THIS MESSAGE IS FOR HE/SHE WHO HAS AN EAR TO HEAR ONLY!!!
I was inspired to create this blog by a few comments that I read on a forum on Topix today. I am quite perplexed, to say the least, by some of the things that people write who claim to be followers of Christ.
I want to make this perfectly clear. If you are one of those who feel that you can NOT be taught. Or that you can not be taught by people outside of your little community or cultural group then you are in the wrong place. Please stay in your little delusional world and do not bother coming here or contributing anything. You are not welcome here. You cannot be taught anything so therefore anything that you could conceivably contribute is already suspect.
For the most part those who think like this seldom make any sincere effort to share their supreme insights anyway so do not choose this blog to be the place that you are start. For the rest, regardless of your opinions, faith or belief or lack of belief. Feel free to offer your sincere insights; input; questions; assertions; etc. Healthy and respectful DEBATE is encouraged. If you lack the maturity to handle disagreement and debate respectfully then ...again, you are in the wrong place.
Here are the rules.
- If you're going to use the bible to make a point then please back up anything that you say with scriptural references. Don't ask or expect anyone else to cross check your assertions. If you can't provide the scripture then limit your comments to your opinions or ideas.
- Do not merely cut and paste stuff that you find on google. Contribute something original or remain silent.
- Be respectful of others rather you agree or disagree.
- Calling anyone ANY name other than the one that they choose to go by is unacceptable
It is my hope to clear up a few things about just whom this man named Jesus Christ was ...and IS. At the very least, it is a worthy topic of discussion. Again ...you do NOT have to agree. ALL respectful views are welcome. Respect each other, and most of all respect HIM!
Much has been written and spoken about this man called Jesus. There are varying opinions and much confusion. Every religion acknowledges him in some way or another.
The Jehovahs Witnesses believe that Jesus was a prophet, a teacher and a good man.
The Muslims believe that Jesus was one of the prophets... but they do not equate him as being any higher than any of the other prophets or in a class all by himself.
Mormons believe that Jesus is the son of God but that Lucifer is too and that he and Lucifer (AKA the devil) are "brothers".
Hindu's believe that Jesus was a man who ascended to a higher plane that most and that they or we should aspire to reach that level of "God consciousnesses" etc.
Many Christians accept Jesus as being the savior, the son of God. A good man, a special being.
Clearly different religions, and individuals within religions will have differing opinions and perspectives about this matter. We will not go to war over it. But I am here to tell you just whom Jesus actually is.
It's actually quite simple. The enemy does not mind you acknowledging the reality of or the existence of Jesus. He will not fight you on that because there is far too much empirical historical evidence to deny it. The mere fact that we can accept that this is the year 2011 even acknowledges his existence. What the enemy WILL fight you on is the one thing that is most important for us to know
...and it is this little fact.
JESUS IS GOD!!!!
There are many who will say "Jesus is Lord" without even fully understanding what they've just said or fully accepting what it means. For one thing ...there are MANY "Lords". A "Lord" by definition is just a "RULER". No more ...and no less.
definition of Lord: -noun
1. a person who has authority, control, or power over others; a master, chief, or ruler.
So we are not saying that Jesus is A Lord ...nay we are saying that Jesus is LORD OF LORDS and KING OF KINGS!
That means that he sits high and above any and all rulers; leaders; kings; Lords; magistrates; emperors; Presidents; dukes; Monarchs; gods; demigods; or wanna-be-Gods, rather in this earth, on this earth, underneath this earth or in any possible unseen, yet undiscovered galaxy that may exist anywhere in the universe!
Jesus is GOD INCARNATE.
"In Him dwelleth the fullness of the Godhead Bodily". What that means is that Jesus is more than just an offspring, a son or a child of God. Jesus IS God.
Colossians 2:6-10
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Again, Jesus is GOD. ...Period! We need to understand and to accept that. Once you grasp that one little fact your life can then change and then and only then can you begin to possibly experience the true POWER that the bible speaks of.
So many Christians say these words: "In the name of Jesus!" ...and get literally NO results whatsoever. This is for a reason. They often have NO idea who this Jesus actually is or what it means to proclaim things in his holy name.
Recently I was on a Topix blog and a Christian posted the following message which I feel compelled to analyze and respond to. Realizing that a proper response would take more than a brief retort I decided to create this blog. (I decided to block out certain parts of the post lest anyone get distracted from what is most important. Clarity on whom Jesus IS. THAT is the issue.
