Melvin

Q5. (Matthew 5:27-30) The spirit of our age is very accepting and approving of **** According to Jesus' words, how seriously are we to take ****? How does agape love help us combat ****? "If it itches, scratch it". During the 60's, that 'saw' and many like it were common language. We were the 'love' generation. Unfortunately, we also were a big force as the 'disease' generation. ****, in todays world, is just a word which most have turned into a joke or made meaningless. Better put would be the question: "How seriously do we take AIDS, STD's, fatherless children, single-mom homes, drugs, alcohol, ignorance, illiteracy, violence and a total disconnect within our society?" That list is definately longer and I do take it quite seriously. We are the light - how many dark corners can I shine into? Agape love is the quiet prayer "Lord, let me see them with YOUR eyes." Agape disconnects from **** and allows us to SEE another person within - for what is not on the surface.

Q4. (Matthew 5:28) Sex is very closely tied to our core sense of person. This means that as we are healed in our view towards sex, it goes a long way toward making us whole inside. How would you counsel a brother who shared with you that he had trouble with ***********? How can you protect yourself against temptation over the Internet? At the beach or poolside? With your TV? First, I would determine whether or not he desired my input/counseling. If not, I would have to assume he was 'inviting' me to be involved and would decline with an admonishment to him concerning the extreme danger he was in. If he wanted my 'take' on things and/or help, I would partially disqualify myself as being no expert in the matter and then we'd talk with him doing most of the talking. Most likely, I would refer him to a pastor I know who is very good at this and have him write down the 'avoidance' list similar to the one provided in this lesson. He would be in my daily prayers and I would be open to being his 'contact' for accountability. I don't know that you can completely protect yourself from offensive material because it is so woven into the internet. I do have blocks set up and I don't deliberately follow links which I've learned are 'questionable'. If I am undesiredly 'served' something I never wanted of a **** nature, I quickly try to find the source email, send an email to them asking to be removed from their 'list' and blocking the address in my email. Beach, Poolside, TV: You might as well just say 'life'. I look away or remove myself or remove 'it'. We must be individually 'steeled' against such simply because we ARE going to see it. The trick is to keep our hearts 'covered' under His grace.

Q3. (Matthew 5:28) What is wrong with ***********? What is wrong with going to prostitutes? Who are the victims of this "victimless" activity? *********** is a **** magnet, it brings out the perverse desires of the heart and washes them to the point of innundation. Prostitutes are usually 'not your wife or husband'. There are at least two victims here. I'm a 'retired' alcoholic and sometimes I think I've 'heard it all'. When it comes to unrestrained sex and all the abberations thereof, you can summarize the 'victims' list by putting down just about anything that breathes. Most people would list men, women, sex providers of all kinds, little boys and little girls. Based on the statements/confessions I've heard from young men struggling to stay sober by working through the 4th and 5th step of AA, I'd have to mention young men/older boys as a definate victims group. Often these 'kids' find themselves out on the street simply because they're drinking has exhausted all hope of help from anybody and is on a par with a man of many more years although a lot of them aren't passed high school or college age. When you're down and out, when you're on the street, when you're very hungry and especially when it's very cold - any refuge is almost certainly welcome even if it means an adult male's bed. These too are victims of the **** which can and will be fed by **** and the effects. as I've so often heard in confidence, are devastating. Yes, there are victims - way too many.

Q2. God purposely created us with a good and natural sexual desire. How do we distinguish between that God-given sexual desire and forbidden ****? When 'attracted', the real survivor must ask himself or herself the question: "Am I willing to dedicate the rest of my life to this person and wait until we are wed to take them to bed for the first time?". Also, this is a definate subject which demands the wise counsel of someone or several someones who are trusted and respected.

Q1. (Matthew 5:27-30; Exodus 20:17) What is the point of similarity between adultery and lus+? What is the difference? How does lus+ break the Tenth Commandment? **** is the commission of adultry (sex outside of marriage) within ones' heart so is viewed by God as the same as adultry. The difference is not by much except the act of adultry is the natural culmination of ****. The one is physical while the other is of the heart - spiritual. Covetousness of anything is a form of **** up to and including the spouse of another.

