From Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:33-37

"Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'You SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the CITY OF THE GREAT KING. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.”

When Jesus addressed the issue of oaths in His Sermon on the Mount, He was implicating common practice that was encouraged by the religious leaders of His day. Basically, Jewish rabbis had installed rules on the making and breaking of oaths. As you can imagine, the ability to make vows that could be broken was attractive to swindlers and liars of the time.

According to Jewish tradition, making a vow to the Lord could not be broken; however, swearing by the earth, or perhaps vowing to the heavens, was not viewed as a contract per se. As such, these “lesser oaths” could be severed according to long-standing tradition. This framework encouraged loopholes, fibs, and thievery, as it would today. In any era, oaths made lightly are devoid of honesty.

Consequently, Jesus prohibits all conversational swearing to anything or anyone. Ultimately, to make an oath in our day-to-day interactions not only projects dishonesty, but it is to swear by the Lord’s name. How can this be? Because He is the Creator of all things; indiscriminate swearing to an object or person is ultimately spoken in His sovereign presence.

Obviously, oaths can be made in serious matters, and Scripture advocates using oaths when appropriate. God Himself confirms promises with oaths (Hebrews 6:13-18), and Jesus spoke under oath (Matthew 26:63-64). Additionally, weddings and administrative proceedings are examples where oaths are foundational. In contrast, vows are not to be used nonchalantly, frivolously, or in manipulation.

In Matthew 5:37, Christ states, “But let your statement be, “Yes, yes, or No, no; anything beyond these is of evil.” In our everyday conversations, our words should be solid; we do not have to install oaths in our speech. We are to be true. Speaking with integrity is expected of Christ-followers. Anything outside of straightforward and honest speech invites God’s judgment (James 5:12).

Proverbs 12:22

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

James 5:12

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

From Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:27-30

"You have heard that it was said, 'You SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.”

Like all sin issues, adultery goes well below the surface of human actions. Jesus tells us that looking at the opposite sex with lust is the same as committing adultery within the heart. The motives and thoughts of the inner person are highlighted within the Sermon on the Mount.

Dealing with Sin’s Deadly Nature

Our Lord states, “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you.” Additionally, He makes the same kind of reference about the right hand. Jesus effectively uses hyperbole to make clear points. His language not only exposes the serious and deadly nature of sin, but it also demonstrates we must take definitive action to deal with it. Simply stated, we must not engage the temptation, and we must run from it! And, indeed, if we have committed a sin like adultery in the heart, we should take every measure to mortify it.

Implications for the Use of Pornography

In 2024, perhaps the most common form of lust is the viewing of pornography. If we believe Christ’s words, we understand lusting over images and videos is adultery that emanates from the heart. This should give professing Christians pause if viewing pornography has become a justified or secret pastime.

Shockingly, according to most surveys, at least fifty percent of church-going men view pornography regularly. In addition, many pastors engage porn frequently while shepherding their flocks. The reality is disturbing on many fronts.

But Scripture tells us that ongoing, habitual sin is eternally disastrous and is a product of the unregenerate heart. In Galatians 5:19-21, the Apostle Paul states, "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

In Paul’s warning, the Greek word for immorality is porneia from which we get our English word pornography. The word refers to all illicit sexual activity, including adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, bestiality, incest, and prostitution.

But God is great! Directly after Galatians 5:19-21, Paul contrasts sinful practices of the unregenerate with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). One of these fruits is self-control. Thus, the born again believer is equipped to overcome sexual sin. This describes absolute victory over ongoing, sinful practices.

Unfortunately, in the contemporary Church, we have managed to place the porn sin into the “special category” of addiction. We vastly ignore the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, years-long viewing should make one examine their salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ.

In the end, we must adhere to Jesus’ warning. Likewise, we must not excuse or minimize the power of the Holy Spirit within believers. In reality, it becomes impossible for the true Christian to make allowances for the ongoing and unabated use of pornography. The Word of God does not support this rationalization. When Jesus and His authority become real to us (John 14:15), we have the ability to choose Him and not a life of practicing cherished sins.

John 14:15-17

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”

Galatians 5:16-24

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Ephesians 4:17-24

So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Colossians 3:5

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God.

1 John 3:4-10

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

From Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:21-24

"You have heard that the ancients were told, 'You SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”

Have you been slighted within the Church? Or, have you thought that a brother or sister in Christ may be upset with you? We have all been in these situations, but here is the caveat: born-again believers are to be peacemakers and make earnest attempts to fix broken relationships. The bar is high, but our place in Christ makes generating the fruits of love possible.

God is primarily concerned with the internal motives of our actions, and relationships are key indicators of our spiritual condition.  In Matthew 5:21-24, Jesus demonstrates that external actions against others are just symptoms of a far deeper issue…the heart. He illustrates that the "Pharisee perception" of the Law is infinitely shallow. Consequently, anyone committing a wrongdoing such as murder may be guilty before court, but the mind and will driving the action is the root of the issue.  God is concerned with the human heart.

Furthermore, in the passage, Christ states, "And whoever says, 'You fool," shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell." This statement also reflects the Lord's truth in Matthew 15:17-19 indicating what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart. Our words are a reflection of our inner being.

Ultimately, the reconciling heart harkens back to the Beatitudes, which initiated the Sermon on the Mount. Blessedness, or spiritual well-being, is reserved for the gentle, the merciful, and peacemakers. These are all Christlike qualities, and believers share in these spiritual fruits.

Messiah desires that we go through extraordinary lengths to reconcile broken relationships. Just remember what He did for us! He gave up His exalted position in heaven to reconcile with sinful man. Essentially, He came from His heavenly sanctuary into the dark dwelling place of man’s sin. Perhaps Paul stated this most clearly. In Philippians 2:3-11, the apostle states, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus is the example of humility, and He shows us how love will go to any length to repair relationships. When we follow Him, we lay aside self-interests because others become more important than ourselves. By God's grace, we strive imperfectly to become more Christlike through sanctification. And ultimately, our hearts expose our internal condition at any given time. Do we count others better than ourselves? Within the house of the Lord, are we willing to mend fences at any cost?

Matthew 5:5

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.“

Matthew 5:7-9

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Matthew 15:17-19

"Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders."

Matthew 18:15

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother."

John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Romans 12:10-13

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Romans 12:18

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

1 Peter 3:8-9

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

1 John 4:20-21

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also."

From Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

During recent meditations on Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, I asked myself, “What if American Christians lived how Christ commanded?  What if our daily walk looked so foreign to others, it would make them ask, ‘Why are they so different?’”

Reviewing the years of my life, I can only think of eight to nine individuals who have shone the light of Christ in my work environments. And this is over a thirty-two year period! More striking is that most of my observations came early in my career.

When I was much younger, I often thought of how “Christian fundamentalists” in the workplace were not career-oriented or politically savvy. You see, I criticized their dispositions back then, but now I know better. Even though I maligned them within my thoughts, years later, I recognize the light they emitted.

Am I describing individuals who were always proselytizing in the workplace? No. I am speaking of the faithful who spoke and conducted themselves in a manner that was counter to the culture. They were different; they stood out. It was apparent they were Christ-followers.

Beyond encountering Christian lifestyles at work, I recall only one situation in the past decade when someone tried to evangelize me in a public setting.  This was at a service station when a young man with the heart of Christ asked me if I knew Jesus.  When I told him that I did, we both connected instantly.  I was thankful for my young brother.  I don’t remember his name today, but I cannot wait to see him again in Heaven. He was a light for Jesus.

But unfortunately, the willingness to shine for Christ seems dim in 2024. Where are the Christians? You just don’t see a conviction for Him outside of church buildings or beyond social media. Outside of our safe places, the silence is deafening. This observation brings me to Matthew 5:13-16.

Salt of the Earth

Matthew 5:13

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus’ referral to salt connects to the way in which the genuine Christian walk exposes and stymies decay in the world. The effective Christ-follower’s path will serve as a preservative within the rot of this world. In addition to opposing deterioration, I also think about how salt can sting when poured into an open wound. The born-again Christian will not only reflect Christ’s truth, but in most cases, that reflection will provide offense to a dark world.

