* You've heard it said homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders are the scum of the earth but Jesus said, "I draw all unto myself." (John 12:32, John 3:16, 1 John 2:2, Ephesians 2:4-8, Titus 3:5) For deeper study on what the bible teaches on this topic click here.
* You've heard it said women are property (Numbers 30); second-class citizens (Genesis 2:22,23); to be silent and are not capable of leadership (1Cor 14:34,45). Jesus affirmed the humanity of the Samaritan women (John 4); a prostitute who washed his feet in public (Luke 7:36-50); the prostitute caught in adultery (John 8) and the bleeding woman who touched his robe (Mark 5:25). The Old Testament taught that women who bled were unclean and anyone who touched her or touched anything she touched was deemed unclean until sunset. Jesus affirmed this woman as pure by acknowledging her publicly, "He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” He affirmed the prostitute when he said, "Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared (John 8). Jesus blew minds when he blew status quo and cultural taboos out of the water. Since it is every human's need for love and acceptance - Jesus' message will remain eternally fresh and reviving.
* You've heard it said to punish Sabbath breakers by execution Numbers 15:32-36) but Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Freedom and serenity was a gift to man, not a shackle. Simply put, the Sabbath symbolizes the serenity God wishes for us to have every day, not just one. For deeper study into how this freedom transcends a mere 24 hr block of time click here.
* You've heard it said that non-Christians are "lost" but I tell you, "Here is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, Acts 10, Col. 1:15-20, 1Tim 4:10,1John 2:2, Phil 2:8-11) Jesus made it dramatically clear that all people are of value - he demonstrated this by affirming the ostracized and marginalized. To teach anything less is to neuter the healing message of the Gospel. A casual glance at history's greatest humanitarians is evidence one does not need a formal membership in a Christian church to cherish God's universal principles. The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) is appreciated and practiced by countless people of countless persuasions worldwide. To see The Golden Rule cherished in 21 different faiths (religious and secular) click here.
* You've heard it said that eating certain foods or drink (Leviticus 11) is a sign of weakness and worse, that you will be sentenced to eternal separation from God if you do not abstain - but Jesus said to judge not (Matthew 7:1-5). It is not what a man puts into his mouth that poisons him but what comes out such as hatred, jealousy, resentment, horded guilty, shame (Matthew 15:11). Health laws are of particular fascination with some religious orders. Some assemblies who esteem the Torah that allows for clean meat (i.e. fowl, livestock, and fish with scales) go even further to eliminate all animal products including honey or even wearing leather. While each person must be convinced in his or her own mind, let no one force or suggest their personal menu as a standard for all. For more information on nourishing, simple and delicious meal ideas click here and here and here.
* You've heard it said to tithe 10% (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5) but it is written, "Love God (truth) with all [100% not 10%] your heart, mind and soul" (Luke 10:27) God does not measure or put limits on charity and doing good will toward others. Do good because it is good. If you choose to not give of yourself (monetarily or otherwise) then don't. Who is anyone to monitor another person's generosity or lack thereof? "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7. If you desire to volunteer in your community click here for more info.
* You've heard it said that to be physically, mentally, or financially handicapped is a shame (Leviticus 21:16-23) but Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for they will inherit the kingdom of God." (Matthew 5) Those who the world labels as trash are esteemed by God. Those who have no voice, are supplied an advocate called a higher power or Love or whatever you believe to be limitless in compassion and loving kindness. You are valued by that which is greater than yourself. The LTKH team recognizes this Being as the misunderstood God as represented in the person of Jesus Christ. For more information on personal beauty and expression click here.
* You've heard it said to punish by execution the child who rebels against authority (Exodus 21 & 2 Kings 2:23-24) and "Blessed is the one who grabs your little children and smashes them against a rock," (Psalm 137:9) but Jesus said "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." (Luke 17:2) Jesus made it clear that adults are sometimes guilty of arousing hatred in the youth by strong-arming them and doling out exacting punishment. People were NOT created to be controlled or governed by another. People were created to be self-governing and free simply based on their existence - not by earning it via good behavior. For more information on how to be a more loving and compassionate parent or person in general, click here and here.
* You've heard it said that God requires the blood sacrifice (Genesis 22 & Judges 11) of your first born but Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) You've heard it said that God desires the blood of animals and humans to be appeased (Judges 11:30,31) but I tell you, "Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots." (Luke 23:34) God does not require a sacrifice - God came to be the sacrifice! The Cross is not a penalty paid but a demonstration of God's unlimited love to all humanity. For the tip of the iceberg information on the substitutionary atonement theory click here and for a list of audio presentations discussing God's character of love and empathy click here.
- S.N. Belmonte copyright 2009
Live To Know Him
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