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Matthew 5:21-26

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ’Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ’Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ’You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

[23] "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

[25] "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. [26] I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Introduction:

This is one of those commandments that is easy to skip over during such a series. But God in the passage read to us this morning goes beyond the act and to the heart of the matter and that is how we will proceed this morning.

Some statistics:

• The average child by the 6th grade has witnessed 8000 murders on TV and 110,000 acts of violence.

• More children are killed today by violence than by illness.

• A person is killed in America every 22 minutes.

• America has the highest homicide rate of any country in the world

The first murder happened in a family

Exodus 20:13

"You shall not murder.

Unfortunately this verse has been translated by some as Thou shall not kill and as a result many inappropriate interpretations has resulted.

What this command is NOT about:

 It is not prohibiting killing of animals

Genesis 9:3

Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

 It is not prohibiting Capital Punishment

Leviticus 24:17

" ’If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death.

There is no perfect justice system and not perfect Government. God has established governments to keep control in the world.

 It is not prohibiting going to war

Eccles. 3:8

a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

We can go to war for a just cause.

When innocent people are being victimized.

How this command applies to our lives:

1. God says no to Suicide

Romans 14:7

For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.

Depression is very real. God does not want us to get to a place of discouragement so low that we see death as the only way out.

Some of you may be saying well aren’t those who commit suicide going to hell and the answer is I don’t think so.

Find those who are hurting and share with them the hope found in Jesus Christ. We are not talking about making the decision to take off life support.

2. God says no to mercy killing (Euthanasia)

Job 12:10

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

How do I prepare for death? Help your family

1) Turn you life over to Jesus Christ

2) Make a Will

3) Make a living will

What we are talking about are those who only want the perfect people to live.

Down syndrome

Aged

MS

Alzheimers

Take care of the sick and aged and handicapped.

3. God says no to Abortion

Psalm 139:13-16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, [16] your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

26% of all pregnancies end in abortion

Take all the wars and add the dead it does not equal the number of children aborted. 30 million

It is not a fetus it is a child

It is not a product of conception it is a child

What have we lost?

Doctors

Teachers

Presidents

Lawyers

Ministers

Missionaries

Policemen

There are no accidental lives!

Thou shall live

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.