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

Wrapping Up the Beattitudes

Today we close out this study of the teaching and commands of Jesus with the last two Beattitudes.

Matthew 5:10-12 NIV

[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Simply? Don't worry about it when people don't like you because you are a born again, child of God. Great is our reward in heaven!! They hated Jesus. They ridiculed Jesus. They talked bad about Jesus. They mocked, scoffed, and made fun of Jesus. This is saying they will do it to us also. They did it to Jesus. They did it to the prophets before Jesus, and they will do it to us too.

No worries. Let them do whatever. We belong to Jesus.

Romans 14:8 NIV

[8] If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Let people do what they do, nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:31-39 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Whatever happens, just keep on being who God has made all of us who believe, which is a child of God. 

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.

No matter what anyone says or does, they cannot take that away from us. We are children of God forever. Nothing can change that or take that away from us. We belong to Jesus forever!! 

John 10:27-30 NIV

[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”

Always cling to that hope!! The hope held out in the gospel!!

Colossians 1:22-23 NIV

[22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

So, be prepared and love people. Show the love of Jesus and let them do what they will do. 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are the Peacemakers,..."

 As we continue our study of the Beattitudes in Matthew, we continue with the subject of peace.

Matthew 5:9 NIV

[9]  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

In this verse, the Holy Spirit showed me something that I have never noticed before. Here it says "peaceMAKER," NOT peaceKEEPER.

As children of God, it says we will be happy when we MAKE peace, not just keep the peace.

We resolve conflicts in relationships, in interactions with others. We work to resolve disputes and arguments and all kinds of troubles and difficulties that we encounter. We work to make peace wherever we go. 

I always thought this meant to keep the peace, to avoid conflict. No. It means to make peace in the midst of all kinds of conflict that we find ourselves in the middle of. Then, people will know we are children of God. So cool!!

One key verse here that summarizes this is at the end of Romans 12:

Romans 12:21 NIV

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

See? Overcome evil, such as conflict, strife, anger, fights, brawling, slandering, arguing with goodness. This makes peaceful interactions with others. This brings peace. 

So, while we want to avoid conflict, sometimes we can't, and therefore have to resolve conflict and diffuse a situation and MAKE peace. Be a peaceMAKER. So cool.

With the Holy Spirit bearing His fruit of peace through us, we can do this. As we walk in the Spirit, we can MAKE peace wherever we go. We CAN overcome evil with good.

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. 

As Jesus says here, we'll be happy if we do so, and people will know we are God's children.

Let's look at some scriptures now:

James 3:17-18 NIV

[17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Psalms 37:37 NIV

[37] Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

This is so awesome dear readers:

Titus 3:1-8 NIV

[1] Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. [3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. [8] This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

[3] You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. [4] Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

John 14:26-27 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Colossians 3:15 NIV

[15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV

[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, [2] for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Hebrews 12:14 NIV

[14] Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Romans 12:18 NIV

[18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

See? If you want to be happy, MAKE peace wherever you go.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are the Pure In Heart,..."

Continuing our study, we proceed to the next Beattitude in verse 8:

Matthew 5:8 NIV

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

This says we will be happy if we stay "pure in heart," and when we do that we will experience God in our very lives. 

How do we do that? How do we keep ourselves pure? By not sinning like everyone else does. By not participating in all the things of the world. By not thinking and acting like everyone else in the world. We should get rid of all worldy things and influences in our lives. Don't just live like everyone else, but live for God and what He desires for our lives. Follow Jesus every day!!

Get rid of anything that hinders our walk with God. Don't conform to "the patterns of this world," which is how everyone else does things in the world around you. Walk by the Holy Spirit's guidance in our spirit. Keep our minds set on "things above and not earthly things." Think on good things. Keep our eyes on Jesus and how He lived and do likewise. Follow Jesus and noone else!! So cool!!!!

Look at these great passages that instruct us:

1 Timothy 5:22b. NIV

[22]...and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

James 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 

Galatians 5:16 NIV

[16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Colossians 3:1-3 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 

Philippians 4:8 NIV

[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

Romans 12:2a NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

Why do any of this as Christians? Because we are the Church. We belong to Jesus now. We represent Jesus in the world around us. He will use us, and work through our lives to save those around us. He works through us, by the Holy Spirit inside us, so other people can be born again too, and go to heaven too. 

So, all His commands and teachings are for that purpose, and to give us the "abundant" life He promised. So awesome!! 

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

PS- Today marks my 200th blog entry since I started this on Sept.11th, 2024. So cool!!

"Blessed Are the Merciful,..."

Continuing our study of the teachings and commands of Jesus, as a foundation for our lives, we look at the next Beattitude in Matthew 5.

Matthew 5:7 NIV

[7]  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

What is mercy? 

