Tag: reconciliation

Not Peace, but a Sword

Rev Dr Cecil Wayne Thorn, ThD

Introduction to “Not Peace, but a Sword” (Matthew 10: 34-39 (ESV)):

The message of Jesus Christ is often associated with peace, love, and reconciliation. However, in Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV), Jesus delivers a surprising and provocative statement that challenges this common perception. He declares that He did not come to bring peace to the earth, but a sword, signifying division and conflict even among the closest of relationships.

This passage, sometimes unsettling in its starkness, reveals a deeper truth about the nature of following Christ. The “sword” represents the inevitable divisions that arise when individuals commit their lives to Jesus, often leading to opposition, even within one’s own household. Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship, where loyalty to Him must surpass all other allegiances, including those to family and self.

In exploring these verses, we are confronted with the reality that following Christ is not merely about comfort and harmony, but about making difficult choices and enduring potential hardship. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper examination of what it means to truly follow Jesus, understanding the profound implications of His call to put Him above all else.

Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV):

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Matthew Henry’s Commentary:

Verses 34-36:
Christ’s coming was not to send peace, but a sword. Though the design of the gospel was to bring men together in love, its effect would be, through the corruption of man’s hearts, to occasion division. The sword signifies strife and opposition. The worst enemies to a man may be those of his own family. The preaching of the gospel has generally occasioned more contention and persecution than anything else. As Christ’s people are one, so are the enemies of Christ, and they are often nearest to us. This division comes not from the gospel itself, which is a gospel of peace, but from the corruption of men’s hearts.

Verses 37-39:
Christ must be loved above all. The love we owe our relations, friends, and ourselves, must be compared with the love we owe Christ, and must be hatred (Luke 14:26 (ESV)). Not that we must divest ourselves of natural affection; but we must not permit ourselves to be hindered by the strongest affection. Christ must be followed, though we are likely to suffer by it. Though we lose friends, estates, and liberties, for His sake, yet we must bear the cross. Those who will not bear the cross shall be forever cast off; those who take up the cross and follow Christ will find that the burden they have to bear for Him is far less than the burden of sin.

This passage emphasizes the total commitment required to follow Christ. Love for Him must be greater than any earthly attachment, even to close family members. The call to take up one’s cross signifies a willingness to endure suffering and loss for Christ’s sake, but the promise is that such sacrifice will ultimately lead to eternal life.

My Thoughts

Conclusion on Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV):

In Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV), Jesus presents a stark and challenging message about the nature of discipleship. Contrary to expectations of earthly peace, Jesus acknowledges that His coming will bring division, even among the closest relationships. The “sword” He speaks of symbolizes the inevitable conflicts that arise when one chooses to follow Him wholeheartedly, often putting them at odds with family and friends who do not share the same commitment.

The passage underscores the radical demands of discipleship, where allegiance to Christ must take precedence over all other relationships, even those most cherished. Jesus calls for a love and loyalty to Him that surpasses even the natural bonds of family. This does not mean neglecting or abandoning family, but rather prioritizing one’s commitment to Christ above all else.

The call to “take up one’s cross” signifies a willingness to endure hardship, suffering, and even death for the sake of following Jesus. It is a reminder that true life is found not in clinging to worldly comforts or relationships, but in surrendering one’s life to Christ. Paradoxically, it is in losing our life for His sake that we find true and eternal life.

This passage challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and to embrace the cost of discipleship with the assurance that the rewards of following Christ far outweigh the sacrifices.

He Gets Us

Rev. Cecil Thorn

“God Calls us” to him not just “He gets us”

Certainly! The slogan “He gets us” suggests that God understands us deeply, but it goes beyond just understanding. According to Scripture, God knew us even before we were formed and calls us to reunite with Him. Here are some scriptural references that illustrate these points:

1. God knows us intimately:

  • Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.”
  • Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
  • Matthew 10:30 (ESV): “But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”

2. God’s call to us:

  • Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'”
  • John 6:44 (ESV): “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”
  • 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
  • 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV): “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”

3.God’s love and knowledge of us:

  • Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.”
  • Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
  • Matthew 10:30 (ESV): “But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”

4. Our reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”
  • Romans 5:10-11 (ESV):”For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
  • Ephesians 2:13-16 (ESV):”But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility”.

