Discuss Matthew 5 Page 8

You Do Matter,

The other day when I was reading Matthew 25:31-46, what stuck out to me, was, everyone in that moment was surprised. Some didn't think the did enough, others thought they did enough. Also Matthew 7.

Jesus rebuked the hypocrisy within the Church. He even threw over the tables of the merchandise & money. Luke 19, John 2:13-17, Mark 11, ironically this is the week many will be selling merchandise. GOD knows those who are wrongly accused, mistreated, used. Matthew 5:9-12, John 15:20,

Proverbs 18:1, 1Corinthians 12, Hopefully these are helpful.

I really enjoyed your post , thank you . I believe that God speaks to each of us on an individual level and I don't believe that all Christians have to have the exact same personalities or they can't be Christians . We are allowed to be extrovert or introvert , social or solitary . When we read the four Gospel accounts we can hear the four different personalities in their books and we can for sure get to know Paul's personality through his letters . We are not clones of each other , we know the heart and mind of Christ and hopefully act according to it . God uses our different personalities to accomplish His works in this world . We are all being guided on our own individual paths , these paths take us all closer to our saviour . May God bless you on your journey , much love in Christ .

Alot of book of Matthew explains choices. There's parts that say don't go to church and parts that say leave everyone alone. Some people are able to live without seeing another person in isolation. In a isolated envirement if you have a problem its really your own fault. Blame can be put on narcissist and the self righteous. But when there is no one . then who can you blame . the holy bible claims a person has choices. Its your choice to do whatever you do... Some times it talks about good and evil . there's something called a bad good idea. Say a person does 1 evil deed to be able to free themselves from suffering for rest of life . then its all good god forgives 1 bad deed . so just forget it . forgetting is a choice . who cares . the being a light to someone else can be bad . its better to have no friends and go to heaven then have millions looking at you in hell . hell is the earth. A millionaire pastor telling the poorest man in church there being greedy . how can a person with no money be greedy. Jesus gave us a choice . maybe I didn't have money because I spent it on somebody else . and so yea. To be selfish. Well selfish is when you have someone else do something for you . or put somebody to work. When you isolate and cut everyone out of your life . that's not selfish. That's putting a guard tower up. People are time robbers . the bible talks about TIME . I have a choice I can sit all day and do nothing . or I can try to help people . well the better thing to do is help no one but yourself first . do nothing at all. If you try to help anyone there rob your time . RUN TO THE HILLS FOLKS . Jesus said it . no church and leave everyone alone . be alone .

When Christ described the Holy Spirit it was said to do remind us of 3 things; sin; righteousness and JUDGMENT. ( John 16:8-11). When we look to the meek such as Moses and the humble such as David; we observe a man who spoke with God "face to face" ( Exodus 33:11). David was a man "after God's own heart"( 1 Sam. 13:14; etal). Moses made the mistake of trying to enact justice himself when he killed the man who was beating a fellow Israelite; and had to wait another 40 years to be used by God for the purposes intended in His plan from the beginning to deliver His people from bondage. David mourned Saul's death of "God's anointed" ( 1 Chron. 16:22). Despite this; he had many "impreccatory" prayers in Psalms indicating his hatred for evil; and asking for judgment to take place on the wicked.

In these passages; we see the principles also in the New Testament; that the "meek shall inherit the earth." ( Matthew 5:5). We must remember that God also promises that according to Malachi 4:3 His people will "tread down the ashes of the wicked." His saints also will rule with a rod of iron according to Rev. 2:26-27; and other verses in Psalms (which I can't find at present).

There is a risk of going to either extreme as will all other scriptures; where we become either too "lovey dovey" in approaching God and only quoting verses that sound nice; or of course always preaching about judgment. The truth is; God is both a God of vengeance and a God of mercy and grace. Yes; He will tread the winepress alone ( Isaiah 63:3); but there are special places of authority for His children in the Kingdom of God "ruling over cities" for instance in Luke 19. David himself apparently will co-reign on earth with Christ someday and us as kings and priests ( Jeremiah 30:9; Rev. 1:6 and others). Then; our real enemy; Satan will be confined; and eventually death itself will be abolished according to 1 Corinthians 15:55 and also mentioned in Hosea.

Search the scriptures. Agape.. Rich P.

Dear "Opal Ashlin", Is this what you're thinking? Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Be blessed in the name of Jesus, love you in Christ. John chapter 6 and 7

I am not sure how you say Esther "broke the law" unless you are referring to her walking into the inner court. This was a necessary sacrifice of her life if necessary to save her people.

