Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates"
John 14:21"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Fathers commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
I'm sure you're a great mom. Children are pure and innocent in the eyes of the Lord before reaching an age of moral understanding. Biblical evidence that these children will be in heaven, without disability. Look up these verses: Matthew 19:14, Matthew 18:3, Matthew 18:10, Psalm 127:3-5. God is fair and loving.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Luke 18:22 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
The first two passages apply to a rich man who claimed to have followed the law; no doubt not at God's standards but nonetheless the main issue was his covetous heart related to possessions. The last passage was Jesus talking with His Disciples about His providing basic food and clothing needs (again; as I have emphasized before shelter even for Christ was a nomadic transient thing given His type of ministry).
Considering the meaning here we have to observe the whole pattern of valuing God over family; as Jesus Himself demonstrated when stating "who is my mother and brother ( Matt. 12:58); and then in the next two verses explains that the Disciples are such.
What we can't say is that Jesus wants us to forego all sources of work or financial plans. Jesus Himself worked for most of His adult life before the last few years of ministry; and Paul would provide for himself making tents; and also commended some wealthy women who were beneficial in the ministry. Money was to be set aside the first day of the week; etc.
I can also look in my own life to the house I own; legally I can't sell it even if I wanted to as it is in my Dad's name even though it goes to me when he passes.
What is clear to me is that all of our money should in the present and future plans be planned to support the Lord; in my case I don't have any children to support. Once we "retire" all our time should focus on ministry as health allows.
As someone who also struggles with mental health, please, stay safe. Do not feel like failure for not being married, there is different paths to become a nice person, you don't have to live the way everyone does, but I can sense the insolation of "aw, im not doing the same than what society (somewhat) orders".
Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it"
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit"
Matthew 19:12 " For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it"
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
Revelation 20:11
"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them."
Revelation 20:12
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
Revelation 20:13
"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Hello Cranerunfarm. Given the situation you've presented, of a man divorced (because of his wife's infidelity) and subsequently he has remarried, my view is that he should be ineligible for such a Church appointment.
Given the passage in 1 Timothy 3:12 ("Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well"), I understand that the Apostle Paul's instruction to Timothy on this matter was strongly influenced by the marriage/relationship culture of the day. And that was one of polygamous liberties prevalent at that time. So the apostle's clear instruction was that a deacon, as also with the 'bishop/elder/presbyter' (v2), was not to be appointed to this worthy and responsible position in Christ's Church if he was married to more than one wife at the one time.
But what if that man was not in a polygamous relationship but was divorced because of his wife's adultery and has since remarried? If we consider the Lord's Word on this matter, we can believe that a spouse was free to remarry if the divorce was necessitated because of fornication/adultery by the other spouse ( Matthew 19:7-9). Whereas the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:10,11, indicates that if one separates/divorces from the other, then then they should remain single. But Paul doesn't specifically refer to fornication/adultery as being the cause for the separation; physical or mental abuse could also be a cause.
So, if we consider both these passages in relation to the example you gave, although there appears to be permission for a remarriage when unfaithfulness has occurred by the wife, would this be the right example and clear testimony before the Church, for a person's appointment to the diaconate? What would happen if this second marriage fails for a similar reason, is the deacon's position still tenable? I'm sure, various Church administrations would have their own understanding and applications on this difficult matter, but I would be very careful.
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 17:20
"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
In Matthew 19:16-30 the story of that rich young man who came to Jesus is described.
The young man goes to Jesus and asks Him a question "... Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Jesus answers back saying something strange, "... if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments..." It is strange because He should had led the young man to Himself, not to the Law. Why did He do that? We see the reason for that from what the young man said, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?". The young man feels that although he had done all those since he was a kid he still feels he is lacking. Then Jesus gives him the solution and draws him to Himself. Jesus said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: AND COME AND FOLLOW ME."
BUT, there is always a "but". The "but" is that that guy should give all his possesions to the poor first. This is the narrow gate that we must enter when we believe in Christ in order to come to the narrow path which leads to heaven. Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
There is always a narrow gate which one should pass through when coming to Christ. For that young man that was his riches. For me it is something else, for you it is something else, for him/her something else. There is always something in our lives that we must leave behind if we want to follow Jesus. It may be riches, maybe a specific way iof living, passions, ambitions, friends, relatives, maybe a career in a field that is inconsistent with our faith, anything really that could be an obstacle on our way to Heaven.