5. Salvation through Jesus Christ:

  • John 3:16 (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
  • Romans 5:8 (ESV): “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
  • Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  • Titus 3:5 (ESV): “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

These verses highlight that God not only understands us but has known us from the very beginning and calls us to Himself, offering us salvation by His grace and mercy through a relationship through Jesus Christ.

Steps to Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior

  1. Acknowledge Your Need for Salvation:
  • Recognize that you are a sinner and in need of God’s grace.
  • Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
  • Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  1. Believe in Jesus Christ:
  • Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and that He rose again.
  • John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
  • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
  1. Confess Your Faith:
  • Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
  • Romans 10:9-10: “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
  1. Repent of Your Sins:
  • Turn away from your sins and turn toward God.
  • Acts 3:19: “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
  • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
  1. Receive Jesus into Your Heart:
  • Invite Jesus to come into your life and make Him the Lord of your life.
  • Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

A Prayer of Salvation

If you are ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can say this prayer :

“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

Assurance of Salvation

  • John 1:12: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
  • Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  • Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you have prayed this prayer and meant it in your heart, welcome to the family of God! It’s important to find a local church or community of believers to grow in your faith, be baptized, and begin studying the Bible, start with the book of John.

To help you get started on your new Journey we have a New Believer Bible Study.

Praying for God, Country and Individuals

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Praying for God, country, and individuals serves various purposes and is motivated by different aspects of faith and moral responsibility. Here are some reasons why people may choose to pray for these entities:

1. Connection with God:

   – Communion: Prayer is a means of communing with God, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and deepening one’s relationship with the divine.

  • “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
  • “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

2. For the Country:

   – Peace and Well-being: Praying for the country often includes asking for peace, stability, and prosperity. Individuals may pray for their nation’s leaders, citizens, and overall welfare.

  • “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
  • “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.'” – Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

   – Righteous Governance: People might pray for leaders to make just and wise decisions, following principles that align with ethical and moral values.

  • “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2 (NIV)
  • “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

3. For Individuals:

   – Healing and Comfort: Prayers for individuals often involve seeking healing, comfort, and strength during times of illness, distress, or sorrow.

  • “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14 (NIV)
  • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

   – Guidance and Wisdom: Individuals may pray for themselves and others to receive guidance, wisdom, and discernment in making important life decisions.

  • “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5 (NIV)
  • “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

4. Altruism and Compassion:

   – Empathy: Praying for others reflects a sense of empathy and compassion, recognizing the interconnectedness of all people and expressing a desire for their well-being.

  • “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
  • “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15 (NIV)

   – Love and Care: Praying for individuals, including those we may not know personally, demonstrates a commitment to love, care, and support one another.

  • “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34 (NIV)
  • “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

5. Aligning with Spiritual Values:

   – Seeking God’s Will: Praying for God involves aligning oneself with God’s will and seeking to be instruments of divine purpose in the world.

  • “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
  • “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” – Psalm 143:10 (NIV)

   – Reflecting Virtues: Praying for the well-being of others reflects virtues such as kindness, humility, and selflessness, which are often central to various religious teachings.

  • “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
  • “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

6. Promoting Unity and Harmony:

   – Unity in Diversity: Praying for a country and its people can promote a sense of unity and harmony, encouraging individuals to focus on shared values and common goals.

  • “So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV)
  • “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

   – Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Prayers may include requests for forgiveness, reconciliation, and the healing of divisions within communities and nations.

  • “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
  • “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

It’s important to note that the reasons for prayer is often seen as a way to express one’s faith, seek divine intervention, and contribute to the well-being of the broader community.

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