Ten Commandments Today?

Are we to follow the Ten Commandments? Are they written for us?

Do commandments of the Law of Moses have authority over the Christian?

Do commandments of the Law of Moses have authority over the Christian?

Your question really involves two separate questions with which I want to deal with separately. First, let’s ask the question, “Were the Ten Commandments originally written for all mankind?” The answer to this question is, “no.” The Ten Commandments as originally given are found in Exodus 20:1-17. They are part of the covenant that God made with Israel when they came out of Egyptian bondage. We read in at least two places in the Old Testament that the Mosaic Covenant was not intended for all mankind, but for the nation of Israel alone. In Exodus 34:27, 28 we find this explicitly stated. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.” (KJV). Notice that the covenant was with Moses and with Israel specifically. It was not for any other nations. Notice the content of the covenant in verse 28, “the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.” So the Ten Commandments were only given as a covenant to Moses and to Israel. Let’s look at another passage of scripture dealing with this same issue. In fact, this passage is actually a commentary by Moses on Exodus 34:27, 28 because Moses is restating the Ten Commandments for the children of Israel who are about to go into the land of Cannan. We read in Deuteronomy 5:1-3, “And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.” The covenant was made with Israel. This covenant did not apply to their fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), but to them specifically. Now let’s ask some practical questions regarding this first question. If we were to draw up a covenant between two parties today (let’s say between Kevin and Tony) and we were to say that this covenant which we have is between Kevin and Tony, then automatically everyone understands that other people are excluded from the covenant. The same common sense applies to the Old Covenant. God made that covenant between him and the children of Israel. That is the entire scope of the Old Covenant and it does not have application to any other party or group of people outside of that nation of Israel.

Your second question is as follows: “Do the principles and content within the Ten Commandments have application for us today?” The answer to that question is a resounding, “Yes!” There are aspects of the Ten Commandments that are still applicable for mankind because these aspects are against man’s moral nature. In other words, committing these sins would be acting in a way that is against the way in which God created us. Such is the case with murder, adultery, theft, lying, covetousness, and failing to honor father and mother. The principles under-girding the Ten Commandments themselves will never cease to be applicable as long as man walks upon the face of the earth, because man is who God made him to be. The remainder of the Ten Commandments is applicable in principle as well. Don’t worship idols and don’t use God’s name in vain. The one commandment that most people have questions about today is, “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.” Here is where we must understand the principle undergirding the commandment. God’s principle was for the children of Israel to set aside a day out of the week to rest and to worship. This day was the Sabbath or seventh day; what we today would call Saturday. Is Saturday binding today as the day of God’s worship? No. Must we worship God today on Saturday? No. Has God changed the Sabbath so that it is now Sunday? No. Sunday is NOT the Sabbath day. Is the principle of worshipping God at least one day out of the week still in effect? Yes. Absolutely. Today, God commands us that we worship upon the “first day of the week” (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor.16:2) or Sunday.

Now, what is the key to understanding the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament. I would recommend that you study a few passages. First, in Colossians 2:13, 14 Paul writes, “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” The “handwriting of ordinances” is a reference to the Mosaic covenant. This passage clearly teaches that it was “nailed to the cross” along with our sins. Those who suggest that we need to keep the Old Covenant are, according to this passage, making the equal suggestion that we should remain in our sins. That is just a suggestion that cannot be tolerated. Notice also Hebrews 8:13, “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” The first covenant is now the “old” covenant. It has decayed, waxed old, and vanished away in its authority. In contrast, the New Covenant is new, young, and visible–it is the one that contains all authority from God. Notice Hebrews 9:15a, “And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament….” Jesus mediates for a new covenant now. To try to place oneself under the Old Covenant now is to reject the mediating power of Jesus Christ. Notice Hebrews 10:9b, “…He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.” The first needed to be done away with in order for the second to contain authority for all mankind.

There are several other passages that one should look at and study: Galatians 4:1-7; Galatians 4:21-31; Romans 7:1-4; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Matthew 5:17, 18; 2 Corinthians 3:11-16. Each of these passages makes it abundantly clear that it was never God’s intention for the Old Covenant to be an authority for all mankind. It was a temporary system for a limited amount of time. When Jesus died on the cross, he fulfilled the Old Law and established the New Covenant. Today, we must hear the words of Jesus
(Hebrews 1:1-4).

