2019 Nov 24 Sixth (Murder) of the Ten, 1John 4
J. Mark A. Campbell-Elanemy • November 24, 2019
2019 Nov 24 Sixth (Murder) of the Ten, 1John 4
Hello, with warm wishes for a lovely day! Let's continue with the sixth of the Ten Commandments, this one against the hateful crime of murder. Let's see what can be done to prevent the causes. Then we may consider thoughts from 1John 4.
Now let's consider Exodus 20:13: "You must not murder."
Still, Jesus' instructions in the Sermon on the Mount really get to the heart of the matter. He says, at Matthew 5:21-23: "“You heard that it was said to those of ancient times: ‘You must not murder, but whoever commits a murder will be accountable to the court of justice.’22 However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; and whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, ‘You despicable fool!’ will be liable to the fiery Ge·henʹna." (symbol of eternal destruction).
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1John 4:1, 4-8 says "Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired statement, but test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world...4 You originate with God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in union with you is greater than the one who is in union with the world. 5 They originate with the world; that is why they speak what originates with the world and the world listens to them. 6 We originate with God. Whoever comes to know God listens to us; whoever does not originate with God does not listen to us. By this we distinguish the inspired statement of truth from the inspired statement of error. 7 Beloved ones, let us continue loving one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love."
DISTINGUISHING TRUTH.
The apostle John and other fellow Christians anointed for heavenly rulership originated with God, as did the Scriptural writings of John and the other apostles and Christian writers. (Revel 20:6; 1Timo 2:3-4) May we carefully examine especially Christian writings, as well as the entire word of God, to ascertain the truth of God to which we should cling, distinguishing truth from falsehood, discerning right from wrong by the teachings of Jesus and others in God's word. Many false ideas have proliferated, causing confusion and division among those who would be Christians today. But it is God's will that those who would be true Christians become united in our teachings and our beliefs, just as were the first-century early Christians. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, at 1Corinithians 1:10, "Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought." The truth, in harmony with the love of God, can be found in the word of God. Let's continue to look there for spiritual nourishment!
TRUTH ABOUT JESUS.
1John 4:2-3,9-12 On coming to realize God's expression of love for the human family, we should know the truth about Jesus, as truly having been the "Son of God" and NOT "God the Son!" John provides the touchstone to know a true inspired statement from a false one--largely based on whether it acknowledges Jesus as being a genuine son of God (His firstborn, made directly by God), who truly became a human, while God above in the heavens watched over His earthly life course, even resurrecting him after his death. Much confusion over the idea of Jesus being God is over the wrongful use of the term "Lord" or "LORD" in place of God's personal name "Jehovah." Many have learned that Jesus is Lord, and from a young age they may have heard God being called "Lord" as well. 1Corinthians 8:5-6 clarifies: "For even though there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many “gods” and many “lords,”6 there is actually to us one God, the Father, from whom all things are and we for him; and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and we through him." Unfortunately, to replace the personal name of God with a title was more the work of God's enemy, trying to interfere with your personal relationship with your loving God and Father, Jehovah. How would you feel if no one ever called you by your first name, but always said "Man", or "Woman", "Boy", or "Girl" instead? The use of your personal name brings to mind your personality, specific details of the kind of person you are! So it is with Jehovah! What marvelous qualities He has, and loyal deeds He has performed toward those close to Him, knowing His name! How fine if some of our most loved translations of the Bible one day correct this mistake, and actually put the name of "Jehovah" where it rightly belongs in God's word! (For more information, see the article "Bible Translation Work" elsewhere on this website.)
RESULTING PEACE AND LOVE.
John's words here help to clarify the difference between Jesus and Jehovah God. He clearly states that no man had seen God--it was truly His son who came "in the flesh," born as a human, and setting an example for humans as obedient servants of God. There was no hidden secret to be found in God's word to cause us to believe otherwise! Notice John's words: "2 This is how you know that the inspired statement is from God: Every inspired statement that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God. 3 But every inspired statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired statement that you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world...9 By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. 10 The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are also under obligation to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we continue loving one another, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us." Thus, as many acknowledge God's expression of love and mercy to each in sending His son to die, providing the ransom sacrifice to cover sins, making true love capable of becoming "perfect," or complete in the hearts of mankind, may all be moved to love God in return, and love one another, seeking peace with one another, spurning, or rejecting, hatred and anger toward others, being quick to settle disagreements and restore peace. A new world of peace and righteousness awaits all who are willing to live in such a way, and call upon the name of our loving Father, Jehovah!
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
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