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THE CONTEXT OF MALACHI 3:8-10, WHICH IS USED TO COMMAND TITHING, IS MALACHI CHAPTERS 1 & 2 

God was admonishing His backslidden priestly parliament when He said in Mal. 2:7-16 “I will send the curse upon you and curse your blessings… For a priest’s lips should guard and keep pure the knowledge of My Law, and the people should seek instruction at his mouth…  But you have turned aside out of the way; you have caused many to stumble by your [false, twisted] instruction in the Law; you have corrupted My covenant with the people… [These leaders, just as those of today, have perverted God’s truth and made it into manmade doctrines to profit themselves and to justify their gross immorality, Mark 7:13; Mt. 15:5-9; Col. 2:8.] You do this with double guilt, covering My altar with tears, shed by your wives, whom you divorced that you might take heathen wives, and with your [hypocritical] crying out because I do not regard your offering any more…  Yet your wives are your companions and your wives by covenant... Yet you ask: Why does He reject [our offerings]?”

Fornication and adultery became inherent evils at the fall, because since then, “natural,” Godly intimacy between marriage partners was not exciting enough — as also proven by this corrupt priesthood in the Book of Malachi.  That is why, right through the Old Testament to this day, pagan whores, (both immoral males and females are whores,) are preferred to ethical marriage partners, because they pervert God’s creation and His holy marriage covenant to commit, without blushing, every kind of fornication — which also quickly bring born again believers, who tamper with such demonic filth, into bondage. 

Þ The false doctrines, adultery, and greed of this backslidden, Old Covenant, priestly government is the context of Malachi 3:8-10, where God earnestly warned, “Will a man rob God?  Wherein?  In tithes and offerings. [My taxes and charity for the poor.] You [fornicating, greedy priesthood] are cursed with a curse…”

The corrupt Old Testament priesthood were the ones who were misusing and squandering God’s taxes.  They were the ones defrauding their God and King - even robbing Him of His alms, which they collected from the citizens of Old Israel, but neglected to distribute among the poor.  Yet the weightier of their sin was their blatant disregard of God’s Royal Law of agapaö (love for God,) and agape, (love for their wives and the people.)  They have leapt into perversion of the Holy Scriptures to commit every vile sin, but they were still asking, ‘Lord, why do You reject our offerings?’ (Mal. 2.)  Their deliberate transgression of the Moral and Ceremonial Law brought them under the entire curse of Deuteronomy Chapter 28, which is why God cursed them “with a curse.”   Also see: BLESSING OR CURSE — THE CHOICE IS YOURS]

 

JESUS AND HIS FIRST DISCIPLES NEVER COMMANDED TITHING, EITHER TO OBTAIN BLESSING OR AS A REQUIREMENT OF JESUS’ NEW TESTAMENT COVENANT AND IT’S MORAL LAW 

Jesus never Commanded New Testament believers to adhere to the Ceremonial Law of tithing, as New Testament ‘tithing’ cannot rescue fallen humanity from their desperate position under the curse of the Law, (Gal. 2 & 3; Deut. 28.)  Just as Jesus never commanded that animals must be sacrificed to atone for sin, He never commanded His believers to keep any other ceremonial law of the Old Covenant temple, because believers of the New Testament live under an entirely different Covenant from that of the Old Testament Hebrews, (Gal. 2:21.) 

Jesus atoned in full for the blessing of believers at the cross, (Gal. 3:10-14.)  To supposedly add to His full atonement in their place, is a most wicked act of witchcraft against the Most High God.  What’s more, if church clergies choose to keep one law, (tithing and offering,) to ‘earn’ blessing from God, they must keep the entire Ceremonial or Ritual Law, as well as all the statutes of the Moral Law, and thereby declare that they do not need the Lord Jesus and His complete atonement in their place.  Then, they reject the grace of God in Christ.  For them, Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected in vain, (Gal. 2:21.) 

Þ The only New Testament Law that Jesus and His disciples commanded was the Moral Law of Love, which naturally relates to willing offerings, but never mentions tithing – accept in the view of those who abuse Scripture uncontextually to reinforce this manmade dogma of greed, (Mt. 22:37-40; 2 Cor. 9:7; Rom. 8:14.) 

