Lust Matthew 5:27-30

Sermon Nuggets Monday May 2 Adultery

Verses Matt 5:27-30

27 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'

28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

29 If your 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 for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

30 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.

FACING A PROMISCUOUS SOCIETY

Rorschach ink blot test was given to a young man who after seeing each card responded with the same answer. "Those are pictures of naked women.”

Finally the psychologist said, "It seems that you have a one track mind.”

He answered," Me? Listen, Doc, you're the one who’s showing all those dirty pictures."

We live in a sexual society. It seems that it is impossible to read a secular magazine, watch an evening of television, or walk into many stores without being reminded how much sex is used to sell. Conversations at school and work overflow with sexual subjects and off colored jokes.

We are bombarded by all sides on the pleasure seeking philosophy of self gratification. Our world says- If it feels good do it. Everyone is doing it. You are prudes, Victorian and archaic if you don't realize the changing times. Many tell themselves the lie that sexual relationship is alright if I really love the person. Love is the only thing that matters?

Some would say that sexual desires are as normal and healthy as breathing. If God gave you the drive and hunger for food then it is only normal and healthy to eat food. If God created our bodies to seek to satisfy that sexual hunger and desire we shouldn't restrict ourselves of what is a natural and normal hunger. Man in that manner is nothing more than full of animalistic instincts.

There is another unhealthy attitude teaching all sex is shameful and sinful. Nice people don't do it, and it is something you should never talk about in public. Many may be uncomfortable for having a week of devotions on the topic of adultery and sexual purity. However, Jesus addressed this as a sin problem in the Sermon on the Mount. Sexuality is a big part of our thinking and our lives and there are many Scriptures that speak to the issues.

As we continue looking at Sermon on the Mount Jesus speaks to issues of the heart. We must have a heart that is changed. Following strict laws is not enough and Jesus makes that point vivid by contrasting his righteousness with that of the Pharisees. He is addresses deeper purity.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues May 3 Physical purity

Verse- Matt 5: 27 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'

Be Pure in Body.

“Thou shalt not commit adultery." This was a God given law to protect society, and the sanctity of marriage. Adultery can refer to sexual relationships of married person with people other than their mate, The word indicates an adulteration of God's plan of sex, meaning all sexual sins outside of marriage is sin; that would be true for fornication, homosexuality, bestiality, sodomy and so forth.

According to the Jewish law adultery was considered sin that could be punishable by death, (Lev. 20:10) That was why the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus who was caught in the very act of adultery and wanted to stone her. Jesus responded, "Let him that is without sin cast the first stone." He wasn't saying, "aw, its' ok guys, girls will be girls and boys will be boys." He was pointing out their own sinful hearts as well. He looked at the woman when her accusers left, he said, "Go and sin no more."

Yes there is forgiveness for adultery, and fornication and every other kind of sin, but without forgiveness we are separated from God. Adultery creates chaos, and destroys community and civilization.

Historian J.D. Unwin observed 18 different civilizations that have been quite successful in the past, all of them fallen today. He compared the progress of such a society with their changing moral sexual relationships. He wrote, "Some point in every civilization in order to survive it must choose between sexual promiscuity or restriction." In each case adultery and free and perverted sex preceded the downfall of the society.

Sexual relationship is meant to be the pinnacle, the consummation of a total relationship that God intended with husband and wife, committing themselves to be one family together, seeking to raise children under the admonition and wisdom of God. It is in such relationship sanctioned by society and the church and the Lord. In that setting children are most secure, socially and spiritually. We suffer consequences when we disobey God's word.

In Paul's letter to Corinth he teaches that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore our bodies should be pure and dedicated to him. Would you think of uniting the God to a prostitute or in sexual relationships that are an abomination to him?

There is concentrated teaching by groups such as Planned Parenthood, supported by much of government funds, that teaches not just the contraceptive methods, but treats all sexual activity as an open decision for youth. Homosexuality is presented as an acceptable option. Having an abortion is a personal choice by a teen even without the knowledge of a parent. Waiting for marriage before sex is one of many choices a person is free to decide for him/herself. What is a young person suppose to think? Society says sex is ok if I can handle it. Everyone is doing it. Peer pressure is extremely strong. Most young people have shown by psychological studies to respond not on convictions that have been taught as much as on influence by option that their friends hold and practice.

God has a plan that is good and pure and calls us to purity in our bodies and give our bodies over to him.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds May 4 Mental purity

Verse Matt 5: 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Be Pure in Mind

Jesus said, even more importantly than not having sex outside of marriage is not to even think about it. If you look upon a woman to lust after her you have already committed adultery in your heart. Of course, as Jesus contrasts his commands to the Pharisee many think they are self righteous if they have not literally had sex with someone other than their spouse.

