First Place in Your Life

Continuing our study in Matthew, we continue learning the commands and teachings of Jesus.

He says to "acknowledge Him before men" in Matthew 10:32,33. 

So, we always declare Jesus as we walk in this life.

Now moving on to the next section, Jesus tells us not to make anyone else on earth more important than Him in our lives.

Matthew 10:37-39 NIV

[37] “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. [38] Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [39] Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

As much as we love our family and friends, we cannot love them more than we love Jesus. Jesus demands our first love, first allegiance, first place in our hearts, and rightfully so. He is the Son of God our Savior. None of this would have been possible without Him. So, we love Him the most and give Him first place in our lives.

Next, if we try to hang on to what we want for our lives, we will lose it. If we set that aside to do what Jesus asks of us, as we follow Him, we will find the greatest, most fulfilling life possible. We will truly find real life when we walk with Jesus everyday. "Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him." Following Jesus is about Him, not us.

Mark 8:34-35 NIV

[34] Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. [35] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 

So, continuing to learn His teachings and commands because we love Him and want to always obey Him, we peel back another layer on what it means to truly follow Jesus.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Words and Actions

 As we continue our studies in the teaching and commands of Jesus, we look throughout the book of Matthew, and see Jesus, our example, and how he treated people. He loved them in "words and actions," as John said in I. John 3:

1 John 3:11-19 NIV

[11] For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. [12] Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. [13] Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. [14] We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. [15] Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 

[17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 

[18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

 [19] This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 

Notice verse 16 and verse 18 above.

Since Jesus laid down His life for us, we are to lay down our lives in service to others. In verse 18 it says, to be just like Jesus, we are to help with our words and our actions. 

The world, the Church, everyone we encounter will have a need if we listen for it. Just like Jesus, listen and be available for whoever, whenever with your words, actions, resources, and whatever else you can offer. This shows the love of God that was poured into our spirit by the Holy Spirit when we were born again.

Be available in the world around you. Love first in words or actions, and that will open the door to tell them about Jesus Christ. So they can be saved too. That's our goal, our purpose. God working through us, drawing people to Himself so they can be saved too. Love you all.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Why Study the Bible

Continuing in the teachings of Jesus, the Holy Spirit showed me something in Matthew 13 a few weeks back that I want to share with you now. 

Matthew 13:12 NIV

[12] Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 

As we study the Bible, more truth will be revealed and we will have an abundance. If we do not stay in the Bible, renewing our minds to what we have already learned, continously learning and applying truth to our lives, it will fade away. "Even what they have will be taken from them."

So, brothers and sisters, keep reading and studying the Bible daily. Keep it fresh on your minds to feed your spirit. Jesus said this when he was tempted in the wilderness. We can't just feed our physical bodies. We must feed our spirits too. We don't want what we have learned so far, to fade away. Keep it in the front of our minds to feed us and sustain us.

Matthew 4:4 NIV

[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

For example: Tonight while getting ready for work, I woke up drained. The Holy Spirit flashed this passage across my mind:

Psalms 91:9-11, 14-16 NIV

[9] If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, [10] no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. [11] For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

[14] “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. [16] With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.

See? Since God is my dwelling place, I don't have anything to worry about. Why? Because I believe His word, believe this promise. If I did not stay in the Word, I would not know this passage. 

So stay in the Bible daily. Make it a top priority and God will add more truth to what you already know. 

Renew your mind daily. Even if you've read a passage a million times. Read it over and over. So that truth will not be taken from you. This "will transform us by the renewing of your mind."

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Renew your mind daily. Feed your spirit with the Bible, daily. Then truth will continually be added to what you already have learned.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

It's Really Easy

 Once you are "born again" by the Holy Spirit and the Father adopts you as His child in the Kingdom of God, the family of God, Jesus shows how easy it is to live as a Christian. Satan and the dark forces try to complicate it with confusion and what not, but God keeps it simple and easy. 

Be good. Do good. That's it. Do not follow the old ways of the human sinful nature which naturally rebels against God. Be a good person and do good things, not evil things. Look...

Matthew 12:33-35 NIV

[33] “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. [34] You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. [35] A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

So, Jesus says be a good person and your actions will be good. Follow the Holy Spirit inside you and He will always guide you to be good and do good. 

God makes it simple for us. Look in Romans...

Romans 2:6-11 NIV

[6] God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” [7] To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. [8] But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. [9] There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; [10] but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [11] For God does not show favoritism.

Persist in doing good, He will give eternal life.

Those who reject the truth about Jesus Christ, the Son of God and do evil, they are separated from God.

We, who put our faith in Christ Jesus are born again into God's kingdom. So we are able to be good and do good. So, by the Holy Spirit's help in our spirit, let's be good people and do good things. Easy Peezy!! 

Why be good and do good? We all represent Jesus, and belong to Him. God uses us to draw the lost to Himself. He uses us so others can be saved too and added to His Kingdom.

So, be good and do good Church family.

Please share this post with others.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Be Humble

 As Christians, sometimes we can lose sight of the main function of the Church, which was Jesus's purpose, "to seek and save the lost." Our whole purpose is for God to use our lives, and work through us so that unbelievers may be saved too. In whatever way we influence people, our lives should lead them to Jesus. That's our purpose. That's God's will:

2 Peter 3:9 NIV

[9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

He uses us to carry out His will.

