Love Your Enemies

Scripture

 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 

~Matthew 5:43-44, NLT

Quote

The only thing that can keep us from retaliating when we are wronged is death to ourself, our interest, and everything that concerns us.

~Martyn Lloyd-Jones

In spite of what liberals think, Jesus did not rewrite the Old Testament; He did not make one single change in the law, the prophets or the Psalms. Over time, the Jews had perverted the clear teaching of scripture. God has always loved the world {all people}. His redemptive purpose can be seen clearly in His covenant with Abraham. The LORD said to Abraham, I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” Abraham was not the end but the means by which God would bless the entire earth. Both Abraham and Israel were to be instruments that God would use to get the gospel to the world. Isaiah 42:6 states clearly, “I, the LORD, have called you {Israel} to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you…And you will be a light to guide the nations.” Israel’s election is to be a servant and a guide. This is why they got the special call: it was to be an instrument, not a proud and arrogant people boasting in their election. God sets some a part for special service and this is what Israel was elected to do. Many of you are laymen but God choose some of us to be prophets, teachers, pastors, etc. This does not make me one bit better than you or more loved by Jesus than you. Many wanted to follow the LORD but He elected only twelve and that is His business and I do not question it.

Israel rejected the call to be a servant and they perverted the scripture so it would justify their rebellion. God never teaches in His word to hate our enemies. He did call Israel to be their judge and to carry out the death penalty on the Canaanites who were burning babies in the fire, worshipping idols, drinking blood and into every sexual perversion you can imagine. A judge does not need to hate to carry out a sentence. There is no place in the OT where they are taught to hate but they hated everyone who was not Jewish. They taught their children to hate Gentiles. It is the exact same thing that the liberals are doing today. They call us haters while they profess to be tolerant and lovers of mankind. Do they love Donald Trump? No, but that is OK because Trump is evil. The media spews hate daily toward Trump, his family and his supporters which is the vast majority but they justify their hatred. Listen to me folks, hatred is of the devil and it cannot be justified under any circumstance. These so called Christians who hate Trump are deceived. You cannot hate another human being and be a Christian. You cannot justify hatred. Jesus knew they hated Him and that they hated the Father who sent Him, Yet they professed a deep love for God while visibly hating His Son and despising His word.

We can’t change the word to suit our beliefs and support our lifestyle. The WORD is The Word. God’s word and is absolute and final. Don’t tamper with the word: you will bring yourself more misery than you can handle. The Jews are a perfect example of this very thing.

Extra

Everyday is grace. Really folks, my life, such as it is, is a miracle. I think His grace is the big factor but I also think your prayers have helped. Friday was a good day. I sat in my office chair for more than 4 hours without getting up. It has been months, maybe years since I could do such a thing. The fall separated my lowest vertebrae, the one that was pinching the nerve. I have had no problem sitting since the accident. TY Jesus! I had that good day on Friday and decided I would preach yesterday but then I back lapsed on Saturday and I hurt all day. I was hurting Saturday night when I retired. I did go to sleep sitting up and then woke up around 2:00 am hurting so I took a pain pill. Miracle of miracles, I didn’t have to take another one. I took two advil on the way to worship. June did the driving. Getting in and out was painful but riding was not. Anyone who has had sciatic nerve problems knows that riding is very painful. I had a great morning. TY Jesus! Folks I have no idea what will happen today but I praise Jesus for yesterday…What a blessing.

We had a visitor yesterday at the Point. She had the most affirming smile on her face the entire service. She didn’t know it but she was pouring gas on the fire. I didn’t get to talk to her much after the service but I do believe she is in love with Jesus. Colleen hit one out of the park: grand slam. Then I got to preach again last night, so I am thankful. It is nice to have drivers. June drove me yesterday morning and Ty last night. If I am not mistaken, Vance Havner the famous preacher of the last century never drove; never got his licenses. I don’t plan to go anywhere today.

Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.