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Post by Cindy on Apr 25, 2016 9:15:22 GMT -5
Sad but often true, isn't it? Jesus is so amazing....
I finally finished the 4th chapter of John. I've been focusing on what it means to worship "In spirit and in truth" and am finally beginning to feel that I understand it. “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”” (John 4:23–24)
We worship Him in Spirit, because for one thing, He is Spirit and dwells within us, instead of limiting His presence to a building like He used to in the Temple in Jerusalem. Secondly, worshiping in spirit has to do with our hearts attitude, rather then with ritual and tradition. God has always been more interested in what's in our hearts than in our rituals, because ultimately what's in our hearts determines our words and actions. He tells us that we're to seek Him with all our hearts, and when we do that, we're worshiping Him in spirit. We worship Him in Truth, because He is The Truth; as His Word is the Truth and we are sanctified by His Word. In order to worship Him in Truth, we need to know His Word, and be in His Word daily, for His Word that not only sanctifies us, it also sets us free from the bondage of sin, guilt, and shame so we can worship Him in Truth. I like the way the ESV translates these verses: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31–32) We must be in His Word daily and apply it to our lives in order to be set free. Abiding in it means constant or continuous use of His Word, which is what we do when we take our thoughts captive and replace them with the Truth from His Word; when we reflect on His Word, and spend time talking with Him about His Word., and of course, just talking with Him in general too. When we do that, we worship Him in Truth.
I was also reminded of the story of Cain and Abel when they both went to worship God. Abel worshiped Him in Truth, for he worshiped God by bringing the sacrifices God had told them to bring and worshiping Him the way He said He wanted to be worshiped. Cain did not, instead he brought a different sacrifice trying to be better then his brother most likely, but also thinking that he could enter God's presence in any way he wanted to, or that he could earn his way into God's presence. We have to remember that we should never approach God with the wrong heart attitude like Cain did, but should worship Him only in the Truth He has revealed to us, and with truth in our hearts. Not trying to earn our way or worship Him in some way other then what He has shown us in His Word. Cain's heart was full of pride, while Abel's was humble, admitting his need and God's goodness to him. Well, we know how that all turned out, so we know that we need to be humble and submit to God at all times, knowing we deserve nothing, but that in His amazing love for us, God gives us His forgiveness, salvation, grace, mercy, and blessings continually. That is worshiping Him in Truth.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 25, 2016 9:34:33 GMT -5
As far as my problem goes, this is what I came up with after talking to the Lord about it yesterday. I think what I'm going to try and do for now at least is have my schedule look something like this:
Monday and Friday:These will be my "special days" that I'll allow myself to spend more time with Him, so I'll give myself till noon before I have to come here or go do something else.
Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday and Sunday: I'll give myself till 10am to have my time with the Lord in His Word and prayer, then have an hour here before I have to get busy with chores.
On days when I'm having a rough time due to pain/illness, I'll follow the Monday/Friday schedule unless I feel I'll be able to do anything else, so it will have to be a judgment call on my part.
Today was funny because I forgot I could stay on longer today and followed the Tuesday schedule, but now I'm in a lot of pain so don't know if I'll be able to do anything else or not! 
Anyway, I'll try this schedule out and see how it goes. I'll let you know each day whether or not I was able to keep to it. If I discover that I simply can't keep it, then I'll have to rethink it, and talk to the Lord about it some more.
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Post by evafromgreece on Apr 25, 2016 13:06:25 GMT -5
"The crowd does seem to be patient, don't they? They're eager to be healed and to see miracles done and don't want to leave. Sadly, they didn't come to hear His Words about salvation, but to see or receive miracles. If you remember from when we studied the gospels before, right after Jesus fed the 5000 (Matt 14:16; Mark 6:37; Luke 9:13; John 6:8) the crowd tried to make Him their King. It doesn't say anything about it in Matthew, but it happened right after He dismissed the crowd. It explains it in John: “After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.” (John 6:14–15) Jesus knew that what they wanted was to make Him King thinking that way He would miraculously feed them and keep them safe. They still were not interested in repenting of their sins and doing God's Will."
Now it makes a sence :) Thank you for making and all the other things clear.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399 
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Post by fearnot on Apr 25, 2016 23:33:35 GMT -5
Today Monday April 25th
I read Mark 2 1-12
Jesus healed a paralytic
Jesus was preaching the Word of God to the people in a home.
This reminds me of an accusation often thrown out at Christians about being dogmatic that their way is the only right way.
I went thru a time in my life when I felt so magnanimous because I would say: 'All paths lead to God" and along with that generous statement, I would also state that as long as people were sincere God would save them.
As I began to learn the true truth, I first heard or read a pastor say that yes people are often sincere, but they ( if they are not trusting Jesus)
they are sincerely wrong!
And then as time went by and I read things like Evidence that Demands a Verdict etc
I became convicted of the integrity and inerrancy of the Bible. I also learned exactly what other religions taught and there was and is no comparison!!
Jesus IS the Word!
When you finally see the Truth, the real deal, no counterfeit will do, I can stand confident.
I've been writing so much today that is all I will write today.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 26, 2016 12:12:38 GMT -5
"The crowd does seem to be patient, don't they? They're eager to be healed and to see miracles done and don't want to leave. Sadly, they didn't come to hear His Words about salvation, but to see or receive miracles. If you remember from when we studied the gospels before, right after Jesus fed the 5000 (Matt 14:16; Mark 6:37; Luke 9:13; John 6:8) the crowd tried to make Him their King. It doesn't say anything about it in Matthew, but it happened right after He dismissed the crowd. It explains it in John: “After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.” (John 6:14–15) Jesus knew that what they wanted was to make Him King thinking that way He would miraculously feed them and keep them safe. They still were not interested in repenting of their sins and doing God's Will." Now it makes a sence :) Thank you for making and all the other things clear. Today Monday April 25th
I read Mark 2 1-12
Jesus healed a paralytic
Jesus was preaching the Word of God to the people in a home.
This reminds me of an accusation often thrown out at Christians about being dogmatic that their way is the only right way.
I went thru a time in my life when I felt so magnanimous because I would say: 'All paths lead to God" and along with that generous statement, I would also state that as long as people were sincere God would save them.
As I began to learn the true truth, I first heard or read a pastor say that yes people are often sincere, but they ( if they are not trusting Jesus)
they are sincerely wrong!
And then as time went by and I read things like Evidence that Demands a Verdict etc
I became convicted of the integrity and inerrancy of the Bible. I also learned exactly what other religions taught and there was and is no comparison!!
Jesus IS the Word!
When you finally see the Truth, the real deal, no counterfeit will do, I can stand confident.
I've been writing so much today that is all I will write today.
I read up to John 5:30 today. John 5:1–15 taught me a lot. I love this story! At a place that was filled with the disabled and ill, Jesus sought out one particular person who had been trying for years to be healed by the waters. He first questioned others about this person although He already knew more then anyone about Him. That tells me that He was trying to get the others to see how selfish everyone was being by not helping this man and others like him. The man was so depressed and full of self pity that he couldn't answer a simple yes or no question, but instead had to "explain". Jesus knew his heart and told him to pick up his mat and walk - something he could not do. But when Jesus commands us to do something, He also always gives us the ability to do it. Jesus did not require faith or anything from this man to heal him. He also knew the man didn't know who He was when He slipped away afterward, but that he wanted to. Therefore He found the man later at the temple. Note that Jesus found him, not the other way around! Jesus had a second reason for finding this man. He wanted to tell him to stop sinning or something worse would happen to him. Jesus knows how evil our hearts are and how well we are able to fool ourselves into thinking that it's ok to do evil things. He wanted to warn this man against that so he wouldn't wind up worse off then before. He was really asking him if he would accept His authority over him as Lord & walk in new life from then on. He says the same thing to all of us. But the man left Jesus & went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who healed him. Why would he do that? Jesus had just told him to "stop sinning or else" & we hate it when someone points out our sin & calls it what it is. When that happens, we have to either repent or defend ourselves. We generally choose to defend ourselves & show that person how wrong they are. What better way to do so then to go to the official leaders & teachers & have them agree that Jesus is in the wrong. Even though they're saying he's wrong about something other then saying the man shouldn't sin, it still would soothe his pride. How sad. The "worse thing" for this man was probably either death or slavery in ad 70.
