#5 “ … Blessed are The Merciful…”

By Robert. B & Nicola. J. Dalton. © Menorah Publications. Australia. 2012. \

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* Points of distinction and emphasis, are used by our authorship solely to bring light to our dialogue. * Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptural references appearing are quotations from the Authorised Version of the King James Bible ... computer software, God’s Word for Windows V1.2 by Kevin Rintoul. Victoria, British Columbia. Canada. First Edition (July, 2008) revised December, 2012. Copyright © 2010. Australia & New Zealand by Robert. B & Nicola. J. Dalton. Apart from the purpose of private study or review for archive retrieval, no part may be reproduced without the expressed and written permission of the authors (and/ or) their agents for “Menorah Publications.” http://menorahpublicationsweeblycom.weebly.com/

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(#5.) Matthew 5 Verse 7 “Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Extending “Mercy,” means that judgement, is withheld. Many a wounded soldier on the battlefield can testify to that: even our enemies can show “Mercy” in the heat of battle. “Mercy,” takes no thought of popular opinion, “Mercy,” pours in both “the oil and the wine:” Where is your “Love?” Where is your “Mercy?” Where is your “Compassion???” All, are meant to flow together like a healing ointment! Ephesians 2 Verses 4-5 “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His Great Love wherewith He Loved us,” (5) “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by Grace ye are saved;)”

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Only The Sinless Son of God is in a position to judge. All else have, “ … sinned and fallen short of The Glory of God.” (And that my friend includes YOU!!!) You can have no real perception of Holiness, which is God’s Nature. And by God, for Him it is to be natural. He is Holy, and no sin can stand in His Presence. You can come no where near The Holiness of His Nature unless you are firstly, “Growing in His Love,” secondly, “Excelling in His Mercy,” and, “Majoring in His Compassion.” Many of us, have quite a long way to go! The sin of passing judgement on others, obscures our vision and hinders our ability from discerning sin in ourselves: Romans 5 Verse 8 “But God commendeth His Love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

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Unless you are first committed to die for others, then you are not in a position to pass judgement on them!!! “But God, who is rich in mercy,…” The riches of God, are extended to us, by The Hand of “Mercy.” Without “Mercy,” our walk, cannot be described as Christianity, all in Christendom revolves around the fact, that God, is rich in “Mercy!” There are many in The Church, who are deluded into thinking, that because they have been

“Blessed with the increase of goods!” They must be on the right track, God is Blessing them, they prosper, and the proof, is in the pudding. I want to tell you, that these dear hearts, are in the company of the poor, the wretched and the naked:

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Luke 12 Verse 15 “And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” 1 Corinthians 10 Verse12 “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Jesus told the rich young ruler, to go, sell all that he had, and give the money to the poor … the follow Him: But, he could not and went away broken hearted and sad. Luke 18 Verses 22-24 “Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come, follow me.” (23) “And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.” (24) “And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into The Kingdom of God!” Jesus literally told him, you are here with Me, lets walk together with The Father, you have no need of the trinkets; but the rich young ruler wanted his riches instead. “Poor, wretched, naked and exposed!”

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Ephesians 2 Verse 4 “But God, who is rich in Mercy, for His Great Love wherewith He Loved us,” Ephesians 5 Verses 1-2 “Be ye therefore followers (imitators) of God, as dear children;” (2) “And walk in Love, as Christ also hath Loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” God’s dear children, show forth the attributes of their Heavenly Father and in so doing, His Riches in the character trait called, “Mercy:” To show “Mercy,” proves that you have The Nature of our Heavenly Father who’s Nature and Character is the richness of “Mercy.” Here, the proof is in the pudding, if you cannot show “Mercy,” then, you are NO child of God!!! Matthew 13 Verse 12 “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.” My dear wife Nicola says it this way, “Mercy, is like Love, it’s risky!” (N.J.D.)

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1As we sow the seeds of “Mercy,” into the lives of those around us, we will also reap “Mercy.” You cannot give, what you have not received, but one thing stands sure, we have all received God’s Mercy. Romans 5 Verses 8-11 “But God commendeth His Love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (9) “Much more then, being now Justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (10) “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His Life.” (11) “And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received The Atonement.” “Blessed are The Merciful, through which The Grace of God flows unhindered!” “Mercy,” bridges the gap of separation and allows “Forgiveness,” to function.

1 Francis, Rodney. W “Blessed are …” Gospel Faith Messenger Ministries. Harbour Light Ministries. (Edit 2002.) 6 Dean well Avenue, Hamilton New Zealand. 2001.

