JESUS’ RULES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
Newsletter 236 March 27, 2011


Luke 6:27-38 (King James Version)

The ways of the world have not changed all that much. The question, “What is in it for me?” comes up in the thoughts, even if not expressed, in every business proposition. It is perhaps expressed by “What is the bottom line?” Cain killed his brother, who had done him no wrong whatsoever, because his sacrifice to God make his own a poor second. Jacob was first of all, selfish, a liar and a deceiver in order to gain the birthright from his brother, and the blessing of his father. David lusted after his neighbor‘s wife. And I have only skimmed a few of the major names of the major persons of the Old Testament accounts. There were worse examples, Ahab, and his wicked wife Jezebel. Each of them asked, “What is in it for me?”, but most of them did not look ahead to find the answer to the other question, “What is the bottom line?“

Many of the most harsh religions of the world are based on might, power, and lust. In the early days of the church, persecution came at he hand of the Roman Empire, yet they also did two things which aided the spread of Christianity. They built roads, and they spread their language throughout the known world. Those roads and a common language, spread the Gospel like wild fire, especially under persecution. Since that time, the fire of evangelism has spread under the fanning of the fires of the Sprit.

Our world today has come full circle with the powers of the Middle East and Eastern religions putting pressure on the church. But we now have computers which bridge the whole world in moments. Oceans, mountains, distance, and roads make little difference. Even language when you can used a computerized translator to convert English in moments into virtually any language you wish. It may not be a perfect translation, but, it will open the door for anyone who wants to know the truth. It is the business world that has made this possible.

Jesus did not give us a set of dos and don’ts, but we can learn much from that He said and did.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.

27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:35)

Yes, those enemies of the Gospel give us the opportunity to return love for their hatred. The fact that we return love, they will not miss and that itself will spread like wildfire in a thirsty world. Don’t do this! But we all know what even a spark can do in a drought stricken field under the pressure of a windy day.

28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

He says, “Bless them,” and “Pray for them.” Why, for they have opened the door of opportunity.

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, Luke 6:30, Matthew 5:39-42)

He suffered beating, ridicule, and finally a crown of thorns and death. Jesus gave His all, not for the good people, but for all, for all have sinned fallen short. He still prayed for his persecutors from the cross.

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. (Matthew 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 6:27Matthew 5:9, :Luke 1:32)

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

37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (Luke 6:37-42. Matthew 7:1-5)

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Look at the bottom line. “I am the way, the truth and the life, No man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MARCH

27th. Sunday – Numbers 26, Luke 6:27-49, Psalm 37:32-40
28th. Monday – Numbers 27, 28, 29, Luke 7:1-23, Psalm 38:1-12
29th, Tuesday – Numbers 30, 31, Luke 7:24-50, Proverbs 8:12-21
30th. Wednesday - Numbers 32, 33, Luke 8:1-18, Psalm 38:13-22
31st. Thursday - Numbers 34, 35, 36, Luke 8:19-40, Psalm 39

APRIL

1st. Friday – Deuteronomy 1, 2, Luke 8:41-56. Psalm 40:1-8
2nd. Saturday - Deuteronomy 3, 4, Luke 9:1-22, Proverbs 8:22-31

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:8


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PRAISE THE LORD, I’M BACK
I can do most things now, but still have to use both hands to handle cups and heavy things. I think the Cataract operation is now looming. Dr Ku’s office phoned and asked me to contact them when I am no longer on blood thinner.

Yoke Joke


One night at an economy motel, I ordered a 6 a.m. wake-up call. The next morning, I awoke before 6, but the phone did not ring until 6:30. "Good morning," a young man said sheepishly. "This is your wake-up call."

Annoyed, I let the motel worker have it. "You were supposed to call me at 6 AM!.... I complained. "What if I had a million dollar deal to close this morning, and your oversight made me miss out?"

"Well, sir," the desk clerk boldly replied, "if you had a million dollar deal to close, you'd probably not be staying at THIS motel!"