John 5:16–30 seems to be all about explaining that Jesus Is God and One with the Father. It's showing us why we should worship Him, why we should obey Him and fear Him. It shows us that as we come to know Him, we are also coming to know the Father. He is One with the Father and because He came to earth and became a man, He is also one with us, for He can completely understand us. That He is God gives Him the right to judge us, but because He became like us, we now can't even complain that He doesn't understand us.
As far as my "problem" goes, I didn't follow the schedule today as I'm still in a lot of pain and feeling ill. It made me realize though that I've been frustrated about this for no reason. I was thinking of myself as though I didn't have anything wrong with me anymore and should now be able to live a "normal" life, but that isn't true. I was acting like I only have a few days when I'm in a lot of pain, but the truth is that I have more high pain days then not. Therefore I think I can now lay the whole thing to rest because I think I was getting ahead of God and trying to be something I'm not. I want so badly to be more engaged in life and no longer an "outsider looking in on life" that I ran ahead without thinking. Strange how I didn't see this before.....I really thought I could pull this off and be more normal, but I can see how wrong I was. It's weird, it's like blinders have been taken off my eyes.
I just realized too that the reason I was so frustrated about not being able to keep the schedule, was because I was following and believing my emotions instead of the truth! 
How in the world did I let that happen??? I don't know, but will ask the Lord to show me as I sure don't want it to happen again. Yet another reason we have to stay alert. I wish now that I'd asked you guys about this months ago as then I wouldn't have gone through all this time feeling frustrated. But if I had, maybe I never would have found this out... I know the reason it happened has to have something to do with starting to follow my emotions, but when did I start doing that and why - since I know better? Boy this really snuck up on me that's for sure! It must also have something to do with my strong desire to "be more" or "do more"..... maybe that's the answer right there. I wasn't being content with the way things are like God tells us to be, instead I was trying to be more, thinking it would please Him, but that was my idea, not His. He has things this way because that's how He wants them and that's what's best for me. I'm the one that was thinking it wasn't best and that I could do more for Him another way. Yeah... I think that's probably the core reason it happened, but if I discover more I'll let you know.
Wow, what a revelation! Thank you so much for letting me share all this. I guess from now on I'll simply let things be and just take one day at a time and do the best I can.
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Post by evafromgreece on Apr 26, 2016 15:04:21 GMT -5
Hey guys :)
I studied Matthew 17-18
I saw something again in 16 that I am not sure what it means. On 16:28, I am not sure. I feel its a bit of a contradiction here, but I cannot express my thoughts right in English about this , I cannot find the words. The Kingdom didnt come that period because Jews didnt accept Him, so why He is talking about something that they will see soon?
Chapter 18:3-4 its good to remember and to have it always in mind. In verse 6 , is He talking about people that lead others away from Him and faith, or bad things that a believer would face in general?
Verse 10, I dont want to be "critical" at some churches , but the should have remembered this before they consider their salvation as something they inherit from their families and before they were so "proud" and unwilling to welcome new people at their churches and consider them brothers and sisters in Christ. And it continues in 12-14.
I will continue on 19 .
I saw the posts at the other thread, I will reply tomorrow on them
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Post by Cindy on Apr 27, 2016 11:00:37 GMT -5
Hey guys :) I studied Matthew 17-18 I saw something again in 16 that I am not sure what it means. On 16:28, I am not sure. I feel its a bit of a contradiction here, but I cannot express my thoughts right in English about this , I cannot find the words. The Kingdom didnt come that period because Jews didnt accept Him, so why He is talking about something that they will see soon? Chapter 18:3-4 its good to remember and to have it always in mind. In verse 6 , is He talking about people that lead others away from Him and faith, or bad things that a believer would face in general? Verse 10, I dont want to be "critical" at some churches , but the should have remembered this before they consider their salvation as something they inherit from their families and before they were so "proud" and unwilling to welcome new people at their churches and consider them brothers and sisters in Christ. And it continues in 12-14. I will continue on 19 . I saw the posts at the other thread, I will reply tomorrow on them
Yes, Matthew 18:6-7 is talking about what a terrible sin it is for anyone to cause a believer to sin. He says that it is a terrible sin to cause another believer to sin, and they will be punished severely for it!
It can be very helpful to write short notes in your bible by the verses you are studying that will remind you of what you have learned before. That way you can always remember and always be adding to what you know.
You did a wonderful job on this one! I'm looking forward to reading your reply on the other thread too.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 27, 2016 11:07:52 GMT -5
I studied John 5:31–47 today and really enjoyed it. These verses really spoke to me:
“And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. “I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.” (John 5:37–42)
This tells us that studying God's Word should cause us to grow in our love for Him & for others, & that love should be visible for all to see. Love is the fruit of the spirit that shows we've been with Jesus, know Him & love Him. We obey His word because we love Him, & we love others not because they are lovable but because we love Jesus. As my devotional said: Having received the love of Christ, we are willing to say to other people, “My desire to love you will outweigh my desire to be loved [honored, appreciated, respected] by you.” No longer are we dominated by popular opinion. Perceived rejection doesn’t control us as it once did. Instead, we keep coming back to the question, “What form will love take now?”
I posted the entire devotional here too.
fresh-hope.com/thread/2215/response-gods-love
There was also another devotional that I had in my notes for these verses which I posted here too:
fresh-hope.com/thread/2216/scriptures
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Post by evafromgreece on Apr 27, 2016 12:20:03 GMT -5
Hello guys!
Matthew 19:13 the desciples tell the children to go away even though they heard Jesus on 18:01-05. It seems like they could not see exactly what He was talking about.
I believe in verse 24, it doesnt mean just having money but loving them. If you love money, if your heart is there you wont be with the Lord. Some say if you just have money and material you wont be with the Lord, that you need to be poor , but I dont think that is what it says.
In chapter 20:01-16 the people that worked from the morning and paid the same as the ones that came later are the old in faith and the others the new ones? The prize salvation? Or He was talking about also the Jews (old) and the nations (new)? But the prize there could not be salvation as Jews did not accept Him.
