Reading the Word (Part 4). Multiple layers and applications.
I have in the past had disagreements with people that insist there is only one meaning of a given scripture. This is no doubt true to one extent; that is not reading spurious meanings into a text based on proper contextualization. When there are so many different types of writings in a given book such as Psalms (impreccatory; prophetic; Thanksgiving at a bunch of others) even from Psalms we can't nail down any one type as a "stand alone." The clearest example would be what some call "Royal" Psalms or something similar about David and the prophetic implications that are both for him and the future Christ. This shows that even David didn't know what he was saying as far as all these meanings. I have argued with some of the Reformed camp that such a statement on my part is wrong and that somehow he had to understand it under Divine guidance; but clearly if that were true we wouldn't see someone like Daniel fasting and praying for 3 weeks to understand his dreams and visions ( Daniel 10:2).
Reading the Bible of course in these circles is focused on worshipping the one true God. There are clearly other benefits to reading the Word such as insights into the hydrological cycle ( Job 36:27); that of the animal kingdom ( Psalm 104:21; etal); historical genealogies (from the first parents in Genesis to those in the beginning of Matthew and Luke). The history of scripture can also be used to verify archaelogical discoveries; and have practical points about wisdom along with the spiritual (which can't really be parceled out). This may be most clearly demonstrated with the admonition to be as "wise as serpents and innocent as doves." ( Matthew 10:16).
We should also keep in mind that the Old Testament and New Testament have different methods of approaching God; but the Lord never changes. The Lord created law as well as grace; which allows us to actually love God as David's admonition in Psalm 119.
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."
The next verse describes how we were yet sinners; or what Colossians 1:21 states in even harsher terms as "enemies of God."
Next time you hear someone talking about how loving we all should be ask them if they would be willing to die for their enemies who hate them. We hear a lot of talk these days about the love of God; usually reduced to some mushy sentimentality and hardly differentiated from human passions. First off; it is only a half truth to go around talking about God's love only when it happens to coincide with pleasant or pleasurable circumstances for people on earth. Yes God loved us when we were yet sinners but provided provision through the Son as His ONLY method to reconcile the enmity between us and Him due to indwelling sin. God cannot look upon sinful man and love Him in the state he is in but DESPITE the fact that he is in a lost state with a heart that is; according to Jeremiah 17:9 "desperately wicked". God's METHOD is by having the Son; for we either have the Son and therefore know God or we know neither (see 1 John 23:24). This involves the Father and Son coming to "dwell within us" ( John 14:23 which also implies the Holy Spirit sealing us until the day of redemption ( Eph. 4:30).
Those who would view Jesus as someone that is primarily promoting some sort of sentimental affection either is Biblically illiterate or willfully deceived. He talked about being a sword to divide families ( Matthew 10:34-36); rebuked the Pharisees harshly a number of times; destroyed the Temple moneychanger market at least twice; and challenged those who would feign to be His disciples but whose heart wasn't in it. He even rebuked His own disciples. This is demonstrating that true love in His own life was obeying God; and we are called to do the same for Christ ( John 14:23).
I am experiencing Matthew 10:34-39 . I'm asking for an escape , to live in an isolated place by myself, humanly speaking . I hope we go to Los Angeles to return to my music Ministry , as Pittsburgh is not even willing to buy an acoustic piano for a venue . I would die without being able to do my Ministry . I need prayer to hit me there and away from what I just stated I'm experiencing . I am the victim . God bless you all .
I hope even though you may not agree, you can make sense of my replies. I would like to tell you I do not Have anything in common with JW or their translation of the bible.
My understanding we are mortal beings and no part of us is immortal. I see the spirit as our breath/life that goes back to God when we die, Ecclesiastes 11:7 and Scripture tell us the soul can die, Ezekiel 18:4Matthew 10:28 Hebrew 9:27. Like Paul said of David being dead in the tomb and has not ascended to heaven, Acts 2:34. We do not put on immortality until the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54.
Bear with me my Greek is kindergarten level, arche the beginning or origin I see it maybe a little differently I understand God the Father as the Creator as in Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 19:1. I believe in the plan of God Jesus was first and as in Romans 4:17 Jesus was in Gods eyes in the womb of Mary and then the angels and all the counsel of heaven then the earth and all that was to be.
In Genesis 17:5 when God renamed Abram to Abraham God said, "for the father of many nations I have made thee". It was not Abraham will become a father of many nations it was already done in the plan of God.
"Firstborn of every creature and the firstborn from the dead" Jesus was the firstborn, Jesus being the first in God's plan would make Him the firstborn, and Jesus is the firstborn of the dead. There were people brought back from the dead like in 2 Kings 13:21 the guy was thrown into Elisha's tomb and when his body touched Elisha's bone he came back to life and stood up, and we see the ones in the New Testament. No one who died before Jesus who came back to life died again Jesus was the first to overcome death.
Jesus is the firstborn of the dead because He had no sin and death could not hold Him and when Jesus rose He rose in a glorified body never to die again, Revelation 1:18. That is what we look forward to when we are resurrected.
Fear not according to a site online (I won't name it in case that is an issue) is listed 365 times in the Bible. I am aware of the message of the angels about Christ the Savior being born to the shepherds as the verse which Charles Schultz included in the famous Peanuts Christmas story when Linus dropped the security blanket as a symbolic gesture.
Of course Franklin Roosevelt gave the quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." That is true to some extent; because the enemy of our souls can only do what God allows; but of course the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; which is found in numerous scriptural passages as well. It has been said that the opposite of fear is faith; and of course true love casts out fear ( 1 John 4:18). This is something only the Lord can give; for Jesus Himself had martyrdom to face daily; and Revelation 2:10 is one example given for the church; as well as the verse where Christ said to not fear what can be done to the body but the one who can cast body and soul into hell. ( Matthew 10:28). The enemy also likes to remind us as the accuser of the brethern of our sins and our condemnation which Christ took at the cross for true believers. (see Revelation 12:10). The Lord will convict us when we grieve the Spirit but that is out of love. The power of sin is death ( 1 Cor. 15:56). Jesus overcame death and the grave and took our sins on Himself at Calvary. We need to be daily reminded of these basic Gospel truths as we can become hardened to it for various reasons.
There is hope for us after death and hope is for things yet unseen ( Hebrews 11:1). Surely with the world in the state it is today we need that future expectation for any joy to be maintained; whether emotionally or as a fruit of the Spirit. Being part of the BODY of Christ is imperitive as to our identity so that we may together strive for unity in fulfilling the Great Commission and prayer and fellowship with one another for strength.
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"
The scriptures show multiple times such as Matthew 27:19 with Pilate's wife (who may or may not have come to saving faith) and with Paul in particular (with the jailor who he had a chance to bring to faith along with his whole family) in Acts 16:30-33. The jailor even showed compassion in washing the stripes from whipping of Paul that apparently occurred earlier. There were others who Paul was able to bring to faith who were often wives of important officials.
Jesus; of course knew what He was talking about since we ALL start out as enemies of God. This puts us on an even playing field so to speak; so that we cannot understand how God can change the heart of a serial killer but not of someone who always seems to be a "nice person" whether our family members or friends. It isn't so much important to browbeat someone as to their sinfulness to convince them to repent; ASSUMING that we are preaching about the sorry state of human souls in general with unregenerate hearts. This is how the Gospel was preached; those in authority were given general and very harsh rebukes by Christ as part of the general call. WE certainly need to clearly speak of how Jesus saved us from total depravity or however we want to describe our sorry state before salvation.
Matthew 10:28 shows what we should NOT fear (our death) and what our persecutors SHOULD fear (see also Philippians 1:28).
Easier said than done; actually not possible apart from the Spirit giving us the utterance (see Luke 12:12).
