THE GOLDEN RULE

[jeremiah1five]

Please could you clarify your reply.
I cannot see how a Christian loving a non-Christian relates to the pharisees not complying with the letter of the law, regarding adultery.

I never said anything about Pharisees.
What I am saying is what God is saying:

15 Love not the world [unsaved inhabitants], neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 Jn 2:15.

God is not redundant. He is not saying "love not the earth or planet earth." The first "world" is defined as also the people in the world.
The second "world" means those THINGS in the world.

God also says this:

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4.

God calls anyone who makes friends with unsaved people of the world adulterers and adulteresses. They are whores. Unfaithful harlots.
And this is because God is a jealous God.
It means every born-again believer is a Bride of Christ.
So, what is it called when a woman about to be married loves another man not her husband? She is called a whore, an adulteress.
So, when a member of the Bride of Christ loves or makes friends with an unsaved person of the world, they are an adulterer.
AND an enemy of God.
Do you give holy love to unholy people not saved? If you do you're an adulterer and enemy of God.
You are supposed to be betrothed to ONE MAN: Jesus Christ.
Do you understand now?

 

[jeremiah1five]

I dont know where you came up with the idea that Jesus said to return evil for evil, but it wasn’t from the New Testament.

• Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you
• To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.
• And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.
• But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return;

First of all. When Jesus said this He is speaking to His Covenant people Israel. Jesus is teaching ISRAEL.
Second, He said this because after all these generations the descendants of the ten northern tribes of Israel had warred with the descendants of the two southern tribes of Israel. They were still enemies. Jesus is trying to heal their division. But when He returns a second time He will succeed and sit on the throne of David.
With the advent of Israel's Messiah the talk about their King present with then at the time stoked many dreams and hopes that He would destroy ALL of Israel's enemies. Even as He was ready to depart to His Father they ask Him: "will you restore the kingdom back to Israel?" They still had kingdom-fever.
So, take the Scripture in the gospels in context to WHO Jesus is speaking to: He is speaking to Israel.

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:27-36
JLB

ibid.

 

[JLB]

First of all. When Jesus said this He is speaking to His Covenant people Israel. Jesus is teaching ISRAEL.

Here is what Jesus taught to everyone who was listening.

He taught His disciples, to teach all nations, His doctrine.

• Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you
• To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.
• And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.
• But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return;

• And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:27-36



Here is what Paul taught both Jew and Gentile —


Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:19-21


See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
1 Thessalonians 5:15




JLB

 

[PeterJens]

Evangelicals are in heresy in teaching everyone is an apostle and is supposed to preach the gospel. They ignore that the Body of Christ has a Head, and that God determines a person's place in the body and their call and their spiritual gifts. They ignore and/or disobey God and do whatever they want in the body of Christ. This is wrong. It is sin. And sadly, unrepentant sin. When Christ returns, He's going to have to subdue the Gentile Church as a whole.

Did Jesus speak directly to you and tell you that you were an ambassador?

Did Christ tell you directly and personally that you were called to make disciples?

Yup. Those are the ones that are stiff-necked, unrepentant, and disobedient.

There's nothing wrong with wealth. Mary and Joseph were very rich with the gold the Magi brought them and Him. And having wealth and many children was a sign in Jewish culture that the blessings of God rested on you.
Don't only be careful with so-called Christians taking the truth and making it a lie, but also be careful of Christians who take a lie and make it the truth.

It is clear that you like people having defined roles in the body of Christ.
The trouble I have found is those who wish to define roles with the body are often very unsure as to what is a believer and what is not.

Saying evangelicals make everyone apostles is an interesting proposition. Evangelicals simply say we are testimonies to Gods work among mankind, and we can witness to this. I have led people to Christ but does that make me a evangelist or prophet or apostle or just a faithful disciple witnessing of the King and helping a lost soul commit their life to the Lord.

I can read scripture like a recipe book, follow the ingredients and you have the answer. Or I can read scripture as a testimony to Gods working in peoples lives and how they responded with encouragements as to how I should respond and behave. But it is through applying the emotional realities of Christ in my life I become His disciple.

So you can read a list of what love is like, but it does not make you love. You can read a list of things to repent of, but until you repent of them, it is just a list.

So I am not an apostle because I have never seen Jesus or heard Him first hand. I do not claim to be prophetic but I can teach Gods word and what He means in certain passages but not everything. I have preached, and called people to faith, I have witnessed to the work Jesus has done in my life. Now love desires that I share the very life and breadth that make me tick, because I desire that all might come to Jesus and walk in freedom.

So in a real sense those in the Kingdom are ambassadors of Christ. But it appears this is too much.

I have a friend who feels if you do not immediately testify to Jesus when asked you are denying Him, so He will deny you. In a real sense people have died over this issue, to deny Jesus they would have lived, but chose death rather than deny their Lord. So nothing is a simple boundary, we all partake in the ministry Christ has,

God bless you

 

[PeterJens]

First of all. When Jesus said this He is speaking to His Covenant people Israel. Jesus is teaching ISRAEL.
Second, He said this because after all these generations the descendants of the ten northern tribes of Israel had warred with the descendants of the two southern tribes of Israel. They were still enemies. Jesus is trying to heal their division. But when He returns a second time He will succeed and sit on the throne of David.
With the advent of Israel's Messiah the talk about their King present with then at the time stoked many dreams and hopes that He would destroy ALL of Israel's enemies. Even as He was ready to depart to His Father they ask Him: "will you restore the kingdom back to Israel?" They still had kingdom-fever.
So, take the Scripture in the gospels in context to WHO Jesus is speaking to: He is speaking to Israel.


ibid.

