In Matthew 6 Jesus warns me about partaking in popular religious traditions of this world God placed me in.
Matt. 6: 1 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. 2 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. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
And again;
5 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. 6 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.
Since I believe it was Jesus' Father and my Father that gave Him these Words to speak to me, clearly, HE knew I would be living in a world in which Synagogues, Shrines of Worship, "churches" etc., will exist with men who practiced charitable giving, mostly to the poor, so that they might be seen and recognized by others as "giving or compassionate". Jesus said the men who participate in this religious tradition, already "Have their reward", and will not be receiving a reward from His Father.
That is a remarkable statement. What does Jesus mean, "They have their reward". I have spent some time on this and would like to share my findings.
First off, these men are religious men, attending a Synagogue. A Synagogue in the Greek, means " an assembly, congregation, synagogue, either the place or the people gathered together in the place". In this context, these men or "congregation" promote charity for poor people, widows, the less fortunate, etc., and they also pray, apparently to the "Father", in the same "place of gathering" and on the Streets as well.
This sounded a lot like the Baptist church just down the road. They ring a bell real loud every Sunday Morning, and in the Summer, they open the windows, and everyone within a 1/2 mile can hear them praying and singing praises to God. They sometimes gather at the local restaurant, and they hold hands and pray to God before they eat their dinner. They are super nice folks.
They also have web sites promoting all their charitable giving to the poor people and animals all across the world, and you can get your name on a plaque if you donate a large amount of money. I have looked into the religious sect of the Catholic, and it was the same. Super nice folks who had businesses all over the country to rehab people with problems with drugs, alcohol, marriage counselors, financial advisors, and all of these charitable deeds advertised on Billboards, websites, posters, potlucks, and on and on. And every one of these religious organizations are a 501c3. Baptists, Methodists, JW's, and all the rest. SDA is a Mammoth business which engage in the business of healthcare, finance, charities, education, seminaries, I mean it's all over the internet, they promote missions all over the world and seek donations 24/7. It's a massive religious system that broadcasts their countless charities, schools, hospitals working 24/7 all over radio, TV, internet, posters, billboards. It's an enormous business in generating Billions and billions of dollars every year.
But when it comes to God and His Instruction in Righteousness, they completely reject much of His Instruction. They, and I mean the entire religious system, "Who call Jesus Lord, Lord" reject God's Judgments concerning what is Holy, clean and Good. They completely reject His Statutes and the "Feasts of the Lord" and honor instead, man-made high days that generate Trillions of Dollars in Revenue to merchants of this world.
This whole study was bewildering at first, 30 years ago. But then I read the Christ's Words concerning Many Christians, and what they would be telling Him "in that day" (Judgment Day) and listen to what the Jesus "of the bible" said.
Matt. 7: 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied "in thy name"?
Well, this is true of EVERY one of these "Synagogues" and the men who partook of them that exist in the world God placed me in. They all teach religious philosophy "In Christ's Name".
Let's continue;
and in thy name have cast out devils?
Wow, this is also true of every one of these religious 501c3's. They get people off drugs, addiction, poverty, and many of the devil's influence, and they did it all "In Christ's Name".
Let's continue;
and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Wow again. These same religious organizations create mammoth shrines of worship, huge charities around the world. They create massive AI websites to promote their religious philosophies. They create schools and some even trade on the Stock Market. And all of these "wonderful works" are done in Christ's Name.
But what does Jesus say about them?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, "ye that work iniquity".
Clearly these Religious sects who "Come in Christ's Name" in Matt. 7, are the Same as the men in the Synagogues in Matt. 6. And consider that all their alms given to receive the praise of men, and all the holding hands in public prayer, and all the man-made Shrines of Worship, and all the demons they claim to have cast out, all done in "Christ's Name, all the bell ringing to broadcast to others that they are worshipping God, meant absolutely NOTHING to Jesus. All that mattered to Him, is that a man "Hearkens to His Words" that God placed in His Mouth, so that it might be well with us.
So what then, does Jesus mean when HE says, "They Have their reward"?
Well, I believe, given what is written, that there is a seduction to this world's religious system. And the people who partake thereof, find a peace. They are told "No Evil shall come upon you". Their families mostly stay intact. They get to eat what they want, do what they want, work when they want, live how they want. They all partake with Joy, all the same man-made high days, and images of God that caused Israel to go Astray. In other words, they are "Rich" in this life, just as the stories of both Rich men that Jesus spoke of. This is their reward.
Whereas those who "Yield themselves to God, and their bodies as instruments of Righteousness unto God", who believe in the Christ enough to become a "Doer" of His Sayings, and not a hearer only, are ridiculed by this world's religious sects. Their families divided, like mine was. Many of their friends abandoned them, like mine did. There is no "Cost" at all to adopting Calvinism, or Berean religious philosophy, or Baptists religious philosophy. But to repent, turn to God and Put on the New Man that "Lives By" every Word of God in this world, there is definitely a cost, and Jesus and Paul both spoke to it.
These religious "many" are nice folks, but they really don't believe God. They will have a decent life of peace and family fun and of fulfilling the desires of their heart. And God will let them have their reward. For me, I'm looking for a different world, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
I will close with 2 Peter 3, that I have come to understand, by reason of use.
2 Pet. 3: 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be "in all holy conversation and godliness",
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, (Those who have Yielded themselves to God, and their bodies as instruments of righteousness unto God) according to "his promise", look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be "diligent" that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
I am certainly not yet perfect, and neither was Paul. But we are of the same body, at least this is my hope.
