Are Christians to still follow torah or no?
We are under the law if we put ourselves under the law. Whosoever breaks the law shall be under the curse of the law. So, breaking the law, puts you under the curse, which can mean very bad things happening in your life. Duet 28 list a whole lot of rotten things that can happen. Mold, wife cheating on you, emeordes (Don't know what those are, but they don't sound very cool)
Everything in the Law is on the Royal law of love. So, eating bacon is cool because it does not break the royal law of love unless you get the pigs opinion about that.
Not living your life by obedience to that Royal law will put you right under the curse of the law. No need for all that as Jesus has redeemed us from the punishment of breaking the law, so mind your P's and Q's.........
The Bar has been raised for our standard of living compared to those that had to keep the law. In other words, much more is expected because we have much more to work with and knowledge. Walk in love, and love God. Very easy to remember.......... but very high standard.
No judging anyone unless in a position to do so and have the authority to carry out the judgment. Only fools put their mouth on people they have no jurisdiction over. Fools that get judged back and wonder why things never work out for them.
Love don't steal or commit adultery.
Love puts God first in everything, every action.
You get the point.
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, Romans 3:21
Right, it's not rocket science separating ordinances and customs from the law of love.
'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.
Very interesting word. It's saying that a person has no salvageable qualities and is beyond hope.
Remember, our bar is much higher............... some get this idea that we are just poor sinners saved by grace, and you best not continue to be poor or a sinner but find out the great plan of God and stay on the path.
It kinda makes sense. New covenant, new guidelines. Some tough ones too. It still sort of encompasses the mosaic law, just written in a new language structure.
If you keep this in mind which has helped me.......................... How would I want someone to treat me if I am being a complete jerk and screwball? If I steal something, I expect to be punished, but would I personally want mercy and not have the punishment be over harsh?
If I am having a bad day and get short with someone and just grumpy, would I feel better if the smiled anyway and was kind to me? I use this at check out lanes a lot, I smile at the slow and grumpy cashier because the 5 people before me were rude to them.
If I am a server and the cooks mess up the food, I forgot the stinking bread sticks, my rent is due and have lots of other things on my mind besides taking care of you wanting to stuff your face, giving horrible service. Would I not want to still be tipped over 50% of the check? My wife and I do it all the time, giving grumpy bad servers 20.00 on just a 14.00 buffet and more than once they meet us at the door with tears saying thank you. I always ask God what the tip should be, and it's not based on the cost of the ticket or service, and God is not cheap it seems so best to always bring extra cash when going out to eat.
Keep those things in mind Edward, be a blessing to everyone you meet. In fact take a day and every person you talk to, it be your goal to leave them smiling and edified even if they are a cousin of the devil. Just one day, see what happens.
The short, treat others as you want to be treated.
Blessings.
Mike.