I have come across this idea before. Before the cross Jesus was teaching jews so none of the gospels applies to gentile believers. To me this is absurd and denies what love actually is. Love does not hold boundaries, it always hopes, always perseveres, never gives up, keeps no record of wrongs etc.

So if anyone buys into the love Jesus shows in dying on the cross, there is forgiveness and blessing when cursed etc. We are called to follow Jesus's example and way of handling life, so this is not a eye for an eye at all, but blessing to all in every and anyway possible.

God bless you

 

[jeremiah1five]

Here is what Jesus taught to everyone who was listening.

The people who were listening were the Jews that gathered around Him to hear their Messiah teach them from their Law.

He taught His disciples, to teach all nations, His doctrine.

Interesting that Jesus said this to teach non-believers and unsaved people to know His doctrine since He also said that He is the Light but men love darkness rather than light, neither come to the light.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light [CHRIST] is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light [CHRIST], because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light [CHRIST], neither cometh to the light [CHRIST], lest his deeds should be reproved.
Jn 3:19–20.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14.

So, what was Jesus really saying to His apostles? The only people the Word of God applies to are people that are already saved. So, these are the people of non-Jewish heritage they are to disciple and baptize using the Trinity Formula. So, the context of Jesus' doctrine is TO and FOR believers ONLY. But your Scripture below is from Matthew 5. And Jesus is teaching Jewish brethren of twelve tribes the letter and spirit of their Law.

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you

• To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.
• And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.
• But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return;

So, let's look at the Scripture and apply it in context to WHO Jesus is speaking it to:

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Jesus brings up Leviticus 19:17-18. Knowing that ten tribes made up a northern kingdom and two tribes made up a southern kingdom who went to war many times in their history they were enemies between themselves that carried all the way to when Jesus arrived. Jesus is playing peacemaker. As their rightful King He's trying to get them to mend their ways in order to heal themselves and be obedient to God's command that Israel in Covenant with God love Israel in Covenant with God. Something that I have been saying for some time now. God never commanded Israel to love the non-covenant Gentiles especially since there was a middle wall partition between both races.

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;
Jesus is teaching the twelve tribes of Israel who still have animosity and hatred for each other because of their warring kingdom years to love each other. Jesus teaches Israel of twelve tribes to bless those that curse you (because of that kingdom animosity) of the opposing kingdom tribes, to do good to them that hate you, to even pray for those of the opposing warring tribes which come into position to despitefully use you, and persecute you. Jesus is reminding them of God's commandment for Israel to love Israel again like they did before the development of the northern and southern kingdoms of the past after Solomon had died.

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
That you may be the children of your Father. Children, the Father says, play nice with each other, is what it comes down to. At this time in Hebrew history the Gentiles didn't have God as their Father. That came decades later when the Temple was destroyed, and the Times of the Gentiles began in earnest and God began to bring Gentiles into Covenant with Him. Specifically, the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenant. Jesus adds that their Father sends rain upon the whole nation of Israel and upon the evil/unjust individuals of their particular tribes and the good/just individuals of their particular tribes. In short, God still blesses them with rain for their crops and such.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
For the most part northern tribal members of their kingdom loved only those they were allied with and that was other northern tribal members. Same with the southern tribes. But getting a tribe from the northern kingdom to love their enemy of the southern tribal members was a hard sell given their deep-seated hatred for one another. He tries to shame them that loving someone of your own tribe was disobedience to God and that publicans, even the hated by both sides publicans, did the same thing and they [Israel] were supposed to be better than that.

As above. If you say hello and good morning to only those of your tribe that even the hated by both sides publicans did the same.
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Jesus again reminds the members of the twelve tribes in His audience to be perfect just as their heavenly Father is perfect in all His ways. And I say again, Jesus was speaking to Israel who were the one's that gathered to hear Him teach. Only Israel had God as their Father. The non-covenant unsaved Gentiles didn't have God as their Father. They had the Greek god Zeus as their father and hundreds of other gods they daily paid homage to. They were idol-worshipers.
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Mt 5:43–48.

So, here you have it, JBL, the correct understanding of the teaching of Jesus to His Chosen people Israel on the command of God to Israel to love only Israel as found in Leviticus 19:17-18. And since Jesus did not change the Law this command applies to Gentile believers in covenant with God. Jewish and Gentile Christians are commanded by God to love ONLY Jewish and Gentile Christians in Covenant with God.

• And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Jesus teaches Israel of twelve tribes in the above also. Every teaching of God, every command, every jot and tittle is spoken and written TO and FOR Israel ONLY Read and study it in this context in which Israel is the recipient of God's instruction and I hope you come to the knowledge of the truth. And what is the immediate truth here?
That Scripture, the Word of God, was written by a believer in Covenant with God TO and FOR other believers in Covenant with God.
It is NPOT written to pagan-Romans, or the heathen-Greeks, or anyone who is not saved and in Covenant with God.
I think that's where your fail is. You take Scripture out of context and instead of a Jewish Messiah teaching His Jewish people of God you make Jesus Gentile teaching an unsaved Gentile people. Sorry, but that is error. Bad exegesis. Totally bad.

