PERMANENT RECORD

When Durham, NC held their last election in 2005, 17 people ran for mayor, 8 of them had criminal records. This news was reported by the Raleigh News & Observer. Why is this important? Well, the criminal candidates in Durham were by and large scam artists, child molesters and one even had a fictitious name. Isn't that important? Shouldn't a candidate's personal history be an important part of their candidacy?

If a candidate is convicted of assault or DWI, shouldn't that be an important factor in determining whether or not you vote for a particular person or not? Candidates criminal history, past, present, or future transgressions of the law tell us exactly who is really running for office. Candidates talk a lot about family values, but suppose your candidate, the great proponent of family values, has had a domestic violence protective order issued against him? Wouldn't that, shouldn't that be at the very least cause for concern?

Suppose Katherine Moore would have blown a .18, twice the legal limit and have been convicted of DWI, wouldn't that have been nails to her coffin? Wasn't that the whole point of arresting her in the first place? But suppose you have a write in candidate who was convicted of DWI?

Now I'm not saying these people are to be shunned or run out of town, I'm saying when you have a choice, wouldn't it be prudent to investigate those with a questionable background? I'm sure all these people who have various "lapses in judgment" with the law are good people ... to someone. I mean isn't it possible that some people, family, Nurse Anesthetists, Satan, think Thomas Wright is a good guy?

Hey, I've made my share of poor judgment calls, none I'm willing to admit, but then I'm not running for office, maybe if I did run for office I'd come right out up front and admit my sins. Then again maybe I'd be foolish enough to think nobody would notice...or care.

There is something to those who admit their sins, Jesus said admit your sins and you are forgiven. So when I watched Marion Jones tearfully admit her sins today I felt so much sorrow for her because I know Marion. I've worked with her several times. I worked with her on a Nike commercial where she played a DJ calling on fellow athletes to stop committing crimes, she said that they OWED their fans that much. Marion knows children, the naive kids who for some reason or another worship these athletes and with all the crimes of assaults, drunk driving, dope.... no wonder high school athletics is no different than the programs in professional sports.

In an effort to discover who had what skeleton in which closet we have found that several candidates in New Hanover County have criminal records, a few of them have committed serious offenses, serious enough to warrant concern. Most however have nothing to be embarrassed about.

Wilmington's Candidates for Mayor

Bill Saffo - traffic offenses
Justin Lanasa - convicted of injury to real property along with a judge's order not to assault the victim. Lanasa made claim he was out of town during the incident and could not have caused the $20 damage to a property line fence.
Harper Peterson - a traffic violation

Wilmington's Candidates for Council

Jeff Kohl- forgot to check on the pressure of his boat's fire extinguisher

Carolina Beach Write-in Candidate for Mayor

Ray Rothrock a quick look his record revealed a conviction of DWI in 2005

Carolina Beach Candidate for Council

Michael Kopitopoulous - sold beer by mistake to someone who was underage and received a prayer for judgement for his mistake

Kure Beach Candidate

Barry Nelder- drunk driving in 1987, Nelder reported that the incident sobered him up and he has not had a drink in nearly 20 years.

Wrightsville Beach Candidates for Town Board of Aldermen

Chandler Madray- arrested in 1998 for urinating in public and drinking in public, among other misdemeanors

Bill Blair- forgot to count his life vests on his boat and was charged accordingly

But there are two candidates whose personal criminal history stand out as being in need of serious explanation.

Wrightsville Beach candidate for Alderman, Brent Futch has a long history of writing bad checks, these aren't life sustaining needs these checks were written for these are checks for thousands of dollars spanning several years. He has even been on probation because of these convictions. Futch also has charges of Hit and Run, No Insurance, Trespassing, DWI and giving or selling alcohol to an underage person. I was unable to reach Mr. Futch with two separate phone calls to the number listed with the Board of Elections. These calls were made the Friday and Saturday prior to this posting. (UPDATE TO STORY: In an article with the Lumina News Futch denies being convicted of giving or selling alcohol to a minor. My notes show a conviction in 1992. I will recheck my research when I am able to do so.) (UPDATE TO STORY: MORE UPDATES - In an email from Mr. Futch, he claims he has a certified copy of his criminal record showing no convictions for selling or giving alcohol to a minor. )

The prize for the most embarrassing criminal history has to go to Carolina Beach candidate for Mayor, current Mayor Pro-Tem, Alan Gilbert who had been convicted of a 1993 assault on a female but has also been the recipient of a domestic violence restraining order in a dispute that, in the victim's own handwriting, stated that she was prevented from leaving the house and that he ripped the phone off the wall when she attempted to call 911. The 1997 Domestic Violence Civil Order also states that Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Gilbert had committed a similar, previous act of violence against the same woman in an unreported event prior to 1997.

How do you defend against such things in a political climate where previous sins not only come back to haunt you, but are used as weapons against you. So why risk such exposure and potential for embarrassment when you, better than anyone, know what evil lurks behind closed doors? Perhaps it is self righteousness, perhaps the offenders are comfortable knowing that Jesus and all who love them have forgiven them. I mean it's not like they were caught yesterday in a men's bathroom with their pants down around their ankles. But it is on their "permanent record".

I guess let he who is without sin cast the first pitch, batter up!

Comments

[Not a friend of a friend]

Doochebag Mr. Afriendofjackle what you lack in an understanding of domestic violence and male agression shows your narrowminded behind, dirty underware and all.

Anyone with a common regard for women understand that you sir are ignorant bigot.

Anyone who beats and terrorizes a woman and a child should be in prison for life. Child molestors excecuted but a family terrorist should find no corner dark enough to escape the harsh light of exposure.

Curse Gilbert and curse you for belittling 23 years of abuse.

Why do you work for an asshole?

[An Oberver]

If Susan truly wanted to help, she would be doing it privately...not trying to castrate the guy in public. For example, she should have tried to approach him in person, one on one. Instead, she tries to humiliate/destroy him in a public forum; and, that's why it's hard for me to believe her intent is anything but political.

It be interesting to hear what her ex of 23 1/2 years says about her!

[Friend of EVERYONE :)]

Friend of Jack L., for the comment you made that Susan wasn't there for the incident, I think this is the only educated and factual statement you have made in either of your comments. Your right she wasn’t however his then girlfriend, and now wife wrote it all down just as she remembered and even signed her name. For everyone reading these comments, just remember would you want someone to represent your community if the incidents had happened to YOUR wife, mother or daughter???
Please just give this man the two years and has left and that is it.

