SAT (UPDATE 09:16) Hello! Look for Deuteronomy 04E under MLawH!

FRI (UPDATE 08:35,57;09:11) Hello! More of both (5) MLawH and (6) Eternal Express!

THU (UPDATE 10:04,10) Hello! (6) Eternal Express on the move again to 1Thessalonians.

WED (UPDATE 10:11) Hi! Added to MLawH, Deuteronomy 04B.

MON (UPDATE 10:01) Hello! Added to Eternal Express, from Colossians 3.

_______(5) Mosaic Law Highlights

DEUTERONOMY, OVERVIEW

"WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING." DEUT. Chapters 1-4: Moses’ first discourse of this book recounts significant events during the Israel’s 40-year wilderness sojourn, how they got to this point of nearing entry into the Promised Land, including several victories from Jehovah over their opposers. They are exhorted to carefully follow the instructions and judgments of Jehovah, because it would show “wisdom and understanding” on their part to do so. They were also not to forget what they had seen by Jehovah’s hand, and speak of them to their sons and daughters.

DEUTERONOMY 04A

A CLEAN HOME PLANET. Recall that the "Israel of God" is now "all those who walk orderly by this (Christian) rule of conduct, peace and mercy be upon them, yes, upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16). Most Christians are to have Paradise hopes, with this earth as a home planet. First, we must work to clean up this planet and let it be the gem both spiritually and physically Jehovah GOD intended it to be!

“Now, O Israel, listen to the [instructions] and the judicial decisions that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land that Jehovah, the God of your forefathers, is giving you. 2 You must not add to the word that I am commanding you, neither must you take away from it, so as to keep the commandments of Jehovah your God that I am commanding you."

REFUSING TO WORK EVIL. Jesus taught similarly. Recall in his Sermon on the Mount, that he said he came, not to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. Thus, his teachings help us to maintain the spirit of the Law, the primary motivation behind it being true love, for God and neighbor. Jesus, in fact, said these were the two greatest commandments of the Law--the first, to love GOD with all our heart, life, and strength, and the second, to love our neighbor as oneself. We love God first by obeying Him (1John 5:3). Paul said "LOVE DOES NOT WORK EVIL TO ONE'S NEIGHBOR, hence love is the Law's fulfillment." (Romans 13:10). Let's consider Moses' next words:

“Your own eyes have seen what Jehovah did in the case of the Baʹal of Peʹor; Jehovah your God annihilated from your midst every man who walked after the Baʹal of Peʹor. 4 But you who are holding fast to Jehovah your God are all alive today. 5 See, I have taught you [instructions] and judicial decisions, just as Jehovah my God has commanded me, so that you may observe them in the land you will take possession of.6 You must carefully follow them, because this will show wisdom and understanding on your part before the peoples who will hear about all these regulations, and they will say, ‘This great nation is undoubtedly a wise and understanding people.’7 For what great nation has gods as near to it as Jehovah our God is to us whenever we call on him? 8 And what great nation has righteous regulations and judicial decisions like this entire Law that I am putting before you today?"

TREASURE GOD'S GIFT OF MARRIAGE. The scourge that killed many in Israel, falling to the worship of Baal, involved sexual immorality--utter disregard for GOD's marriage arrangement. As it turns out, realistically, many more couples are actually considered married in the eyes of God than some realize. What a marvelous gift to mankind is marriage, when a man and woman can remain loyal to each other in a covenant of closeness that should not compare to any other human relationship. Of course, their first loyalty is to GOD, as HE is the Originator of the marriage, and the Ultimate Preserver of the marriage bond, as husband and wife seek HIS direction and guidance in their life. Paul wrote of warnings in the Scriptures to conduct unbecoming of a true Christian, leading to GOD's disfavor.

1Corinthian 10:6-13 accordingly says this: "Now these things became examples for us, in order for us not to desire injurious things, as they desired them. 7 Neither become idolaters, as some of them did; just as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink. Then they got up to have a good time.”8 Neither let us practice sexual immorality, as some of them committed sexual immorality, only to fall, 23,000 of them in one day. 9 Neither let us put Jehovah to the test, as some of them put him to the test, only to perish by the serpents. 10 Neither be murmurers, as some of them murmured, only to perish by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come. 12 So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it."