We must remember God determines when our last day is on earth not Satan or man. No doubt Satan desires 24/7 to destroy us so we must always be vigilant and not let our guard down. The same should be said in prayer for those suffering persecution today.
Again, dealing with your recent comments to me, now in one post, Shabbat Keeper. Firstly, Adam has written very well to Jema, so I won't bring up the matter of the definition of "eternal/eternity", which should alone convince us that physical death is not the end for anyone (believer or unbeliever).
If I'm correct from your first post to me, "what an icky thought it is, to stop existing", you believe in the total annihilation of the body at death (for the unbeliever). So, when the Bible speaks of man, his existence & his death, we are first reminded that man is a tripartite being (i.e. one whose composition is of body, soul & spirit: 1 Thessalonians 5:23). When the body dies, it decomposes back to the Earth, but those parts of man that cannot be killed ( Matthew 10:28) can never be destroyed. Unlike animals, man's spirit, given by God, returns to Him ( Ecclesiastes 3:21), whereas animals cease to exist - forever. Therefore, if man, made by God to reflect His Image & traits, is accountable to God, will never cease to exist (his spirit & soul cannot be destroyed, whether by death, fire, or whatever), & he will stand in judgement before God. For this reason, the Gospel is so vital for all to hear, to alert all people that death is not final - there remains an accountability & their final judgement will be based on what they have done with Jesus Who came for them.
You wrote, "Hell fire is the same thing as destruction" & you gave the example of a house on fire. A house is physical/material, a spirit is not - it can never be destroyed. The real Shabbat Keeper or myself are found in our spirits/souls - the body is simply the house in which we need to live in. So yes, this house is corrupt & temporal, but we who have Christ's Spirit in us, look to be clothed (endowed) with that "house which is from heaven" ( 2 Corinthians 5:1-6). Likewise, hell (not the grave), is the dwelling place of those who have spurned God's Love - spirits they are & in torment.
Thank you Shabbat Keeper for coming back to me. I'll respond to your three recent posts to me with my one here.
Firstly, on the name 'Gehenna', otherwise called the "Valley of Hinnom", the Encyclopaedia definition is quite correct about the purpose why that area was set aside. It was indeed a place for the burning of refuse & the dead. And yes, it meant that they were all annihilated - no more evidence except dust & ashes. So, it can mean 'annihilation', but Gehenna can also mean 'a place of burning where the fires are never quenched'. And we know that the body is disposed of there, but what about the immaterial parts of man that remains accountable to God? And you also referenced a verse I quoted in Matthew 10:28. Taken on its own, that verse could well support your belief of a complete extermination of body, soul & spirit.
But it was for that very reason that I gave you the other verses to look up & consider. Not only was Matthew 10:28 Jesus' Words, but also Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:10,11-15. You didn't take these into account. And we know, as I trust you are conversant, that when we deal with a topic or a doctrine from the Bible, we need to take in all the references that deal specifically with it. Unfortunately, our natural human instinct is to accept only those that we find palatable or in agreement with, thus distorting the teaching from the Word.
So, if you would care to look at those other verses & see how they affect your understanding of Matthew 10:28, I would be very interested. It's only when we consider all verses on a subject, can we get a fuller picture of it meaning & its implications. However, sometimes there aren't too many verses to help us learn about the subject - in such cases we can't force a teaching by them & just leave the subject open. Yet, not so with these important doctrines of the Deity of Christ & human existence & punishment after death.
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10Psalms 92:7Proverbs 10:28-29Job 20:4-7Malachi 4:1-32 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3Daniel 12:2Acts 13:361 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15John 6:54Romans 6:23Titus 1:21 John 2:25Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
Actually Shabbat Keeper, I wasn't intending to bring up the Rapture debate here, as it has been well discussed over the years. Rather, I was intending to give, maybe a rather flimsy example of a type of Gospel message, telling unbelievers that "when we turn to the Lord for forgiveness of our sins & receiving Christ into our life, then we will not face (physical) death, but just be raptured (caught up, as with Enoch/Elijah), to forever be with him". Here then would be something for the unbeliever to consider, because as sure as day turns into night, we all (believer & unbeliever alike) will face death - whether this thought leaves an 'icky' feeling in us depends on how we view death. So, rapture is not my issue here, but why is death any more of a punishment when we all have to die & knowing that death (of the body) means a complete eradication of any iota of life (in body, breath, mind, & senses). Often death is welcome, especially for the terminally ill or suffering, & whether or not one experiences a new pain-free joyful existence in the Lord's Presence or not, holds little attraction if there is no more consciousness in death or after it.
If death is the only punishment to the Christ-rejecter, then why do we all have to die? And if I might ask (verses that some don't care to address), why are there so many Scriptures to warn us that physical death is not the end (e.g. Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:10,11-15); all these pointing to the reality of an eternal torment? As one who doesn't believe in such an eternity, I ask you (as I've done in the past with others), why are these Scriptures rejected so as to support an emotion-charged belief rather than a biblical Truth? Why do we reject or re-write these passages to suit us, when they're given direct from the Mouth of our Lord?
In regard to misuse of scripture; we risk two extremes-that being making applications to every event in our lives with any verse that even remotely seems to prove a mindset or agenda or life decision and the contrary; which views the Word as a history lesson; disregarding any application of the supernatural in our personal lives; or in speaking to us in our personal lives.
I would say that it is better to randomly open to a scripture verse to find something applicable than to assign meanings to passages through a deliberate twisting of meanings. We need to differentiate between methods of preaching that are more life application oriented with those that are more focused on hermeneutics, for instance. It is a slippery slope once we start to read into scripture with a message that is more like a self fulfilling prophecy than proper exegesis.
Take; for instance personal examples and life lessons. Those obsessed with the charismatic gifts; for instance often talk of miracles that they have seen; but practically speaking; for instance hearing examples of sharing the Gospel and seeing results is just as much; if not more evidence of a miracle in a supernatural transformation of the heart. Knowing our local pastor should help us to establish trust so that we have assurance that we are not being given unsubstantiated tales of miracles; signs and wonders.
Another example is the verses where we are commanded to raise the dead; heal the sick etc such as found in Matthew 10:8. Surely these acts along with deliverance were continued throughout the time of the book of Acts. We need to matter of factly acknowledge when a miracle appears to occur; but also realize that in some cases it may not be God's will; at least in terms of the fact that we are all mortal beings. We certainly should pray for such things; especially spiritual deliverance for those in bondage to the enemy which all with the Spirit can do.
Hello! Do you want to know ""What is the difference between our soul and spirit?""
SOUL
Vayikra (Leviticus) 17:11& 14- Torah -
11 The SOUL of the flesh is in the BLOOD, and I have therefore given it to you [to be placed] upon the altar, to atone for your souls. For it is the blood that atones for the soul.
14For [regarding] the soul of all flesh its blood is in its soul, and I said to the children of Israel: You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the soul of any flesh is its blood all who eat it shall be cut off.
SPIRIT
Isaiah 11:2-KJV
2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
John 6:63 - JESUS said:
... the WORDS that I speak unto you, THEY ARE SPIRIT, and they are life. (The Word is GOD, self-executing, is the Power. Great mystery. The Word is from everlasting to everlasting. By the way, around 2.000 years ago, the Word was made flesh- John 1:14).
Romans 8:9-
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, HE IS NONE OF HIS.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him that raised up JESUS from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.
It's it. Now, the interpretation is with you.