Besides being a preservative, salt serves as a flavor enhancer. The salt of the earth Jesus speaks of provides a unique “seasoning” to this temporal existence. The world system dislikes the flavor, but the aftertaste points to eternity.

However, if we do not walk in Christ’s path, we become useless for Yahweh’s Kingdom as we are engulfed and trampled on by Satan’s kingdom. As the salt of the earth, we must stand with Christ or with the world’s desires. There’s no middle ground.

Light of the World

Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

According to Matthew 5:14-16, the light of God within believers cannot be hidden. True followers will reflect Christ and give all credit to Him. Through the Holy Spirit's power, they will demonstrate God’s will through their actions. These fruits (Galatians 5:22-23) are evident by dedication to His holiness. Additionally, those who are born-again will not deny Christ in public (Matthew 10:32-33). As a matter of fact, His name flows from their lips in conversations.

Finally, under the New Covenant, born-again Christians are empowered to become more Christlike. Thanks to His love for us, we have the benefit of being equipped with the Spirit of God. Each of us can be that city upon the hill projecting Jesus’ light for the rest of the world to see. When you think about it, it’s a tremendous privilege and an exciting opportunity!

John 8:12

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

Ephesians 4:17-32

So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.  But you did not learn Christ in this way,if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. Be ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Ephesians 5:7-21

Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you." Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Philippians 2:14-16

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

1 Peter 2:11-12

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Genesis 11:4a

They said, “Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name…”

There’s no better place on earth than an airport to get a feel for the culture. Right before Christmas, I traveled via air to the East Coast to see my parents. I did not think it would be possible for humans to become more addicted to their smartphones, but I was mistaken. As I was checking in with security at the airport, the young lady in line ahead of me was transfixed with TikTok, and she was holding up the line behind her. Finally, a TSA agent told her she should view TikTok later. Once I got on board the plane, ninety percent of the passengers were looking at handheld screens. I felt the living were not living; most had become slaves to their technology.

Residing in Austin, I routinely see people drive cars while scrolling on their smartphones. In the past month, I have witnessed a hospital nurse in an intensive care unit distracted by her smartphone. As a teacher in high school, I witness daily how technology has negatively impacted social skills. I am sure most of the readers of this blog post can share the same stories. As a society, we are losing our ability to thrive in the way God created us.

Forfeiting God-Given Abilities

The irony of this blog is that the website platform, Wix, now uses Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to suggest titles for posts. The feature is new this month, and it was not lost on me as I began to write on this subject of A.I. It seems we have arrived in an era when men no longer have to think. We are happy to be mindless drones. Creative writing and artistic abilities are up for grabs.

But God created man in His Own image (Genesis 1:26-27). This means that our intellectual nature and reasoning abilities are derived from Him. Sadly, we seem more than content to give up God-given talents to technology and the perceived promise of A.I. This action is engaged under the umbrella of “human progress” and pride. Men are excited as they turn to sloth while allowing A.I. to perform work and think for them. This conditioning began long ago, and tragically, we are more than willing to call this creation a god and become slaves to it.

Technology (internet, social media applications, and now AI) has generated a preoccupation that takes eyes off the Creator and redirects focus on self. Consequently, this focus has dumbed us down. However, people are enthralled with the world’s new capabilities. Some “entrepreneurial minds” even point to the salvation of humanity through technology.

The Antichrist Spirit and the Tower of A.I.

Historically, human progress is rarely engaged to glorify Yahweh. Conversely, many of our technological accomplishments are conducted in a rebellious spirit. The pride of life has men elevate themselves and not the Creator.

For example, the misuse of man’s abilities harkens back to the Tower of Babel. Genesis 11:4a states, “They said, ‘Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name.’” God had restated His command to populate the earth after the flood (Genesis 9:7). Instead, men took it upon themselves to congregate and build for their name, not God’s glory.

In 2023, A.I. development has led to somewhat of an electronic ouija board, fascinating people of all ages. It can give answers to questions and even give opinions based on secular input. In short, the machine is being trained by the antichrist spirit of the world. I believe it is appropriate to call it demonic.

Tech leaders who deny Christ lead the way in displaying this “new magic” to the public. These men are not setting forth to glorify Christ but to advance their own ambitions. In turn, many hope to create an artificial intelligence that cannot be contained, an all-knowing god built on secular ideologies. And many will be more than willing to submit themselves to this latest false god. Some are predicting an event called the singularity in which A.I. will become unstoppable and self-contained. A few have updated their

timeline for this event to 2031.

The obvious tragedy for countless souls is the rejection of God and His Son, Jesus. While fallen men reject an eternal, all-knowing, pre-existing God, they will actually believe in a supposed limitless intelligence that they create. See the contradiction and rebellion here?

Do Not Admire the World, Proceed with Caution

It may ring harsh to many, but the world and its systems are definitively antichrist. How can I come to such a concrete conclusion? Is this my opinion? No. Scripture tells us the world and its programs are opposed to God. Jesus Himself acknowledged Satan as ruler of this world (John 12:30-31). Furthermore, Satan claimed his delegated authority over the world when tempting Christ (Luke 4:5-7).

Beyond the temptation of Christ, Jesus and His disciples described the dark reality of the world system (John 12:30-31; Ephesians 2:1-2; 1 John 2:15-18). The mindset, hopes, and dreams of society belong to darkness. The satanic spirit encompasses our educational, economic, and technological systems. God is indeed sovereign, but Satan possesses control of the hearts and minds of nonbelievers, which make up the vast majority of people. However, this life is a definitive test, and it will meet God’s purposes with the world’s final destruction. It is impossible to circumvent Yaweh!

With respect to the world’s technology, I know my own limitations. I can spend too much time online and lose focus on the things of God. That aspect governs how much I post here; I limit myself to one blog post per month.

In closing, I desire that I and my readers live life outside of the internet. Go fellowship with other believers and find ways to serve! Get to know others and find needs. Doing the things of God are mostly not found in cyberspace and in artificial intelligence. Life is in Christ only, it does not flourish in man’s contrived realities or temporal achievements.

1 John 5:21

Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

Jeremiah 17:5

Thus says the LORD, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind

And makes flesh his strength,

And whose heart turns away from the LORD.”

Luke 4:5-7

And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, "I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.”

John 12:30-31

Jesus answered and said, "This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes. Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.”

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Ephesians 2:1-2

And you were a dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

1 Peter 5:6-8

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.

1 John 2:15-18

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.

1 John 5:18-21

We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

Matthew 5:10-12

”Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

The following is the final of a four part musing on the Beatitudes.

Today, cultural Christianity exhibits a phobia of suffering, especially for the name of Christ. American inclinations of Christianity are paved with prosperity and comfort. Blessedness is associated with easy-believism, a concept that embraces all the world has to offer while avoiding public proclamations of faith in Christ. Yielding to Jesus' Lordship is not a product of saving faith according to this false ideology.

Consequently, when comfort and perceived privileges are threatened, too many express anger and engage in chatter about individual entitlements…rights to engage physical violence against wrongdoers and rights to physically protect personal prosperity at all costs. Pride swells within the heart when contemplating the prospects of loss. However, these assumptions do not exist within the Kingdom of God. As we have seen so far in Jesus’ Beatitudes, humility is the exact opposite of what human tradition holds to be true.

Jesus and His Apostles convey to believers that we can expect to be persecuted for God’s righteousness (John 15:18-27, Philippians 1:29-30). This reminds us that our faith in Christ is not a private issue, but our love for Him and our obedience to Him are indeed public and obvious. His Lordship rules our lives.

Because of our allegiance to Christ, we share in His sufferings (1 Peter 4:12-14). How could it be any other way? In essence, the slave does not possess special worldly favor that the Master did not realize. The world hates everything about our Lord, even his followers.