Are the Ten Commandments still in effect? In principle, they are, not as part of the Old Covenant, but rather as part of the New Covenant–the covenant for which Jesus is NOW mediator. Inasmuch as these commandments are restated under the New Covenant, we are to follow them and give our complete allegiance to them, as we would to any part of God’s will for man today.

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Your “Like” Represents the Church

Think Before You Like

Twenty-five years ago, there was a phrase that was familiar to most New Testament Christians: “bringing reproach upon the church.” A person who was caught publically intoxicated or caught having a marital affair brought shame upon the church, as well as themselves. Christians committing a public sin were expected to go forward at their local congregation and ask for the forgiveness of the congregation. After all, that person represented all the Christians in that particular community.

Be careful what you decide to represent by a "like" or "retweet".

Be careful what you decide to represent by a “like” or “retweet”.

Fast-forward twenty-five years and that particular phrase has been cast on top of an antiquated heap of words that are not used very often. Most young people today have probably never heard that phrase used in the Lord’s invitation. But the situation remains: New Testament Christians can bring reproach upon the church by their very actions. And sadly, for many Christian young people, this reproach is just one click away.

Want a modern-day example? How about when a Christian “likes” or “retweets” someone’s post that contains profanity or immodesty? Sure, the Christian was not the originator of the post, but their “like” or “retweet” has now brought it before the eyes of their friends and family—and sadly, it now bears the Christian’s stamp of approval.

There are two problems with this situation. First, and probably most critical, is a heart problem. What you “like” displays a window into your heart. Why would a Christian young person today be “liking” a post or meme that contains profanity, vulgar slang, or indecent language? Or why would they retweet or like an image of someone scantily clad? These are not things that a person seeking to be more Christ-like would be doing. These are symptoms of someone who has fallen comfortable being in the world. This is someone who has not put on the new man, and has forgotten what it was that put Jesus on the cross.

Second, this individual has forgotten that they represent the church to many of their friends or coworkers. They are “Christians” in the eyes of classmates or coworkers. And so those lost in sin look at this behavior and never feel any conviction about their own sin. They look at this Christian and feel comfortable—because after all, they are not much different from one another.

Friends, it matters what you “like” or “retweet” on social media. It matters what your friends think you are putting your stamp of approval on. Christ died for His bride, the church. When you click that “like” button you are a representative for His bride. Don’t take your job too lightly. And don’t “like” something that crucifies Him afresh.

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SIRVIENDO DE CORAZON

SIRVIENDO DE CORAZON

Muchas de las personas en la actualidad, cautivan por sus extraordinarias hazañas o actos heroicos.  Cantidad de películas y obras de teatro se han llevado a cabo con esta mentalidad, si usted vio por ejemplo “Superman” personaje que se transforma y salva  la cuidad y a Luisa, o quizás haya tenido la oportunidad de  haber visto “Iroman” otro hombre con un traje de  metal  interesado en siempre  estar en el momento indicado y salvar la Tierra, y tantas otras conmovedoras historias diseñadas para hacernos llorar y  reír. De pequeño siempre Soñé en volar como “superman”, la realidad es que muchos son movidos a hacer actos heroicos como estos hombres y otros tan solo fingen para ser alabados por el público. Lo cierto es que la Biblia nos enseña a poder servir como hijos de Dios en cada situación que tengamos a nuestro alcance. Si usted hace memoria en el paso de su vida sobre esta tierra se encontrará que en algún momento determinado pudo ayudar a alguien en alguna situación de carácter difícil o imposible. Estoy seguro que en ese momento usted se sintió especialmente feliz en ser Útil independientemente de ser visto o no . 

SIRVIENDO DE CORAZON

SIRVIENDO DE CORAZON

El Señor Jesús uso de su valioso tiempo para dejarnos lecciones grandes sobre este tema, ignorado y mal interpretado por otros. Mat 20:28 claramente el Señor hablaba de un servicio un tanto fuera de la usual. El servicio es algo que todos pueden hacerlo pero cuando unimos este texto con Juan 15:9  Nos damos cuenta que en realidad el servicio del que hablaba el Señor es la expresión sublime del Amor.