GOD BLESSES YOU
Matthew 10:28
Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
In my last post I ended with a discussion of the legalism of the Pharisees; as well as those that have what I call "sloppy Agape" or attempt to gloss over sin and use grace and forgiveness of all past; present and future sins as their excuse. In both of these cases at least for those who remain in a church fellowship we see an idolization of the Pastor most often who no doubt is contributing to one or the other error mentioned here. A true believer would move on if there is heresy coming from one of their own (see Acts 20:30). Justifying self righteousness is aided; of course when someone is financially well to do and credits the church leadership that promises "sowing a seed" will add to prosperity for all (whether or not they are giving a large sum themselves). The opposite of this are those widows and old ladies who are fleeced to their last dollar mesmerized by a Pastor who promises health and happiness with obedience and warns against not doing this despite what common sense would otherwise show.
This first paragraph assumes corrupt leadership. Another sign of our faith is respecting elders and pastors who ARE feeding the flock and tending the sheep properly. (see 1 Timothy 5:17). Disrespect of such authority often mainfests in impatience if a sermon runs 5 minutes late; frustration when genuine financial needs are brought up; lack of participation and interest in prayer and doing service projects in the church and for the comunity; etc. Beyond this; the admonitions of 1 John about loving the brethren are ignored (see 1 John 4:20). Such parishioners will sometimes leave; and we shouldn't strive to force them to stay.
There are others attempting to spread false doctrines which were of course never part of the true flock (see 1 John 2:19). They may leave but if not need to be dealt with lest they be a cancer that affects the whole flock (see warning in Galatians 5:9).
My previous post touched on church doctrine. These days we cannot have assurance that a literal hell is something that is taken seriously; or that only Christ is the way to eternal life. A catechism SHOULD state what a core belief is of such matters; if it is not being adhered to disciplinary action should be taken and if it is some spurious statement we have no business remaining there.
Many megachurches seem to want to cater to the nonbeliever and rather than aking them tremble at the fear of God and His presence they want to present Christianinty as something that fits into a music venue; social activities and other things that appeal to the flesh. Rather than making coming to Christ the beginning of a death sentence all the verses that Jesus spoke such as Matthew 10:22-24 and numerous other admonitions such as 1 Peter 4:12-19 have to be ignored with such techniques.
The prosperity gospel shouldn't have to be dissected to show the error; looking at the life of Christ and the Disciples should suffice to show it is utter rubbish. An honest assessment shows that leadership at such places doesn't want to lose parishioners; thus "filthy lucre" and the love of such things ( Titus 1:11) is a deadly vice. Sadly though we see others who are caught up in emotional sentimentality. It is easy of course to be convinced one's girlfriend or boyfriend will turn their affections to God since they show partiality to us. Making Christ appeal to youth with attractive women dressed in worldly apparel or cheap gimmicks will at best cause a few predestined to come to faith to wake up; just as someone who is in a congregation with false doctrines can hear enough of the true Word to be convicted; in other words despite the bad approach rather than because of it. But counting the cost of being a Disciple can't be ignored; as well as challenging those who would bring in error and restricting membership to those who truly believe
Jesus sent his twelve disciples in Matt.10 Twelve refers to the Gospel (of Christ) where as Luke is referring to the end times Seventy 'other disciples' which is preached from mid-heaven. (There is a difference to make the point would require another post) "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,"(Re.14:6) In the Bible we have so many instances where the Spirit refers to a specific even and it telescopes into the end times. Refer the verse where God appears to King Solomon second time. (1 Ki.9:3) " I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually." It is referring to the House of Prayer for all nations.
Now in the Luke version we have a similar construction from vv.17-18 "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name./And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Jesus as the Word become flesh is referring to what the scriptures indicate. "For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me,"( Luke 22:37) Luke's Gospel gives another insight of the Son while the Jewish sensibilities of Matthew gives us yet another.
Seventy (7x10) number is another cue. 7 is the command number which is used for referring completeness. Where 10 indicates man's life. Thus Jesus fasting forty days and nights or he was seen after he was risen." he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days"(Ac.1:3) God gave 70 elders the spirit that was upon Moses (Nu.11:25)
Discussion on Matthew 10: Near term and far reaching prophetic implications.
When we see Matthew 10 and compare it with Luke 10 we see some differences. Those in Matthew 10 were told only to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:6). Such was NOT the case with the 72 in Luke's account. We see there is no return mentioned of the Disciples as was with the 72 in Luke 10:17. The same cities were rebuked in Matthew 11:17 as they are in Luke 10:13-15. (incidentally these cities were rebuked BEFORE the Disciples retuned which also signifies their lack of belief in the miracles of Christ Himself if not implying their lack of response to the Gospel and miracles the Disciples and 72 performed in both Gospel accounts).
When we look at Matthew 10 we see far implications; persecutions; being hated by all nations for His Name's sake; going to trial with kings and rulers and finally verses in verse 22:23. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." This is a clear indication of the Tribulation as indeed this refers to the Second Coming. It is notable today that one cannot be a citizen of Israel if declaring themselves to be a Christian. The only other option here is to somehow imply the Lord came already as a Full Preterist viewpoint which says somehow Christ already returned in AD 70. The implications here are not only for the Disciples but all those who are going to suffer persecution for His Name's sake; perhaps particularly but not only related to the cities of Israel. Also the 144,000 and 2 Prophets would also be something bringing the climax and greatest challenge for Israel ever seen in the time of "Jacob's Trouble". ( Jeremiah 30:7). God promises deliverance eventually; by death or Rapture or Resurrection.
There certainly is a literal "hell", and the punishment will be eternal. When you are eventually burned up and cease to exist there will be no coming back. Mal 4:1,3. How else will there be "degrees" of punishment? Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:22. It says in Ezekiel, the soul that sins shall die.
The way I interpret your question is how much must I obey God to get into heaven? What is the bare minimum?
Because some feel inconvenienced to follow Jesus- whether embarrassment or other excuses. And do you have to obey the 10 commandments or any of the other commandments in the Bible? You already know what God says- He called them "commandments" for a reason, but some want to be comforted and hear that you can do whatever you want, whatever feels good, in this world and be ok? If that the hope, that's Satan's message.
It looks like this has received a lot of comments. Some are pushing false teachings which should be called out. It doesn't matter what man says, but what God says, right? Isn't it better to please God than please man?
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22 KJV
This clearly says to be a doer of the Word. It's not enough to just hear it and do nothing. Christianity is an action. I don't see anywhere in the Bible saying you're saved on earth before you're even judged. Please share verses that back that up, because I haven't seen any. I see verses saying you can have assurance of salvation. There's verses saying we will be saved, but it doesn't say right now before our life is even over- I believe that's the assumed part that deviates from scripture.
"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:33
Baptism:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16
I think its risky to intentionally disobey Jesus, then expect all the benefits.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46
If you don't obey, why even call him Lord? You're not even a follower. This is my interpretation of what Jesus is saying here.
Matthew 7:24-27 - Jesus's point of this parable is obeying Him. "doing" "doeth"
If you've never been through the book of Revelation before, you might be interested in knowing that the study of the introduction to the book of Revelation is a study in and of itself.
It could take several long posts to go over everything, so what I have done is excerpted out some of the main points.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The Apostle John. The Apostle John is not John the Baptist.
The Apostle John is mentioned five times in the Book of Revelation: 1:1; 1:4; 1:9; 21:2; 22:8.
The Apostle John had a brother by the name of James. They were known as the sons of Zebedee, found in Matthew 10:2-4.
Jesus gave them the name "The sons of thunder," recorded in Mark 3:17. They always wanted to call fire down from heaven and consume people if they didn't want anything to do with the Lord. There's a lot of "sons of thunder" in the church today!
John, Peter, and James were the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus, and spent many special times with the Lord, Matthew 17:1; 26:37.
The Apostle John was the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death.
What is interesting, in association with the book of Revelation, is that tradition says that around 86 A.D., they tried to execute John by dipping him in burning oil. And after they pulled him out, nothing was wrong with him. And they figured that they couldn't kill him, so they decided to exile him off onto the island of Patmos.
