The difference in standards between the pagan, unbeliever, old or new and the believer [Christian] which results in remorse in one instance and sorrow in the other, is evidenced by the Lord's six statements beginning with, 'But I say this to you'. These contradict six precepts of worldly wisdom, each beginning, 'You have learnt'.
The Pagan, Unbeliever, standard statement: when he and she was hurt or injured by peoples even though they are wrong or guilty: "Do not let him and her get away with it. Take revenge, plant evil plan and stir up class enmity in order to seize power.
The Christian standard statement: For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
'You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill: and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother "Fool" he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him "renegade" he will answer for it in hell fire.' - Matt. 5:20-22 -
The Pagan, Unbeliever standard statement: Freedom is what you think and when you do is always right or no right, no wrong. Be self-expressive. Repression of sex instincts causes frustration. Liberty means the right to do whatever you please in the realm of the flesh.
The Christian standard statement: 'You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.' - Matt. 5:27-30 -
The Pagan, Unbeliever standard statement: When you are a materialist, rich, successful and powerful. Be it, anything, human can do, for example, Get a divorce! Marry again. What a big deal?
The Christian standard statement: 'It has also been said: Anyone divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.' - Matt. 5:31-32 -
The Pagan, Unbeliever standard statement: You are highly educated and very rich. Because you delude yourself into thinking that you are god, hence take matters into your own hands. Say: I'll be damned if I will do it.
The Christian standard statement: 'Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all either by heavens, since that is God's throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need to say is "Yes" if you mean yes, "No" if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.' - Matt. 5:33-37 -
The Pagan, Unbeliever standard statement: Always be proud of who you are or you will lose your pride. Forgiveness is weakness. Hit him back. Get even with him.
The Christian standard statement: 'You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two mile with him. Give to anyone who asks and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.' - Matt. 5:38-42 -
The Pagan, Unbeliever standard statement: When someone or if anyone offended you, humiliated you in public and hates you even though you are found not guilty or you may be found guilty. Sue him! Kill him! Hate him if he hates you.
The Christian standard statement: 'You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.' - Matt. 5:43-48 -
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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