Having said that we continue on in Matthew and extrapolate how to treat others which will influence them for good.

Simply? Love everyone. Stay humble. Treat everyone with love and compassion as Jesus did. This will open doors so they can be saved too.

Matthew 9:10-13 NIV

[10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” [12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus hung out with everyone, no matter who they were. He never rejected anyone, which is how we have to live. You never know who will be saved because of our influence over their lives. We must be willing to associate with all people.

Romans 12:16 NIV

[16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

We never puff ourselves up over anyone. We never think we are better than someone else. Pride, arrogance, conceit must never be in our lives as we interact with others. We just love all people equally and without partiality. Just like Jesus did.

All this does not mean that we are close companions, close friends with unbelievers. Jesus wasn't. Again, it does mean that we love and approach all people equally and without partiality.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NIV

[14] Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? [15] What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? [16] What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” [17] Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [18] And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Remember the goal of our lives. Live so others can be saved too. We exist so others can be saved too. Put that in the front of your mind as you live day by day. Love people and interact with people as Jesus did, so they can be saved too. 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Be Wise!!

 As we come to the end of the Sermon on the Mount, we add another layer to why we are learning the teachings and commands of Jesus. We started because Jesus said,"If you love me you will obey my commands." So we started with my January 3rd blog entry, learning His teachings and commands because we love Him and want to do what He says.

Here we learn that His teachings are the foundation we build our lives upon. His teachings first and then branch out from there with the rest of the Bible. He is our foundation. We belong to Jesus now as Christians. He is the Rock we stand on. Having been "rooted and established in Christ" by Christ. 

When we do this,when the storms of life come, we will stand firm in Christ as we are. We will not fall.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

[24]  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 

[26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

We are wise when we build our lives on His teachings, and show our love for Him when we obey His commands and teachings. Let's continue to do it Church as we move forward in the study of the Gospels. Have a great day!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Be Careful!!

 Continuing with the teachings and commands of Jesus, He warns us about false teachers and people.

Matthew 7:15-23 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. [21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Here He is saying to watch out for people who would try to lead you away from Jesus by their teaching or by their lives.

Those who teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, or who "does the will of the Father in heaven," these are the people that are good for us to have in our lives. 

In learning, we do not accept just anyone's teachings, but see if their teaching lines up with the Bible. See if they teach "Jesus Christ and Him crucified." See if they teach from the Bible.

We love all people, but are not close companions with just anyone. Proverbs teaches "the righeous are cautious in friendships." Just because they say,"Lord, lord," doesn't mean they follow Jesus. 

How can we know who is who? Easily. Listen to what they teach if they are teachers. If just people, listen to how they talk. In minutes you will know the real person by hearing what they say. Words spoken reveal what is in a person's spirit or heart.

Matthew 12:34-35 NIV

[34] You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. [35] A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

Good teachers and preachers proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and teach from the Bible. False teachers might teach the Bible, but put their own worldly philosophies or heresies in with it. Make sure strictly Bible teaching. It's like my mentor, Carroll Sites, taught me. He said,"Jeff, if you stick with the Bible, you'll never go wrong." The Holy Spirit "teaches us all things" as we study the Bible. So stick with the Bible or those who teach only the Bible and you'll never go wrong.

When deciding who to befriend or have in your life, remember good people will produce good things, and bad people will produce bad things. 

In the main passage, Jesus is telling us to be careful who teaches us and who we allow into our lives.

Here are some passages to read that explore this topic.

1 John 4:1-6 NIV

[1] Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, [3] but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. [4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. [5] They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. [6] We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

2 Peter 2:1 NIV

[1] But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 

Acts 20:29-31 NIV

[29] I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. [30] Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. [31] So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Deuteronomy 13:1-4 NIV

[1] If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, [2] and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” [3] you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. [4] It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. 

1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 

Jude 1:4 NIV

[4] For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Roads and Gates?

 As we continue in the teachings and commands of Jesus, He tells us about two gates and two roads.

Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

[13]  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. [14] But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

The wide road leads to the wide gate that leads to destruction. Why do many people find it? Because it is the common road that mankind walks on from birth. People are born onto this road because we are all born with a sin nature. This road is where we all are separated from God initially because of sin. People just naturally walk on this road.

You might say, "Heck with that!!! I'm getting off this crappy road!! I'm not going to that 'gate of destruction'!" That's awesome!! Good for you!!

Now, how do we get on that narrow road that leads to life? How do we walk through that narrow gate? How are we not separated from God anymore? Through Jesus Christ who spoke those words. He is the only way to have access to the Father in heaven. He is the narrow path. He is the narrow gate we walk through. 

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

He is the "narrow road."

John 10:9 NIV

[9] I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 

He is the "narrow gate."

Ephesians 2:18 NIV

[18] For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

He is the only way that we have access to our loving Heavenly Father who is in heaven.

How do we get to Jesus? By believing that He is the Only Begotten Son of God. By believing that He is the Savior of the world, the Messiah. By believing that He paid the penalty for your sins when He died on the cross over 2,000 years ago. Believe that He was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit. Believe He ascended into heaven and now He sits at the Father's right hand, alive and well. By believing in His name, you receive Him into your life. 

When you believe this you are "born again," by the Holy Spirit, and are adopted as God's child into the kingdom of God, the heavenly family. God gives you the gift of eternal life by His grace. 