Again, most of the introduction to 3 John will be the same as 1 & 2 John. I will share a couple of pieces of information that will be different. I would like to point out that all of John's writings (other than the gospel of John), are in the Jewish Literature section of the New Testament.
It was written to the Jews, Jewish believers. But that didn't eliminate or cause the Gentiles not to be able to receive from the truth from these letters.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The apostle John. This is not John the Baptist. This is the apostle, John.
The apostle John had a brother by the name of James. They were known as "The Sons of Zebedee" ( Matthew 10:2-4). Jesus gave them the name "The Sons of Thunder" ( Mark 3:17).
John, Peter, and James were the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus and spent many special times with the Lord ( Matthew 17:1; 26:37).
The apostle John was the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death.
John wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2, and 3 John, and the Book of Revelation.
And you should keep in mind that even though he wrote the Gospel of John that's at the beginning of the New Testament, the gospel of John was one of the last books written in chronological order. But it was put at the beginning so that all of the gospels could be put together about the earthly ministry of Christ.
Most of this introduction will be the same as I presented in 1 John in which I shared an overall introduction to all three books.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The Apostle John. The Apostle John is not John the Baptist.
The Apostle John had a brother by the name of James. They were known as "The Sons of Zebedee" ( Matthew 10:2-4). Jesus gave them the name "The Sons of Thunder" ( Mark 3:17).
John, Peter, and James were the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus and spent many special times with the Lord ( Matthew 17:1; Matthew 26:37).
The Apostle John was the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death.
John wrote the Gospel of John, I, II and III John, and the Book of Revelation.
II. ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS:
The Apostle John wrote I, II and III John to the churches of Asia Minor over which John exercised Apostolic leadership in his later years. Most of the recipients of his letters were Jewish believers but the letters were written for all of the believers in the churches.
III. ABOUT THE DATE AND LOCATION:
I John was written sometime in the late 80s or early 90s A.D. It is believed John's letters were written soon after he composed the Gospel of John. All five of John's letters were written from Ephesus where he spent his elder years leading the churches in Asia Minor.
The Apostle John is the author. He is not to be confused with John the Baptist. He is a completely different person. We can get confused with the different people by the name of John in the scriptures. This is the Apostle John, one of the original 12 Apostles.
The Apostle John had a brother by the name of James. They were known as "The Sons of Zebedee" ( Matthew 10:2-4). Zebedee was their father.
Jesus gave them the name "The Sons of Thunder" ( Mark 3:17). As they travelled with Jesus and the other disciples, they were the ones that said if people rejected Christ, they wanted to know if the Lord wanted to call fire down from heaven and consume them. They wanted to be the guys that blow everybody up if they don't believe. So, they're called the "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus.
John, Peter, and James were the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus and spent many special times with the Lord, on the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1. Also, in the garden before Jesus died, the three of them were with Him as He was praying in Matthew 26:37.
The Apostle John was the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death. Tradition says that they tried to kill him by dipping him in burning oil. But when he came out, he wasn't harmed. So, they put him out on the island of Patmos to serve his time out there. And it was on the island of Patmos where he received what we know as the book of Revelation.
John wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2 and 3 John, and the Book of Revelation.
So, when Peter was called PETROS, or Cephas in Aramaic, and remember in John Chapter 1, Jesus said you will be called Cephas. Well, at this particular time in Matthew 16:18 is when Jesus named him PETROS. It's a spiritual name. It's a rock. But it's not a foundation stone. That's PETRA, and that's Jesus.
Simon Peter, Andrew, and their father were from the village called Bethsaida, on the Northeastern side of the Sea of Galilee. They later moved to Capernaum to continue their fishing business, as recorded in Mark 1:21, and Mark 1:29. The reason for the move was because Capernaum was the Lord's home during much of his public ministry.
Luke 4:38-39 tells us that Peter was married. In this account, Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law who was sick with a fever. Simon Peter's wife also accompanied him on some of the missionary journeys as told to us in I Corinthians 9:5.
Simon Peter also appears to be the leader of the Apostles. In all four lists of the Apostles in the New Testament, Simon Peter is named first. Matthew 10:2-7; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13.
In Acts Chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, Peter was the one who gave the first sermon.
In Acts Chapter 4, Peter is the one answering to the Sanhedrin (the religious council of the Jews). They pulled the disciples in and said you cannot preach the resurrection anymore in the name of Jesus. It was Peter who responded and spoke for the disciples.
In Acts Chapter 5, Peter is the one administering discipline in the Church. So, he's a leader.
Thanks Gasman for your reply; I'm glad that my answer to you might have been a little helpful. However, your question as to when does a human (whether still in embryonic form or after release from the womb) is equipped with a soul & spirit, can't really be answered irrefutably, simply because the Word is silent on it & very likely the medical profession will never admit it. Though some Scriptures might help us, such as Ecclesiastes 3:19-21; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59; James 2:26; and maybe others which seem to show both the importance & destination of the human spirit when the body dies. Then again, the word 'soul' is also used similarly: Matthew 10:28; Matthew 16:26; Revelation 6:9, which seems to further confuse this matter of distinction between soul & spirit. However, as man is made in his Creator's Image, I believe that he needs to be fully equipped with & reflect this fully formed creative work; hence the need for this three-fold aspect of his humanness.
Yet, as you wrote, "Our core values we know for sure but secondary issues we don't", which is what we need to emphasize & build up one another on, rather than on matters we know little or nothing about. Yet, it's always an interesting exercise to ponder even over such things. Blessings.
Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Jesus despite His statement in Matthew 12:48 (He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?) Jesus demonstrated at the cross his concern for his mother's care and had John live there with her in John 19. It was even worded in the same way "behold your mother"and "behold your son" in verses 26 and 27. We see from the verses above as well as others that family is often the most dificult to reach; even in Christ's case James only believed after the cross. ( John 7:5) shows this; along with unbelief of other brothers at the time. If a sinless Christ was viewed in His hometown as merely being the Son of Joseph and Mary at the time despite the virgin birth being a reality; then of course the only other option would have been as the Pharisees said in John 8:41. And of course we can't expect anything more; since we indeed are all sinners saved by grace. Our family will see something different about us from what we once were; especially if there is a dramatic change in behavior due to certain outward manifestations of behavior radically different after salvation. Of course all of our past mistakes and human weaknesses will be scrutinized by those who grew up with us.
We have challenges from Jesus in both loving God more than our own family as well as the mandates to honor our Father and mother. Clearly our Lord understood the right balance and we should learn from His example. Our natural family isn't our spiritual one; it may or may not become that in time. In my own life not only do I have 2 unbelieving parents in their 90's; NO one in my family to the best of my knowledge are saved. Having to live at home at present therefore means my walk and behavior has to be consistent. Preaching is not going to accomplish much; they are aware I have been a believer 40 years+
Matthew was one of the 12 Apostles. In Matthew 10:3, we have the record of Matthew being called out from the disciples to be one of the original 12 Apostles.
NOW FOR MATTHEW'S GOSPEL:
WHEN IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written in the late 60's AD. Here are some things that are important to know:
LINK TO OTHER BOOKS:
Out of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Mark was written first. It is the shortest of the gospels. But it is interesting that out of the 661 verses in Mark, Matthew has 500 of them, almost word for word. It shows that Matthew was following Mark's Gospel as a template for his writings.
So, Mark wrote his first, Matthew second, and then Luke. And if you've ever read the introduction to Luke (the first four verses of Chapter 1), Luke says he has collected all the writings that he could find in order to write his gospel.
So, Luke had Matthew, he had Mark, and he had all the different writings from the different witnesses and the different people who were with Christ. So, he wrote his gospel, and out of the synoptic gospels, Luke's was written third and was written last.
