Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Without question, our Lord Jesus said some things that are very difficult to read. In fact, these demanding teachings have often been called the ‘hard sayings of Jesus.’ On everyone’s list of such sayings you’ll find the words of Matthew 5:29-30–If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell [ESV].
The context of these strange and disturbing words is discovered in verses 27-28 where Jesus sets forth His interpretation and application of the Seventh Commandment of the Decalogue–“You shall not commit adultery.” As we examine and attempt to digest what our Lord declared we immediately see how very different His attitude toward sexual sin is in stark contrast to modern opinions. What we often trivialize and even joke about Jesus lifts to a level of maximum importance and deadly seriousness. Far from viewing the Seventh Commandment as an outmoded piece of Old Testament legislation once etched in stone and applicable only to the ancient Jews, Jesus declares the abiding relevance of this Word for all people of every age and place. And then, most strikingly, He links the mental sin of “lust” with the physical act of “adultery.”
But what are we to make of His command to “tear out” the “eye” and “cut off” the “hand”? And what do these very odd orders have to do with marriage and sexual integrity? On Sunday we will look very closely at this passage from Matthew 5. And our aim will be to learn how the Seventh Commandment functions in our lives as members of the New Covenant.
Special Announcement for All Men
Our October Men’s Study comes to a conclusion this weekend. We’ve enjoyed a tremendous time of fellowship and Bible Study for the last three weeks, and we look forward to the events that will wrap up our season of special emphasis. Tonight is our Men’s BBQ Dinner and Fellowship. Then on Saturday morning is our Men’s Breakfast. All men of the Church and visitors are invited (whether or not you’ve been able to attend the previous meetings). The details are below:
Tonight–
When: Gather at 5:45pm; for those bringing food please be present by 5:30pm.
Where: The Church House
Parking: Please park at the Church leaving the parking around the house for those that need to park closer for health reasons and for the food crew.
What to bring: Study material and lawn chairs. Please encourage other men to join us even if they have missed the previous sessions.
Food: Meal is planned at 6:00pm. Water and tea will be provided.
Saturday Morning–
When: Gather at 8:00am; for those bringing food please be present by 7:45am.
Where: The Church House
Parking: Please park at the Church leaving the parking around the house for those that need to park closer for health reasons and for the food crew.
What to bring: Study material and lawn chairs. Please encourage other men to join us even if they have missed the previous sessions.
Food: Meal is planned shortly after 8:00am. Water and coffee will be provided.
Sunday Night–
Final Bible Study: 5:00 to 6:30pm at the Church.
Nominations for Ruling Elder and Deacon Begin This Sunday
Nomination Forms will be available this Sunday and November 1 for the Offices of Ruling Elder and Deacon. You may place your completed and signed Nomination Form in one of the Offering Boxes on either of these two Sundays. All Communing Members of the Church are invited to participate
I love you all and can’t wait to see you on Sunday morning!
Mike