Manser Matthew's Gospel

Word Come Alive
1. Auflage 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5439-6899-6
Verlag: BookBaby
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet/DL/kein Kopierschutz

E-Book, Englisch, 200 Seiten

Word Come Alive • is an expanded translation (paraphrase) of the New Testament of the Bible by respected editor Martin Manser • supplies linking phrases and background information in italics within the text to help make its message more immediately understandable • aims to express the sense of the original in contemporary, natural English • aims to have a powerful effect on readers, with a fresh, incisive quality that will make readers sit up and think.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Manser, Martin

Leseproben

Matthew 5     Jesus teaches on the hillside   <1>When Jesus saw the crowds following him, he went and sat down on the hillside. His apprentices came to him, <2>and he started to teach them.     The challenge of true Christian character   Jesus told his followers that they were to be distinctive, radically different from the people around them. The attitudes and actions of his followers could become like this only because God’s power was at work in them. If they lived in such a way, they would enjoy the privileges God would give them now and in the life to come.   Jesus taught them:   <3>‘Other people say, if you’re self-confident, you’ll be happy. But I say to you, it’s those that humbly recognise their spiritual need who are truly happy and fortunate. They will draw on God’s resources, so the kingdom of heaven already belongs to them.   <4>‘Other people say, don’t worry about sin. But I say to you, it’s those that mourn and grieve over their sin and failures who are truly happy and fortunate. God will comfort and encourage them.   <5>‘Other people say, it’s the arrogant that are successful. But I say to you, it’s those that humbly trust God who are truly happy and fortunate. They not only enjoy the blessings I give them now but they also look forward to inheriting the new earth that God will create.   <6>‘Other people say, if you do your own thing, you’ll be fulfilled. But I say to you, it’s those whose deepest desire is to lead lives that are right with God who are truly happy and fortunate. They long to see justice prevail throughout the world. Their appetite for God will be satisfied.   <7>‘Other people are successful by bullying their way to the top. But I say to you, it’s those that are merciful, kind and generous towards others who are truly happy and fortunate. God will be merciful towards them and forgive them.   <8>‘Other people say, it’s OK to deceive others and see what you can get away with. But I say to you, it’s those that are fully devoted to God and let him clean up their inner life who are truly happy and fortunate. They catch glimpses of God’s glory now and are ready to see him in all his fullness in the life to come.   <9>‘Other people fight and make war. But I say to you, it’s those that seek and make lasting peace who are truly happy and fortunate. God will recognise them as his children, because they reflect what he is like.   <10>‘Other people say, don’t get too committed to God. But I say to you, it’s those whose lives are so right with God that they provoke hostility who are truly happy and fortunate. They will suffer persecution but the kingdom of heaven already belongs to them. <11>You’re truly happy and fortunate when people insult you viciously, persecute you and make false accusations against you because you follow me. <12>Don’t be miserable but feel on top of the world at such times because a great reward is waiting for you in heaven. That reward will more than make up for the suffering you’re now going through. Remember that the prophets who went before you were also persecuted.     A positive influence on the world   <13>‘You, my followers, are like salt, ordinary but very useful. The world is corrupt but you are to stop the rot. Life can become bland but you are to add flavour where you are. Act and speak with wholesome wisdom. But if salt becomes feeble and loses its distinctive quality, how can you restore its effectiveness? It’s completely worthless and is only useful to be thrown out and crushed underfoot by passers-by. Make sure you stay strong in me so you can have a positive influence on the world around you.   <14>‘You, my followers, are also like light that shines in this dark world. Together you’re like a city set on a hillside which is there for everyone to see: there’s no way it can be hidden! Get out more: you’re to help people see what God is like. <15>Light must be visible. You don’t light a candle only to put it under a bucket, do you? That would be crazy! No; you set the candle on a stand where it’ll give out light and shine as much as possible for everyone in the house. <16>Similarly, don’t keep your faith private, but let the light of your lives shine out to others. Then they will see your good works and praise your Father in heaven.     Taking righteousness to a deeper level   <17>‘The values ‘I’ve just declared to you are fully in line with God’s Law, so don’t think that I’ve come to abolish the Law of Moses and the teaching of the Prophets. They’re still important: their authority remains valid. In fact, I’ve not come to get rid of them but to fulfil and complete their true intention. I’ve come to bring about what the Law and the Prophets looked forward to. <18>I assure you, the law will last for ever. It remains valid as long as heaven and earth exist. Not the tiniest detail – not a dot over an i or a crossed t – will pass away from the law until everything that the Law looks forward to has been fulfilled and accomplished. <19>Therefore, whoever ignores even one of the least important of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least important in the kingdom of heaven, where God reigns. Similarly, whoever puts the least important of these commandments into practice in their daily life and teaches them to others will be called important in the kingdom of heaven. <20>To be direct: I assure you that unless your righteousness is greater than that of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven, where God reigns. You’ve got to take righteousness to a deeper level, which is different from strictly keeping the rules in your outward actions. What really matters is what your heart is like – your inner thoughts, attitudes and motives. I’ll now show you how that works out in six different areas of your life.     1 Deal with your anger   <21>‘You’ve heard that God commanded the people long ago, “You shall not murder,10 and anyone who commits murder will be subject to judgment.” <22>But I tell you, it’s more than the outward act of murder that’s important; it’s your thoughts and attitude that matter. If you’re inwardly angry with your brother or sister, you’ll be subject to judgment. If you lose your temper and insult your brother or sister by calling them a prat you’ll be accountable to a law court. And if you call them a brain-dead moron, you’ll be liable to the fire of hell. <23>So if you’re about to offer your gift at the temple altar and you suddenly remember that your brother or sister has wronged you and they still have a grudge against you, <24>don’t offer your gift, but leave it then and there in front of the altar. First, go and make peace with your brother or sister. Get right with them and then come back and offer your gift at the altar. <25>And if an accuser is taking you to court, settle the matter with them quickly, while you’re both still on your way there. Otherwise your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officials, who may throw you in prison. <26>I assure you, you won’t be let out of prison until you’ve paid the last penny of your fine.     2 Don’t fantasise about sex   <27>‘You’ve heard that God commanded, “You shall not commit adultery.”11 <28>But I tell you, I’m not talking about the physical act of adultery; any man who even fantasises about having sex with...