Now the purpose for the Synoptic Gospels was to present a certain side of Jesus to a certain group of people. To the Jews they were presented the Messiah. To the Roman mind, the Servant, God who came as a Servant to die for our sins. And then Luke, his gospel was for the Gentiles.
We find a lot of literature in Matthew. This is very important because some pull verses out of Matthew that are not found in the other gospels, and they apply it incorrectly to Christians today because what you find in Matthew, you don't find anywhere else. It's because Matthew wrote them uniquely for the Jews. Ten parables in Matthew are not found anywhere else because they were written to the Jews. And we have to understand that from a Jewish perspective, not from a culture of the Gentiles. So, it is very important to understand how all these books function in their purpose.
I have in the past had disagreements with people that insist there is only one meaning of a given scripture. This is no doubt true to one extent; that is not reading spurious meanings into a text based on proper contextualization. When there are so many different types of writings in a given book such as Psalms (impreccatory; prophetic; Thanksgiving at a bunch of others) even from Psalms we can't nail down any one type as a "stand alone." The clearest example would be what some call "Royal" Psalms or something similar about David and the prophetic implications that are both for him and the future Christ. This shows that even David didn't know what he was saying as far as all these meanings. I have argued with some of the Reformed camp that such a statement on my part is wrong and that somehow he had to understand it under Divine guidance; but clearly if that were true we wouldn't see someone like Daniel fasting and praying for 3 weeks to understand his dreams and visions ( Daniel 10:2).
Reading the Bible of course in these circles is focused on worshipping the one true God. There are clearly other benefits to reading the Word such as insights into the hydrological cycle ( Job 36:27); that of the animal kingdom ( Psalm 104:21; etal); historical genealogies (from the first parents in Genesis to those in the beginning of Matthew and Luke). The history of scripture can also be used to verify archaelogical discoveries; and have practical points about wisdom along with the spiritual (which can't really be parceled out). This may be most clearly demonstrated with the admonition to be as "wise as serpents and innocent as doves." ( Matthew 10:16).
We should also keep in mind that the Old Testament and New Testament have different methods of approaching God; but the Lord never changes. The Lord created law as well as grace; which allows us to actually love God as David's admonition in Psalm 119.
Romans 8:7 states:
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."
The next verse describes how we were yet sinners; or what Colossians 1:21 states in even harsher terms as "enemies of God."
Next time you hear someone talking about how loving we all should be ask them if they would be willing to die for their enemies who hate them. We hear a lot of talk these days about the love of God; usually reduced to some mushy sentimentality and hardly differentiated from human passions. First off; it is only a half truth to go around talking about God's love only when it happens to coincide with pleasant or pleasurable circumstances for people on earth. Yes God loved us when we were yet sinners but provided provision through the Son as His ONLY method to reconcile the enmity between us and Him due to indwelling sin. God cannot look upon sinful man and love Him in the state he is in but DESPITE the fact that he is in a lost state with a heart that is; according to Jeremiah 17:9 "desperately wicked". God's METHOD is by having the Son; for we either have the Son and therefore know God or we know neither (see 1 John 23:24). This involves the Father and Son coming to "dwell within us" ( John 14:23 which also implies the Holy Spirit sealing us until the day of redemption ( Eph. 4:30).
Those who would view Jesus as someone that is primarily promoting some sort of sentimental affection either is Biblically illiterate or willfully deceived. He talked about being a sword to divide families ( Matthew 10:34-36); rebuked the Pharisees harshly a number of times; destroyed the Temple moneychanger market at least twice; and challenged those who would feign to be His disciples but whose heart wasn't in it. He even rebuked His own disciples. This is demonstrating that true love in His own life was obeying God; and we are called to do the same for Christ ( John 14:23).
Part 3
I hope even though you may not agree, you can make sense of my replies. I would like to tell you I do not Have anything in common with JW or their translation of the bible.
My understanding we are mortal beings and no part of us is immortal. I see the spirit as our breath/life that goes back to God when we die, Ecclesiastes 11:7 and Scripture tell us the soul can die, Ezekiel 18:4 Matthew 10:28 Hebrew 9:27. Like Paul said of David being dead in the tomb and has not ascended to heaven, Acts 2:34. We do not put on immortality until the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54.
Bear with me my Greek is kindergarten level, arche the beginning or origin I see it maybe a little differently I understand God the Father as the Creator as in Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 19:1. I believe in the plan of God Jesus was first and as in Romans 4:17 Jesus was in Gods eyes in the womb of Mary and then the angels and all the counsel of heaven then the earth and all that was to be.
In Genesis 17:5 when God renamed Abram to Abraham God said, "for the father of many nations I have made thee". It was not Abraham will become a father of many nations it was already done in the plan of God.
"Firstborn of every creature and the firstborn from the dead" Jesus was the firstborn, Jesus being the first in God's plan would make Him the firstborn, and Jesus is the firstborn of the dead. There were people brought back from the dead like in 2 Kings 13:21 the guy was thrown into Elisha's tomb and when his body touched Elisha's bone he came back to life and stood up, and we see the ones in the New Testament. No one who died before Jesus who came back to life died again Jesus was the first to overcome death.
Jesus is the firstborn of the dead because He had no sin and death could not hold Him and when Jesus rose He rose in a glorified body never to die again, Revelation 1:18. That is what we look forward to when we are resurrected.
See part 4 sorry I am slow.
Of course Franklin Roosevelt gave the quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." That is true to some extent; because the enemy of our souls can only do what God allows; but of course the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; which is found in numerous scriptural passages as well. It has been said that the opposite of fear is faith; and of course true love casts out fear ( 1 John 4:18). This is something only the Lord can give; for Jesus Himself had martyrdom to face daily; and Revelation 2:10 is one example given for the church; as well as the verse where Christ said to not fear what can be done to the body but the one who can cast body and soul into hell. ( Matthew 10:28). The enemy also likes to remind us as the accuser of the brethern of our sins and our condemnation which Christ took at the cross for true believers. (see Revelation 12:10). The Lord will convict us when we grieve the Spirit but that is out of love. The power of sin is death ( 1 Cor. 15:56). Jesus overcame death and the grave and took our sins on Himself at Calvary. We need to be daily reminded of these basic Gospel truths as we can become hardened to it for various reasons.
There is hope for us after death and hope is for things yet unseen ( Hebrews 11:1). Surely with the world in the state it is today we need that future expectation for any joy to be maintained; whether emotionally or as a fruit of the Spirit. Being part of the BODY of Christ is imperitive as to our identity so that we may together strive for unity in fulfilling the Great Commission and prayer and fellowship with one another for strength.
Matthew 5:44 states:
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"
The scriptures show multiple times such as Matthew 27:19 with Pilate's wife (who may or may not have come to saving faith) and with Paul in particular (with the jailor who he had a chance to bring to faith along with his whole family) in Acts 16:30-33. The jailor even showed compassion in washing the stripes from whipping of Paul that apparently occurred earlier. There were others who Paul was able to bring to faith who were often wives of important officials.
Jesus; of course knew what He was talking about since we ALL start out as enemies of God. This puts us on an even playing field so to speak; so that we cannot understand how God can change the heart of a serial killer but not of someone who always seems to be a "nice person" whether our family members or friends. It isn't so much important to browbeat someone as to their sinfulness to convince them to repent; ASSUMING that we are preaching about the sorry state of human souls in general with unregenerate hearts. This is how the Gospel was preached; those in authority were given general and very harsh rebukes by Christ as part of the general call. WE certainly need to clearly speak of how Jesus saved us from total depravity or however we want to describe our sorry state before salvation.
Matthew 10:28 shows what we should NOT fear (our death) and what our persecutors SHOULD fear (see also Philippians 1:28).
Easier said than done; actually not possible apart from the Spirit giving us the utterance (see Luke 12:12).
