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Christian Citizenship  /  Five Laws of the Kingdom Life  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
Bercot says we must not “take away” from Jesus’ teachings (he lists war, swearing, torture, divorce, homosexuality as examples of areas churches excuse)—which modern exemptions feel most “reasonable” to you, and how do you decide whether you’re making a faithful application versus quietly nullifying a command?
Another way to ask: Bercot says we shouldn’t explain away Jesus’ teachings (like on war, swearing, torture, divorce, or homosexuality). Which “exceptions” feel most reasonable to you, and how do you tell the difference between wise application and quietly canceling a command?

Direct Answer Bercot’s main point is that any exemption that declares a Jesus-teaching “not applicable” is functionally taking away from his commandments, which a real government would not allow. The transcript doesn’t rank which modern exemptions are most reasonable, but it urges believers and churches to examine whether they are excusing disobedience rather than submitting to Jesus.

Support from Transcript:

  • He says law #1 “obviously means that we can’t take away from” Jesus’ commandments.
  • He uses a government analogy: you can’t throw out one law and claim you kept others (“armed robbery… I don’t drive over the speed limit”).
  • He says since Constantine, Christians have been told “one or more of Jesus’ teachings are no longer applicable.”
  • He names examples: Sermon on the Mount teachings on “war” and “swearing.”
  • He contrasts eras: Middle Ages said “torture is okay,” though it violates “almost everything that he taught.”
  • He says today many say “divorce is okay” despite Jesus, and liberal churches claim teachings on “homosexuality… no longer applies.”
  • His standard: “That’s not how things work… We are not allowed to take away any of Jesus’ commandments.”
Discussion Follow-ups What reasoning do you use when you want an exception—necessity, cultural change, compassion, safety? How do you tell the difference between wise application and a loophole that cancels Jesus’ intent?

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