Here is what Paul taught both Jew and Gentile —

Paul writes to Jewish believers at Rome. Paul quotes several times from the OT and the Gentiles would read his letter and say, "what the hell is he talking about the just living by faith?" Rom. 1:17.
The whole epistle is meant TO and FOR Jewish believers. Paul refers many times to the OT and gentiles wouldn't know of the OT because they were once Gentile idol-worshipers. You make the same mistake with Paul that you make with Jesus. The Word of God from Genesis to Revelation is written TO and FOR Jewish believers in covenant with God. Gentile believers are addressed but only because there were some in the Jewish churches. But a very small number. Being in the Times of the Gentiles towards the end of this era the tables have flipped. Churches are packed with non-Jewish believers. But when Paul wrote to his Jewish brethren at Rome, they were the majority. Gentiles were the minority. Paul was saved sometime four years after Jesus ascended. About four years later there was persecution in Jerusalem and the Jewish brethren scattered to other parts of the region - except the apostles. Some went to Rome, Italy and founded home fellowships there. Paul heard about this and wrote to his jewish brethren around 64AD. That's about 20 years after he himself was saved. It wasn't Gentiles that took the gospel to Rome, it was Jewish believers in their Messiah.

See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
JLB

Good advice. Thank you, Paul.

 

[jeremiah1five]

It is clear that you like people having defined roles in the body of Christ.
The trouble I have found is those who wish to define roles with the body are often very unsure as to what is a believer and what is not.

I like what God likes and God likes clearly defined callings and places in the body of Christ.

Saying evangelicals make everyone apostles is an interesting proposition. Evangelicals simply say we are testimonies to Gods work among mankind, and we can witness to this. I have led people to Christ but does that make me a evangelist or prophet or apostle or just a faithful disciple witnessing of the King and helping a lost soul commit their life to the Lord.

Were you personally called to do that? Or are you deciding what you will do in the Body of Christ?

I can read scripture like a recipe book, follow the ingredients and you have the answer. Or I can read scripture as a testimony to Gods working in peoples lives and how they responded with encouragements as to how I should respond and behave. But it is through applying the emotional realities of Christ in my life I become His disciple.

Paul was specifically called to a clearly defined ministry and calling.
Did God speak to you in the same way and reveal as servant what He's given you to do for Him? Because if He didn't then what business is it of yours to do what you want and not wait upon your ministry from God?

So you can read a list of what love is like, but it does not make you love. You can read a list of things to repent of, but until you repent of them, it is just a list.

So I am not an apostle because I have never seen Jesus or heard Him first hand. I do not claim to be prophetic but I can teach Gods word and what He means in certain passages but not everything. I have preached, and called people to faith, I have witnessed to the work Jesus has done in my life. Now love desires that I share the very life and breadth that make me tick, because I desire that all might come to Jesus and walk in freedom.

So in a real sense those in the Kingdom are ambassadors of Christ. But it appears this is too much.

I have a friend who feels if you do not immediately testify to Jesus when asked you are denying Him, so He will deny you. In a real sense people have died over this issue, to deny Jesus they would have lived, but chose death rather than deny their Lord. So nothing is a simple boundary, we all partake in the ministry Christ has,

God bless you

You don't serve God. You serve yourself for I KNOW God has not spoken to you and commanded you as servant what you are to do for Him.

 

[JLB]

The people who were listening were the Jews that gathered around Him to hear their Messiah teach them from their Law.

The disciples that were listening were the leadership of His Church.


The rest were a mixed crowd.

 

[jeremiah1five]

The disciples that were listening were the leadership of His Church.

Do you know the difference between a disciple (student) and a Teacher (Rabbi)?
These 12 were being taught something they really didn't know what.
And the concept of "church" was furthest from their minds. To the Jewish mind the Church existed in the desert around the Tabernacle at the time of Moses. They were called the Great Congregation. The Original Church. And it was hundreds of years since anything like that existed. Twelve Jewish men and one Jewish Rabbi.

The rest were a mixed crowd.

Gentiles had nothing to do with the Jews. The Jews didn't even like the Samaritans around them which is one reason why they populated the area around Samaria. And the definitely didn't like the Gentiles around them especially the hated Romans for they were unclean. No, the people that crowded Jesus in multitudes were all Jewish people. The nation was called Israel and Hebrews live in Israel. If anything to be accurate maybe a few Gentiles were there. But it was 99 to 1 of Jews that came out to hear this Jesus teach and heal them of their sickness and infirmities. And the rumor that this was Israel's prophesied Messiah was more interesting to Jews than the idol-worshiping Gentiles. Jesus made it clear who He came to serve and be a ransom of many and that was His Jewish brethren and neighbors, not Gentiles.

24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Mt 15:24.

That was His attitude towards those not His kin. He told it like it is and was.

 

[PeterJens]

I like what God likes and God likes clearly defined callings and places in the body of Christ.

Were you personally called to do that? Or are you deciding what you will do in the Body of Christ?

Paul was specifically called to a clearly defined ministry and calling.
Did God speak to you in the same way and reveal as servant what He's given you to do for Him? Because if He didn't then what business is it of yours to do what you want and not wait upon your ministry from God?

You don't serve God. You serve yourself for I KNOW God has not spoken to you and commanded you as servant what you are to do for Him.

"You don't serve God. You serve yourself for I KNOW God has not spoken to you and commanded you as servant what you are to do for Him."