John 3:1-8 NIV

[1] Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” [3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” [4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” [5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

1 John 5:1a NIV

[1a.] Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,...

John 1:11-13 NIV

[11] He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. [12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

When you believe in Jesus, you are saved. You are put on the narrow road, you have eternal life!! You are no longer separated from God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

If you have not been "born again," you can be right now. Do this!!

Romans 10:9-13 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [11] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” [12] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, [13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Then do this,

Acts 2:38-39 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Jesus Christ is our narrow gate, our narrow road. Don't be separated from God another minute. Get off that wide road. Don't walk through the wide gate. Come to Jesus Christ NOW!!!

Why? Because God loves you and wants to save you and add you to His family!! 

John 3:16-17 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Romans 6:23 NIV

[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you are saved, please share this post with those who are not saved yet.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

The "Golden Rule"

Continuing our study of the teachings and commands of Jesus, we come to Matthew 7:12. This is known throughout history as the "Golden Rule." Treat people how you would want to be treated. So let's look at this.

Matthew 7:12 NIV

[12] So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

This coincides with the two greatest commands that Jesus said sums up the Bible:

Matthew 22:35-40 NIV

[35] One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: [36] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” [37] Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

"Love your neighbor as yourself," is the point of this command. Love and treat people how you would want to be treated. This is so great because this command goes all the way back to the people of Israel when they were freed from the bonds of Egypt. Once in the wilderness, God gave various commands for their good and this was one of them.

Leviticus 19:18 NIV

[18] “ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

So, He always wanted us to love people and treat them how we would want to be treated, which still holds true today.

Paul took it a step further in Romans. I think this verse shows us how to love people and how to treat all people. (I am surprised that this verse is hardly ever referred to.)

Romans 13:8-10 NIV

[8] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. [9] The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Verse 10 is the key thought here. Love never does any harm to it's fellowman. 

If we never do any harm to our fellowman, then we are loving them. 

So, profound. That sums up the Bible. Love God and love people by never doing any harm to them. THAT is treating them as you would want to be treated.

That sums up how to love and treat people:

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Let this epitomize our lives. This is "letting our light shine before men."

Never do harm to anyone in word or actions. That is loving them.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

PS- Other related passages:

1 John 4:20-21 NIV

[20] Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. [21] And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

1 John 4:19 NIV

[19] We love because he first loved us. 

Luke 10:27 NIV

[27] He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 5:43-45 NIV

[43]  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children 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. 

Romans 12:17-19 NIV

[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Leviticus 19:34 NIV

[34] The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Galatians 5:14 NIV

[14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Keep On Praying

 As we continue in the teachings of Jesus, we renew our minds today about talking to God in prayer. He said earlier to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." The Father already knows what we need, but just like in any other relationship, He wants us to interact with Him by talking to Him in prayer. It is so amazing that we can talk to God everyday at any given time. So that is what today's text focuses on.

Matthew 7:7-11 NIV

[7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [9] “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? [11] If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Whatever we need, desire, or ask from God, He hears us and will do what is best for us, His children. So here, Jesus is saying be persistent and keep asking and God will give us good gifts. He will work things out for good for those that love Him.

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

We just have faith and trust God with our requests. Believe He has already done it and it will happen, IN HIS TIME, not ours. Be patient and wait on Him to make it happen. Never lose hope. "Believe you have received it and it will be yours." Jesus said.

Mark 11:22-24 NIV

[22]  “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. [23] “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. [24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

The main thing here is to have a constant relationship and dialogue with our Heavenly Father everyday. Know that we can talk to Him with boldness and confidence everyday because we are in Christ.

If we lack confidence to ask, James says we do not have because we do not ask. So just ask anyway!!

James 4:2b. NIV

[2b.] ...You do not have because you do not ask.

So talk to God all the time in prayer. Ask and keep on asking. He will give us good gifts and all we need, as we seek Him everyday. Have faith, trust in God, be patient, and then watch Him work in our lives.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

PS- Other passages:

1 John 3:18-23 NIV

[18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. [19] This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: [20] If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. [21] Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God [22] and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. [23] And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV

[14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

James 1:5-7 NIV

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 

James 5:13-16 NIV

[13] Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Proverbs 8:17 NIV

[17] I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

[11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

Teachings of Jesus

 On January 3rd, I started with the teachings and commands of Jesus in Matthew. Because He said, "If you love me you will obey my commands." So, we all started learning the commands and teachings of Jesus in the blog entries that followed the Jan.3rd blog post.

I want to resume exploring the teachings and commands of Jesus. We will pick up where we left off at, at Matthew 7:7 in the next blog entry. 

If you are new and want to study with us, go back to January 3rd post and study all the blog entries to catch up with others here. Let's take the rest of the year progressing through the gospels of Jesus.

You comments, questions, and interactions are welcome here in the comments section below.

Join us. Share with your friends and family. The next post will be me resuming our study.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Look At the Present Tense

In the following passage, we find our hope.

Romans 3:23-24 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 

In context, it says this is for those who put their faith in Christ Jesus. This applies to all who believe.

Look at the present tense in verse 23, it says we "fall short of the glory of God." We always fall short of the glory of God. We know this as we live day by day. Where is there any hope for us?

It is found in verse 24: "and all are justified freely by His grace..."