Cierto hermano padecía de una fractura sería en el fémur de su pie derecho que le atormentaba constantemente y al encontrarse con ciertos hermanos en una complicada situación decidió ayudar; pasó 4 días realizando actividades difíciles; y sobre todo levantando objetos que tenía prohibido hacer a causa de su pierna, por las noches no podía ni siquiera dormir a causa de su dolor a pesar de que se le pedía constantemente que descansara continuaba hasta cojeando,  más decidido en ayudar a sus hermanos por el gran y profundo amor que les tenía. Este hermano pensaba en la promesa plasmada en las páginas del Sagrado Libro en Lu 12:37,  de recibir su recompensa de parte de Dios esto es servir de Corazón ; Ro 6:19: Ro 12;7 2 Cor 11:8.  De una manera absoluta el Señor decidió morir por nosotros en la amarga cruz del monte calvario aquel oscuro día en que  le mataron sin tener culpa de todas las acusaciones. Es inevitable  que aunque nosotros sirvamos de corazón nos paguen con desprecios y críticas, pero es donde se encuentra la clave de todo el servir de corazón,  sin esperar recibir algo bueno a cambio, la Justicia de Dios siempre ha estado presente en cada situación,  ´EL Dios de Israel, ´El Dios que hizo al mundo, ´El Dios que nos ha creado, ese mismo Dios está interesado en que aprendamos a “estar abajo” por decirlo de alguna manera, el poder mirar a los Ojos con una sonrisa a quién a procedido con engaño, crítica y desprecio hacia nosotros  y sentir verdadero amor es algo que nos hace de una especie única, algo que la gente común no hace, algo que es mil veces mejor que responder con una maldición. Ahí en ese momento cuando sus lágrimas bajan por sus mejillas o cuando su corazón se desangra por dentro del dolor, es cuando Dios toma su “martillo” y comienza a moldear una escultura que será única en el mundo; Ese momento como cuando usted decide rechazar algún título o  reconocimiento de parte de las personas, ese momento cuando decide hacer grandes obras viviendo en el anonimato, es la el Éxito rotundo en el Servicio tan solo piense por un momento  cuando el mundo entero, hasta su Familia y mejores amigos le dan la espalda a pesar de haber servido excepcionalmente,  Dios pronunciará su nombre un día y todos sus ángeles  le reconocerán personalmente.

La motivación que nos hace el Señor en la Biblia es de “Servir de corazón”, con amor, con sentimiento  a veces puede sonar complicado pero es un hábito que debe ser cultivado en lo profundo… que a su tiempo segaremos Gálatas 6:7 . El cristianismo es una vida de servicio constante, la motivación de los textos anteriormente mencionados es a hacerlo, aunque recibamos mal y además a Hacerlo para como para Dios Col 3:23 y sí en algún momento pasa el pensamiento humano de encenderse en ira recuerde que: “hemos muerto” (Col 3:3 ). Esto no lo hizo ni “superman ni Iroman” ni ningún actor. Es Cristo quien vive ahora en Nosotros Gal 2:20 a travez  de su palabra, la Biblia, para que nos dediquemos en una completa vida de Servicio de Corazón.

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Prince of Peace

Prince of Peace

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Matthew 10:34

The most common question about this verse which I as a preacher receive usually goes something like this:  “How can Jesus say this when he is the Prince of Peace and the angels were talking about peace on earth the night he was born?”

The prince of peace promoted peace, but sinful men have done their own thing.

The prince of peace promoted peace, but sinful men have done their own thing.

Good question, and the biblical answer revolves around context (as is usually the case with most questions about what the Bible says.)  Yes, Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s messianic prophecy about the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).  Yes, Jesus and his apostles promoted peace in their teachings (Matt. 5:9; Rom. 14:19; 2 Cor. 13:11; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 2:14-17; 4:3; 1 Thess. 5:13; 2 Tim. 2:22).  So why does Jesus seemingly contradict himself by saying, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth”?

This verse comes in the middle of a discourse in which Christ is sending his twelve apostles throughout Israel to preach the gospel of the kingdom and is telling them what to expect (Matt. 10:1ff).  He warned them that they will suffer severe persecution due to preaching his message…but to not fear because God is with them (vs. 16-33).  It is in that context – the context of warning them about how sinful men will react to God’s message that they preach – that he tells them that he has come to bring a sword rather than peace to the earth.  Immediately after making that statement, he alluded to how even families will be divided because some will heed his message while others will not (vs. 35-39).  Thus, the lack of peace comes not directly because of Jesus, but because sinful men reject his teachings of peace.

What was true then is true today.  I just read of a Christian missionary who was hacked to death by a husband simply for baptizing his wife.  Faithful Christians have always been disowned, ostracized, fired, spit upon, bullied, beaten, or killed for simply following the teachings of Jesus Christ, teachings which promote love, peace, unity, harmony, and good will towards all…yet also have the nerve to say that some actions and attitudes of men are wrong and will lead to hell.  Sinful people don’t like to be told that they’re wrong, and will react in non-peaceful ways to those who tell them so, no matter how lovingly and peacefully.  That’s why following and proclaiming the teachings of Jesus will bring a sword rather than peace.  It’s not Jesus’ fault that happens.  It’s ours.

