Let your Yes be Yes and Your No be No

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. - Matthew 5:31-37

Heaven is God's throne and the Earth His footstool, Jesus reiterated this as it was written in Isaiah 66:1. Can we truly understand the magnitude of that concept? Can we even imagine what that means? If we can, the mere thought of swearing by heaven or earth wouldn't even

Marriage is sacred and binding

Right after speaking about Adultery, Jesus' next topic, surprisingly, deals with marriage and this is what he has to say in his sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:31-32:

31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

I can't think of marriage without thinking about my parents. They didn't believe in divorce, for better or worse they stuck it out even when they said they would leave, they stayed together. As children, my brothers, sister, and I growing up, we got to see what a real marriage

Adultery in the Heart

Can you truly commit adultery in your heart? Well, Jesus said you can and if He said it - it's the truth. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus continues to reveal to us the sins of the heart and how those sins have eternal consequences. Let's continue our bible study on Matthew 5:27-30.

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old,[c] ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[d] 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Firstly Jesus looked at "Do not commit murder." Now he refers to another commandment, "You shall not commit adultery."  With both of these commandments, there was a consequence according to the law but Jesus is saying that the consequences for these will be based on what is in your heart rather than what you do outwardly.

Adultery is defined as a physical act, an act involving either voluntary sexual intercourse, a kiss, or other sexual acts between a married person and someone other than their spouse. In some cases, a non-sexual but intimate relationship is considered an act of adultery. Adultery is known as cheating, being unfaithful, or having an affair. It is a sin according to the word of God and is grounds for a divorce. Adultery breaks up marriages and families. It is an act that is often done in secret for fear of the repercussions. 

Whether the adulterous acts are discovered, confessed, or remain hidden, the people involved are always aware of what occurred. The thoughts of the affair, although entirely private, can replay in their minds over and over, any time they want, without anyone else knowing. So, which is worse: repeatedly engaging in sinful thoughts in your mind and heart, or acting them out physically?

Jesus teaches that both are sinful acts that believers should not engage in. While the penalty for the physical act was already clear, Jesus takes it a step further by addressing the severity of what happens in our hearts and minds. He reveals that sinful thoughts and desires carry an equally, if not more, severe penalty. "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart," Matthew 5:28.

But why would a thought carry so much weight? Because what we meditate on in our hearts reflects the true condition of our soul and is the root from which actions grow. Jesus calls us to purity, not only in behavior but in the very depths of our thoughts and intentions, as they ultimately determine the direction of our lives. "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life," Proverbs 4:23.

In life, we may deceive others, pretend, lie, put on a façade, and act out the best Oscar-winning performances to hide the truth, but we cannot do that with God. When we come to God in prayer, it is a moment to humble ourselves, acknowledging that He sees and knows everything. We should be inclined to say, "Lord, you know me better than I know myself. When others fail to catch the sinful acts I commit in my heart and with my body, you already see it all. Lord purge me of anything that separates me from You and could ultimately lead me to eternal separation in hell." 

Can you imagine trying to lie to God in prayer? Pretending to be innocent while He already knows the truth? While you may successfully deceive others, there is no hiding from God.

No one may ever discover what you do in private, but God knows. Whatever it is that is causing you to be a candidate for hell's fire, cut it off, cut it out of your life completely. It is better to lose whatever leads you to sin, even if it feels like losing a part of yourself than to remain whole and face eternal separation from God. Jesus said it clearly in Matthew 5:29-30, "And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell."

I want to make it to Heaven, and I hope you do, too. Whatever it is in your life that leads you away from God—you know what it is—cut it off and let it go. In the end, this is a battle for our souls, and we must ensure that our hearts and every part of our being remain pure, every day and in every way. That’s what Jesus calls us to do.

We don’t know when we’ll take our last breath, so we must stay ready. It’s not an easy journey, but let’s keep fighting the good fight of faith.

“For the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

  "Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." (Psalm 44:21)

Reconcile Before It's Too Late

Matthew 5: 21-26 continues Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pure heart.

