₦airaland Forum

@TONYE-T
I was wondering if somebody else used your I.D. to post the thread. I don't subscribe the the name .PENTICOSTAL knowing it relates to Judaism . And it's used in error for the church. But having understanding about what they represent by it. THE HOLY SPIRIT. And his manifestations. It is unstoppable. It will eat up everything on it's way.until the church is perfected for the coming of christ.

There may be issues of concern in the body of christ. There have always been issues . But thesame holy spirit we trust, he knows how to purge his church. His work is unstoppable. There's no doubt about that.

But some of the issues you raised will require clarification.

This I say in worry especially when we live in a time where GOs are reverenced as demi-gods and not as servants as it ought to be.

There is nothing wrong in reverence and respect for ministers of God. It is purely scriptural. The bible say to "ESTEEM THEM HIGHLY FOR THEIR WORK SAKE"

But those things you listed as flaws in the church is a little shocking. It is not a flaw to build a decent place of worship For God. God himself demanded the use of Gold and other things for his place of worship. It is a honour to the God we serve.

These FLAWS things of yours are critical of the body of christ . You didn't give any biblical backing or explanation

I support the idea of a Christian section.  If it was a proper thing to have Muslim section, it will be proper also to have Christian section. We should not nuture fear that every religion will soon clamour for their own section. Since only the  2 faiths  that are officially recognised most times. It wont be a bad Idea.

@Donnie
I'm sure this was only a joke , or is it for real?.
I asked for your e mail before , I'm still waiting for response. Mine is in my profile

@e36991

e36991:
MOG appears seventy times (i.e. 70 times) in the OT and twice (i.e. 2 times) in the NT

Past recipients of this powerful title in the OT were 

1- Moses; 
2- an Angel; 
3- an unnamed man of God that came to Eli
4- Samuel;
5- Shemaiah 
6- A second unnamed man of God; was deceived by the old prophet
7- Elijah
8- A third unnamed man of God; no background info stated or provided
9- Elisha
10- A fourth unnamed man of God; no background info stated or provided
11- David
12- and Igdaliah



MOG isn’t a title thrown about lightly, Paul deliberately used the title MOG for Timothy to amplify the seriousness and severity of Timothy’s position and responsibilities

[b]he purposely used that title or office, aiming to drill home to Timothy that as like the Men of God in the OT, Timothy’s position should be integrity, honour, humility, transparency, contentment etc

MOG is not a fashion-tag, elitist, for the selected few or exclusive so let us all come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.

@ InesQor

InesQor:
Joagbaje
Your post above hardly helps. I ALREADY said it is 2ce in d New Testament and other 78 times in the old testament.

I guess I know what you did there. You did a search on MOG in the bible and you were suprised to see you were wrong. So you brought it out to rubbish it so that it won't be used against you  .  I didn't see your post earlier. 

You claimed it applies to ministers.

Absolutely! Never used for congregation but for ministers anointed into an office.

See how John phrased it here.

 John 1:6
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name[ was] John.

You have turned the double instance of timothy into a rule.
 Okay give me verses, you start quoting the OT. Is it just me or you didnt understand me at all?

The principles of God don't change. An MOG is a man called and anointed into an office. Both old and new testament. It doesn't matter if paul' only mention it twice.   The twice is good enough. Because it' shows it wasn't a mistake. Scriptural truth are confirmed by two witnesses. So two verses are good enough. 

An MOG in the OT was the guy who lives and speaks for God. Today that is every Christian. Period!

The priciple hasnt changed. That's what they told Moses too! . And they died for it. They told him "WE ARE ALL ANOINTED " Whatever we are now is still based on the same principles in the Old Testament. 

They were a holy nation, they were all priests unto God in generic terms. But some are called specially into the office of the priest. They were all anointed and consecrated. But there was special consecration of certain people into offices . 

Today also , same principle applies  We are all holy nation and consecrated. But there are some anointed above others as men into office to lead and teach and perfect others . We submit to them. That is where our humility begins. When we recognise spiritual authority and submit to them. Paul knew that issues like this will come up .think again on what he said.

Hebrews 13:17
17 Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?

