should we just ignore parts of Scripture because it does not fit into our view of God or our life style?

God gave very detailed instructions as to how his chosen people should live. Many of the civil and ceremonial laws that were instituted provided safety, security, and harmony within the Jewish tribes when they were obeyed. We can learn from these instructions and they are yet a fantastic guide for our lives today.

Are we to still live under these same cultural and ceremonial laws today? Of course not. Will our lives be more harmonious and God-serving if we maintain the spirit of these laws? Obviously. As you have already discerned, if you had obeyed the commands about staying debt-free, your troubles would be fewer.

You are correct in saying our salvation is not earned by tithing nor is it sustained by our tithe. Tithing is merely a first step in obedience from which we learn to trust and depend on God for all things. Most people who learn to tithe, soon find that God's blessing allows them to give even more. Tithing is a step of faith - a fairly small step in the grand scheme of things. But if you poll all "Christians", you will find a very small part that fulfill even this small step of faith.

You need to ask yourself why the idea of tithing is abrasive to you. Do you think a tenth of your possession is too much to give to God? Too small? Not that I know you well, but my first instinct is that you are searching for a legal loophole that will justify your actions. Are you truly trusting God when you withhold your tithe until your debt is fully paid? It sounds like you are giving nothing to God until your debt is gone - can you support that behavior with Scripture?

I would certainly commend you to give your ALL to Christ. Since that is not yet the case (and will not be until your dying breath), I suggest a tenth is a great start...

"You need to ask yourself why the idea of tithing is abrasive to you. "

That's a little off of the mark. I never said that tithing was abrasive to me. In fact, I am still going to work toward giving more and giving more consistant. What I found interesting is that tithing isn't REQUIRED of Christians. I have had it drilled into me from when I was little, that tithing WAS required.

"It sounds like you are giving nothing to God until your debt is gone - can you support that behavior with Scripture?"

That is a wrong assumption. I give of my time for teaching Sunday School, Wed. night youth Group, building work projects, or any other thing my pastor asks of me (if I'm not at work or otherwise committed). Plus, I also give financially, just not usually a tenth.

I wasn't looking for a loop-hole when I did my research, rather a Biblical answer to an inquiring friend. What I found was another wonderful example of how Jesus has saved us from the burden of trying to fulfill the law.

Sincerely

You posted...."Why are you so intent on separating the commands of the OT from the NT."

Here's an example from the Old Testament...

Exd 21:17 And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

You said..."Are we to still live under these same cultural and ceremonial laws today? Of course not. Will our lives be more harmonious and God-serving if we maintain the spirit of these laws? Obviously. "

The spirit of tithing was to give to God...not changed. The specific way to do it...Changed. The spirit of honoring your parents....Not changed. The specific way to enforce it....changed.

Sincerely