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“Mercy,” takes heart, it takes pity and provides access for “Grace,” to pardon: This is called, “Justification,” it restores such a one in the spirit of “Meekness!” “Grace” that functions in “Mercy,” does not mean gullibility! 1 Corinthians 14 Verse 40 “Let all things be done decently

and in order.” Whenever “Mercy,” is extended, it is on the basis of both “Truth and Love,” “Truth,” without “Mercy,” is brutal, it is the heart of a critical and judgemental spirit. The very same cry from the dead heart of a religious legalistic Pharisee. Yes, The Letter of The Law kills, it’s cry, is … Luke 23 Verse 21(b) “ …Crucify [Him], crucify Him.”

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The counterfeit of “Mercy,” always makes for public display that bolsters and inflates the ego! Matthew 27 Verses 12-26 “And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.” (13) “Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?” (14) “And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” (15) “Now at [that] feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.” (16) “And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.” (17) “Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” (18) “For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him.” (19) “When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.” (20) “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” (21) “The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.” (22) “Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? [They] all say unto him, Let Him be crucified.”

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(23) “And the governor said, Why, what evil hath He done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let Him be crucified.” (24) “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of The Blood of this Just Person: see ye [to it].” (25) “Then answered all the people, and said, His Blood [be] on us, and on our children.” (26) “Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [Him] to be crucified.” The carnal self-righteous zealots, chose a murderer and a thief in place of God’s Christ, see how determined we are to cuddle up to our sin!!! John 18 Verse 40 “Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.” Luke 23 Verses 18-21 “And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas:” (19) “(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)” (20) “Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.” (21) “But they cried, saying, Crucify [Him], crucify Him.”

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True “Mercy,” humbles and in it, God is Glorified no matter what is man’s intent! Luke 23 Verses 22-25 “And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done? I have found no cause of death in Him: I will therefore chastise Him, and let [Him] go.” (23) “And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.” (24) “And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.” (25) And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.” A “Merciful,” character, is full of compassion towards others. Like the “Love,” that it stems from, it seeks only the betterment of all. It is the type of character, that becomes “the friend of sinners,” it identifies, that NO One is above or beneath: But ALL, have equal significance without the pigeon hole of name tags, position and status.

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“The Merciful” character, is LOVE on it’s knees, saved to serve, the reality of character that will readily wash another’s feet! 2“Mercy,” is not an emotion, it is a practical response to a need birthed in the emotions. Ever seen someone just naturally respond to an accident. That is, the heart of “Mercy” in action, it gets down on it’s knees, in the dust of the road: The direct opposite, passes by on the other side of the road. Maybe their appointment was more important than the bleeding and suffering person lying in a mangled wreck in the ditch! “Mercy,” is the act of God, “Peace,” is the result in the heart of man. “Grace,” describes God’s attitude to the naughty child who is in rebellion and breaks His Law. But His “Mercy,” is His attitude toward those in distress.

2 France, R. T “Matthew.” Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Inter-Varsity Press. Leicester. England. (Edit. 1995)

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“Forgiveness,” is “Mercy in action,” it is the hearts response toward that “Grace,” and it continues to happen, whilst there is even a flicker of a spark of life … even in a heart of stone! God’s Throne, between the wings of the cheribum, is called, “The Mercy Seat.” It is here that, Psalm 85 Verses 10 “Mercy and Truth are met together; Righteousness and Peace have kissed [each other].” (11) “Truth shall spring out of the earth; and Righteousness shall look down from Heaven.” The Father God, has extended His Hand in the Greatest act of “Mercy,” that the world has ever seen. John 3 Verse 16 “For God so Loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have Everlasting Life.”

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The word, “Chesedh,” is the Old Testament word for “Mercy,” it’s a word, that extends itself, right here into the New! As Christ’s Sinless Blood, was applied to the “Mercy-Seat.” “God’s Mercy,” was applied to your heart, and your ear, was inclined to the call of “His Grace:” Matthew 11 Verse 28 “Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

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Bibliography of reference material. Barclay, William “The Plain man looks at The Beattitudes.” Fontana books. William Collins Sons & Co Ltd, Glasgow. (1965 edit.)

Cartledge, David “Tabernacle Truths.” Paraclete Publishing. Qld. Aust. (1992 edit.) Chambers, Oswald “Studies in The Sermon on The Mount.” (1995 edit.) Oswald Chambers Publications Association Ltd. P.O.Box 37 Tornes, Devon. England. TQ9 6Y Conner, Kevin.J “The Tabernacle Of Moses.” Acacia Press. Vic. Aust. (1975 edit.) Dake, Finis. Jennings “Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible.” Dake Bible sales. P.O.Box 1050. Lawrenceville, Georgia. 30246. U.S.A. (11th edit. 1993.) Dalton, Robert.B & Nicola.J “The Tabernacle and It’s Rituals.” Menorah Publications. N.Z. (1992 edit.) “The Centrality of The Cross.” Menorah Publications. (edit.2006 N.Z.) France, R. T “Matthew.” Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Inter-Varsity Press. Leicester. England. (Edit. 1995) Francis, Rodney. W “Blessed are …” Gospel Faith Messenger Ministries. Harbour Light Ministries. (Edit 2002.) 6 Dean well Avenue, Hamilton New Zealand. 2001.