Phil. 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Matt. 6: 1 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. 2 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. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
And again;
5 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. 6 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.
Since I believe it was Jesus' Father and my Father that gave Him these Words to speak to me, clearly, HE knew I would be living in a world in which Synagogues, Shrines of Worship, "churches" etc., will exist with men who practiced charitable giving, mostly to the poor, so that they might be seen and recognized by others as "giving or compassionate". Jesus said the men who participate in this religious tradition, already "Have their reward", and will not be receiving a reward from His Father.
That is a remarkable statement. What does Jesus mean, "They have their reward". I have spent some time on this and would like to share my findings.
First off, these men are religious men, attending a Synagogue. A Synagogue in the Greek, means " an assembly, congregation, synagogue, either the place or the people gathered together in the place". In this context, these men or "congregation" promote charity for poor people, widows, the less fortunate, etc., and they also pray, apparently to the "Father", in the same "place of gathering" and on the Streets as well.
This sounded a lot like the Baptist church just down the road. They ring a bell real loud every Sunday Morning, and in the Summer, they open the windows, and everyone within a 1/2 mile can hear them praying and singing praises to God. They sometimes gather at the local restaurant, and they hold hands and pray to God before they eat their dinner. They are super nice folks.
They also have web sites promoting all their charitable giving to the poor people and animals all across the world, and you can get your name on a plaque if you donate a large amount of money. I have looked into the religious sect of the Catholic, and it was the same. Super nice folks who had businesses all over the country to rehab people with problems with drugs, alcohol, marriage counselors, financial advisors, and all of these charitable deeds advertised on Billboards, websites, posters, potlucks, and on and on. And every one of these religious organizations are a 501c3. Baptists, Methodists, JW's, and all the rest. SDA is a Mammoth business which engage in the business of healthcare, finance, charities, education, seminaries, I mean it's all over the internet, they promote missions all over the world and seek donations 24/7. It's a massive religious system that broadcasts their countless charities, schools, hospitals working 24/7 all over radio, TV, internet, posters, billboards. It's an enormous business in generating Billions and billions of dollars every year.
But when it comes to God and His Instruction in Righteousness, they completely reject much of His Instruction. They, and I mean the entire religious system, "Who call Jesus Lord, Lord" reject God's Judgments concerning what is Holy, clean and Good. They completely reject His Statutes and the "Feasts of the Lord" and honor instead, man-made high days that generate Trillions of Dollars in Revenue to merchants of this world.
This whole study was bewildering at first, 30 years ago. But then I read the Christ's Words concerning Many Christians, and what they would be telling Him "in that day" (Judgment Day) and listen to what the Jesus "of the bible" said.
Matt. 7: 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied "in thy name"?
Well, this is true of EVERY one of these "Synagogues" and the men who partook of them that exist in the world God placed me in. They all teach religious philosophy "In Christ's Name".
Let's continue;
and in thy name have cast out devils?
Wow, this is also true of every one of these religious 501c3's. They get people off drugs, addiction, poverty, and many of the devil's influence, and they did it all "In Christ's Name".
Let's continue;
and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Wow again. These same religious organizations create mammoth shrines of worship, huge charities around the world. They create massive AI websites to promote their religious philosophies. They create schools and some even trade on the Stock Market. And all of these "wonderful works" are done in Christ's Name.
But what does Jesus say about them?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, "ye that work iniquity".
Clearly these Religious sects who "Come in Christ's Name" in Matt. 7, are the Same as the men in the Synagogues in Matt. 6. And consider that all their alms given to receive the praise of men, and all the holding hands in public prayer, and all the man-made Shrines of Worship, and all the demons they claim to have cast out, all done in "Christ's Name, all the bell ringing to broadcast to others that they are worshipping God, meant absolutely NOTHING to Jesus. All that mattered to Him, is that a man "Hearkens to His Words" that God placed in His Mouth, so that it might be well with us.
So what then, does Jesus mean when HE says, "They Have their reward"?
Well, I believe, given what is written, that there is a seduction to this world's religious system. And the people who partake thereof, find a peace. They are told "No Evil shall come upon you". Their families mostly stay intact. They get to eat what they want, do what they want, work when they want, live how they want. They all partake with Joy, all the same man-made high days, and images of God that caused Israel to go Astray. In other words, they are "Rich" in this life, just as the stories of both Rich men that Jesus spoke of. This is their reward.
Whereas those who "Yield themselves to God, and their bodies as instruments of Righteousness unto God", who believe in the Christ enough to become a "Doer" of His Sayings, and not a hearer only, are ridiculed by this world's religious sects. Their families divided, like mine was. Many of their friends abandoned them, like mine did. There is no "Cost" at all to adopting Calvinism, or Berean religious philosophy, or Baptists religious philosophy. But to repent, turn to God and Put on the New Man that "Lives By" every Word of God in this world, there is definitely a cost, and Jesus and Paul both spoke to it.
These religious "many" are nice folks, but they really don't believe God. They will have a decent life of peace and family fun and of fulfilling the desires of their heart. And God will let them have their reward. For me, I'm looking for a different world, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
I will close with 2 Peter 3, that I have come to understand, by reason of use.
2 Pet. 3: 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be "in all holy conversation and godliness",
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, (Those who have Yielded themselves to God, and their bodies as instruments of righteousness unto God) according to "his promise", look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be "diligent" that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
I am certainly not yet perfect, and neither was Paul. But we are of the same body, at least this is my hope.
Phil. 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
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