Deut 12:11-28
I am editing a lot of what I originally wrote here because I'm unhappy with it.
Regarding some of the punishments afforded to those who broke God's instructions we really do not see those punishments actually taking place in scripture because there were so many other rules and regulations involved in doing so that it was pretty much impossible for the Jews to actually carry it out. So why did God give the instruction to then only add other instructions that had to be met before the initial instruction could be carried out, if He knew the people would not be able fully carry it out? I don't know. If anyone has any thoughts on the answer to that, I'm interested in hearing it. But to continue on with this section....oh, and thanks for your patience as I learn along with you. 
God is very detailed. We see that in the construction of the ark of the Covenant and the making of the area they worshiped and sacrificed in. He explains, in great detail what He wants. What would be pleasing to Him. In respect to worshipping Him, He does not care what we want, He wants us to focus on what He wants...and not deter from it. We are not add or take away from what He's instructed. Some of the things that some "christians" partake of are things they like, but things that God has said He hates. It's given an overhaul and repurposed and we tell him "It's for you God. I do it for You", yet all the time doing the total opposite of what He's instructed.
In the book of Acts, Peter told the council about the Gentiles being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, they all rejoiced. Then they said, we don't want to overwhelm these new believers who are Gentiles with the rules and regulations of learning all of God's instructions. When they start attending the Sabbath services on Sabbath they will gradually learn it all but for now, let's start with "You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things." (Acts 15: 29)
From there, seek God and let Him instruct you further. I have found that doing something because someone else tells me I'm supposed to usually just does not work. But when God pricks my heart over it, I change. And after all, that's the goal, to change and become more like Him.
I am editing a lot of what I originally wrote here because I'm unhappy with it.
Regarding some of the punishments afforded to those who broke God's instructions we really do not see those punishments actually taking place in scripture because there were so many other rules and regulations involved in doing so that it was pretty much impossible for the Jews to actually carry it out. So why did God give the instruction to then only add other instructions that had to be met before the initial instruction could be carried out, if He knew the people would not be able fully carry it out? I don't know. If anyone has any thoughts on the answer to that, I'm interested in hearing it.
But to continue on with this section....oh, and thanks for your patience as I learn along with you. God is very detailed. We see that in the construction of the ark of the Covenant and the making of the area they worshiped and sacrificed in. He explains, in great detail what He wants. What would be pleasing to Him. In respect to worshipping Him, He does not care what we want, He wants us to focus on what He wants...and not deter from it. We are not add or take away from what He's instructed. Some of the things that some "christians" partake of are things they like, but things that God has said He hates. It's given an overhaul and repurposed and we tell him "It's for you God. I do it for You", yet all the time doing the total opposite of what He's instructed.
In the book of Acts, Peter told the council about the Gentiles being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, they all rejoiced. Then they said, we don't want to overwhelm these new believers who are Gentiles with the rules and regulations of learning all of God's instructions. When they start attending the Sabbath services on Sabbath they will gradually learn it all but for now, let's start with "You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things." (Acts 15: 29)
From there, seek God and let Him instruct you further. I have found that doing something because someone else tells me I'm supposed to usually just does not work. But when God pricks my heart over it, I change. And after all, that's the goal, to change and become more like Him.