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Foulkes, Francis “The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians.” Tynedale New Testament Commentaries. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. Grand Rapids. MI 49503. U.S.A. (1994 edit.) Hamilton, Victor.P “Handbook On The Pentateuch.” Baker books (1982 edit.) Hawtin, George.R “Heaven Open or The Five Senses In The Realm Of Spirit” Meat In Due Season (N.Z. Publication No.36) Henry, Matthew “Commentary On The Whole Bible.” Hendrickson Publishers. (1991 edit.) Liddon, Dr. Henry Parry “Passiontide Sermons.” Longmans, Green and Co. London and New York 15 east 16th St, (1891 edit.) Prince, Derek “The Foundation Series.” Sovereign World Publishing Ltd. (Revised edit. 1986.) Payne, J.Barton “The Theology of The Older Testament.” Zondervan Publishing. (1978 edit.) Morgan, G.Campbell. (a)“An Exposition of the Whole Bible.” Marshal Pickering; Harper Colins Publishers. 77-85 Fulham Palace Road, London. W6 8JB. England. (1959 edit.) (b)“The Crises of The Christ.” Pickering & Inglis Ltd. ( 1933 edit.) 29 Ludgate Hill, London. E.C.4 England Morris, Leon “The Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians.” Tynedale New Testament Commentaries. (1994 reprint edit.) Inter-Varsity Press. 38 De Montfort Street, Leicester. LEI 7GP, England. Murray, Andrew “The Blood of The Cross.”

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Whitaker House Publishers. Myer, F.B “The Way into The Holiest ... Expositions of The Epistle To The Hebrews.” Lakeland series. (1968 edit.) Ryle, J.C “Expository thoughts on Matthew.” Banner of Truth Trust. 3 Murrayfield Road, Edinburgh. Scotland. EH 12 6EL (1986 edit.) Strong. James “The Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible.” Hendrickson Publishers, Massachusetts. U.S.A. (1991 edit.) Thompson, F. Charles “Thompson Chain Reference Bible.” B.B.Kirkbridge Bible Company, Inc. (K.J.V. 1964. edit.) Thrift, Pastor Alan “Abundant life” author unknown, (deceased.) Meat In Due Season (N.Z. Publication No.12) Vine, W.E “Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words.” edited by F.F.Bruce. World Bible Publishers. Iowa Falls, U.S.A. (1981 edit.)

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About the authors. By way of introduction, the only heart desire of “The Dalton family,” is to see more folk, coming out of themselves, and going deeper into personal relationship with the person of our Lord and Saviour, The Lord Jesus Christ: Bob & Nikki, have compiled and published materials helpful for growth and development in regards to their vision of being an available resource to assist folk to be schooled and skilled in basic foundational doctrine ... Our only desire before God is to honour and serve the Lord as a family. We love The Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God with all our hearts and are so grateful for the ever faithful ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Psalm 40 Verse 8 “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.” Our injunction to you is therefore ... Let us join together to, “Church the Un-Churched, Teach the Un-Taught,” and most of all, “Reach the Un-Reached ... for Jesus!” “Go Ye ... !” “Speak Ye ... !” “Do Ye ... !”

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Copy-right ... personal observations. To those Brethren, that have laboured long and hard in The Word of our God ... we take time to bless them publically for their endeavours to pass on that Holy Ghost inspired Word throughout His Church ... Hebrews 6 Verse 10 “For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Therefore, edify The Body of Christ, encourage and exhort; but remember, if you are tempted to call the work of another your own, you are the one that will in the end be held responsible for your actions. “The Spirit of Grace,” gave the work to the hand of “the scribe,” who faithfully put pen to paper. Plagiarism, is not only illegal, it is immoral; above all, we must ... Romans 12 Verse 10 “[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” So we exhort you in the name of our Lord and Saviour, to feel quite free to use the material with which the Lord has so blessed us and those before us, bearing in mind that the pre-eminence belongs to The Lord Jesus Christ Himself ... Your brother and sister in Christ’s service, Bob & Nikki Dalton.

Matthew 10 Verse 8(b) “ ... freely ye have received, freely give.”