Believers already pay personal taxes, sales taxes, petrol, toll, property taxes, etcetera.  Government taxes are compulsory, (as were the tithes of Old Israel,) because they pertain to our physical lives on earth, and governments are responsible before God to use those taxes to govern the country’s infrastructures and welfare or social services, just like Old Israel had to do during the time of the Old Testament covenant,  (1 Pet. 2:13-14; Mt. 22:21.) 

God will certainly not expect the spiritually born again body of Christ to pay the taxes of Old Israel as well! 

 

THE PHYSICAL LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD WAS CHANGED INTO THE SPIRITUAL PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK

On Golgotha, Jesus annulled the entire physical, Old Testament covenant with its physical temple and Levitical priesthood,  (Heb. 8:13,) and all His sincere believers, fully and constantly indwelt by the Holy Spirit since Pentecost “until the end of this world,” became the spiritual, New Covenant temple and priesthood of God, (1 Pt. 2:9-10; 1 Jn. 2:20 & 27; Mt. 28:18-20.) 

So, under the New Covenant, The Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands…” (Acts 7:44-50.) 

Þ This is not “replacement theology” as church clergies allege, but the sound, Scriptural fact on which the entire New Testament Covenant, and in fact the whole Bible, rest, (Jn. 3:16.)  As the Old Covenant with the Hebrew nation was “done away with [at the cross,] there was a need for a [New Testament Covenant and spiritual] priesthood, for there should rise another [Eternal] High Priest according to the Order of Melchizedek, and not according to the order of Aaron, [the Old Levitical priesthood.]  For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the [outward, ceremonial temple] law… [such as tithing and offering,]” (Heb. 7:11-12.)  For Jesus Christ “has redeemed, [already completely delivered every sincere believer out of darkness,] by His blood... From every tribe, tongue, and nation, and have made [every one of His sincere believers, spiritual] kings and priests to our God,” (1 Pt. 2:9-10; Rev. 5:9-10.) 

Jesus also annulled the outward, ritual, ceremonial law that governed the physical temple, (Heb. 7:11-28.)  In fact, Jesus annulled the entire Old Covenant temple structure and everything that pertained to it, (Heb. Chapters 7-9.)  True believers are now the only temple, and there is only One Law that governs them: the inward Moral Law of love or agape, (Jn. 13:34.) 

Þ In total defiance of Jesus’ spiritual New Testament Covenant, church clergies assume special hierarchical, ruling positions over the rest of His body.  However, all the members of Jesus’ body are completely equal, with our Everlasting High Priest Melchizedek as the Only Head of His sincerely believing disciples. All the members of His body received different gifts according to what the Holy Spirit Himself “gives as He wills,” (1 Cor. 12:11.) Then, from among the members of His body, the Spirit calls servant-leaders; ordinary disciples, all on the same spiritual level as all the others, to fulfil different (not ‘special’) ministries, (not lofty church positions,) in the body, (1 Cor. 12:4-31; Eph. 4:11.)  Thus, in the spiritual body and priesthood of Jesus, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, [race,] neither rich nor poor, [social status,] nor male or female, [but spiritually,] they are all one in Christ Jesus,” (Gal. 3:28.) 

Þ Still, church clergies unscripturally mimic the ousted Levitical priesthood and physical old temple system to justify their false doctrines, church forms, and legalistic norms to claim the financial support and mediating position, which the Old Levitical priesthood had.  Blasphemously, they allege they stand between God and the people, which only Jesus can do under His New Testament Covenant, (Heb. 9:15; 1 Tim. 2:5.)  They reject the humble, spiritual priesthood of Melchizedek to assume  the reconciling position of the Old Levitical, priestly government of Old Israel, who ministered in the physical Old Testament temple as God’s parliamentary priests, (Heb. 7:11-12.) 