Jesus’ referral to righteousness in Matthew 5:10 is not linked to being a “good person." However, it has everything to do with being orientated toward God and His will. Those who yearn for the Lord’s righteousness live out a life that reaches for holiness and honors His commands. If one lives for Christ, that person will encounter persecution at some point in life (2 Timothy 3:12). Minimal persecution such as being ostracized for Christ is a guarantee, even in America.

Moreover, a life devoted to God’s righteousness is not obscured or placed in stealth mode.  As Jesus states in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

While there are various ways to suffer in the world, the persecution referred to by our sinless Savior is something in which He can personally identify. The blessedness Jesus speaks to in Matthew 5:11 is directly linked to being persecuted on His account. Christ was crucified because was the incarnate Son of God; He was hated without cause (John 15:18-27).

As prescribed by Christ Himself, the Christian response to persecution is love. Our Lord set the example as He was mocked, spat on, and eventually crucified. The believer's duty is to love enemies even through affliction contrived by the world (Luke 6:27-28). Glorifying God in our suffering demands exhibiting love and self-control.

Further, the Apostle Peter reminds us that suffering with Christ is not linked to sin (1 Peter 4:12-19). Peter explains that various sins and meddling in the affairs of others can lead to persecution that is not associated with loving Jesus. Christians are to refrain from these types of activities. If we suffer for Christ, it will be for His name and His righteousness. We are not ashamed, but we are glad to suffer for God's glory.

For his part, the Apostle Paul’s motivation for suffering was to benefit Christ’s church. Paul also pointed to the inner comfort the Holy Spirit provides to persecuted believers. He conveyed to the Corinthian church that while their sufferings in Christ were in abundance, so also they had comfort in abundance through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5).

In the same way the early church rejoiced in persecution, we should embrace it as it brings about perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-11).  If we suffer for Christ, we know that we are His, and our inheritance is extraordinary.  Trials for Christ’s name in the temporal world are trivial compared to the eternal radiance of His shared glory (1 Peter 1:6-9). As Jesus indicates, our reward in heaven will be great!

Matthew 16:24-25

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life w for My sake will find it."

Luke 6:22-26

"Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way."

Luke 6:27-28

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you.”

John 15:18-27

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, 'They HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.' "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and  you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”

Romans 5:3-11

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 1:5

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

Galatians 6:17

From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.

Philippians 1:29-30

For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in ah Christ’s afflictions.

2 Timothy 3:12

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

James 5:10-11

As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured.

1 Peter 1:6-9

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE godless MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

In this third blog in a series on the Beatitudes, I am reflecting on blessedness connected to mercy, purity, and peacemaking. Our Lord has given us a clear picture of the fruits generated by the Holy Spirit. May we see and comprehend with open hearts.

Giving mercy to others is not a worldly principle. On the contrary, looking out for one’s own interests above the needs of others is often viewed as a virtue. But Jesus points us to yet another truth that contradicts human notions.

We love because God loved us first (1 John 4:19), and His love shows us astonishing mercy. God the Father gave us compassion when He sacrificed His Son to pay the price for our sins. God is love (1 John 4:7), and He is the standard.

In His Beatitudes, Christ tells us that the reciprocal to giving mercy is receiving mercy. Those who are merciful receive God’s compassion through salvation and eternal life. Likewise, just as God has given all common grace, we are to express grace with others. When we are in situations in which we can grant compassion to an offender or one in need, our displayed mercy receives attention. Acts of grace not only imitate God’s nature, but they glorify Him.

The Apostle James also comments on mercy in his epistle. He tells us that a life characterized by mercy will be ready for the Day of Judgment. James states, “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)

Christ tells us those who are pure in heart will see God. Here on earth, purity is seen through the lens of faith. In eternity, the saints will see God’s glory directly. Though imperfect in the temporal world, those who love God with all their being (Mark 12:30) possess the clarity that drives them toward holiness. The pursuit of God is not a “half-hearted” disposition. It is all in; it is a singular purpose.

King David’s act of reconciliation with God is a good illustration. While repenting after his affair with Bathsheba, David exclaimed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). He understood that sin separated him from God, and he asked for forgiveness. David pleaded to the Lord not to take His Holy Spirit away from him. David had a special anointing, but today, the believer in Christ has the advantage of having the indwelling Holy Spirit as provided in the New Covenant. The Spirit of God drives inner integrity that, in turn, propels the heart’s motives.

It is often said that “history is written by the victors”. Many credit this saying to Winston Churchill; others argue this worldly axiom originated in various forms before Churchill used the line. Most can probably agree that, according to the world’s system, this salute to military conquest on the battlefield is on par with man’s nature. It could be estimated that a variation of this phrase was given birth not long after Cain murdered Abel. In our dark world, peacemaking is viewed as a “neutrality” that interferes with “winning.” Victory in war, in arguments, and in success trumps the naivety of pursuing peace. Men seek the spoils of conflict vs. making compromises.

Consequently, living a life characterized by peacemaking is impossible without the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-23). As Jesus states, peacemakers are the sons of God. To embrace peacemaking means to tamp down anger, hatred, and pride. In short, peacemaking is foreign to the human disposition.

Furthermore, God tells us to pursue peace in all situations. For instance, Romans 12:18 states, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Additionally, Scripture is clear that all vengeance is to be left to Yahweh (Romans 12:19).

The foundation of peacemaking is ultimately love. Jesus commands us to love our enemies in no uncertain terms (Matthew 5:43-48). Loving our enemies is a reflection of Yahweh’s character.

In conclusion, the message of the Beatitudes may seem impossible to some. However, the believer in Christ can make significant gains in pursuing these endeavors through the Holy Spirit. If we belong to Him, we will bear fruit in this life.

Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.

Matthew 5:43-48

"You have heard that it was said, 'You SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 9:12-13

But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE ,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Mark 12:30

“AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.”

Luke 22:20

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood."

Romans 5:7-8

For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 12:14-21

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "But IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

1 Peter 3:8-12

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, "The ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. "He MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. “FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL .”

Matthew 5:3-6

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

In a continued review of Christ’s Beatitudes, I’ll focus on a blessedness that is connected to vocabulary such as poor, mourn, gentle, hunger, and thirst. From a secular standpoint, linking such words is outright foolishness. How can any well-being be connected to deep humility? Even in cultural Christianity, blessedness comes through the projection of material gain, intellectual prowess, power, and status.

However, the Kingdom’s values are upside down from the temporal world in which we live. Consequently, blessings, as it relates to spiritual wellness, are of eternal significance. Kingdom values lead to holiness and eternal life.

Poverty of Spirit

Messiah tells us that blessedness starts with being poor in spirit. Those who experience the God-given gift of understanding their brokenness will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. The realization that God’s mercy is our only hope is a truth that very few come to in a lifetime.

Christ also points to the comfort those who mourn will receive. Sinners who repent will enjoy the presence of Christ. A legitimate turning away from sin leads to salvation and eternal life (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Humility that recognizes spiritual bankruptcy is the exact opposite of human pride. Reliance on God can be described as a child-like faith the world does not understand. Comprehending Yahweh's holiness and our own sinfulness is a blessing that the world’s value system cannot measure.

Under Control

Likewise, in a fallen world that places premiums on the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17) and self-exaltation, gentleness derived from God is only valued by those who are born again. Christ points to a disposition that only those with the indwelling Holy Spirit can appreciate. In turn, the fruit of the Spirit produces self-control, love, and patience, among other attributes (Galatians 5:22-23).

I am reminded of God’s longsuffering with men as He restrains Himself against sin. His common grace given to all those on earth is extraordinary. His gentleness with fallen creatures is astounding.

Furthermore, Christ’s obedience in going to the cross demonstrates a self-control that the world cannot possibly imagine. The Supreme Being of the universe resisted using His power against sinners as they mocked Him and crucified Him. This is the type of godly gentleness that followers can access through the Holy Spirit.

Hunger and Thirst

Understanding that they have no righteousness of their own, believers will continually seek God’s righteousness (Philippians 3:8-10). This yearning is underpinned by the realization that they are broken and sinful. They will gain righteousness only through faith in Christ. Jesus tells us that saints who hunger and thirst for God’s standard will be satisfied. What they seek, they will find.

