Christian Principles: Raising the Bar: Engaging Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount -Language: middle_english

The Old Testament Israelites were governed by the Mosaic Law with its many rules and rituals. Festivals were held to honor God and/or to serve as reminders of past events. Animal sacrifices were offered to address sins. Indeed, one's faithfulness to God was generally measured by his/her diligence in obeying the law.

In keeping with his promise to Abraham (Genesis 18: 18), it was God's plan to fulfill the provisional covenant of law through the covenant of grace of which we are fortunate to be a part. This covenant was founded upon Jesus' sacrifice for the sins of men - a sacrifice that fundamentally changed the manner in which we relate to God. In the new covenant, humanity is offered the opportunity to worship God as he wishes to be worshiped. We now "worship the Father in spirit and truth" (John 4: 24).

Our walk with God in the new covenant is not measured by rigorous adherence to a multitude of rules and regulations; it is about worshiping God by living lives that honor him. Therefore, as the new covenant was ushered in, Jesus introduced a higher standard of worship for those who seek to glorify God. This new standard, which is characterized by an attitude of meekness and humility, is detailed to a large degree in the Sermon on the Mount and is initially outlined in the beatitudes at the beginning of the sermon (Matthew 5:1-12).

As we dealve deeper we learn that, rather than the historical "eye for an eye" philosophy by which men had been living, Jesus encouraged his followers to "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5: 38-39). Tithing in the Old Testament was required by law (Deuteronomy 12: 6; 14: 22). However, Jesus taught that charitable giving is a reflection of one's heart (Matthew 6: 19-21). In other words, Jesus raised the bar for those who seek to walk with God.

In Christian Principles: Raising the Bar, the author discusses in detail the Sermon on the Mount and the level to which Jesus challenged his followers. With common sense and reasoning, these teachings are examined and explained in terms that will hopefully help each of us effectively apply them in our individual lives.