God has commanded me to "make disciples", "love one another as I have loved you", "do good works"
As a body we agree who is our teacher, pastors, evangelists through the fruit they bring.

So I 100% serve God and obey His commands.

Now this is biblical sound doctrine preached throughout the christian world.

How is it you know Gods heart well enough to contradict His word? It suggests that what you are saying is heresy and when particularly focused at me sinful behaviour, speaking on behalf of God.

We are called to test the spirits that speak.

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
1 John 4:1-3

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
Matt 5:38-40

If Jesus has come into the world to save us all and His words are eternal, commands to be followed by all because God does not lie or is partial to one group and not to another, then the test is does a believer follow the revealed word of God? If not they are the spirit of the antichrist.

Love talks well of others, but when the foundation of authority is challenged there is only one answer and any contradictions are thrown out. That is the word of the Lord.

I have met many "christians" who ignore the sermon on the mount saying it was just a sarcastic note of failure spoken to hypocrites to show how badly they fail. These folk are not followers of Jesus and do not know what love is, because if they did, they would agree with Jesus's words and aspirations, because literally that is His heart. But I know these folk are hard hearted and dark in their souls so all the words of Jesus hurt rather than are life itself. I say this because I love the sermon on the mount and who Jesus is, and these folk hate me for it. It is why they crucified Jesus on a cross and thought nothing more about it.

God bless you

 

[PeterJens]

Do you know the difference between a disciple (student) and a Teacher (Rabbi)?
These 12 were being taught something they really didn't know what.
And the concept of "church" was furthest from their minds. To the Jewish mind the Church existed in the desert around the Tabernacle at the time of Moses. They were called the Great Congregation. The Original Church. And it was hundreds of years since anything like that existed. Twelve Jewish men and one Jewish Rabbi.

Gentiles had nothing to do with the Jews. The Jews didn't even like the Samaritans around them which is one reason why they populated the area around Samaria. And the definitely didn't like the Gentiles around them especially the hated Romans for they were unclean. No, the people that crowded Jesus in multitudes were all Jewish people. The nation was called Israel and Hebrews live in Israel. If anything to be accurate maybe a few Gentiles were there. But it was 99 to 1 of Jews that came out to hear this Jesus teach and heal them of their sickness and infirmities. And the rumor that this was Israel's prophesied Messiah was more interesting to Jews than the idol-worshiping Gentiles. Jesus made it clear who He came to serve and be a ransom of many and that was His Jewish brethren and neighbors, not Gentiles.

24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Mt 15:24.

That was His attitude towards those not His kin. He told it like it is and was.

Who is our teacher? Jesus. Teachers in a christian sense are pointing people to see the truth in Jesus's words and to expand upon them, filling out their implications, but not makers of new doctrine or theology or approaches to God.
So the believer goes to Jesus to test what they have been taught to find the final authority in Him.

It is why teachers do not Lord it over the Lords people but rather are encouragers and supports of His people as they walk with Him. As Paul rights it is a walk of example, as you see Gods people walk so we should walk likewise. Teachers in the worldly sense teach ideas and their personal example is not important. In the christian world teaching is sharing our hearts and our walk with Jesus, so others might experience likewise. It is no wonder that the teaching of many is so poor because their walk is so lacking, and they wonder why they see little fruit.

If one taught an eye for an eye in its true sense this would be a good thing compared to what people do. You upset me because ...... so you should die. Look at the common themes in films, honour is challenged so a duel to death is the answer. The real thing about an eye for an eye, is losses have to be measured and taken equally. But our emotions never work like this. Get us angry and we want to bring the house down.

God bless you

 

[JLB]

I like what God likes and God likes clearly defined callings and places in the body of Christ.

Were you personally called to do that? Or are you deciding what you will do in the Body of Christ?

Paul was specifically called to a clearly defined ministry and calling.
Did God speak to you in the same way and reveal as servant what He's given you to do for Him? Because if He didn't then what business is it of yours to do what you want and not wait upon your ministry from God?

You don't serve God. You serve yourself for I KNOW God has not spoken to you and commanded you as servant what you are to do for Him.

Do you know the difference between a disciple (student) and a Teacher (Rabbi)?
These 12 were being taught something they really didn't know what.
And the concept of "church" was furthest from their minds. To the Jewish mind the Church existed in the desert around the Tabernacle at the time of Moses. They were called the Great Congregation. The Original Church. And it was hundreds of years since anything like that existed. Twelve Jewish men and one Jewish Rabbi.

Jesus was building His Church.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:15-18


Jesus was and is building His church.



The law of Moses was removed as the dividing wall of separation between Jew and Gentile for the purpose of bring forth the one new man in Christ.



For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. Ephesians 2:14-16
has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man


This source of enmity between Jew and Gentile was the law of Moses.

• The law of Moses has been abolished.

JLB

 

[TahitiRun]

17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. Lev. 19:17–18.

As you can see by the language God commands Israel of twelve tribes to love ONLY Israel of twelve tribes. This is extended to the Gentile Church in our present age which began on the Day of Pentecost. God commands His covenant people - Jew and Gentile - to obey His Word when it comes to love. God's love is a Holy love, and He gives His Holy Love to a holy people. God NEVER commanded His holy people in ciovenant with Him to love the unsaved, unholy people of the world. NEVER!