And I am finishing 20 and moving to 21
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Apr 27, 2016 21:30:25 GMT -5
Yesterday Tue. April 26
I read Mark 2: 13-17
Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners
Today Wed. April 27
I read Mark 2: 18-21
The Pharisees question Jesus about fasting.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 28, 2016 12:17:23 GMT -5
Hello guys! Matthew 19:13 the desciples tell the children to go away even though they heard Jesus on 18:01-05. It seems like they could not see exactly what He was talking about. I believe in verse 24, it doesnt mean just having money but loving them. If you love money, if your heart is there you wont be with the Lord. Some say if you just have money and material you wont be with the Lord, that you need to be poor , but I dont think that is what it says. In chapter 20:01-16 the people that worked from the morning and paid the same as the ones that came later are the old in faith and the others the new ones? The prize salvation? Or He was talking about also the Jews (old) and the nations (new)? But the prize there could not be salvation as Jews did not accept Him. And I am finishing 20 and moving to 21
That's the natural tendency of our sin nature toward money. I know I've caught myself falling for that attitude as well. If we have the money to pay our bills and buy food, we don't worry. But if we don't, then we get scared and start to pray. We didn't consider God when we were paying our bills, but all of a sudden, He becomes the only one left that can help us. That is often the prayer of what the bible calls a double minded person, because they don't really trust God, but they figure it can't hurt to ask and if He does help them, that's great, although they really don't expect Him to. (James 1:6–8) It's a hard lesson to learn, and like Jesus said, it's almost impossible for the rich to learn it. We think being rich is great and most of us want to be rich or wish we were, but Jesus says it's deadly and not at all something to desire or wish for. I've told the Lord that I don't ever want to be rich or ever have more then just enough, and really mean it. I agree with what proverbs says about it: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8–9)
Matthew 20 supports what Jesus said in Matthew19:28–30, but is talking about everyone who has ever lived or ever will live. We tend to look at the outside of people, at their big houses, maybe their big congregation if they're a pastor, how much money they have, and at their expensive toys to judge who has done well in this life. We think those people will be given the biggest and best rewards in Heaven, but Jesus says that isn't so. He looks at people's hearts, their attitudes. So many that we think will be getting the biggest rewards in heaven, may instead get the same reward we do, or even less. Or we may get less then someone we think is beneath us because again, we can't see what is in their heart, but Jesus can. Let me share what one commentary says about this:
Now we can understand the perils that were hidden in Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27. For one thing, we must not “suppose” (Matt. 20:10) that we will get something more if we really do not deserve it. It is possible to do the Father’s work & yet not do His will from the heart (Eph. 6:6). If we serve Him only for the benefits (temporal & eternal), then we will miss the best blessings He has for us. We must trust Him unreservedly & believe that He will always give what is best. There is the danger of pride. “What shall we have?” asked Peter. This parable warned him, “How do you know you will have anything?” Beware of overconfidence when it comes to the rewards God will give, for those first in their own eyes (& in the eyes of others) may end up last! Likewise, do not get discouraged; for those who consider themselves “unprofitable servants” may end up first. Beware of the danger of watching other workers and measuring yourself by them. “Judge nothing before the time,” Paul warns in 1 Cor 4:5. We see the worker and the work, but God sees the heart. Finally, we must beware of criticizing God and feeling that we have been left out. Had the early morning workers trusted the owner and not asked for an agreement, the owner would have given them much more. He was generous, but they would not trust him. They did not rejoice that others received more; instead, they were jealous & complained. The goodness of the owner did not lead them to repentance (Rom. 2:4). It revealed the true character of their hearts: They were selfish! Whenever we find a complaining servant, we know he has not fully yielded to the master’s will. The Bible exposition commentary
I hope my explanations from yesterday and today have helped you understand what Jesus was saying. It really is a good idea to make notes by the verses so you don't forget it in the future. I also just realized that you may take my reply as a criticism, but it is not. You don't need to be afraid or ashamed of making mistakes or of not seeing the whole picture. We all make mistakes and none of us learn without making lots of them. It's part of being human. It would be a sin for me to read what you wrote and not tell you the truth. It would be a sin because I would not be acting in love, I would be acting in fear instead. It would be acting in fear of you taking it wrong and having your feelings hurt, and that is not love. Love always tells the truth because it wants the best for the one who is loved. Love wants the other to grow and flourish, and not just stay the same. When my children were little, I did not tell just them they were doing great when they got their spelling or their math wrong, I corrected them and told them to keep trying and that they were doing fine. That's what I'm saying to you too. It's ok to make mistakes, you're trying and doing a good job at it. Yesterday Tue. April 26
I read Mark 2: 13-17
Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners
Today Wed. April 27
I read Mark 2: 18-21
The Pharisees question Jesus about fasting.
I had a hard time understanding Mark 2:21–22 for the longest time. Once I did get it though, I was really surprised at all it was saying to us. I'll share it with you although I'm sure you already know it... (but in case someone's reading this that doesn't know, now they will lol) I think this commentary explained it best:
The garment and the wineskins (Mark 2:21–22). Jesus taught two important lessons about His ministry: (1) He came to save sinners, not to call the religious; and (2) He came to bring gladness and not sadness. The 3rd lesson is this: He came to introduce the new, not to patch up the old. Jesus came to usher in the new, not to unite with the old. The Mosaic economy was decaying, getting old, and ready to vanish away (Heb. 8:13). Jesus would establish a New Covenant in His blood (Luke 22:19–20). The Law would be written on human hearts, not on stones (2 Cor. 3:1–3; Heb. 10:15–18); and the indwelling Holy Spirit would enable God’s people to fulfill the righteousness of the Law (Rom. 8:1–4). By using this illustration, Jesus refuted once and for all the popular idea of a compromising “world religion.” Well-meaning but spiritually blind leaders have suggested that we take “the best” from each religion, blend it with what is “best” in the Christian faith, and thus manufacture a synthetic faith that would be acceptable to everybody. But the Christian faith is exclusive in character; it will not accept any other faith as its equal or its superior. (Acts 4:12) Salvation is not a partial patching up of one’s life; it is a whole new robe of righteousness (Isa. 61:10; 2 Cor. 5:21). The Bible exposition commentary
I studied John 6:1–15. The Feeding of the 5000. The people wanted to see more miracles, it's like they were addicted to them, like they got a high from it, & I suppose we all do in a sense when we see one, because they are amazing. But these people didn't think beyond the miracles at all, except for how the miracles could supply them with all they wanted. True, they were spellbound by Jesus when He taught them, but nothing seemed to stick, at least with the vast majority of them. When He was finished speaking, it was like they were awakened from a dream and shook it off themselves and got about what was important to them - the miracles. This is happening even today in a way. People have become so addicted to having what they think are "supernatural experiences" that everything else takes second place to that. They have lost what's most important and don't even know what the purpose of God's miracles were and are for. They see themselves at the center of everything instead of God, just like these folks did. They want to live life on a "high", not down in the valley of everyday life. Besides that, I also see the love Jesus had for the people & still has for us, & the care & concern He took to be sure that they were comfortable & well fed before they left. He provided them with all they needed to make it back to their homes safely; & did so in such a way that gave them comfort & peace as well as just food. We're not told what was done with the leftovers, expect that Jesus said it wasn't to be wasted. Knowing Jesus, I imagine that most likely it was given away to the poor. I imagine that Jesus was very aware of who in that vicinity was needing something to feed their family that night, and He most likely simply stopped by and gave it to them, or had one of the disciples deliver it for Him. He most certainly did not set it apart for people to worship!
I think I can apply this to my life by loving others, helping others, & giving what I have, even if it's only a little, to others (whether it's love, money, food, clothes, etc) because I can trust the Lord to make my gift enough for what they need, and of course I can also trust Him to continue to provide for me as well.
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Post by evafromgreece on Apr 28, 2016 17:01:31 GMT -5
Now we can understand the perils that were hidden in Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27. For one thing, we must not “suppose” (Matt. 20:10) that we will get something more if we really do not deserve it. It is possible to do the Father’s work & yet not do His will from the heart (Eph. 6:6). If we serve Him only for the benefits (temporal & eternal), then we will miss the best blessings He has for us. We must trust Him unreservedly & believe that He will always give what is best. There is the danger of pride. “What shall we have?” asked Peter. This parable warned him, “How do you know you will have anything?” Beware of overconfidence when it comes to the rewards God will give, for those first in their own eyes (& in the eyes of others) may end up last! Likewise, do not get discouraged; for those who consider themselves “unprofitable servants” may end up first. Beware of the danger of watching other workers and measuring yourself by them. “Judge nothing before the time,” Paul warns in 1 Cor 4:5. We see the worker and the work, but God sees the heart. Finally, we must beware of criticizing God and feeling that we have been left out. Had the early morning workers trusted the owner and not asked for an agreement, the owner would have given them much more. He was generous, but they would not trust him. They did not rejoice that others received more; instead, they were jealous & complained. The goodness of the owner did not lead them to repentance (Rom. 2:4). It revealed the true character of their hearts: They were selfish! Whenever we find a complaining servant, we know he has not fully yielded to the master’s will. The Bible exposition commentary
I hope my explanations from yesterday and today have helped you understand what Jesus was saying. It really is a good idea to make notes by the verses so you don't forget it in the future. I also just realized that you may take my reply as a criticism, but it is not. You don't need to be afraid or ashamed of making mistakes or of not seeing the whole picture. We all make mistakes and none of us learn without making lots of them. It's part of being human. It would be a sin for me to read what you wrote and not tell you the truth. It would be a sin because I would not be acting in love, I would be acting in fear instead. It would be acting in fear of you taking it wrong and having your feelings hurt, and that is not love. Love always tells the truth because it wants the best for the one who is loved. Love wants the other to grow and flourish, and not just stay the same. When my children were little, I did not tell just them they were doing great when they got their spelling or their math wrong, I corrected them and told them to keep trying and that they were doing fine. That's what I'm saying to you too. It's ok to make mistakes, you're trying and doing a good job at it. Hey guys! Today I finished Matthew 21. I will post tomorrow my comments on this :) Thank you Cindy for making these verses clear. I just didnt understand much of the comentary you posted, because it turned to difficult language. Yeah, it must me harder for wealthy people to get saved, but I cannot really relate to this lol, since I have never had much money :P I can only imagine it can be harder. Proverbs 30:8–9 make it even clear , probably the worse thing is extreme wealth or extreme poverty, because on the other hand you can steal, of be angry or lose all faith. But... Now I just remembered that Job was a rich guy before the trial, wasnt he? How about this thing. Dont worry I am not taking this reply as a criticism. From now on I will be clear about how I see your replies. I wrote in the other thread what I saw as criticism, and what bothers me. Anyway, we will have Easter this Sunday. Tomorrow is Big Friday here. We use to dye eggs and make cookies. I dont remember if I asked you before, do you do anything like this in Easter? |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Apr 29, 2016 0:05:14 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy:
I enjoyed reading your reply to Eva.