A good godly man in my church in Detroit surprised me by saying "if any man denies this he is a liar and has both lied and committed adultery." I was surprised for 2 reasons. I would never think this fellow would admit that he lusted. Secondly, I knew what he was speaking of. Lust is not wrong because it might lead to adultery. Lust is the cause of an adulteress heart. We must first confess our sin to God and recognize sanctification is His work in our lives to be pure in body and mind.

Jesus knows where sins of the mind lead to. He also knows Satan gains victory of more than the body but the mind. There is a difference in looking attractive and looking seductive. There is a difference in being friends with someone of the opposite sex and letting our mind play sinful fantasy we think we are harmless.

Studies and clinical case histories show that repeated exposure to pornography often results in compulsive and deviant behavior and many cases leads to sex crimes. After treating more than 240 sex offenders Dr. Victor Cline, a clinical psychologist and professor at the U of Utah, determined the exposure to pornography led to their deviant behavior. In 1985 the U of New Hampshire study found that the states with the highest rape rates also had the most porn readership.

I read in the news report early this morning of the arrest of John Craig Heuer, the man who abducted and kidnapped the 8 year old girl from a St. Paul laundry this week. He had been at a strip club next to the laundry and is now charged with sexual assault. The mind does affect us until we are slaves to lusts. His sin didn't begin when he took the little girl. It began long before when he let his mind get carried away with lewd pictures. It began in his mind.

Since 150 sex-oriented businesses have been eliminated in Oklahoma City, the rape rate decreased in the county by 26% whereas it rose 20% during the same time period throughout the rest of the state. Cincinnati police found an 83% decrease in major crime in a city area where sex shops were shut down.

Psychologist Shirley Glass says, "If you are emotionally intimate, if you share more of your feelings and your heart with a friend of the opposite sex than you do with your spouse-and if that person knows more about your marriage than your spouse knows about him or her-you've crossed the line into some kind of an affair."

Pornography degrades women as sex object, and presents unnatural sexual stimulation. What captures your mind? What triggers thoughts that you know you ought not be messing with? Ask yourself would Jesus watch this? Would Jesus rent this video or read this book?

When TV soap opera character commits suicide and the suicide rate increases all over America we are affected by what is watched. We need to call it for what it is, sin. And when our minds are dwelling on that which is against God's purity we need a cleansing of our minds like Jesus cleansed of the temple.

The good news is- there is help, forgiveness, and freedom from sexual and pornographic addictions. But like all sin it has to be faced and aided with the encouragement of others in real love.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets May 5 Pure in Spirit

Verses- Matt 5: 29-30 If your 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 for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

30 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.

Be Pure in Spirit

How do we face this problem of lust and impurity in body, mind and spirit? We must be born again. Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. We have no hope until we have salvation and are converted and repent of our sins. But the lusts are still plaguing Christians. Satan will seek to kill and steal and destroy.

Listen to Jesus' remedy for lust: Jesus says cut out your eye, cut off your hand if that is what is offending you, for better to be maimed than let that lead to you hell. Cut it out. Ouch!

Now some may misunderstand that passage. Why don't we have more crippled and blind people around if we take this passage literally? I believe Jesus is not talking about bodily mutilation here. There would be no end to it. First the right eye, then the left. First one would cut the right hand, then the left hand would eventually go and dissemble the body piece by piece.

There are many times Jesus uses the cultures understanding of hyperbole, an exaggeration to get across how important it is to take away things that lead us into temptations. The problem here is spiritual problem and the only way to spiritual purity is to have the cleansing by the Holy Spirit, then all of our body is dedicated, and our entire mind is devoted to the ways of the Lord.

If eyes are means of sin then don't look. Be blinded to those things which bring temptation. Don't go looking at magazines and websites which are geared for our sensual desires. Recently JC Penney’s put out an ad picturing pre teen and early teen girls in bikinis and mildly suggestive poses. Since complaints came the CEO apologized and gave a directive to marketing not to do that anymore. JC Penney’s want to be seen as a family store but most will gladly push whatever makes money and sexual suggestive clothing sells. Billion of dollars are made in making girls look seductive which are worn in school and office buildings. If you are committed to Jesus your clothes and attitude around the opposite sex needs to demonstrate that.

Whatever activity dress, or habit in life keep us from a pure heart, reserved for the Lord and for our mates, lest we pay eternal consequences. Sin so easily ensnares us and we are caught like a fly in the spider's web. No sacrifice is too great if it enables us to control a lust.

Clearly, too much of today's music focuses on sexual pleasures. Seldom is there a TV program which doesn’t depict unmarried people go to bed together. It is an avalanche of messages that immoral sexual behavior is now the norm.