Q5. (Matthew 5:21-26) Verses 21-22 are about murder, anger, and insult. Verses 23-24 discuss some fault against one's brother. Verses 25- 26 discuss settling a civil suit before going to court. What is the overarching theme of Jesus' teaching in our entire passage, verses 21-26? Love of God entirely and of neighbor as oneself. That is really more trite than I can stand - the more accurate answer is Love INSPITE..... I don't know that I will ever love God unreservedly. I have this small problem of being wrapped in a human suit around the enternal spirit which is me. I recall a conversation I had with a wise old man who had taken me under his wing some 30 plus years ago. Prayer was one of his strong suits and I was expected to use it. I had a real 'fool' problem with a past boss and we'd talked about getting free of that cloud. He told me to pray for him every day. After a few weeks, he asked me how I was doing - I replied: "Well, he ain't dead yet." We had another very serious 'discussion' immediately following that statement in which he did most of the 'discussing'. Needless to say, I no longer am burdened with that (the man did NOT die, by the way) but I am burdened with being human. My hearts desire is to follow the first 2 laws - my reality is that I still have problems doing so sometimes. I often thank God for Paul in Romans. I too often seem to be doing things I do not wish and NOT doing things that I wish to. The saving grace is that I more often do the desires of my heart (Love God - Love my neighbor) and much more seldom do the things I would sincerely love to abandon for all time. As much of Christ's teachings are, I'm confronted with a dilemma that only being Christ would allow me to fulfill on this plane. Thank God Almighty that I don't have to be - Salvation and grace are my constant companions.

Q4. (Matthew 5:25-26) What is the point of Jesus' parable of settling out of court? Who are we supposed to settle with, according to this parable? What does "settling" entail? What are the reasons that we should settle? To borrow from a modern day 'saw': "Never let them get you into the 'system'." I'm old enough that I can testify, concerning financial matters (which this seems to primarily involve) that it is much better to 'come to the table' before court and seek to work things out to the advantage of both parties. If it goes to court, the complaintant runs the risk of getting nothing from people like me who are hard headed. I always am willing to do what I can but I will never agree to something I cannot do. Staying out of the 'system' keeps things between the two involved and avoids the mess of added expense which always comes with a court proceeding. If I am 'guilty' then I have divine law which demands I stand good for what I did and make restitution. If I am not guilty of any wrong doing, I still need to come to an agreement in line with God's will for me which is the most important outcome.

Q3. (Matthew 5:23-24) What's wrong with worshipping while a brother has something against us (or us against a brother, Mark 11:25)? What is the appropriate action for us to take? How far should we go to bring about reconciliation with someone whom we have offended? Are there any situations that we shouldn't try to resolve? Or that we can't resolve? My first thought here is the Lord's Prayer - '...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us'. Also, the 'beam in the eye' is appropriate as well. I would say we cannot worship as long as there is conflict. 'Be reconciled' then come and offer the gift. Reconcilation should always be done, even if impossible. The person who has offended me or whom I have offended may be dead or location unknown. In such a case the willingness to make the reconciliation at the first opportunity would be sufficient I would think. If the person is deceased then a visit to the grave or a letter writing out our confession is the most we can do. When the person is available, it is only important that we reconcile concerning our part - I cannot force another to accept nor forgive. I can, however, do all that I can to fulfill God's instruction. There is only one circumstance where not reconciling would be the right thing to do: In a situation where the reconciliation offer would somehow cause further damage - under such circumstances it would be permissible to at least put it off if not forego it entirely. I cannot clean up my side of the street at the expense of another.

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder? This is one of the most confusing scriptures for me when I was a young teen. Fool for us today is a far cry from the meaning as Christ applied it. The word in Greek is the deepest and most damning form of 'fool'. It is almost a curse in that it debases everything about the person being maligned from the spiritual to the physical to the mind. It's much worse than being referred to as a 'leper'. Because of it's damning nature, Christ equated it with murder. I have no doubt that Christ meant that the 'act' of such a 'curse' was the same as actually committing murder considering that He used other such examples where the act was the same as the deed as in 'adultery in ones heart'. Living with such an understanding would definately have a braking effect on our anger especially in the form of speaking it out.

Q1. (Matthew 5:17-20) Can you see any tendencies in the church today to effectively "abolish" the Old Testament from our Christian faith? What does a "Christian" legalism look like in a church? What does it look like in a church where there are no moral standards and no obedience expected of Christians? I'm going extemporaneous here....I've seen endless examples of churches gone completely wrong all my life. It was for that reason and no other that I quit the Methodist and all other churches for more than 5 years starting when I was about 25. I walked away as a Junior High Sunday School teacher because I could not teach what they wanted me to. This was in the beginning era of the 'UNITED' Methodist Church which has gone down a slippery slope at an ever increasing down angle since. When I was 30, I found my way back to church and have been involved since. Not Methodist though. 'Churchology' is my favorite pet peeve which gets definate vocal objections where applicable. The parallel between the 'legalism' of the Jewish Church of Christ's time and the churches of today is frightening. The greatest 'abolition' of the old testament in my opinion is the audacity of many in assuming that since the historical Jewish faith has been so 'bad' that 'we the church' under Christ somehow have supplanted the function of the Hebrews. I find that more than alarming and the stuff of 'false prophets'. Modern legalism within too many churches is simply the humanist rule in place of the clear instructions which came from God. Christ did not destroy - He fulfilled. We are expected to do the same and we are expected, by God, to do the things we have been assigned. That which is morally wrong has become 'right' in some eyes and that which is holy and just has been thrown into the dust to be trampled under by dogs. As to examples of moral disorder, just look for any church where they sing '*** Bah Yah' a lot and where there is no admonishment concerning sin and personal responsiblity. I cannot imagine anything more absurd than a 'Homosexual' Christian Church unless it would be a 'Heterosexual' Christian Spouse-Swap Church.