I don't believe your interpretation is correct. If you'll notice when reading the Hebrew text, two different Hebrew words are being used for the term being translated as "neighbour" in the KJV bible. As usual, the king's men were unable to discern the differences between the two Hebrew words. They were unable to decipher anything good within the text (Mat 12:35). The KJV translators were simply displaying their darkened hearts (Mat 12:34), as borne out by your own understanding of how they translated the text.

In Lev 19:17, the term used in the Hebrew text is "עָמִית", and that term means one's associate or companion. The term is used with regards to one's personal identity/relationship to another person.

However, in Lev 19:18 the Hebrew term being used is "רֵעַ". This term is also a masculine noun that simply means another person in close range. This term is used of one's spatial proximity to another human being without regards to the type of relationship.

For example, if you or I were to walk into McDonald's to order a hamburger, the person standing next to us inline becomes our "neighbor", as that term is defined and to be understood in v.18. The idea of "רֵעַ" is one of spatial proximity, and is not limited to "covenant only" relationships as you've indicated. The KJV translation hides this and in so doing they displayed their own unwillingness to love their neighbor as themselves (Mat 12:34). In many ways this is similar to the Levite and Priest who decided to walk on the opposite side of the road while on their way to Jericho to avoid helping the man in need. Sin always has away of manifesting itself and displaying the underlying intents of the heart. The translators of the KJV are no exception here.

A further comparison of the two Hebrew words translated as neighbor in Lev 19:17-18 is further borne out by what Jesus said when being confronted by the Jewish lawyer who asks Jesus to define: "who is my neighbor ?".

And, Jesus answered him accordingly, as shown here:

Luk 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

Here, as before, the KJV translators hide the meaning/context of what Jesus said. I'm not sure if they did this intentionally, but they did so none-the-less.

The term the KJV translates as "was" is taken from the Greek word "γεγονεναι". This prolonged primary verb carries the idea of "became" or "caused", not simply "was". The idea here, again, is one of spatial proximity through "becoming" as opposed to a relationship based upon a unique and shared identity, or that being limited to a "covenant only" relationship as you've implied.

If you'll also notice in the Good Samaritan story, the Levite and Priest pass by on the "opposite" side of the road, away from the injured man, not wanting to "become" his neighbor by proximity and to love him as themselves, and as God commanded Israel and Judah to do so in Lev 19:18.

The Levite and Priest walked to the "opposite side" of the road (that is: they changed their spatial/proximity to the man to give themselves an excuse not to help him). They walked according to the flesh (the opposite side of the road, if you will), rather than by spirit and to love him accordingly.

Perhaps the Levite and Priest had better things to do in Jericho than to help a dying man on the road. I'm not sure why they did, but they did so. However, they proved themselves not to "become" a neighbor of the person in need and in so doing they showed themselves to be the heartless enemies of Christ that they were (Mat 25:45). Their sin had found them. They were living according to the flesh.

All men without exception are to be found "in Christ". For we all, and this includes all unbelievers including unbelieving Jews and Gentiles alike, we all live, move and have our being "in Him". That is: "In Christ".

The NT teaches this idea of having a spatial relationship to Christ by using the common preposition "in" (Greek "εν") that is followed by the dative. Examples of this are found in Col 1:16 and Act 17:28 that define a universal relationship of proximity to Christ for all and without exception. This type of relationship is not limited to "covenant only", as clearly shown here:

Col 1:16 because in him were the all things created, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth, those visible, and those invisible, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, whether authorities; all things through him, and for him, have been created,

Act 17:28 for in Him we live, and move, and are; as also certain of your poets have said: For of Him also we are offspring.

This is the very reason that the term "neighbor" in Lev 19:18 is to be understood as one of spatial proximity and not simply limited to "covenant only" relationships.

Anyway, some of my own observations.

 

[jeremiah1five]

"You don't serve God. You serve yourself for I KNOW God has not spoken to you and commanded you as servant what you are to do for Him."
God has commanded me to "make disciples", "love one another as I have loved you", "do good works"
As a body we agree who is our teacher, pastors, evangelists through the fruit they bring.
So I 100% serve God and obey His commands.

God spoke to you directly through a prophet?
I doubt that. The model is Acts 13:1-4 for one Scripture that describes such communication with God.
I'm not going to educate you at this time because you haven't asked but merely taking a Scripture meant for someone else and make it your own is directly leaning on your understanding in the vanity of your mind. And it leads to disobedience and error.
The command "to make disciples" was given to Jesus' disciples. Not you.

Now this is biblical sound doctrine preached throughout the christian world.

Most of the Christian world is practicing witchcraft in their rebellion to God and His Word. Try studying Scripture on your own and have some original thoughts about what you read. First, use a KJV. Second, use Strong's Hebrew and Greek. Third, seek God and His anointing because if you are not subservient to the King you are subservient to your emotions and warped thinking.
In God's Kingdom and in His body there are many parts and God is the one to place His people in the body for one, and also gives them their gifts to perform that function.
Being that you take Jesus' command to His apostles "to make disciples" as your own when God hasn't spoken to you to do this is like the royal baker strolling over to the palace motor-pool, removing the keys from the rack and taking the royal coach for a spin. The baker isn't supposed to do that for now he's out of his ministry to his king. That's what you're doing so consider yourself warned.

How is it you know Gods heart well enough to contradict His word? It suggests that what you are saying is heresy and when particularly focused at me sinful behaviour, speaking on behalf of God.
We are called to test the spirits that speak.

