Matthew 23: 16 - 22
"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' You blind men! Which is greater: the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.
This passage is spoken by Jesus at the end of His earthly ministry. Jesus is continuing his rebuke of the Jewish religious leaders. Jesus was pointing out, the sort of foolishness that man is capable of, when he is left to his own understanding. First off, God does not want you to use oaths, God says let your yes be yes and your no be no. What people are really saying when they use oaths is, "I am a liar", but not this time, because I am swearing an oath. look at the above verses carefully, your oath is only binding under certain conditions? What is that?? Is not that the point of using an oath in the first place?
I am not talking about oaths taken in court, these are used to make sure you tell the truth, and are part of the legal record.
This is included in the section about hell, because it teaches what you are not supposed to do, and the consequences for using them.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
145th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't - Matthew 23: 15 Con't.
Matthew 23: 15 continued. The last part of this verse, you make him twice the son of hell that you are. That does not even seem possible. Here is the logic, if you are a false teacher, and you teach your pupil all that you know, he will start off at that point and continue, becoming worse than his teacher. The same is true of a good teacher. The student will never be above his teacher is what the Bible says. The teacher can teach all they know, but you do not get all they went through and learned along the way. Many things work together to make a good or a bad teacher. Since we live in a sinful world and have a sinful nature, we will always fall short of what God wants or expects. This is the whole reason for Jesus! He came into this world so that we could have life, and have it more abundantly. If we ask Jesus to forgive us our sins, He will do that. Not like in the Old Testament, where the blood of the animal only covered our sin. Jesus takes it away. No One else can do that!! With Jesus you can have eternal life!! This is the truth.
We ended on an up note, but in case you wonder why this passage is located in the hell section; it is because any teaching without the truth of Jesus is sending you to hell.
We ended on an up note, but in case you wonder why this passage is located in the hell section; it is because any teaching without the truth of Jesus is sending you to hell.
144th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. Matthew 23:15 Con't.
Matthew 23: 15 Continued. The next part of the verse to look at is you hypocrites. Hypocrites are the worse form of false teacher, because they truly believe that they are teaching and acting correctly. The problem is that they are a walking contradiction, their talk does not match their walk. Remember Matthew Chapter 18? To be a Christian, you have to stay connected to the vine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The teachers of the law believed (this is a broad statement including all 3 groups), that they could not sin, it was their job to point out the sin in other people, but they were above the teaching. Sounds like some political parties I know. Anyway, because these teachers were not keeping themselves to the same rules they were asking of the people to live under is just part of what Jesus was upset about. The next part of the verse is, you will go to any length to make a convert. We tend to think that the Old Testament did not teach about missionary work. This is not true, what Jesus was teaching, was exactly the same teaching the Jews received from Moses all those years earlier. The problem was that over time, the religious leaders started to teach based on their own understanding instead of God's! This is still possible today, we can still go astray. I have run out of space again, this will continue next blog.
143rd Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 23: 15
Matthew 23: 15
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
This passage comes late in Jesus' earthly ministry. Jesus is very strong in what He says here. To understand this passage you need to tear apart the verse. We will start with teachers of the law and Pharisees, Jesus is making a distinction here about teachers being of one or more groups. The religious leaders of that day were put into two groups, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. To be in one of these groups you had to be of the line of Aaron. The Sadducees only believed in the first 5 books of the Old Testament, and did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees were the priests that ran the Temple in Jerusalem. The Pharisees, were the rabbies that taught in the Synagoues in the cities and they believed in the first 5 books of the Old Testament and the Prophets and they believed in some form of resurrection of the dead. I will not explain this further here, when we teach on resurrection, we will look at their different points of view. The teachers of the law is another group, Jesus was talking to, they could have been made up of some of those mentioned above, but were singled out, because these could also be non-believer's. Jesus was talking to these people because they were in a place of authority, and could lead the people astray. This post will have to be continued also.