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2? If you have enough salt and light (the word and works) you will encounter persecution which is why verses 10-16 flow as one topic and not a transition. Every time Glory is exhibeted, if it is not seen, there is no Glory. Likewise, those that have dutifuly followed and lived God's commands will receive suffering in return from 'the world' just as the prophets encountered, including death, in the Old Testament. I'm not sure 'necessary' is exactly the right word. 'Natural Consequence' of following God's will would be how I'd put it. It is natural to prefer not to experience pain and suffering, it is with joy that the Christian willingly chooses the way of Christ rather than the world. Tranformation is an ongoing event. The bolder we are, the greater our adherence to God's will, the greater our transformation to God's will.

Q3. (Matthew 5:14-15) In the parable of "the light of the world," Jesus notes the stupidity of lights being hidden under bowls. Concerning what danger in the life of a Christian disciple does Jesus warn us in this parable? A lamp under a bowl would shortly go out. A Christian who does not share his 'salt' and 'light' can and usually does begin to shrivel and spiritually die. A secular example of this would be the IQ test and those who score very high on it. An IQ test registers 'potential' not accomplishment. Years ago I passed one of those tests with a high enough score to be invited to take the MENSA test. I learned two things: 1. I could and did score high enough 2. After interacting with other members on and off for a year, I got a clear definition of 'unused potential'. I didn't renew my membership the second year. A Christian spiritually charged individual who does nothing with it is the same. The potential is there but if it's not used and spread around, soon it will wither and go out.

Q2. (Matthew 5:13) What might be the symptoms of a Christian who has lost his "saltiness"? Is it possible for a believer to detect such symptoms in himself or herself? What do secular people notice about a "de-saltified" Christian? What do other Christians notice about you? Is it possible to "resaltify" your life? Mediocrity and tepidity. Lukewarm, bitter, unflavorful, insipid and nausiating. Not tasteless but awful tasting. Symptoms of a Christian who has become more alkali than saline unfortunately easily seen. Take teenagers for example - they see right through you if you do not bring them truth and good news. Such a Christian would be 'lukewarm' and rediculous (taste) with insincerity and hollow. Our testimony becomes as useless as alkali salt - better used as a grass killer. We would stick out to a salty brother Christian as a lost soul does - visible in the full light of day. I must believe that 'resaltification' can take place - it has in my own life. All of us temporarily become a little 'lost' sometimes simply because we FORGET. Life beats us up a little and we get a seed of doubt which can cause a little movement toward the world and it's cares which can take us a long way downhill. The Deciples of Christ had problems with this so did some that he sent out to preach. I can't find in my bible anywhere that is says any of them were 'lost' other than Judas. Certainly 'resaltification' can take place through contrition, forgiveness and restoration.

Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? As a preservation method, salt protects. Christians first and foremost are the 'protective layer' which can and will hold back God's wrath in a world of flesh. Additionally, Christians bring about change via spreading the gospel and offering a way out of misery, hoplessness and purposelessness including the salvation of nations. England was pulled out of complete debauchery and alcoholism due to the efforts of Wesley and other evangelicals. Slavery was eventually abolished in England first then the US, Christians leading the way. Salt as a 'spice' adds 'flavor' and taste. We are to be 'tangy and flavorful. Not lukewarm and insipid. We should naturally stand out due to our words and deeds as a walking example of Christlike living. 'Seasoning' (salt) in a Christian walk is often repeated throughout the New Testament.

Q6. (Matthew 5:10-11) Why should we rejoice when we are persecuted? What keeps this from being some kind of sick masochism, or finding pleasure in pain? Why is the blessing "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" appropriate for the persecuted? From both a spiritual and worldly standpoint, we can rejoice at persecution. You will not be persecuted for Christ unless you are noticed and if you are noticed/observed because of Christian belief, you may find yourself smiling a little. I have. If I get confronted, I must assume it is because I've given evidence to attract such which means I'm on track. The same would be true for anyone else. As to 'sick masochism, or finding pleasure in pain?' - hmmmmmm. Really hadn't thougt about it that way. My reply would have to be that the one (pain) is self satisfaction or fetishism and the other (rejoicing) would be the reaction from spiritual/self awareness through the spirit. 'Theirs is the kingdom of Heaven' - Having a 'mind' and 'heart' liken to Christ as well as His salvation makes you a Kingdom member - inheritor with Christ.