I find that even now I sometimes think if I had 'just a little more' money life would be somehow 'better'.
But I also know from experience, that when I ( we) do get a 'little more'.....then almost immediately, I start thinking....just a 'little bit more, than the more' so I could; buy more plants, buy new shoes, get some special thing like digestive enzymes and on and on it goes.
It's never quite enough.
And when you look at really really rich people like Bill Gates etc. he has no 'seeming' need for Jesus....but of course he does!!
And thank you soooo much for your comments on Mark. I too wondered about the garment and the wineskins. I finally got the idea it was about a new convent but I especially love the part you posted stating"
"Jesus refuted once and for all the popular idea of a compromising “world religion".
And when you wrote that many wish to "we take “the best” from each religion, blend it...."
it made me think of perhaps that's what the anti-christ might do to create a one world religion.
Anyway, today
Thur. April 28th
I read Mark 2: 23-27
And there is another somewhat difficult verse when Jesus says:
"“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. "
If you get some time, I would love it if you could comment on it.
I am thinking the second part may mean that people were not made to just obey all manner of rules concerning the day of rest. It seems like because the disciples picked some grain to eat, the Pharisees decided they were laboring on the day of rest ( but it was not like they had all got out their sickle and were chopping down a field of grain). For some reason that reminds me of the silly ( real or not) debate as to how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 29, 2016 11:12:04 GMT -5
Now we can understand the perils that were hidden in Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27. For one thing, we must not “suppose” (Matt. 20:10) that we will get something more if we really do not deserve it. It is possible to do the Father’s work & yet not do His will from the heart (Eph. 6:6). If we serve Him only for the benefits (temporal & eternal), then we will miss the best blessings He has for us. We must trust Him unreservedly & believe that He will always give what is best. There is the danger of pride. “What shall we have?” asked Peter. This parable warned him, “How do you know you will have anything?” Beware of overconfidence when it comes to the rewards God will give, for those first in their own eyes (& in the eyes of others) may end up last! Likewise, do not get discouraged; for those who consider themselves “unprofitable servants” may end up first. Beware of the danger of watching other workers and measuring yourself by them. “Judge nothing before the time,” Paul warns in 1 Cor 4:5. We see the worker and the work, but God sees the heart. Finally, we must beware of criticizing God and feeling that we have been left out. Had the early morning workers trusted the owner and not asked for an agreement, the owner would have given them much more. He was generous, but they would not trust him. They did not rejoice that others received more; instead, they were jealous & complained. The goodness of the owner did not lead them to repentance (Rom. 2:4). It revealed the true character of their hearts: They were selfish! Whenever we find a complaining servant, we know he has not fully yielded to the master’s will. The Bible exposition commentary
I hope my explanations from yesterday and today have helped you understand what Jesus was saying. It really is a good idea to make notes by the verses so you don't forget it in the future. I also just realized that you may take my reply as a criticism, but it is not. You don't need to be afraid or ashamed of making mistakes or of not seeing the whole picture. We all make mistakes and none of us learn without making lots of them. It's part of being human. It would be a sin for me to read what you wrote and not tell you the truth. It would be a sin because I would not be acting in love, I would be acting in fear instead. It would be acting in fear of you taking it wrong and having your feelings hurt, and that is not love. Love always tells the truth because it wants the best for the one who is loved. Love wants the other to grow and flourish, and not just stay the same. When my children were little, I did not tell just them they were doing great when they got their spelling or their math wrong, I corrected them and told them to keep trying and that they were doing fine. That's what I'm saying to you too. It's ok to make mistakes, you're trying and doing a good job at it. Hey guys! Today I finished Matthew 21. I will post tomorrow my comments on this :) Thank you Cindy for making these verses clear. I just didnt understand much of the comentary you posted, because it turned to difficult language. Yeah, it must me harder for wealthy people to get saved, but I cannot really relate to this lol, since I have never had much money :P I can only imagine it can be harder. Proverbs 30:8–9 make it even clear , probably the worse thing is extreme wealth or extreme poverty, because on the other hand you can steal, of be angry or lose all faith. But... Now I just remembered that Job was a rich guy before the trial, wasnt he? How about this thing. Dont worry I am not taking this reply as a criticism. From now on I will be clear about how I see your replies. I wrote in the other thread what I saw as criticism, and what bothers me. Anyway, we will have Easter this Sunday. Tomorrow is Big Friday here. We use to dye eggs and make cookies. I dont remember if I asked you before, do you do anything like this in Easter?
The commentary said that it is dangerous for us to try and figure out what rewards we will get. We are not to assume we will get anything. Remember Jesus told us that our attitude should be that we have simply done our duty, not something to be rewarded for. If we are serving God just to get rewards or blessings from Him, then we will miss the best blessings of all, because He only rewards those who have the right attitude, and that is not the right attitude to have. We are not to compare ourselves to others because we know that Jesus does not compare us to others. We have to remember that we cannot see what is in other people's hearts, and often don't even know our own heart! Therefore we have to trust God and obey Him, knowing that He will always do what is best for us. Finally we must beware of criticizing God or feeling like we have been left out. God tells us to rejoice when others are blessed, even if we consider the other person wicked. We are not to be selfish or complaining. We are to trust God to do what is best for us and everyone else, and know that everything will be worked out to be perfectly fair in the long run. We may not understand it now, but one day in heaven we will understand. Until then, we are to trust Him, and obey Him, not doubt, not complain, and not work for rewards but instead just because we love Him and He deserves our best.
Yes, we color eggs and hide them for the children to find on Easter, and make cookies and have a big dinner for everyone too. And of course we go to church as well. Enjoy your Easter!Thank you Cindy:
I enjoyed reading your reply to Eva.
I find that even now I sometimes think if I had 'just a little more' money life would be somehow 'better'.
But I also know from experience, that when I ( we) do get a 'little more'.....then almost immediately, I start thinking....just a 'little bit more, than the more' so I could; buy more plants, buy new shoes, get some special thing like digestive enzymes and on and on it goes.
It's never quite enough.
And when you look at really really rich people like Bill Gates etc. he has no 'seeming' need for Jesus....but of course he does!!
And thank you soooo much for your comments on Mark. I too wondered about the garment and the wineskins. I finally got the idea it was about a new convent but I especially love the part you posted stating"
"Jesus refuted once and for all the popular idea of a compromising “world religion".
And when you wrote that many wish to "we take “the best” from each religion, blend it...."
it made me think of perhaps that's what the anti-christ might do to create a one world religion.
Anyway, today
Thur. April 28th
I read Mark 2: 23-27
And there is another somewhat difficult verse when Jesus says:
"“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. "
If you get some time, I would love it if you could comment on it.
I am thinking the second part may mean that people were not made to just obey all manner of rules concerning the day of rest. It seems like because the disciples picked some grain to eat, the Pharisees decided they were laboring on the day of rest ( but it was not like they had all got out their sickle and were chopping down a field of grain). For some reason that reminds me of the silly ( real or not) debate as to how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.