[JOE B.]

for the above, you are a nut case. alan humiliated himself when he beat two woman. he was not even married to either one. even though he had a child with one of them he still could not control himself with the moher of his child. let's see how the female voters of carolina beach see this. you may like this guy but the truth is what it is. deal with it.

[JOE B.]

For the man "friend of Jack. L., you would not know a friend if one fell on top of you. You are a real coward to use someone's name other than yours. this only tell us you are ashamed of your own name. you are a digrace to your gender. By the way we know who you are, thats why it was so easy to call you a coward.

When you choose to become a public figure you are putting yourself, and your family out in a public forum to be judged. I am not saying it is right, but everyone knows this is realty. On the other hand, why is it that public figures boast "family values", being there for "the little guy", blah, blah, blah, but the minute anything gets personal, and it is not pretty, they are being persecuted. We have to hear about his hobbies, his swell family, his vision for OUR community. To many people have seen this guys true colors and I am sorry he comes across as disingenuious, and talk about castrating people in public, this guy wins the prize. He is so damm arrogant and this news about him is just the iceing on the cake. I don't know Susan but it appears as if she has taken the rehtoric about a serious problem, spousal abuse, personally because of her experience and to discount that is wrong. She shared her personal experience which takes allot of cuts and belief in what you stand for. I think a person who has been abused by someone, might find it difficult to "help" and have sympathy for a convicted abuser.

[Susan Underwood]

Are you kidding me? You bet I was there. I know Alan Gilbert very very well. I know him intimately. Oh yes, he has a different body and a different name, but he is textbook. I not only studied about him in nursing school but I lived with him for 23 ande 1/2 YEARS. How dare you tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. How dare you tell me I'm not being truthful to myself. I have spent many, many hours in counseling and at the Domestic Violence Shelter learing to be "truthful" to myself. Learing to accecpt the relality of my life. Yes, I know Alan Gilbert very, very well. Again, he is textbook. Why, why, why, why. why, why, why, why, why, why are you burying you head in the sand about this issue. Are you an abuser? Do you find this acceptable? Or are you someone whom I spoke with tonight who thinks that this kind of background has nothing to do with politics? I have absolutely NO respect for you. You obviously have no knowdlege of the mentality of an abused woman, or you wouldn't have posted the ignorant message you did.

Susan Underwood

[Susan Underwood]

To the person who said I should have done this "privately," I would gather then that you believe domestic violence should be kept "private." No one should talk about it in the "open." Again, if you think my motive is polital, you are totally ignorant of my motives. Actually, what I have done in this past week has NOT been a popular decision in my house. I have caused some problems. I would say I'm sorry for that, but I'm not. No one---EVER AGAIN---- will speak for me. As a matter of fact, I have been on the phone several times this week with the Director of the Domestic Violence Shelter in Wilmington discussing this issue. She is EXTREMELY concerned about Alan's wife & has asked us all to pass the message on that she should never be afraid to seek help or just simply go there. Don't even try to define my reality. I did what I needed to do to survive and protect my four sons. Was I always right? Probably not. Maybe many times I should have called the police myself. Why didn't I? Fear. Sorry----if you can't deal with that reality.

Susan Underwood

[Susan Underwood]

One last comment tonight----"If Susan wanted to help,she would being doing it privately." WHY??????? This man is running for a P U B L I C O F F I C E. If elected, he would be representing ME, you and everyone else. Are you, therefore, saying, that you agree with his political views and we will just sweep Domestic Violence and Abuse Against A Female under the rug? Oh well, it happened in the past. It's gone now and he's just a wonderful person. I have been told that a local pastor was made aware of all of this yesterday and was actually joyful that someone FINALLY called Alan on the carpet for his actions. By the way, did anyone catch Alan's look at me, that was caught on camera, at the Council meeing. It was----I don't know any other way to describe it---as homicidal. Let me end tonight by saying, no one should EVER try to define my reality again and tell me my motives are political. I could care less who wins what. What I do care about is the caliber of the candidates who are running.

Susan Underwood

From a guy with "fundamental issues" about this political crap......

Visit http://www.geocities.com/muckraker28428/index.html

Tre. Be very carefull how you handle this post. You could find the plug pulled because the radio station owners don't want to fund your behind the scenes political nightmares of blackmail/extortion.

[An observer]

"HOMICIDAL LOOK" statement makes one question whether her emotional dungeon was self created, inflicted.

I hope she seeks professional counseling.

[A friend]

Susan Needs AAA bigtime get her help NOW!!!!!

[Adam Higgins]

Again, the issue is being warped. The last two posts are simply attacking Susan Underwood outright. I understand that sometimes the best defense is a good offense, but this is sad. If these statements had to be said in person would you truly have the guts? Obviously not, since you can't even bring yourself to use your first name.

The issue is Alan and his ability to represent this community. With a background like his he would be blocked from jobs with considerably less responsibility/importance. Hopefully, the voters will do the right thing next month.

[Anonymous]

A message for Susan, the best means for healing is forgiveness. Please forgive your ex husband of 23 1/2 years. Whether or not it's true doesn't matter. True forgiveness will shed your anger. Your anger will ultimately destroy you, not others. It's never too late to try forgiveness.

Venting and lashing out may initially seem to help, but it's only temporarily. To be cured, you must have total, unconditional forgiveness.

[Nick N]

Sorry I forgot the first name(Nicholas) and it was AA and it is important to get her help!!!!!!!!!! it is fact not an attack

FOR THE: "ABOUT FORGIVENESS TO HER HUSBAND OF 23 1/2 years" YOU REALLY ARE A PINHEAD.
FORGIVENESS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ALAN GILBERT's PROBLEM. LET ME BREAK IT DOWN FOR YOU, HE HAS (3) LET ME SAY IT AGAIN (3) COUNTS OF ABUSE OF A FEMALE. ONE IN 93, ONE IN 95 AND ONE IN 97, And has been kicked out of the blackhorn this year for showing the the same kind of behavior. Now you tell me, has he changed? Well has he? You close your eyes and you don't see, You close your ears and you don't hear. you close you mind and you will not learn. Wake up and learn.

