Some people view Jesus as being more 'cool' ...as if to relate an idea of His Father being a bit less 'cool', or a bit 'old school'.
Or perhaps a bit harsh ...like a disciplinarian would be.
And Jesus, being the Son ...would He be a bit more relaxed, easy-going, and loving??
Like the Father expecting someone to pay ...and the Son saying He has it covered, is that how we view it??
But, don't forget, the Father willingly sent His Son ...and Jesus repeatedly made it clear He was about His Father's business.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Of all the sins that we consider problematic in our society ...I've often heard that Jesus did not speak of the things which many Christians take issue with. So, when we do read the Words of Jesus ...what do we mostly find??
We find a very extensive and pleasing dialogue as Jesus spoke to the people in what we call the beatitudes ...answering any emotional questions on how should our attitudes be.
The sin that Jesus brings to light is that which we should not have to be told is sin. Jesus came to live with us humans ...born into a quite strict society, not only of their own faith, but also one in fear of consequences by a cruel dictatorship which allowed those sympathetic to their own cause to carry out similar condemnation, or to the convenience of their own whims by misrepresenting interpretations, thereby justifying and implementing personal punitive measures.
In short, there was little negligence in pointing out sin ...it was forgiveness in the midst of sin that was to be taught. The bulk of the Old Testament had adequately shown us what sin was ...now, Jesus spent much time telling us that He and the Father are One.
How can I make the point I wish to make ...in view of the fact that I'd like you to understand the point I'm attempting to make??
If I say we are to follow the Old Testament teachings, as well as following those of the New Testament ...there may seem to be some discrepancies. But, that is only because we don't understand everything.
Let's attempt to understand a simple point ...without being emotionally drawn apart by our differences. This point I'm going to make is not meant to engage into a discussion on whether we believe children should be spanked, or not. We know some parents do, and some don't. Let's just look at those who do, without judging them for their choice to do so.
The parents who spank their children, do not continue to spank their kids when their children become adults. Is that because they suddenly decided that parents should not spank their children? I would say, no, it's because their children are now adults ...and whatever means they used (inclusive of spanking) to help guide their children into growing up, now has become their children's own adult decisions.
Why do parents instruct their children?? The answer is: Because they love them. That is not saying that those who instruct less, or nearly not at all ...that they would somehow be viewed as not loving their children. And it is also known that there are those who instruct for their own benefit, and not their child's. But, with God ...it is because He loves us.
And when Jesus came to earth to live among us, it was like we were entering the adult stage. Jesus was not saying that things which were properly learned were no longer of any value ...it was important to realize that Jesus was prepared to die for the sins that we all commit, and that He was willing to forgive us.
Remember the situation where they were going to throw stones at a certain woman who was caught in a condemning act ...Jesus forgave her, but also told her not to continue to commit the sin.
For her own good, Jesus wanted her to change.
*****************************
“When someone sees the same people every day, they wind up becoming a part of that person’s life. And then they want the person to change. If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”
I found that quote, but some of us do have a somewhat clear idea of how our lives should be led ...to the degree we believe in the Bible. Saying the Bible is not God's Word, the equivalent of also saying that Jesus did not die for our sins ...that would be the greatest lie, and don't believe it. Yes, God did send His beloved Son ...because He so loves us. And He only wants us to change because He loves us ...so self-defeating to get angry about that!!
We find a very extensive and pleasing dialogue as Jesus spoke to the people in what we call the beatitudes ...answering any emotional questions on how should our attitudes be.
The sin that Jesus brings to light is that which we should not have to be told is sin. Jesus came to live with us humans ...born into a quite strict society, not only of their own faith, but also one in fear of consequences by a cruel dictatorship which allowed those sympathetic to their own cause to carry out similar condemnation, or to the convenience of their own whims by misrepresenting interpretations, thereby justifying and implementing personal punitive measures.
In short, there was little negligence in pointing out sin ...it was forgiveness in the midst of sin that was to be taught. The bulk of the Old Testament had adequately shown us what sin was ...now, Jesus spent much time telling us that He and the Father are One.
How can I make the point I wish to make ...in view of the fact that I'd like you to understand the point I'm attempting to make??
If I say we are to follow the Old Testament teachings, as well as following those of the New Testament ...there may seem to be some discrepancies. But, that is only because we don't understand everything.
Let's attempt to understand a simple point ...without being emotionally drawn apart by our differences. This point I'm going to make is not meant to engage into a discussion on whether we believe children should be spanked, or not. We know some parents do, and some don't. Let's just look at those who do, without judging them for their choice to do so.
The parents who spank their children, do not continue to spank their kids when their children become adults. Is that because they suddenly decided that parents should not spank their children? I would say, no, it's because their children are now adults ...and whatever means they used (inclusive of spanking) to help guide their children into growing up, now has become their children's own adult decisions.
Why do parents instruct their children?? The answer is: Because they love them. That is not saying that those who instruct less, or nearly not at all ...that they would somehow be viewed as not loving their children. And it is also known that there are those who instruct for their own benefit, and not their child's. But, with God ...it is because He loves us.
And when Jesus came to earth to live among us, it was like we were entering the adult stage. Jesus was not saying that things which were properly learned were no longer of any value ...it was important to realize that Jesus was prepared to die for the sins that we all commit, and that He was willing to forgive us.
Remember the situation where they were going to throw stones at a certain woman who was caught in a condemning act ...Jesus forgave her, but also told her not to continue to commit the sin.
For her own good, Jesus wanted her to change.
*****************************
“When someone sees the same people every day, they wind up becoming a part of that person’s life. And then they want the person to change. If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”
I found that quote, but some of us do have a somewhat clear idea of how our lives should be led ...to the degree we believe in the Bible. Saying the Bible is not God's Word, the equivalent of also saying that Jesus did not die for our sins ...that would be the greatest lie, and don't believe it. Yes, God did send His beloved Son ...because He so loves us. And He only wants us to change because He loves us ...so self-defeating to get angry about that!!
(Paulo Coelho addresses this idea in The Alchemist, a fable about a young boy following his dream. And I think that is where they took the quotes from.)
The article said this is the world's greatest lie: "That at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate.” ....(just drop the 'e' in 'fate', and you'll find more truth in it.) But, those of us who believe and have a diet of His Word, don't have to fear our own age, or the coming age of the world.
And I never tire of the wonders of God ...not letting my own mind dictate what I believe, but in attempting to understand what He is saying in His Word. I could imagine He would tire of me ...but, He doesn't.
And that's love.
And that's love.
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