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Vengeance in the Bible: “Eye for Eye”

Vengeance
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IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?

The scneario plays out every day, potentially millions of times every day. Someone does something nasty to another – what it is doesn’t matter, the same reaction will result whether it is serious or frivolous. The one who was wronged may articulate it clear and concise or may simply reserve the thought in his heart. When verbalized, it often comes out like this” “He’ll get his,” or “He’s gonna get what’s coming to him,” or “Vengeance is sweet,” or a variety of other sayinggs, some wwhich are unfit to repeat. It matters not what we call it; getting even, or payback, or retribution, or tit for tat; the end result is always the same – someone did something nasty to me, so I’m going to do something nasty to them.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Spirit
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IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?

As we have stressed, it is important when we read the Bible to set things into their context. Here are a few guidelines to help to help us set a verse in context:

  • Read at least 7 verses before and after, to give a 15 verse span. That is usually sufficient to set a verse in it’s literary context.
  • Who was the original recipient of the text? Make sure our understanding or application of the verse 1. doesn’t ignore its significance to them. Are we in a similar situation to the original recipient?
  • What are the historical circumstances surrounding the text? Noting this will sometimes help us see the limitation or scope of a verse.

The Bible is Not Open To Our Private Interpretation

interpretation
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IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?

Many potentially enlightening Bible discussions have been avoided by fluffing off differences as merely a matter of opinion. “You believe it your way, I believe it my way” is a sad but all too common Bible conversation closer. I recall one discussion when I had simply read a passage of Scripture, and before I could say anything about it, a hostile accusation was levied, “That’s your interpretation!” The person was not really interested in what the Bible said, let alone what I might have to say about it.

When Two Or Three Agree In Jesus’ Name

Two or Three
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IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?

You’re going on vacation, but there is no faithful congregation of God’s people meeting anywhere near your destination of choice. You believe it is important to meet with Christians each Sunday for worship. So, what do you do?

  • choose a different vacation spot?
  • go to the desired location, but leave a day late or come back a day early so you can assemble with Christians on the Lord’s day?
  • just skip out on worship for the Sunday in question, and trust that God will understand? (NOTE – if this is your choice, know for certain that God understands. He understands that serving Him is NOT the most important thing in your life. Read Matthew 16:24-26, and consider your need to repent before it is too late).

Don’t You Know Jesus Said, “Do Not Judge” (Matthew 7:1)?

judge
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IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?

Has this ever happened to you? You share a few words with a friend, neighbour, family member, co-worker, or fellow Christian out of concern for their soul, and in return, you are accused of being judgmental, and from those who are mildly familiar with the Bible, you’re told that Jesus condemns judging another.

Check it out! Open up to Matthew 7:1 and read the words of Jesus. See? Jesus told us not to judge! Now, close your Bible. … I’m serious – close your Bible. Ok, is it closed? Good. Do you know why I asked you to close your Bible? It’s simple; that is what I’ve seen people do after quoting this verse to me. You read the verse, and then you close your Bible. Apparently that’s how this verse works.

Understand the Bible Better: The Power of Words and Context

bible
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IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?

“Inconceivable!” If you have seen the movie The Princess Bride, you recognize this as the word used repeatedly by Vizzini, a witty Sicilian criminal mastermind. After hearing his boss use it several times, the hired swordsman, Inigo Montoya declared, “You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.” There have been times I’ve had the same thought about how folks use the Bible— “…I don’t think that verse means what you think it means.”

Jesus Will Not Reign on the Earth for 1,000 Years

Jesus

SERIES: DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?

The teaching that Jesus will reign upon the earth for 1000 years is part of the Premillennial doctrine common to many denominational churches in today’s religious world. The teaching relies in large part on Revelation 20:1-7, which speaks of the devil being bound for 1,000 years, and the faithful of God living and reigning with Christ for the same period of time.

Jesus Christ is God Come in the Flesh

Jesus

SERIES: DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?

For many people in Jesus’ day, it was a challenge to accept His divinity. In fact, it was His claims to divine nature that caused the Pharisees to oppose Him so vehemently, even to the point of seeking His life. After Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, some who believed in Christ went to the opposite extreme—affirming that Jesus did not come in the flesh. The apostle John wrote:

Jesus – More Than A Man – the Divine Son of God

Jesus

SERIES: DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?

While in conversation with Jesus, the Jews asked Him, “Who are You?” (John 8:25), and again, “Whom do You make Yourself out to be?” (8:53). In the context, He identified Himself as “the Son of Man” (8:28; cf. Daniel 7:13), the “Son” of God (8:36, 54) and the “I AM” (8:24, 28, 58). He was as clear as could be about His identity; He claimed to be deity—God. And, His questioners understood Him, for “…they took up stones to throw at Him…” (John 8:59). On a subsequent occasion, He asked them why they sought to stone Him (John 10:31-32). Their response, “…because You, being a Man, make Yourself God” (10:33).