[Anonymous' friend]

Do not judge others as you do not want to be judged. Do not look outward to heal. Look within yourself, find passion (not hatred), find forgiveness (not anger).

[Concerned Citizen]

PLEASE THINK ABOUT THIS -
We only know about the times he has been caught. People like him DO NOT CHANGE. I know from personal experience. His wife and children are probably scared to death of him. The only thing this guy should run for is OUT OF TOWN.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS INEXCUSEABLE AT ANY TIME PLACE OR SITUATION.

[Anonymous]

Susan, PLEASE listen to me:

A message for Susan, the best means for healing is forgiveness. Please forgive your ex husband of 23 1/2 years. Whether or not it's true doesn't matter. True forgiveness will shed your anger. Your anger will ultimately destroy you, not others. It's never too late to try forgiveness.

Venting and lashing out may initially seem to help, but it's only temporarily. To be cured, you must have total, unconditional forgiveness.

[An observer]

When Susan makes statements like "HOMICIDAL LOOK", she looses all credibility. I must question her statements about her 23 1/2 years of torture. Was it her own imagination? Was it self inflicted? Did she place herself in this self perceived, emotional dungeon, trapped by her own mind (for 23 1/2 years)?

I wonder how her ex feels about her. Did she torture him in a passive aggressive manner?

Susan needs professional counseling.

[Tre Benson]

"Tre. Be very carefull how you handle this post. You could find the plug pulled because the radio station owners don't want to fund your behind the scenes political nightmares of blackmail/extortion."

Thank you for your above post. Being careful is what we do best. Someone in an earlier post wondered if I contacted anyone prior to our broadcast last Saturday. I contacted Mr. Gilbert.

The "radio station" does not fund the show. It is our show. We own it.

And one more thing. Was the Take Back the Night Night March last night in downtown Wilmington "blackmail and extortion"? Over 500 people who attended last night would disagree. I'm not sure what you meant by your comment.

[Nick N]

tre
good for you
they need to have a march at cb there is a lot of that going on and no one takes it seriously or we would not have taht scumb bag trying to be Mayor look at the tapes from tv3 look at his face talk to town employees ans se what happens in town hall he micro manages everythin and if the dept heads do not do as they are told all hell brakes loose

Gilbert has so many issues and it amazes me how people gloss over this and try to blame it on something else, developers etc. HE is the one that abused and was caught 3 times and think about the times he was not caught!

Just look at Gilbert when he disagrees with you and the anger jumps right out at you. He does not deserve to be mayor as he is very unstable and cannot lead this town in a positive manner. But he can lead us to destruction and he has done a good job of this in two years on council.

Our town deserves better.

[JOE B.]

With all these people trying to make excuses for alan I wonder how many them are one of the same. As far as "homcidle look" its apparent you have not seen him at meetings and in the work place when he disagrees with you. LOOK what he has done is wrong, no excuses can change that, however, we do not have to have this man for mayor if all the women of CB will get out and vote this want happen. Maybe we should have a take back the night march here a CB before the election. I'll march.

[Janet H]

thank god some one got a handle on that drunk Susan now we can get down to business about electing Alan to be our next an best ever Mayor
also Mike and lonni what a great ticket so glad they are running as a team saw that on the back of Lonnies truck

[Alan Gilbert Supporter]

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Alan's got some real geniuses in his corner.

[JOE B.]

As for go Alan go, I agree 100%, 100%, 100%

GO ALAN, GO.

GO ALAN, GO.

GO ALAN, GO STRIGHT ACOSS THE BRIDGE FROM WHERE THE HELL YOU COME FROM.

[joy h.]

janet h. you are a disgrace to yourself and your own gender. until you walk in anothers woman's shoes that has been in that situation you have no right to judge.

[Friend of Janet H.]

To Joy h.

Do not judge others as you do not want to be judged.

[The Preacherman]

Matthew 7:1

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

a. Judge not, that you be not judged: This is the Bible verse that seems to be most popular in our present day. But most the people who quote this verse don't understand what Jesus said. They seem to think Jesus commanded a universal acceptance of any lifestyle or teaching.

i. If we see what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-16, He commands us to know people by the fruit of their life, and some sort of assessment is necessary for that.

ii. The Christian is called to unconditionally love. But the Christian is not called to unconditional approval. We really can love people who do things that should not be approved of.

b. Instead, Jesus is speaking against being judgmental, that is, judging motives and the inner man, which only God can know. We can judge the fruit of a man, but we can rarely judge their motives with accuracy.

c. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged: In addition, Jesus does not prohibit judgment of others. He only requires that our judgment be completely fair, and that we only judge others by a standard we would also like to be judged by.

i. Most of our judgment in regard to others is wrong, not because we judge according to a standard, but because we are hypocritical in the application of that standard - we ignore the standard in our own life. We judge others by one standard, and ourselves by another standard - being far more generous to ourselves than others.

d. With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you: According to the teaching of some rabbis in Jesus' time, God had two measures that He used to judge people. One was a measure of justice and the other was a measure of mercy. Which measure do you want God to use with you? Then you should use that same measure with others.

2. (3-5) An illustration of Jesus' principle regarding judging.

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
a. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? The figures of a speck and a plank are real figures used humorously. Jesus shows how we are generally far more tolerant to our own sin than we are to the sin of others.

b. Look, a plank is in your own eye: Our hypocrisy in these matters is always more evident to others than to ourselves. We may find a way to ignore the plank in our own eye, but others notice it immediately.

i. A good example of this kind of hypocrisy was David's reaction to Nathan's story about a man who unjustly stole and killed another man's lamb. David quickly condemned the man, but was blind to his greater sin (2 Samuel 12).

c. First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye: Jesus doesn't say that it is wrong for us to help our brother with the speck in his eye. It is a good thing to help your brother with his speck, but not before dealing with the plank in your own eye.

3. (6) Balancing love with discernment.

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
a. Do not give what is holy to the dogs: Dogs and swine in this context are those who are hostile to the gospel. Our love for others must not blind us to their hardened rejection of the gospel.

b. Nor cast your pearls before swine: Our pearls of the precious gospel may only confuse unbelievers, who are blinded to the truth by the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4) and may only expose the gospel to their ridicule.

i. Of course, Jesus did not say this to discourage us from sharing the gospel. He says this to call us to discernment, and to encourage us to look for prepared hearts.