We must remember God determines when our last day is on earth not Satan or man. No doubt Satan desires 24/7 to destroy us so we must always be vigilant and not let our guard down. The same should be said in prayer for those suffering persecution today.
Again, dealing with your recent comments to me, now in one post, Shabbat Keeper. Firstly, Adam has written very well to Jema, so I won't bring up the matter of the definition of "eternal/eternity", which should alone convince us that physical death is not the end for anyone (believer or unbeliever).
If I'm correct from your first post to me, "what an icky thought it is, to stop existing", you believe in the total annihilation of the body at death (for the unbeliever). So, when the Bible speaks of man, his existence & his death, we are first reminded that man is a tripartite being (i.e. one whose composition is of body, soul & spirit: 1 Thessalonians 5:23). When the body dies, it decomposes back to the Earth, but those parts of man that cannot be killed ( Matthew 10:28) can never be destroyed. Unlike animals, man's spirit, given by God, returns to Him ( Ecclesiastes 3:21), whereas animals cease to exist - forever. Therefore, if man, made by God to reflect His Image & traits, is accountable to God, will never cease to exist (his spirit & soul cannot be destroyed, whether by death, fire, or whatever), & he will stand in judgement before God. For this reason, the Gospel is so vital for all to hear, to alert all people that death is not final - there remains an accountability & their final judgement will be based on what they have done with Jesus Who came for them.
You wrote, "Hell fire is the same thing as destruction" & you gave the example of a house on fire. A house is physical/material, a spirit is not - it can never be destroyed. The real Shabbat Keeper or myself are found in our spirits/souls - the body is simply the house in which we need to live in. So yes, this house is corrupt & temporal, but we who have Christ's Spirit in us, look to be clothed (endowed) with that "house which is from heaven" ( 2 Corinthians 5:1-6). Likewise, hell (not the grave), is the dwelling place of those who have spurned God's Love - spirits they are & in torment.
Firstly, on the name 'Gehenna', otherwise called the "Valley of Hinnom", the Encyclopaedia definition is quite correct about the purpose why that area was set aside. It was indeed a place for the burning of refuse & the dead. And yes, it meant that they were all annihilated - no more evidence except dust & ashes. So, it can mean 'annihilation', but Gehenna can also mean 'a place of burning where the fires are never quenched'. And we know that the body is disposed of there, but what about the immaterial parts of man that remains accountable to God? And you also referenced a verse I quoted in Matthew 10:28. Taken on its own, that verse could well support your belief of a complete extermination of body, soul & spirit.
But it was for that very reason that I gave you the other verses to look up & consider. Not only was Matthew 10:28 Jesus' Words, but also Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:10,11-15. You didn't take these into account. And we know, as I trust you are conversant, that when we deal with a topic or a doctrine from the Bible, we need to take in all the references that deal specifically with it. Unfortunately, our natural human instinct is to accept only those that we find palatable or in agreement with, thus distorting the teaching from the Word.
So, if you would care to look at those other verses & see how they affect your understanding of Matthew 10:28, I would be very interested. It's only when we consider all verses on a subject, can we get a fuller picture of it meaning & its implications. However, sometimes there aren't too many verses to help us learn about the subject - in such cases we can't force a teaching by them & just leave the subject open. Yet, not so with these important doctrines of the Deity of Christ & human existence & punishment after death.
Part 1
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10 Psalms 92:7 Proverbs 10:28-29 Job 20:4-7 Malachi 4:1-3 2 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3 Daniel 12:2 Acts 13:36 1 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15 John 6:54 Romans 6:23 Titus 1:2 1 John 2:25 Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
See part 2
Actually Shabbat Keeper, I wasn't intending to bring up the Rapture debate here, as it has been well discussed over the years. Rather, I was intending to give, maybe a rather flimsy example of a type of Gospel message, telling unbelievers that "when we turn to the Lord for forgiveness of our sins & receiving Christ into our life, then we will not face (physical) death, but just be raptured (caught up, as with Enoch/Elijah), to forever be with him". Here then would be something for the unbeliever to consider, because as sure as day turns into night, we all (believer & unbeliever alike) will face death - whether this thought leaves an 'icky' feeling in us depends on how we view death. So, rapture is not my issue here, but why is death any more of a punishment when we all have to die & knowing that death (of the body) means a complete eradication of any iota of life (in body, breath, mind, & senses). Often death is welcome, especially for the terminally ill or suffering, & whether or not one experiences a new pain-free joyful existence in the Lord's Presence or not, holds little attraction if there is no more consciousness in death or after it.
If death is the only punishment to the Christ-rejecter, then why do we all have to die? And if I might ask (verses that some don't care to address), why are there so many Scriptures to warn us that physical death is not the end (e.g. Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:10,11-15); all these pointing to the reality of an eternal torment? As one who doesn't believe in such an eternity, I ask you (as I've done in the past with others), why are these Scriptures rejected so as to support an emotion-charged belief rather than a biblical Truth? Why do we reject or re-write these passages to suit us, when they're given direct from the Mouth of our Lord?
In regard to misuse of scripture; we risk two extremes-that being making applications to every event in our lives with any verse that even remotely seems to prove a mindset or agenda or life decision and the contrary; which views the Word as a history lesson; disregarding any application of the supernatural in our personal lives; or in speaking to us in our personal lives.
I would say that it is better to randomly open to a scripture verse to find something applicable than to assign meanings to passages through a deliberate twisting of meanings. We need to differentiate between methods of preaching that are more life application oriented with those that are more focused on hermeneutics, for instance. It is a slippery slope once we start to read into scripture with a message that is more like a self fulfilling prophecy than proper exegesis.
Take; for instance personal examples and life lessons. Those obsessed with the charismatic gifts; for instance often talk of miracles that they have seen; but practically speaking; for instance hearing examples of sharing the Gospel and seeing results is just as much; if not more evidence of a miracle in a supernatural transformation of the heart. Knowing our local pastor should help us to establish trust so that we have assurance that we are not being given unsubstantiated tales of miracles; signs and wonders.
Another example is the verses where we are commanded to raise the dead; heal the sick etc such as found in Matthew 10:8. Surely these acts along with deliverance were continued throughout the time of the book of Acts. We need to matter of factly acknowledge when a miracle appears to occur; but also realize that in some cases it may not be God's will; at least in terms of the fact that we are all mortal beings. We certainly should pray for such things; especially spiritual deliverance for those in bondage to the enemy which all with the Spirit can do.
I'm sorry but the scriptures DO NOT agree with you.
John 5:14 "Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."
Jesus warns that if we continue sinning only worse things will happen!
Proverbs 1:7
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Matthew 10:28
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Proverbs 14:2
"He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him."
Job 28:28
"And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
God is FEAR and LOVE! If we are wise we will love Him and fear Him!
GBU
SOUL
Vayikra (Leviticus) 17:11& 14- Torah -
11 The SOUL of the flesh is in the BLOOD, and I have therefore given it to you [to be placed] upon the altar, to atone for your souls. For it is the blood that atones for the soul.
14For [regarding] the soul of all flesh its blood is in its soul, and I said to the children of Israel: You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the soul of any flesh is its blood all who eat it shall be cut off.
SPIRIT
Isaiah 11:2-KJV
2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
John 6:63 - JESUS said:
... the WORDS that I speak unto you, THEY ARE SPIRIT, and they are life. (The Word is GOD, self-executing, is the Power. Great mystery. The Word is from everlasting to everlasting. By the way, around 2.000 years ago, the Word was made flesh- John 1:14).
Romans 8:9-
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, HE IS NONE OF HIS.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him that raised up JESUS from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.
It's it. Now, the interpretation is with you.