Paul's command (not a request) in 2 Timothy 2:15 - "rightly dividing the word of truth" - makes no sense if there is nothing to divide.
The Greek word translated "rightly divide" means to "cut straight" or "make a correct partition." Paul is instructing Timothy (and us) to handle God's Word carefully, recognizing distinctions God Himself has placed in it. The Bible is one unified revelation, but within it God deals with different people in different ways at different times (dispensations). For example:
Law vs. Grace: God gave Israel the Law through Moses ( Exodus 20), but through Paul He revealed salvation by grace apart from the Law ( Romans 6:14; Galatians 2:16). If we blur these, we end up mixing works with grace.
Israel vs. the Church: Israel was promised an earthly kingdom ( Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 19:28), while the Body of Christ has a heavenly calling ( Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:20). If we confuse these, we misapply promises and commands not meant for us.
Gospel of the Kingdom vs. Gospel of Grace: (yes, there is more than one Gospel in the NT) Jesus and the 12 preached "the gospel of the kingdom" to Israel ( Matthew 4:23; Galatians 2:7-9), while Paul was given "the gospel of the grace of God" ( Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Both are true, but they serve different purposes in God's plan.
So Paul's point is: don't blend everything together as if it all applies in the same way to everyone. To "rightly divide" is to discern God's progressive revelation - prophecy vs. mystery, Israel's promises vs. the Church's hope, law vs. grace. If you don't divide, you end up in contradictions and confusion.
John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Matthew 19:16 "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Hi Bobbie Ann. I'm so sorry to read of your situation at home and that you have brought up the subject of divorce. Divorce from one's life partner is never okay; you can read what Jesus said to the Pharisees who came to Him attempting to trap Him in this matter, Matthew 19:3-9. And when this also came up in the Church, the Apostle Paul wrote about personal relationships, particularly on divorce, in 1 Corinthians 7:5,10-15.
So we learn that divorce was not in God's Design to live a fulfilled, God-honoring, loving, child-raising environment. Moses of old had to make an exception to this because of the hardness of hearts of those concerned (i.e. their importunity and the likely unrest and problems that would arise because of it). But Jesus reminded them that this was never in God's Plan. And Paul then writes that if a marriage breakdown is inevitable, let both parties separate, give themselves over to prayer, fasting, & earnestly and honestly consider the path they want to take - and then reconnect again. But, if divorce is the only solution to an otherwise irreconcilable situation, then they should divorce but they should remain unmarried, at least while the other is still alive ( 1 Corinthians 7:39). But if both parties are truly wanting their marriage to work out, then I believe that the Lord will intervene in a special way to give a tender loving heart to both and a determined effort to deal with the problems, reconcile, and keep their marriage together in much prayer as one.
You wrote that you "love your husband so much" but he gets angry; probably over the slightest thing. You might know the triggers for this to happen & can't share it here. Can you talk to him about it when he settles down, asking him what you have done that angers him? Can you do something differently, or not do it while he is around? Or, maybe he just brings his anger home and takes it out on you? Please don't think of divorce just yet - be open with each other & talk things through.
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Matthew 7:19 "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."
Romans 2:13 "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."
John 5:29 "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
Romans 11:22 "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
I thought the discussion was about both the Rapture and the 1000-year reign of Jesus. I understand there are different interpretations, but I believe it will be an actual earthly kingdom with Israel restored, with Jesus sitting on the throne of David. We see the beginning in Revelation 20:1-4.
All who are in the first resurrection will be judged; these will reign with Jesus as king in Israel over the entire world. Regarding Isaiah 2:2-5, I am not sure if it refers to the whole world or just the restored land of Israel, where animals experience peace and harmony, like when they were first created.
We see the gathering and restoration of the remnant of the house of Israel within the boundaries of the land God promised Abraham, as mentioned in Isaiah 2 and Isaiah 11. We also see references in Jeremiah 23:5-6, Ezekiel 37:21-28, Zechariah 9:9, Daniel 2:44, and Matthew 19:28.