As to Vashti; I am not sure what to say as to your concept. I am looking as I have in much of scripture to the covenant of marriage; and its sanctity; which crosses over dispensations and was instituted by God in the garden. So I was looking at a societal attitude not focusing on law and grace. I can't say how much emphasis should be placed on finding evidences of the old law and grace; hopefully it is not at the expense of the coherency of the whole word of God. On one hand; Christ did say that not "one jot nor tittle" shall be changed as long as heaven and earth exist as to God's law ( Matthew 5:17-20). Of course no one is saved by the law and we all have fallen short. Sometimes though; I think there is too much emphasis on that; and not enough of our obedience to general admonitions which we CAN follow; but only when we are led by the Spirit; or in O.T. times truly saved. In other words; general apostasy causes our minds to darken; and for our souls to desensitize to the promptings of the Spirit. We are led astray; then increase in sin because we don't fear God; nor trust His words about our sin NATURE; how we as sheep are prone to stray. Just ranting a bit here...

My other point; as stated previously is that God isn't mentioned nor does it have to be in order to get the idea of the "noble woman" (as illustrated in Proverbs 31; for instance). Sometimes; I think people tend to have a "religious" mindset at the expense of knowing God (i.e. they know a lot of His doctrines but not His ways). I am drilling home the everlasting principle of His covenants in scripture; as it took me only until recently to discover how much is in the Word related to that.

Dear "Somefair" you have right the pure of heart shall see God. Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

(Here we are reminded of God's Holiness again).

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Think what Jesus has done for us? Jesus loves us all, and i love u all in Christ.

Genesis 19:9And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

(We should always think about what is best for our neighbor).

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Amen

1 Corintihans 15

Dear Richard.

I absolutely agree with you. Separation is not permited unless one goes with another woman/man. Matthew 5:31-32. But even if so remarriage is not permitted. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.

Now the verse in 1 Corintians 7:15 . The original Greek text says word by word " if the unbeliever separates let him/her separate. The brother or sister is not enslaved INTO THESE". What this "into these" stand for. Why enslaved? Marriage is not slavory, it was blessed by God. The explanation given in my church is that it refers to sexual acts. So lets take it from the beggining." If the unbeliever wants to separate let him do that, there is no problem you not having sex, you are not enslaved to it" It is not the usual explanation but it fits with Matthew that forbids divorse no matter if man or woman are unbelievers or not, only for adultery is permitted. It also agrees to 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 that forbids remarriage.

GBU

The subject of "strange wives." 1 Cor. 7:15-16 addresses a similar admonition; in a way as Ezra 10:44. Ezra 10:3 concerns those who are born to them; and since a child isn't supposed to be judged for the sins of the Fathers ( Ezekiel 18:20); this could be an added concession by the people themselves to what God and Ezra commanded. The descendants of certain nations at that time were not allowed in the Temple for corporate worship as well; but there are certainly instances (such as with Ruth the Moabitess; and with Uriah the Hittite which demonstrate there are certainly those who CHOOSE to serve the God of Israel who are accepted into the beloved.

We need to examine carefully what is being said here. In Corinthians; clearly the N.T. states that an unbelieving wife should STAY in the marriage if she is so disposed; which of course would apply to the believing husband; or vice versa depending on who is of faith. The concept here is of a seductress; so to speak-whatever was drawing them to marry these foreign women was ultimately whatever entity was causing them to be attracted to someone following doctrines of demons; and making them irresistible. There appears to be no protest here of women who wish to follow the God of Israel; rather the emphasis is on those drawn away; which those influences ultimately will do if we allow them in our lives.

It needs to be noted that SEPARATION; not divorce is mentioned. Even if divorce is implied; there is NO scripture that gives permission to remarry; and also perhaps most noteworthy is that there is NO RECORD of ANY Bible character in the O.T. divorcing. This truly parallels Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 where those who are remarried are said to commit adultery right after the "exception clause". God is not the author of confusion; apparently contradictory texts have unified meanings; at least in the same circumstances.

Hello, Melinda

You may be thinking of 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 "You are our epistle Written in our hearts, known and read by all; clearly " are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is of the heart.

Or 1 Peter 4:14 "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified."

Or 1 Peter 3:15-17 "but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile you your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good that for doing evil."