Big T XXXX American wrote:
<quoted text>
What do your "Jesus and "Hebrews" example share in common with XXXXX? I don't understand your above post. Are you saying XXXXXX are special in GOD eyes? If so...explain why.
My dear Mr. XXXX American,
You stated that Jesus was "inclusive". I replied by saying that ACTUALLY, Jesus was one of the Children of Israel and he said that he came for the Children of Israel (his own people). It was not until his ascension that his followers were told to evangelize and teach others. This was emphasized by Paul. My point was that although people from outside of Bani Israel asked him for help and he helped them, Jesus' life according to the Bible was not "inclusive" of all people. He came and taught his own. He worked for his own. He lead his own. He then told people to use him as an example. XXXXXX's do the same thing. We give what we can to others, but we focus on our own. The Music Without Boundaries is a 3 city concert that pools our own from all over the world despite boundaries. It is like Jesus teaching the children of Israel, even outside of Israel. We may not do it as well as he did, but we are human beings. There is no right or wrong way to be like Jesus, as long as you are sincerely trying to be like Jesus.
Best,
XXXXX
Everything about this post was quite misleading or at least incomplete so a deeper understanding is essential. I realize that what is written online today will remain for many years to come and that people often find blogs because of the words that we post. For that reason I take any comments written including the name of Jesus very seriously. Many are online searching for truth. It is far too important of a subject to ignore.
This idea that Jesus was EVER "exclusive" rather than inclusive is just patently incorrect. Nothing could be further from the truth.
"Jesus was one of the Children of Israel and he said that he came for the Children of Israel (his own people)"
First of all, I must question the idea of speaking of Jesus in the past tense and the use of the term WAS as if he is not eternal, omnipresent and omnipotent. I truly believe that the poster understands the truth about this based upon other comments by her but nevertheless, I must point out for the benefit of others who may read those words that Jesus is Alpha AND Omega. The first and the last. Eternal. He has no beginning and no end.
What I want you to clearly see from ALL of the scriptures below is that Jesus was NOT "one of the children of Israel". The children of Israel descended from Abraham. Jesus himself said "Before Abraham was I AM."
He is telling you that he was there before the creation of the world and is NOT of a particular race, creed, denomination; sect; region; or any of that other nonsense. He was there long before the Children of Israel existed. He was there before man existed. He is the one with whom God spoke in the book of Genesis when he said "Let US create man in OUR image and in our likeness." He has NO actual lineage here on earth. He came after no one, he is ALPHA.
Even the term "Son of God" is just a translation that we can possibly relate to and understand as best as we are capable of with our limited finite brains.
So interesting that although God has created man in his image, man has been trying since the beginning of time to create God is man's image. It just doesn't work unless you're interested in self-deception.
Make any sense? No? Oh well. ...I tried.
A good analogy would be that if YOU were God and you wanted to live amongst ants, as an ant in order to bring a message to them that they might come to know you in ways that they can understand and relate to. You may come amongst them in the body of an ant and take on ant-like qualities during the short time that you lives amongst them. This means that you would come out of a queen ants orifice and you would have been born in an ant-egg. Once you have fulfilled your purpose with these ants you would then return to your present human form. Those ants should never get the idea that YOU actually ARE an ant. You existed before they did and you will exist long after they are gone. You will exist as you were before you appeared to these ants ...as an ant. One ant colony should never get the idea that YOU are actually an ant or that YOU are actually of that ant colony. YOU only appeared to them to bring a message and you expect them to take that message now ...to ALL of the other ants as you have instructed them.
Make any sense? No? Oh well. ...I tried.
John 8:52-59
52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
The simple truth is that Jesus (in his human form) was God incarnate. That simply means that though he existed before time itself, for a brief 33 year period he manifested in the form of a man of flesh. In order to accomplish his mission he had to appear as a MAN out of necessity. This brief sojourn on earth in the form of man does NOT in any form infer that Jesus IS as he appeared to be on earth because he appeared as a MAN though he was GOD. To say that Jesus is one of the children of Israel is to infer that GOD is one of the children of Israel.
That would be like me being my daughters son. It makes no sense.