Satan hates pastoral  leadership and he is out to destroy it  so that he can get the sheep. " strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter" 

John had troubles too with some individuals who fights pastoral authority. "VOICE OF THE MASSES"  

3 John 1:9-10
9 I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but proud Diotrephes, who loves to push himself forward as the leader of the Christians there, does not admit my authority over him and refuses to listen to me. 10 When I come I will tell you some of the things he is doing and what wicked things he is saying about me and what insulting language he is using. He not only refuses to welcome the missionary travelers himself but tells others not to, and when they do he tries to put them out of the church. 

2 Peter 3:2
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

Ephesians 3:5
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 

And as for infallible MOGs, have you forgotten the "prophet" who fell into the hands or is it jaws of lions for daring to prove he is an MOG?

We are not discussing fallibility of MOG here. They may make mistakes. Just as they did in the Old testament. Moses went to marry an African woman as second wife against the Word of God.

Some may have abused the title MOG. But that should not make us destroy the institution of God.

@ eyzhvntsn

eyzhvntsn:
Tx for the reply, but my question was if the verse was to timothy as a pastor who was to correct and instruct in righteousness as u put it, and he is also the one primarily referred to as 'man of God' then how do u tie both verses together or was timothy to instruct and correct himself?

It is for him to use the scriptures to correct others and furnish himself also as a minister and as a Christian too.

InesQor:
Quote from: Joagbaje on Today at 08:49:15 PM
It was Timothy Paul was referring to as "MAN OF GOD" . There should be no debate. Everywhere in scripture where the phrase had been used , it always refers to the minister. And not the congregation.


Please provide evidence for the above statement. As far as I know, that phrase only appears twice in Timothy, nowhere else in the NT.

Deuteronomy 33:1
Chapter 33 
1 And this[ is] the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God [/b]blessed the [b]children of Israel before his death.
 
1 Samuel 2:27
27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
 
1 Samuel 9:6
6 And he said unto him, Behold now,[ there is] in this city a man of God, and[ he is] an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.

 1 Kings 12:22
22 But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

 1 Timothy 6:11
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

This is just few out of hundred scriptures. The phrase "MAN OF GOD" is exclusively used only for ministers and not the congregation. The congregation could be called SONS OF GOD or CHILDREN OF GOD. We don't need to go in circles over this little matter.

eyzhvntsn:
@Oga Jo sir,

May I just ask, if that verse applied to timothy in particular as a 'Man of God' who as u say was to correct and instruct in righteousness (as a pastor right?) then who is to be made perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works? since this scripture was given to him in particular as a pastor 'man of God'

I didn't see you post before I sent my last post. The book of timothy was a personal letter to Timothy who was the head of the church at Ephesus then. It was Timothy Paul was referring to as "MAN OF GOD" . There should be no debate. Everywhere in scripture where the phrase had been used , it always refers to the minister. And not the congregation.

I don't discuss with mockers, if you guys want to do mockery, you can go ahead. I will come back when you are ready for a real bible discussion.

@Enigma and InesQor

Enigma:
Question: to whom does the passage below apply ----

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works

 every Christian or just some "specially anointed" ones?

The use of the word  "Man Of God" refers to a minister and not everybody  . Paul was writing to Timothy,  the question is  who was Timothy ? He was a pastor sent to Ephesus. And the book is called a pastoral epistle. Even though the verse may be applied to all in  a generic sense but it primarily refers to the pastor Timothy. who was to correct and instruct in righteousness.

@Vivian 

The problem that I have again is to give to any ministry or any pastor simply because I want a reward from God by reason of their annointing.The concept of giving because you want to receive is what I am questioning with myself and hence

There are different reasons for giving. There is a free will giving just to worship God and in thanksgiving without the mind of expectation. But There is nothing wrong in giving with expectation. Why would you sow a seed without the mind of a harvest. sowing is purely for a reason which is to have a harvest.

There are times of challenges and one just need to sow a seed for a miracle.or make a vow to God in the middle of a trouble. It's a demonstration of faith. But as regard sowing to an anointed man. It is based on spiritual principles. There are seeds and givings that provokes the anointing.

