But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.

Exodus 33:20

"No one has seen God at any time.”

John 1:18

And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, "My Lord, show yourself to me that I may look at You." The Almighty said, "You will not see Me

Quran 7:143

Some nyeuthi go to church and sing "We're Jews, we're Israelites", not knowing they are not Jews

Matthew 10:5 After Jesus had taught his twelve disciples, he sent them out, and commanded them saying: "Go NOT into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter into any city of the Samaritans. Go only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel."

So a Gentile is anybody who is not Jewish. And a Gentile includes all other mankind. So if you are not a Jew or if you are not Israeli then Jesus himself tells you that he was not sent for you.

This isn't just a personal opinion, but is also a self contradictory idea especially with regard to usury. It's difficult to say this is a Divine law.

Look at the title of the thread.

Those who go to church on Sat or Sun with Bible in hand, now know that USURY or INTEREST is prohibited in the Bible.

@tycho, from the concept of "man-god", then you'll have a law that keeps changing. That's why it keeps changing, new versions all the time.

But the law from Almighty God, the Creator of this Universe is valid for all situations. Because the thought is infinite.

Jeremiah 8:8 "But behold, the lying pen of the scribes has made it into a LIE."

@tycho, even a smart guy like you has joined the bandwagon? I'm engaging you with reason and I give you references (in line with title of thread). I'm open for educating, I'll also voice my understanding. So let's engage soberly.

This thread is not initially meant to be a discourse in the them vs us (or whichever is more "Godly" than the others and why) but if this direction will result in illumination, so be it

Operative Laws...
Luke 6:38... 38 Give, and it will be given to
you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together
and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with
the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Ever noticed that there are generous people who never seem to run out of resources, while some mikono-birika's are perpetually broke/poor. Once I realized this, I started assessing and can point out a great number of people who were rather open hearted, and it seems they have been blessed in abundance. And here am not only referring to money and wealth. One of the simplest and most graifying forms of blessings is successful children and grandchildren.
This, I have discovered is an operative law: whether you are aware of it or not, if you hold on too tight, you miss out on an opportunity to get a refill.

@Alpha, on this one you are very wrong. Again I show you the facts (I would encourage you to read the bible with full context and not cherry picking verses)
Among the last instructions that Jesus left his disciples is one called "the great commision" it is about spreading the good news (we can discuss what goods news is, if you want) from Judea, Samaria and to the EVERY corner of the world. That passage is recorded in all the 4 gospels (injeel - which you claim to follow)
Mathew 28:16-20
John 20:21-23
Mark 16:14-16
Luke 24:45-47

Tycho, while its true that some give, hoping to bribe God into multiplying it, what I refer to above is the giving that is:
1. Driven by a sense of gratitude: it all belongs to God. But i am a custodian. For that am thankful
2. In the book of Malachi, God instructs us to pay tithe: so am obeying direct instructions from God. God also pledges to protect yours from moth and rust... that which fritters away the little you have: interest rates, breakages, pilferage, lost opportunities and other "unfortunate occurrences"
In the book of Jeremiah, God explicitly instructs that if you are to boast, it should be about the acts of kindness (as opposed to your wealth)
3. Giving is not limited to God (tithe, offerings) but to fellow humans.
I have at many points benefited from the generosity of those who were not obliged to give. And to a great extent, I am who/where I am because someone else gave freely.
I therefore want "others to enjoy the same benefit" - a number of people will recognize where this phrase comes from

I draw my giving decisions from the principle of love (1 Cor 13... Love is kind.) Giving is an expression of kindness. And here-in lies a key determinant as to who, when, how much and why I give.
To answer your question, I give of the following
1. 10% of my income as tithe (intentional, consistent) - I believe that I give back to God through the church... (i go to a non-Kanyari like church, with "proper" leadership structures and systems).
2. 5 - 10% of income as charity (opportunistic).

I am working on giving time, energy and influence through mentorship, etc. I derive great satisfaction from simple acts of giving (and kindness) though i am persuaded otherwise sometimes. I also note the examples that abound of rewarded giving in the Bible.
@Tycho: Do you give?