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Post by newstartnow on Jul 5, 2009 14:40:29 GMT -5
What is it? Is it the 10 commandments? Is it the dietary rules given to the Israelites? Is it the commandments to abstain from pagan practices? Is it the way God told the Isralites to handle adulterers? Is it the rules about tithing and firstfruits and the year of jubilee? I'm trying to understand what "We aren't under the Law" means. I know we are to be led by the Spirit but being led by the Spirit means that we don't break God's Laws, right? So then how is it that we pick and choose which of these things we will abide by? I mean can I follow the 10 commandments but go to hell because I eat pork and shrimp? I hope this make sense.
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Post by gcprice on Jul 5, 2009 16:45:00 GMT -5
In the new testament we walk in the spirit of the law found in Romans, chapter 8: "but the law of the spirit of life in christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death". Jesus was crucified to release us from written law so that we might receive His nature to obey God's will. If you desire to please the Lord because you love Him, then you have fulfilled the law which is summed up in one statement, "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all the mind, with all thine soul and all thine strength: and thy neighbor as thy self". Selfless love is the fulfillment of the law. Now we serve God freely, not under duress or compulsion. You have been set free to love the Lord and you can't love someone while under the law. Every old testament law is now fulfilled in Christ. His nature and the nine spiritual fruit borne out through cultivating His nature in your soul will transform you into a child of God, then just listen to what the Holy Spirit instructs you to do and obey it. For example, don't tithe, listen to the Spirit instruct you on where, when and how to give. Jesus is now the Sabbath, Jesus is every offering, every rule, every law and every commandment in the old testament. Just become one with Him and you are in!! The grace of God extended to mankind is miraculous indeed. gcp
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Post by newstartnow on Jul 5, 2009 20:07:42 GMT -5
Well, GCP, that answer was plain and simple and I do understand it. Thank you!! Of course the challenge to that answer is to be sure the Holy Spirit it the guide.
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Post by believingthomas on Sept 14, 2009 17:23:33 GMT -5
Someone recently email us this question: “I just purchased your book, "The Jesus Cult" ( www.jesuscult.org) and, from what I have read thus far, the wisdom inside of that book is invaluable! But I am wondering if your ministry, like many others out there, have submitted under the " lordship" of the IRS?” In other words, does our ministry have a 501c3 status. The reply is: Yes – we are currently listed as a 501c3. As long as it can be beneficial to people to give and at the same time alleviate some of the forced burden of the IRS then we will operate with those “confines” At some point (hopefully soon) this status will probably be revoked (IMO). That will mean we are moving even closer to the return of our Lord. In the meantime we have to roll with the punches. I’ve seen a recent surge in ministries that are saying it is unethical or evil to be under a 501c3. Those that take that stance would then have to renounce anyone in their ministry that holds a job that gives them a paycheck that has money withheld by the IRS. Our stance would fall into the category of being “wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove”. There is nothing morally “wrong” with having a 501c3 status…it harms no one and like I said it can actually help folks as they can “write off” their donations and purchases as we all navigate through this evil world. Is the IRS wicked – yes…but does it make us wicked because we are 501c3 or anyone that gets a paycheck with money withheld? No! What’s next…I have the mark of the beast because I have a credit card, a social security card or a driver’s license? Do you see what I mean? This is why it is imperative for ministries (people) to be “free”. Anyone that says that we absolutely should not have a 501c3 status is being legalistic – no different than saying I must go to church on a Saturday or read only the King James bible and no other version.
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Post by LDM on Sept 14, 2009 17:46:05 GMT -5
Interesting. We just got a similar comment on the Latter Days blog the other day.
I have also heard of people stating that churches should not register for 501c3 status and some of their points are valid in terms of governmental influence and control. However, like you say, we cannot be legalistic about things. We use what we can while we are here to get the Gospel published round the world.
Personally, I think what needs to change most is people's mindset. One, to understand that a church is not something the government defines; and Two, to have their hearts set to support God's work without expecting anything in return.
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