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DEUTERONOMY 04B

PROMOTING LIFE AND HEALTH. We finished last time with verse 8, which states: "And what great nation has righteous [instructions] and judicial decisions like this entire Law that I am putting before you today?" The Law God gave Israel was quite exceptional, and promoted both spiritual and physical health and genuine peaceful and loving relationships and actions among the communities of God's people then. Of course, God's sending of Jesus, and his offering of a sacrifice for man's life prospects, brought a fresh approach to that Law, allowing greater compassion and mercy, giving more opportunity for repentance--a true turn from wrongdoing, in hope of restoring God's favor. This was the message God ultimately intended for the rest of the world, to embrace true Christianity to serve Jehovah GOD acceptably. Let's now pick up with verse 9:

"“Just be careful and watch yourself closely, so that you may not forget the things that your eyes have seen and so that they may not depart from your heart all the days of your life. You must also make them known to your sons and to your grandsons.10 On the day that you stood before Jehovah your God in Horʹeb, Jehovah said to me, ‘Congregate the people together to me so that I may let them hear my words, in order that they may learn to fear me all the days that they are alive on the ground and that they may teach their sons.’"

SAFEGUARD HEART. Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life." The heart holds our very motives, and our spirituality, inclining us to Jehovah when motivated properly, leading to life. Each father and grandfather was to speak often about the things they had witnessed or learned about Jehovah GOD in truth, sharing such stories and teachings with their offspring. And they had God's law to listen to and learn from, to share and discuss with others as well. There was much to draw each one close to Jehovah, loving Him with a complete heart. Let's continue:

“So you came near and stood at the base of the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire up to the very heavens; there was darkness, cloud, and thick gloom.12 And Jehovah began to speak to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—there was only a voice.13 And he declared his covenant to you, which he commanded you to observe—the Ten Commandments. Afterward, he wrote them on two tablets of stone.14 At that time Jehovah commanded me to teach you [instructions] and judicial decisions, which you are to observe in the land you will enter to take possession of."

"UNBLEMISHED AND IN PEACE" The Christian scriptures offer proof that the Ten Commandments, written on stone upon making them known, are still in force by God, who wants us to live by them, along with the standards of Christian teaching, in support of the Law's precepts and teachings. (Ephes 6:2). "Love is the Law's fulfillment." James 2:10-13 says: "For if anyone obeys all the Law but makes a false step in one point, he has become an offender against all of it. 11 For the one who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” If, now, you do not commit adultery but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of law. 12 Keep on speaking and behaving in such a way as those do who are going to be judged by the law of a free people. 13 For the one who does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Certainly the Ten Commandments are among the most important of all God's instructions! May all who will look forward to living by GOD's loving instructions and guidance in the promised "world" of peace foretold. 2Peter 3:13 says: "But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these uprightness is to dwell. 14 Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace."

Next time, let's consider of Moses' discourse to Israel.

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DEUTERONOMY 04C

Our last consideration taught us to safeguard our heart from corruption, and to observe God's instructions, to be found by Him unblemished and in peace. Let's continue further in Moses' discourse.

“Therefore, watch yourselves closely—since you did not see any form on the day Jehovah spoke to you in Horʹeb out of the middle of the fire—16 that you may not act corruptly by making for yourselves any carved image having the form of any symbol, the representation of male or female,17 the representation of any animal on the earth or the representation of any bird that flies in the sky,18 the representation of anything creeping on the ground or the representation of any fish in the waters under the earth.19 And when you raise your eyes to the heavens and see the sun and the moon and the stars—all the army of the heavens—do not get seduced and bow down to them and serve them. Jehovah your God has given them to all the peoples under the whole heavens.20 But you are the ones Jehovah took and brought out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to become the people of his personal possession, as you are today."

SIN OF IDOLATRY. It was the first Two Commandments of the Ten that clearly show Jehovah requires exclusive worship of His people, ultimately all humankind, the work of His own hands. These state: "“‘I am Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.7 You must never have any other gods besides me.8 “‘You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.9 You must not bow down to them nor be led to serve them, for I, Jehovah your God, am a God who requires exclusive devotion, bringing punishing correction for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation of those who hate me,10 but showing loyal love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments." It is the sin of idolatry that involves lifting up another thing or creature, including humans, above Jehovah in worship--this practice blinds one spiritually, so this one is no longer able to see clearly and be fully honest and upright. (Psalm 115). Even the stars are a gift from God, supporting life throughout the Universe, but may we carefully follow God's guidance and direction obediently, to be able to enjoy life as He has intended for humans, first restoring true peace, purity, and happiness to our planet. We would never want to worship the sun, the moon, or the stars, or even our own planet Earth, as though these gifts from God and anything obtained from them are somehow greater than the love of God Himself, and our relationship with Him. We are to love Jehovah, pleasing Him, patiently waiting for His guidance in doing what is right before Him, not selfishly running ahead of Jehovah, or worshipping those we should respect, and losing out on our precious eternal future as His loyal, faithful worshipers.

