Righteous from the Heart—Matthew 5.17-32
Every kingdom has laws. So it should not surprise us that, when Jesus came to earth and said, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," he went on to say what sort of laws that kingdom has.
But, as we will see, the laws of the kingdom of heaven are very different from the laws of other lands. The laws of other lands deal with things that can be seen. They have to deal with specific and observable actions, or they can never be enforced.
But the laws of the kingdom of heaven deal with things that cannot be seen by man. They are laws of the heart. And rightly so, because God can see the heart.
Compassionate and Jealous—Proverbs 6:20-35
Another theme has started to emerge in Proverbs. You may have noticed. Sexual temptation looms large. The wise father who teaches his son in these chapters is not blind to the main dangers that young men face.
Marriage, Adultery, and Jesus Christ—Proverbs 5
What are the best things in life? Here are a few on my list. Leaves falling in a crisp autumn wind. A cup of hot black coffee. The crash of a thunderstorm and the pounding of rain. The first flakes of snow at the beginning of winter. The stars twinkling on a clear dark night. Fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
None of these compares with marriage. It’s the best. I think I can make the case for this from the Bible.