Thank you, brother. I could list more, but I believe these passages demonstrate that this kingdom and the rule of Jesus will be on this earth, and He will govern with a rod of iron, as in Revelation 12:5, during the time Satan is bound in the bottomless pit for 1000 years.
John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Matthew 19:16 "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Question...Should we can't mix the kingdom program (preached by Peter, James, and John) with the mystery gospel given to Paul, focus on right division of Scripture ( 2 Timothy 2:15). Let's affirm that all Scripture is inspired and that both Peter and Paul were called by God. The issue isn't about rejecting any part of the Bible but understanding God's progressive revelation.
Peter and the 12 preached the kingdom gospel-a message prophesied in the Old Testament ( Acts 3:21-24). It focused on Israel, the coming earthly kingdom, and required repentance, water baptism, and obedience to the law ( Acts 2:38; Matthew 19:17). This message was based on Jesus being Israel's promised Messiah and King, And was the correct message for that time.
In contrast, Paul received his gospel by direct revelation from the risen Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12). Paul called it the mystery, which had been hidden from ages past but revealed through him ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3-5). His message centered on justification by grace through faith alone, apart from works ( Romans 4:5), and introduced the Body of Christ, a new creation made up of both Jews and Gentiles with a heavenly hope, not an earthly kingdom, this is key. (not a earthly kingdom)
Mixing these programs leads to confusion-especially on salvation, baptism, and the church's identity. In Acts 15 and Galatians 2, even the apostles agreed that Paul had a distinct ministry to the Gentiles, apart from the kingdom program of Peter and the 12. Paul even said, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Corinthians 1:17), showing a break from the earlier kingdom requirements. "BAPTISM WAS A KINGDOM REQUIREMENT"
Understanding these differences helps us rightly divide God's Word and see how the church today operates under the dispensation of grace, not under Israel's kingdom law. This isn't rejecting the gospels or Peter or the other 11-it's honoring God's design by keeping the messages in their proper place.
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
John 5:29
"And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Why do people teach the ten commandments when Jesus gave new commandments to go bye, as the young man asked Jesus which commandments to follow to get into heaven ( Matthew 19:17-19) Jesus said to get into heaven you must keep these commandments and out of his mouth comes, You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall honor your mother and father, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Also given to the Gentiles through Paul, 1 Thess. 4:2-3; Romans 13:9 as Jesus states in John 14:15 and 15:10. Satan is always getting people to follow old ways, just like he did with the Jews when they were under the ten commandments. God bless
We this in Matthew 19:12 where it says For there are some eunuchs, and a eunuch is somebody who is unable to produce children. That is just a general definition without getting too technical.
But there are some eunuchs, first of all, which were so born from their mother's womb. They were born with a physical defect and are not able to produce children.
And there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: That is, people take them and they castrate them, which is what they did for the guards that had to guard the harems for the various royalty and kings. They were castrated so that they would not have a desire for a woman.
And there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. That's personal. It's a calling, and it is self-discipline!
In first Corinthians Chapter 7, Paul answered the question, and again this is the area of marriage and divorce, and remarriage for the Gentiles. Paul says it is best if everybody is just a like I am.
But Paul says that he is single, and it is best if you stay like I am. And if you have the grace to do it, stay single. That is 1 Corinthians 7:8.
But, he says in 1 Corinthians 7:9 that if you cannot contain yourself, and you are burning with passion, then it is better to get married.
Those are the three kinds of people. People born with the physical defect, people who have been castrated, or a personal calling that God is giving you the grace to be single, or God hasn't given you the grace to be single, and you are burning with passion. Then he says it is best to get married.
So basically, a eunuch is someone who is incapable of producing children.
This subject is personal to my situation so I feel it needs to be seen as to the meaning of scriptures in detail before moving on with this study. The parameters here make it clear not to make this about me but learning what wisdom I can after going through a divorce hopefully can help to expound on the scriptures. The focus on this series of postings is on Christ as the perfect man.