How do you react to the teachings of Christ…especially when they step on your toes?

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Really Not About Politics

Really Not About Politics

A few months ago America was in the midst of the pre-election, presidential and political campaign season. While some lesser races may have been seen as being far too close to call and ultimately too unpredictable for any political pundit to stake their reputation on seeking to predict, when it came to the White House there seemed to be no such mystery. There was no doubt about it. It was going to be a “slam-dunk” for the first female president in American History. All of the polls pointed to it. The majority of the pundits predicted it. So many of the millions of megabytes’ worth of information out there – from radio talk shows, to newspaper columns, to television news, to the internet and back through again – was abuzz with information initially highlighting Hillary’s upcoming landslide ride right straight into the heart of the Oval Office.

Popular television personalities boldly, comically, caustically and continually referred to Donald Trump’s campaign as a “joke.” The ridicule was rampant and the sarcasm saturation level was beyond epidemic. News of him and his campaign’s absolute, ultimate, and guaranteed demise was pretty much anywhere and everywhere one searched for their news and information. In fact, such predictions were inescapable even if one wasn’t looking for political news or information; it seemed to permeate every corner of our electronic media (See for example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahkMA6JPOHU). Why, even several of the more powerful political figures in his own party bought into the agenda-driven, miserably-misguided, personal wishful-thinking mountains of media-distorted, provided, and perverted misinformation and calculation, as they deserted, denounced, and distanced themselves from him in the weeks immediately preceding the election… of our new, now, President Donald Trump.

Now, before I go any further, please understand that this article IS DEFINITELY NOT about former Secretary of State Clinton, or President Trump. If you walk away from this article thinking that its main point has anything to do with politics or political figures as any more than a pertinent illustration to be used for far more important purposes than mere earthly politics, then you have completely missed the point and need to go back and re-read it. Clear? Good.

So just what is the point of the previously utilized political illustration? Simply this. As New Testament Christians living and seeking to expand our Lord’s kingdom in this age of instantaneously-available, electronic mass-media and the mountain of biblical misinformation available at the touch of a button to everyone in the world on a limitless and infinite scale, there’s a few things we must come to understand. People today just don’t feel the need to listen to the biblical, black and white, “book, chapter, and verse” truth we have to share. We are seen as just one more, infinitesimally tiny voice amongst the millions of worldly sources, resources, and websites for their spiritual answers. People today are being raised and programmed to ask, trust, and put their faith more in “Siri’s” answers than in the Spirit’s. It’s becoming more natural to “google” the answer to their religious questions than to take the time to actually seek and study God’s answers from His eternally-settled in heaven truth (Ps. 119:89). But here’s the thing: In so doing – just like with the campaign illustration earlier – the vast majority of the internet information they will access, will tragically refute, ridicule, pervert and contradict the truth more than proving and providing it. One can find anything, ANYTHING – any ungodly practice justified; any Satanic sin glorified; and any God-given scripture twisted, tortured, and perverted to the point of “proving” just exactly the opposite of what God intended – on any number of so-called ‘religious’ websites. The fact is that no matter how high-tech and lightning-fast the internet becomes, it is still only a man-made, bible-bending, agenda-pushing, consumer-driven, word of God warping, “garbage in garbage out,” wishful-thinking instead of spiritually sound and speaking, humanly-produced resource.

So how do we deal with that? Easy. Remember; we have something to offer the hopeless and hurting people all around us that electronics still cannot. Warmth. Compassion. Community. Fellowship. Friendship. Caring. Love. Acceptance. In other words, the soul-satisfying human touch of spiritual kindness, tenderness, belonging and Christ-likeness, that old, bold, cold-voiced Siri and her computer-generated counterparts simply cannot. Let us be a real friend who truly cares for the lost world around us first. And then, when they have biblical and spiritual questions, just maybe they’ll come to us and actually get God’s truth spoken in love instead of e-error (Eph. 4:11-16; Ro. 3:4).

The morning after the November Presidential election, millions of mis-informed Americans who had placed their faith totally in the fallible numbers and fabricated man-made information found at electronic mass-media outlets woke up miserable. But unlike those who are willing to trust the internet for their spiritual information without question, these Americans’ misery will only likely last eight years at best, instead of for eternity.

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