Despite all Jesus’ clear, Scriptural commandments, these counterfeit clergies unlawfully and blasphemously insist that they have the ‘legal right’ to at least 10% of every believer’s income, as well as offerings that “must hurt the givers,” to keep their extremely luxurious lifestyles and elaborate church buildings.  But Paul, allegedly one of those so-called ‘hyper-anointed elders’ of the New Testament ‘clergy,’ wrote, “We did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and struggle we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden or impose on any of you.”  He continued in 2 Ths. 3:7-12. “...For we gave you this charge: If anyone, [‘ministers, priests, or pastors’ included], will not work, neither let him eat…”

 

“YES, BUT OLD ABRAM TITHED TO MELCHIZEDEK BEFORE THE LAW” 

The spiritual meaning of king Melchizedek’s meeting with Abram was discussed in, “Can certain parts of the Law add to Jesus’ full atonement in our place?” (Gen. 14:18-14.)  Knowing very well that they are grossly twisting God’s Word to extort money from His believers, church clergies corrupted the reason why Abram ‘tithed to Melchizedek.’  They are fully aware of the fact that Jesus annulled the Old Covenant with the Hebrew nation at the cross, (Heb. 8:13; 7:11-12; Jn. 13:34.)  So, they altered the meaning of Hebrews 7:4-9 to ignore the significance of the New Covenant priesthood in Christ, and sustain their unlawful tithing dogma.  They say, “Tithing to Melchizedek came before the Law,” which supposedly makes tithing a New Testament commandment “after the Law.”  Thus, New Testament believers must allegedly tithe to Jesus, the High Priest Melchizedek.  But when we look at this passage in context, we find in it a much deeper significance than ‘tithing,’ which greedy men easily ignore.  And we also find that clergies do not explain the real importance of this meeting in Genesis 14 to their members. 

 

This passage is not about ‘tithing’ but about the two different priesthoods of the Old and the New Testament Covenants.  Hebrews 7:11-28 explain, “If perfection were through the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that a new priesthood should arise [to bring Jesus’ New Covenant Gospel to the world; a spiritual priesthood] according to the order of Melchizedek and not according to the order of Aaron?  For the priesthood being changed [under the New Covenant…] on the one hand it is an annulling of the former commandment [to pay tithes, etcetera, and so honor God through the Levitical priesthood under a human high priest...] for the [Old Testament] law made nothing perfect. [Everything we see there were mere examples of what Jesus made perfect under the New Covenant, 1 Cor. 10:11.] On the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope [of an Eternal High Priest and His spiritual priesthood; formed from all truly born again believers from “every tribe, tongue and nation.” And as the temple of the Holy Spirit Who indwells them,] they draw near to God, [though their High Priest Melchizedek,]” (Heb. 7:11-19; 1 Pt. 2:9-10; Col. 1:13-14; Eph. 1:12-14.) 

 

Here is what is written about Abram’s return from the war with the kings, after he rescued Lot and their other abductees, and brought back all the goods that were taken, (Gen. 14:5-17.) “Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, [a human king of a physical place,] brought out bread and wine, [and most unusual for that time before the Law and the temple,] he was [also] the priest of God Most High.  As priest, “he blessed Abram and God, Who has delivered his enemies into Abram’s hand.”  Abram, without any pressure or legality, responded in gratitude by giving him a “tithe” or offering of the spoils of war, [not his earnings,] while refusing to take anything for himself,” (Gen. 14:18-24.) 

This is not a fusion between die ousted, physical, geographical Old Testament Covenant to the Hebrew nation, and the eternal, spiritual, international New Testament Covenant in Christ, (Heb. 8:13; Jn. 3:16.) The local king and priest Melchizedek, ministering as a mere human being under the geographical Old Testament, foreshadowed Jesus, the Universal King, Who is God and Eternal High Priest of the Everlasting New Testament Covenant.  Abram, still without Jesus’ full atonement at the cross and the indwelling Spirit of Pentecost, was spiritually bound to the physical dimension and of course, he could not worship the human king Melchizedek for blessing Him and ministering the bread and wine, which symbolized the coming New Covenant atonement through Jesus’ broken body and blood.  So, to thank and honor king and priest Melchizedek, Abram gave him a ‘gift from his spoils of war, as ‘tithing’ was still unheard of at the time.  However, Jesus, King of the universe and Eternal High Priest, is freely worshipped by all His New Covenant, born again believers, (Jn. 4:21-24.) 