B. More instructions for prayer.

1. (7-8) Jesus invites us to keep on asking, seeking and knocking.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
a. Ask . . . seek . . . knock: We see a progressive intensity, going from ask to seek to knock. Jesus tells us to have intensity and passion in prayer.

b. Ask and it will be given to you: God promises an answer to the one who diligently seeks Him. Many of our dispassionate prayers are not answered for good reason, because it is almost as if we ask God to care about something we care little or nothing about.

i. God values persistence and passion in prayer because they show that we share His heart. It shows that we care about the things He cares about.

2. (9-11) Jesus illustrates the giving nature of God.

"Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
a. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Jesus makes it clear that God doesn't have to be persuaded or appeased in prayer. He wants to give us not just bread, but even more than what we ask for.

i. Thankfully, the times we ask for something as bad as a serpent without knowing, like a loving parent God often mercifully spares us the just penalty of our ignorance.

b. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven: It is blasphemous to deny God's answer to the seeking heart. We imply that God is worse than even an evil man is.

C. Conclusion of the sermon: make a choice.

1. (12) A summation of Jesus' ethical teaching regarding our treatment of others: the golden rule.

"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
a. Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them: The negative way of stating this command was known long before Jesus. It had long been said, "you should not do to your neighbor what you would not want him to do to you." But it is a large leap for Jesus to put it in the positive, to say that we should do unto others what we want them to do unto us.

i. In so doing, Jesus makes the command much broader. It is the difference between not breaking traffic laws and doing something positive like helping a stranded motorist.

ii. This especially applies to Christian fellowship. If we would experience love and have people reach out to us, we must love and reach out to others.

b. For this is the Law and the Prophets: Jesus shows that this simple principle - the golden rule - summarizes all the Law and the Prophets say about how we should treat others. If we would simply treat others the way we would want to be treated, we would naturally obey all the law says about our relationships with others.

2. (13-14) Choosing one of two ways and one of two destinations.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
a. Enter by the narrow gate: Jesus here commits the awful modern "sin" of "narrow mindedness." To Jesus, there is no doubt that there is a right road and a wrong road. If Christians are accused of being "narrow minded" they should be following Jesus' example of telling the hard truth, but telling it in love.

b. Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life: The true gate is both narrow and difficult. If your road has a gate that is easy and well traveled, you do well to watch out.

3. (15-20) False prophets will comes disguised; how can we tell them?

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them."
a. Beware of false prophets: There are many who would try to guide us along the broad path that leads to destruction; how can we guard ourselves against them?

b. Who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves: It is in the nature of these false prophets to deceive and deny their true character. Often they deceive even themselves, believing themselves to be sheep when in fact they are ravenous wolves.

c. You will know them by their fruits: We guard ourselves against false prophets by taking heed to their fruits. This means paying attention to many aspects of their life and ministry.

i. We should pay attention to the manner of living a teacher shows. Do they show righteousness, humility and faithfulness in the way they live?

ii. We should pay attention to the content of their teaching. Is it true fruit from God's Word, or is it man-centered, appealing to ears that want to be tickled?

iii. We should pay attention to the effect of their teaching. Are people growing in Jesus or merely being entertained, and eventually falling away?

d. Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit: This fruit is the inevitable result of who we are. Eventually - though it may take a time for the harvest to come - the good or bad fruit is evident, revealing what sort of "tree" we are.

4. (21-23) Jesus challenges every disciple to take heed to his own salvation.

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"
a. Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven: The people who Jesus speaks of here make a proper verbal confession, calling Jesus Lord. This is vital, but never enough by itself.

b. Who says to Me . . . will say to Me in that day: It is staggering that Jesus freely claims He will be the one people must stand before on that final day of judgment, and He is the one who is rightly called Lord.

c. The people Jesus speaks of here have impressive spiritual accomplishments. They have prophesied, cast out demons, and have done many wonders. These are wonderful things, but they mean nothing without true fellowship.

i. Jesus does not seem to doubt their claims of doing the miraculous. He doesn't say, "You didn't really prophesy or cast out demons or do miracles." This leads us to understand that sometimes miracles are granted through pretended believers, reminding us that in the final analysis, miracles prove nothing.

ii. Significantly, they even did these things in the name of Jesus. Yet, they never really had a relationship of love and fellowship with Jesus.

d. I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! In the end, there is one basis of salvation. It isn't mere verbal confession, not "spiritual works," but knowing Jesus and being known by Him.

i. In addition, these are not people who lost their salvation. Instead, they never truly had it (I never knew you).

5. (24-27) An outward conformity to Jesus' teaching here is not enough; Jesus demands that we be doers of the word, not merely hearers.

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
a. I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: In Jesus' illustration of the two houses, each house looked the same from the outside. The real foundation of our life is usually hidden, and is only proven in the storm.

b. And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on the house: A storm (rain, floods, wind) was the ultimate in power to generations that didn't have nuclear weapons. Jesus warns us that the foundations of our lives will be shaken at some time or another, both now (in trials) and in the ultimate judgment before God.

i. It is better that we test our foundation now than at our judgment before God.

c. Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them: Merely hearing God's word isn't enough to provide a secure foundation. It is necessary that we are also doers of His word. If we are not, we commit the sin that will surely find us out, the sin of doing nothing (Numbers 32:23) - and great will be our fall.

6. (28-29) The effect of Jesus' sermon on those who heard Him.

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
a. For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes: His audience could not but notice that Jesus taught with an authority lacking in the other teachers in His day, who would often only quote other Rabbis for their "authority." Jesus spoke with inherent authority, and the authority of God's revealed word.

b. The people were astonished at His teachings: Whenever God's word is presented as it truly is, with its inherent power, it will astonish people, and set itself apart from the mere opinions of man.

i. When we really understand Jesus in this Sermon on the Mount, we should be astonished also. If we aren't, then we probably haven't really heard or understood what Jesus has said.

Rebuke:

Mr 8:32 -
And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.

Lu 17:3 -
"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

Lu 19:39 -
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."

1Ti 5:1 -
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,

1Ti 5:20 -
Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

2Ti 4:2 -
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

[Alan Gilbert Supporter]

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

Go Alan, go.