We are all justified freely by God's grace. How? "through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." 

Because of the redemptive work of Jesus while He was on the Earth, God justifies us with Him. We are no longer guilty of sin because of the finished work of Jesus. Jesus paid the price for our sins once and for all on the cross. We are made right with God by His grace, because of the finished work of Jesus, as we put our faith in Jesus.

God's grace sustains us and keeps us because of what Jesus has already done for us.

So, our hope is in the finished work of Jesus that saves us completely, forever for those who put their faith in Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 10.)

 Hebrews 10:1-17 NIV

[1] The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. [2] Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. [3] But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. [4] It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. [5] Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; [6] with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. [7] Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’ ” [8] First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. [9] Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second.

 [10] And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

 [11] Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. [12] But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, [13] and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 

[14] For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 

[15] The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: [16] “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” [17] Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."

So, although we always fall short of the glory of God, He saves us by His grace because of the finished work of Jesus once and for all.

Thank you Father! Thank you Jesus!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Good News Today?

What's the good news about Jesus Christ? The good news for all humanity is that Adam brought sin and death into the world, but Jesus Christ brought eternal life and peace into the world. 

Before Jesus, mankind had no hope for an eternal future. Sin separated us from God. We could never get to our Creator because of sin.

When Jesus came and lived on Earth, carrying out His Father's will, God made a way through Jesus for us to be with Him forever. Sin separated us from God. Jesus and His sacrifice has given us the ability to come to God, whereas beforehand we could not.

Jesus took the problem of sin out of the way when He died on the cross. He took away the sin of the world when He laid down His life being crucified on the cross. He paid the penalty of our sins, he took our punishment for the sins of the whole world. So, now, we can come to our Creator, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. We can be united with God. We have access to God. All because of Jesus Christ.

So the greatest news ever is that because of Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son, we do not have to be eternally separated from God. 

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross and took the penalty of sin out of the way, and that God raised Him from the dead 3 days later, and that He ascended back to heaven a few days later, and now He lives, seated at the right hand of God, then you can be what is known as being "born again." You can be born-again by the Holy Spirit and added to the kingdom of God, which is God's family. God will adopt you into this eternal family and give you the gift of eternal life!!! How awesome is that? You can live with God forever in heaven.

He made you. He loves you. He wants to adopt you into His family to live with Him forever. Isn't that incredible? This is what He calls "being saved." 

If you believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. If you confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord." If you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, then that's it. You will be saved. You'll be born again, adopted into the Kingdom of God, the family of God. When you go and get baptized, then you receive total forgiveness of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then, He comes to live in your Spirit forever. He is the Helper Jesus sent to Earth when He went back to heaven. He will help you navigate life the rest of your time on Earth. 

By believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, you receive the free gift of eternal life. God gives you the free gift of eternal life and adds you to His family forever.

So that's the good news of Jesus Christ. You can go to heaven when you die. You can live with God forever in heaven. All made possible by the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to Jesus Christ your Savior today!! That is my ongoing hope for you. Be saved today!! 

Comment below if you got saved today!!

I love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Just Ask!

 As I continue to do this blog, many people all around me are getting hit with frustrating things. I will not go into the specifics, but my boss, my Mom, my brother, and my colleague at work are getting beat down with traumatic things that are thrust upon them by life. They spiral down into a pit of desperation and I totally see how that can happen in the craziness that comes in their circumstances.

It says, "Beware when you stand, lest you fall." I see why now. You can be doing everything right or not, it doesn't matter, and Satan will still come along and tear your world apart. We wrestle against these dark forces all the time:

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

[12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

That's where all this crap comes from.

These past few weeks, I have seen it in the lives of those dear to me. 

However, I know and trust in what God says in Hebrews:

Hebrews 13:5b. NIV

[5b.]...because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

I know He never leaves or forsakes us. In all our circumstances, He will never fail us. He watches our comings and goings (Ps.121:7-8). Whatever is thrown at us, He will work out the outcome for our good:

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

So whatever happens, we have to remember who is sovereign, who is in control. God is always in control. Nothing happens to us that He is not aware of. Nothing escapes His knowing. He knows all things and sees all things. He is aware of every single person's situation. 

When our circumstances are out of control, remember He is still in control. He loves us and is with us, right in the middle of all the craziness. We have to trust that He will work in our lives to resolve all things. Trust that He will deliver us. Ask for His help in prayer and believe that He will help us and deliver us from our troubles. Jesus said to be persistent and keep on praying and asking for help until it comes.

Matthew 7:7-11 NIV

[7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. [9] “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? [11] If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask. 

So we pray and keep on praying until these things are worked out. This shows God that we trust and depend upon Him and Him alone. We do not give up. We keep our hope in God.

Remember these promises from God. Nothing that comes up against us will succeed.

Isaiah 54:17 NIV

[17] no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.

God will always deliver us from everything!

Psalms 3:8a. NIV

[8] From the Lord comes deliverance...

He watches over us and helps us in our troubles.

Psalms 118:6-7 NIV

[6] The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? [7] The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.

According to Jesus, God will give good gifts to those who ask Him. So, pray and ask and keep on asking in prayer!! Be persistent and then be patient, and He WILL work in our lives. Believe He will help and He will!!! As Robin Williams said in "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Help is on dee way!"