 

Thus, in Genesis 14:18-24, Abram symbolized the future, physical Levitical priesthood that would govern the literal Old Testament temple system by obedience to the ceremonial and Moral Law, until Jesus would come to fulfill the entire Law for always, (Gal. 3:1-14; Mt. 5:17.)  At the cross, Jesus established His eternal New Covenant in the born again ‘hearts’ of all sincere believers who would choose to accept Him and His full atonement in their place, (Jn. 1:12-14.)  This is how they became His New Covenant, Holy-Spirit indwelt temple of believers, (Heb. 8:13; Chapters 7-9; 1 Cor. 6:15-20.)  The Levitical priesthood lived in a completely different time under the completely different Old Testament covenant. They had no way to be born again “from darkness into God’s Light” to become the New Covenant priesthood of the Eternal High Priest, King Melchizedek, (1 Pt. 2:9-10.)  All New Covenant believers are spiritual priests, who worship God through their Royal High Priest in spirit and in truth, and neither tithes nor offerings can buy anything from Him, (Jn. 3:16; 4:21-24.) 

· Hebrews 9:9-15 clarify, “[All those ceremonial offerings done in the Old Testament,] were symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience; concerned only with [ritual sacrifices and outward gifts such as tithing and offering...] Verse 15,  [But with His own blood,] Jesus became the Mediator [or Eternal High Priest] of the New Covenant by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance…”   Footnote, Spirit Filled Bible, 1991 KJV, (beware new translations,) “The Old Testament sacrifices [such as tithing and offering] were only earthly copies of heavenly realities, which necessitated better sacrifices...  The complete adequacy of the sacrifice Jesus offered was only once [for all believers and for always, and no human can add anything to the full redemption, salvation, and blessing He earned  at the cross,]” (Gal. 3:10-14.)

 

Abram represented the old order of the Old Testament priesthood of the coming temple and ceremonial temple law.  “Even Levi, [the future temple priesthood,] who received [physical] tithes through Abram, so to speak, paid tithes through Abram, for Levi was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. But now [Jesus] has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also the Eternal Mediator of a better Covenant, which was established on better promises.  For if the first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second… In that He says “a New Covenant,” He has made the first obsolete… [at the cross] to vanish away,” (Heb. 7:4-28.) 

The footnote of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Spirit Filled Bible, 1991 version, explains this much abused passage satisfactorily by stating, “[Here,] Abram represented Old Israel, [and the Levitical priesthood of the ousted covenant] when he paid tithes to Melchizedek... [However, in Hebrews 7,] Melchizedek emphasizes the inauguration of a new priestly order.  Another priesthood, totally different, now supersedes the old, Levitical priesthood.  The first Old Covenant, [with its Ceremonial Law that included temple tithing and offering], proved weak and useless in providing either full access to God’s presence or full fitness for His company, [or blessing, Gal. 3:10-18!]  Therefore, it had to be annulled and a new and better hope introduced to succeed where it had failed.  [Hence,] Jesus’ [spiritual priesthood of believers] supersedes Aaron’s as His priesthood was established by God’s solemn oath.  Total salvation [and blessing] demand a perfect High Priest and a perfect sacrifice for sins – which attention to the Law could not accomplish, (Heb. 7:28.)  The work of Melchizedek is so superior to the ministry of the Hebrew priests that, by it, the old system is done away to establish the absolute, eternal, and perfect priesthood of the [risen, ascended] Christ.  Jesus’ ministry is performed in the true sanctuary, not on earth, but of heaven,  (Heb. 8:1-7.)  The ministry of the old tabernacle was only a symbol of the realities accomplished by Christ.  Therefore, His ministry surpasses that of the Levitical priesthood as substance surpasses shadow, as His ministry is performed under the Covenant of Grace, wrought within the minds and hearts of believers by the power of the Spirit.  Thus, God established a new personal covenant-relationship with His people, based not on a compelling, [religious] force from without, [which oppresses believers to adhere to some of the decrees of the ousted ceremonial law such as tithing], but an impelling power from within,” [wrought by the Holy Spirit and the Royal Law of Love written on the heart of every real believer: Heb. 8:10; 2 Cor. 9:7.]  