This is all a little ridiculous. Point blank...you have a record of domestic violence and assault, you should not be allowed to represent a town. It looks bad for the town and he is no type of role model for children. All other things aside...how is CB supposed to have a strong government system, when the leader is so frowned upon??

[Friend of Joy B.]

For the friend of Janet H. Are you for real or are you just a joke?

[susan underwood]

Let me say to "the friend of jack L' I don't have a political adjenda. I know that seems hard to believe, but I truly don't. At the moment, as a matter of fact, my biggest polital adjenda would be to see John Edwards win the nomination. I don't believe that will happen. In the meantime, and in local politics, if there is ANYONE out there who can prove to me that the documents I have regarding Alan Gilbert are false or have been falsified in anyway, I will be the first to apologize----and do it publically. I'm a big girl and if I dish it out, I have to be able to "take it." If you were to prove to me that these documents have been falsified, that's one thing. However, if you are trying to tell me----well, you were'nt there, you don't know the circumstances, then I would tell you you're dead wrong. Yes, I was there. Differenmt body, different name, different face-----same personality. Studied about him in Psych 101 in nursing school and lived with him for over 23 years. If anyone needs more info, or thinks I'm talking out of my "you know what," I would suggest you call the Domesttic Violence Shelter in Wilmington to learn more about the abusivive personality. Volumnes have been written about this very person. In a final note, I don't believe Alan did verY well in the candidate's forum the other night. He seemed nervous and distracted. There were a group of older women in front of me who commented, during a break, that he really wasn't answering anything, only "name dropping" or telling people that he had "state legislators" numbers on his cell phone. Well, I guess that's good. Wonder if his family does

Susan Underwood

[SUSAN UNDERWOOD]

You know, I've been reading back throgh the messages. How totally misinformed you all are. Yes, I know quite well it is not always at it appears. Such is the case in Joel Macon's first marriage. Again, let me say, that if there is anyone out there that can PROOVE to me that the documents I have about Alan Gilbert are false or have been falsified, please, please let me know.

Susan Underwoode

[Question for Susan?]

Susan, was your husband, of 23 1/2 years, convicted of a crime against you?

[Joy B.]

For "question for Susan" Don't show your ASS to us all. Oh yes we don't know you are because you didn't sign your name.

"Coward"

[A Fair Observer]

Susan, was your husband, of 23 1/2 years, convicted of a crime against you?

(Susan claims it is an identical situation so I think it is a reasonable question to ask).

[Preacherman]

Prevalence of Domestic Violence

Estimates range from 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend per year1 to three million women who are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend per year.2
Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime.3
Nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives, according to a 1998 Commonwealth Fund survey.4
Nearly 25 percent of American women report being raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, or date at some time in their lifetime, according to the National Violence Against Women Survey, conducted from November 1995 to May 1996.5
Thirty percent of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year.6
In the year 2001, more than half a million American women (588,490 women) were victims of nonfatal violence committed by an intimate partner.7
Intimate partner violence is primarily a crime against women. In 2001, women accounted for 85 percent of the victims of intimate partner violence (588,490 total) and men accounted for approximately 15 percent of the victims (103,220 total).8
While women are less likely than men to be victims of violent crimes overall, women are five to eight times more likely than men to be victimized by an intimate partner.9
In 2001, intimate partner violence made up 20 percent of violent crime against women. The same year, intimate partners committed three percent of all violent crime against men.10
As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during their pregnancy.11
Women of all races are about equally vulnerable to violence by an intimate.12
Male violence against women does much more damage than female violence against men; women are much more likely to be injured than men.13
The most rapid growth in domestic relations caseloads is occurring in domestic violence filings. Between 1993 and 1995, 18 of 32 states with three year filing figures reported an increase of 20 percent or more.14
Women are seven to 14 times more likely than men to report suffering severe physical assaults from an intimate partner.15

1U.S. Department of Justice, Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends, March 1998
2The Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman’s Lifespan: 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, May 1999
3Heise, L., Ellsberg, M. and Gottemoeller, M. Ending Violence Against Women. Population Reports, Series L, No. 11., December 1999
4The Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Woman’s Lifespan: 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, May 1999
5The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The National Institute of Justice, Extent, Nature, and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence, July 2000.
6Lieberman Research Inc., Tracking Survey conducted for The Advertising Council and the Family Violence Prevention Fund, July – October 1996
7Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief, Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001, February 2003
8Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief, Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001, February 2003
9U.S. Department of Justice, Violence by Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends, March 1998
10Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief, Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001, February 2003
11Gazmararian JA, Petersen R, Spitz AM, Goodwin MM, Saltzman LE, Marks JS. “Violence and reproductive health; current knowledge and future research directions.” Maternal and Child Health Journal 2000;4(2):79-84.
12Bureau of Justice Statistics, Violence Against Women: Estimates from the Redesigned Survey, August 1995
13Murray A. Straus and Richard J. Gelles, Physical Violence in American Families, 1990
14Examining the Work of State Courts, 1995: A National Perspective from the Court Statistics Project. National Center for the State Courts, 1996
15National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey, November 1998

Recognizing abuse: Know the signs
It may not be easy to identify abuse, especially at first. While some relationships are clearly abusive from the outset, abuse often starts subtly and gets worse over time. For example, abuse may begin with occasional hurtful comments, jealousy or controlling behavior. As it gets worse, the abuse may become more frequent, severe or violent. As the cycle of abuse worsens, your safety or the safety of your children may be in danger.

You may be a victim of abuse if you're in a relationship with someone who:

Controls finances, so you have to ask for money
Looks at you or acts in ways that scare you
Acts jealous or possessive, or accuses you of being unfaithful
Tries to control how you spend your time, who you see or talk to, where you go or what you wear
Wants you to get permission to make everyday decisions
Gets angry when drinking alcohol or using drugs
Scares you by driving recklessly
Threatens to kill him or herself
You are very likely in an abusive relationship if you have a relationship with someone who does even one of the following:

Hits, kicks, shoves, slaps, or chokes you or threatens you with violence or a weapon
Forces you to have sexual intercourse or engage in sexual acts against your will
Calls you names, insults you or puts you down
Prevents you from going to work or school
Stops you from seeing family members and friends
Hurts, or threatens to hurt you, your children or pets
Destroys your property
Controls your access to medicines
Blames you for his or her violent behavior or tells you that you deserve it
Says that his or her abusive behavior is no big deal or even denies doing it
Tries to force you to drop charges
Tries to prevent you from calling the police or seeking medical care
Pregnancy, children and abuse
Pregnancy is a particularly perilous time for an abused woman. Not only is your health at risk, but also the health of your unborn child. Abuse can begin or may increase during pregnancy.