For example , Isaac wanted to bless his son Isaac/jacob . He had to make him come and give him food first to provoke the anointing. He was an anointed man. This is not just a father / son affair. He was dealing with him by the spirit.

  Genesis 27:4
4 And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring[ it] to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die. 

Another case was when Elijah was sent to a widow, but the widow was so broke and had only her last meal before death. Elijah commanded her to bring him food first. Why? The anointing. And when she obeyed, the anointing sustained her and them. If she had not sown the food, she would have died . 

1 Kings 17:10-15
10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman[ was] there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 11 And as she was going to fetch[ it], he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. 12 And she said,[ As] the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I[ am] gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. 13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go[ and] do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring[ it] unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. 14 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day[ that] the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. 15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat[ many] days. 

She trusted the anointing upon the prophet. But if you just want to give without expectation, it's still ok. But so long as you recognise the anointing , the blessing will still work . Just like the case of the barren shunamite woman that persuaded her husband to give elisha accommodation. He blessed her and she conceived . But the secrete was the fact that she recognise the anointing upon him. She received him as a prophet and not a beggar.  
 
2 Kings 4:8-18
8 One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to eat some food. So whenever he passed by, he stopped there to eat. 9 Then she said to her husband, “I know that the one who often passes by here is a holy man of God, 10 so let’s make a small room upstairs and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp there for him. Whenever he comes, he can stay there. ” 

You can see that the only reason she singled him out of many passersbys is the recognition of the anointing upon him. 

11 One day he came there and stopped and went to the room upstairs to lie down. 12 He ordered his attendant Gehazi, “Call this Shunammite woman. ” So he called her and she stood before him. 
13 Then he said to Gehazi, “Say to her, ‘Look, you’ve gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? . . . . .Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old. ” . . . . 16 Elisha said, “At this time next year you will have a son in your arms. ”. . . . 17 The woman conceived and gave birth to a son at the same time the following year, as Elisha had promised her. 

@ InesQor

InesQor:
@Joagbaje:
Is that so? Scripturally support your assertions above, i.e.
 
1. Everyone in Christ is not equally anointed.

There have been several abuse of the word "anointed" here. To some, it seems it's an abomination to use the for for a man. Because christ is "the anointed" as far as they are concerned.

I don't want to go into all the Greek and heberew word for "anointed " I just want to give a simple explanation. There are several use of the word anointed in the bible.

It makes reference to an office. Oiling,Empowerment, choice or being chosen , being called, and being consecrated etc. 

OFFICE:.  The use of the word "anointed " with regard to christ mean. The chosen one (for Israel as messiah). It is used in this sense for Kings and priests also who function in an office.

EMPOWERMENT. This is ability of God for a specific purpose. E.g gifts.  For example you have a special anointing for healing, evangelism . A good example is bezaleel, that God anointed with skills to build the tabernacle.

Exodus 31:3
3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 

2. There are different types of anointing. You obviously dont mean different purposes of anointing, because the next part of your post says there are different definitions (wherein you then described purposes of anointing).

There is one holy spirit but he has different anointings, graces or abilities .

Im waiting please. You know im very familiar with all these teachings.

CONSECRATION. I think this is where  you mixed it up. In my opinion. You are right that we are all anointed or Consecrated to God. But we are not all called into  office and we are not all functioning in the same ability. This was the same mistakes made by

Numbers 16:1-4
1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took[ men .2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: 3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them,Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation[ are] holy, every one of them, and the Lord[ is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? 4 And when Moses heard[ it], he fell upon his face:

Does that highlighted part sound familiar to you?. It is the same voice of rebellion today. They look down on spiritual leadership and claim " we are all thesame."

Of a truth they were all consecrated,holy. God had told them so. But he killed them for that action and rebellion to leadership. There is a special consecration for a leader. That anointing should be respected. Your respect for a man of God (MOG) is not by his age or his look but because of the anointing upon that office. We are all anointed but there are people anointed over us. We must reverence them because of the office.  

Hebrews 13:17 KJV
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that[ is] unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17. MESSAGE TRANSLATION
17 Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them? 