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DEUTERONOMY 04E

As we concluded last time, Israel of old did turn to false worship too often, and what is next stated by Moses took place among them. What lessons can we learn from this, so as to remain faithful to Jehovah in the new world at hand?

“If you become father to sons and grandsons and you have lived a long time in the land and you act ruinously and make a carved image of any kind and you do what is evil in the eyes of Jehovah your God so as to offend him, 26 I do take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today that you will surely and quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of. You will not last long on it, but you will be utterly annihilated. 27 Jehovah will scatter you among the peoples, and just a few of you will survive among the nations to which Jehovah will have driven you. 28 There you will have to serve gods of wood and stone made by human hands, gods that cannot see or hear or eat or smell."

SECURITY SYSTEM: Clearly, God takes His command to worship only Him quite seriously. No other so-called gods, anything or anyone exalted above Jehovah to obey or love, should be allowed to take God's primary place in our hearts. He is the God of truth, peace, and "is love." There is no need to desire any other standards than what God Himself sets for the human family. HE and HIS WORD is our security system. Take the Ten Commandments--our security and happiness are threatened by the violation of any ONE of them! If someone ignores the Command not the steal, what insecurity and unhappiness this creates among those robbed of what belongs to them! May we treasure God's loving instructions for the human family, and worship Him exclusively! Let's see what Moses further has to say regarding this circumstance that Israel of old found themselves in, after being exiled to Babylon:

"“If you search for Jehovah your God from there, you will certainly find him, if you inquire for him with all your heart and with all your soul.30 When you are in great distress and all these things have happened to you in later times, then you will return to Jehovah your God and listen to his voice.31 For Jehovah your God is a merciful God. He will not desert you or bring you to ruin or forget the covenant that he swore to your forefathers."

A FAITHFUL PEOPLE. Israel did return to true worship of Jehovah for a time, but largely rejected Jesus, losing God's favor as a nation. But the nation of spiritual, or Godly Israel was still intact, among true Christians, including many of Jewish heritage! (Galat 6:16). We needn't repeat history in the critical time inheriting a new world of righteousness and peace. (2Peter 3:13; Psalm 37:11). Rather, we may fulfill the promised blessings for those obedient, faithful servants of the true God, Jehovah! Let's ever aim to remain as faithful to God, as the moon is a "faithful witness in the skies," ever adhering to it's designed purpose as regards our planet and people. (Psalm 89:37).

_______(6) Eternal Express

MATTERS OF CHRISTIAN UNITY

POWER OF BIBLE TRUTH. Colossians 1:6 acknowledges the power of the truth of God's purpose: "Just as the good news is bearing fruit and increasing in all the world, so it is also doing among you from the day you heard and accurately knew the undeserved kindness of God in truth." May we appreciate and continue growing in the "accurate knowledge" of Bible truth. Colossians 1:9,10 continues: "That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, 10 so as to walk worthily of Jehovah in order to please him fully as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God."

BECOMING TRULY UNITED. Accordingly, we need the truth, accurate divine knowledge, about God that Christians may be truly united. 1Corinthians 1:10 says "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." All Christians, regardless of our "tribe," need to give attention to true Christian doctrine, that we may all be united in the "one faith" of true Christianity. (Ephes 4:5). Surely God and Christ would provide a means for the entire Christian household to become united in the true faith!

CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION. Colossians 2 Why should we give attention to the life and words of Jesus? Colossians 2:3 says "Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge." All true Christians should come to be united by accurate divine knowledge, having understanding, putting truth together to form the complete picture of God's will, on the basis of true love, "the perfect bond of union." Verse 2 speaks of hearts being comforted and "that they may be harmoniously joined together in love and may have all the riches that result from the full assurance of their understanding, in order to gain an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God, namely, Christ."

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FREED FROM WORLDLY CAPTIVITY. Thus let us look to the truth of God and Christ's teachings as our source of divine knowledge, not to the worldly wise philosophers, propounding their own ideas without regard for God's reliable word. Colossians 3:8 adds this: "Look out that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ." Despite such warnings, Babylonish teachings and particularly Greek philosophy within the first century or two made inroads into Christian thought that contributed to an apostasy from the truth of God's word, violating true Christianity. (2Thes 2:3). The text at 2Timothy 4:3-5 foretold and exhorted: "For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled.4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories. 5 You, though, keep your senses in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry." May we find and treasure the "accurate knowledge" of God's word making possible true peace and happiness among mankind, for an eternity! (Colos 1:9; 1Timo 2:3-4).