Forgiveness is what is important here; the Pharisees were legalists and also wanted to trap Jesus into taking one side or another of what the scribes felt was legal grounds for divorce. This was close to the time when Christ would severely rebuke the Pharisees in Matthew 23 days before His crucifixion. Desiring "mercy" rather than sacrifice is in Hosea 6:6 and was mentioned in Matthew 9:13. Ironically; the Prophet himself was told to marry a prostitute and buy her back in the beginning chapters to mirror God's call for His wayward nation and also His lament for Ephriam whose descendants had strayed from God (see chapter 11).
Verses 13-15 of Matthew 19 discuss children being brought to Christ and Him laying hands on them and praying; although exactly what was said is unclear. What can be seen is that the children were important and not as the rest of society deemed inferior much as women were in the section above in regard to being divorced or "put away" at times for the least perceived offence. Jesus was outstanding in His relations with the outcasts of society thus they falsely accused Him for hanging out with "sinners".
The rest of the chapter focuses on the rich young man who didn't want to give up all he had to follow Christ. We notice that Jesus says nothing to him in regard to following all the commandments. One could say he was arrogant; and of course no one can follow the letter of the law not to mention have intentions always good. Nonetheless the biggest problem was his money.
First of all; my apologies; apparently there was still mass healings with Christ at this late stage of His earthly ministry as we read Matthew 19:1-2. This was the last one in this Gospel of that sort; the only other one being mentioned was the two blind men being healed before the Crucifixion (hopefully I read this right this time).
Once again we have the subject of divorce and remarriage also covered in the Gospels of Luke and Mark where ALL divorce was said to be adultery; the "exception" clause here being "fornication". And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. (verse 9). Here it states that even the innocent party cannot remarry without it being considered adultery of the original covenant of marriage; and it also uses the word fornication followed by adultery. These two terms make it clear that it was for fornication which seems to indicate it was the Jewish espousal period and unique to Matthew along with the only mention of divorce in all of scripture among the saints with Joseph considering it with Mary during his espousal. This subject is covered elsewhere in depth but it is noteworthy that as God even though Jesus was here as one of us as a man His law superceded that of Moses; in particular in Deuteronomy 24 where he allowed such practices as divorce which according to Malachi God hates. This also shows that some laws are universal not just particular to the nation of Israel at the time such as ceremonial laws. Marriage is recognized in every culture of the world usually iinvolving vows and clearly God was the initiator of covenant marriage; not something that is merely a contract that can be broken without doing untod collateral damage. However we look at it in the age of grace stoning isn't given for adultery but it is deadly serious; divorce is an option not requirement
Matthew 19:13-14 continue with the idea of God not wanting any of the "little ones" to perish (v. 14). Thus is the famous leaving the 99 to find the one lost sheep statement. This could also be speaking of children; but His sheep are all those called and chosen and therefore ultimately can't be lost. That's how I see it anyway.
Verses 15 through 17 discuss about the procedure of a brother sinning. We are to talk to him then two or three witnesses then the whole "church". This seems to look forward to the time after Pentecost in regard to such discipline and is used today. We see how a worst case scenario is when he is considered as a heathen; much like Paul said to the sinning member of the Corinthian church in 1 Cor. 5:5; and verse 13. The idea of restoring a brother is indicated in verse 15 of Matthew 19; and is further illustrated in the famous "seventy times seven" statement of the number of times we should forgive a brother. I don't want to neglect the fact that the binding and loosing in verses 18-19 are in the context of this discussion.
(* Binding and loosing does NOT mean we can command Satan or any of his demons to be bound in the earth before the time because even Jesus didn't do that when the demons asked if that were the case ( Matt. 8:29). It would be heavenly powers being loosed or demons being bound from attaching themselves to someone or perhaps being able to do warfare in the second heaven.)
The rest of the chapter warns about not forgiving someone in our hearts (v. 35). The forgiveness of great debt of course signifies how we were saved with such a great cost even though for us it was a free gift. Therefore we aren't to harbor grudges. This shows why proper church discipline needs to be done but in fellowship of the saints where when two or more gather He is with them (v. 20). God of course answers individual prayer but it can so easily be tainted due to our own issues that we are focused on ourselves rather than God.
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates"
John 14:21"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Fathers commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
Luke 12:48
This means the opposite is also true:
To whom little is given, little is required.
A child who cannot speak, reason, or profess faith is not held to the same accountability as an adult.
