The Sermon on the Mount is the longest sermon that Jesus delivered during His earthly ministry. This was spoken in the early days of His ministry. This is the best of His sermons and may be one of the most popular sermons in the world. Matthew, the gospel writer, has recorded it carefully in his book, chapter 5 to 7. Jesus delivered this message on a high place somewhere near the North West part of the Sea of Galilee. The exact place is not known. But it might have happened in a geographical area between Capernaum and Gennesaret. The Sermon is the gist of all His teachings. It is the manifesto of the Kingdom of God. It contains the values of the Kingdom of God.
“I AM” Statements of Jesus
Apostle John was a loved disciple of Jesus. He is the receiver of the revelations recorded in the last book of the Bible. He wrote the fourth gospel and three letters that are included in the Bible. John has recorded seven “I AM” statements of Christ in his gospel. We find this statement only in his gospel. It may be because the purpose of writing the gospel and the audience of it were different from that of the other three gospels. John states his purpose of writing the gospel chapter 20 verse 31. He says, “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The gospel is for all Christians, purposed to confirm and secure their faith. John mainly answers the question, “Who is Jesus?”
The Fall of Jerusalem
Though Israel is a race and nation separated by God as His own people, they do not have a history of long lasting peace. There are political and religious reasons it. They were formed out of nothing from a single person, Abraham. But all of his descendants do not became Israel. The genealogical descent of Israel starts from Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. The twelve tribes of Israel are known after the sons of Jacob. Abraham started from Mesopotamia, hoping to inherit a land of Canaan that God had promised him. He came to Canaan and lived there as a stranger. His descendants went to Egypt and lived there for more than 400 years. Later they came to Canaan again, defeated the inhabitants and occupied the land. From this point in the history, the Israelites had a mixed life of peace, war and exile. And they are still fighting to safe guard their Promised Land. Israel have a history unequalled with any other race or nation.
Characteristics of the Kingdom of God
What are the characteristics of the Kingdom of God, according to Jesus Christ? This is what we are discussing in this video. The basic concept of the kingdom of God is that it is not a worldly kingdom or it is not an earthly kingdom. This is a truth confessed by our Lord Himself during the crucifixion trial. He was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor, as a political prisoner. Pilate asked Him: "Are You the King of the Jews?" (John 18: 33). There is an error in this question. Jesus was the king of the Jews as well as the King of all who believed in Him. He makes clear this truth in His answer.
John 18: 36, 37
36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not
of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so
that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from
here."
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
What happens when we die?
Death defined
Death is an experience that is relevant to all human beings. It is the most baffling experience of humans. It raises many questions and answers none. Philosophers to common man have been trying to solve the riddle, but it remains a mystery. The time and method of death are unpredictable. Science has not been successful to explain it fully. Medical science still remain a failure before it. It is the unavoidable, certain, expected and sure end of every individual.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, death is the irreversible cessation of all vital functions especially as indicated by permanent stoppage of the heart, respiration, and brain activity. It is the end of life. Death is the cessation of the biological life. All the functions of the body will cease. At death, the body immediately begins to decay, with a subsequent disintegration back to the dust of the earth whence it came originally.
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