RULES OF THE KINGDOM LIFE

Newsletter 134 April 5, 2009

Christians have one golden rule which stands out above all other possible rules. This is a rule that even the small child can understand. But, it is one that very few people really try to live by. “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do even so unto them.” (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31)

When Jesus was asked to teach his disciples how to pray, one petition of the prayer he taught them was, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” If we stop to think what they are asking, how many people really want that? (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:1-4)

Jesus did not have double standards, and his lessons never change. What he said in his sermon on the mount, and in the prayer he taught his disciples, is just as applicable to us as it was to them. He does not change. His “Golden Rule“ is a rule which encompasses all others. It is truly THE rule he wants us to live by. The example of his life teaches us that it applies to all others, friend or foe; rich or poor. He had as much compassion for a ragged outcast man suffering from advanced leprosy, as he did for kings in their palaces. In its context, it is a part of this scripture from the gospel of Luke.

Luke 6:27-36 (King James Version)

Matthew 5:39-48, Matthew 7:1-2, Matthew 7:12

27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, (Matthew 5:24, Luke 6:35, Romans 12:20)

28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (revile - Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:15)

29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. (Luke 6:29-30, Matthew 5:29-42)

30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 7:12)

32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. (Matthew 5:46)

33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (Matthew 5:42)

35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:27, Matthew 5:9, Luke 1:32, Psalm 37:26)

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

If you are puzzled by the King James English, you may hover over any of the blue references while the copy is still on your monitor and they will give parallel references or this verse in modern English.. It all comes down to treating others the way we wish to be treated ourselves.

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I PLEDGE TO READ MY BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

APRIL

5th. Sunday - Deuteronomy 10,11, Luke 10:1-20, Psalm 41:7-13
6th. Monday - Deuteronomy 12,13,14, Luke 10:21-42, Proverbs 8:32-36
7th. Tuesday - Deuteronomy 15,16,17, Luke 11:1-26, Psalm 42:1-6
8th. Wednesday - Deuteronomy 18,19,20, Luke 11:27-54, Psalm 42:7-11
9th. Thursday - Deuteronomy 21,22, Luke 12:1-30, Psalm 43
10th. Friday - Deuteronomy 23,24, Luke 12:31-59, Proverbs 9:1-12
11th. Saturday - Deuteronomy25,26,27, Luke 13, Psalm 44:1-12

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 6:14-15
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