It is true in one sense, untrue in another. We must do as Christ did and make a clear distinction between Jesus, the Son of man and Jesus, the 2nd part of the trinity of God. They are one and the same and yet distinctly different. Though Jesus functioned on this earth as a MAN and his Godly attributes were removed he still is the same WORD that BECAME flesh and dwelt amongst men ...and the world was made by him yet the world knew him not.
This is very important because Catholics still refer to Mary (who was no longer a "virgin" after her wedding to Joseph) as the "Mother of God" ...which literally makes NO sense whatsoever if you take it in it's literal sense.
It is true in one sense, untrue in another. We must do as Christ did and make a clear distinction between Jesus, the Son of man and Jesus, the 2nd part of the trinity of God. They are one and the same and yet distinctly different. Though Jesus functioned on this earth as a MAN and his Godly attributes were removed he still is the same WORD that BECAME flesh and dwelt amongst men ...and the world was made by him yet the world knew him not.
This is very important because Catholics still refer to Mary (who was no longer a "virgin" after her wedding to Joseph) as the "Mother of God" ...which literally makes NO sense whatsoever if you take it in it's literal sense.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free"?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do! He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him! When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it! 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do! He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him! When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it! 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
Now Jesus is quite clearly telling these people who insist that "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man" that #1 there true father is THE DEVIL ...that God does NOT recognize them as the children of Abraham because of their disobedience and that they are in bondage to sin and the lusts of the flesh and that in order for them to be deemed acceptable and freed they are going to have to do two things.
#1) DIE to their carnal flesh which they think is special to God ...and to be "born again"
#2) To be ADOPTED into the family of God. They had NO birthright to it!!!
Romans 8:9-17
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Pay attention here, they are saying "We be Abraham's seed" and the retort of Jesus is "YE ARE OF YOUR FATHER THE DEVIL!"
Now how could they be "of the seed of Abraham", the patriach of faith and also be "of the devil" whom he proclaims as their father?
Simple answer because he is speaking of the SPIRIT of a man.
Did the selection of whom would be the lineage from which God incarnate would appear have any significance? Of course it did. But not the significance that many would like to apply to it so that they can gain some special status here on earth that is NOT recognized by God either here nor in heaven.
It is for this reason that Jesus went out of his way to DISTANCE himself even from his own MOTHER, brother, earthly father or those who could claim a direct kinship with him. He strove to emphasize that SPIRITUAL KINSHIP trumps ANY maternal, physical or earthly blood kinship.
READ:
Matthew 12:46-50
In the scripture below Jesus is making it as clear as is possible that he is not remotely interested in the blood that runs through your veins, but is quite interested in the faith and the spirit that runs through your soul. NOBODY is getting in to heaven on the family plan. He made this quite clear to those who proclaimed "We be Abrahams seed" by telling them "You are of YOUR FATHER the devil!"
Even his own temporal earth mother, Mary (though Catholics and other religions would like to deify her) would go straight to HELL if she did not receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and follow the will of God that leads to salvation.
For the record, Mary was a fulfillment of a promise to Abraham and she was a borrowed womb by which the Son of God might be manifested in the flesh. Yes, she was handpicked but the primary prerequisite was the blood lineage of David, that she was a virgin and that she was spiritually innocent. No more and no less! Even that alone did not guarantee her salvation. She too had to receive Christ as Lord.
John 2:1-5
1. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
Sodom and Gomorrah
Just to make the point even more clear let's look briefly at the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God had a conversation with Abraham, his man of faith, about his plans to destroy the two cities because of their "wickedness". Abraham tried to get God to reconsider by suggesting that their may be at least 50 people between these two cities worthy of saving due to their righteousness. God could not find 50 righteous, or 40, 30, 20 ...not even 10. God was going to go ahead with his plan of destruction sparing only LOT, the nephew of Abraham. By default, Lot's wife, his 2 daughters and their 2 husbands all had the opportunity to be spared. The daughters husbands did not want to leave these cities of debauchery and Lot's wife was disobedient looking back and therefore was turned into a pillar of salt.
Her allegiance and marriage to a righteous man did not spare her from God's judgment once she disobediently defied his clear instructions.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Matthew 10:32-39
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
The text printed in RED below are the words of Jesus himself telling you who he is.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
This very definition of "God" encompasses the entire trinity which consists of
The Father = GOD
The Son (The Word) = GOD
The Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) = GOD
So when God said"
"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." Genesis 1:26
The "us" refers to the trinity: 1) Father 2) Son (JESUS) and 3) Holy Spirit
John 8:58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
John 1:2 He was with God in the beginning.