Abusive relationships can also be particularly damaging to children, even if they're just witnesses. But for women in an abusive relationship, chances are much higher that their children also will be direct victims of abuse. Over half of men who abuse their female partners also abuse their children.

You may worry that seeking help may further endanger you or your children, or that it may break up your family. But in the long run, seeking help when you safely can is the best way to protect your children — and yourself.

An abusive relationship: It's about power and control
Though there are no typical victims of domestic violence, abusive relationships do share similar characteristics. In all cases, the abuser aims to exert power and control over his partner.

Although a lot of people think domestic violence is about anger, it really isn't. Batterers do tend to take their anger out on their intimate partner. But it's not really about anger. It's about trying to instill fear and wanting to have power and control in the relationship. In an abusive relationship, the abuser may use varying tactics to gain power and control, including:

Emotional abuse. Uses put-downs, insults, criticism or name-calling to make you feel bad about yourself.
Denial and blame. Denies that the abuse occurs and shifts responsibility for the abusive behavior onto you. This may leave you confused and unsure of yourself.
Intimidation. Uses certain looks, actions or gestures to instill fear. The abuser may break things, destroy property, abuse pets or display weapons.
Coercion and threats. Threatens to hurt other family members, pets, children or self.
Power. Makes all major decisions, defines the roles in your relationship, is in charge of the home and social life, and treats you like a servant or possession.
Isolation. Limits your contact with family and friends, requires you to get permission to leave the house, doesn't allow you to work or attend school, and controls your activities and social events. The abuser may ask where you've been, track your time and whereabouts, or check the odometer on your car.
Children as pawns. Accuses you of bad parenting, threatens to take the children away, uses the children to relay messages, or threatens to report you to children's protective services.
Economic abuse. Controls finances, refuses to share money, makes you account for money spent and doesn't want you to work outside the home. The abuser may also try to sabotage your work performance by forcing you to miss work or by calling you frequently at work.
Breaking the cycle: Difficult, but possible with help
Domestic violence is part of a continuing cycle that's difficult to break. If you're in an abusive situation, you may recognize this pattern:

Your abuser strikes using words or actions.
Your abuser may beg for forgiveness, offer gifts or promise to change.
Your abuser becomes tense, angry or depressed.
Your abuser repeats the abusive behavior.
Typically each time the abuse occurs, it worsens, and the cycle shortens. As it gets worse, you may have a hard time doing anything about the abuse or even acknowledging it. Over time, an abusive relationship can break you down and unravel your sense of reality and self-esteem. You may begin to doubt your ability to take care of yourself. You may start to feel like the abuse is your fault, or you may even feel you deserve it.

This can be paralyzing, and you may feel helpless or as though your only option is to stay in the abusive situation. It's important to recognize that you may not be in a position to resolve the situation on your own.

But you can do something — and the sooner you take action the better. You may need outside help, and that's OK. Without help, the abuse will likely continue. Leaving the abusive relationship may be the only way to break the cycle.

A number of government and private agencies provide resources and support to women who are abused and their children. These resources include 24-hour telephone hot lines, shelters, counseling and legal services. Many of these services are free and can provide immediate assistance.

Create a safety plan
Leaving an abuser can be dangerous. You're the only one who knows the safest time to leave. You may know you are in an abusive relationship and realize you need to leave as soon as you safely can. Or, you may be concerned about your partner's behavior and think you may need to get out at some point in the future. Either way, being prepared can help you leave quickly if you need to. Consider taking these precautions:

Arrange a safety signal with a neighbor as an alert to call the police if necessary.
Prepare an emergency bag that includes items you'll need when you leave, such as extra clothes, important papers, money, extra keys and prescription medications.
Know exactly where you'll go and how you'll get there, even if you have to leave in the middle of the night.
Call a local women's shelter or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 to find out about legal options and resources available to you, before you need them.
If you have school-age children, notify the school authorities or school counselor about custody arrangements and warn them about possible threats.
Keep your communication private
It isn't uncommon for an abuser to monitor mail, telephone and Internet communication. Take precautions to help maintain your privacy and safety by following these steps.

Telephone conversations

Avoid making long-distance phone calls from home. Your abuser could trace the calls to find out where you're going.
Be cautious when using a cell phone. Your abuser may be able to intercept conversations using a scanner. Switch to a corded phone if you're relaying sensitive information.
Be aware of controlling use of your cell phone. Your abuser may use frequent cell phone conversations or text messages as a way to monitor and control your activities. An abuser may also check your cell phone to see who has called, or attempt to check your messages.
Computer use
If you think your abuser is monitoring your computer use, the safest bet is to access a computer at a friend's house or at the library. If you do use a shared home computer, there are several steps you can take to help maintain your privacy:

Use a Web-based program for e-mail. Programs such as Outlook Express, Netscape Mail and Eudora store sent and received e-mails on your computer. A Web-based e-mail service is safer. Most of these services — such Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo mail — offer free e-mail accounts.
Store files on the Internet. You can store files online and access them from any computer. A few companies that offer this service are IBackup and HyperOffice. You can also store documents as attachments in e-mail programs.
Change your password often. Choose passwords that would be impossible to guess. The safest passwords contain at least six characters, both numbers and letters. Avoid easily guessed numbers and sequences.
Clear your Web-browser history. Browsers such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator keep a record of the Web pages and documents you have accessed. They also store graphics of images you look at. You can also use a program such as AbsoluteShield Internet Eraser or Speed Tracks Eraser to clear your Internet records.
Clear your document history. Applications such as Word or Excel keep a record of edited documents. Don't store or edit any documents you don't want your abuser to see on a shared computer.
Where to find help
No one deserves to be abused. If you think you may be in an abusive situation, seek help or advice as soon as you safely can. There are many resources available to help you. The first step to getting out of an abusive situation may be as easy as making one phone call. In an emergency situation, call 911, your local emergency number or your local law enforcement agency. If you aren't in immediate danger, the following resources can help:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE, or (800) 799-7233. Provides crisis intervention and referrals to in-state or out-of-state resources, such as women's shelters or crisis centers.
Your doctor or hospital emergency room. Treats any injuries and refers you to safe housing and other local resources.
Local women's shelter or crisis center. Typically provides 24-hour, emergency shelter for you and your children, advice on legal matters, advocacy and support services, and evaluation and monitoring of abusers. Some shelters have staff members who speak multiple languages.
Counseling or mental health center. Most communities have agencies that provide individual counseling and support groups to women in abusive relationships. Be wary of advice to seek couples or marriage counseling. This isn't appropriate for resolving problems of violence in intimate relationships.
Local court. Your district court can help you obtain a court order, which legally mandates the abuser stay away from you or face arrest. These are typically called orders for protection or restraining orders. Advocates are available in many communities to help you complete the paperwork and guide you through the court process.
Books and online resources. Learning more about how to cope with your situation and communicating with others who understand what you're going through can help you make strong choices.