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
This passage comes late in Jesus' earthly ministry. Jesus is very strong in what He says here. To understand this passage you need to tear apart the verse. We will start with teachers of the law and Pharisees, Jesus is making a distinction here about teachers being of one or more groups. The religious leaders of that day were put into two groups, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. To be in one of these groups you had to be of the line of Aaron. The Sadducees only believed in the first 5 books of the Old Testament, and did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees were the priests that ran the Temple in Jerusalem. The Pharisees, were the rabbies that taught in the Synagoues in the cities and they believed in the first 5 books of the Old Testament and the Prophets and they believed in some form of resurrection of the dead. I will not explain this further here, when we teach on resurrection, we will look at their different points of view. The teachers of the law is another group, Jesus was talking to, they could have been made up of some of those mentioned above, but were singled out, because these could also be non-believer's. Jesus was talking to these people because they were in a place of authority, and could lead the people astray. This post will have to be continued also.
142nd Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 18: 19
Matthew 18: 19 - 20.
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
There is more to this passage than just us being like minded. We have to remember that this passage comes in Chapter 18 of Matthew, and this is the reconciliation chapter. More weight is given to coming together than to putting out. How to live the Christian life is spelled out in John Chapter 15, the whole chapter. The two or three mentioned above, are connected to the true vine.
This has to be the case before the two of you can agree on anything. This is why belonging to a Church is so important! For God to work in your life consistently you must stay connected to Jesus Christ. Jesus said where two or more are gathered in My Name, there am I with them. There are conditions that have to be met in order to claim this truth. Jesus is not talking about a casual meeting with friends, unless you are all connected to Jesus. This is the key. To stay connected to the vine, this requires more than just coming to church on Sundays and one or two nights a week. Look at plants in nature, the branches never leave the plant for awhile and then come back. When you are a Christian, you are one 7 days a week, 24 hours in the day, no exceptions!
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
There is more to this passage than just us being like minded. We have to remember that this passage comes in Chapter 18 of Matthew, and this is the reconciliation chapter. More weight is given to coming together than to putting out. How to live the Christian life is spelled out in John Chapter 15, the whole chapter. The two or three mentioned above, are connected to the true vine.
This has to be the case before the two of you can agree on anything. This is why belonging to a Church is so important! For God to work in your life consistently you must stay connected to Jesus Christ. Jesus said where two or more are gathered in My Name, there am I with them. There are conditions that have to be met in order to claim this truth. Jesus is not talking about a casual meeting with friends, unless you are all connected to Jesus. This is the key. To stay connected to the vine, this requires more than just coming to church on Sundays and one or two nights a week. Look at plants in nature, the branches never leave the plant for awhile and then come back. When you are a Christian, you are one 7 days a week, 24 hours in the day, no exceptions!
141st Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 18:18
Matthew 18: 18.
"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose will be loosed in heaven."
This passage comes toward the end of Jesus' earthly ministry. This follows Matthew 16: 18, "upon this rock I will build My Church". This passage deals with the binding and loosing of believer's in Jesus' Church. People believe that to get to heaven all you have to do is believe (John 3:16). This is true, it will get you there, but just barely. Jesus asked us to do more than just to believe in Him. He asked us to perform charity and to witness, and to be fruitful. To be fruitful, means to do something, not just sit and believe. James said that faith without works is a dead faith, this is true.
Local churches provide a place of instruction, worship, accountability, and fellowship. All of these things are needed in order for our faith to stay healthy. If you do not go to church, and just read the Bible on your own, you are believing in your own understanding. Proverbs 3: 5 -6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding, in all His paths acknowledge Him and He will make Straight your paths." If you read your Bible by yourself only, you will start to understand it your way and not God's, that is why you need to stay connected to God's family. See you in Church!
"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose will be loosed in heaven."
This passage comes toward the end of Jesus' earthly ministry. This follows Matthew 16: 18, "upon this rock I will build My Church". This passage deals with the binding and loosing of believer's in Jesus' Church. People believe that to get to heaven all you have to do is believe (John 3:16). This is true, it will get you there, but just barely. Jesus asked us to do more than just to believe in Him. He asked us to perform charity and to witness, and to be fruitful. To be fruitful, means to do something, not just sit and believe. James said that faith without works is a dead faith, this is true.
