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THE SERMON OF THE MOUNT # 14

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THE TREATMENT OF ENEMIES IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

 lion and lamb

38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48.

I believe the scene here is for the Jews in the Tribulation, the prelude to the Kingdome of Heaven. We must also rid ourselves of the belief that everyone on earth will love the King and the Jews in the Kingdom. Many within the Kingdom will have wicked hearts, and hate the theocratic rule of the King. Keep in mind that He and His disciples must rule with a “rod of iron.” (Psa.2; Rev. 2:27; 19:15). Although most of the above text is dealing with the tribulation period, some of it will exist on earth during the time of the Kingdom. It is those circumstances the Lord is instructing them how to deal with their enemies.

Under the Old Testament Law, one was to pay for his crime according his own actions. But Jesus is above the law, and makes changes for that future time spoken of above. He did a similar example at His first advent in the case of the woman taken is adultery. The Law demanded that she die.

The Lord is instructing those who will be in the Tribulation and the Kingdom not to take personal revenge. They are to be passive under personal insults, and go the extra mile. They are to overcome evil with kindness and hospitality. He is the Law giver, and He has the power to alter, or modify as He pleases.

The disciples are to demonstrate love, not just to their Jewish brothers, but to all peoples. God demonstrates His goodness every day. They are be like their Father in heaven. If they follow the above example, they are demonstrating the attributes of their Heavenly Father. 

THE SERMON OF THE MOUNT # 13

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THE LAW OF SWEARING IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

lion and lamb 

 “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matthew 5:33-37.

We can see immediately that to swear is the same as making an oath. Jews felt that it was a disgrace, and dishonor to break an oath. In fact, God held one accountable who made an oath. Moses said, “If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:2.

 There are many examples in Scripture, but perhaps the story of Jephthah will serve us best. “And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, 31 Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering…And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances…35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, …I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back. …her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel,” Judges 11:30-39. This story is just one example of how serious the Israelites were about all vows. Jews held a person responsible for their vows. The Lord is warning the Jews to not swear under any circumstances. Their word, if true, should consist of a “yes,” or “no.” Nothing more was wise or necessary.

Jews would swear by God, the temple, the altar, and heaven. However, they had no control over events, or circumstances that might arise, where it would be better to not obey their vow. However, those who vowed were trapped by their on lips, as was Jephthah.  

This is good advice for one in any dispensation. You don’t need to swear by the stars, on your mother’s grave, on the Bible, by heaven, or by anything else. A safe answer is “yes” or “no.” It appears that the law of oaths will be stricter in the Kingdom of Heaven.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #12 – Kingdom of Heaven

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MARRIAGE, MORALITY AND DIVORCE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

lion and lamb

27  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29  And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31   It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Matthew 5:27-32

This is the seventh of the Ten Commandments. It was given to Moses on stone, but Jesus reveals that adultery is a heart matter. He who has a heart of lust, will lust for another, and has already committed adultery in the heart. The believer should understand that all with God is a heart matter. We can assume that the lust is not speaking of a one-time event, but of a heart that is controlled by lust.

Since this sermon is located in Matthew, the book of the King of Israel, and Kingdom of Heaven is the subject, there is no reason one should spiritualize verses 29-30. I am aware that this is so foreign to Western thinking, that our minds have difficulty grasping it. There is no record of this practice In the Old Testament. Therefore, this must be a law for entrance into the Kingdom.  One need not spiritualize verse 29-30, while taking the other verses to be literal. As drastic as the action may be, it will be better than going to hell.

Divorce and remarriage was granted under the Law, although that was not God’s intent when Adam and Eve were created. In the beginning, God’s plan was one marriage only. Had sin not corrupted man that would still be the case, but God later allowed divorce. Paul, in the church epistles also allows divorce and remarriage. Under the Law, a bill of divorcement was sufficient to release the wife from her former husband, and she was free to marry another. (Deuteronomy 24.)

Under the Kingdom of Heaven rule, a man may not divorce his wife except she is found to be sexually impure. To do so causes her, and her new husband to committee adultery.

We are not informed of any further punishment on the two. Perhaps they will be expelled from the opportunities granted other citizens of the Kingdom. It is also possible that they are banished beyond the boundaries of the “Holy Land,” thus “cast out.” The full extent will be known in that time.

SERMON OF THE MOUNT # 11

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SETTLING DISPUTES IN THE MILLENNIUM

 

jewish altar

 

“  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 25  Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26  Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” Matthew 5:23-26.

The word “therefore” connects the following to the above. It also shows that the Law will be strictly enforced, and that animal sacrifices will be offered. We pointed that out in a previous article from the book of Ezekiel.

Notice that God requires harmony between His people more that he desires sacrifices. This is true in all dispensations. However, the Sermon of the Mount is specifically for the Jews in the Millennium. Thus, when bringing a sacrifice to the temple altar, it should be left, and reconciliation made with the offended brother. Afterwards, the sacrifice could be offered.