King Melchizedek’s breaking bread with Abram does not command New Testament tithing. Neither does it attach the Lord’s Supper to the giving of money or anything else.  It enforces the fact that the spiritual temple of the Holy Spirit does not need ceremonial feasts and the upkeep of buildings, and their charity or “gifts,” just as that of Old Abram, can ‘earn’ nothing, but must glorify God, (Heb. 7:44-50.)  Neither does the spiritual priesthood that Paul mirrored when he said he worked with his own hands, need anything that God will not supply through charity.  Agape is the only law here, (Jn. 13:34.)  And willing offerings as the Holy Spirit leads, in combination with logic discretion, (e.g. one cannot give money to drug addicts to support their sin,) guide real charity, (2 Cor. 9:5,7.)  Also see: BLESSING OR CURSE — THE CHOICE IS YOURS]

 

THE MISUSE AND MISMANAGEMENT OF ‘TITHES’ IS A ‘DIFFERENT GOSPEL’ OF ‘ANOTHER JESUS’   

Even those who recognize the mismanagement of their ‘tithes’ and offerings were indoctrinated to believe that they should keep on ‘tithing’ no matter what.  Even if they know that their church rulers are squandering their hard-earned money, they were brainwashed to believe that those “thieves who climb in another way,” are accountable to God; therefore the squandering and misuse of their money has nothing to do with them, the givers!  (Jn. 10:10.) 

Þ Such deceived givers do not realise that God will not, in any way, bless the exploitation of His Holy Word, (Rev. 22:18-19.)  In reality, as seen at the top of this page, the curse that false church clergies pronounce from Malachi chapter 3 on non-tithers apply to them, the corrupt ‘leaders,’ as clearly explained in Malachi Chapter Two!  God still curses the fornicating, adulterating ‘priests’ or clergies who twist, abuse, and defile His Word to bring His blood-cleansed souls into bondage, as well as those who reject His Truth, His Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, to follow the deception of men, (Jn. 1:1-14.)  Paul warned in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12, “The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These will be punished with everlasting destruction…  when He comes, in That Day…”  

Þ Paying taxes is a physical law of the land.  Hence, paying taxes to the government is compulsory.  If government officials squander and mismanage our taxes, we can object, but safely allow God to be God in this matter as we rarely have a physical recourse in this world.  However, when believers are subjected to the abuse of God’s Word through false doctrines and false spiritual authority, they must realise that they are not submitting to God.  They are submitting to greedy, false teachers and their lying father the devil – which is active idolatry! (Mt. 7:15-16; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Jn. 8:44.) 

It is a Scriptural fact that God will hold us responsible for supporting such blatant sin through our emotional, physical and financial support.  2 John verses 7-11 commands, “Many deceivers have gone out into the world…  Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for… If anyone comes to you and does not bring [the Truth of God’s Word,] do not receive him into your house nor greet him, (and television and other media bring them right into our homes!)  For he who greets them shares in their evil deeds.”  John also warned in Rev. 21:7-8, “He who overcomes [the evil of this world]  will inherit all things…  but the cowardly, [lukewarm, compromising believers,] unbelieving… and all liars will have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone…”  2 Ths. 2:9-10, “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all [Kundalini or serpent] power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”  (Rom. 1:32; Mal. 2 & 3;) 

David Wilkerson wrote in ‘Set the trumpet to your mouth,’ p. 199,’ “Christians, wake up!  How can any true lover of Jesus support these great abominations?  You who send money to build buildings and projects that have nothing to do with repentance and [true spiritual] revival are partakers in these men’s sins.  You, too, will be judged with them.  In the name of all that is pure and righteous, stop!  Not another dollar!  They could not build their abominations, [man-made, unscriptural churches, Acts 7:44-50], if God’s people had discernment and quit supporting them.” 

Yes, to give freely to support truly God-called, servant-leaders and those in real need, is a New Testament principle of God.  But it is not a law that buys blessing from God.  ‘Giving’ simply proves our attitude towards God and our fellow man – our agapaö (love for God,) and agape, (love for our fellow man.)  Obedience to the Scriptural principal of giving abundantly, do not diminish our responsibility to spend the money which God had entrusted to us wisely and with discretion, (2 Ths. 3:10; Col. 4:5; Ps. 112:5; Mt. 5:23-24; 25:24-30.) 