@ InesQor

InesQor:
Yeah I can bet I know what's coming next. Maybe you have gone to check the documentations,

Which documentation are you referring to? 

cos I have done same in denial of the Truth in the past.

I think it's now you seem to be denying truth o. If you once knew it.

Sister. There is no law binding you.You follow your conscience based on what you are convinced by the Word. If you want to know if it's proper to sow into the the life of your pastor . It's ok. If you want to know if it's by force or compulsion, I will say it's according to how the spirit of God leads you. It's a free will giving. And if you're not convinced, just leave the matter.

I nominate 1.PASTOR AIO . For being objective even in dissagreenent and for his huge sense of humour.
2. Tonye-T for his broad mind and objectiveness.
3 .Deepsight for be so daring.

InesQor:
@Joagbaje:
Is that so? Scripturally support your assertions above, i.e.

1. Everyone in Christ is not equally anointed.
2. There are different types of anointing. You obviously dont mean different purposes of anointing, because the next part of your post says there are different definitions (wherein you then described purposes of anointing).

Im waiting please. You know im very familiar with all these teachings.

I will respond shortly.

allycat:
According to open heavens 2010. If you sow into the life of a believer you will receive 30 fold, less if its into the life of an unbeliever. If you sow into the life of a pastor you receive 60 fold, while if you sow into the life of an overall head like a GO you will receive 100 fold. March 3rd, March 10th and march 17th.  Spiritual accounting.

Well the bible didn't give percentage. But I guess he was trying to illustrate the verse in mattew 10. 

Matthew 10:41 -2
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man [/b]in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold[ water] only in the [b]name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

I doubt if he would categorically state it like you stated . It's like adding to scriptures. But if he was making an illustration    By saying "it's like" . . .  Referring to categories of blessing . It's understandable. But the bible didn't allocate percentage. But there are degrees of blessings for different givings. There is giving to the poor, it has it's own blessing. There is giving to a believer,it has it's own blessing, there is giving to a man of God, it has it's own blessing. And there is giving to God

And we  should know that there are preferences in the priorities of our givings . I give to the poor a lot. But I give more to my Christian brothers because there is preference.

Galatians 6:10
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

@ogajim
.

ogajim:
I have been thinking about this topic lately with the way most of our "brainwashed" brethren carry on about their particular "MOG" and "touch not my anointed"

That is a scriptural utterance.

(forgetting that every true Christian is indeed an "MOG" and equally anointed),

Every one is not equally anointed. There are different kinds of anointings. There are different definitions as well. There is anointing which refers to election. "chosen" there's anointing which refers to empowerment. There is anointing which refers to an office. There is anointing which refers to Grace upon a person. So you don't use the word "anointing" in generic terms when you are dealing with specifics.

A man of God is a man on errand from God. A man sent from God. A man who has embraced the call of God. So in this regard. The definition hasn't changed. It has to do with a call. An office.

We should understand the perspective of my exhortation. There is difference between the fear for God. It is a fear of reverence and not a negative fear of torment . A man may feel fear negatively, that's why God always say " fear not"

We contantly hear  words such as "I'm afraid our time is up" or " I'm afraid [/b]that's all we can take today"
  Does it sound familiar to you? We are surrounded with such statement from time to time. Broadcasters use it , some preachers use it. We feel it sounds polite . But it's a wrong use of tongue. There are several things the enemy has programmed in our daily life. He operates by fear and tries to saturate our lives with it. Fear is of the devil . Your life goes in the direction of your speakings. Words are spirits and not mere sounds.

[b]Ephesians 4:29
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 

So why is the talk of fear a corrupt communication? Because fear is not of God.

2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The tongue naturally may go negative , especially if you grow up in an atmosphere where such wrong language is a norm.  It may be a little challenging to tame the tongue at first.

James 3:8
8 But the tongue can no man tame;[ it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

But that doesn't mean it's not possible to tame the tongue. The more you fellowship with the Word of God on daily basis , the more your tongue and language is transformed . 

 James 3:2
2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 

One sure way to know you're growing as a Christian is  to WATCH YOUR TONGUE!