Local churches provide a place of instruction, worship, accountability, and fellowship. All of these things are needed in order for our faith to stay healthy. If you do not go to church, and just read the Bible on your own, you are believing in your own understanding. Proverbs 3: 5 -6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding, in all His paths acknowledge Him and He will make Straight your paths." If you read your Bible by yourself only, you will start to understand it your way and not God's, that is why you need to stay connected to God's family. See you in Church!
140th Post Jesus Said On Hell Con't. - Matthew 18: 15 - 17.
Matthew 18: 15 - 17 continued. Ex-communication is a very serious matter indeed. For this to be considered, the person must have done something that would affect the whole church; and be an offense to God. Verse 17 speaks to the gravity of this situation. When Jesus said to Peter upon this rock I will build My church (Matthew 16:18), this is the church Jesus' is talking about. Your local church is just one small part of the total flock. If you find it necessary to ex-communicate someone, be very sure you are dealing with an offense of this level. If not, then don't use these verses. But if the offense is this serious, then the steps that are spelled out in these verses must be applied to the letter and without changing the order in which they are stated. When you are in the tell it to the church stage, this means the whole church, not a very small committee of members and in secret, the whole church hears the offense and then votes to ex-communicate or not. If the church agrees that the offense is serious enough to ex-communicate, then you proceed. Ex-communication, does not have the same meaning as it once did, because of over use. When you choose to ex-communicate someone, you are not only shedding them from your small flock, but also Jesus' flock! This is why God will judge, the parties involved and He will judge correctly. This is included in the Hell section, because of the ex-communication part. Ex-communication means you are handing this person over to Satan. This is very serious indeed!!
139th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 18: 15 - 17.
Matthew 18: 15 - 17.
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of the two witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
This passage comes during the last part of Jesus' earthly ministry. This passage is one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible. To get the context of this passage, you need to remember that chapter 18 starts with verse one, read the beginning of the chapter, then read this passage.
Really, the idea starts in chapter 16 with the passage mentioned before this one. Chapter 18 is about reconcilliation of a member of the church flock. Ex-communication is mentioned, but only as the very last resort. The last line of this passage, verse 17, deals with this issue. Ex-communication is a very serious charge, and proceedings along this line have to be just as serious. If the fault does not come up to the seriousness of the negative conclusion, than this should not even be considered. If someone hurts your feelings, this should not be used in that case. Teaching of the Apostle Paul would be more appropriate concerning stronger and weaker brothers and becoming stumbling blocks. Hurting someone's feelings, is not an ex-communication offense. The punishment does not fit the crime. The church needs to understand the seriousness of ex-communication as well, if it is invoked, God will judge in this case, and if the church has made a mistake, God will judge correctly. To understand this better, I will continue on next blog.
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of the two witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
This passage comes during the last part of Jesus' earthly ministry. This passage is one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible. To get the context of this passage, you need to remember that chapter 18 starts with verse one, read the beginning of the chapter, then read this passage.
Really, the idea starts in chapter 16 with the passage mentioned before this one. Chapter 18 is about reconcilliation of a member of the church flock. Ex-communication is mentioned, but only as the very last resort. The last line of this passage, verse 17, deals with this issue. Ex-communication is a very serious charge, and proceedings along this line have to be just as serious. If the fault does not come up to the seriousness of the negative conclusion, than this should not even be considered. If someone hurts your feelings, this should not be used in that case. Teaching of the Apostle Paul would be more appropriate concerning stronger and weaker brothers and becoming stumbling blocks. Hurting someone's feelings, is not an ex-communication offense. The punishment does not fit the crime. The church needs to understand the seriousness of ex-communication as well, if it is invoked, God will judge in this case, and if the church has made a mistake, God will judge correctly. To understand this better, I will continue on next blog.
Monday, September 27, 2010
138th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 16: 18 - 20
Matthew 16: 18 - 20
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (Hell) will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then He warned His disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
This passage was said about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry, and was spoken at Caesarea Philippi (the head water of the Jordan River at the base of Mt. Hermon). The context of this passage starts at verse 13 of Chapter 16 of Matthew. Jesus had asked His disciples a question, and only Peter had answered correctly. Jesus did not give him credit for his answer, but said "Only My Father in Heaven could have given you that answer." It is interesting that Jesus used this place to bless Peter. Jesus tells Peter that on you (this rock) I will build My Church. There is a large rock at Caesarea Philippi that is 4 - 5 stories high and it disappears into the trees, if you look right, you can not see the end, and if you look left the same thing happens. It seems to go on forever, quite impressive. Then Jesus says "the gates of Hades (Hell) will not prevail against it".
