The Updated Laws...part 2
This is a continuation from a previous post I started here about the new laws put forth by jesus in the new testament. I started in Matthew chapter 5, this is where jesus began the sermon on the mount. I'm picking up from chapter 6...
#7) Giving/Tithing/Alms
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Matt 6:1-4
Pretty straight forward here. It would seem then if christians followed their "New Testament" laws there would be no need for a tax right off huh?
#8) Praying
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Matt 6:5-8
This was the one that got me as a kid. If we were told we should pray in silence, then why the hell do many of the preachers and in my case practically ALL pentecostals have to pray out loud? Especially in a public place like a restaurant? It's as though they feel they have to make a statement like "HEY LOOK AT ME, I'm praying over my food! I'm a christian! Don't you wish you were like me?" When personally, it's just annoying to me.
9) Forgiveness
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matt 6:14-15
Sounds like a pretty simple rule to follow, and hey I agree with this one. Not because I'm concerned with God forgiving me, but because life is to short to carry a grudge.
10) Fasting
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Matt 6:16-18
Seems like this one falls under the category of no longer applies maybe? Again though we are presented with a "reward" in the end. It's almost like training a dog, always have to give them a treat....
That's 10 so far, and we still have 1 more chapter to go..... part 3 to come soon.. I should have called these posts "Review of the Sermon on the Mount" hehe