Matthew 18:1-4

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Romans 8:9-11

However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

2 Corinthians 7:10

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Philippians 3:8-10

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

As Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount, He initiated His discourse with the Beatitudes. These teachings are the antithesis of what the secular world defines as “winning” and superficial happiness. The Beatitudes describe a blessed state that is foreign to society.

The Greek word for blessed means “happy, blissful, or to be enlarged.” But Christ’s application of the word goes well beyond these meanings. Blessed, as Christ uses, articulates a spiritual wellness that is divinely generated by the Holy Spirit. It is a condition of the faithful, and one that will generate eternal rewards.

A blessedness that is found in godly sorrow, self-control, and even in persecution is one-hundred eighty degrees from society’s idea of happiness. Jesus obliterates secular concepts of human self-reliance and success as He points to a humility that relies on God. Only this blessedness can be authored by Yahweh.

Contrarily, worldly happiness describes shallow emotions that are produced by physical pleasure, self-actualization, status, and abundance of various kinds. Pursuit of human happiness correlates to the notion of human progress and satisfaction. Man’s ideas of happiness absolutely conflict with true blessedness experienced by the faithful.

Spiritual wellness does not seek the things of the world. It does not seek war, is never victimized, does not mock, and does not seek its own. Quite the opposite, it relies on God above all things, prays for others, seeks peace in all circumstances, and endures persecution without engaging in violence or revenge.

In short, the blessedness that Christ describes is viewed as the “losing side” in the world. As with all red letters, human notions of what is good are blown to part. It becomes impossible for us to align Jesus with any human agenda.

Consequently, we should thank God for His character that contradicts the world. If He described blessedness as men like to have it, I would not be posting this blog. I would not exist, but I do because of His mercy.

Over my following three blogs, I’ll be breaking down the Beatitudes in detail. The richness of the Lord’s words is immeasurable. Praise Yahweh!

Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

"Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Deism-a movement or system of thought advocating natural religion, emphasizing morality, and in the 18th century denying the interference of the Creator with the laws of the universe.

Age of Enlightenment- Primary themes of Enlightenment thought on religion centered on the notions of anti-supernaturalism, deism, and, as it relates to Christianity, biblical criticism. Deism was embraced by many who held Enlightenment beliefs.

Unitarianism-Whereas Trinitarianism teaches that God is three in one (triune), Unitarianism teaches that God is simply one (unity). Unitarianism rejects the doctrines of the Trinity and the deity of Christ.

A couple of years ago, I was reading the Declaration of Independence and began to wonder about the beliefs of its authors. Questions started to plague me. If declaration committee members believed in the God of the Bible, then why is Christ Jesus not referred to in the document? The authors seemed very comfortable pointing to a creator, but why did they not identify the Creator by name? After all, to believe in Christ is to acknowledge Him and to present Him as Lord of all. This truth has nothing to do with the separation of church and state.

Furthermore, many people across the earth identify with a god or gods, but the one true God is identified through Jesus. For instance, Muslims and Mormons believe in a god, but they dismiss Jesus as God. Did some of the prime Founders align more with false religions?

So, what did the authors actually believe? Did each believe that Jesus is God? Did they believe in the Trinity? Let’s take a few moments to analyze these questions.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson is considered the primary writer of the Declaration of Independence. The other four committee members (Franklin, Adams, Livingston, and Sherman) provided edits to his draft. As documented by Monticello.org (an official museum and archive), he plainly rejected the Trinity and Jesus’ divinity, and for a time, he dabbled in deism. Jefferson called himself a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus, but he did not view Christ as the way to the Father.

Jefferson stated, “It is not to be understood that I am with him (Jesus Christ) in all his doctrines. I am a Materialist; he takes the side of Spiritualism; he preaches the efficacy of repentance toward forgiveness of sin; I require a counterpoise of good works to redeem it.”

In his retirement, Jefferson eliminated the miracles and resurrection of Jesus In his Bible. He named his compilation The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. Like many people and religions of the world, Jefferson acknowledged Jesus as a great moral teacher. Unfortunately, in his own wisdom, Jefferson rejected parts of the Bible to which he did not subscribe. While he labeled himself a Christian at times, he did not believe in the God of the Bible or God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. To reject Jesus is to reject the Yahweh of Scripture. Jefferson tried to straddle the fence during his public career, and within his own intellect, he dismissed Jesus’ deity.

The Thomas Jefferson Bible

Jefferson Bible-The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin may be the most famous deist among the founders. He abandoned the Puritan faith of his parents and often questioned basic tenants of Christianity. He also embraced Freemasonry.

Consequently, based on his statements and actions, he seemed confused about his beliefs while serving as one of the nation’s leaders. While calling himself a deist, he proposed that meetings should start with prayer. In speech, he was tethered to his Christian upbringing and vocabulary, but this does not equate to belief in Jesus Christ.

Like Jefferson, Franklin’s beliefs are usually described as complicated. However, born again believers know that faith in the Lord and confidence in the Word of God are not convoluted. While we cannot possibly comprehend our Sovereign God to the fullest extent, we know the truth of Jesus’ divinity. Sadly, Franklin denied Christ as Lord and Savior during his time in office.

John Adams

Similar to Jefferson and Franklin, John Adams rejected the Trinity and the Resurrection. Although he was of Puritan descent, he converted to Unitarianism in his adult life. Unitarianism subscribes to the belief that Jesus is not equal to God.

While history records many famous religious quotes attributed to John Adams, we must remember that he inherently had issues with a large swath of Scripture. Rejecting the Trinity and Jesus’ oneness with the Father are not light matters.

Robert Livingston

Robert Livingston is a lesser-known founder to the general public. He was described as a shrewd businessman, and he brokered the Louisiana Purchase. As with Benjamin Franklin, he was an active Freemason. Although he was associated with Protestant Christianity, his Freemason status and its rituals should be considered a direct conflict to Christ followership. Many aspects of Freemasonry are opposed to the Word of God.

Roger Sherman

Like Livingston, Roger Sherman is not a well known founder In today’s culture. Based on public statements and writings, he confessed faith in the biblical Jesus. Sherman declared Jesus as Lord and acknowledged the Trinity. He viewed Scripture as God’s absolute word. In his Confessions of Faith, he wrote, “I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.”

Of the five declaration committee members, it appears that Sherman was the only one who confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior. He did not deny Christ’s miracles or His resurrection. He was described as a devout Christian.

A Mixed Bag of Influences

Ultimately, the declaration committee members devised a good secular document, and the signatories (many of whom were pastors) embarked upon the birth of a new nation. Freedom of men can be used for God’s purposes, and as acknowledged by John Adams, only moral people can maintain a free society. But we must realize that a mixture of influence was injected into the thoughts of the dominant architects of the Declaration and later the U.S. Constitution.

In their individual journeys here on earth, some of the nation’s key founders viewed the world’s wisdom as appealing. The somber commentary is that at least two of these men seemed to outgrow their Puritan roots. While researching, I found myself extremely bothered for Franklin and Adams. They were swept away by admiration for man’s reasoning ability, and they highly valued products of the Age of Enlightenment.

In parallel, the nation‘s founders properly ascertained that Judeo-Christian values bring order to society. But while publically articulating their beliefs in a higher power, many of the lead architects used terms like “religious” or “religion” and failed to point to a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.

To be clear, we don’t know what conclusions Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, and Livingston came to on their deathbeds. Maybe in God’s sovereignty, the Holy Spirit generated a belief in Christ Jesus before their final breaths. Only the Lord knows.

Only Biblical History is Non-Biased

Founders such as Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams are often evaluated to an admiration even King David does not enjoy within American cultural Christianity. Nationalism blurs lines. To many, these men were perfect arbiters of God’s will even though they did not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. On the other hand, King David was a man after God’s heart, yet biblical history records his failures and sin.