Why do some believe that the Church will be raptured before the anti-christ comes, when Satan will be the strongest? That seems to be the test Jesus was elluding to. Then Jesus tells Peter he will be the keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever he binds will be bound, and whatever he looses will be loosed in earth and in Heaven. Jesus is talking about binding and loosing people. Believer's will be bound to Jesus through the Church, non-believer's will be loosed by their unbelief. Then Jesus closes with the statement not for the disciples to disclose that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). Why? At this time the disciples still did not know who Jesus was, so they were not in a position to tell other's about Jesus. I think the Church is making this mistake today. We are rushing the people through the information process, and puting them in missionary or teaching positions, without equiping them well enough to do the job effectively.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (Hell) will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then He warned His disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
This passage was said about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry, and was spoken at Caesarea Philippi (the head water of the Jordan River at the base of Mt. Hermon). The context of this passage starts at verse 13 of Chapter 16 of Matthew. Jesus had asked His disciples a question, and only Peter had answered correctly. Jesus did not give him credit for his answer, but said "Only My Father in Heaven could have given you that answer." It is interesting that Jesus used this place to bless Peter. Jesus tells Peter that on you (this rock) I will build My Church. There is a large rock at Caesarea Philippi that is 4 - 5 stories high and it disappears into the trees, if you look right, you can not see the end, and if you look left the same thing happens. It seems to go on forever, quite impressive. Then Jesus says "the gates of Hades (Hell) will not prevail against it".
Why do some believe that the Church will be raptured before the anti-christ comes, when Satan will be the strongest? That seems to be the test Jesus was elluding to. Then Jesus tells Peter he will be the keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever he binds will be bound, and whatever he looses will be loosed in earth and in Heaven. Jesus is talking about binding and loosing people. Believer's will be bound to Jesus through the Church, non-believer's will be loosed by their unbelief. Then Jesus closes with the statement not for the disciples to disclose that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). Why? At this time the disciples still did not know who Jesus was, so they were not in a position to tell other's about Jesus. I think the Church is making this mistake today. We are rushing the people through the information process, and puting them in missionary or teaching positions, without equiping them well enough to do the job effectively.
137th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 11: 23- 24.
Matthew 11: 23 - 24.
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.
This passage was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Capernaum was the city Jesus used as His base while He was preaching around the Sea of Galilee. Read the above passage carefully, it says that just being where God is working is not enough to save you. Capernaum had seen first hand many of His miracles, heard His teachings; and still did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus said it will be more bearable for Sodom of (Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis Chapter 19); than for Capernaum on the day of judgment. This is very strong language used by Jesus here; and the message is just as clear for us today as it was for the people that hear it 3,00 years ago. It is not enough for us to be just in the crowd, or attending the Church where God is working; we have to be actively involved in the work of the Lord. A mistake a lot of Christians make is thinking that John 3: 16 is all they need. That is the minimum needed to have eternal life. It should be the start of your journey, not the goal. James said that a faith without works is a dead faith (James 2: 17 - 18). John 3:16 is the beginning of faith, we are required to bear fruit that is works that confirm our faith. Good works without faith won't accomplish the goal of eternal life either. It has to be Faith first, then works. Jesus did not say anything more about Sodom, then just its name. Many people believe that since He (Jesus) did that, the sin that caused the destruction of those cities is not important. This is not the case, Josephus a Jewish historian said in his writings that he had seen the salt pillar, that God had made out of Lot's wife. Josephus lived after the time of Christ, so if he could see it and recognise it, so could the people that Jesus was talking to. It was not necessary for Jesus to tell them why Sodom was destroyed. The reason it will be easier for the people of Sodom than for Capernaum, is because God did not try to save the people of Sodom, they were judged for their unbelief and for their many sinful acts. This does not seem fair to us, but God is God and it was His decision! As creator, He has the authority to rule His creation however He sees fit.