Instead of using the devils language "I'm afraid it's time to close" why not simply say "it's time to close" or  If you want to add some courtesy or politeness. Just say I'm sorry, its time to close." I think it's time to close" " sorry, I got to go"  

Colossians 4:6
6 Let your speech[ be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
 

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

One question many Christians have sought answer for is: “How do I know when the Holy Spirit is talking to me?” The first and most important thing is to receive the Holy Spirit into your heart. When this happens the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you and mingles with your spirit. The Bible says,

“he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17),

thus you become one with Him. Soon, you’ll hear His voice talking to you from your spirit.

[b]Romans 8:16 [/b]says
the Spirit, “beareth witness with our spirit”;

so you’ll have the witness in your spirit that He’s the one talking to you. He is the best One to teach you how to know His voice, so first you receive Him, then He’ll be the One to talk to you and teach you to recognize His voice.

Another important thing to do in knowing the voice of the Spirit is to learn the Word of God, for His voice bears witness with the Word. He never says anything outside the Word. Whatever He tells you is always in sync with the written Word, and consistent with God’s will for your life.

[b]John 16:13 [/b]says,
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

If you’re acquainted with the Word, you’ll know whenever the Holy Spirit talks to you, for He always bears witness with the Word, and the Word will always bear witness with Him. His voice and the Scriptures are one.

The Holy Spirit is the Master Communicator and knows the best way to get your attention and talk to you when He needs to. The Bible tells us for instance how He set a bush on fire to get Moses’ attention. The bush was burning all right, but it wasn’t consumed. When Moses moved closer to see the strange sight, the Lord spoke out of the bush, but said nothing about the fire. All He needed was Moses’ attention, and He got it. From then on, Moses never needed another burning bush to know when God was talking, for the Lord Himself had taught him to discern His voice. He will do the same for you.


Further Study
Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Isaiah 30:21
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Deuteronomy 4:36
Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.

Just join a bible teaching church. Each church has a programme for growth. Let the pastorbknow your desire for growth, he may assign someone in particular to you personally.

nuclearboy:
@mabell:

face the issue and state where[b] I went against God's Word[/b]

I LAFF

@jesoul

JeSoul:
Joagbaje, thanks for the reply. I will be back probably next week to continue. The news of my good friend Bawo's death has rendered me totally devastated and heart-broken. I cannot post coherently right now. Thanks for your patience.

My condolence. . . .

mabell:
@Nuclearboy,
must you always post rubbsh
i've never read any sensible post from you

Mabel , you get time, . What can you tell mockers of the faith? You only intercede,

Jude 1:18-19
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

@Jesoul

JeSoul:
prayers, offerings,tithing ,vows etc.  They are based on spiritual principles

  I don't think prayer qualifies as a "tradition" no more than 'meditating on God's word' does. We're talking biblical practices/commands/directives that existed pre-Law that are still relevant today.

They are altogether part of our worship , reverence. And spiritual obligation. If you say we should not give tithes to God. What of offerings, are you saying we should never give to God again? 

Q1: Same as before, you've mentioned tithing, are there any others?

Tithing , offering, prayer, meditation. All are together . It's only God we give such to. I don't know why folks singles tithes alone out .  What about offering. What of prayers, what of worship.
 
 

As Cmanforall noted, you didn't fully answer Q2 directly, permit me to repeat it here again.

Q2: How do you differentiate btw which OT scriptures and Laws are still applicable to us?

The things that are no longer applicable to us in the law and before the law are the things that Jesus had fulfilled. But the things that goes beyond the law and are based on spiritual principles still applies to us . Even if they were part of the law. Is adultery justified now? No. Because its against the principle of love. If you want to live long,The law says to honour your father and mother. The law had been abolished but that principle still stands. Will your father now because the law is abolished? No. Because these are based on spiritual principles. That's why Paul had to emphasise it again for the ephesian church.