Mark 11:24 NIV

[24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

You have to ask for help when you need it!!

James 4:2b. NIV

[2b.]...You do not have because you do not ask God.

So in all these crazy situations and circumstances, pray and ask God to help you. Believe He will help and He will! Whatever you need, run to the Father. Get as close to Him as you can. He will be your help, your protection in these times of trouble. He loves you and will help you. He is right there with you and will not leave you or forsake you.

So whatever happens. Pray!! Just ask Him!! He will help!!

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Live As Jesus Did

As Christians, the apostle John urges us in First John to "live as Jesus did."

1 John 2:3-6 NIV

[3] We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. [4] Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. [5] But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: [6] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

We keep His commands and "live as Jesus did."

How did He live? He was a servant. He lived to help other people. He was not selfish AT ALL. He loved all people, including His enemies. He laid down His life for all people. He obeyed the Father's will, even when He did not want to. Remember His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane? He did not want to be crucified, but He did it anyway because He knew that would take away the penalty for all sin. He did the Father's will. All these aspects of Jesus's life, we learn over time to be more like Jesus. So, we can "live as Jesus did."

Why do we want to live like Jesus did? Because as the Church, we represent Jesus to everyone around us. Remember the common goal of the Church, as a whole, is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who has not been saved yet. We help anyone become "born again." So they can go to heaven too. God works through us, so others will be saved. 

So if we live as Jesus did, that facilitates His will in our lives. His will on Earth is this: "He wishes that none would perish but all would come to repentence." He wants everyone to live with Him forever in heaven. If we live as Jesus did, we can help make that happen.

If you ever wonder if you are living as Jesus did, ask yourself, "Would Jesus do that?" Very simple.

If you are not saved, if you are not going to heaven when you die, then read my blog "Do You Know the Lord Jesus Christ?"

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Keep On Moving Forward

Dear readers,

I got you all started on studying the commands and teachings of Jesus, so we all could build a foundation for our lives. We build our foundation first on Jesus and His teachings. Then we branch out from there. Jesus said we are wise if we do that and that we show Him we love Him by doing so. 

Instead of doing that day by day through this blog, I am going to trust you to continue exploring His teachings in the four gospels on your own. This will free me up to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through me like He has been doing all this time. Do not let your individual study of the gospels intimidate you. You can do it because you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is inside you and Jesus said He will "teach you all things." He knows you better than anybody. He knows what you need to learn and when. So, just open your Bible and let Him teach you and give you understanding as you continue in the gospels. 

My hope is that you will do just that, starting where we left off at, which is Matthew 7:7.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Do Not Judge Others

 As we continue our study of the teachings and commands of Jesus, He teaches about judging people in Matthew 7. This is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 7:1-6 NIV

[1] “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

[3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 

[6] “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Jesus starts this passage by saying "Do not judge or you too will be judged." If you do then you'll receive the same kind of judgement from others as a result. You'll get whatever you give to others. So, He starts off by saying just do not judge others. Verses 3-5 does not give you permission to judge someone else when you remove the "plank" out of your own eye. He just said do not judge others. Verses 3-5 emphasizes that we all have sin in our lives and are in no position to judge or condemn someone elses actions. 

Keeping in mind the central thought of Romans 13:10, that "Love does no harm to a neighbor," we do not judge or condemn people, because that is causing them harm. It hurts them, makes them feel bad, or rejected. We never want to push people away by our words or actions. Just because we don't approve of their behavior, we have no right to judge them and make them feel bad about themselves. We ALL "fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23. Everyone has specks and planks of sin in their lives.

In another situation, these guys caught a woman in adultery and brought her to Jesus. Jesus did not condemn her, but chewed out the guys that brought her to him. They said she was supposed to be stoned to death according to Mosaic Law. Jesus said Okay then you who do not have any sin, throw the first stone. Of course they all had sin as we all do, so they could not stone her. They dropped their stones and walked away. See the point? None of us are ever in a position to judge someone else, because we all have sin in our lives. Plus, this brings harm to another person which is not loving them like we are supposed to do.

So, just love people. Do not ever judge, condemn, rinder an opinion, or whatever else that could cause harm. We want to bring people to Jesus, not push them away.

The end of this passage is simple. It says don't tell people about Jesus who don't want hear it. When they don't want to hear it, we should respect that and move on. Don't infuriate people by persisting, because they might attack us. So we just move on to people who are receptive to the gospel of Jesus.

Here are other passages about not judging people:

Luke 6:37-38 NIV

[37] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Romans 14:4, 10, 13 NIV

[4] Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

[10] You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

[13] Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

James 4:11-12 NIV

[11] Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. [12] There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Do You Know the Lord Jesus Christ?

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of God's one and only Son. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who came to save all mankind from their sins, the One who made a way for us to live for all eternity with God. Jesus died on the cross to take away the penalty of sin, to truly take away the sin of the world. He laid down His life so that you and I could live. He was raised from the dead and now sits at the Father's right hand in heaven right now, so that you and I could receive the free gift of eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Being in the new year now, do you know the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you been "born again?" Do you have the greatest gift ever offered to all mankind? God wants to give you this free gift right now!! What is the gift? Eternal life in heaven with Him!!!!