[joy h.]

THANK'S PREACHERMAN!

I hope that all women (and men) will keep Gilbert's record in mind when they step in the voting booth. He has no place leading this town.

[louise]

You need to get out the news to all women and men in our town. There are alot of people that do not know about this and there are some that think this is a rumor or is aledged. Alan commented this crime three different times to 2 different woman, one of which was to be his wife at a later date. Its time that Alan and his wife stop living a lie and for both to get the help they need. At least do it for the kid's sake if not for yourself.

I opened my Gazette today and the flier from Alan fell out. I almost threw up when I read:

"Meet the future of CB leadership
Focus on heritage and CHARACTER
Bring back integrity to CB politics"

This guy is so full of himself. I read the wimpy letter he put in the paper today trying to deflect his guilty plea and doing like he always does.....blaming others!!!

Get over it Alan, you were found guilty 3 times and who knows how many more times you have abused. Get out of town and get some help. I don't want you as mayor or anything else. You have just stopped everything with your lack of leadership and resign and let someone else serve.

Gilbert blames everyone else all of time.
Where is his leadership?? I agree with the previous poster. Get out of town and leave us alone. We don't need your kind of no leadership and whining!!

[Just the Facts Mac]

The Gilbert letter in the Island Gazette is as follows:

They wrote: "Dear Friends, There is an attempt by the opposition supporters to take a very low road in this election to discredit me and my family with an incident that happened very early in our many years as a family."
"Jenny and I have been together over thirteen years and are raising three wonderfully loving children.  The incident was an argument involving a young couple on a very low single income while experiencing all the pressures of being two very new parents. It was a challenging moment in our lives that we chose to work through, which has helped us become a stronger family. My family and I want to thank our supporters for your kind devotion and as Mayor I will continue to help make our community be an even more wonderful place to raise a family. Respectively, Alan and Jenny Gilbert"

There was, of course, no mention of the first woman that he was convicted of assaulting.

[jackie]

For those of CB wake up and smell what Alan is shoveling. this guy is dangerous to CB and all of its citizens. Where are the calls for his removal from all his posts much less being mayor.

[Billy Walters]

hey I just read this wife beater's comments in the paper and if I get this right he is saying the reason he beat her was because he was broke. Well if that's the case why didn't he jjust say so, I mean the only better excuse he could have come up with was that OJ did it.

I've been a poor struggling beer drinking father of 4 and have never lost my shit and hit either of my two exwives. I may be worthless but Ive never laid a hand on a woman in anger.

VOTE BILLY FOR MAYOR!

[Preacherman's friend]

Matthew 7:1

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

a. Judge not, that you be not judged: This is the Bible verse that seems to be most popular in our present day. But most the people who quote this verse don't understand what Jesus said. They seem to think Jesus commanded a universal acceptance of any lifestyle or teaching.

i. If we see what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-16, He commands us to know people by the fruit of their life, and some sort of assessment is necessary for that.

ii. The Christian is called to unconditionally love. But the Christian is not called to unconditional approval. We really can love people who do things that should not be approved of.

b. Instead, Jesus is speaking against being judgmental, that is, judging motives and the inner man, which only God can know. We can judge the fruit of a man, but we can rarely judge their motives with accuracy.

c. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged: In addition, Jesus does not prohibit judgment of others. He only requires that our judgment be completely fair, and that we only judge others by a standard we would also like to be judged by.

i. Most of our judgment in regard to others is wrong, not because we judge according to a standard, but because we are hypocritical in the application of that standard - we ignore the standard in our own life. We judge others by one standard, and ourselves by another standard - being far more generous to ourselves than others.

d. With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you: According to the teaching of some rabbis in Jesus' time, God had two measures that He used to judge people. One was a measure of justice and the other was a measure of mercy. Which measure do you want God to use with you? Then you should use that same measure with others.

2. (3-5) An illustration of Jesus' principle regarding judging.

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
a. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? The figures of a speck and a plank are real figures used humorously. Jesus shows how we are generally far more tolerant to our own sin than we are to the sin of others.

b. Look, a plank is in your own eye: Our hypocrisy in these matters is always more evident to others than to ourselves. We may find a way to ignore the plank in our own eye, but others notice it immediately.

i. A good example of this kind of hypocrisy was David's reaction to Nathan's story about a man who unjustly stole and killed another man's lamb. David quickly condemned the man, but was blind to his greater sin (2 Samuel 12).

c. First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye: Jesus doesn't say that it is wrong for us to help our brother with the speck in his eye. It is a good thing to help your brother with his speck, but not before dealing with the plank in your own eye.

3. (6) Balancing love with discernment.

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
a. Do not give what is holy to the dogs: Dogs and swine in this context are those who are hostile to the gospel. Our love for others must not blind us to their hardened rejection of the gospel.

b. Nor cast your pearls before swine: Our pearls of the precious gospel may only confuse unbelievers, who are blinded to the truth by the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4) and may only expose the gospel to their ridicule.

i. Of course, Jesus did not say this to discourage us from sharing the gospel. He says this to call us to discernment, and to encourage us to look for prepared hearts.