 Ephesians 6:2-3
2 Honour thy father and mother;( which is the first commandment with promise 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 

Q3: What are the repercussions if a believer is lacking in any of these "deeds" you listed above?[/

1.Doing the word of God cause grace to abound .2.a Christian that disobeys the word will not be able to resist the enemy. He gives the enemy room. When the devil strikes he is unprotected. There will be absence of grace. Even if he feels he is okay at the moment . He is still ignorant of what he is losing, things could have been far better for him. And for such, when the devil jump on his case , he has no defence.

 

Both Kunle and Zikky have pointed out some problems with your quote here above, I'll paraphrase their questions/comments
[color=#990000]Q4: Heb 7 mentions tithes, but reading further down the chapter reveals that Paul dismisses the old system as "weak" and "useless". What is your response to this?

Because the old system had limitations. It was ratified by the blood of animals. But the new system is ratified by the blood of christ . We are under a New Order now.  And christ is our high priest. In this order. Men that die received tithes under levitical priest hood. But Melchizedek that took tithes from Abraham  lives .  Jesus had been made a highpriest in thesame order with melchizedek. So our tithing is recieved by a high priest with endless life in the order of melchizedek.

There was no problem with the order of Melchizedek . This man was greater than Abraham . But there was problem with levitical priesthood because of the introduction of the law. The law was not given to reveal perfection. The law was given to reveal man's sins and imperfection . So everything done under the levitical order could not make man perfect. But under the new high priest who came in the order of Melchizedek, perfection has come. Our prayer, offerings , tithes are holy before God because they are sanctified by the holy spirit. 

You make a good but perhaps flawed point. There are many things one could cite Jesus didn't explicitly condemn but were obviously wrong. And you sort of shoot yourself in the foot when you subsequently follow the above with this bit:  Q5: You assert that tithing was a "lifestyle" for the early apostles and if there was a change then it would've been mentioned - can you prove this from the bible?

That's the point . Debate on tithing was not an issue of dispute in the early church.   And you find Paul comparing the welfare of ministers of the Gospel to the levitical system.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live[ of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 

How did stuff and money get to the temple?  It's simple , through givings such as tithes and offerings.

Thanks for the answer, however you missed the second part of it
Q6: are these benefits available exclusively to only those who tithe?

Malachi 3 :9,10
gives clue. Grace, Windows of heavenly  ideas ,blessings and opportunities. 

Q7: But if the church of Christ is one, and by tithing you're giving to God - not the pastor - why can't a person tithe sometimes to/at another church?

Why another church? God says to sow see to those who feed you the word. If we give tithe to God, it won't fly to heaven, it will be used in the running of the work of ministry. So logically you should do your givings in the place where you are fed. Under who you are submitted. But let me ask , why would someone want to go away from his pastor to give his tithe under another pastor? In my school days my Elder brother wanted to give me school fees with his tithe . I protested it. He should give it in his church. Some just give their tithes irreverently . To beggars, family etc.

There is an anointing upon a pastor over his congregation. Every pastor is not your pastor , every pastor is not anointed over you. You can give to other pastors seed as you are led. But not your tithe.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong

Some people are unfruitful in the faith-walk because they are burdened by the cares and desires of this life, and these choke God’s Word in their hearts (Mark 4:18-19). The first thing you must do to stand firm in the faith is to set your heart on the Lord; give Him your undivided attention.

Proverbs 23:26
“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.”

This is akin to what the Lord said in Proverbs 4:20:

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.”

Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). For your faith to grow and prevail you have to attend to God’s Word and incline your ears to His sayings. That means you focus and give prime attention to the Word in your life. The necessary result of this is that your thoughts, words and actions will be in sync with the Word. That way, you’re unshakeable.

Many vacillate so easily because they give room to too many distractions in their lives. Never allow anything distract or sway you from the truth of God’s Word. Jesus said in Luke 21:34,

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”

The Bible also says,
“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life” Proverbs 4:23 AMP

So it’s your responsibility to take charge of your heart and stop yourself from veering off course. The coming of the Lord is near and it’s important for us to be grounded in the Word and keep our eyes on the goal, standing firm in the faith. This isn’t the time to vacillate or cower but a time to focus on doing the Master’s will and fulfil His call for your life:

1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”


Confession
I am steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. I’m standing fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made me free, with my whole heart focused on the Lord and His living Word! My faith in the Lord is strong and prevailing, having been rooted, built up and established in Him. Amen.