As far as the scripture about the Sabbath, you're on the right track for sure. What Jesus meant was that God made the Sabbath for us. Man was made for God, not for the Sabbath. God knew that we would need a day of rest, and therefore modeled it for us and gave it to Israel as a law, because He knows that man will just ignore it otherwise. As slaves they were grateful, as otherwise they would have had to work that day too, and they understood that, but as time went on they forgot it's meaning. The meaning of the Sabbath was that it was to be a day of rest where they could just relax and would therefore have the time to think about God and their relationship with Him. It was also to set them apart from the rest of the world that did not acknowledge God or that He created the world and gave men a day of rest. In John 5:17 Jesus explained why He worked on the Sabbath. “Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”” (John 5:17) But we have to remember that Jesus is God, and that He also worked on the first Sabbath and every one thereafter. If He didn't nothing would have remained alive as He sustains all things with His Word! (Hebrews 1:3) We need to keep in mind too that the kind of work He was talking about in John was healing someone who had needed it. He was trying to show them how wrong their rules were and that their rules were focusing people's minds on the wrong things concerning the Sabbath and God. (Of course they got angry because He called God His Father and knew He was claiming to be God by it) Even today many people have the idea that you shouldn't do anything on the Sabbath that isn't either resting or reflecting on God, and by that, they make it their duty and so again don't get the meaning behind the Sabbath. (I've known parents who wouldn't allow their children to play on Sunday etc.) I like the way this commentary explained it:
The Sabbath regulations had become the priority. These traditions had become the issue of religion, not love for humans made in God’s image. The priority of rules had replaced the priority of relationship. Merit had replaced love. Religious traditions (i.e. the Oral Law) have replaced God’s intent. How does one please God? A good OT analogy might be sacrifice. God intended it as a way for sinful, needy humanity to come to Him and restore broken fellowship, but it turned into ritual, liturgical procedure. So too, Sabbath law! Mankind had become the servant instead of the object (i.e. the reason for the laws). Human need precedes religious tradition. God is for us individually and collectively. The Gospel according to Peter
Even today, although we are not bound by the law, we should keep the Sabbath, which we now do on Sunday rather than Saturday. Sunday should be a day of rest for us. There are many people who have to work on Sunday, like those who care for children or the sick or elderly. Still even though there are some things we have to do, we should still take time to rest. For those who have to work on Sunday, then they can hopefully take another day off to rest. God knows that we need that rest for our bodies, minds and spirits, that's why He gave it to us. It's not a duty, it's a privilege. Sadly we often make Sunday as busy as every other day of the week if not more so.
I read John 6:16–21 about when Jesus walked on water, another of my favorites! This shows me that we often don't learn the lesson God wants us to from miracles or in calm or good times; (like the disciples didn't learn from feeding the 5000) therefore the Lord has to bring us into a storm in order to teach us. For me the lesson has often been to trust Him above and beyond anyone or anything else, including myself; to stop trying to force things or people to change the way I want them to by manipulation, but instead to simply trust God to work in His Way in His Time. The disciples thought that Jesus wasn't with them as they were used to having His physical body present, & weren't aware that He did not have to be physically present to be with them. This is another thing He often attempts to teach us too. When something good happens, we immediately attribute it to the Lord, but He's the last one we think of when something we see as bad happens. We think of Him right away to save us from it, but not as the one who is responsible for it happening. Somehow, that seems almost blasphemous to us. Yet it's true, (Isa 45:7, Job 2:10, Lam 3:38) however hard it is for us to reconcile. It's one of those things that our finite brains simply cannot comprehend completely, showing us yet again that God is far above anything we can really understand. Yet He wants us to know, trust & rely on Him. Sometimes it seems that really understanding Him as God, our creator, is beyond us. I think this is something that Jesus would say is only possible with God's help.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Apr 29, 2016 12:35:48 GMT -5
Eva:
I forgot to address your question about easter.
I don't know if you have this problem in Greece, but in the USA every Christian day we celebrate, satan ( I believe is behind it) has made a silly yet charismatic counterfeit.
So for the secular folks Easter is all about the Easter bunny, candy, eggs, etc.
I am not saying our Easter decorated egg hunts are bad in and of themselves. Lots of Christians have them for their children and they are fun.
What I think is bad, is for unsaved people, that is all Easter is about. I am afraid for many of them, or at least some, they are mostly unaware that we Christians are celebrating Jesus resurrection.
The reason I say that is for example, when I was raising our children, we never mentioned Jesus even once at Easter or Christmas etc. We did however mention the Easter bunny, Santa Claus etc.
Hot Cross buns are sometimes part of the food,
also for the children are given at Easter
( and the big children like ahem me)
a sugar marshmallow candy ( in pink, lavender, yellow etc.) in shapes like ducks, bunnies etc. called 'peeps' ( yum!! I am one of a very very, very small group of people who actually like peeps best when they have gone stale...they are super chewy), chocolate bunnies etc. are part of Easter.
Even some people who go to church get a wee bit caught up in a secular trend of wearing an especially beautiful Easter outfit.
Again this is not bad in itself, because it can be a way of honoring the Lord and a part of the joyful celebration of His resurrection.
But sometimes if one is honest, (it sometimes for a few people ) becomes a way of showing off how pretty and even how wealthy one is, and can become a contest of who has the most beautiful outfit.
Another problem I have with that is, it could make a very very poor person, who loves the Lord, feel slightly uncomfortable in their shabby clothes.
Anyway, that is a little on how Easter is celebrated. Oh and there is usually a special Easter dinner with family ( and perhaps guests).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Apr 29, 2016 13:02:00 GMT -5
Cindy as always thank you so much for your post on the Sabbath.
I keep thinking of my landlady who is a absolute totally convicted 7th day Adventist who is sooooo caught up in Saturday as the Sabbath ( and many other strange beliefs).
And right off the bat, you disproved 7th day-ism when you wrote:
"Man was made for God, not for the Sabbath.
Anyway, thank you because it so helped me understand that verse. I sort of understood, it but you helped me get a much better understanding.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Apr 29, 2016 22:35:04 GMT -5
Today April 29th
I read Mark 3:1-6
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath and this is when things turn ugly as the Pharisees begin the plot with the Herodians on how they might kill Jesus. I guess totally unjust murder makes for strange bedfellows.
In a way tho, there is an almost funny or amusing aspect to these verses because now, when Jesus asks them a question, they remain silent, as they have learned apparently, they will lose if they spar verbally with Jesus....
( actually if Jesus had not come to die for our sins,) but were to truly use just a speck of His unlimited Godly power, they would not only lose verbally, but Jesus could snuff out their very lives without lifting His finger.
But of course, He loves even these men, and I am thinking His anger is at their insistence on basically going to Hell.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 30, 2016 11:32:52 GMT -5
Eva:
I forgot to address your question about easter.
I don't know if you have this problem in Greece, but in the USA every Christian day we celebrate, satan ( I believe is behind it) has made a silly yet charismatic counterfeit.
So for the secular folks Easter is all about the Easter bunny, candy, eggs, etc.
I am not saying our Easter decorated egg hunts are bad in and of themselves. Lots of Christians have them for their children and they are fun.
What I think is bad, is for unsaved people, that is all Easter is about. I am afraid for many of them, or at least some, they are mostly unaware that we Christians are celebrating Jesus resurrection.
The reason I say that is for example, when I was raising our children, we never mentioned Jesus even once at Easter or Christmas etc. We did however mention the Easter bunny, Santa Claus etc.
Hot Cross buns are sometimes part of the food,
also for the children are given at Easter
( and the big children like ahem me)
a sugar marshmallow candy ( in pink, lavender, yellow etc.) in shapes like ducks, bunnies etc. called 'peeps' ( yum!! I am one of a very very, very small group of people who actually like peeps best when they have gone stale...they are super chewy), chocolate bunnies etc. are part of Easter.
Even some people who go to church get a wee bit caught up in a secular trend of wearing an especially beautiful Easter outfit.
Again this is not bad in itself, because it can be a way of honoring the Lord and a part of the joyful celebration of His resurrection.
But sometimes if one is honest, (it sometimes for a few people ) becomes a way of showing off how pretty and even how wealthy one is, and can become a contest of who has the most beautiful outfit.
Another problem I have with that is, it could make a very very poor person, who loves the Lord, feel slightly uncomfortable in their shabby clothes.
Anyway, that is a little on how Easter is celebrated. Oh and there is usually a special Easter dinner with family ( and perhaps guests).
Cindy as always thank you so much for your post on the Sabbath.
I keep thinking of my landlady who is a absolute totally convicted 7th day Adventist who is sooooo caught up in Saturday as the Sabbath ( and many other strange beliefs).
