JD Abshire

Although the Holy Spirit did not indwell believers until after Christ's resurrection, I believe the beatitudes favorably parallel the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

The key word of the beatitudes is the little word "for". It is natural and reasonable to assume that if one disciplines himself to do all these things he will be rewarded as outlined. However, the little word "for" in the Greek is hoti, (ho'-tē) with the following biblical usage: "that, because, since". 

Another passage to consider is Luke 18, the parable of the unjust judge (V. 1-8) and especially the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (V. 9-14). In his self-righteous mentality the Pharisee thought he really had it going on but as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:7: ".......... for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 

If we use the word "because" instead of "for" the beatitudes will take on a different and what I believe to be the correct meaning.

May 10 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Olusegun Engr. AFOLABI

According to the scripture passages, refering to the poor in spirit and being persecuted for righteousness sake. Christ was educating the people on the need to be humble and commited to the guidance and dictate of God's words. Such that, in challeging/difficult times, when a christian abides strictly to the word of God and find it difficult to act according to his own will, God definately will see his commitment and be ready to lift him up. Therefore, the two scriptures' verse received the award of kingdom of God because of the similarities, which is remaining firm to Christ words at all times.
Matt. 5:3,10.

May 10 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Emo Tenorio Shomer

This is a very good and timely question in such a time as this, when righteousness and common sense are forced to take a vacation in our new ideologically secular Federal government State system. 

During this increasing perilous time, dancing on this small stage, the ideological landscape has changed much in these seven years. 

It used to be that when new laws or programs were brought before Congress, it was customary to read, and then debate, both the impact these proposals would have on the governed and the cost to enact them.

Today, the only consideration is 'how fast' these new proposals be enacted, without debate of merit, and with accusation that any 'opposition'; that is, reasonable questions and concerns; must come from evil, bigoted, hateful, groups. 

The main battle weapon of the kingdom of darkness is FEAR, expressed in numerous ways, and whose ultimate goal and prize is to break a person's 'rebellious spirit' so that they will capitulate to it’s evil authority. The battlefield is the mind, and where the mind goes the man will soon follow - if indeed his spirit has been broken.

Consider now the fashionable non-sense epidemic being waged by those in the numerous 'alphabet communities' (E.g. LGBTQ and so forth) against reason and science in their devious coercion quest for a nirvana they will never see. (Job 21:14; Job 24:15)

Imagine you are a small business owner; you have worked 12-16 hour days for an untold amount of time to make your business able to pay it’s monthly debts, and maybe your diligence has been rewarded with a degree of success, as you have played according to the rules then in place.

But today, the rules are ever changing, without legal or moral base as foundation to support their enactment. This society could rightly be called a 'banana republic!' (Hosea 5:4)

It is a corrupt law that is made or enforced to only benefit those 'anointed' and protected by the bureaucratic state, and to punish all those deeded as it’s enemies.
(Habakkuk 1:4; 1 Samuel 8:3)

Man falls under a yoke of an abhorrent involuntary servitude to the constant and incessant dictates from the totalitarian synagogue of Satan, first silenced and then worn down in spirit. (Job 24:17)

If you fail to do as they direct, (e.g. take that wedding picture, bake that wedding cake, permit men to enter a womens' restroom with their camera equipment), you and your business will be dragged to court.(Job 12:24)

Once in the 'Devil's play ground', your opponent will be Satan's minions within the federal government, armed with limitless resources to crush you as an 'example to others' who may still resist. Bankrupting ligation, possible jail time, ludicrous fines, these are all penalties for the 'hate crimes' against society's current 'victims'. 

Those in power would gladly take the last crumb of bread from your child’s mouth to make you pay for your transgressions, yet this is something the mafia wouldn’t even consider doing, as they have an honor code! (Job 17:5)

Yet be of good courage, my brothers and sisters, we're promised HE will never leave us or forsake us. Our family tree has limitless faithful heroes. (Mathew 5:12)

"The occupation of the good soldier of Christ is war" Charles Spurgeon 

In the Lord’s freedom always……warrior on

May 10 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report