John 3:16-17 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.16-17.NIV

He wants you to be born again by the Holy Spirit, so that He can adopt you into His family forever, which is the Kingdom of God. He wants all of us to be His sons and daughters forever. He loves you and me THAT MUCH. God made a way for all mankind to live with Him forever.

How? By believing in His Son, Jesus Christ.

When you believe that Jesus Christ is real and that He died on the cross for you and was raised from the dead for you, then you are born again by the Holy Spirit and adopted into the family of God. You are given eternal life right then.

John 3:3-8 NIV

[3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” [4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” [5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.3-8.NIV

1 John 5:1a. NIV

[1] Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,...

Jesus is the Light that came to shine in a dark world. Whenever you believe in Him, you are born again by the Holy Spirit and become a child of God.

John 1:9-13 NIV

[9] The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. [11] He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.1.9-13.NIV

When you believe in His name, you are born again. You receive the gift of eternal life by being adopted into the kingdom of God, by God!!

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.2.8-9.NIV

1 John 3:1 NIV

[1] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.3.1.NIV

Do you want to live with God forever in heaven?

Then believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God right now! Do what Paul tells you to do now!

Romans 10:9-11, 13 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [11] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 

[13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.10.9-13.NIV

Call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!! Be born again and adopted into God's family!! Then be baptized!!

Acts 2:38 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/act.2.38.NIV

God made you. He loves you. Jesus loves you. He wants to add you to His family. He wants to give you eternal life by adopting you into His family. Do you believe in God? Do you believe in Jesus? Then come to Him today!! Come to Jesus Christ today!! Make Him your Lord and Savior today!! And you will receive the gift of eternal life today and you will become a child of God forever!!

NOTE: Dear Christians, please share this blog with those who haven't been saved yet!!

Come to Jesus now!!! I love you today!! Whoever you are!!

I Love You All Dear Readers!!

Jeffrey Post

Trust In God!!

As we continue our study on the teachings and commands of Jesus, we look at Matthew 6, continuing in the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 6:19-24 NIV

[19]  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. [22]  “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. [23] But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! [24]  “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

[25]  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? [28]  “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

This whole discourse from Jesus, He is saying to trust in God and nothing else. He is our heavenly Father, so seek Him first, trust in Him only, and He will take care of us.

Do not hoard up for yourself all kinds of wealth and possessions because there is no security there. The only security we have in life is what God, our Heavenly Father gives us. Seek Him first and He will always take care of us.

By faith, He rewards those that seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

[6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

So this whole passage is saying have money but don't let it have you. Do not be controlled by money and possessions. Let them be tools to store up treasure in heaven as we trust in God to take care of us.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

[17] Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. [18] Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. [19] In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Luke 18:22 NIV

[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

You make treasures in heaven when you use your resources to help the poor and needy. While we work day by day, we will have resources to help those in need and will not be dependent on anyone.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV

[11] and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, [12] so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

As we trust in God alone, he supplies all our needs, so we can help others. When we help others, this shows the love of God in our lives, and opens doors for them to be saved too. Because "love never fails."

So let's place ALL our trust in God and not in riches or wealth. Let's make treasures in heaven by always helping those who are in need. Let's show the love of God with our resources.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

To Be Seen of Men?

In our continuing study, Jesus deals with an issue of the heart, which is pride. God hates pride. Pride is what got Satan and his followers cast out of heaven. He tried to exalt himself above God and God kicked him and his bunch out of heaven. So, Jesus talks about 3 things people did and their motivations for doing them. The three main things the Jewish culture did was giving to the needy, praying, and fasting. He advises us here not to do things "to be seen of men," which is seeking the approval of men. Do things without having to be praised or noticed by people. Then one day, God will "reward us openly (KJV)" for all we've done.

Do not do things to lift yourself up, or exalt yourself, or to gain the praise, approval, and admiration of men. We should always humble ourselves before God and men. This will prevent pride from taking root in our hearts. Why stay humble? Because pride, arrogance, and conceit is misplaced worship. Prideful, arrogant, conceited people worship themselves instead of worshiping God. They love for others to worship or praise them. They crave man's glory, honor, and praise more than God's. We should only seek the "approval of God."

"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 

So let's look at this passage and let it speak to you, by the Spirit inside us.

Matthew 6:1-18 NIV

[1]  “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. [2]  “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. [5]  “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. [6] But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. [7] And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. [9]  “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10]  your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. [11]  Give us today our daily bread. [12]  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13]  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’ [14]  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. [16]  “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. [17] But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, [18] so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

(*NOTE: The Lord's Prayer in verses 9-13 is a framework to build our prayers from. We're not to say this prayer exactly like this, which has been a tradition for many years. Use it as an example on how to pray and what to pray for as you talk to God.)

Okay, moving forward. What rewards is He talking about? The rewards that Jesus will give us on Judgement day. All Christians will stand before the Judgement seat of Christ and we will "receive rewards" or "suffer loss," for what we did while we were on the Earth. These are rewards in addition to going to heaven and experiencing eternal life. 

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 NIV

[10] By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. [11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, [13] their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. [14] If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. [15] If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

So, our actions will be rewarded or not rewarded on the Day of judgement. 

Now, Jesus is saying here that if we do things for man's praise or approval, then that praise and approval is the only reward we will get. He won't give us a reward at the Judgement Seat of Christ when we stand before Him on that Day.