And right off the bat, you disproved 7th day-ism when you wrote:
"Man was made for God, not for the Sabbath.
Anyway, thank you because it so helped me understand that verse. I sort of understood, it but you helped me get a much better understanding.
Today April 29th
I read Mark 3:1-6
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath and this is when things turn ugly as the Pharisees begin the plot with the Herodians on how they might kill Jesus. I guess totally unjust murder makes for strange bedfellows.
In a way tho, there is an almost funny or amusing aspect to these verses because now, when Jesus asks them a question, they remain silent, as they have learned apparently, they will lose if they spar verbally with Jesus....
( actually if Jesus had not come to die for our sins,) but were to truly use just a speck of His unlimited Godly power, they would not only lose verbally, but Jesus could snuff out their very lives without lifting His finger.
But of course, He loves even these men, and I am thinking His anger is at their insistence on basically going to Hell.
"Their stubborn hearts" -is also translated "their hardness of heart", depending on the translation. I don't know why but it stuck in my mind... I guess because it seems we tend to harden our hearts whenever we don't want to believe something, even when we know it's really true. It's like that saying, "don't confuse me with facts, my minds made up". I saw so much of this in apologetics when we had the old board, and not just on the side of unbelievers either. It seems to be part of the sin nature that we hate to be "wrong" or to have others know that we've been wrong about anything - and especially about something concerning religion. When I try and put myself in the shoes of the pharisees, it's kind of scary, because I can understand how they must have felt. (not about trying to kill Jesus, but about not wanting to admit that Jesus is the Savior they've been waiting for. It meant admitting that they'd been wrong about so much for so many, many years....
That's part of what amazes me about the Hebrew Roots cults today - you know, all the people running off to try and be Jewish and learn all the old Jewish ways as that will supposedly help them be a better Christian. But how can it when the Jew's had it all wrong from the very start???? Oh, I know they'd say they study it with a Christian understanding, but they can't. It's just exactly like what Jesus said about the wine skins. They're trying to put new wine in an old skin and it simply won't work, as our Lord said so long ago.
I studied John 6:22–59, or rather, I've begun to study it... This is a really heavy part of scripture so will take me some time to get through.
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Post by evafromgreece on Apr 30, 2016 14:38:33 GMT -5
Speaking about Easter. In Easter and general on holidays like this at church we dont do anything special. I am not sure if in other areas, at bigger churches they do anything different, but we dont. And its no surpise, because it seems the church exists just because it has to, because it must exist and nothing else.
In Greek Orthodox church they celebrate Easter in a negative way. And what Matthew 21:12-13 says perfectly applies to them. Greek Easter is consuming, is "fasting" and then eat to death, dancing and jumping and having no idea for what reason this is all about. But... You know something? Our church is not any better. Cold as ice. It is equally wrong but in a different way.
In Matthew 21: 18-21 I cannot understand what was wrong with this fig tree. I see that Jesus wanted to show to the disciples what faith is capable of doing, but why to "punish" a fig tree?
Then on 21: 28-32 Jesus describes how the Jews wont accept Him but the other Nations will and on 33-42 about the prophets the Jews kiiled and that they will kill also the Messiah that they were supposed to be waiting for. And then He says again that the other nations will accept Him. Continuing in chapter 22 Jesus speaks about salvation the first people He tried to invite to be saved was the Jews, but they were not interested, so He called other nations. I am not sure about 22:11-14 does it mean that that person who was "kicked out" didnt prepare his heart in order to be a part of the Kingdom of God?
Also I am not sure of the meaning of 22: 44-45. Hm... I dont know
In chapter 23 I see in Pharisees more of Greek Easter and the priests of the Orthodox churces. 23:4 it reminds me of the fasting they make the people do for 40 days . Dont eat meat, actually their fast is like a vegan diet. "Fast" and then speak to a priest to say to you that your sins are forgiven and then take part to the Communion. I am not sure even today what is the correct way of fasting, but I know their focus on food and not the soul is wrong. And yes Greek priests want people to be call them "father" and people to kiss their hand and verse 13 its also speaking for them, they do steal peoples donations to live a big life, but its not only them. There are also protestants that do this also. Like "pastor" Benny Hinn and his big life, his fake miracles and false teachings. And 23:15... Yes these people make others to think bad things about God, because not all people are able to understand that these people does not serve the Lord but the enemy. And just like people say that they dont want "that kind of God" and deny Him and dont even want to listen anything , or they do what these people do because they consider them all good...
I am moving on 24
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Apr 30, 2016 20:48:17 GMT -5
I like the Hot Cross Buns with raisins the best
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Apr 30, 2016 23:29:58 GMT -5
Today April 30th
I read Mark 3: 7-12
The crowds continue to follow Jesus.
It seems like demons were very active during Jesus ministry and he continued to give them strict orders not to tell other people about him.
Clearly, the testimony of demons ( tho having been once angels in Heaven) would not be the kind of testimony about him, He would want.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on May 1, 2016 4:28:24 GMT -5
Eva I don't mean this as a criticism but your question about why did Jesus rebuke the fig tree, so reminded me of Jonah and the vine. I think your question puts you in good company, because Jonah was greatly loved by the Lord.
But remember God's answer to Johan about his plant which also did no wrong:
Ch 4:9-11
"9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”
10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
I think I will let Cindy tackle the reason Jesus cursed this plant.
I have read tho, that the fig tree represented Israel....
but I will leave it at that, least I mislead you.
s
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on May 1, 2016 22:11:44 GMT -5
Today May 1st
I read Mark 3:13-19
Jesus chooses the twelve
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Post by Cindy on May 2, 2016 12:37:38 GMT -5
Speaking about Easter. In Easter and general on holidays like this at church we dont do anything special. I am not sure if in other areas, at bigger churches they do anything different, but we dont. And its no surpise, because it seems the church exists just because it has to, because it must exist and nothing else. In Greek Orthodox church they celebrate Easter in a negative way. And what Matthew 21:12-13 says perfectly applies to them. Greek Easter is consuming, is "fasting" and then eat to death, dancing and jumping and having no idea for what reason this is all about. But... You know something? Our church is not any better. Cold as ice. It is equally wrong but in a different way. In Matthew 21: 18-21 I cannot understand what was wrong with this fig tree. I see that Jesus wanted to show to the disciples what faith is capable of doing, but why to "punish" a fig tree? Then on 21: 28-32 Jesus describes how the Jews wont accept Him but the other Nations will and on 33-42 about the prophets the Jews kiiled and that they will kill also the Messiah that they were supposed to be waiting for. And then He says again that the other nations will accept Him. Continuing in chapter 22 Jesus speaks about salvation the first people He tried to invite to be saved was the Jews, but they were not interested, so He called other nations. I am not sure about 22:11-14 does it mean that that person who was "kicked out" didnt prepare his heart in order to be a part of the Kingdom of God? Also I am not sure of the meaning of 22: 44-45. Hm... I dont know In chapter 23 I see in Pharisees more of Greek Easter and the priests of the Orthodox churces. 23:4 it reminds me of the fasting they make the people do for 40 days . Dont eat meat, actually their fast is like a vegan diet. "Fast" and then speak to a priest to say to you that your sins are forgiven and then take part to the Communion. I am not sure even today what is the correct way of fasting, but I know their focus on food and not the soul is wrong. And yes Greek priests want people to be call them "father" and people to kiss their hand and verse 13 its also speaking for them, they do steal peoples donations to live a big life, but its not only them. There are also protestants that do this also. Like "pastor" Benny Hinn and his big life, his fake miracles and false teachings. And 23:15... Yes these people make others to think bad things about God, because not all people are able to understand that these people does not serve the Lord but the enemy. And just like people say that they dont want "that kind of God" and deny Him and dont even want to listen anything , or they do what these people do because they consider them all good... I am moving on 24
I'll be happy to discuss the way the churches are with you if you want me to, but I don't want you to take it as criticism so I'll wait and see first.