God is perfectly just - He does not demand what a child cannot do.
2. Jesus explicitly says the Kingdom belongs to children.
"Let the little children come to Me for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14
Jesus is not saying children may enter - He says the Kingdom already belongs to them.
This is the clearest and most direct comfort for any parent of a disabled or nonverbal child.
3. Children have angels who always see God's face.
"Their angels always behold the face of My Father in heaven."
Matthew 18:10
This means God assigns heavenly oversight and protection to children.
This is not language used for the lost - this is covenant language.
4. God holds children as innocent - not condemned.
"Moreover your little ones who today have no knowledge of good or evil they shall go in and possess the land."
Deuteronomy 1:39
Children who cannot understand "good or evil" are not judged for failing to make a decision they are incapable of.
5. God judges according to the heart - not verbal profession.
"Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
A child who cannot speak can still belong to God.
If God sees the heart of infants, He certainly sees the heart of a special-needs child.
6. Scripture shows God saving people who cannot verbally profess faith.
Examples:
Infants ( Exodus 12: children protected under the blood)
Jonah 4:11 - God has mercy on a whole population partly for the sake of "more than 120,000 who cannot tell their right hand from their left."
This shows:
Lack of understanding does not disqualify someone from God's mercy.
7. Jesus is the Good Shepherd - and children belong to His flock.
"It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that
"And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
Luke 18:22 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
The first two passages apply to a rich man who claimed to have followed the law; no doubt not at God's standards but nonetheless the main issue was his covetous heart related to possessions. The last passage was Jesus talking with His Disciples about His providing basic food and clothing needs (again; as I have emphasized before shelter even for Christ was a nomadic transient thing given His type of ministry).
Considering the meaning here we have to observe the whole pattern of valuing God over family; as Jesus Himself demonstrated when stating "who is my mother and brother ( Matt. 12:58); and then in the next two verses explains that the Disciples are such.
What we can't say is that Jesus wants us to forego all sources of work or financial plans. Jesus Himself worked for most of His adult life before the last few years of ministry; and Paul would provide for himself making tents; and also commended some wealthy women who were beneficial in the ministry. Money was to be set aside the first day of the week; etc.
I can also look in my own life to the house I own; legally I can't sell it even if I wanted to as it is in my Dad's name even though it goes to me when he passes.
What is clear to me is that all of our money should in the present and future plans be planned to support the Lord; in my case I don't have any children to support. Once we "retire" all our time should focus on ministry as health allows.
Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it"
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit"
Matthew 19:12 " For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it"
Please never give up.
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
Revelation 20:11
"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them."
Revelation 20:12
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
Revelation 20:13
"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
Given the passage in 1 Timothy 3:12 ("Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well"), I understand that the Apostle Paul's instruction to Timothy on this matter was strongly influenced by the marriage/relationship culture of the day. And that was one of polygamous liberties prevalent at that time. So the apostle's clear instruction was that a deacon, as also with the 'bishop/elder/presbyter' (v2), was not to be appointed to this worthy and responsible position in Christ's Church if he was married to more than one wife at the one time.
But what if that man was not in a polygamous relationship but was divorced because of his wife's adultery and has since remarried? If we consider the Lord's Word on this matter, we can believe that a spouse was free to remarry if the divorce was necessitated because of fornication/adultery by the other spouse ( Matthew 19:7-9). Whereas the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:10,11, indicates that if one separates/divorces from the other, then then they should remain single. But Paul doesn't specifically refer to fornication/adultery as being the cause for the separation; physical or mental abuse could also be a cause.
So, if we consider both these passages in relation to the example you gave, although there appears to be permission for a remarriage when unfaithfulness has occurred by the wife, would this be the right example and clear testimony before the Church, for a person's appointment to the diaconate? What would happen if this second marriage fails for a similar reason, is the deacon's position still tenable? I'm sure, various Church administrations would have their own understanding and applications on this difficult matter, but I would be very careful.
Matthew 19:26
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 17:20
"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Blessings
In Matthew 19:16-30 the story of that rich young man who came to Jesus is described.