Or the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

These are the Scripture that come to mind for me. These are from the NIV. I do not have a KJV in my home yet. But you can look them up in the KJV if you have one or on this site. I just don't know yet how to bring a text from this site to a post.

1Peter 3:14, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, Matthew 5:11-22, 1Corinthians 6:19,20, 1Corinthians 3:17, Matthew 6, Romans 14:22-23,

JESUS said that we must not work for money and wealth and that God would provide our needs Matthew 6:19-33 and john 6:27

He told us to sell all

Luke 11:41 to the pharisees

Luke 12:33 to the disciples

Luke 14:33 to the multitudes

Luke 18:22, Matthew 19:16-30 to the rich guy

And his disciples approve

Acts 2:44-45

Acts 4:33-34

Luke 18:28-30

Matthew 4:18-24

But who will go to heaven

Jesus and Jacob give us a hint

Luke 18:24-25

Mark 10:17-31

Matthew 5:3

Luke 6:20

James 2:5

But where does that put the rich?

Luke 6:24-25

James 5:1-3

What is the root of all evil?

1 timothy 6:10

Genesis 3

Are we to live under the curse or are we set free by God through Jesus? Because he broke every curse including this one:

Genesis 3:17-19

Should we end in the midst of the Sodomites?

Ezekiel 16:49-50

Luke 17:28

But there are days ahead that we would need to learn to trust in Yahweh for Manna his heavenly bread because the mark of the beast is the last form of money as a chip

Revelation 13

But if we learn to do these things that Jesus taught we might survive and prevail.

Christians must forsake all wealth( Luke 14:33 Jesus says forsake it all)

Christians cannot work for money( Matthew 6:24)

Christians do Not pay taxes (Render to Caesar what is his and to God what belongs to Him, what belongs to God?)

Christians travel and trust in God for daily food(Mathew 6:20-33) that's what makes them different from all the world.

Christians live together 24/7 ( Acts 4:34-35) sharing everything in common( Acts 2:44-45).

Christians give to the needy in secret(Matthw 6)

Women can be leaders in the church but it is beter that all be as brothers and sisters.

If you are a Christian you own nothing in this world, as Paul says, and you are homeless as he says also, and you are the rags of this world, as Paul says. Choose Poverty not Wealth! Make Peace not War!

Christians are nonviolent ( Matthew 5:44-45).

Christians forgive as much as they can.

But that trust takes action Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7:20-27, James 2, Revelation 2:19-29, Hebrews 10:23-31, John 13:34, 1John 4:20, Matthew 5:43-48,

Yes, it all has to start with trust in Jesus CHRIST & His name for Salvation! If someone truly trusts in Jesus they will love others

Cool! Well done!

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, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love your, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."

Romans 12:20-21

"Therefore

'If you enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink, For so doing you will heap coals of fire upon his head.'

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Dear Eileen, your prayer is my prayer for you according to God's will in this matter. Also, you should pray for them, for Jesus commanded us to love our enemies. Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

Why pray for them? Because prayer is powerful. Prayer is a conduit of forgiveness from God and from you to those who have sinned against you. Pray for them because they are souls in need of Jesus and because praying for them will change your attitude toward them and give you peace.

We will keep you in our prayer.

Please remember what Jesus promised us:

Matthew 5:3-4

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

Blessed are those who mourns for they will be comforted.

We will pray for your family.

God bless my friend.

The infamous "Rahab the Harlot" tale. The origin of this person brings in mind Christ's statement in Matthew 21:31. Despite her past trade; this woman was given insight on how God was the true God of heaven and earth. (v. 11). Her reaction was to immediately ask for safety for her family and all that belonged to her. Obviously, the spies were grateful that their lives were spared. One could nitpick about the deception used to remove the men searching for them. It appears that others were aware of those going in and out her house; and the King was quickly informed-perhaps the strategic location and the great fear of invasion has something to do with their hypervigilance.

Anyway; she is written in Hebrews; as being in the "hall of faithful" in Hebrews 11. She was the great grandmother of David; and in Christ's lineage. The instructions given reminds us of those who escape wrath in other scriptures. She was to wait until they came; which did occur later. She wasted no time in identifying her house with the scarlet cord as instructed to be placed when they returned to invade.

Once again, she made them swear an oath (v. 12); and they agreed if she obeyed their stipulations and laid their lives on the line to bind it. (v.14) Ultimately; Christ said to make our yea yea and nay nay; and not to swear on anything ( Matthew 5:37). This would be in relation to things between people; not to eliminate covenants with God such as marriage.