Through my research of the five Declaration of Independence authors, I was reminded that only the Bible provides non-biased perspectives. God did not spare Israel’s leadership by overlooking unfaithfulness in recorded history. All of the blemishes and warts are in Scripture. The Spirit of God is quite different than the flesh of men. Men attempt to glorify their nations and patriarchs, but our Holy God understands that all things come to an end in the current corrupt, sinful world. Scripture is 100% true and reliable.

America enjoyed years of peace and prosperity in the past, and it was due to the nation’s promotion of Judeo-Christian values. The authors of the Declaration of Independence understood the necessity for such precepts. Even though many rejected Christ as Lord, they still held on to some biblical truth.

However, this disposition is quite different from placing trust in Christ as Lord and Savior. We must never forget the disparity. I am also reminded that one day Jesus will not be marginalized, and everyone will see Him for who He is. He is God, and His kingdom will last forever.

Got Questions—Founding Fathers

Matthew 7:13-14

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Matthew 10:32-33

“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.“

John 10:29-30

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Romans 10:9-13

…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for“ WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

Colossians 1:15-17

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Mark 10:6-8

“But from the beginning of creation, God made THEM MALE AND FEMALE. For THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh.”—Jesus Christ

Throughout human history, God’s designs have been targeted and questioned. These actions are in line with man’s fallen nature. The world continually second-guesses the Creator’s sovereignty.

We can point to the theory of evolution as an example. Though this man-made premise cannot be proven and is full of discrepancies, the fairy tale is sold as fact in public schools, state universities, and in Hollywood. Hence, manipulated science enables men to live in darkness while attempting to hide from the light.

Beyond man’s “biased knowledge,” sin has intervened in the roles and responsibilities of God’s image bearers. Yahweh’s ordained processes are often interrupted and short-circuited by man’s self-focused intentions. For example, the birth control pill was approved for use just over sixty years ago, and today we can see widespread implications for the world. The notion of “free sex” jeopardized the institution of marriage, exalted pornography, assaulted the family unit, spurred population decline, and served as a platform for gender confusion. Like dominoes, our corrupted designs have fallen in

sequence, leading to the next catastrophic failure. Satan has had a field day as men rebel against the Creator.

By contrast, God’s design for man and His creation is beautiful and loving. Even in this fallen world, He has given us the opportunity to see glimpses of His glory through His patterns. Likewise, the design of the male and female genders provides us insight into God’s character.

Two Genders—Male and Female

Yahweh created man in His image. Man has the ability to reason and possesses intellect. We also demonstrate will and emotion. Furthermore, God ordained the creation of two genders, male and female, each with unique roles that complement one another.

Actual science reflects His wonderful and breathtaking work. The male gender carries XY chromosomes, and the female gender carries XX chromosomes. Chromosomes are made up of DNA tightly coiled around protein. The very building blocks of the sexes predispose them to unique attributes. The pre-wired genetic codes impact internal and external physical structure and innate abilities. DNA cannot be undone or removed from a person’s biological makeup.

Designed for Relationships and God’s Glory

God’s design for gender displays relationships that are dependent on one another. Beyond propagating His command to multiply and fill the earth, His design produces relationships that provide tenderness, nurturing, and protection. When men and women marry, they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24) for mutual dependency and glorifying God.

While walking upon the earth, our Lord Jesus acknowledged the design that He Himself facilitated. Responding to a question about divorce, Messiah responded, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, 'For THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND the TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6)

It makes sense that Elohim designed His creatures as relational beings because His triune nature exhibits relationships. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are One. Because of the unique and holy relationships within the Trinity, God does not need man. However, He created relational beings in His image to become the ambassadors of His glory.

Praise the Creator

In a world that is corrupted beyond our ability to grasp, man’s designs for himself are not sustainable. The more the world tries to alter the Creator’s work, the faster it falls into an abyss of darkness. But against the backdrop of man’s chaos, God’s love becomes visible and more apparent for those who seek Christ. With opened eyes, we should constantly praise the Creator.

The Biology of Gender—Answers in Genesis

Genesis 1:26-28

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them,“ Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky al and over every living thing that moves am on the earth.”

Genesis 2:18-25

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable o for him.” Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Psalm 33:6-8

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

Matthew 19:4-6

And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, 'For THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND the TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”

Can you imagine someone trying to trap God with His own words and commands? In the Gospels, we see the religious order do just that. Of course, the Jewish rabbis used what they perceived as cunning in their efforts to have Jesus stumble.

The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes repeatedly tested Jesus in attempts to place Him in a corner. Their endeavor often involved hopes of having Him contradict the Pentateuch (The Books of Moses). Based on their inventions and tradition, the group compiled Old Testament law into 613 commands, one for each letter of the Ten Commandments. The rabbis often disagreed as to which laws were the most “important.” They assumed Jesus had developed incorrect precepts regarding the laws.

When asked to name the greatest law, Jesus used the words of God directly. LOVE THE LORD was echoed from Deuteronomy 10:12 and 30:6. But Jesus took His answer one step further to demonstrate the full responsibility of love. He included “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” This command is derived from Leviticus 19:18. Genuine love for God is followed by a genuine love for people.

A SUMMARY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

In Matthew’s account of this question and response, Jesus concludes, “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” When Jesus referred to the whole Law and the Prophets, he was pointing to the Old Testament. Accordingly, the commandments to love God and to love neighbors are reflected in the Ten Commandments.

“You SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND” correspond to a vertical relationship with God (first four commandments):

“You SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF” reflect our horizontal relationships with people (last six commandments):

Jesus’ declaration of the greatest commandments does not replace the Ten Commandments or God's other ordinances. In Matthew 5:17-19, He explains that the Law will not pass away until the end of heaven and earth. Under the New Covenant, rituals and ceremonies have been extinguished, but the Law of God is written in our hearts, and born-again believers imperfectly strive to obey its directives. The Law can't save us because we are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). But it can convict us (Romans 7:7), and ultimately, we can fulfill the Law with love (Romans 8:3-4).

Inherently, to love God means that we place Him first in our service to Him. To love neighbors means that we respect their lives and possessions. We even see an example of the Apostle Paul summarizing a part of the Ten Commandments regarding love of people:

In conclusion, the two greatest commandments and the Ten Commandments are reflections of one another. Loving God and loving people are a call to duty. So, as we go about our lives, let us remember that love fulfills the Law. And, most of all, let’s strive with the Holy Spirit to follow Christ’s example on our sanctification road.

Matthew 5:17-19

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?" Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'Hear, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; and YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' The second is this, 'You SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe said to Him, "Right, Teacher; You have truly stated that He IS ONE, AND THERE IS NO ONE ELSE BESIDES HIM; and TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL THE HEART AND WITH ALL THE UNDERSTANDING AND WITH ALL THE STRENGTH, AND TO LOVE ONE'S NEIGHBOR AS HIMSELF, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions. …

Matthew 25:14-30 — The Parable of the Talents

“For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, 'Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, 'Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.' But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus’ Olivet Discourse contains various parables. Three of them told in succession are closely tied together in the critical point they offer. The two servants, the wise and foolish bridesmaids, and the talents highlight the necessity of faithfulness while waiting for Christ’s return.

This post will focus specifically on the parable of the talents. Like many of Christ’s parables, the meaning of this narrative is often misunderstood. During the course of my adult life in church, I have heard notions that the parable is about handling finances and maximizing personal spiritual gifts. To the contrary, the message is totally concerned with fidelity to the Lord.

What is a Talent?

Jesus was not describing spiritual gifts with the word “talent." Conversely, as presented in the parable, a talent was a unit of weight. It equaled approximately 80 pounds, and when it was used as a standard for money, it was routinely valued at 6,000 denarii (Roman silver coins). A single talent represented in silver was worth more than 20 years of labor. So, the talents presented in Christ’s parable were enormous sums. The wealthy man in Jesus’ illustration entrusted each slave with substantial responsibility.

Faithfulness and Readiness

Of course, the wealthy man in the parable represents Jesus, and each of the slaves depicts professing believers. The man gave numbers of talents to each slave based on their character, trustworthiness, and ability. The first two slaves are examples of born-again believers who, by faith, bear fruit. The third lazy slave exemplifies the professing Christian with no real saving faith. A false profession produces no tangible work for the Kingdom. The proclamation of faith is hollow, and it generates lip service at best.