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,[a] 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[b] 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. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

The church I attended as a child put so much emphasis on being pure at heart before giving your tithes that before offering was collected at every service, the pastor would say

Jesus Christ Came to Fulfill

In Matthew 5:17-20, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals the purpose of His coming:

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

The word fulfill means to accomplish, complete, or realize. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill what was written in both the law and the prophets. Therefore, we cannot ignore what was written in the Old Testament. Instead, Jesus is showing us that everything in scripture points to Him. Jesus did not come to erase the law nor the prophets but to bring their purpose to completion, to realize what was written about Him while revealing God's ultimate plan for salvation through Him.

It can be likened to a relationship. First, there is the initial period where you get to know the person and you date that person. Later comes the courtship where you decide that this is the person I am going to exclusively date with the intent to marry. It is followed by the engagement where you make it official that this is the person who you are going to marry and choose to marry. Marriage then cements what was already there and what you have built. Now does that mean that the previous stages before marriage were meaningless or null and void? Does marriage cancel out those stages? No, it does not. Marriage now ties those stages together because those stages lead up to marriage.

Jesus was that marriage that tied both Law and Prophets together and did not cancel out either because both are important. He states how important the Law and Prophets are by stating the consequences for breaking and observing the commandments. This teaches us that what God has declared for His people to follow will stand til the end of time. "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," Matthew 5;18

Jesus goes on to talk about our righteousness and how it has to exceed that of the Pharisees and scribes. These persons in Jesus' day accused him and his disciples of not following the Law on numerous occasions. They held themselves above others as they knew the law and observed the law on their terms. They switched the law to suit their lifestyles and taught others to do the same (Matthew 15:1-7). They were not really following the commandments of God but the teachings of men that twisted God's commandments to their liking. 

Furthermore, although they knew the law and could recite it from beginning to end and backward again, their hearts were far from God (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8). Jesus is saying that we need to go beyond just knowing the law and judging others based on it but we have to observe the law in our hearts, that's where it is most important and where our righteousness can begin to blossom. God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).

Brothers and sisters continue to study the word and applying the word of God to your lives.

God bless you!

Believers are Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 

15 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. 

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

In today's world, there is a constant search for purpose and meaning in this life. As believers, we should know our purpose, we should know who the Lord has called us to be and what we should do. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus has called those who believe in him and those who choose to follow him to be Salt and Light.

I have often wondered why Jesus compared believers and followers to salt and light. There are many insightful commentaries available, and some explanations resonate deeply. Reflecting on this has encouraged me to explore another perspective of the same scripture for our Bible study.

Jesus said "You are the Salt Of The Earth." Why did he say salt of the earth and not salt of the world? I discovered, as a young child on a trip to a local farm, that salt is used as a fertilizer. A fertilizer nourishes and aids in the growth of a plant. Jesus was saying that we are called to be that essential mineral to help with the growth of others.

When God created man, he used the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7). This creation connects us to all mankind as God created us all. However, we are set apart as believers because we are called the Salt of The Earth. Therefore, Jesus is calling us to be that fertilizer that is necessary for mankind to truly live and grow as we are all connected to the earth. If we choose to call ourselves Christians or believers of Christ, and follow God's word then this too is a part of our mission while on this earth. As salt, we are called to help others grow in Christ, believers and unbelievers. If we cannot be the salt and light, we lose our worth and become good for nothing (Matthew 5:13)

Jesus also called us the Light Of The World.  Now when we go back to Genesis again, after creating the heavens and the earth, the first thing that God SPOKE into being was LIGHT (Genesis 1:3). Furthermore, it states that God divided light from darkness (Genesis 1:4). There has to be a separation between light and darkness, the two cannot co-exist. If we are called to be light then we cannot mix or meddle in darkness or have darkness in us. We are in the world but not of the world. (John 17:14-15)

The light that radiates from a lamp is used to light up a house. This house that Jesus refers to is The World.  He calls us to be the Light of The World. The world is filled with darkness to those who do not see the light, the unbelievers. We have to let our light so shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Our lives have to be examples to others. Our light has to radiate so intensely that it causes others to turn from darkness and glorify our Father in Heaven!

Brothers and sisters, God loves you and wants us to live the life and purpose He has called for us to live. We need to spend time in prayer, meditating on the word of God, and developing our relationship with God. Therein lies the true meaning of life and the keys to fulfilling our purpose.

Take care of each other, truly love each other, pray for each other and be the Salt and Light Christ has called you to be and that He in his infinite knowledge knows that we can be.

God bless you!