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Menorah Publications TM

Series, “Discovering Discipleship … ” Hebrews 6 Verses 1-2 No.1 - “Let us go on …” No.2 - The “how to,” called Repentance: No.3 - The “can do,” Faith from God: No.4 - “Baptism … the waters.” No.5 - “The Laying on of Hands:” No.6 - “Resurrection of the dead.” No.7 - “The Eternal Godhead:” “ ... Going on to perfection ... !” The first of a three part series of Bible Studies, these lay the foundation teachings of our Faith based on Hebrews 6 Verses 1-2. Good for young disciples, each lesson is prepared so it can be used as private, group or classroom study material.

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Series, “Growing Discipleship …” “The Be- Attitudes, Love‘s Divine Attitudes” Matthew 5 Verses 3-11 1.“Blessed” … “are the poor in spirit.” 2.“Blessed” … “are they that mourn.” 3.“Blessed” … “are the meek.” 4.“Blessed” … “are they which do hunger.” 5.“Blessed” … “are the merciful.” 6.“Blessed” … “are the pure in heart.” 7.“Blessed” … “are the peacemakers. ” 8.“Blessed,” “are they which are persecuted.”

If you “be in Christ,” then it stands to reason, that whatever curved balls are thrown to you in this life, you will “Be-in-Christ’s-Attitude,” and not react in an inappropriate manner. As hard as that may be! “Blessed are …” relates to the present tense, to the here and now, not only to the future. But from here, to there and beyond! This second of a three part series of Bible studies, are designed to help understand the development of our Christian Character in our day to day walk.

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Series, “Discipleship that Overcomes … ” 1. “Salt, Light and Perfect Sight!” 2. “Living in Submission.” 3. “The Christian and Finance.” 4. “The growth of Grace ...” 5. “The Law of Love ...” 6. “Prayer and fasting ...” 7. “Giants in the land ...” 8. “The Anointing of God …” 9. “Double portion Anointing.” 10. “Entering into rest.” These lessons work well alongside the previous series entitled, “The Beatitudes” which cover the development of our Christian Character.

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Series, “New Beginnings …” 1. “Incline Your Ear … ” 2. “Apply thine (Your) Heart.” 3. “Search for Hid Treasures … ” 4. “The Fear of The Lord, … ” (Wisdom’s Beginning) 5. “The Knowledge of God … ” Series, “Three Strong Nails ...” 1. “The Centrality of The Cross.” 2. “The Blood of Jesus Christ.” 3. “The Infilling of The Holy Spirit” Commentary Studies of The Bible … - Acts of the Apostles. - Revelation & Eschatology. - II Corinthians. - The Epistle to the Hebrews. - Prison Epistles. - The Epistle of James. - The Pentateuch. - Pastoral Epistles. - The Epistles of John.

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- I & II Thessalonians. 1 Timothy 1 Verse 5 (Amp Version.) “Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is Love, which springs from a pure Heart and a Good (clear) Conscience and Sincere (unfeigned) Faith:”

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Booklet Publications … - A Son became … “Prodigal:” - “Except your Righteousness exceeds …” - “Children of the Dust ...” - “Abraham’s Seed …” - “Bottleneck Fruits ...” - The Be-Attitudes of Christ.” - “The Mountain or the Mediocre.” - “The Armoury.” - “The Whole Armour of God.” - “The Family and the Fabric.” - “Where is thy Sting … Death?” - “Five Smooth Stones.” - “On Time and Eternity.” - “Moneychangers in the Temple.” - “The Religion of Cain.” - “The Doves and The Blood.” - “The Stupefying draught …” - “Leaky Building syndrome …” - “Jesus, The Great High Priest.” - “Relationship … the Heart to heart.” - “Christ … The Rock.”

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http://menorahpublicationsweeblycom.weebly.com/ “E” Book Publications. Page 1 - “Relationship … the Heart to heart.” - “The Armoury.” - “Abraham’s Seed …” - Booklet, “Temptation …” - “Bottleneck Fruits ...” - “The Doves and The Blood.” - “Moneychangers in the Temple.” - “Where is thy Sting … Death?” - “Five Smooth Stones.” - The Be-Attitudes of Christ.” - “The Religion of Cain.” - “Except your Righteousness exceeds …” Page 2 - “Christ … The Rock.” - “The Family and the Fabric.” Series, “New Beginnings.” 1. “Incline Your Ear … ” 2. “Apply thine (Your) Heart.” 3. “Search for Hid Treasures … ” 4. “The Fear of The Lord, … ” (Wisdom’s Beginning) 5. “The Knowledge of God … ” - “The Centrality of The Cross.” - “On Time and Eternity.” - “The Mountain or the Mediocre.”

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“The stronger the foundation, The brighter the future!”

1 Corinthians 3 Verse 11 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, … which is Jesus Christ.”

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