On another note, the parable has nothing to do with managing personal finances as I have heard over the years. Jesus’ illustration points directly to our faithfulness in the responsibilities delegated to us. Have we obeyed His commands to love and to share the gospel? Have we pointed others Christ? Do our lives exhibit actions for the Kingdom?

Furthermore, as the parable demonstrates, faithfulness is akin to readiness. In the illustration, when the wealthy man left, the slaves had no idea when he would return. The first two slaves acted “immediately” to produce a return. However, the slave given one talent buried his responsibility. He either thought his master would not return, or his return would be delayed.

Indifference and Unbelief

The lazy slave placed his talent in the ground, hiding it from the world’s view. Upon the master's return, the slave blamed him for his own unfaithfulness, calling him a “hard man." We can imagine that this will be the very case when many will be caught off guard with Christ's second return. Unbelievers will lay responsibility at Christ’s feet, and blame will be directed at the Lord. Those who do not recognize their sin will attempt to divert accountability.

Notice that in the Master’s goodness, He gives even more to those who have faithfully served. The reward of “being put in charge of many things” is referring to the bounties realized in eternity. But ultimately, many who profess His name on earth in reality do not believe in His return or His existence. Sadly, too many are complacent, and they live their lives for themselves, not seeking the Kingdom. We are reminded in Luke 17:26-34 that before His second coming, humanity will be as unprepared as men in the days of Noah and those in Sodom and Gomorrah.

At the end of the parable of talents, Jesus exclaims, “Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus routinely used these terms to express the reality of hell. In love, he disclosed the truth of unfaithfulness.

In His goodness, God gives common grace to all in our temporal environment, but unbelief will not qualify anyone to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Like many of the Lord’s parables, the illustration of the talents should give us moments of pause. Questions we should ask ourselves: Is my faith in Christ real? Has my life advanced the Kingdom of God? If Jesus returned this instant, am I ready for Him? Am I wasting my allotted time?

John 15:5-6

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.“

Romans 2:4

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

James 2:14-20

What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

Matthew 13:44

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.“

Matthew 13:45-46

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price are brief in composition, but their meanings are often misrepresented within cultural Christianity. Man-centered gospels frequently misapply the value presented in these pithy illustrations. For instance, if you google either of these parables, you’ll find a host of blogs and articles that present man as the hidden treasure or the pearl.

By contrast, the actual great value presented in the parables is the high cost of the Kingdom. Consequently, the correct interpretation of placing such weight on the Kingdom of Heaven becomes problematic for many as it implies the value is so immense that converted sinners are willing to give up everything for it. This truth is not popular in a Christianity that places faith in comfort, wealth, and traditions.

What is the Kingdom?

Currently, the Kingdom is with us spiritually. It is subtle, and as Jesus stated, the Kingdom of God is in our midst (Luke 17:20-21). It resides within the hearts of His elect. However, believers have not realized its full and final culmination. We know that Christ will rule His future physical Kingdom in bodily form. Scripture presents the Kingdom by assigning several names to it: “the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5); “the kingdom of God” (Mark 4:11); and “His kingdom” (Matthew 13:41; 16:28). As indicated by the hidden treasure and pearl of great price parables, nothing can match the priceless nature of the Kingdom.

God’s Free Gift

In reality, no one can afford the Kingdom, and no one can buy their way in. Salvation is a free gift that God bestows, and we cannot work for it (Ephesians 2:8-10). God’s elect are valuable because to His Glory, He saved sinners. Genuine saving faith understands the price that Christ paid, and in turn, it strives to emulate Him.

Saving Faith’s Transaction

Likewise, an attribute of genuine belief is a saving faith that demonstrates a new life and a new person. When we trust in Christ, we essentially give up our lives for Him. As John MacArthur states, “In simpler terms, saving faith is an exchange of all we are for all Christ is. Christ took the place of the believing sinner when He bore the penalty of sin on the cross. Sinners take their place in Christ by faith when the Holy Spirit brings them into perfect, permanent union with Christ through a spiritual baptism (1 Cor. 12:13). That transaction is what is pictured in these parables.”{1}

In summary, the truly converted understand the unfathomable value of the Kingdom. The man or woman who come to know Christ comprehend they have nothing in this present life that matches God’s eternal gift (Philippians 3:7-11). In grace, they will learn to deny themselves in this temporal environment with joy and confidence. Once they find the Kingdom, they end pursuits of material, worldly philosophies, notoriety, and false religions.

[1] John MacArthur. Parables:The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told. Nelson Books, Inc. 2015. 55

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.“

Matthew 10:37-39

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life ad will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.“

Luke 14:27-28

“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”

Luke 17:20-21

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is your midst.”

John 3:3

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Philippians 3:7-11

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

2 Peter 3:17-18

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Matthew 13:3-9

And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold, the sower went out to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out. And others fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.“

Matthew 13:18-23

"Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

As Jesus began to exclusively use parables in His ministry, it’s not by coincidence that He started with the Parable of the Sower. Jesus conveyed to His disciples that the dullness of hearts would prevent many from embracing the truth (Matthew 13:11-17). The parable reinforces this reality. Conditions of the heart are linked directly to seeking and perceiving the Kingdom and its message.

Although the parable uses the image of a sower, its spiritual focus is on the quality of the various soils. As such, it should be noted that comprehending the Word of God (seed) is not contingent upon the skill of the deliverer (sower). The Word of God is unchanging and perfect. Only if the deliverer alters God’s Word would the distribution be of poor quality. Thus, the parable has everything to do with the receiver’s heart (soil). It is the heart alone that can embrace the Word. Let’s briefly examine the heart conditions Jesus describes in the parable.

Roadside

The roadside is hard, as it has been trampled on by worldly belief systems and sin. When Jesus utilized this imagery, we have to keep in mind that he was engaging a religious culture, not an atheistic society. People with the roadside heart reject the truth in favor of darkness. They have no interest in seeking to understand the Word of God. The hard hearts of the Pharisees are prime examples. Consequently, people with this condition model the fools in Proverbs 1:7 which states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Jesus goes on to explain that Satan snatches the Word away from these hearts. How does this happen? Satan uses lies (John 8:44). He comes as an angel of light

(2 Corinthians 11:14-15), and he uses false teachers to question the truth of God’s Word. Strategically, false gospels and belief systems embrace the philosophies of men. They allow people to cherish the darkness that they desire (John 3:19).

Rocky Places

The rocky place is covered with thin soil. The described heart responds to the true Word of God immediately, but the response is superficial. Jesus even uses the word “joy” to describe the feelings of the shallow heart when initially receiving the Word. However, without deep roots, “belief only lasts for a while.” Emotion and excitement are no substitutes for true conversion and followership. Thus, after a time, the temporary believer falls away. Persecution and affliction expose bogus faith.

In John 8:31-32, Jesus states, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” A lifetime trend of continuation in Christ is key. Short-term faith is no true faith at all.

Thorns

Seeds that fall into soil with thorns are eventually choked out and die. Hearts in this condition are consumed with wealth, cares, and pleasures. This is an example of a “double minded man, unstable in all of his ways” scenario (James 1:8).

The world system and its idols cannot be cherished while simultaneously embracing the Word of God. Like Jesus, the apostle John condemned worldliness with severity. He wrote, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

Good Soil

Soils along the roadside, soils containing rocks, and soils filled with thorns will not produce fruit. However, good soil will not only receive the seed, but it will persevere in order to bear fruit. Jesus stated, “But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.” (Luke 8:15)

Only God Himself can prepare a heart to receive the Word. Human intentions and human will cannot come to saving faith; it requires the work of the Holy Spirit

(1 Corinthians 2:10-16). One must be born again (John 3:3). While our time on earth will see us stumble at times, the true follower will be persistent by relying on God and repenting.