The young man goes to Jesus and asks Him a question "... Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Jesus answers back saying something strange, "... if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments..." It is strange because He should had led the young man to Himself, not to the Law. Why did He do that? We see the reason for that from what the young man said, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?". The young man feels that although he had done all those since he was a kid he still feels he is lacking. Then Jesus gives him the solution and draws him to Himself. Jesus said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: AND COME AND FOLLOW ME."
BUT, there is always a "but". The "but" is that that guy should give all his possesions to the poor first. This is the narrow gate that we must enter when we believe in Christ in order to come to the narrow path which leads to heaven. Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
There is always a narrow gate which one should pass through when coming to Christ. For that young man that was his riches. For me it is something else, for you it is something else, for him/her something else. There is always something in our lives that we must leave behind if we want to follow Jesus. It may be riches, maybe a specific way iof living, passions, ambitions, friends, relatives, maybe a career in a field that is inconsistent with our faith, anything really that could be an obstacle on our way to Heaven.
Are we willing to leave them behind?
Paul's command (not a request) in 2 Timothy 2:15 - "rightly dividing the word of truth" - makes no sense if there is nothing to divide.
The Greek word translated "rightly divide" means to "cut straight" or "make a correct partition." Paul is instructing Timothy (and us) to handle God's Word carefully, recognizing distinctions God Himself has placed in it. The Bible is one unified revelation, but within it God deals with different people in different ways at different times (dispensations). For example:
Law vs. Grace: God gave Israel the Law through Moses ( Exodus 20), but through Paul He revealed salvation by grace apart from the Law ( Romans 6:14; Galatians 2:16). If we blur these, we end up mixing works with grace.
Israel vs. the Church: Israel was promised an earthly kingdom ( Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 19:28), while the Body of Christ has a heavenly calling ( Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:20). If we confuse these, we misapply promises and commands not meant for us.
Gospel of the Kingdom vs. Gospel of Grace: (yes, there is more than one Gospel in the NT) Jesus and the 12 preached "the gospel of the kingdom" to Israel ( Matthew 4:23; Galatians 2:7-9), while Paul was given "the gospel of the grace of God" ( Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Both are true, but they serve different purposes in God's plan.
So Paul's point is: don't blend everything together as if it all applies in the same way to everyone. To "rightly divide" is to discern God's progressive revelation - prophecy vs. mystery, Israel's promises vs. the Church's hope, law vs. grace. If you don't divide, you end up in contradictions and confusion.
G&P
John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Matthew 19:16 "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
So we learn that divorce was not in God's Design to live a fulfilled, God-honoring, loving, child-raising environment. Moses of old had to make an exception to this because of the hardness of hearts of those concerned (i.e. their importunity and the likely unrest and problems that would arise because of it). But Jesus reminded them that this was never in God's Plan. And Paul then writes that if a marriage breakdown is inevitable, let both parties separate, give themselves over to prayer, fasting, & earnestly and honestly consider the path they want to take - and then reconnect again. But, if divorce is the only solution to an otherwise irreconcilable situation, then they should divorce but they should remain unmarried, at least while the other is still alive ( 1 Corinthians 7:39). But if both parties are truly wanting their marriage to work out, then I believe that the Lord will intervene in a special way to give a tender loving heart to both and a determined effort to deal with the problems, reconcile, and keep their marriage together in much prayer as one.
You wrote that you "love your husband so much" but he gets angry; probably over the slightest thing. You might know the triggers for this to happen & can't share it here. Can you talk to him about it when he settles down, asking him what you have done that angers him? Can you do something differently, or not do it while he is around? Or, maybe he just brings his anger home and takes it out on you? Please don't think of divorce just yet - be open with each other & talk things through.
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Exodus 20:10 "But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:"
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
Romans 2:13 "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."
John 5:29 "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
Romans 11:22 "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Blessings
I thought the discussion was about both the Rapture and the 1000-year reign of Jesus. I understand there are different interpretations, but I believe it will be an actual earthly kingdom with Israel restored, with Jesus sitting on the throne of David. We see the beginning in Revelation 20:1-4.
All who are in the first resurrection will be judged; these will reign with Jesus as king in Israel over the entire world. Regarding Isaiah 2:2-5, I am not sure if it refers to the whole world or just the restored land of Israel, where animals experience peace and harmony, like when they were first created.