I know because I study the Scripture under the anointing of God and it is my ministry to know God ad His Word which is the Mind of Christ which is the Mind of the Spirit.

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
1 John 4:1-3

I can tell that if you are in error thinking you have a ministry before God "to make disciples" you are also in error as to knowing HOW to test a spirit of someone.

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
Matt 5:38-40

If Jesus has come into the world to save us all and His words are eternal,

God didn't send His Son to save us all. Another error.

commands to be followed by all because God does not lie or is partial to one group and not to another, then the test is does a believer follow the revealed word of God? If not they are the spirit of the antichrist.

God IS a respecter of persons:

4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel [the person] and to his offering:
5 But unto Cain [the person] and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Gen. 4:4–5.

Another error.

Love talks well of others, but when the foundation of authority is challenged there is only one answer and any contradictions are thrown out. That is the word of the Lord.

Love tells the truth and calls a spade a spade.

I have met many "christians" who ignore the sermon on the mount saying it was just a sarcastic note of failure spoken to hypocrites to show how badly they fail. These folk are not followers of Jesus and do not know what love is, because if they did, they would agree with Jesus's words and aspirations, because literally that is His heart. But I know these folk are hard hearted and dark in their souls so all the words of Jesus hurt rather than are life itself. I say this because I love the sermon on the mount and who Jesus is, and these folk hate me for it. It is why they crucified Jesus on a cross and thought nothing more about it.
God bless you.

Good for you.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Who is our teacher? Jesus. Teachers in a christian sense are pointing people to see the truth in Jesus's words and to expand upon them, filling out their implications, but not makers of new doctrine or theology or approaches to God.
So the believer goes to Jesus to test what they have been taught to find the final authority in Him.

It is why teachers do not Lord it over the Lords people but rather are encouragers and supports of His people as they walk with Him. As Paul rights it is a walk of example, as you see Gods people walk so we should walk likewise. Teachers in the worldly sense teach ideas and their personal example is not important. In the christian world teaching is sharing our hearts and our walk with Jesus, so others might experience likewise. It is no wonder that the teaching of many is so poor because their walk is so lacking, and they wonder why they see little fruit.

If one taught an eye for an eye in its true sense this would be a good thing compared to what people do. You upset me because ...... so you should die. Look at the common themes in films, honour is challenged so a duel to death is the answer. The real thing about an eye for an eye, is losses have to be measured and taken equally. But our emotions never work like this. Get us angry and we want to bring the house down.
God bless you

If you're going to let someone strike you and you don't strike back then you've failed the Lord because He commands strike for strike not strike and sit there and bleed.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Jesus was building His Church.

The Church was already built. They are identified as the Great Congregation before God in His Presence of His Tabernacle. What Christ was here to do was to ADD to His Church of twelve tribes and their descendants.

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:15-18
Jesus was and is building His church.

The Church already was in existence. Israel is both Bride and Church of Christ.

The law of Moses was removed as the dividing wall of separation between Jew and Gentile for the purpose of bring forth the one new man in Christ.

Yes, and when Christ turns over the kingdom to His Father then it will be realized. Until then we are only part united. Our bodies still need to be changed in the twinkle-twinkle of Hid eye.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. Ephesians 2:14-16
has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man


This source of enmity between Jew and Gentile was the law of Moses.

The source of enmity between God and man is sin.
The Law of Moses and all the other covenants God enjoined His people to is a progression towards the final result. The last enemy to be conquered is death.

The law of Moses has been abolished.

Only the Sacrificial Laws.
I still have to be obedient to not have other gods before me and to love my covenant brethren and give to them everything God gave me to give to them.

 

[jeremiah1five]

I don't believe your interpretation is correct.

Don't believe me. Believe the Scripture and the command of God to His covenant people.

If you'll notice when reading the Hebrew text, two different Hebrew words are being used for the term being translated as "neighbour" in the KJV bible.

The force of God's command to His people is still His command to His covenant people to love their brethren ONLY. And it applies to the Gentile Church as well.

As usual, the king's men were unable to discern the differences between the two Hebrew words.

That's being a lot presumptuous. What kings are you talking about and how do you come to that conclusion because it is being greatly presumptuous. You talking King James' translators? There are two Hebrew words and both help to understand the command and instruction.

They were unable to decipher anything good within the text (Mat 12:35). The KJV translators were simply displaying their darkened hearts (Mat 12:34), as borne out by your own understanding of how they translated the text.

That's a lot presumptuous.

In Lev 19:17, the term used in the Hebrew text is "עָמִית", and that term means one's associate or companion. The term is used with regards to one's personal identity/relationship to another person.

There were only Jacob's descendants in the desert around the Tabernacle. There were no Gentiles who were outside the covenant nearby.

However, in Lev 19:18 the Hebrew term being used is "רֵעַ". This term is also a masculine noun that simply means another person in close range. This term is used of one's spatial proximity to another human being without regards to the type of relationship.

OK. Great. It doesn't change anything.

For example, if you or I were to walk into McDonald's to order a hamburger, the person standing next to us inline becomes our "neighbor", as that term is defined and to be understood in v.18.

Not according to God's command. To take "neighbor" and use it like you do is to do damage to God's Word. That's how a American Gentile would interpret the Word but Judaism is a National religion and everyone who is Hebrew in Israel is in covenant with God and ONLY in this context if someone is next to you in line they can be brethren (of the same tribe) or a 'neighbor" (member of another tribe) as the word is originally used when first spoken by God to His people.