Webster's dictionary defines it as "compassion, leniency, or restraint shown especially to an offender or to one subject to the power of another." Or "2. Compassionate treatment of those in distress."

My reference Bible defines it as, "a form of love, especially directed toward the needy or unworthy."

Okay, cutting through such formal definitions, mercy is showing love to anyone regardless of if we think they deserve it or not.

Simplify it even more, it is being nice to someone no matter what happens. 

God shows us mercy everyday even though we don't deserve it and here Jesus is saying to do the same thing to those we encounter in life. Mercy receives mercy. "Give and it will be given unto you."

Luke 6:38 NIV

[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.

Look at God's promise to us:

Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

[22] It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.

If He does this for us each day, how could we not do it for those around us? Give mercy to everyone, everyday, no matter what. This shows the love of God that is "poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit," and that is in us by the Holy Spirit.

Do you remember the movie "Roadhouse" with Patrick Swayze? Mercy is like the one line he said while training his employees at the bar. "If someone does this or that...BE NICE. If they did this or that, or said this or that...BE NICE." So cool. That is exactly what mercy is. I love that line in that movie.

So, mercy is similar to grace, giving people what they don't deserve or are unworthy of. Be nice, be kind, be compassionate....love everyone, no matter who they are or what they've done or not done, whether we think they deserve it or not. Why? Because God gives us this exact mercy every day too.

Let's look at scriptures:

Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV

[31] For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Psalms 86:5 NIV

[5] You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Job 33:14-30 NIV

[14] For God does speak—now one way, now another— though no one perceives it. [15] In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds, [16] he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, [17] to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride, [18] to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword. [19] “Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones, [20] so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal. [21] Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. [22] They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death. [23] Yet if there is an angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright, [24] and he is gracious to that person and says to God, ‘Spare them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for them— [25] let their flesh be renewed like a child’s; let them be restored as in the days of their youth’— [26] then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being. [27] And they will go to others and say, ‘I have sinned, I have perverted what is right, but I did not get what I deserved. [28] God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’ [29] “God does all these things to a person— twice, even three times— [30] to turn them back from the pit, that the light of life may shine on them.

Job 37:23 NIV

[23] The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.

Psalms 36:5-6 NIV

[5] Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. [6] Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.

Luke 1:50 NIV

[50] His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Luke 6:36 NIV

[36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Titus 3:4-7 NIV

[4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 

We see here that since God has shown and shows His great mercy to us, we should be merciful too, to all people. So great.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness,..."

In today's study, we continue with the Beattitudes of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:6 NIV

[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Let me start by saying with the invention of the Internet, social media, and cell phones, people waste so much time. Have you noticed how addicted people are to their cell phones? I see it all the time. Their "hunger and thirst" is misplaced. Anyone at anytime, Christians or not, can't get off their cell phones. I certainly will not change anything and people do what they do, but let me give you something to think about.

As Christians, what does the Bible say about how we use our time?

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Other versions say, "Redeem the time for the days are evil."

We only have so much time on this Earth, time we can never get back. Why waste it on things that do not matter from an eternal perspective?

Eternal perspective is things that will have an eternal impact, not a temporary one. Why do things that won't matter in a hundred years or a thousand years? Why waste time on a cell phone for example? Paul talks about this...

1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV

[23] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 

See? He is saying don't waste time on things that are not beneficial or constructive. Okay, so how should Christians "redeem the time?" By making the most of every opportunity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the main function of the Church, to spread the gospel so others can be saved. 

Here Jesus is saying we will be happy when we "hunger and thirst" for spiritual matters, for God, and Him. We will be satisfied and "filled" because God will never let us down. He satisfies the desires of the heart, the longings of our souls. When we hunger and thirst for Him, when we pursue Him, then we will be satisfied with our lives. We will be happy. Through talking to Him in prayer and listening to Him as we study the Bible, we develop the eternal relationship with Him that He wants for us. At least that is what I am experiencing. 

So, turn off your phone or device. Stop wasting time, and spend time with God. Then He will use us to make an eternal impact in people's lives. Do what is beneficial, constructive, and eternal. Look here....

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.

Job 11:13-19 NIV

[13] “Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, [14] if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, [15] then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. [16] You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. [17] Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. [18] You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. [19] You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.

Hosea 10:12 NIV

[12] Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

Amos 5:4 NIV

[4] This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live;

Zephaniah 2:3 NIV

[3] Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

[33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 7:7-8 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.

James 4:8 NIV

[8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

Psalms 105:4 NIV

[4] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Isaiah 55:6-7 NIV

[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. [7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

See? Seek God. Hunger and thirst for building your relationship with Him, and you will be satisfied. This brings our happiness. Pursue Him and He will pursue you. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. 

Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then love all people as we love ourselves.

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post