We see the gathering and restoration of the remnant of the house of Israel within the boundaries of the land God promised Abraham, as mentioned in Isaiah 2 and Isaiah 11. We also see references in Jeremiah 23:5-6, Ezekiel 37:21-28, Zechariah 9:9, Daniel 2:44, and Matthew 19:28.
Thank you, brother. I could list more, but I believe these passages demonstrate that this kingdom and the rule of Jesus will be on this earth, and He will govern with a rod of iron, as in Revelation 12:5, during the time Satan is bound in the bottomless pit for 1000 years.
God bless,
RLW
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Matthew 19:16 "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
Question...Should we can't mix the kingdom program (preached by Peter, James, and John) with the mystery gospel given to Paul, focus on right division of Scripture ( 2 Timothy 2:15). Let's affirm that all Scripture is inspired and that both Peter and Paul were called by God. The issue isn't about rejecting any part of the Bible but understanding God's progressive revelation.
Peter and the 12 preached the kingdom gospel-a message prophesied in the Old Testament ( Acts 3:21-24). It focused on Israel, the coming earthly kingdom, and required repentance, water baptism, and obedience to the law ( Acts 2:38; Matthew 19:17). This message was based on Jesus being Israel's promised Messiah and King, And was the correct message for that time.
In contrast, Paul received his gospel by direct revelation from the risen Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12). Paul called it the mystery, which had been hidden from ages past but revealed through him ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3-5). His message centered on justification by grace through faith alone, apart from works ( Romans 4:5), and introduced the Body of Christ, a new creation made up of both Jews and Gentiles with a heavenly hope, not an earthly kingdom, this is key. (not a earthly kingdom)
Mixing these programs leads to confusion-especially on salvation, baptism, and the church's identity. In Acts 15 and Galatians 2, even the apostles agreed that Paul had a distinct ministry to the Gentiles, apart from the kingdom program of Peter and the 12. Paul even said, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Corinthians 1:17), showing a break from the earlier kingdom requirements. "BAPTISM WAS A KINGDOM REQUIREMENT"
Understanding these differences helps us rightly divide God's Word and see how the church today operates under the dispensation of grace, not under Israel's kingdom law. This isn't rejecting the gospels or Peter or the other 11-it's honoring God's design by keeping the messages in their proper place.
God Bless
"And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
Matthew 24:14
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessings
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Matthew 19:16
"And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Matthew 19:17
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
thanks again, God Bless!
"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
John 5:29
"And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Blessings
All things are possible with GOD, but with man it's impossible... right?
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:27
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Luke 18:27
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
MARANTHA...
Revelation 22:20-21
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
THANK YOU ***JESUS CHRIST***!!!
***YOUR CROSS & BLOOD***!!!
OUR ETERNAL SALVATION!!!
TO ***GOD ALMIGHTY*** BE ALL THE GLORY NOW AND FOREVER FOR ETERNITY!!!
AMEN!!!
We this in Matthew 19:12 where it says For there are some eunuchs, and a eunuch is somebody who is unable to produce children. That is just a general definition without getting too technical.
But there are some eunuchs, first of all, which were so born from their mother's womb. They were born with a physical defect and are not able to produce children.
And there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: That is, people take them and they castrate them, which is what they did for the guards that had to guard the harems for the various royalty and kings. They were castrated so that they would not have a desire for a woman.
And there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. That's personal. It's a calling, and it is self-discipline!
In first Corinthians Chapter 7, Paul answered the question, and again this is the area of marriage and divorce, and remarriage for the Gentiles. Paul says it is best if everybody is just a like I am.
But Paul says that he is single, and it is best if you stay like I am. And if you have the grace to do it, stay single. That is 1 Corinthians 7:8.
But, he says in 1 Corinthians 7:9 that if you cannot contain yourself, and you are burning with passion, then it is better to get married.
Those are the three kinds of people. People born with the physical defect, people who have been castrated, or a personal calling that God is giving you the grace to be single, or God hasn't given you the grace to be single, and you are burning with passion. Then he says it is best to get married.
So basically, a eunuch is someone who is incapable of producing children.
Hope this helps!