GOD BLESSES YOU
Matthew 10:28
Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
In my last post I ended with a discussion of the legalism of the Pharisees; as well as those that have what I call "sloppy Agape" or attempt to gloss over sin and use grace and forgiveness of all past; present and future sins as their excuse. In both of these cases at least for those who remain in a church fellowship we see an idolization of the Pastor most often who no doubt is contributing to one or the other error mentioned here. A true believer would move on if there is heresy coming from one of their own (see Acts 20:30). Justifying self righteousness is aided; of course when someone is financially well to do and credits the church leadership that promises "sowing a seed" will add to prosperity for all (whether or not they are giving a large sum themselves). The opposite of this are those widows and old ladies who are fleeced to their last dollar mesmerized by a Pastor who promises health and happiness with obedience and warns against not doing this despite what common sense would otherwise show.
This first paragraph assumes corrupt leadership. Another sign of our faith is respecting elders and pastors who ARE feeding the flock and tending the sheep properly. (see 1 Timothy 5:17). Disrespect of such authority often mainfests in impatience if a sermon runs 5 minutes late; frustration when genuine financial needs are brought up; lack of participation and interest in prayer and doing service projects in the church and for the comunity; etc. Beyond this; the admonitions of 1 John about loving the brethren are ignored (see 1 John 4:20). Such parishioners will sometimes leave; and we shouldn't strive to force them to stay.
There are others attempting to spread false doctrines which were of course never part of the true flock (see 1 John 2:19). They may leave but if not need to be dealt with lest they be a cancer that affects the whole flock (see warning in Galatians 5:9).
LET US MEDITATE ON MATTHEW 10:16!!!
My previous post touched on church doctrine. These days we cannot have assurance that a literal hell is something that is taken seriously; or that only Christ is the way to eternal life. A catechism SHOULD state what a core belief is of such matters; if it is not being adhered to disciplinary action should be taken and if it is some spurious statement we have no business remaining there.
Many megachurches seem to want to cater to the nonbeliever and rather than aking them tremble at the fear of God and His presence they want to present Christianinty as something that fits into a music venue; social activities and other things that appeal to the flesh. Rather than making coming to Christ the beginning of a death sentence all the verses that Jesus spoke such as Matthew 10:22-24 and numerous other admonitions such as 1 Peter 4:12-19 have to be ignored with such techniques.
The prosperity gospel shouldn't have to be dissected to show the error; looking at the life of Christ and the Disciples should suffice to show it is utter rubbish. An honest assessment shows that leadership at such places doesn't want to lose parishioners; thus "filthy lucre" and the love of such things ( Titus 1:11) is a deadly vice. Sadly though we see others who are caught up in emotional sentimentality. It is easy of course to be convinced one's girlfriend or boyfriend will turn their affections to God since they show partiality to us. Making Christ appeal to youth with attractive women dressed in worldly apparel or cheap gimmicks will at best cause a few predestined to come to faith to wake up; just as someone who is in a congregation with false doctrines can hear enough of the true Word to be convicted; in other words despite the bad approach rather than because of it. But counting the cost of being a Disciple can't be ignored; as well as challenging those who would bring in error and restricting membership to those who truly believe
you quoted:
matthew 10:23 .... ye (those 12 disciples) shall not have gone over the cities of israel, til the son of man be come.
christ came the second time when god raised him from the dead, we became joint-heirs, we are the body of christ.
christ came; the second time, in the clouds of heaven, the new creation.
colossians 1:27 .... this mystery ...... christ in you .......
john 17:22 and the glory that thou has give me, i have given them, that they may be one, as we are one.
the gospel is believing what god has done for man.
psalms 107:8 o that man would praise the god of his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of man.
god bless you!
Now in the Luke version we have a similar construction from vv.17-18 "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name./And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Jesus as the Word become flesh is referring to what the scriptures indicate. "For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me,"( Luke 22:37) Luke's Gospel gives another insight of the Son while the Jewish sensibilities of Matthew gives us yet another.
Seventy (7x10) number is another cue. 7 is the command number which is used for referring completeness. Where 10 indicates man's life. Thus Jesus fasting forty days and nights or he was seen after he was risen." he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days"(Ac.1:3) God gave 70 elders the spirit that was upon Moses (Nu.11:25)
When we see Matthew 10 and compare it with Luke 10 we see some differences. Those in Matthew 10 were told only to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:6). Such was NOT the case with the 72 in Luke's account. We see there is no return mentioned of the Disciples as was with the 72 in Luke 10:17. The same cities were rebuked in Matthew 11:17 as they are in Luke 10:13-15. (incidentally these cities were rebuked BEFORE the Disciples retuned which also signifies their lack of belief in the miracles of Christ Himself if not implying their lack of response to the Gospel and miracles the Disciples and 72 performed in both Gospel accounts).
When we look at Matthew 10 we see far implications; persecutions; being hated by all nations for His Name's sake; going to trial with kings and rulers and finally verses in verse 22:23. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." This is a clear indication of the Tribulation as indeed this refers to the Second Coming. It is notable today that one cannot be a citizen of Israel if declaring themselves to be a Christian. The only other option here is to somehow imply the Lord came already as a Full Preterist viewpoint which says somehow Christ already returned in AD 70. The implications here are not only for the Disciples but all those who are going to suffer persecution for His Name's sake; perhaps particularly but not only related to the cities of Israel. Also the 144,000 and 2 Prophets would also be something bringing the climax and greatest challenge for Israel ever seen in the time of "Jacob's Trouble". ( Jeremiah 30:7). God promises deliverance eventually; by death or Rapture or Resurrection.
Agape.
The way I interpret your question is how much must I obey God to get into heaven? What is the bare minimum?
Because some feel inconvenienced to follow Jesus- whether embarrassment or other excuses. And do you have to obey the 10 commandments or any of the other commandments in the Bible? You already know what God says- He called them "commandments" for a reason, but some want to be comforted and hear that you can do whatever you want, whatever feels good, in this world and be ok? If that the hope, that's Satan's message.
It looks like this has received a lot of comments. Some are pushing false teachings which should be called out. It doesn't matter what man says, but what God says, right? Isn't it better to please God than please man?
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22 KJV
This clearly says to be a doer of the Word. It's not enough to just hear it and do nothing. Christianity is an action. I don't see anywhere in the Bible saying you're saved on earth before you're even judged. Please share verses that back that up, because I haven't seen any. I see verses saying you can have assurance of salvation. There's verses saying we will be saved, but it doesn't say right now before our life is even over- I believe that's the assumed part that deviates from scripture.
"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:33
Baptism:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16
I think its risky to intentionally disobey Jesus, then expect all the benefits.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46
If you don't obey, why even call him Lord? You're not even a follower. This is my interpretation of what Jesus is saying here.
Matthew 7:24-27 - Jesus's point of this parable is obeying Him. "doing" "doeth"
THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION:
If you've never been through the book of Revelation before, you might be interested in knowing that the study of the introduction to the book of Revelation is a study in and of itself.
It could take several long posts to go over everything, so what I have done is excerpted out some of the main points.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The Apostle John. The Apostle John is not John the Baptist.
The Apostle John is mentioned five times in the Book of Revelation: 1:1; 1:4; 1:9; 21:2; 22:8.
The Apostle John had a brother by the name of James. They were known as the sons of Zebedee, found in Matthew 10:2-4.
Jesus gave them the name "The sons of thunder," recorded in Mark 3:17. They always wanted to call fire down from heaven and consume people if they didn't want anything to do with the Lord. There's a lot of "sons of thunder" in the church today!
John, Peter, and James were the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus, and spent many special times with the Lord, Matthew 17:1; 26:37.
The Apostle John was the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death.
What is interesting, in association with the book of Revelation, is that tradition says that around 86 A.D., they tried to execute John by dipping him in burning oil. And after they pulled him out, nothing was wrong with him. And they figured that they couldn't kill him, so they decided to exile him off onto the island of Patmos.
