Re: Outdated customs -- Tithing

We are not to offer "allegiance" to anyone (man or God). "Allegiance" is partisan (rigor of devotion). We are not to be patriots of "Godland". "Allegiance" is a word/concept of man. Many/most words and concepts are of "man" and simply have no application and are completely irrelevant in God's world. Have you ever loved anyone without any allegiance to them? Allegiance means to deny "SELF" and substitute another person's thoughts/wishes/desires for your own (mind control). I am who I am (Exodus 3:14) wants us to know who we are (SELF) and be who we are. Whatever scripture says about being a slave to Christ or ANYTHING else, we are to LOVE God beyond all wisdom and knowledge (which is why it is so hard for me to express any rationale on this topic, and what I am saying, you will likely not ever hear many Christians say). Scripture is important to know because it is the word of TRUTH (John 14:6, 2 Timothy 2:15) and shows us HOW to HEAR the words of God, but the trouble is that it is UNDERSTOOD/interpreted according to MAN, but love God BEYOND man's wisdom and knowledge. Many people only do what is COMMANDED (the requirement of a slave), otherwise they would not do what they believe should be done, but if you do what you feel is FAIR and just for the benefit of your fellow human being because your priority is to PLEASE (instead of COMMAND, Philemon verse 14, "...in order that your goodness not be by compulsion...") The Lord, then, you will have found "The Holy Grail" so to speak (a more excellent way).

God does not at all see you as reprobate, the prudish, condescending egotistical ways of man might, but we are all God's pride and joy.