Above all, believers are commanded to live and give as, where and how the Holy Spirit leads them.  False doctrines such as ‘tithing’ to earn the blessing from God were instituted to control believers through deception and fear, to bring them back under the Old Testament’s temple system, which is simply a dreadful yoke of legalism, (Rom. 8:14; 2 Cor. 9:7: Gal. 5:1-6.) 

 

THE CONTEXTUAL TRUTH OF "ALL THESE THINGS will BE ADDED ON TO YOU..."

“All these things will be added to you…” Jesus promised.  Then false clergies add, “This means mansions on earth, private jets, riches beyond reason… You must just name it, claim it, and frame it.  You can create your own miracles and realities!  Never pray, ‘Let Your will be done;’ that nullifies your prayers!”  ‘Faith’ teachers and other clergies use this tiny, uncontextual piece of Jesus' whole teaching in Matthew 6:24-34, which focuses on complete dependence upon God as the Provider of all our needs not our greeds, to enforce the so-called 'blessing,' which church 'tithing' and excessive giving supposedly buy.  Their get-rich-quick deception is based on only the second portion of verse 33, which commands, “But seek first the kingdom of God [as your highest propriety] and His righteousness, [by obeying Him in everything that is holy and true; His contextual Word above all else,] and all these things will be added to you.” 

They either forget about the first part of the verse, or they do not care what it means.  Let us not be that naive to think they do not know what is written there.  They deliberately deceive Jesus’ fully blessed priesthood of believers by the twisting of Scripture, and omissions and additions to His Word, to super-enrich themselves and utterly control the fully redeemed body of Christ, (1 Pt. 2:9-10; Eph. 1:7; 12-14.)  And they succeed in leading millions of believers away from their freedom in Christ to bring them back under the curse of the Old Testament law, (Gal. 3:10-14; 5:1-6,) simply because believers do not take the time to personally seek God’s face and to read their Bibles for themselves! 

· Jesus actually began this teaching in Matthew 6:24-34  by saying, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other... You cannot serve God and Mammon, [not just money but the whole system of materialism.] Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, drink, or what you will wear. [All your necessities.] Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? [Where are your Godly priorities?] Look at the [grateful, God-dependent] birds... They [all work very hard, but they] do not gather [greedily]... And the lilies of the fields... they do not toil... [or exert themselves with useless work to earn blessing from God,] and yet, your Heavenly Father [feeds and clothes them all.] Are you not of more value than they? [This is not a prohibition on hard, honest work, which is the first commandment (and privilege) God gave to humanity at creation, (Gen. 2:15.)  If one violates this commandment and will not work because of laziness and ease, you will not eat, 2 Ths. 3:10.] Therefore, do not worry about [all your needs...]"

Þ Jesus concluded this passage by promising that “all these [necessary] things, [not most expensive cars and other great luxuries,] will be added onto you - if you seek first His Kingdom and Righteousness.”  The meaning of this passage is so clear a little child can understand exactly what Jesus was saying.  But then, clergies are not interested in Jesus’ Truth.  They cannot extort money and misplaced loyalty from gullible believers by preaching His truth.  If we read this passage in context, it is impossible to mistake it for the deception of the prosperity gospel.

Sadly, to them, ‘righteousness’ means to be a ‘diligent thither’ and ‘never to neglect any of the [many] church services,’ (plural,) as all the churches diligently practice.  But it is actually written, ‘assembling or congregating,’ (singular,) which does not refer to attending the numerous “church meetings.”  “Assembling” refers to the gathering of true believers, called the “ecclesia.”  Wherever believers study the Word or pray for one another, whether in houses, under a tree, or even over the internet, they are ‘assembling.’ ‘Assembling’ does not mean countless legalistic meetings that brainwash us with false teaching to control all our time to get to our money. Real 'congregating,' is to minister to one another in the Truth of God’s Word; to exhort, build, meet genuine needs, and pray for one another to glorify Jesus! 

 

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