Bible Question:
I am so confused!? I am new to all of this and have been going to church for about 8 months now. Not knowing much in the Bible, going to church, at first, was a real eye opener , and made me eager to read God's word for myself. Now that I am devoted in prayer and Bible reading/studying , the more I learn , the more I wonder if this church is right for me??? I am not judging those in the church nor am I judging the pastor, I'm just not sure I believe the way they do. We are taught that the Law of Moses is abolished, that Christ at Calvary ended the "old" law , but then we are taught to abide by all 10 commandments...even though we are then taught that there is no Sabbath day anymore. And if the Law of Moses is abolished , why are we taught to TITHE? I am a full believer in GIVING. I definetly think that the Lord has blessed us , and we need to be thankful. But when it is stressed SO much that the old law does not pertain to us, then we get a sermon about how we are robbing God, because some in the church do not give 10percent and follow all the commandments, just NOT THE SABBATH??? I am just confused? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. |
Bible Answer: Hello Believer I hope this might be of help to you.. In Jer 31:31-35, God said that the day will come in which he will make a new covenant with the people of Isreal. A covenant written on the hearts of people. This new covenant is Jesus. In Mt 5:17-20, Jesus said he did not come to change the law, but to fulfill it. This is to be understood as the difference between the 'letter of the law' versus the 'spirit of the law'. Jesus explained this difference at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5,6 and 7. In Scripture, there were various times in which Jesus was accused of breaking the law, but in turn Jesus explained the spirit of the law. Subsequently, the laws of Moses which the scribes and the Pharisees insisted that people follow, was replaced by the teachings of Jesus. In one sense, the laws of Moses still remain, but our duty as Christians (and our gift from Jesus) is to understand and live within the spirit of the law rather than just living a 'checklist-style of religion'. In our new covenant, we do not have to say that 'yes, I have completed 'this' obligation' or 'no, I did not violate 'that' rule', with the exception of our obligations and responsibilities in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. But more so, to be able to say that I have lived this day in accordance to the teachings of, and in the Spirit of, our Lord. With regard to Tithing. In the old covenant, God did not give any land to the people of Levi. It was the responsibility to the priests to serve God and the responsbility of the people to support the priests. That responsibility is still the same, today. But, the greatness of the act of tithing is when it is done for the love and glory of God and with our trust in Him. As did the widow in Mk 12:42-44 Brian |