So let's be good and do good just because it is the right thing to do, laying up for ourselves "treasures in heaven." Letting our "light shine" so people will experience our good works and glorify "our Father in heaven."

Do not seek attention, praise, admiration, or approval from mankind. Stay humble and be and do good so God will be praised! Remember, love God and love people, so they will be saved too.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Love For Enemies?

Continuing our Sermon on the Mount study, Jesus tells us to "love our enemies." Let's dive into the text:

 Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

[43]  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children 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. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

He says "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." These are all the people we don't get along with. God says love them too. He is impartial and does not show favoritism, so we shouldn't either. Verse 45 shows us this when He says, "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." 

So, He shows us how to live by treating everyone the same. Love everyone the same. How? Again, Romans 13:10a.

Romans 13:10 NIV

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

We never do harm to anyone. Enemy or friends. This is how we love everyone. Never do harm to anyone. 

Then it says we are being "perfect" like God is.

So, Jesus is showing us a new way to live, which is loving everyone. Never doing harm to anyone, friend or foe. Always love impartially. Do not show favoritism. Love everyone. So good!!

This ends chapter 5. So, now on to chapter 6 of Matthew.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Oaths and Revenge

Next in our study, Jesus talks about oaths and revenge.

Regarding oaths, or swearing by something, or making promises:

Matthew 5:33-37 NIV

[33] “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ [34] But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; [35] or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. [36] And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. [37] All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Here Jesus tells us to have integrity. Be people others can count on. When you have integrity, then you can say simply "yes" or "no" when someone asks you to do something. You don't have to swear or make promises to people. Having integrity, people know you can be trusted to do what you say you will do. That's what He is saying here.

Next, Jesus talks about revenge. 

Matthew 5:38-42 NIV

[38]  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. [40] And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. [41] If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. [42] Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

This is another command where we "do not conform to the patterns of this world." Where we don't do what everyone else in the world does. We never return evil for evil, no matter what anyone else says or does. Paul clarifies this teaching in Romans 12.

Romans 12:17-19 NIV

[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

This totally goes against the patterns of this world, especially for men. This not saying to be a doormat or let people walk all over you. It is saying don't do to them what they did to you. "Overcome evil with good." That is what Jesus is teaching here.  Overcome evil with good and let God handle the rest. 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Divorce

Continuing in Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about divorce.

Matthew 5:31-32 NIV

[31] “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ [32] But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.31-32.NIV

Simply? If you are married, do not get divorced. If you need a divorce, the only way to get one Biblically is if your spouse has committed adultery, which is having sexual intercourse with someone else other than you. 

American society allows people to get divorced for any reason. That's why Paul said in Romans 12:2, "do not conform to the patterns of this world." As Christians, we don't just do what everybody else does. We listen to Jesus and do what He tells us, along with the other writers and teachers of the Bible. 

That's why we are in this ongoing study, to learn His teachings and commands.

What do you do if you are already divorced for other reasons than adultery, like many people are? Repent and confess that sin, and don't do it anymore. What's done is done and cannot be undone. So confess it and don't do it again.

1 John 1:9 NIV

[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I. Corinthians 7 is a great chapter for learning about relationship issues also. Learn about it there.

1 Corinthians 7:1-40 NIV

[1] Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” [2] But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. [3] The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. [4] The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. [5] Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. [6] I say this as a concession, not as a command. [7] I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. [8] Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. [9] But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. [10] To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. [11] But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. [12] To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. [13] And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. [14] For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. [15] But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. [16] How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? [17] Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. [18] Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. [19] Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. [20] Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. [21] Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. [22] For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. [23] You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. [24] Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. [25] Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. [26] Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. [27] Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. [28] But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. [29] What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; [30] those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; [31] those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. [32] I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. [33] But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— [34] and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. [35] I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. [36] If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. [37] But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. [38] So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better. [39] A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. [40] In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

So, His teaching is pretty straightforward here. If you are married, stay married. Don't get a divorce. Also at the end of His passage He tells us not to marry divorced people or that makes them adulterers or adultresses. Not good.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Adultery and Lust

 As we continue learning the teachings and commands of Jesus, still being in the Sermon on the Mount, we learn about adultery.

Matthew 5:27-30 NIV

[27]  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall 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 stumble, 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 stumble, 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.

Committing adultery is when a married person has sexual relations with someone who is not their spouse. Physically having sex with someone else other than your husband or wife. In American society, we call that "cheating" on your spouse. So, I presume the readers here understand what adultery is here in the text.

Now, once again, Jesus sets a new standard over what it said in the Old Law. He says that if you even look at another person lustfully, like you see a person and wish you could have sex with them, or you're sexually aroused by them, you commit adultery with them in your heart. 

You have heard it said,"thinking it is as bad as saying it?" Well here, thinking it is the same as doing it. So, we want to see all people from a healthy perspective, not a sexually motivated perspective. Put yourself in situations where you see people in a normal way, and you'll never commit adultery in your heart because of lusting after someone.

He goes on to say,

Matthew 5:29-30 NIV

[29] If your right eye causes you to stumble, 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 stumble, 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.

Figuratively, here He is saying to deal with sin directly and quickly. Confess and repent of sin, and then drastically cut it out of your life. Get rid of it immediately. Take measures to remove it from your life immediately. Then we will be good to go.