B. More instructions for prayer.

1. (7-8) Jesus invites us to keep on asking, seeking and knocking.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
a. Ask . . . seek . . . knock: We see a progressive intensity, going from ask to seek to knock. Jesus tells us to have intensity and passion in prayer.

b. Ask and it will be given to you: God promises an answer to the one who diligently seeks Him. Many of our dispassionate prayers are not answered for good reason, because it is almost as if we ask God to care about something we care little or nothing about.

i. God values persistence and passion in prayer because they show that we share His heart. It shows that we care about the things He cares about.

2. (9-11) Jesus illustrates the giving nature of God.

"Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
a. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Jesus makes it clear that God doesn't have to be persuaded or appeased in prayer. He wants to give us not just bread, but even more than what we ask for.

i. Thankfully, the times we ask for something as bad as a serpent without knowing, like a loving parent God often mercifully spares us the just penalty of our ignorance.

b. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven: It is blasphemous to deny God's answer to the seeking heart. We imply that God is worse than even an evil man is.

C. Conclusion of the sermon: make a choice.

1. (12) A summation of Jesus' ethical teaching regarding our treatment of others: the golden rule.

"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
a. Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them: The negative way of stating this command was known long before Jesus. It had long been said, "you should not do to your neighbor what you would not want him to do to you." But it is a large leap for Jesus to put it in the positive, to say that we should do unto others what we want them to do unto us.

i. In so doing, Jesus makes the command much broader. It is the difference between not breaking traffic laws and doing something positive like helping a stranded motorist.

ii. This especially applies to Christian fellowship. If we would experience love and have people reach out to us, we must love and reach out to others.

b. For this is the Law and the Prophets: Jesus shows that this simple principle - the golden rule - summarizes all the Law and the Prophets say about how we should treat others. If we would simply treat others the way we would want to be treated, we would naturally obey all the law says about our relationships with others.

2. (13-14) Choosing one of two ways and one of two destinations.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
a. Enter by the narrow gate: Jesus here commits the awful modern "sin" of "narrow mindedness." To Jesus, there is no doubt that there is a right road and a wrong road. If Christians are accused of being "narrow minded" they should be following Jesus' example of telling the hard truth, but telling it in love.

b. Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life: The true gate is both narrow and difficult. If your road has a gate that is easy and well traveled, you do well to watch out.

3. (15-20) False prophets will comes disguised; how can we tell them?

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them."
a. Beware of false prophets: There are many who would try to guide us along the broad path that leads to destruction; how can we guard ourselves against them?

b. Who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves: It is in the nature of these false prophets to deceive and deny their true character. Often they deceive even themselves, believing themselves to be sheep when in fact they are ravenous wolves.

c. You will know them by their fruits: We guard ourselves against false prophets by taking heed to their fruits. This means paying attention to many aspects of their life and ministry.

i. We should pay attention to the manner of living a teacher shows. Do they show righteousness, humility and faithfulness in the way they live?

ii. We should pay attention to the content of their teaching. Is it true fruit from God's Word, or is it man-centered, appealing to ears that want to be tickled?

iii. We should pay attention to the effect of their teaching. Are people growing in Jesus or merely being entertained, and eventually falling away?

d. Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit: This fruit is the inevitable result of who we are. Eventually - though it may take a time for the harvest to come - the good or bad fruit is evident, revealing what sort of "tree" we are.

4. (21-23) Jesus challenges every disciple to take heed to his own salvation.

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"
a. Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven: The people who Jesus speaks of here make a proper verbal confession, calling Jesus Lord. This is vital, but never enough by itself.

b. Who says to Me . . . will say to Me in that day: It is staggering that Jesus freely claims He will be the one people must stand before on that final day of judgment, and He is the one who is rightly called Lord.

c. The people Jesus speaks of here have impressive spiritual accomplishments. They have prophesied, cast out demons, and have done many wonders. These are wonderful things, but they mean nothing without true fellowship.

i. Jesus does not seem to doubt their claims of doing the miraculous. He doesn't say, "You didn't really prophesy or cast out demons or do miracles." This leads us to understand that sometimes miracles are granted through pretended believers, reminding us that in the final analysis, miracles prove nothing.

ii. Significantly, they even did these things in the name of Jesus. Yet, they never really had a relationship of love and fellowship with Jesus.

d. I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! In the end, there is one basis of salvation. It isn't mere verbal confession, not "spiritual works," but knowing Jesus and being known by Him.

i. In addition, these are not people who lost their salvation. Instead, they never truly had it (I never knew you).

5. (24-27) An outward conformity to Jesus' teaching here is not enough; Jesus demands that we be doers of the word, not merely hearers.

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
a. I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: In Jesus' illustration of the two houses, each house looked the same from the outside. The real foundation of our life is usually hidden, and is only proven in the storm.

b. And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on the house: A storm (rain, floods, wind) was the ultimate in power to generations that didn't have nuclear weapons. Jesus warns us that the foundations of our lives will be shaken at some time or another, both now (in trials) and in the ultimate judgment before God.

i. It is better that we test our foundation now than at our judgment before God.

c. Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them: Merely hearing God's word isn't enough to provide a secure foundation. It is necessary that we are also doers of His word. If we are not, we commit the sin that will surely find us out, the sin of doing nothing (Numbers 32:23) - and great will be our fall.

6. (28-29) The effect of Jesus' sermon on those who heard Him.

And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
a. For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes: His audience could not but notice that Jesus taught with an authority lacking in the other teachers in His day, who would often only quote other Rabbis for their "authority." Jesus spoke with inherent authority, and the authority of God's revealed word.

b. The people were astonished at His teachings: Whenever God's word is presented as it truly is, with its inherent power, it will astonish people, and set itself apart from the mere opinions of man.

i. When we really understand Jesus in this Sermon on the Mount, we should be astonished also. If we aren't, then we probably haven't really heard or understood what Jesus has said.

Rebuke:

Mr 8:32 -
And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.

Lu 17:3 -
"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

Lu 19:39 -
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."

1Ti 5:1 -
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,

1Ti 5:20 -
Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

2Ti 4:2 -
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

[Tre Benson]

Some of you are retarded. So because your retardation has tilted the sensibility in me I am afraid I will have to start deleting posts.

No repetitive comments. A couple are fine but don't piss me off by scrolling a zillion off with your cut and pasting.

And "Vary" the word is spelled VERY. I'm deleting your crap just because you can't spell.

Play nice people or I will be forced to fine you $100 for wasting my time and making me censor your posts.