How can we endure temptations? We cannot do away temptation, it will be around. It isn't the first look that is the sin it is the second, third and fourth. Members of the opposite sex being together a great deal need to always be alert to the problem of temptation. Be on guard. First, recognize that anyone can fall, we are not above temptation. 2) Don't rationalize if you are starting to make excuses to yourself. Admit it. 2) Stop feeding the thought, guard against sex on TV, movies, books, magazine videos. 3) If needs be take up other diversions or hobbies or think of those things which build up the faith and your personal spiritual life. 4) Keep busy in service of others and God. 5) Pray about it and let the spirit search your heart. 6) Have physical activity though sports, jogging, exercise, 7) Consider the price and consequences of illicit sex. 8) Remember, the Scriptures. Meditate on them.

There is No temptation that is given you that is not common to man but with ever temptation God is faith and will provide for you a way of escape that you may be able to endure it." I Cor. 10:13

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets May 6 Pure in Love-

Verse- Matt 22:39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Be Pure in Love

Lust is using people for selfish means. Jesus saw the sin of that and knew it was a heart issue.

Sex trafficking was reported on the news last night of girls as young as 12 years old are lured and kidnapped into prostitution in Minnesota. One official said it clearly. "As long as there is demand, there will be supply." The growing demand of sex for hire and pornography is based on greed and selfish indulgence and grows to other sins and crimes are committed. Little girls are selfishly used and thrown away. Lust never is satisfied, it always grows for more.

Godly love is what brings glue to a meaningful relationship. Real love for God comes only when we have first received and responded to real from God. He laid down his life for us so we might know Him and find fulfillment.

Scripture teaches that sex, like most things in life, can be used as God intended for joy and pleasure and blessing and fulfillment. Or it can be misused that leads to sin, lust, and twisted perversion. When God created woman he said to that first couple to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. Sexual relationship was God's creative genius for sharing of love in a healthy marriage commitment whereby procreation of children can be properly cared for and nurtured.

The Bible speaks of the joy of sex as God intended. It is to be devoted to one’s spouse and committed to that person by working through difficulties in a relationship that is unselfish. It is to draw upon the pure love from God by serving another not being served. The principle of pure love is also seen in Jesus teaching that it is in giving that we receiving and in blessing we are blessed.

Those rewards do not come quickly. They are not material. They come when we find purpose and wholeness in God and used by Him to duplicate love to others.

When we are tempted to use people in lust I am reminded of a piece written by Portia Nelson entitled: "Autobiography in 5 short chapters."

Chapter 1. I walked down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost..I am helpless. It isn't my fault. I take forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in the same place. But it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk, I see it is there. I still fall in..it's a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Chapter 4. I walk down the same street. There is deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter 5. I walk down another street. "

Many are fighting the lust a battle alone and there is healing, forgiveness and power in Christ and in fellowship with godly friends. There is another road others are willing to walk it with you.

Pastor Dale

Controlling Anger Matt 5:21-26

Sermon Nuggets Mon April 25 Anger

Verses- Matt 5:21-26

21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'

22 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.

23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

25 "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.

26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

THE DANGER OF ANGER

I noticed a sign that read, "Anger is only one letter away from

Danger." Proverbs like that cause us to think. We all deal with various degrees of anger. It is a normal and sometimes healthy emotion. Feelings just are, how we respond to those feelings if another matter. That can be sin.

L.A Times illustrates that point, "Paragraph for people who blow their tops and lose their tempers. It happened in the upper 50s on the East Side..A man about 55 and his wife quarreled with another driver over a parking space. Bystanders convinced the police that the other driver did not strike a blow. They said that the 55 year old man punched the other driver twice..He allegedly slugged his wife twice when she urged him to calm down, and then he walked 10 steps and dropped dead."

Too many articles reveal the sad results of people who exhibit road rage. It seems many well respected people in professional jobs can keep their anger under control at work and at home, but something triggers a release response while driving that unleashes uncontrolled venom.

There have been incidents of yelling, punching, hitting cars and people on purpose and even shooting another with a gun.

Most of us don’t deal with it to those extremes.

Dr. McMillian tells of a husband going to the drug store with his

son to pick up a prescription for his wife’s colitis. The son asked,

"Whose Mom been “colliding” with now?”

Dr.Redford B. Williams of Duke University Medical Center, in N. C. "Individuals who harbor hostility and anger toward others are five times more likely to die from heart disease and six times more likely to die prematurely from other causes

Jesus gives instructions for kingdom people. We need changed hearts and live by a different standard than the world, and a different standard than the Pharisees. Our righteousness needs to exceed that of the Pharisees.

We cannot hardly add more rules, they've done enough of that, but we can invite Jesus to come into our lives and turn control over to him. With a changed heart there is also comes changed desires. That is something that rules can never change. Many people need to have Jesus control their anger and the way it can be expressed.