Don't entertain sin, or play around with sin, or let it casually remain in your life. It is a seed that will grow and cause all kinds of trouble. We don't need that, right? Life is hard enough as it is, without us adding to it. So, Jesus is saying that here. Get it out of your life immediately!!

So good! I love His teaching!!

If you want to get in touch with me, leave me your email address in the comments section below and I will reach out to you.

Stay tuned as we continue learning the commands and teachings of Jesus!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Anger and More

As we continue the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to a commandment in the Old Law about murder. He sets a new standard here. 

Matthew 5:21-26 NIV

[21]  “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. 

He is saying that everyone knows you're not supposed to murder anyone. But he takes it a step further by saying do not even be angry with people. This is in harmony with what James would write years later.

James 1:19-20 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Do not let anger be in your life because it does not "produce the righteousness God desires." Other versions say, "the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God."

So, while the Old Law says do not murder, Jesus says do not even get angry with anyone. Why? Because anger is a tiny little seed that can grow into so many things such as hate, rage, malice, slander, gossip, vengence, bitterness, jealousy, wrath, and various other negative things that can potentially explode into actual murder. Look at Cain and Able where the first murder took place. 

Genesis 4:1-8 NIV

[1] Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” [2] Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. [3] In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. [4] And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, [5] but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. [6] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? [7] If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” [8] Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

See? It started with Cain getting very angry that his offering was not accepted and Abel's was. Then his anger turned into jealousy, and grew out of control, and then Cain murdered Abel. 

So, Jesus is saying do not even let the seed of anger get planted in your heart. Because it can grow ultimately into the worst thing which is murder. So, negativity, anger, losing our temper, etc. are seeds that can explode into horrible things like murder. Do not let any of those take root in you.

He furthers this thought in the following verses:

"Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."

Now, here, "Raca," is a term of contempt, which is the same as calling someone a bad name, as well as calling someone a "fool." Here Jesus is saying do not even call anyone a bad name. 

He is saying do not let any of these negative behaviors take root in you, because they can grow and spiral out of control. It all starts with that tiny little seed of anger. 

[23]  “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; 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 together on the way, or your adversary 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] Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Here He says if you have offended someone, go make things right with them. Resolve conflict quickly, or it can grow into worse things.

Remember, we are God's children, and He works through us so others can be saved too. So, anger cannot be a part of our lives. It cannot be in our spirit, or allowed to grow there, because it totally defeats God's purpose for our lives. Our purpose: Love God and love people, so they can be saved too.

Romans 13:10 NIV

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Being angry, losing your temper, and a host of other negative things do not serve any purpose at all for us. So, do not let those seeds take root in your spirit.

No Anger!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Jesus Teaches About the Old Law

Here Jesus talks about the Old Testament:

Matthew 5:17-20 NIV

[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] For truly I tell you, 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] Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly 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.

First of all, Jesus fulfilled everything in the Old Law and the Prophets.We live by faith. We put our faith and hope in God as we are in Christ. We are under HIS direct supervision, not the Old Law as Paul explains in Galatians:

Galatians 3:15-25 NIV

[15] Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. [16] The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. [17] What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. [18] For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. [19] Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. [20] A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. [21] Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. [22] But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. [23] Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. [24] So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. [25] Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

Romans 7:1-6 NIV

[1] Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? [2] For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. [3] So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. [4] So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. [5] For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. [6] But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

So why is the Old Law still around if we live by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ?

The Old Testament teaches us what sin is.

Romans 7:7 NIV

[7] What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 

The Old Testament teaches us what sin is. Although we are in Christ now and not under the Old Law. We live by faith and not the "written code." 

Jesus is teaching here that the Old Testament would always be important as it tells us what sin is. So we still teach from it to show people what sin is. 

So, we live by faith in Christ Jesus and His finished work. We live under God's grace, while the Old Testament teaches us what sin is.

"We are not under the Law, but under grace."

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

PS-The remainder of His Sermon on the Mount He talks about things in the Old Law and sets a new standard for us to live by. Stay tuned....

Salt and Light

Continuing the teachings of Jesus, we are still in the Sermon on the Mount. After the Beattitudes, we see salt and light. As God's children, that's what we are to those around us. 

Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

[13]  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. [14]  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

When you salt your food, you are enhancing or bringing out the flavor of the food. When you are around people, the "salt" of who you are as God's child, should make their lives better. Just like real salt enhances the food. Our "salt" should make people's lives better. Allow the Holy Spirit to bear His fruit through us,

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

and we will always be "salty" and profitable to those around us. We will always contribute to people's lives in a good way.

Next, being God's children, we are "the light of the world." Light cannot be darkness, darkness cannot be light. Light removes darkness when the light is turned on. As God's children, our light should replace the darkness that is in people's lives. God's love should shoot through us into people's lives in "word and deed," by the Holy Spirit within us. Where our "light" shines, where God's love comes out of us, darkness leaves. The darkness of people's lives should leave when we show up. Again, this is making people's lives better, just like our salt does.

By the love God has "poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit," we should make people's lives better when they are around us. Pour love into their lives. Salt their lives with your love. Shine the light of love into their lives. With your words and actions of love, make the darkness of their lives go away!!

Then they will know God is real and they will praise Him for it. They will "glorify the Father in heaven."

We can change people's lives for the better. Be that "salt and light" in their world by your love for them, which is displayed in our words and actions. We can do this by the Holy Spirit that is in us.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post