CLOTHED WITH NEW PERSONALITY. Colossians 3:8-11 discusses stripping off the "old personality" we may have acquired before receiving Bible truth, and clothe ourselves with the "new personality" through accurate divine knowledge, in the image of God. Colossians 3:8-9a says "But now you must put them all away from you: wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another." Verse 11 adds that it's not about the exterior of a person--their heritage or ethnicity, for instance, but rather the interior person. We need God's help if we're to abandon such practices as mentioned above. Paul said "For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power." (Phili 4:13). We should pray for God's powerful holy spirit daily, and whenever we need the strength to resist temptations. (Luke 11:13; 1Cori 10:13). Colossians 3:9-10 continues: "Strip off the old personality with its practices, 10 and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it." Just as a caterpillar can turn into a beautiful butterfly, so those learning the truth about God and his purposes, and heeding the teachings of Christ, can make astounding changes in their lives in the power of God.

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CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER SELECTION

MAINTAIN FAITHFULNESS, CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY. 1Thessalonians 3:4-5 shows we may occasionally suffer hardship to maintain the true faith, looking forward to the Kingdom hope of a world without such things. Paul says "For when we were with you, we used to tell you in advance that we would suffer tribulation, and that is what has happened, just as you know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn of your faithfulness, in case somehow the Tempter might have tempted you, and our labor might have turned out to be in vain." May we pray to maintain our loyalty, faithfulness, and integrity to God, and include as in the Model prayer, "do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the corrupt one." (Matt 6:13). May we trust that the reward God holds out for us is worth every effort and is far greater than anything we may give up. Recall that "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1Cor 10:13). Smoke & mirrors aside, the truth becomes clearer. May we pray too for our loved ones and others, to grow and become strong in their faith as well. Everlasting life in true peace and happiness, loving God and others--this hope is much greater than anything this world may offer us, in tempting us to be disloyal to Jehovah. Let's use our talents to glorify our loving Father and His great and holy name.

BE WILLING TO RESPOND TO LIGHT OF TRUTH. 1Thessalonians 3:6-8 The early Christians of the first century maintained remarkable unity before "oppressive wolves" entered among them as foretold (Acts 20:28-30). True, they had some disagreements, but resolved these eventually, after some debate, by a Scriptural discussion by appointed men, the apostles and outstanding older men in Jerusalem. (Acts 15). Notice that before the decision on whether or not circumcision was a necessary Christian requirement was handed down, those debating the issue, expressing differing opinions, were not "removed" from the Christian congregation for having an opinion on the matter. Such a thing is not scripturally a serious offense, as is being an idolater, reviler (seriously verbally abusive), a drunkard, or extortioner, for instance. Yet, as 1Corinthians 6:9-11 shows, some used to have such practices, but learning the truth, were able to make necessary changes in their life, with God's help. May we seek Christian unity, loving one another, and rejoicing in the truth as it is clarified to us in God's kind way, practicing it faithfully, standing firm. (Ephes 4:1-3). The inspired words through Paul in 1Thes. 3:6-8 say: "But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has given us the good news about your faithfulness and love, that you always continue to remember us fondly and that you long to see us in the same way as we also do you. 7 That is why, brothers, in all our distress and tribulation, we have been comforted because of you and the faithfulness you demonstrate. 8 Because we are revitalized if you are standing firm in the Lord."

MANY "SLEEPING IN DEATH" AWAIT RESURRECTION. 1Thessalonians 4:1-2 mentions how God provides instruction "on how you should walk in order to please God," and encourages us to "keep doing it more fully." 1Thes. 4:13-14 debunks the idea of an immortal soul (a popular Greek philosophy) in saying "we do not want you to be ignorant about those who are sleeping in death, so that you may not sorrow as the rest who have no hope. For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus." Scripturally, it is the "spirit" of a person that can receive immortality upon one's resurrection to heavenly life, having been scourged by God in training for that special privilege. (Hebre 12:6; 1Peter 5:10; Revel 20:6). Also, it should be known that "heavenly" life is also in the Scriptures associated with government and rulership, even as humans. Whether one's hope is heavenly or within an earthly Paradise, 1Corinthians 15:44 says "...if there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual one." It is the spirit within that contains one's personality. For more detail on this subject, see the article "Finding Truth".