Looking at this next passage in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus shows how anger can affect various areas of our lives.

How do you come across when you are angry? How is your anger displayed differently at home? At work? At church? While driving?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues April 26- Inward Anger

Matt 5: 21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'

22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

ANGER REVEALS SOMETHING IN US

Anger is the strong emotion of displeasure than can be caused by threat of harm. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact if we are threatened there are certain biological reactions to danger that are natural and normal.

Righteous anger can be caused by injustice toward another victim. Jesus was angry on a few occasions, yet the Scriptures teach He was without sin. God reveals that he is a God of wrath when injustice is done against the poor, the hungry, or the innocent. Jesus is filled with righteous anger over sin. When He was in the temple saw people making a mockery out of sacrifices by selling them at extreme profits and keeping those restricted to that area of the temple from praying. Jesus upset the tables and called the people names. Their sin was against God.

Sinful anger comes from jealousy, frustration of not getting our way, lack of patience, and selfishness.

The Greek word here has to do with brooding and boiling with resentment toward another. Anger can be increased as many of you know when you are physically tired, or when you go through extreme embarrassment, or for not able to accomplish a desired goal or if you feel rejection

Eph 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,27 and do not give the devil a foothold.”

There are expressions of anger that are sinful, and ways to be angry without sinning. One way is to resolve it and not let bad feelings continue to eat you up. A healthy response comes from recognizing our anger and confessing it to God and to others. Seek forgiveness for it if it is selfish and sinful. We need to pray about it and refer it to God. Admit it, pray about it, and seek was to talk about it to resolve it.

When I was in training at the psych ward doing an independent study under Dr. Ron Berry, I became more aware of the emotional, mental, and physical damage unresolved anger can do to Christians. I emphasize Christians because there is the belief that some say good Christians should never get mad.

I'm not so sure that is the teaching of this verse, as it is how we might handle our anger in a Christian manner.

I was talking with a lady who shared her feelings about another person. She said things for which she was sorry. Finally she prayed and made a decision. Anger is a choice in this instance. She doesn't make me mad, I choose to get upset with her. She told me in the future when she feels this way she will acknowledge her feelings, think about them, but choose to act in different manner. She did not lose her tempter. She did not ignore it, but chose to calming address the issue with another person to resolve it.

Jesus gives a completely different emphasis looking at the crime of the heart. Handle your anger in a manner that does not give the devil an opportunity to control you, or do damage to another.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds April 27 Anger as sin

Verses- Matt 5: 21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'

22 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.

ANGER AFFECTS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

The commandment of the law is that you shall not kill. It is one of the 10 commandments. Before I began preaching in prison I knew very few murders. Now I have met a few. There is nothing about their appearance that would indicate so. I am thrilled to say some are now brothers in Christ and demonstrate a loving spirit.

People respected the law not only because God gave it, but also because of the consequences. If you took someone’s life your life could be taken.

I should note that killing in this verse and others refers to murder, as translated in the New International Version, not to all matters of taking another's life. In Scripture there are many examples killing animals, taking human life in war, or punishment by death of certain crimes carried out by civil government under the law. Hopefully capital punishment is a deterrent for someone to kill another human being. These laws seek to protect society and allow victims recourse in self-defense. Such a law was to impress on the hearts and minds of people that God punishes murders.

Violence has become a major concern across American cities. Most killings have been by family members who lose their tempers and get in arguments. Although killing of innocent, unknown victims is also on the increase. Some gang killing are for respect of others in the gang. Some psychos kill for thrills of it.

Jesus said “if you say to your brother "Raca", you are answerable to the Sanhedrin.” This is an Aramaic word Raca is a word of curse, as is fool. One is cursing against another and wishing that you could do them harm is enough to bring judgment by the local courts, the high court and even by God himself. Raca, means a curse of empty-headed, stupid imbeciles morally.

“If you say you fool you are in danger of the fire of hell.” Fool is used of a rebel and atheist. Used as an expression of contempt. Now remember, Jesus is speaking of the heart expression, not if these words are on your lips. If you carry a heart grudge, but never say a word it is just as wrong. When we let our hatred brood and boil and harbor within it is no different to God than murder. Words express what's in our hearts. Such anger affects our relations with God. It is a spiritual disease. Anger grows from the attitude the verbalizing the striking out to destroy character. It is not enough not to strike a man, the only thing that is enough from Jesus standpoint is not even hold hard feelings.

