[DOWNLOAD] "Purpose and Providence" by John Z. Garza * Book PDF Kindle ePub Free

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eBook details

• Title: Purpose and Providence
• Author : John Z. Garza
• Release Date : January 01, 2018
• Genre: Christianity,Books,Religion & Spirituality,
• Pages : * pages
• Size : 2206 KB

Description

The Sermon on the Mount is highly criticized as being unreal, too extreme, and not applicable to the current age. In recent history, Gandhi criticized Christians for not conforming to a moral standard such as the Sermon on the Mount. Even Barack Obama, then an Illinois State Senator, made light of it in a speech saying it was too radical. The average theologian can take many postures on its application to our generation. These range from a postmillennial application to an extreme updated New Testament version of the Ten Commandments. Today, one thing is for sure: Christianity is indefinable if it is merely defined by those easily recognized in our society. There are Christians whose political affiliations define them more than their moral or external beliefs and actions.

In the book of Daniel we read of four Hebrews who were very influential in their pagan society. They were influential primarily for upholding their beliefs and continuing their pious conduct in the midst of a foreign culture and kingdom. Though there were thousands of Hebrews exiled to the Babylonian empire, we have no information about those who did or did not abide by Nebuchadnezzar’s laws except for the four distinctly mentioned. That does not mean that there were no others, but it does speak volumes as to how highly the four Hebrews were regarded. The moment everyone was called to bow down to the image that Nebuchadnezzar had forged, we only hear of three who were not willing. Daniel is not mentioned at that time, though he was later thrown into the lion’s den for praying to his God. It does make us wonder: Did all the other Hebrews willingly bow down to the image at the sound of the music? How does that define their beliefs? How did they feel when they heard of the miracle in the fiery furnace?

We must honestly reflect on our influence on those around us. It is important to determine whether we are influential people because of our beliefs and actions, or if we are part of the group that assimilates into the culture so much that we are indistinguishable. It does not mean that we must wear a cross, carry a Bible, or wear Christian messages on our shirts and vehicles. The theme of assimilation refers to our lifestyle, speech, reputation, values, beliefs, and character. When we choose not to assimilate to the cultural standards around us, Jesus’ words become highly relevant. He said the world does not love or accept us, because we are chosen out of the world. We are in the world but not of it. We do not have the same standards, ideals, or perceptions as the world does.

Persecution can be defined as a clash of two belief systems. If our belief system is hidden, perhaps the world would love and accept us as its own. That statement in itself should cause us to profoundly reflect before God on our image. Are we a son, a believer, a disciple, or are we just along for the ride?

The Sermon on the Mount deals with most of the ethical issues that we face today. If we are active in life with our family, work, and society, we will be tested in these areas.

We have prepared a year of discipleship themes found within the Sermon on the Mount. Our hope is that we can truly understand what Jesus intended, confront our own thoughts and beliefs on these subjects, and decide to apply what Jesus said to our lives. Our decision should not be because a pastor, teacher, or church says we should, but because Jesus Christ taught this to His disciples. His disciples and the early church mainly taught the Sermon on the Mount to new converts.

If we live dependent on the Holy Spirit, in an open relationship with the Lord, we can live out the principles found in the Sermon on the Mount. It must first begin with our beliefs; we must personally value our beliefs, which will eventually be seen in our actions.

Welcome to the Sermon on the Mount, a real culture in itself that goes against any other standard. Its teachings are timeless. And as the Beatitudes exhort, we can partake of a prosperous life now, and soon, in eternity.

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