About the fig tree. Remember, this happened at the very end of our Lord's ministry. Barbara is right that the fig tree is a symbol of Israel but we can learn a lesson from it as well. That tree had had a long time to grow and bear fruit, but there was no fruit on it. Israel had also had a long time to bear spiritual fruit but they had not either. They had already rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Jesus cursed the tree because it was not doing what it had been created to do. Israel also was not doing what it had been created to do, and told about many times by Moses and the prophets. Cursing the fig tree was an object lesson for Israel of divine judgment because of her spiritual fruitlessness and for rejecting Him. Jesus even told a parable about it that explained this in Luke 13:6–9. In that parable He said the tree had been given 3 years to produce fruit, but had none. At the time He literally cursed the fig tree, all the time He gave the tree to bear fruit in the parable had past. Israel's time was up, and they too would be cursed. Even knowing this Jesus was merciful and gave them until 70ad to repent.
How did Israel fail? They failed because they refused to believe Him and have faith in Him. Israel pretended to be fruitful, they had the temple and sacrifices and all their rituals, but there was no real faith in God in their hearts. When Jesus cursed the fig tree (that generation of Israel) He was showing them that He now rejected them because He knew they would never bear fruit for Him.
So this was a direct warning to Israel, and a lesson for everyone that God's kindness and mercy will eventually end if we continue to ignore or disobey Him. It teaches us that God expects us to bear fruit for Him. Jesus, as Israel's judge, pronounced the sentence, but it wasn't carried out for about another 40 years.
God is sovereign over all creation, which includes trees, plants, animals, nature, and mankind. The tree was not bearing fruit the way it was created to do, and therefore was judged and found wanting. It wasn't "innocent" any more then any human being is innocent of sin.
You described the parable of the wedding banquet well. The person who was "kicked out" as you said, was a person who was not really saved, but only pretended to be. Remember, the king asked him how he got in without wedding clothes. The wedding clothes represent the righteousness of Christ that we are clothed with when we are saved. (Isaiah 61:10) Therefore he will go to Hell, instead of Heaven. When Jesus says that many are invited but few are chosen, He is talking about how all are invited to accept His gift of salvation, but many don't. Those who don't accept it are not "elected" or "chosen" by God.
About verse 44 and 45, In the original language, the first ‘Lord’ is Yhwh, God’s name in Hebrew, and the second ‘Lord’ is Adonai, the Hebrew word for ‘Lord.’ So this verse reads literally, ‘Yhwh (God) said to my Lord, (Jesus) “Sit at my right hand.” ’ The Messiah, then, is man because He is David’s son, yet He is God because He sits at the right hand of Yhwh (God the Father)! David recognizes Him as deity by calling Him ‘my Lord.’ It proves that the Messiah must be both man and God.
In chapter 23 about Rabbi … father … leaders: Here Jesus condemns pride and pretense, not the titles themselves. Paul repeatedly speaks of “leaders” in the church, and even refers to himself as the Corinthians’ “father”(1Cor 4:15). Obviously, this does not forbid the showing of respect, either (cf. 1 Thess. 5:11-12; 1 Tim 5:1). Christ is merely forbidding the use of such names as spiritual titles, or in an ostentatious sense that accords undue spiritual authority to a human being, as if he were the source of truth rather than God. The MacArthur study Bible He is stressing that we are all servants, even though there would be some among us who are pastors, teachers, leaders etc. As God gives us those teachers/pastors, fathers, leaders, to help us.
I enjoyed reading your post, you did a great job telling about what you read and how it affected you.
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I like the Hot Cross Buns with raisins the best
Today April 30th
I read Mark 3: 7-12
The crowds continue to follow Jesus.
It seems like demons were very active during Jesus ministry and he continued to give them strict orders not to tell other people about him.
Clearly, the testimony of demons ( tho having been once angels in Heaven) would not be the kind of testimony about him, He would want. Eva I don't mean this as a criticism but your question about why did Jesus rebuke the fig tree, so reminded me of Jonah and the vine. I think your question puts you in good company, because Jonah was greatly loved by the Lord.
But remember God's answer to Johan about his plant which also did no wrong:
Ch 4:9-11
"9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”
10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
I think I will let Cindy tackle the reason Jesus cursed this plant.
I have read tho, that the fig tree represented Israel....
but I will leave it at that, least I mislead you.
s Today May 1st
I read Mark 3:13-19
Jesus chooses the twelve |
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Post by Cindy on May 2, 2016 12:42:58 GMT -5
by the way, I keep forgetting to tell you, but most of the devotionals that I've been posting in the devotion forum are from a book written by Biblical counselors, the authors are people like Jay Adams and those who he works with.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on May 2, 2016 14:22:27 GMT -5
I loved reading your reply to Eva!!!
I am not sure I would ever had put together the two different scriptures about the fig tree ( and how many years it had to produce figs).
Which shows why I need to be more in the Word,
and
to make more use of the concordance duh!!
I also remembered that why Adam sinned even Creation was effected. I suppose a person could ask why should the Creation suffer, when it did not make the choice to sin?
However, Adam had rule over plants and animals until he sinned when then the plants ( sort of rebelled and would produce thorns and weeds...a problem to gardeners and farmers to this day).
And strangely it was a 'plant' of sorts that was used as the 'test' of love that God set for Adam. I am wondering if maybe that made 'plants' no longer innocent? Because I am reminded you had said once ( I think you said it)that even if a woman is raped she is a part of the sin.
Did I misunderstand what you said? I never quite understood that....IF, that is what you said ( not your exact words for sure, that is just what I 'thought' you meant)??
You also helped clarify what Jesus meant by many are invited but few are chosen.
And again in explaining about the Lord said to my Lord. I knew the 2nd one was Jesus but you clarified it more for me....thank you for all of the above!!
By the way, I got an inter-library load of a book written by Jay Adams,
but I am reading the Prayer Slacker book first right now.
And I also got several books by Jill Eileen Smith but one in particular I really want to read is Michael ( King David's first wife....I always felt badly about that story...all the way around.
I do sort of see Michael as a symbolism of the unbeliever and eventually Jesus sends or lets them go to their father ( satan)....as Michael was sent back to her Father, never to see David again....but that is such a heart-breaking story (both ways....as the relationship between the read David and Michael, and the unbeliever and Christ Jesus.
Anyway, I am curious how she will handle the story ( I read one other book of hers that was good). I should prob write about this in the book thread, but I got carried away because of the Adams reference sorry.
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Post by evafromgreece on May 2, 2016 16:01:34 GMT -5
Hey guys, I havent seen your replies on the other thread, because I didnt get any notification. Probably because you didnt quote me, I dont get notifications for new replies. Eva I don't mean this as a criticism but your question about why did Jesus rebuke the fig tree, so reminded me of Jonah and the vine. I think your question puts you in good company, because Jonah was greatly loved by the Lord.
But remember God's answer to Johan about his plant which also did no wrong:
Ch 4:9-11
"9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”
“It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”
10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
I think I will let Cindy tackle the reason Jesus cursed this plant.
I have read tho, that the fig tree represented Israel....
but I will leave it at that, least I mislead you.
s Thank you Barbara for your helpful reply :) There is no reason to see is as criticism, dont worry. By the way Hot Cross Buns seem really nice !! |
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Post by evafromgreece on May 2, 2016 16:24:56 GMT -5
Speaking about Easter. In Easter and general on holidays like this at church we dont do anything special. I am not sure if in other areas, at bigger churches they do anything different, but we dont. And its no surpise, because it seems the church exists just because it has to, because it must exist and nothing else. In Greek Orthodox church they celebrate Easter in a negative way. And what Matthew 21:12-13 says perfectly applies to them. Greek Easter is consuming, is "fasting" and then eat to death, dancing and jumping and having no idea for what reason this is all about. But... You know something? Our church is not any better. Cold as ice. It is equally wrong but in a different way. In Matthew 21: 18-21 I cannot understand what was wrong with this fig tree. I see that Jesus wanted to show to the disciples what faith is capable of doing, but why to "punish" a fig tree? Then on 21: 28-32 Jesus describes how the Jews wont accept Him but the other Nations will and on 33-42 about the prophets the Jews kiiled and that they will kill also the Messiah that they were supposed to be waiting for. And then He says again that the other nations will accept Him. Continuing in chapter 22 Jesus speaks about salvation the first people He tried to invite to be saved was the Jews, but they were not interested, so He called other nations. I am not sure about 22:11-14 does it mean that that person who was "kicked out" didnt prepare his heart in order to be a part of the Kingdom of God? Also I am not sure of the meaning of 22: 44-45. Hm... I dont know In chapter 23 I see in Pharisees more of Greek Easter and the priests of the Orthodox churces. 23:4 it reminds me of the fasting they make the people do for 40 days . Dont eat meat, actually their fast is like a vegan diet. "Fast" and then speak to a priest to say to you that your sins are forgiven and then take part to the Communion. I am not sure even today what is the correct way of fasting, but I know their focus on food and not the soul is wrong. And yes Greek priests want people to be call them "father" and people to kiss their hand and verse 13 its also speaking for them, they do steal peoples donations to live a big life, but its not only them. There are also protestants that do this also. Like "pastor" Benny Hinn and his big life, his fake miracles and false teachings. And 23:15... Yes these people make others to think bad things about God, because not all people are able to understand that these people does not serve the Lord but the enemy. And just like people say that they dont want "that kind of God" and deny Him and dont even want to listen anything , or they do what these people do because they consider them all good... I am moving on 24
I'll be happy to discuss the way the churches are with you if you want me to, but I don't want you to take it as criticism so I'll wait and see first.