The idea of "רֵעַ" is one of spatial proximity, and is not limited to "covenant only" relationships as you've indicated. The KJV translation hides this and in so doing they displayed their own unwillingness to love their neighbor as themselves (Mat 12:34). In many ways this is similar to the Levite and Priest who decided to walk on the opposite side of the road while on their way to Jericho to avoid helping the man in need. Sin always has away of manifesting itself and displaying the underlying intents of the heart. The translators of the KJV are no exception here.
A further comparison of the two Hebrew words translated as neighbor in Lev 19:17-18 is further borne out by what Jesus said when being confronted by the Jewish lawyer who asks Jesus to define: "who is my neighbor ?".

And, Jesus answered him accordingly, as shown here:

Luk 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

Here, as before, the KJV translators hide the meaning/context of what Jesus said. I'm not sure if they did this intentionally, but they did so none-the-less.

If you'll notice the priest, Levite, and Samaritan were ALL in covenant with God.

The term the KJV translates as "was" is taken from the Greek word "γεγονεναι". This prolonged primary verb carries the idea of "became" or "caused", not simply "was". The idea here, again, is one of spatial proximity through "becoming" as opposed to a relationship based upon a unique and shared identity, or that being limited to a "covenant only" relationship as you've implied.

If you'll also notice in the Good Samaritan story, the Levite and Priest pass by on the "opposite" side of the road, away from the injured man, not wanting to "become" his neighbor by proximity and to love him as themselves, and as God commanded Israel and Judah to do so in Lev 19:18.

The Levite and Priest walked to the "opposite side" of the road (that is: they changed their spatial/proximity to the man to give themselves an excuse not to help him). They walked according to the flesh (the opposite side of the road, if you will), rather than by spirit and to love him accordingly.

Perhaps the Levite and Priest had better things to do in Jericho than to help a dying man on the road. I'm not sure why they did, but they did so. However, they proved themselves not to "become" a neighbor of the person in need and in so doing they showed themselves to be the heartless enemies of Christ that they were (Mat 25:45). Their sin had found them. They were living according to the flesh.

All men without exception are to be found "in Christ". For we all, and this includes all unbelievers including unbelieving Jews and Gentiles alike, we all live, move and have our being "in Him". That is: "In Christ".

The NT teaches this idea of having a spatial relationship to Christ by using the common preposition "in" (Greek "εν") that is followed by the dative. Examples of this are found in Col 1:16 and Act 17:28 that define a universal relationship of proximity to Christ for all and without exception. This type of relationship is not limited to "covenant only", as clearly shown here:

Col 1:16 because in him were the all things created, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth, those visible, and those invisible, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, whether authorities; all things through him, and for him, have been created,

Act 17:28 for in Him we live, and move, and are; as also certain of your poets have said: For of Him also we are offspring.

This is the very reason that the term "neighbor" in Lev 19:18 is to be understood as one of spatial proximity and not simply limited to "covenant only" relationships.

Anyway, some of my own observations.

Your observations are in error.
If you a member of the Church, then you are Christ's Bride. Christ has made His Church betrothed to Him. What's it called when a woman engaged to be married gives her matrimonial love to another man not her husband? It's called adultery. And when a Christian gives holy love to an unholy person that is also adultery.

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4.

And don't think you're good to go if you love the unsaved as long as you're not his or her friend you're in obedience. God still calls it disobedience and rebellion to His Word. It's practicing witchcraft. See, you can do whatever you want in the body of Christ. You were bought with a price and that price was the death of God's Only Begotten Son. Christ loved the Church and died for her. If Christ were to love anyone who is not His Church, He would be an adulterer. But Christ is faithful to His Bride.
Are you?

 

[PeterJens]

God spoke to you directly through a prophet?
I doubt that. The model is Acts 13:1-4 for one Scripture that describes such communication with God.
I'm not going to educate you at this time because you haven't asked but merely taking a Scripture meant for someone else and make it your own is directly leaning on your understanding in the vanity of your mind. And it leads to disobedience and error.
The command "to make disciples" was given to Jesus' disciples. Not you.

Most of the Christian world is practicing witchcraft in their rebellion to God and His Word. Try studying Scripture on your own and have some original thoughts about what you read. First, use a KJV. Second, use Strong's Hebrew and Greek. Third, seek God and His anointing because if you are not subservient to the King you are subservient to your emotions and warped thinking.
In God's Kingdom and in His body there are many parts and God is the one to place His people in the body for one, and also gives them their gifts to perform that function.
Being that you take Jesus' command to His apostles "to make disciples" as your own when God hasn't spoken to you to do this is like the royal baker strolling over to the palace motor-pool, removing the keys from the rack and taking the royal coach for a spin. The baker isn't supposed to do that for now he's out of his ministry to his king. That's what you're doing so consider yourself warned.

I know because I study the Scripture under the anointing of God and it is my ministry to know God ad His Word which is the Mind of Christ which is the Mind of the Spirit.

I can tell that if you are in error thinking you have a ministry before God "to make disciples" you are also in error as to knowing HOW to test a spirit of someone.

God didn't send His Son to save us all. Another error.

God IS a respecter of persons:

4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel [the person] and to his offering:
5 But unto Cain [the person] and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Gen. 4:4–5.

Another error.

Love tells the truth and calls a spade a spade.

Good for you.