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.
This passage was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Capernaum was the city Jesus used as His base while He was preaching around the Sea of Galilee. Read the above passage carefully, it says that just being where God is working is not enough to save you. Capernaum had seen first hand many of His miracles, heard His teachings; and still did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus said it will be more bearable for Sodom of (Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis Chapter 19); than for Capernaum on the day of judgment. This is very strong language used by Jesus here; and the message is just as clear for us today as it was for the people that hear it 3,00 years ago. It is not enough for us to be just in the crowd, or attending the Church where God is working; we have to be actively involved in the work of the Lord. A mistake a lot of Christians make is thinking that John 3: 16 is all they need. That is the minimum needed to have eternal life. It should be the start of your journey, not the goal. James said that a faith without works is a dead faith (James 2: 17 - 18). John 3:16 is the beginning of faith, we are required to bear fruit that is works that confirm our faith. Good works without faith won't accomplish the goal of eternal life either. It has to be Faith first, then works. Jesus did not say anything more about Sodom, then just its name. Many people believe that since He (Jesus) did that, the sin that caused the destruction of those cities is not important. This is not the case, Josephus a Jewish historian said in his writings that he had seen the salt pillar, that God had made out of Lot's wife. Josephus lived after the time of Christ, so if he could see it and recognise it, so could the people that Jesus was talking to. It was not necessary for Jesus to tell them why Sodom was destroyed. The reason it will be easier for the people of Sodom than for Capernaum, is because God did not try to save the people of Sodom, they were judged for their unbelief and for their many sinful acts. This does not seem fair to us, but God is God and it was His decision! As creator, He has the authority to rule His creation however He sees fit.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
136th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 10: 28
Matthew 10: 28, Luke 12: 4,5.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
This passage comes about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry. It seems, we have not changed much in 3,000 years. If you look at television, or the movies, or even books on the best seller list, they all seem to glorify Satan. Jesus' teaching today would be the same today as it was when He first said them. We are to fear God, only. Fear God?? Are we to be afraid of God?? It depends on how you are living. If you are living contrary to God's teaching, you should be afraid of continuing down that path. If you are struggling to stay on the path of righteousness, then you have nothing to fear. The word fear as Jesus spoke it, means to have reverence for God, that means you love and respect God for Who He is, and His power to do what He wants. Contrary to popular belief, God is more powerful than Satan and us. God has the power to discard, or to save. If you are reading this, and don't have a personal relationship with God; don't you think it is time to fix that situation? I would be more than happy to talk to you further on this subject. Leave me a comment, and how I can contact you in the space below, and I will get back to you.
I hope this blog helps you if you don't know Jesus, to get a better understanding of Who He is and what He has done for you.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
This passage comes about 1.1/2 years into Jesus earthly ministry. It seems, we have not changed much in 3,000 years. If you look at television, or the movies, or even books on the best seller list, they all seem to glorify Satan. Jesus' teaching today would be the same today as it was when He first said them. We are to fear God, only. Fear God?? Are we to be afraid of God?? It depends on how you are living. If you are living contrary to God's teaching, you should be afraid of continuing down that path. If you are struggling to stay on the path of righteousness, then you have nothing to fear. The word fear as Jesus spoke it, means to have reverence for God, that means you love and respect God for Who He is, and His power to do what He wants. Contrary to popular belief, God is more powerful than Satan and us. God has the power to discard, or to save. If you are reading this, and don't have a personal relationship with God; don't you think it is time to fix that situation? I would be more than happy to talk to you further on this subject. Leave me a comment, and how I can contact you in the space below, and I will get back to you.