The thing is not how they are with me, but how they are with each other also. For example. People in my church do not have ANY fellowship after church Sunday and Wednesday. People are getting fewer every day. We are fewer than 2012 when I started attending this church. So, its not something with me, its not personal. Its a general thing. The church life is for 3 hours per week and then everyone goes back to their lives. Often in summer we have also tourists that visit Rhodes come to attend the church. They ignore them. All of them, and even people who also speak English pretend they dont and they dont speak to them. And I dont know how these people are always friendly and want to chat with me. With some of them I have kept contact, we have drunk together a cup of coffee and talked about the Lord. I really love summer. There is a couple from Scottland that are visiting the island every year and we are too close. They are much older, they could have been my parents, but they are fun :P and I really enjoy their company and their fellowship. They will be here next month and I cant wait !!! I have heard a lot of people complaing that my church is not friendly to visitors, they complain to me because I am the only one that talks to them. So the issue is not new, and it is not with me. All people that I have discuss this with them, or that they open the conversation always tell me "that we need to have fellowship", but unfortunatelly we dont. I have discussed this many times with the pastor in the past, expressed ideas of how it could be fixed or how we could be more active and do more things but... So now that you have more details, I would like to have your point of view
About the fig tree. Remember, this happened at the very end of our Lord's ministry. Barbara is right that the fig tree is a symbol of Israel but we can learn a lesson from it as well. That tree had had a long time to grow and bear fruit, but there was no fruit on it. Israel had also had a long time to bear spiritual fruit but they had not either. They had already rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Jesus cursed the tree because it was not doing what it had been created to do. Israel also was not doing what it had been created to do, and told about many times by Moses and the prophets. Cursing the fig tree was an object lesson for Israel of divine judgment because of her spiritual fruitlessness and for rejecting Him. Jesus even told a parable about it that explained this in Luke 13:6–9. In that parable He said the tree had been given 3 years to produce fruit, but had none. At the time He literally cursed the fig tree, all the time He gave the tree to bear fruit in the parable had past. Israel's time was up, and they too would be cursed. Even knowing this Jesus was merciful and gave them until 70ad to repent.
How did Israel fail? They failed because they refused to believe Him and have faith in Him. Israel pretended to be fruitful, they had the temple and sacrifices and all their rituals, but there was no real faith in God in their hearts. When Jesus cursed the fig tree (that generation of Israel) He was showing them that He now rejected them because He knew they would never bear fruit for Him.
So this was a direct warning to Israel, and a lesson for everyone that God's kindness and mercy will eventually end if we continue to ignore or disobey Him. It teaches us that God expects us to bear fruit for Him. Jesus, as Israel's judge, pronounced the sentence, but it wasn't carried out for about another 40 years.
God is sovereign over all creation, which includes trees, plants, animals, nature, and mankind. The tree was not bearing fruit the way it was created to do, and therefore was judged and found wanting. It wasn't "innocent" any more then any human being is innocent of sin.
You described the parable of the wedding banquet well. The person who was "kicked out" as you said, was a person who was not really saved, but only pretended to be. Remember, the king asked him how he got in without wedding clothes. The wedding clothes represent the righteousness of Christ that we are clothed with when we are saved. (Isaiah 61:10) Therefore he will go to Hell, instead of Heaven. When Jesus says that many are invited but few are chosen, He is talking about how all are invited to accept His gift of salvation, but many don't. Those who don't accept it are not "elected" or "chosen" by God.
About verse 44 and 45, In the original language, the first ‘Lord’ is Yhwh, God’s name in Hebrew, and the second ‘Lord’ is Adonai, the Hebrew word for ‘Lord.’ So this verse reads literally, ‘Yhwh (God) said to my Lord, (Jesus) “Sit at my right hand.” ’ The Messiah, then, is man because He is David’s son, yet He is God because He sits at the right hand of Yhwh (God the Father)! David recognizes Him as deity by calling Him ‘my Lord.’ It proves that the Messiah must be both man and God.
In chapter 23 about Rabbi … father … leaders: Here Jesus condemns pride and pretense, not the titles themselves. Paul repeatedly speaks of “leaders” in the church, and even refers to himself as the Corinthians’ “father”(1Cor 4:15). Obviously, this does not forbid the showing of respect, either (cf. 1 Thess. 5:11-12; 1 Tim 5:1). Christ is merely forbidding the use of such names as spiritual titles, or in an ostentatious sense that accords undue spiritual authority to a human being, as if he were the source of truth rather than God. The MacArthur study Bible He is stressing that we are all servants, even though there would be some among us who are pastors, teachers, leaders etc. As God gives us those teachers/pastors, fathers, leaders, to help us.
I enjoyed reading your post, you did a great job telling about what you read and how it affected you.Thank you for clearing out what I didnt see :) |
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Post by evafromgreece on May 2, 2016 16:55:51 GMT -5
I read from Matthew 24 and finished the book.
I am not sure about Matthew 24: 9-31, it is talking about the events before or after the rapture? I believe it is talking about the events that will follow rapture.
I amnot sure of the meaning of "'the abomination that causes desolation,' in verse 15
Verse 36-51 Jesus is talking about how we should live, and that we should not live like the unbelievers do thinking that "we have time to repent". We dont know neither the time we will die, nor the time the rapture will be. Jesus continues on 25 about the same issue. We have to be ready and prepared.
25:14-30 it talks about how we should spread Gods Word and not to keep it only for ourselves, or did I miss something?
25:31-46 I believe is linked to chapter 22:34-40, the sheeps are the ones that kept the commandment that is above all, to choose to love is above all.
In 26:25 I wondered why the other disciples didnt say anything when Judah was obvious that he was the one to betray Jesus.
In 26:69-75 it was sad to see Peter acting like this because of fear. Sometimes we also do the same thing, at I least I know I failed to do this, not to say what I believe, because I was afraid of other people, but its sad and its wrong. To hide your belief its the same thing as denying Him.
As for Judas in 27:3-10 I heard that he could be forgiven if he has repented and did not murder himself, could this be true?
The following verses until the end of the book of Matthew are too "big" lets say to describe them with words. I am always unable to even imagive what He faced in order to save all of us, and we dont deserved it...
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on May 2, 2016 23:32:21 GMT -5
It is really nice to have you back posting again Eva.
It's funny what you said about how the Greek people act towards tourists. I can see both sides having been both a resident with loud partying tourists in the summer, where we now live ,
and then,
years ago we went to France, and the French treated us with great disdain.
And it's worse if it's in the church, because these are your brother and sisters in Christ.
I remember once when we lived in Hawaii, we had several people for dinner. There was a Chinese young woman student ( who hubby had dated for awhile) as one of our guests.
I tried to compliment her ( because I honestly thought she was very smart). However, she angrily responded by saying I was stereo-typing her as a ( I forgot the word) 'something???' oriental.... maybe it was an 'inscrutable Oriental'.
I didn't think of it at the time, but for the longest time after the incident, I wished I had said and pointed out to her, that she was doing the same to me, calling me basically, the 'ugly American'.
Anyway it is so nice to have you back!!!
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