Further Study
Hebrews 10:38-39
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Colossians 2:6-7
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving

@jesoul

JeSoul:
^sorry there are a ton of questions in this post:Q1: You said the Law "amplified" the importance of tithes. What other pre-Law practices/traditions carry over to today?

prayers, offerings,tithing ,vows etc.  They are based on spiritual principles

Q2: You've said not all of the OT Law was abolished and you've used an OT scripture (Malachi) to support your stance here. How do you differentiate btw which OT scriptures and Laws are still applicable to us? Is it possible you're using that scripture out of context? if not pls explain why.

I used 1corinthians. Paul was making references to tithes and offerings here. Since the levitical order is over. Jesus is the new high priest and his church is the institution where  sacred givings and sacrifices are made .

Paul was making reference to the levitical order here , contrasting it with the church.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live[ of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 

With Malachi 3 in mind, this scripture throws in more light.

Q3: Do you believe that under the dispensation of grace, that there are still certain requirements christians must perform in order to remain in good standing? if yes, what are these requirements?

It's only faith that grants a Christian standing before God. But there are also deeds of. Faith by which we demonstrate our faith in God such as prayer,giving, studying and meditation on the word and worship, soulwinning etc. All these have their graces. 

Q4: If tithing is still a requirement today, why do you think none of the writers in the NT said so ?

Paul acknowledge the practise of tithing in heberews 7. .
     Hebrews 7:8
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he[ receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 

The chapter talks about the change of order in the priesthood . Melchizedek priesthood brought about the revelation of tithe in the first place. So the world move from Order of Melchizedek to levitical Order and now back to Melchizedek  The tithe collecting order .

or are themselves recorded as having tithed?[/b] or taught their congregations/churches to do so?

If tithing was wrong, Jesus would have condemned it . He condemned observation of sabbath he condemned "an eye fo an eye" and some other issues in the law.Jesus okays tithing (Matt 23:23) ,  If he had come to abolish tithing , he wouldn't have endorsed it.

The early apostles didn't need to give special lectures on tithing . It was their lifestyle. We should understand that not everything was said in the epistles. The epistles were not written to complete the bible. The fact that the bible was silent about certain issues didn't mean they were not practised. They wrote about issues affecting the churches. 

For example, acts of apostles talks about Paul receiving the holyghost but didn't say  he ever spoke in tongues, one could have said Paul didn't speak in tongues if not for the fact that he mentioned it in one of his letters to the troublesome corithian church.

1 Corinthians 14:18
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

This is the only place where he talk about his own experience in tongue speaking. Supposing he never mentioned it hear. He only wrote the epistle to address a problem. He wasn't writing scriptures . Because it was common for a believer to speak in tongues. The only reason we may not have many specially lecture on tithing also was because it was normal for a normal worshipped of God to give tithes and offerings. If there was a change. He would rather have made an issue out of it. 
 

Q5: What are the benefits of tithing in your opinion? are these benefits available exclusively to only those who tithe?

Every spiritual deed make certain grace to abound Upon us. They can't be quantify. Financial Security, life security,doors of opportunity and ideas. Increase in revelation. Beign rightly positioned  Etc. We can't say all because they are spiritual. 
 

Q6: Can you show us in the scriptures where it is specified to tithe to/under only your pastor?

You can't have multiple pastors at a given time. You can't be submitted to one pastor and your financial commitment is not done there. A pastor is a spiritual father. One father at a time. Paul says you have only one father.

1 Corinthians 4:15
15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

You may read books by many authors, but you should have one pastor that you are submitted to. Your heart and your treasure have to be in one place. 

Q7: So there were different tithes. Are there also different tithes today as well? if yes, what are they?