Again, most of the introduction to 3 John will be the same as 1 & 2 John. I will share a couple of pieces of information that will be different. I would like to point out that all of John's writings (other than the gospel of John), are in the Jewish Literature section of the New Testament.
It was written to the Jews, Jewish believers. But that didn't eliminate or cause the Gentiles not to be able to receive from the truth from these letters.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The apostle John. This is not John the Baptist. This is the apostle, John.
The apostle John had a brother by the name of James. They were known as "The Sons of Zebedee" ( Matthew 10:2-4). Jesus gave them the name "The Sons of Thunder" ( Mark 3:17).
John, Peter, and James were the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus and spent many special times with the Lord ( Matthew 17:1; 26:37).
The apostle John was the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death.
John wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2, and 3 John, and the Book of Revelation.
And you should keep in mind that even though he wrote the Gospel of John that's at the beginning of the New Testament, the gospel of John was one of the last books written in chronological order. But it was put at the beginning so that all of the gospels could be put together about the earthly ministry of Christ.
Most of this introduction will be the same as I presented in 1 John in which I shared an overall introduction to all three books.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The Apostle John. The Apostle John is not John the Baptist.
The Apostle John had a brother by the name of James. They were known as "The Sons of Zebedee" ( Matthew 10:2-4). Jesus gave them the name "The Sons of Thunder" ( Mark 3:17).
John, Peter, and James were the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus and spent many special times with the Lord ( Matthew 17:1; Matthew 26:37).
The Apostle John was the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death.
John wrote the Gospel of John, I, II and III John, and the Book of Revelation.
II. ABOUT THE RECIPIENTS:
The Apostle John wrote I, II and III John to the churches of Asia Minor over which John exercised Apostolic leadership in his later years. Most of the recipients of his letters were Jewish believers but the letters were written for all of the believers in the churches.
III. ABOUT THE DATE AND LOCATION:
I John was written sometime in the late 80s or early 90s A.D. It is believed John's letters were written soon after he composed the Gospel of John. All five of John's letters were written from Ephesus where he spent his elder years leading the churches in Asia Minor.
NOW FOR THE INTRODUCTION TO 1, 2, & 3 JOHN.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The Apostle John is the author. He is not to be confused with John the Baptist. He is a completely different person. We can get confused with the different people by the name of John in the scriptures. This is the Apostle John, one of the original 12 Apostles.
The Apostle John had a brother by the name of James. They were known as "The Sons of Zebedee" ( Matthew 10:2-4). Zebedee was their father.
Jesus gave them the name "The Sons of Thunder" ( Mark 3:17). As they travelled with Jesus and the other disciples, they were the ones that said if people rejected Christ, they wanted to know if the Lord wanted to call fire down from heaven and consume them. They wanted to be the guys that blow everybody up if they don't believe. So, they're called the "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus.
John, Peter, and James were the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus and spent many special times with the Lord, on the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1. Also, in the garden before Jesus died, the three of them were with Him as He was praying in Matthew 26:37.
The Apostle John was the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death. Tradition says that they tried to kill him by dipping him in burning oil. But when he came out, he wasn't harmed. So, they put him out on the island of Patmos to serve his time out there. And it was on the island of Patmos where he received what we know as the book of Revelation.
John wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2 and 3 John, and the Book of Revelation.
So, when Peter was called PETROS, or Cephas in Aramaic, and remember in John Chapter 1, Jesus said you will be called Cephas. Well, at this particular time in Matthew 16:18 is when Jesus named him PETROS. It's a spiritual name. It's a rock. But it's not a foundation stone. That's PETRA, and that's Jesus.
Simon Peter, Andrew, and their father were from the village called Bethsaida, on the Northeastern side of the Sea of Galilee. They later moved to Capernaum to continue their fishing business, as recorded in Mark 1:21, and Mark 1:29. The reason for the move was because Capernaum was the Lord's home during much of his public ministry.
Luke 4:38-39 tells us that Peter was married. In this account, Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law who was sick with a fever. Simon Peter's wife also accompanied him on some of the missionary journeys as told to us in I Corinthians 9:5.
Simon Peter also appears to be the leader of the Apostles. In all four lists of the Apostles in the New Testament, Simon Peter is named first. Matthew 10:2-7; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13.
In Acts Chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, Peter was the one who gave the first sermon.
In Acts Chapter 4, Peter is the one answering to the Sanhedrin (the religious council of the Jews). They pulled the disciples in and said you cannot preach the resurrection anymore in the name of Jesus. It was Peter who responded and spoke for the disciples.
In Acts Chapter 5, Peter is the one administering discipline in the Church. So, he's a leader.
Yet, as you wrote, "Our core values we know for sure but secondary issues we don't", which is what we need to emphasize & build up one another on, rather than on matters we know little or nothing about. Yet, it's always an interesting exercise to ponder even over such things. Blessings.
Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Jesus despite His statement in Matthew 12:48 (He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?) Jesus demonstrated at the cross his concern for his mother's care and had John live there with her in John 19. It was even worded in the same way "behold your mother"and "behold your son" in verses 26 and 27. We see from the verses above as well as others that family is often the most dificult to reach; even in Christ's case James only believed after the cross. ( John 7:5) shows this; along with unbelief of other brothers at the time. If a sinless Christ was viewed in His hometown as merely being the Son of Joseph and Mary at the time despite the virgin birth being a reality; then of course the only other option would have been as the Pharisees said in John 8:41. And of course we can't expect anything more; since we indeed are all sinners saved by grace. Our family will see something different about us from what we once were; especially if there is a dramatic change in behavior due to certain outward manifestations of behavior radically different after salvation. Of course all of our past mistakes and human weaknesses will be scrutinized by those who grew up with us.
We have challenges from Jesus in both loving God more than our own family as well as the mandates to honor our Father and mother. Clearly our Lord understood the right balance and we should learn from His example. Our natural family isn't our spiritual one; it may or may not become that in time. In my own life not only do I have 2 unbelieving parents in their 90's; NO one in my family to the best of my knowledge are saved. Having to live at home at present therefore means my walk and behavior has to be consistent. Preaching is not going to accomplish much; they are aware I have been a believer 40 years+
Matthew was one of the 12 Apostles. In Matthew 10:3, we have the record of Matthew being called out from the disciples to be one of the original 12 Apostles.
NOW FOR MATTHEW'S GOSPEL:
WHEN IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written in the late 60's AD. Here are some things that are important to know:
LINK TO OTHER BOOKS:
Out of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Mark was written first. It is the shortest of the gospels. But it is interesting that out of the 661 verses in Mark, Matthew has 500 of them, almost word for word. It shows that Matthew was following Mark's Gospel as a template for his writings.
So, Mark wrote his first, Matthew second, and then Luke. And if you've ever read the introduction to Luke (the first four verses of Chapter 1), Luke says he has collected all the writings that he could find in order to write his gospel.
So, Luke had Matthew, he had Mark, and he had all the different writings from the different witnesses and the different people who were with Christ. So, he wrote his gospel, and out of the synoptic gospels, Luke's was written third and was written last.
Now the purpose for the Synoptic Gospels was to present a certain side of Jesus to a certain group of people. To the Jews they were presented the Messiah. To the Roman mind, the Servant, God who came as a Servant to die for our sins. And then Luke, his gospel was for the Gentiles.
We find a lot of literature in Matthew. This is very important because some pull verses out of Matthew that are not found in the other gospels, and they apply it incorrectly to Christians today because what you find in Matthew, you don't find anywhere else. It's because Matthew wrote them uniquely for the Jews. Ten parables in Matthew are not found anywhere else because they were written to the Jews. And we have to understand that from a Jewish perspective, not from a culture of the Gentiles. So, it is very important to understand how all these books function in their purpose.