This subject is personal to my situation so I feel it needs to be seen as to the meaning of scriptures in detail before moving on with this study. The parameters here make it clear not to make this about me but learning what wisdom I can after going through a divorce hopefully can help to expound on the scriptures. The focus on this series of postings is on Christ as the perfect man.
Forgiveness is what is important here; the Pharisees were legalists and also wanted to trap Jesus into taking one side or another of what the scribes felt was legal grounds for divorce. This was close to the time when Christ would severely rebuke the Pharisees in Matthew 23 days before His crucifixion. Desiring "mercy" rather than sacrifice is in Hosea 6:6 and was mentioned in Matthew 9:13. Ironically; the Prophet himself was told to marry a prostitute and buy her back in the beginning chapters to mirror God's call for His wayward nation and also His lament for Ephriam whose descendants had strayed from God (see chapter 11).
Verses 13-15 of Matthew 19 discuss children being brought to Christ and Him laying hands on them and praying; although exactly what was said is unclear. What can be seen is that the children were important and not as the rest of society deemed inferior much as women were in the section above in regard to being divorced or "put away" at times for the least perceived offence. Jesus was outstanding in His relations with the outcasts of society thus they falsely accused Him for hanging out with "sinners".
The rest of the chapter focuses on the rich young man who didn't want to give up all he had to follow Christ. We notice that Jesus says nothing to him in regard to following all the commandments. One could say he was arrogant; and of course no one can follow the letter of the law not to mention have intentions always good. Nonetheless the biggest problem was his money.
Jesus shows eternal rewards following Him.
First of all; my apologies; apparently there was still mass healings with Christ at this late stage of His earthly ministry as we read Matthew 19:1-2. This was the last one in this Gospel of that sort; the only other one being mentioned was the two blind men being healed before the Crucifixion (hopefully I read this right this time).
Once again we have the subject of divorce and remarriage also covered in the Gospels of Luke and Mark where ALL divorce was said to be adultery; the "exception" clause here being "fornication". And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. (verse 9). Here it states that even the innocent party cannot remarry without it being considered adultery of the original covenant of marriage; and it also uses the word fornication followed by adultery. These two terms make it clear that it was for fornication which seems to indicate it was the Jewish espousal period and unique to Matthew along with the only mention of divorce in all of scripture among the saints with Joseph considering it with Mary during his espousal. This subject is covered elsewhere in depth but it is noteworthy that as God even though Jesus was here as one of us as a man His law superceded that of Moses; in particular in Deuteronomy 24 where he allowed such practices as divorce which according to Malachi God hates. This also shows that some laws are universal not just particular to the nation of Israel at the time such as ceremonial laws. Marriage is recognized in every culture of the world usually iinvolving vows and clearly God was the initiator of covenant marriage; not something that is merely a contract that can be broken without doing untod collateral damage. However we look at it in the age of grace stoning isn't given for adultery but it is deadly serious; divorce is an option not requirement
Verses 15 through 17 discuss about the procedure of a brother sinning. We are to talk to him then two or three witnesses then the whole "church". This seems to look forward to the time after Pentecost in regard to such discipline and is used today. We see how a worst case scenario is when he is considered as a heathen; much like Paul said to the sinning member of the Corinthian church in 1 Cor. 5:5; and verse 13. The idea of restoring a brother is indicated in verse 15 of Matthew 19; and is further illustrated in the famous "seventy times seven" statement of the number of times we should forgive a brother. I don't want to neglect the fact that the binding and loosing in verses 18-19 are in the context of this discussion.
(* Binding and loosing does NOT mean we can command Satan or any of his demons to be bound in the earth before the time because even Jesus didn't do that when the demons asked if that were the case ( Matt. 8:29). It would be heavenly powers being loosed or demons being bound from attaching themselves to someone or perhaps being able to do warfare in the second heaven.)
The rest of the chapter warns about not forgiving someone in our hearts (v. 35). The forgiveness of great debt of course signifies how we were saved with such a great cost even though for us it was a free gift. Therefore we aren't to harbor grudges. This shows why proper church discipline needs to be done but in fellowship of the saints where when two or more gather He is with them (v. 20). God of course answers individual prayer but it can so easily be tainted due to our own issues that we are focused on ourselves rather than God.
Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."