Here is how she repsonded to a few questions I had..
Her:
As far as the tithe, we don't require anyone to give a certain amount in harmony with
2 Corinthians 8:12 : For if the readiness is there first, it is especially acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what a person does not have. As well as 2 Corinthians 9:7 which reads : Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Our entire religion is supported by voluntary donations. These donations have enabled the preaching work and bible based literature to be produced in over 400 languages, and in over 230 lands.
As for the consumption of pork, you are probably referring to the Mosaic Law, whereby pork was not an acceptable food. However, after Jesus died, the Mosaic Law was no longer binding. Ephesians 2:15 tells us: By means of his flesh he abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments consisting in decrees, that he might create the two peoples in union with himself into one new man and make peace;
Three years after Jesus's death, an angel reminded Peter that from God's standpoint, no food should be viewed as defiled. Acts 11:7-12 reads: 7 I also heard a voice say to me, ‘Rise, Peter, slaughter and eat!’ 8 But I said, ‘Not at all, Lord, because a defiled or unclean thing has never entered into my mouth.’ 9 The second time the voice from heaven answered, ‘You stop calling defiled the things God has cleansed.’ 10 This occurred for a third time, and everything was pulled up again into heaven. 11 Also, look! at that instant there were three men standing at the house in which we were, they having been dispatched from Caes·a·re´a to me. 12 So the spirit told me to go with them, not doubting at all. But these six brothers also went with me, and we entered into the house of the man.
Finally, as for the blood issue, yes, we abstain from blood in harmony with Acts 15:28, 29
"The holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!"
If one of Jehovah's Witnesses needed a blood transfusion, he/she would tell the doctor that he/she is open to all non-blood alternatives. I have an excellent video that actually discusses these treatments, and how the medical field is leaning toward non-blood alternatives because there are so many medical risks that come with transfusing blood. Non-blood alternatives are safer to the body. The medical field actually backs this up. Do you see how wise Jehovah God is?
Me:
I wanted to reply question for question, but I cannot and will not until we both study a few things (most of which I just came across today). #1, the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible). #2, The 613 Commandments of the Mosiac Law (from what the Jews say, we are not, and really,cannot be bound by it....and you would understand once you read it.) #3, The Noahide Laws (7 Commandments that Gentiles are to follow, which includes some of the commandments that are in the Mosiac law.)
And, It is A LOT to cover from what I have skimmed, so just take your time with it.
Now, there are a one thing I am going to address.
Tithing is NOT part the Mosiac Law (98% sure on this), but it is a commandment given in Mal. 3:8-10. You are right on Offerings, but Tithing is not offerings. Tithes is the 10% of the income that we make that is Jehovah's, not ours. Tithing means Tenth Part, as you may know, and is to be taken literally. Some Christians usually gives the 1st 10% of their day, just to Jehovah (Praying, Praise, Worship, etc.) before going out for the day. Me personally, That's 1 reason why I like to attend EARLY morning service (7:45).
Her: (I think she felt offended by not agreeing with her off the bat)
Tithing is not literal, and you must have misread my email. I DID NOT say we are bound by the Mosaic Law. I said when Christ came and gave his life for us there was no longer a need for the Mosaic Law. The Jews continue to observe it because they don't beleive that the Christ was the Messiah.
I really don't know what you're trying to accomplish here. Do you want to learn what the bible really teaches? Or do you want to agree to disagree?Me:
| Tithing is not literal, and you must have misread my email. I DID NOT say we are bound by the Mosaic Law. I said when Christ came and gave his life for us there was no longer a need for the Mosaic Law. The Jews continue to observe it because they don't beleive that the Christ was the Messiah. 1st off, there are some Jews who do believe that he is. Now, with that said, Gentiles (non-Jews) were NEVER bound by the Mosiac Law. I will explain that later. I really don't know what you're trying to accomplish here. Do you want to learn what the bible really teaches? Or do you want to agree to disagree? |