"God spoke to you directly through a prophet?"
God speaks through His word and also through prophets. The difficulty with prophets is their authority and inspiration. It is rare in the church that things are driven by prophets because Gods word makes most of the will of God plain through His word.

I have had people lay hands on me with regard to my faith and direction. But this does not make it right or correct as a minister called Todd Bentley had many apostles lay hands on him and yet he and they are heretics.

God speaks clearly directly to us "Make disciples". This is the ministry of the church. One could suggest reading Gods word aloud in church is prophecy, commanding the church to make disciples.

Sadly the word of God does not mean enough for you to take these words as the basis of our walk with Him. To those whose heart in full of love for God and love for their fellow man, it is clear.

To be honest with you, I have never met anyone who denies the word of God, and needs a prophet to make Gods word real. This is the failure of revelatory doctrinal interpretation. One view fits Gods word to align with their current fad or approach that appeals. My aim since a teenager is to have Gods word in my heart so that my perspective is His. Now this is a difficult road to walk, which many interpretation and emotional barriers to overcome. One of the first is realising we are not right, but need to see each perspective and learn its origins and how it fits into the whole.

Lets take a simple statement. "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 16:23

Jesus means that within His will, the Father will answer a request. If you take this word in isolation, the dead will return to life, space travel is possible, travel can be just by bending space. Now the real driving force for many is resolution of guilt and knowing salvation and security. To those in ministry, when an impossible situation occurs, asking the Lord for help, He is promising to intervene.

"Eye for an eye" is just heresy. Eye for an eye is civil justice, not love and salvation one to one, with real empathy and support reaching out one to another. This is why christians in Roman times went to their deaths blessing and praying for those who killed them. This is the power of love working out despite death setting us free to be with Jesus.

God bless you

 

[PeterJens]

If you're going to let someone strike you and you don't strike back then you've failed the Lord because He commands strike for strike not strike and sit there and bleed.

We are to follow Jesus's example.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Phil 2:5-11

12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.
1 Cor 4:12-13

Love overcomes the world, it is part of the Kingdom of heaven which does not choose to dominate and defend itself through force. That day will come when Jesus returns and everything is made new.

God bless you

 

[jeremiah1five]

"God spoke to you directly through a prophet?"
God speaks through His word and also through prophets. The difficulty with prophets is their authority and inspiration. It is rare in the church that things are driven by prophets because Gods word makes most of the will of God plain through His word.

I have had people lay hands on me with regard to my faith and direction. But this does not make it right or correct as a minister called Todd Bentley had many apostles lay hands on him and yet he and they are heretics.

That's the fault of your ministers to lay hands on people they don't know or to do it in ignorance. Laying on of hands comes as a doctrine, an instruction, a teaching. Only the Five-Fold ministers and elders I find in Scripture have the authority to lay hands on the sheep. And ONLY sheep. But it seems you're in a church that practices error and THAT'S why you haven't heard God speak to you. Let me guess, you've never spoke in tongues, have you? Well, there's a Biblical reason for that, too.

God speaks clearly directly to us "Make disciples". This is the ministry of the church. One could suggest reading Gods word aloud in church is prophecy, commanding the church to make disciples.

Jesus spoke those words to His apostles in Matthew 28. You weren't there. He wasn't speaking to you. If you take Jesus' command to His apostles "to make disciples" then you are calling yourself an apostle and you would be in error because Jesus spoke specifically to His apostles and you're NOT an apostle. There's too much error in your biblical understanding to be an apostle. You haven't been discipled as taught in Scripture. You've never had to live with your teacher and so you can't call yourself a disciple for you haven't been discipled as taught in Scripture. You haven't spoken in tongues and quite frankly you are a bucking maverick who won't let even the Lord Jesus ride you.
To take a calling Jesus gave to His apostles and make it your own is error and heresy.

Sadly the word of God does not mean enough for you to take these words as the basis of our walk with Him. To those whose heart in full of love for God and love for their fellow man, it is clear.

You don't know me or my past so you can't judge. You have no wisdom. No knowledge.

To be honest with you, I have never met anyone who denies the word of God, and needs a prophet to make Gods word real. This is the failure of revelatory doctrinal interpretation. One view fits Gods word to align with their current fad or approach that appeals. My aim since a teenager is to have Gods word in my heart so that my perspective is His. Now this is a difficult road to walk, which many interpretation and emotional barriers to overcome. One of the first is realising we are not right, but need to see each perspective and learn its origins and how it fits into the whole.

But you don't have God's Word in your "heart." You don't even have it in your mind committed to memory.

Lets take a simple statement. "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 16:23
Jesus means that within His will, the Father will answer a request. If you take this word in isolation, the dead will return to life, space travel is possible, travel can be just by bending space. Now the real driving force for many is resolution of guilt and knowing salvation and security. To those in ministry, when an impossible situation occurs, asking the Lord for help, He is promising to intervene.

You don't even know what "In My Name" means.

"Eye for an eye" is just heresy.

It's in the Old Testament in the book of holiness called Leviticus. Who's rejecting Scripture? Me? No, it's YOU.

Eye for an eye is civil justice, not love and salvation one to one, with real empathy and support reaching out one to another. This is why christians in Roman times went to their deaths blessing and praying for those who killed them. This is the power of love working out despite death setting us free to be with Jesus.
God bless you

You don't understand the Old Testament and for this reason you don't understand the New Testament.
You are a danger to yourself and to others.