Post by alan4jc on Jul 3, 2007 0:24:38 GMT -5
There are all kinds of fights, divisions, wars, company break-ups, divorces,
family quarrels, and church splits.
We can look at the causes, selfishness for money, sex and power. Whatever the
initial evil is there is a natural reactionary cause. It is retaliation, revenge
and bitterness.
The New Testament in many places addresses the reaction. Here is Jesus command,
on the proper reaction to evil people and enemies.
“You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell
you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek,
turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic,
let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with
him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one
who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your
neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for
those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He
causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous
and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?
Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers,
what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect,
therefore, as your heavenly Father is
perfect.” Matthew
5:38-48
Jesus gives no exceptions. Even if there were exceptions do they cover every
instance? If they did, the commands make no sense. There must be a time when
they are to be obeyed.
Have you ever obeyed these commands?
Do you expect to in the future?
If so, when?
On our website, ccmbooks.org we have mp3 files of my teachings at seminars and
the schools of practical Christianity. There will be new messages added weekly.
In the Lord Jesus Christ,
Jim
--Also, check out Jim Wilson's blog at www.rootsbytheriver.blogspot.com
Community Christian Ministries
516 S. Main
Moscow, ID 83843
www.ccmbooks.org
family quarrels, and church splits.
We can look at the causes, selfishness for money, sex and power. Whatever the
initial evil is there is a natural reactionary cause. It is retaliation, revenge
and bitterness.
The New Testament in many places addresses the reaction. Here is Jesus command,
on the proper reaction to evil people and enemies.
“You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell
you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek,
turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic,
let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with
him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one
who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your
neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for
those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He
causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous
and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?
Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers,
what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect,
therefore, as your heavenly Father is
perfect.” Matthew
5:38-48
Jesus gives no exceptions. Even if there were exceptions do they cover every
instance? If they did, the commands make no sense. There must be a time when
they are to be obeyed.
Have you ever obeyed these commands?
Do you expect to in the future?
If so, when?
On our website, ccmbooks.org we have mp3 files of my teachings at seminars and
the schools of practical Christianity. There will be new messages added weekly.
In the Lord Jesus Christ,
Jim
--Also, check out Jim Wilson's blog at www.rootsbytheriver.blogspot.com
Community Christian Ministries
516 S. Main
Moscow, ID 83843
www.ccmbooks.org