I hope this blog helps you if you don't know Jesus, to get a better understanding of Who He is and what He has done for you.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
135th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't - Matthew 8: 12
Matthew 8:12
But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This passage is about a year and a half into Jesus earthly ministry. This is a strong message for us today, as it was for the people who first heard it. The sons of the kingdom, Jesus was talking about are the unbelieving Jews, who believe that since they were born in Israel, or could trace their genealogy back to Abraham, they had special treatment and would go to heaven automatically. This idea is absolutely wrong. When you read the Old Testament, you will notice that God had a personal relationship with all His believer's. It is the same way today. Then who are these sons of the kingdom who will be cast out? These are the people who did not try to have a personal relationship with God. We call this relationship today walking with God. In order to walk with someone, you have to walk at the same speed and pace. This requires some work on each side to accomplish this. When you walk with someone you naturally talk with them, you don't walk in silence. It is a give and take. The sons of the kingdom who are cast out, might have gone through the motions, but they did not make the effort to walk with God. These will be cast out to make room for us. If God did this once, don't forget He could cast you out to make room for someone else. Walking is continuous, not a one time affair. Are you walking??
But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This passage is about a year and a half into Jesus earthly ministry. This is a strong message for us today, as it was for the people who first heard it. The sons of the kingdom, Jesus was talking about are the unbelieving Jews, who believe that since they were born in Israel, or could trace their genealogy back to Abraham, they had special treatment and would go to heaven automatically. This idea is absolutely wrong. When you read the Old Testament, you will notice that God had a personal relationship with all His believer's. It is the same way today. Then who are these sons of the kingdom who will be cast out? These are the people who did not try to have a personal relationship with God. We call this relationship today walking with God. In order to walk with someone, you have to walk at the same speed and pace. This requires some work on each side to accomplish this. When you walk with someone you naturally talk with them, you don't walk in silence. It is a give and take. The sons of the kingdom who are cast out, might have gone through the motions, but they did not make the effort to walk with God. These will be cast out to make room for us. If God did this once, don't forget He could cast you out to make room for someone else. Walking is continuous, not a one time affair. Are you walking??
134th Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't - Matthew 10: 28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
This passage was about a year and a half into Jesus earthly ministry. This message talks to us as strongly today, as it did 3,000 years ago when Jesus actually said these words. Look at television, or go to the movies, you will see many shows dealing with Satan and his world. Jesus rightly said "you should fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell". It seems we become infatuated with the evil side and ignore the good side. This has been man's problem since the fall of Adam. Jesus reminds us that Satan is the great deceiver and the accuser of the elect. He tries to drive a wedge between us and God. Satan is interested in causing your early death, he does this by glorifing lifestyles that destroy your life and family. When you die, you can no longer change your destiny by repenting of your sins and coming to God. This is why St. Peter, is who he is and Judas Iscariot is who he is. Both committed the same sin, before Christ died. Peter repented and was restored, Judas did not, and then killed himself, making it impossible for him to be restored. This is the teaching that Jesus meant in this passage. Who controls your life? Are you ready to follow Jesus yet? It is up to you. No one can make decision, but you.
This passage was about a year and a half into Jesus earthly ministry. This message talks to us as strongly today, as it did 3,000 years ago when Jesus actually said these words. Look at television, or go to the movies, you will see many shows dealing with Satan and his world. Jesus rightly said "you should fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell". It seems we become infatuated with the evil side and ignore the good side. This has been man's problem since the fall of Adam. Jesus reminds us that Satan is the great deceiver and the accuser of the elect. He tries to drive a wedge between us and God. Satan is interested in causing your early death, he does this by glorifing lifestyles that destroy your life and family. When you die, you can no longer change your destiny by repenting of your sins and coming to God. This is why St. Peter, is who he is and Judas Iscariot is who he is. Both committed the same sin, before Christ died. Peter repented and was restored, Judas did not, and then killed himself, making it impossible for him to be restored. This is the teaching that Jesus meant in this passage. Who controls your life? Are you ready to follow Jesus yet? It is up to you. No one can make decision, but you.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
133rd Post Jesus Said On Hell Con't. - Matthew 5: 22-30
In our discussion of this passage this last Sunday Night. A question was raised concerning the wording used in different translations of the Bible. The question came in reference to Matthew 5:23 and the word "gift". The passage was making a distinction between which sacrifice was being offered. Most translations used only the word gift. But this translation in question, used the word sacrifice only; and it was the use of this word that brought up the question. Which sacrifice was it? Was it the sin sacrifice or the gift sacrifice? Gift sacrifice was implied, but not stated clear enough to answer the question. I told them I would check into the matter, by going back to the original wording of the text from which the translations were translated; and would post my findings here. Since the New Testament was written in Greek, I looked up the Greek words used in order to find the answer. Matthew 5: 23 used the Greek word DORON, there are two dots supposed to be over the "o". This word is used for gift. The Greek word for sin offering is HAMARTIA . Since the passage used Doron, instead of Hamartia, the sacrifice meant was the gift sacrifice.