Proclaiming God’s Word

A crucial lesson of the Parable of the Sower is that we should proclaim the Word of God to everyone around us. While we must never convey an altered gospel, our skill in delivering the true gospel is not responsible for conditions of the hearts receiving our message. Ultimately, the soil has to be prepared by God to receive the seed and bear fruit. If we, as sowers, distribute enough seed, then we will eventually throw seed into soil cultivated by the Lord.

John 8:31-32

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

1 Corinthians 2:10-16

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.

Hebrews 3:14

For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.

One phenomenon depravity produces is man’s penchant to distort the words of Christ. False teachers twist all of Scripture, but when it comes to the red letters, the violations are the most scrupulous. It should be of no surprise that the earthly ministry of God Himself is often attacked or marginalized. Christ’s teachings were offensive to most as He walked the earth, and they are just as offensive to the masses in our contemporary times.

Yet, hasn’t man always disparaged God’s word? When the Lord gave His command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Satan’s subtle suggestion to Eve was essentially, “Did God really mean…?” Christ’s ministry is subjected to the same sinful man-centered reasoning today. Cultural Christianity itself dismisses truths that do not align with human agendas. The love of God is not appealing to human ears. As a result, God continues to harden hearts (Romans 9:18), leading to pitch-black spiritual blindness.

Over the years, false teachers have watered down or “softened” Christ’s commands to make them more palatable for their audiences. My future blogs will address non-biblical teachings in more depth and compare them with Scripture. But for the present, this and the three following posts will focus on a specific set of red letters—the parables of Christ.

Unfortunately, Christ’s parables are mostly ignored within cultural Christianity. This is the case because so many of the Kingdom’s truths are inconvenient to worldly listeners. Due to unbelief, the parables are often twisted, misunderstood, and avoided. However, the teachings’ spiritual lessons present the realities of discipleship costs, faithfulness, and eternal focus. The true Christ-follower will embrace the parables and hold on to them for dear life.

What is a Parable?

The word parable comes from two Greek roots, para (“beside) and ballō (“throw”). Parable means to “place alongside.” As a simple teaching tool, Christ used parables to compare two things that are alike in some way, with the ultimate objective of demonstrating a spiritual lesson. They were diverse— long or short, some contained similes and metaphors, and some utilized proverbs. The parables of Jesus are recorded in all three synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

A significant aspect of Jesus’ parables is that they were never constructed on fiction. They were true-to-life illustrations. And counter to a popular notion, Jesus used parables extensively compared to rabbis who pre-dated Him. As stated by John MacArthur, the device was used occasionally before Christ, it was not used with great frequency.[1] So this begs the question, when and why did Christ use parables in His ministry?

The Parables as Judgment and Mercy

Today, many have suggested that Jesus presented parables to make His teachings more interesting. However, His exclusive use of these illustrations came at a turning point in His ministry. His teaching style changed dramatically in response to hard hearts. Ultimately, His employment of parables has deep eternal ramifications. Let’s examine Scripture to understand.

In Chapter 12 of Matthew, the Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the law by picking grain to eat on the Sabbath. In response to their false accusation, Jesus proclaimed His deity by stating, “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Jesus then proceeded to heal a man’s withered hand and later healed a demon-passed man. In contempt, the Pharisees accused our Lord of working miracles through demonic power. These events on the Sabbath became a crescendo for the Pharisees’ hatred.

Later that same day, Jesus would begin a discourse in parables (Matthew 13), and He would use them for the remainder of His public teachings. It was clear that most Jews were blind to His words, and they rejected Him. In His goodness, Jesus continued to spread the truth while encountering staunch opposition to His ministry. Consequently, the parables were judgment because their meanings were obscured, allowing the unbelievers to dwell in the darkness they desired. Yet, in His mercy, Christ provided the parables as charity also. Because they had already rejected Him, more truth would only increase the unbelievers’ eternal condemnation. Hiding the clear truth in parable was merciful.

Spiritual blindness prevented scores of listeners from perceiving the truth and seeking the truth. Like salvation, the privilege of embracing the message of the parables is a gift from God. The truth is not valuable to the hearts of the unbelieving. In explaining this reality to His disciples, Jesus also referred to the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy from Isaiah 6:9-10. Jesus stated the following:

Likewise, in Mark and Luke’s accounts, Jesus conveyed that those who are able to see and understand do so because of God’s ordinance. Ultimately, when Jesus stated, “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:9, Mark 4:9, Luke 8:8), He was referring to an ability only bestowed by God. For believers of all-time, this reality is breathtaking. As described in all of the synoptic gospels, the work of the Holy Spirit is necessary for comprehending the parables.

In subsequent posts, we’ll examine just a few parables that have been misapplied and misinterpreted by many. These will include the parables of the sower (Matthew 13::3-23, Mark 4:2-20, Luke 8:4-15), the treasure hidden in the field (Matthew 13:44), the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:45-46), and the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).

[1] John MacArthur. Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told. Nelson Books, Inc. 2015. xxx.

Isaiah 6:9-10

Keep on listening, but do not perceive;

Keep on looking, but do not understand.

Render the hearts of this people insensitive,

Their ears dull,

And their eyes dim,

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

Hear with their ears,

Understand with their hearts,

And return and be healed.

Matthew 13:34-35

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES; I WILL UTTER THINGS HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD .”

Mark 4:9-12

And He was saying, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables. And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN .”

Luke 8:8-10

As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.”

1 Corinthians 2:14-16

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.

Last January, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists announced for the third year in a row that the world is on the doorstep of the apocalypse. The organization proclaimed that the Doomsday Clock continues to stand at 100 seconds to midnight.

The clock was created in 1947 as a benchmark to warn about the potential for nuclear annihilation. Today, it incorporates other “threats” to humanity. Still, like other secular constructs, the clock does not articulate man’s true nemesis—his sin nature.

God’s Sovereignty and Longsuffering

Even with all of the chaos created by sin, life is sustained as the globe travels through space at 67,000 mph (a rate more than 873 times Mach speed). Subtly and gently, all of creation is held together not by randomness or by chance, but by an all-powerful Savior who endures with unimaginable patience.

Conversely, men are known to instantly scrap personal relationships or creations if designs become flawed or if “novelty“ wears out. The inconvenience of dealing with something that is broken is frequently avoided. On most occasions, man’s sin nature limits any form of reconciling with damaged goods.

However, God’s longsuffering with His creation is counter to human inclinations. Men do not measure power in the humility of Christ; in secular society, it is measured in pride and carnal brute force. Consequently, we should recognize this reality daily and praise our Lord for His loving mercy. We are so fortunate that the Creator is Holy. To His glory, God gives mercy where it is not deserved...He gives time to the sinful (Psalm 86:15).

As believers in Christ, we are expected to emulate the Father’s longsuffering through the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). During His era of common grace, we are required to point to Christ and even die for His name if necessary. His love for us generates deeds and actions that shine as a beacon in a dying temporal world.

His Hand Holds the Clock

In reality, God has held the clock at one second to midnight for thousands of years. However, Scripture conveys to us that the Lord’s longsuffering will not last for infinity

(2 Peter 3:3-18). And although we appreciate His grace, we should never take it for granted…we should always be ready. Such a position is prescribed by His very word, for Christ warns His followers not to become apathetic (Matthew 25:24-30). He encourages us to always look forward to eternity and to be prepared. Knowing this, may we persevere in glorifying Him in this small space of time.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’…

Psalm 86:15

But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger and abundant lovingkindness and truth.

Matthew 25:10-13

“And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Be on the alert then, for you know neither the day nor the hour.“

Matthew 25:24-30 “Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed. And I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you still have what is yours.’

“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed? Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Luke 18:7-8 “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

Romans 9:22-24

What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

1 Peter 4:7

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

2 Peter 3:3-18

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Psalm 90:10

As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,

Or if due to strength, eighty years,

Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow;

For soon it is gone and we fly away.

James 4:14

Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.

Every human will experience the last gasp of breath in this life. Even though most would consider this thought morbid, it must be pondered. The final moment of our lives in our current physical bodies will arrive much faster than we can imagine. When the flash of transition arrives, time will expire instantly…and within that microspace, the realization that we have no control will reach its pinnacle.

