Re: Outdated customs -- Tithing

I do not BIND myself to scripture, but I do READ it. It explains to me how to HEAR what God has to say to us (the human race) and understand what He really desires from us (the human race), not "Christians" only (the reason I put the word Christians in quotes is that we have CHOSEN Christ as the mediator between God and man, 1 Timothy 2:5, "...there is one mediator between God and men..."). The people who haven't chosen Him, need to (plain and simple fact), they are the long lost children (offspring) of God (brothers, but not brothers of the BODY/brotherhood of God simply because they have not CHOSEN Him). Some (of reprobate mind) will never chose Christ as mediator, others will someday accept Jesus as mediator, but if they see Jesus as the ONLY gracious gift of God to humanity (instead of the second gracious gift), they will not be able to love the TOTALITY of God (creation and also the teaching of His spirit, 1st and 3rd gracious gifts) and repent with a sincere and contrite heart. If we choose to be a good student, The Holy Spirit will enable us to retain our salvation (Collosians 1:23, "...provided that you CONTINUE in the faith..."). My personal relationship doesn't tell me anything about homosexuality, some have reprobate minds and some have contrite hearts, some will someday accept Jesus, some won't. I don't set myself up as judge, nobody should. Except for the fact that God has been portrayed in a bad manner, if you are not of reprobate mind (SPECIFICALLY and intentionally wanting to cause evil), there is no reason that any human being should not fall "head over heels" in love with God. The bible is not a FIELD manual, it is only good for TRAINING in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). After graduation from training ("elementary doctrine", Hebrews 6:1), Godliness is taught by God's Spirit in a "more excellent way".