In my class, I welcome people to use different translations of the Bible for just this reason. I want them to use a Bible they can understand, and if they have questions as to why different words are used, this stimulates discussion. Hopefully through these discussions, they come away with a better understanding of the Bible. This class deals with Jesus and His words. When you call yourself a Christian, that means Christ Like. If you don't know what He said how can you be like Him?
In my class, I welcome people to use different translations of the Bible for just this reason. I want them to use a Bible they can understand, and if they have questions as to why different words are used, this stimulates discussion. Hopefully through these discussions, they come away with a better understanding of the Bible. This class deals with Jesus and His words. When you call yourself a Christian, that means Christ Like. If you don't know what He said how can you be like Him?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
132nd Post Jesus Said About Hell Con't - Matthew 5: 22- 30
Matthew 5: 26 - 30. In this section, Jesus continued to raise the bar set by the 10 Commandments. In this section Jesus focused on adultery. The ten commandments said not to commit it physically. Jesus raised the bar, by saying if you think lustfully in your head, you have already committed the sin. This was a completely new teaching. The Jews were now to be held accountable for what they thought. Up to this point, they felt that their thoughts were private and above accountability. Now Jesus said that they would be held accountable. We can be feeling this same way today. We live in an age where the internet is very easy to get, and there are plenty of places and sites we can visit in the privacy of our homes or offices. We feel because it is only viewed by us and not shared, somehow it is ok to do this. We are held to the same level today, that Jesus asked those listener's over 3,000 years ago. Jesus went on to say that if a member of your own body causes you to sin, it is better to cut that part out of your body so that you can enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is better to enter into the Kingdom, less than whole in order to be restored completely in Heaven. This shows to the degree, we should try to live like Christ, that we would not go to hell. Think about how much God loves you, that He came and taught, died and rose again in order for us to have eternal life. Are you ready to follow Him??
131st Post Jesus Said on Hell Con't. - Matthew 5: 22-30
Jesus discussed several points in this passage and we will look at each one starting with the trouble you are having with your brother. This is Matthew 5: 22 - 26. Jesus was making the point, that if you called your brother 'Raca' wich means mentally empty headed, you would be called before the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin are the governing body consisting of 70 members, who are made up of the Sadducees and the Pharisees elders. These men had the power to put people to death. This would be like using the term 'idiot' today. Jesus said that if you called your brother a 'fool', which means empty character, godless, moral reprobate; this was ok with the Sanhedrin, but Jesus said that God would hold you accountable. God would send you to hell fire. The term 'Hell Fire', is a reference to the valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem, where rubbish and cacasses were burned. This was a graphic metaphor for the place of eternal torment. For more history on this place you can refer to the following Old Testment passages: Jeremiah 7: 31 -32; II Chronicles 28:3; 33:6; II Kings 23:10. Keep in mind, Jesus was talking about people with out a cause. Jesus goes on to say that if you remember when you are giving a gift to God, and you remember you have wronged your brother, you are to leave your gift and go and be reconciled to your brother first before offering your gift to God. If you take care of the problem while it is small, it will be easier than waiting for it to come to court. If that happens you will held accountable for every penny owed. This is God's word.
130th Post Jesus Said About Hell Con't. - Matthew 5: 22-30
Matthew 5: 22 - 30.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca', is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you paid the last penny." "You have heard it said, 'Don't commit adultry.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If you right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
This passage comes from the beginning of Matthew chapter 5, the beginning of Jesus Sermon on the Mount. This is about a year and a half into Jesus earthly ministry on earth. This will be continued on the following posts.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca', is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you paid the last penny." "You have heard it said, 'Don't commit adultry.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If you right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
This passage comes from the beginning of Matthew chapter 5, the beginning of Jesus Sermon on the Mount. This is about a year and a half into Jesus earthly ministry on earth. This will be continued on the following posts.
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