Yet what about the verse Mt. 23:17 when Jesus calls the Pharisees

blind fools? He was upset with them over their perverted legal interpretations of the Bible. When people are blind to God and leading others away from the righteousness of God by faith they should be called fools. For that is a great sin deserving of contempt and righteous anger. Sinful anger is talked about in James 4:1-3. For such an attitude of bitterness, fighting and self justification is in God's eyes deserving of Hell. We need to mourn, weep, and confess that sin that has so easily entangled us.

When they give an offering to God it is not acceptable when things are not right in the heart. Don't bother to think how righteous you are in worship when there is bitterness within. It affects our relationship with God. True worship is not stating prayers and giving large money in the offering plate. It is enhanced by better relationship with those around us.

From New Testament understanding we are not sent to hell because of the words we say, but as we had been studying in James the words from our tongue are like a thermometer to evaluate the condition of our hearts. To have a continuing cursing and embittered mouth reveals a heart that is not indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Even if our actions are not taken to an extreme of murder.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs April 28- Anger among Christians

Verses- Matt 5: 23-24 "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.

ANGER AFFECTS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHURCH

This passage speaks of the relationship with a brother. I believe Jesus is talking about a fellow in the faith. It could mean fellow Jews as the blood line, but spiritually kingdom people go beyond blood relationship. Since the cross we are family based on a spiritual relationship with Christ. The relationship has been broken and needs to be made right again not only with God but with another as part of a biological family or a spiritual family.

Jesus taught when you go to give a gift if your brother has something against you go and make it right. His listeners practiced temple worship with animal sacrifices. When you are at worship seeking the face of the Lord, and you have something against your brother, then before you give your gifts or continue in your worship experience, then you should seek reconciliation. I think the point is also made that it is hard to ask God to forgive us our sins, when we are not willing to forgive the sin of those who have sinned against us or if we have sinned against another we must make it right with them. How can we ask God to forgive us when we refuse to obey him? The call for sincere worship both in our relationship with God and in our relationship with our fellow brothers is to make it right.

Scripture is reveals the bitter pain that unresolved anger can have. It breeds and grows and begins to affect us and others. It begins with one person who feels offended by another. Perhaps it was just a lack of communication or a misunderstanding.

In Matthew 18 Jesus is speaking of church discipline and reconciliation. If another has done something wrong it is for you to go to him, meaning you should take the initiative to try to reconcile. If you have wronged, or if you have been wronged, go and make things right. I believe one of the reasons for this is because many times the other may not be aware that he has wronged you, or that he might have been offended by something you said or did.

Tensions between people easily breed between tensions between families, which breed tensions between friends of family members to churches. More church splits are over hurt pride than over any serious doctrinal issues. More church fights are over personality conflicts and power. More church fights are over bruised egos and over the lack of guts to say, "We need to talk over our difference rather than ignore them." But generally when you've been hurt it's hard to forgive, or seek forgiveness. It's so easy for Satan to show you reasons why you are right and the other person is wrong. Satan makes it seem like we are always the innocent party, mistreated and maligned until revenge bitterness and grudges grow. We cannot fool God with what is in our hearts.

Twice I've been in a church service when before communion could continue one fellow went to another publicly and announced to the church body his wrong attitude toward a Christian brother in the church. He wanted to be clean by confessing it to God and to the person before the church because it affected the church unity. It did wonders in their own Christian lives and also in the lives of the members. When parties seek reconciliation God is able to shower forth his blessings.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri April 29 Anger with others

Verses- Matt 5: 25 "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.

26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

ANGER AFFECTS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY

Jesus already talked about being salt and light as witnesses for him in our world. It is a shame for Christians to have ungodly and secular judges decide for those among the faith. It certainly is grievous to the church of Christ to be squabbling and fighting and unable to resolve their own difference. But Jesus isn't just talking about a sin against a brother but even tension against an enemy, or an adversary. It seems that the context refers to a disagreement that involves civil intervention.

I understand that Jesus is saying it is better not to go to court for the sake of your anger and hatred than letting the authorities solve the problem. As you look at the Scripture it also implies that the person is taking you to court for wrongs that you have committed. The warning is that you will need to pay every penny. Do not try to get out of responsibilities. As a believer we have obligations to do what we can to bring reconciliation spiritually, emotionally, and materially, or financially.

We live, unfortunately in a situation where it is increasingly common to go to the courts, to sue one another for just about any reason. The thought is often for revenge or financial benefit. Both revenge and financial concerns are condemned by Jesus. In both the situations there is a grievance against someone that needs immediate and urgent action for reconciliation or the consequences may be much worse. Yet, is that differ from the change of culture.

What do we do when our Christian rights are being taken away? Is there a place for reconciliation in courts and lawsuits? We have had many examples in courts where Christian rights are ignored. Prayers, books, and rallies in public places have been denied. Wearing of apparel such as crosses or Christian t-shirts are denied in some schools. One Federal court agreed with a school that a teacher could not have a Bible on his desk. Should he comply without fighting that in court?