In the terminating second of life on earth, no prized possessions accompany individuals. Only lone souls are positioned in the hands of a Holy, Sovereign God. Traditions cannot intercede to save. Political affiliations are of no use. Family and friends are not able to represent the newly deceased to vouch for his or her “goodness” and achieved status. All self-indulged works vanish as if they have never existed.

Only Jesus is there at the last breath…only He alone. If we have placed Him as our first love, we will be assured of peace in His presence. If we have habitually placed idols before Him, we will be ushered into eternal wrath. Family, nationalism, entertainment, and money will be unable to serve as high priests for our immortal souls.

Like Lot’s wife, we may gain a bird’s eye view of the truth, but we can still miss the Kingdom if our treasure is not in our Savior. If our first love is of the world, eternal life with the Lord will slip through our hands. Jesus has certainly and undeniably conveyed this truth to us. We should understand He alone is worthy, and He alone is the way to eternal life. In Matthew 10:37-39, Messiah states, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.”

Idolatry in this world comes in all forms. Personal empires, children, and spouses placed before Christ are obstacles to reaching the Kingdom. We must remember that only Jesus can bring fullness to our lives.

Ultimately, this temporal life will be a millisecond when applied to eternity. This reality is difficult to get our heads around now, but it is approaching each of us quickly. The most melancholy existence is to endure God’s wrath while wishing to experience that millisecond of His common grace again.

In all sincerity and humility, each of us should constantly ask ourselves, “Do I place Christ first and foremost above all other things?”

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 13:44

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.“

Matthew 13:45-46

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

Matthew 22:37

And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Luke 9:62

But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 17:32-33

“Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.”

John 1:3

All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies…”

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Colossians 2:6-12

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over every ruler and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision performed without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Hebrews 4:14

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession.

Engage in dialog during our contemporary times, and you will likely hear the terms tyranny, fascism, and the Great Reset. Politics and world leadership are obsessions these days. Woes are delivered in dramatic fashion within conversations across politically aligned communities.

Furthermore, many cultural Christians connect the faith’s tenets to events like the American Revolutionary War. A spirit of rebellious pride often replaces the Holy Spirit in attitude and behavior. Too often, those who profess Christ are more than ready to take up arms. Lore and stories from history replace God’s commands to obey His ordained governments and to love enemies. A deep-held fascination exists…one of Minutemen leaving their families behind to end the dastardly lives of Red Coats. Based on human historical precedents, many see no need to pray for the enemy.

The Human Tendency to Place Limits on God

Even though most American Christians acknowledge God’s sovereignty, majorities install restrictions on His omnipotence when it comes to political leadership. But Scripture tells us that God does as He pleases (Psalm 115:2-3). All human events will meet His purpose. How quickly we forget that global leadership is ordained by God Himself (Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1-3). Response to immoral leaders is too often one that includes mockery, contempt, and hatred. But God’s word speaks of a different disposition.

For instance, when ordered to submit to a false idol, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not organize militias. Instead, they peacefully refused to submit to a graven image, and they left the rest to God. The end result was the enemy seeing the glory of God. Today, this type of scenario is difficult for multitudes to imagine…many would deem human aggression as a means to “glorify” God.

God Ordains All Leaders for His Purposes

In our era, perhaps God is appointing a certain leadership that not only demonstrates His sovereignty but also deals with a church body that does not live for Him…a church body that partakes in all of the world’s hedonistic pastimes and pleasures. It may be that, in His sovereignty, He uses governments that are oppressive to purify His Church. Instead of looking to the Second Amendment for protection, should we be reading Scripture and examining our hearts?

Humility is not Attractive to Fallen Human Nature

Unfortunately, the rebel spirit entices human nature. Political obsession and idolization develop pathways to potential violence. Gentleness and love for others are certainly perceived as weaknesses when the stakes are high. Malice is viewed as a remedy, and pride is offered as a template for God’s ordinances. Peacemakers are rarely highlighted in antiquity, and loving one’s enemy is viewed as foolhardy.

God Uses Human Rebellion to Accomplish His Will

Nonetheless, God interweaves and uses all human actions for His purposes. Even when we fail to follow His directives as individuals and as a nation, He will accomplish His will. He cannot be denied, it is impossible.

Sadly, very few in the world’s existence have believed God’s word. Society’s yesterday proves this out. Mankind embraces hate and anger in the name of self-righteousness, politics, economics, and power. The human will is contrary to Christ’s commands.

Ultimately, God is the Judge and the Giver of life (Genesis 2:7, Romans 12:19). In His sovereignty, we find our safety…and we should be encouraged and strengthened by this reality. He is in control…we have no need to obsess over politics.

Daniel 2:21 It is He who changes the times and the periods; He removes kings and appoints kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, And knowledge to people of understanding.

Psalm 115:2-3

Why should the nations say, “Where, now, is their God?” But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.

Proverbs 14:12

There is a way which seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.

Matthew 5:5

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5:7-9

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Matthew 5:43-48

”You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 22:18-22

But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.

Romans 12:17-21

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "But IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13:1-7

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Galatians 5:16-24

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Titus 3:1-3

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

1 Peter 2:13-17

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

“Just before I die sanctification will be finished; but not till that moment shall I ever claim perfection in myself. But at that moment when I depart, my spirit shall have its last baptism in the Holy Spirit’s fire. It shall be put in the crucible for its last trying in the furnace; and then, free from all dross, and fine, like a wedge of pure gold, it shall be presented at the feet of God without the least degree of dross or mixture. O glorious hour! O blessed moment! . . . Oh to be washed white, clean, pure, perfect! Not an angel more pure than I shall be, —yea, not God himself more holy!”—Charles Spurgeon

Believers’ born again nature creates a new heart within each of us, but we continuously battle to overcome the contingent of remaining sin that will be with us until physical death. The beauty of the Holy Spirit is that He generates the ability within Christians to defeat habitual sin, but at the same time, He reminds us of our inability to reach perfection in this temporary life. Our new spiritual nature is at war with our dying flesh (Romans 7:14-20), and we are constantly putting sin to death (Romans 8:12-13). As such, we are always reliant on the Lord for forgiveness and renewal.

An action engaged with the wrong motive, an impure thought that lasts for a split second, and a moment of contempt for others are just samples of our shortcomings. Consequently, becoming more Christlike serves as a catalyst for hating our own sin. This condition does not facilitate self-loathing, but it generates an understanding of our state in a fallen world. It creates humility and thankfulness to the Lord for saving us.

This paradox in which Christians live is one that only a Christian can understand. We find joy in the Lord, yet we mourn over our remaining sinful substance. Our temporary state of affairs will produce godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10-11), but it will give us zeal to push forward. We yearn for that day that we will realize perfect righteousness in the presence of Christ.

Christ’s Beatitudes describe the humility of understanding our fallenness. Specifically, in Matthew 5:3-4, He states, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” The Greek word for blessed is makarios, which means “fortunate, happy, enlarged, or lengthy.” Jesus uses blessed to convey the spiritual well-being of followers…a well-being that is generated by relying on Him. Those who are poor in spirit due to their fallen state here on earth will engage in ongoing repentance and reliance on the Lord. This leads to spiritual comfort and a deeper relationship with God.

Ultimately, those who mourn over their indwelling sin comprehend their powerlessness without Yahweh. This characteristic is required to enter into the kingdom of heaven, and it is a hallmark of true conversion. Our victory is predicated on understanding our helplessness and exhibiting a childlike faith. Continual repentance is a lifelong reality for a Christian.

Finally, understanding our condition should lead us to have empathy for the lost. No one will escape eternal death without God’s mercy. As people who undeservingly received God’s grace, may we show unbelievers mercy by pointing them to Christ.

Matthew 5:3-4

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Matthew 5:7

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Matthew 9:12-13

But when Jesus heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE ,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Romans 3:23-25

…or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.

Romans 7:14-20

For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

Romans 8:12-13

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

2 Corinthians 7:10-11

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.

1 John 1:8-10

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.