Would it be that we all realize that we are unworthy servants; and take action when necessary when it is prudent to do so. This is one case where no prayer was needed in order to make a wise decision. She was given grace to see clearly what the Lord intended to do; and to be sensible enough to realize He is the true God who would continue to fight for His chosen people.

I believe the differences comes from these scriptures : Matthew 5:16, Matthew 7:21-29, Revelation 2:23, Revelation 20:13, Matthew 25:31-46,

Even Jesus did works: Matthew 11:2, Luke 19:37, & said greater works we shall do. John 14:20,

Matthew 16:27,

Matthew 23:3,5,23, hypocrisy not ok, you can read whole chapter & those chapters around it for context. John 8:39,

Romans 3:27-28, helps clarify, 'law of faith' Romans 4, Romans 9:30-33,

What is argued is: Romans 11:6, but in context it's the grace extended to Gentiles Romans 11:16-27, also read whole chapter Romans 11,

& Galatians 2:16, "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.'' the works of the law are in Gen. Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus. Galatians 3,

& Galatians 2:8,9, but we can't ignore Galatians 2:10,

& 2Timothy 1:9 , Titus 3, Hebrews 4, Hebrews 4:11,

However again we can't ignore 2Timothy 3:16-17, Titus 1:15,16, Titus 2, Hebrews 10:24, James 3:13, 1Peter 2:12, Revelation 2:26,

* James 2,

what is meaning of "poor in spirit " that jesus said( matthew 5:3)

Hebrews 10 ends with encouragement for Christians to take stock of themselves and to examine themselves to verify they have evidence to give themselves assurance they are saved.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

There are Christians whose faith is not real and those whose faith is genuine. That is what is in focus.

In Hebrews 12 we are again encouraged to keep seeking and serving God to guard against falling away which those do whose faith is not genuine.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Nobody is saved by cleaning up but neither are the saved still filthy as they were before they were saved, so we should examine ourselves and give diligence to make sure our salvation is real.

2 Peter 1:10

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Matthew 5:20

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Hello,

In fairness the 4 verses I shared were from the New Testament relating to the Sabbath. But I'm not aware of any verse in the New Testament saying to stop remembering the Sabbath, nor any saying its ok to kill or dishonor your father or mother or to commit adultery which are also from the ten commandments. It seems inconstent to only apply the under-the-law verses to some commandments but not for others. James 2 clarifies some of this topic as does this from Matthew 5:19

"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Verse 17 Jesus reiterates that He's not destroying the law. Some then assume he's destroyed and ended the law. If anything, Jesus makes it more restrictive, because He goes into a format of "you have heard this, but I say..." and He makes it more restrictive. Example: don't even look at a woman,

Matthew 21:18-30

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

When is the law ended: Until heaven and earth pass? It appears that hasn't happened yet.

And following the law was so important Jesus Himself said do absolutely everything you can to avoid it at all costs even plucking out your own eye! Because in verse 29: "for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."

God bless.

Hello, have you tried praying? You might set a goal and outline all of what you've tried and what all you haven't tried yet in order to avoid this temptation.

Consider this verse:

Matthew 5:27-30

Pretty powerful- to me that means to absolutely everything imagineable to avoid sin even if it means cutting off a body part. In verse 30 it says that the stakes are high. I tend to believe the Bible in verse 30 over what some people claim that they're saved and can do whatever sin they want with no consequence. I trust God's word over man's ideas.

So, this means do absolutely anything and everything possible to avoid it. I would think that would mean ending toxic friendships, moving, changing jobs, and put your max effort into avoiding such sin and temptation. I think this point can't be emphasized enough and the warning that Jesus gave us is: Matthew 7:21. We actually have freewill to choose whether to sin or not and God always provides a way out: 1 Corinthians 10:13, so there is no valid excuse. God bless.

Marke,

The only thing I agree with you is; "Christians should honor God everyday"

In order to honor God everyday - we should be humble, and obedient, and trying our best to keep God's Commandments, and not try to reason ways to circumvent them, and try to convince others to do the same.

Matthew 5:19

"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus tells us "everything" in this powerful scripture: John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Read and Believe!

Hello, I'd like to offer a counter position. That's great that you're convinced that Christians aren't bound to observe the Sabbath, but is God convinced? He deliberately wrote "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" as the 4th of the 10 commandments and the Sabbath is Saturday. We should honor God everyday, but the Bible absolutely does say to make Sabbath (Saturday) a holy day. And if someone doesn't think the ten commandments apply, then what else doesn't apply and how do you choose what applies exactly.