There are definite examples in the Bible of Jesus as well as apostles going to court. They did not change their witness or message. They were willing to serve God rather than man’s rules. They were willing to go and be judged on their faith, but they were willing to give up their rights even as citizens and leave matters of revenge and reconciliation up to God. They would rather suffer abuse for the cause of Christ willingly than have the message hampered in anyway. That seems to be Christ's intent. If it is matters of faith that is one thing, but do not seek to legally get out of what you owe, and certainly do not try to make anger and bitterness or reasons for going to have public officials resolve your arguments, if anything go to the church and deacons and abide by their decisions as Christian respecting the peace and love of the body of Christ.

There is a anger which leads to destruction and that can only be overcome by the cross. Will you let Christ speak to your heart? To control anger is important for our Christian witness and fellowship. Reconciliation and peace are paths that shine righteousness.

Pastor Dale

The Place of the Law Matthew 4: 17-20

Sermon Nuggets Week of April 18 The Place of the Law

Verses- Matt 5:17-20

17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

The Place of the Law

There is a great deal of discussion these days about the international laws of the Geneva Convention. With the unrest in the Middle East and dictators like Libya’s Colonel Muammar Gaddafi War is suppose to be fought with rules too. The dictator is being accused of breaking many of the international and may be brought to trial if he is arrested.

In the United States we vote for legislators to think of new laws for us. That is basically the purpose of the legislature to use their terms of office thinking up laws. One wonders how we get anything done. If we don't like the laws, we elect different legislators who can convince his colleagues to change their minds. Group pressures, votes and money help make laws and change laws.

Some people think God's laws are also up for vote. God does not rule the world by a democratic vote. Nor does He do what is best for the majority of people. We may follow his laws or we may go against them. But when we break them there are also consequences. There is but one lawyer or intercessor before God. His name is Jesus Christ. There are no loopholes or juries to determine our guilt or innocence. There is perfect justice done.

We cannot change the laws of God despite what we think or feel. We cannot have a vote and come before the Lord and say, "God we've been thinking and we have formed a little grievance committee and wish to issue a formal protest to some of the things that you have set down in Scripture. We think you are much too narrow minded and unfair in certain areas."

We cannot negotiate with God. God is God. The clay does not tell the potter what to do, the potter makes the clay into the shape and for the purpose that he had intended. Now if the clay is not pliable and moldable, God says he throws out that piece of clay and takes another and makes what he wants. There are consequences to breaking God's laws.

Jesus speaks to his audience about a matter for important to them. They are Jews so trained that righteousness comes by obeying the law. Throughout the sermon Jesus compares His precepts of righteousness compared to the law followed by the Pharisees. He teaches us more about the place of the law. That will be the subject of our devotions this week.

Which laws do you think no longer apply to Christians today? Which do? Why?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues April 19 Fulfilled

Verse Matt 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

The Law is Fulfilled by Christ.

What is the relationship between Christ and the law? You know that he has already gotten into trouble with the Pharisees and religious teachers? (Mark 2:12-3:6.) Jesus was picking corn on the Sabbath. He wasn't following the ceremonial washing ritual set down by traditions. He healed a man with the withered hand which they said broke the law.

Wm Barclay in his commentaries explains the law is used in four ways by the Jews. When they speak of the law their first thought is the 10 commandments, which is the moral law of God given to Moses at Mt. Sinai. A second understanding is the first 5 books of the Torah, or the writing of Moses. The third understanding refers to a shortened form of what they call “the law and prophets” meaning all the O.T Scriptures.

Lastly the law could refer to the oral and scribal laws which became the traditions of the Jewish people. The Mishna for instance is the rabbinic teachings of the applied law of the Old Testament.

When we read the law of Moses we also see it is divided up into three parts: The moral law, the civil laws (how to handle grievances between one another, so they can live together in harmony) and the ceremonial laws, which involve details of sacrificial system and worship in the temple and tabernacle.

Where was Jesus in conflict with the law? Clearly, it was with the oral and scribal interpretations of the law. The classic example is how they treated the Sabbath. The word said, "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy as unto the Lord." They weren't to do work on the Sabbath. What is work? Work is carrying a burden. What is burden? They defined a burden to mean food that is equal in weight to a dried fig, or carrying enough wine for mixing in a goblet, or enough honey to cover a wound, or to carry enough paper to write a deed, or enough ink for 2 letters of the alphabet. They got into long and involved arguments as to whether a man could lift a lamp from one place to another, or whether a tailor committed a sin if he went out with a needle in his robe. Where a woman is working if she is wearing a broach, or a man might go out on the Sabbath with artificial teeth or an artificial limb. It was considered improper to walk far from your home, but soon the Pharisees were taking down all the rules and interpretation as the law. Jesus didn't have much time for that nonsense, "The Sabbath as made for man, not man for the Sabbath."

