I was reading the blurbs on Disciples Today and came across a breif description of ‘the sermon under the mount’. I didn’t read all of it, but what I did read was the same or similar to others like it I had read.

I tend to believe that the evil one is more subtle. Having once been an angel, I’m certain that he is smarter than me. But I thought about some of the lies that I have believed (or still believe!) and thought that if he were to pervert Matt 5 to confuse me, it would sound something like this.

Then he began to teach me by saying:

Blessed are the rich in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Blessed are those who mourn inwardly, for they are a comfort to others.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be vindicated. Blessed are the obedient, for they will be shown grace and mercy.
Blessed are those that live by their heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are those that fight for righteousness, for they will be called the soldiers of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

You are the salt of the earth. But when salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. Do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. Put it instead on a lampstand to give light to all in the house. In the same way, shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds.

Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish but to fulfill. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do this will be called least on earth and in heaven, but whoever does them and teaches others to do so will be called great on earth and in heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

You have heard that it was said to an older generation, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders will be subjected to judgment.’ But I say to you that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subjected to judgment. And whoever insults a brother will be brought before the council, and whoever says ‘Fool’ will be sent to fiery hell.

When you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, place your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled your Father in Heaven and then go reconcile with your brother.

Reach agreement quickly with your accuser while on the way to court, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the warden, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not at all get out until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear both eyes out and throw them away. It is better to be blind than to have your whole body thrown into hell. If your right hand causes you to sin, cut off your entire arm and throw it away. It is better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into hell.

It was said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a legal document.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Again, you have heard that it was said to an older generation, ‘Do not break an oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord. But I say to you, avoid taking oaths at all-not by heaven, because it is the throne of God, not by earth, because it is his footstool, and not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. Do not take an oath by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black. For once an oath is spoken, you are bound to it.

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well and open your arms for an embrace.
And if someone wants to sue you and to take your tunic, also give him your coat and sandals.
And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two and cheerfully offer a third.

Give to anyone who asks you, and do not reject the anyone who wants to borrow from you.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they? And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they?

So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Scary, huh? Less than 2% of the original text was changed from the NET translation. That, for me, is how I get the most messed up. It’s the slight twist of a couple ideas that send me off into deep pits.

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