6th commandment says do not kill, but I don't hear anyone trying to reverse that command.

Mark 2:27-28 - Sabbath made for man

Mark 3:4 - its ok to do good on the Sabbath

Colossians 2:16 - don't let others judge you

Matthew 5:17 - law not abolished, but fulfilled. (some still interpret this as abolished, although it just said it wasn't.)

These verses seem to clarify the intent of the Sabbath, but I don't see any verses saying to disregard the Sabbath completely and do not remember it or keep it holy. Those who apply the law is fulfilled to it would also need to apply it equally to do not kill and other commands, but I doubt that God thinks its ok to kill. God bless.

I'm not sure what you're saying, but it seems to me you have so much disputting around you, you feel it's spiritual attack "jump on" you.

1st , Matthew 5:10-16, Luke 12:52,53, * 1Peter 4,

2nd, Ephesians 6:11-18, Matthew 10:1, Mark 9:28,29, Matthew 17:21,

3rd Matthew 10:8-42, Matthew 12:30, Matthew 26:55,59, Matthew 27:1, Mark 3:6, Mark 13:9-13,

4tu, Mark 6:11, Luke 9:5, Psalms 37,

5th, Mark 11:25, Matthew 6:47-49, Luke 17:3,4,

Even Jesus had to stop disputes with believers : John 12:7,

Jesus Likely Had Black Hair and a Beard.

Jesus told his followers, "And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black" ( Matthew 5:36).

Jesus probably had a beard and short curly hair with long sideburns or "payot." Jesus followed the law in Leviticus 19:27 which said, "You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard." Even today, Orthodox Jewish men grow long hair on the sides of their heads.

Shorter hair was considered the norm for Jewish men and for Romans. Paul explains to early Christians in Corinth, "Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 1 Corinthians 11:14-15; Numbers 6:1-8

For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." ( Isaiah 53: 2-3, 5)

Hi Jeannie. I'm not so sure that it is the 501(c)(3) affording Tax Exemption status/charitable gifts deductions that is entirely to be blamed for limiting what pastors can preach. Some Church leaders might be conscious of that, but the requirements to be met to attain that Status, do not include what is said or preached in the Church, rather the way the Church is organized & the defined purposes that are to be achieved.

Rather, for not preaching "the entire Gospel", & we can include, reticence to preach boldly against abortion, homosexuality, drug use & other issues that have been divisive between the religious & secular, might be something that requires examination. There are probably a host of reasons why certain subjects are avoided or watered down, even the Gospel preached being lukewarm; and some of these would include a certain amount of conforming to societal thinking & acceptance, & the fact that in 'traditional' Fellowships (i.e. not of the cults), there are folk who hold to all manner of beliefs about what is acceptable & correct even when comparing Scripture to living in the world. So, if some are going to be offended by what is preached, there might be a backlash, whether by a departure of people, irregular attendance, less money in the offering plate, admonition to the pastor, or even going to the media. And to avoid all that, some leaders might recoil, giving out what people want to hear, & preaching a Gospel that is watered down & of no use to anyone, making many greater candidates for hell.

As much as I have no regard to the cults & their teaching, I do have to give them a plus point: their people are taught to believe what is given, to accept & practise it, & to share that 'truth' with others without fear. Now if only the evangelical Church could preach with such conviction, not fearing what people think, say, or do, both within & without the Church. And if the Tax Exemption be lost, so be it, if to remain true to the Lord & His Word.

What is happening to the church nowadays? Many are not teaching the entire Gospel, and many are leading their flock down the wrong path, I am so sad. Is it the 501c3 that God hates? Being involved with that pastors are limited in what they say, and lately, you say anything that hurts society's "feelings" and they go crazy, I say, get out of the 501c3 and MAKE Jesus the head of the church, not the government, rant over, God Bless all.

Sounds like God used you to plant seed in the hearts of your classmates and your teacher. They will remember your words especially in eternity, if they do not repent and believe. If you suffer ridicule or worse then rejoice!

Matthew 5:11-13

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you for His name sake.

But you definitely planted a seed in the hearts of everyone listening. Even though you can't see it in the moment, some will end up believing later because of you. Stand for Jesus and He will stand for you! God bless and keep you Rebecca!