If a disagreement is of such a nature, that the adversary seeks to take one to court, the Lord admonishes that the offender seek to make peace before a court appearance. This is the meaning of verse 25. The gospel of Luke adds light. “ When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.” Luke 12:58. Note also that there will be counsels, officers, judges, and prisons. Matthew 18 also adds ever more light. “28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.” Matthew 18:28-30.

There is not one thing in these verses that requires that it be spiritualized; all is literal, and physical. The context puts it within the Kingdom of Heaven.

Perhaps the greatest perversion of this Scripture is by the Roman Catholic Church. On these verses they have built the cruelest doctrine found in any religion. The motive is to extort money from their ignorant church members. Verse 26 is used to show that the deceased, must first go to purgatory and suffer in hell fire to pay for his sins. His family is told that he will not come out of purgatory until someone pays the “uttermost farthing” for him or her. The “farthing” “… a day’s wage. It was .1375 oz. of silver, worth perhaps 65 cents today. Therefore, 100 pence would be worth only $65.Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible.

I have before me the book of Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, by Dr. Ludwig Ott, who is a Catholic. On page 485 we read, “As to the length of the purification process for the individual souls, nothing can be said in terms of years.” Also, “For the individual souls the purifying fire endures until they are free from all guilt and punishment.”

The man in verse 30 does not come out of jail until “he pays his debt.” His time in jail may pay it, or his land, house, or family may be sold to pay it. However, the Roman Catholic Church has made itself the recipients of the payments of money until…? Since no one on earth knows when the debt is paid, money must continue to be paid to the Church so prayers and candles will be offered for the departed loved ones who are in the fires of purgatory. Since no one knows when the debt is paid, this keeps the money coming into the coffers. This demonic twisting of Scripture, by thieves, justifies the sentence to hell by all who espouse this doctrine.

There is nothing in the text about any church of any kind. This passage is all about the Kingdom of Heaven. You would have be demon possessed to use this passage to extort money from those who are suffering over the loss of a loved one.

WHO IS THE LEADER OF YOUR CHURCH?

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tug of war

By Ken Blue

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Romans 16:17.

Pastor, if you are the leader of your church, you can expect attacks from every direction, for every cause. Jesus said, “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31. Please don’t try to help me out by reminding me of the context, and who smites the shepherd. I got it.

The application is universal…smite the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. Remember also, when you are under attack, the destruction of the church is Satan’s goal.

One pastor friend said the source of most problems is “frustrated ambition.” That is, someone wants something, and you are in their way. Another said, the two things a pastor-leader will be accused of most often is “a lack of love for his people, and being a dictator.” It only makes sense, if someone resents you, those would be their attacks.

We hear much today about the “abusive pastor,” or how good churches become cults. An author with the same name as mine has written a book, “Healing Spiritual Abuse: How to Break Free from Bad Church Experience” I confess, I have not read the book, but I have no doubt about its subject content. There are those who have dedicated their entire lives, and ministry, searching land and sea for a pastor who has fallen so they will have something to write about.

The pastor is called to lead the flock. We will confine our remarks to the Pastoral Epistles so we may be true to our subject. In 1 Tim.1:4, Paul tells young Timothy to not allow himself to be drawn into arguments and debates. In verse 18, he is to wage a good war against the Devil. In chapter 3:5, he is to “rule, and care” for the church. In verse 12, he must exercise judgment about the choice of deacons. Sound doctrine must be the heart of his sermons, 4:6. In 4:11, there are things to “command and teach.” In 5:7, he is given a charge by Paul. In verse 11, there are certain people who must be denied the financial care by the church.  In 5:18, he is to set the salary of other pastors who work for him. Chapter 5:20, would be considered abuse in any church today. That’s because the pastors are “wimps.” Chapter 6:4, 5 will be at the heart of most troublemakers. Verse 17 calls for another charge to preach.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]With great responsibility, comes greater accountability.[/pullquote]

The preacher can discover for himself his leadership duties also in 2 Timothy and Titus. Pastors should seek advice in some matters. He must love his people and protect them, and himself. You must be open, and transparent. But, you should not allow anyone to take the leadership away from you. You are accountable to God to “take the oversight” as God leads you. With great responsibility, comes greater accountability.

I will list some things that are not spiritual abuse. Those who think they are, should join a church that doesn’t have any men in it.

  1. It is not abuse for the pastor to take the leadership and oversight of the church. To do otherwise, is a neglected of duty.
  2. It is not abuse to preach the Word of God as you understand it, regardless of who does not like it.
  3. It is not abuse to remove those who cause strife or division.
  4. It is not abuse to set people in place,  that you trust, over ministries.
  5. It is not abuse to have any guest speakers of your choice.
  6. It is not abuse to lead the planning for the church future.
  7. It is not abuse to refuse to abdicate your leadership.
  8. It is not abuse to refuse to allow someone to do something you don’t approve
  9. It is not abuse to choose the music for the church.
  10. It is not abuse to take the leadership of the church. Either you will lead, or some sissy’s wife will.