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the Lord has heard it.
Jesus said that we should not make vows at all. Some people swear or make elaborate oaths "by God" or "by heaven". What is the purpose of these oaths? Something is not right when we feel that we need to back up our words with an oath. Our honesty and integrity should be what backs up our words. Everyone knowing us should be able to trust our "Yes" to be Yes and our "No" to be No. "Anything beyond this comes from the evil one", Jesus said.
Jesus was not talking about whether or not we should take oaths, but whether or not we are truthful. When we give our word, that should be all we have to give. Then we are being light in darkness and salt in a decaying world.
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The Old Testament Law of "an eye for an eye" and "a tooth for a tooth" was based on fairness. It was an attempt to prevent people from getting revenge by doing more bodily harm than they should when they had been injured by someone. This law has to do with our rights, but Jesus has a higher standard than that for kingdom people.
Jesus has said, "Don't be angry without a cause; don't lust after a woman who is not your wife; don't divorce your wife out of selfishness; don't deceive people with empty oaths". Now He says, "Don't demand your rights." But what are we to do when someone has insulted or mistreated us? Jesus tells us not to resist an evil person. It does not mean that we cannot defend ourselves, but that we give up the right of retaliation, and refuse to take revenge.
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Jesus gives 4 illustrations of what He means:
1. In Israel if someone gave you the back of his hand on the right cheek, it was more than injury. It was meant as an insult. Jesus said that if someone insults you or slaps you in the face, don't retaliate.
2. A person's cloak in Israel was protected by law. It had to be returned every night because it was used as covering. The law didn't protect the undergarment or tunic. People often took tunics for security of a loan or something. Jesus said not to resist this injustice, but to offer the precious cloak as well.
3. Roman soldiers could force a Jewish citizen to carry their burden for a mile. They had no choice. So they would very carefully count out 1000 steps, then put the load down.
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Jesus said that we should be willing not only to put up with this imposition, but to offer to carry it a second mile. That's why today we say "I'm going the second mile" to mean that we are doing more than required.
4. In the Old Testament all debts were canceled in the 7th year. For this reason, some people did not want to lend money because they might not get it all back before the 7th year. Of course, Jesus was referring to people in real need, not just everyone who wants
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The following is a list of discernment resources and where they are available.
BOOKS
(1) Counterfeit Revival by Hank Hanegraaff, 1997
This excellent book on the subject of the Toronto/Brownsville movement is available from Christian Research Institute.
Available here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidASIN/0849911826/deceptiinthechur
(2) The Confusing World of Benny Hinn by G. Richard
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Fisher and M. Kurt Goedelman, 1996
The definitive book exposing Benny Hinn as a false teacher and false prophet.
Available here: Personal Freedom Outreach, PO Box 26062, Saint Louis, Missouri 63136. USA
(3) Christianity In Crisis by Hank Hanegraaff, 1993
A comprehensive book on the Word-Faith movement and Kenneth Copeland.
Available here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1565076966/deceptiinthechur
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ARTICLES
(1) Doctrines Of Demons by Tricia Tillin, 1999
A look at what is about to happen as a result of the Third Wave.
Go here: http://www.banner.org.uk/res/theglory.html
(2) Liberty, Restoration and Jubilee 2000 by Ed Tarkowski, 1999
The truth behind the Jubilee 2000 celebrations with the Roman Catholic Church.
Go here: http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/j2000.html
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(3) Quotes From Third Wave Leaders compiled by Sandy Simpson, 1999
A great resource of unbiblical teachings indexed by name.
Go here: http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/quotes.html
(4) Unbiblical Doctrines, Teachings and Phenomena of the Third Wave Counterfeit Revival Movement compiled by Sandy Simpson, 1997
An apologetics resource that includes the basic doctrines of Christianity compared to the teachings of the Third Wave.
Go here: http://www.
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