The Biblical tithe, re-examined

[Tithesmeister]

[QUOTE=Evang.Benincasa;1513259]Wow, this is awesome! Sean/Truther must be on this forum.[/QUOTE]

I agree wholeheartedly!! Aren't we blessed to have a member on this forum that is so knowledgeable of the word and so careful with the truth. It is commendable that you show such appreciation of our good brother Sean. The truth is important, and so is supporting the truth whenever it is spoken.



The words of George Orwell come to mind and are so fitting in reference to our brother Sean.


[SIZE="3"]"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."



Sean . . . is a revolutionary.



I perceive that thou art obviously the president of the Sean/Truther Fan Club.
What must I do to attain membership?

[Tithesmeister]

In the interest of gently correcting the course of this thread back in the general direction of it's genesis, I'd like to examine a scripture from Malachi that is often overlooked.


Malachi 2:7-9

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

Now, as I understand it, this part in red is God rebuking the priests for being partial in the law. This means to me that they were keeping parts of it and ignoring parts of it. It seems to me that they were keeping the parts of the law that benefited them, while ignoring the parts that did not.

Does this seem to be applicable to what is happening in the church today?

Are pastors today guilty of being partial in the law?

Are they deemed "contemptible and base before all people" as a result of these inconsistencies of interpreting the scripture?

I think in reference to the final question above, we may be prone to defend the reputation of pastors that are "partial" in the scriptures under the banner of "touch not my anointed", but in Malachi,as quoted above their inconsistency was not excused. The LORD said He made them (the priests, who were partial in the law), contemptible and base before all men. Perhaps we should not shoot the messenger, for what God has brought to fruition.

What do you think?

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

You're welcome . . . I guess? Sorry for accepting your question at face value. I well understand that you are a man that is gifted with knowledge. I didn't mean to be condescending. I am justifiably rebuked. I will try to bring my posts up to your higher standards. I will also try to not "butt in" to conversations that are obviously not directed to me. Thank you for your understanding.

So, this is how we start our forum relationship?

Ok.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

In the interest of gently correcting the course of this thread back in the general direction of it's genesis, I'd like to examine a scripture from Malachi that is often overlooked.


Malachi 2:7-9

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

Now, as I understand it, this part in red is God rebuking the priests for being partial in the law. This means to me that they were keeping parts of it and ignoring parts of it. It seems to me that they were keeping the parts of the law that benefited them, while ignoring the parts that did not.

Does this seem to be applicable to what is happening in the church today?

Are pastors today guilty of being partial in the law?

Are they deemed "contemptible and base before all people" as a result of these inconsistencies of interpreting the scripture?

I think in reference to the final question above, we may be prone to defend the reputation of pastors that are "partial" in the scriptures under the banner of "touch not my anointed", but in Malachi,as quoted above their inconsistency was not excused. The LORD said He made them (the priests, who were partial in the law), contemptible and base before all men. Perhaps we should not shoot the messenger, for what God has brought to fruition.

What do you think?

Are you partial in the law? Yes, or no.

If no, explain why?

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

So, this is how we start our forum relationship?

Ok.

Wow. Okay. Let’s start with the comment that you bold typed about the gift of knowledge. I meant that to be a compliment. Did you receive it as such? “ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” . . . Am I getting vibes of antagonism here? I don’t apologize for this comment. I stand by it. I believe, if anything knowledge is in short supply in the apostolic ranks.

Moving on. . . I didn’t mean to be condescending. It seemed to me that you may have been insulted that I took your question at face value, which I did. Your manner of response made it obvious that this was not the case. Even though you asked, you already knew the answer. I get it. I stand by this comment as well. I didn’t mean to be condescending.

You seemed to rebuke me for answering a question that was not directed to me. I thought that was the point of a semi public forum. Maybe I crossed a line there. I’m new to forums and maybe it was warranted. I’m not sure. If I was wrong, I sincerely apologize and thank you for pointing out my shortcomings. I realize that this apology may be weak, but it’s the best I can do at the moment because I’m a little fuzzy on the etiquette on forums. It seems to me that you may be a little touchy, but maybe it’s just me.

I don’t get on here to argue, although I can certainly enjoy and benefit from a good debate. The problem with arguing is that it seems nobody learns anything and the egos become more important than the truth. I prefer to get along, and learn from you, and maybe even teach you something on occasion. I am not patronizing you. If you want to try to teach me, I’m all ears. If you don’t think I have anything to teach you, I’m okay with that, my feelings aren’t hurt too bad. The good thing is, we’re getting to know each other. I’m not willing to give up on a good relationship . . . yet.


Okay????

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Are you partial in the law? Yes, or no.

If no, explain why?

I’ll be happy to answer your question here. However, I’d like to remind you that I asked some questions myself. Would you mind responding to my questions first? At your convenience of course. Thank you my brother.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

I’ll be happy to answer your question here. However, I’d like to remind you that I asked some questions myself. Would you mind responding to my questions first? At your convenience of course. Thank you my brother.

Please answer my question.

[jediwill83]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Please answer my question.

http://img.michaeljacksonspictures.c...re-popcorn.gif

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Please answer my question.

Okay. Since you used the "magic word", how can I not answer your question.

No.

I am not partial in the law.

Because:

I was born too late. The law does not apply to me. The (Mosaic) law was for the Hebrews/Israelites as part of the covenants God made with them. As far as I know I am not Jewish, I am however part of God's people by adoption. I have been grafted in. I am a party to a new, better covenant.

I reserve the right to be wrong, and the option to repent. This is the short answer. I have an idea that you have a different answer. I'm willing to listen.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

Okay. Since you used the "magic word", how can I not answer your question.

No.

I am not partial in the law.

Because:

I was born too late. The law does not apply to me. The (Mosaic) law was for the Hebrews/Israelites as part of the covenants God made with them. As far as I know I am not Jewish, I am however part of God's people by adoption. I have been grafted in. I am a party to a new, better covenant.

I reserve the right to be wrong, and the option to repent. This is the short answer. I have an idea that you have a different answer. I'm willing to listen.

Thank you.

So by this answer you posted. The same can be said about pastors. Your post about them being partial in the law is impossible. The verse you quoted from Malachi has nothing to do with Christian ministers.

Again, thank you for your answer.