We don't have a law in the new testament. Except love. So the tithe is the least of our giving. I give to the poor but not by the law. I give my tithe 10% of all that comes to me. Once in a while I give tithe of convinience.  Someone gives you a new car and you just calculate the mechanical trouble you've been delivered from and just give money equivalent of it's tithe to worship God. It's just personal revelation out of love for God.  And for the records , I give 20% as tithe. Some others give more. I just feel the 10% is too convenient. It's still personal conviction. The inventor of caterppilar was giving 90% as his tithe  and God so blessed him that the 10%he kept for himself , was even so much that he couldn't spend all. These were pillars behind Gideon bible free distribution world wide. 

To get very technical here . . . 
Q8: How often is a believer supposed to tithe? on what are they supposed to tithe? their income? gifts? monetary or otherwise? if he's a farmer, his produce? etc.

As often as we are blessed. It depends on individual . Some could be daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. 

Q9: If a believer has a debt, can he skip the tithe for that instance and pay his debt?

I will skip the debt and pay tithes,  that's  what will make a miracle will take place. I have done this several times. It's opportunity to prove my faith and love for God that he will always be the first. I once gave a testimony on this forum. Of how in my NYSC days I had great need of money urgently, and when I went on follow up on a new convert, the elder brother was touched to see a young graduate man serving God. He gave me an envelope of 5,000 or 500 naira. ( it was 5 sha ) . I was so happy how God could speedily answer prayer. As I stood waiting for taxi . I heard Gods voice clearly in my spirit saying.  "GIVE ALL OF IT AS A TITHE" I obeyed in that evening service and dropped all. But 4 days later, a sister came back from Lagos and told me she branched our home and money was sent to me through her. I knew what the figure would be. It was exactly times 10 of what I gave.  

[quote][/quote]

@Vivian S.A

Vivian. SA:
@Joagbaje
You r now the 2nd person to warn me abt this site. I have been asked to leave this site bcz of obvious reasons.And I choose to take heed of such warnings and leave this matter where it is.God in heaven will now take this matter foward,after all he is God.

I wasn't warning you about the site, I only cautioned you about using blackberry, maybe you misunderstood me.

Joagbaje:
Verily verily I say unto you, it's obvious and not advisable. .

This is what I said , making reference to your blackberry use. That it's not advisable

@nuclearboy

nuclearboy:
you guys just keep ridiculing yourselves, chris embassy and chris oyakilome.

Now your claim is firepower to overrun this site - likely painful to Seun Osewa but will not change the price of fish in the market, don't you know? BTW, why not apply that firepower to handling the embarrassment of EFCC hunting that master of yours.

Embarrased? Thats childsplay Part 10. There's no EFCC case to answer. You know it's your comrades that are behind such matters. You can see the bias of the junk story. It's you guys that are gullible for such things. We don't feel embarrassed. Was Jesus embarrassed that he was called dupe? No.
It's part of Christian persecution . We enjoy it. They only make us thougher. This gospel must be preached to the ends of the earth  Either satan likes it or not.

There are different kinds of givings. In the bible. Giving to a man of God is only one of them.
There is giving to the poor, giving to parents, giving to God, giving for special projects. And giving to believers.

When you give to a man of God, It should be by the reason of the anointing upon him. Not because he lacked. A man of God is anointed for the people and not for himself. When he prays over your givings the anointing will move on your behalf. That was why God ordained the levites to take offering and tithes because of the anointing.

 Numbers 18:8
8 And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing. . .

So we don't sow to a minister because he lacked . We sow because of the anointing into the life of every one that has been anointed over us 

Galatians 6:6-9
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. 
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows

This should be done regularly. He even emphasised that the giving should not be fleshly or emotional but into the spirit. The anointing in verse 8 

. . .8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

A man that gives a man of God by pity, will not receive by the anointing , he must recognise the anointing and receive the man as a man of God. That's when he can partake of the anointing on that pastor or prophet. A PROPHET REWARD.

 Matthew 10:41
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

A good example  was Elijah and the widow, he made her give him food first, then the anointing caused provision for her (1king 17:13).

Jesus used peters boat , the anointing caused provision for him.
Paul also encouraged the philipian church in their giving to him and told them that it's not because he lacked but that grace may abound into their account.

  Philippians 4:16-18
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things[ which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 

And you can see his blessing in verse 19 his emphasis on "MY" God

. . . 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.