Jesus was completely committed to the law, but the law as it is prescribed by God not by man. It was not his intention to do away with it, but to fulfill it. Jesus didn't come to just fulfill the law, but also the prophets. We can see in other verses how Jesus was made under the law, how he lived in obedience to the law, and how he was the type or a picture of many Old Testament passages thereby fulfilling the writings and the completion of the prophetic passages that spoke the coming and work of the Messiah. We see prophecies fulfilled in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Scribe and Pharisee on the whole didn't have the foggiest idea of how Scripture was being fulfilled by the Son of God.

Like putting the last pieces of a puzzle together Jesus was fulfilling the revelation of the mystery of God.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds April 20, Completed

Verses Matt 5: 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

The Law is Completed by Christ.

What was the purpose of the law? Galatians 3:19 says, "What then was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgression until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come." There is no fulfillment of the law apart from communion with God, and no communion with God apart from the fulfillment of the law. The purpose of the law was to bring us to God and make us realize that we are sinners and until we come to God as sinners we cannot be saved. The law is to show us our sin and our weakness. Jesus lived without sin and in complete obedience to the Father in heaven. To fulfill the law and the prophets means that Jesus is bringing into completion God's promise.

Jesus completed the law by being the first and only one who was sinless. He did not sin in any way, even according to God's law. Not speaking of man's interpretation. Christ did not change the plan only their misunderstanding of it. It wasn't just the prophets that prophesied, but the entire Old Testament is pointing to God completing His plan. God had given Abraham the promise of the covenant relationship long before the law was set down. It was set by faith.

The Pharisees and Scribes failed to see that salvation was always based on faith. When one was in faith relationship with God then he sought to live a holy and sanctified life and when he could not, he was able to come to an all holy and righteous God and confess sin and seek heart felt forgiveness through the sacrifice offered by God. The moral law of God remains in force until the consummation of the world.

Jesus is not just fulfilling the law he is also preserving the law. Not a jot of tittle or as the NIV Translates it, until the smallest letter, or the least stroke of a pen. The jot was like comma, just a point. A tittle was the finishing of a letter such as crossing a t, or dotting an i. None of it will be discarded until all has been completed. Until God's complete plan is finally accomplished and we are in heaven with Him in glory.

We are not at this point talking about the civil law of the nation. The ceremonial laws of worship and sacrifice became fantastic types and pictures of the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He completes the Old Testament and gives us greater appreciation and worship of an all wise God who culminates his plan in His Son to His glory. This is not a different understanding, but a fuller understanding. Not a replacement, but a completion. Someone said, “Not abolished, but polished so now you see it for its true intent. It is Jesus.

According to Jeremiah 31:31-34 the law and the prophets were fulfilled in Jesus when He said that will not longer be on paper and declared by priest, but in their hearts and in personal relationship with Jehovah.

In Ezekiel 36:25-27 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove form you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh, and I will put my spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." Jesus didn't do away with the law, but changes our heart that wants more than anything to please and honor and glorify Him.

When a bud passes into the rose, the bud is not destroyed but fulfilled. Romans 3:21,23 “But now a righteousness from God apart from the law has been made known to which the law and the prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

If you want to understand the Scriptures you must understand them by looking at Jesus Christ. If you are to understand the Old Testament it makes sense to us when we look at the pictures that point to God's redeeming grace and work in the person of Jesus Christ. He completes the Law so that we might know indeed the true Character and love of God.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs April 21 Law Illustrated

Verse: Matt 5: 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The Law is Illustrated by Christ.

Doesn't Jesus really go too far in saying that if we break one of the least of these commandments, or teaching others to do the same we will be called least in the kingdom? But if we practice them we will be called great. I mean aren't we really going back to the O.T. legal system trying to be perfect to be acceptable? Isn't this what Jesus was suppose to have saved us from? It doesn't appear that from this verse. For if the law does anything it is to show us that we can't possibly do it. In fact, when Jesus is trying to show the disciples is that there are many Pharisees that are doing the right things but for the wrong reasons.

The law today helps me by still realizing my selfishness, and my need for discipline, and self control. I still am in conviction of sin and need to realize that Christ's power isn't working in me as it ought to be.

When I put the law in proper perspective it is suppose to do something. First we should honor and respect the law; Christ is confirming not only the validity of the Scriptures, but also the authoritative inspiration of the Bible, not just the Bible as a whole, but the very smallest details of the Bible. Secondly, we will be careful to distinguish between what is the true law of God and what is man made rules.

