You have heard

“But I tell you” (Matthew 5)

If I were to ask you what the greatest sermon Christ preached was, I am sure you would tell me it was The Sermon on the Mount.  We read his words in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.  In that special message we are told that six times Jesus corrected what the people had been told by others.  The six corrections addressed murder, adultery, divorce, taking of oaths, revenge, and loving enemies.  When Jesus came to this earth, he obviously wanted to change the attitude of the people by changing the teachings they had heard.

The same is true for us today.  Are you aware there are over two hundred news stations in America, many of them presenting liberal agendas and theories that not only condone but also promote sexual immorality and secularism?  God is brushed aside and replaced with individual autonomy.  Are you also aware that over seventy-two percent of Americans use social media on a daily basis? 

My point is that as Americans, we are being bombarded with lies, untruths, and false theories that have no basis in God’s plan for our lives.  Therefore, if one does not know the truth, they will believe any lie that comes across their large or small screen.  So, it now rests on the shoulders of the church (that’s you and me) to repeat what Jesus said to his followers – “but I say to you.” 

Truth is not popular today, so if you are obsessed with being popular, I would suggest that you not speak the truth to anyone.  However, if you are not caught up in the popular culture, I encourage you to speak the truth that comes from God’s word – and speak it without apology. 

Take the word of God to heart.  Take his truth as being absolute.  Take his promises as being firm.  Take his Great Commission personally.  And don’t apologize for the genuineness of the gospel.  “You have heard it said, but I say” is one of the greatest witnesses we can share with others.

                                                                 Darlene