One fellow came up to a Baptist minister and asked about the 5 Baptist laws? “What to you mean 5 Baptist laws?”

“You know- don't smoke, don't play cards, don't dance, don't go to movies, and don't drink.”

The Pharisees could promote laws similarly and by so fulfilling man made rules they were considered holy and righteous. We are not holy by keeping the law. The law does not make anyone holy. We are not holy because we do or don't do certain things, and Jesus was trying to make the point we are not holy because even if we break one little law, we are law-breakers. The law was meant to show that man is sinful and constrained to evil.

I must admit there are legalists that misunderstand this statement. Usually people have tendencies that want to measure spiritual growth by some objective system. If I go to church more than my neighbor I'm holier than he is, if I don't smoke and he does then God must think more of me than him. If I serve on three committee and teach S.S. then I'm more righteous than that person who only is on two committees and helps in the nursery ever third month. You see there are false standards, and Jesus wants us to look at God's standards.

On the suburbs of Chicago there was a citizens group surveying traffic offenses in a marked car and an unmarked car. In 3 hours the marked car observed 11 offenses, in the unmarked car they observed 47. Then they people traded cars lest some were more observant the other. The marked car now saw 38 and the other group 107. Conclusions are not surprising. When we think there are no police officers many drivers habitually break the traffic laws.

How are you when you are at some place when no one knows you and you are by yourself? Among Christian conferences the X rated movies available in motels increases with people staying by themselves in the privacy of their own room.

Are you the same when you are by yourself, with your family, or when the preacher comes to visit?

The Pharisees were content with external and formal obedience, conformity to the law, but Christ was calling for an inward righteousness, for the Lord looks upon the heart.

We discover a new law- the law of love that desires not to perform for others, but seeks to please the One we love most.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri April 22 Exceeded

Verse Matt 5: 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven

The Law is Exceeded by Christ.

To enter the kingdom of heaven you must do better than the greatest of the law keepers. Now isn't that a contradiction? How can you do better than the Pharisee and scribes and teacher of the law? They spend their whole lives trying to prove what good law keepers they are? When a tailor won't even carry a needle on the Sabbath, how good can you be?

The problem isn't the law, it's the heart.

There was a man in Wisconsin who sold hamburger back in the 30s when there was no law in the land as to what you can put in hamburgers. He filled his hamburgers with sawdust so as to make more money. He was sinning because he was cheating the people. Then came the law. Now he didn't put sawdust in hamburgers, because it was inspected. Notice he didn't do anything illegal before the law was made. But the law pointed out his sin of cheating.

There is one left on the road beaten and hurt. One religious teacher may be concerned if he touches that person he might be sued for money. He isn't breaking any law by passing on the other side, but he might be breaking the law if the man was dead for if he touched him he might become ceremonially unclean. The Samaritan wasn't concerned about the religious rule games, he was concerned about a needy life. When the Samaritan helped and brought healing to that man Jesus said go and do likewise.

Did the Pharisee care about the hurt man? No, he was concerned about the law. The Pharisees were too afraid they might do something wrong and in their letter of the law mentality they broke God's law of love.

Therefore, we must be more righteous than the Pharisees.

Anthony Juke said, "Satan would have us prove ourselves holy by the law which God gave to prove us sinners." Paul tried to be the most zealous of the Pharisees when he wanted to show his strong devotion to the Lord by even killing people who followed Jesus, which he thought was a teaching promoting another god. He did not know he was rejecting the very one Moses was pointing to. But when he met Jesus, his whole life fell apart and now was free from the letter of the law, and his desire was to serve God with all his heart filled with love.

Soltezehsyn observed in our country out the court system is built not on morality but how lawyer might interpret it. Stealing is o.k. if they are caught and the police do not have a search warrant. Then he is treated as if he didn't do it.

We need something other than the law to point us to God. We need law to point us to our sin. But we need faith in Christ to forgive us of the heart that manipulates, is selfish, unloving, and judging. We need to trust in the one who provides entrance into the Kingdom based on His righteousness.

Grace is a gift that we can't be good enough to earn, we receive it by faith. Jesus warned that righteousness must exceed the scribe and

Pharisees introduced the law of love. We will see that loving God and others is more than dos and don’ts it is having the right heart and then you demonstrated a greater righteousness shown by loving your enemy, not even looking upon women lustfully, not to hate others, to want to give away that which we think is so important to us to those who really need it more.

What the place of the law for Christians? The law can reveal sin but only faith can remove it; the law can restrain us; only faith can free us; the law reminds us of our weakness; only faith can give us power.

To exceed the law is doing something the Pharisees didn't do-to love God with all your heart and mind and soul; and love your neighbor as yourselves for in so doing you fulfill all the law and prophets.

Pastor Dale