Romans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Revelation 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
In the beginning - This expression is used also in Genesis 1:1. John evidently has allusion here to that place, and he means to apply to "the Word" an expression which is there applied "to God." In both places it clearly means before creation, before the world was made, when as yet there was nothing.
The meaning is: that the "Word" had an existence before the world was created. This is not spoken of the man Jesus, but of that which "became" a man, or was incarnate, John 1:14. The Hebrews, by expressions like this, commonly denoted eternity.
The meaning is: that the "Word" had an existence before the world was created. This is not spoken of the man Jesus, but of that which "became" a man, or was incarnate, John 1:14. The Hebrews, by expressions like this, commonly denoted eternity.
Thus. the eternity of God is described Psalm 90:2; "Before the mountains were brought forth, etc.;" and eternity is commonly expressed by the phrase, before the foundation of the world." Whatever is meant by the term "Word," it is clear that it had an existence before "creation." It is not, then, a "creature" or created being, and must be, therefore, uncreated and eternal. There is only one Being that is uncreated, and Jesus must be therefore divine.
Compare the Saviour's own declarations respecting himself in the following places:
John 8:58; John 17:5; John 6:62; John 3:13; John 6:46; John 8:14; John 16:28.
"It was not until his ascension that his followers were told to evangelize and teach others."
The one and ONLY reason that Jesus did not tell his followers to evangelize the world prior to his ascension and RETURN is because they simply were NOT READY!
That is why he said these words to them in Acts 1:4
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, "but wait for the promise of the Father, which", saith he, "ye have heard of me".
Acts 1:1-8
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
He told them to wait until they had been baptized by the POWER of the HOLY GHOST. Without that they could NOT do the works that he had prepared, taught and trained them to do. They had the knowledge, he had taught them. They had the scriptural understanding, he had instructed them, they had the ability, he had trained them by example. They had the desire, he handpicked them and they had the zeal to do God's will. What they did not have YET was the POWER of the Holy Ghost. That is the only reason that he told them to WAIT (tarry) in Jerusalem until they had received it.
Then he instructed them to do something AFTER they had received this Holy Ghost anointing of power.
Go ye into Jerusalem, to all Judaea and to Samaria ...even unto the uttermost parts of the world!
14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. - - MARK chapt 1
Jesus was sent to ALL of mankind
One must first understand that God is the creator of all of man-kind. All people are God's people. Consequently ALL people are Jesus's people. There is not a question of whom Jesus accepts, loves, embraces or has a kinship with. The only question is in whom will accept HIM!
"For God so loved THE WORLD (that means ALL peoples, cultures, nationalities, etc.) that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but should have everlasting life."
John 6:40 For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
The world - All mankind. It does not mean any particular part of the world, but man as man - the race that had rebelled and that deserved to die. See John 6:33; John 17:21. His love for the world, or for all mankind, in giving his Son, was shown by these circumstances:
1. All the world was in ruin, and exposed to the wrath of God.
2. All people were in a hopeless condition.
3. God gave his Son. Man had no claim on him; it was a gift - an undeserved gift.
4. He gave him up to extreme sufferings, even the bitter pains of death on the cross.
5. It was for all the world. He tasted "death for every man," Hebrews 2:9. He "died for all," 2 Corinthians 5:15. "He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:2.
1. All the world was in ruin, and exposed to the wrath of God.
2. All people were in a hopeless condition.
3. God gave his Son. Man had no claim on him; it was a gift - an undeserved gift.
4. He gave him up to extreme sufferings, even the bitter pains of death on the cross.
5. It was for all the world. He tasted "death for every man," Hebrews 2:9. He "died for all," 2 Corinthians 5:15. "He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:2.
It is common sense that before he could send people out to evangelize the world those people had to first be trained and prepared and taught. THAT is the one and only reason that he stuck close to his chosen disciples, allowed them to follow him as apprentices and to be trained. It was for the express purpose of bringing the gospel to ALL the world. It was not an afterthought, it was the original intent of God, the creator of ALL the world and all those who dwell in it.
Before Jesus was born of a woman he was God. He did not become God by being born of Mary! Of course if Jesus was going to live amongst men as a man then he would have had to have been born of someone and to have come through the lineage of someone. The person whom God chose to bear God the Son had nothing to do with any innate racial or ethnic make-up that makes God whom he is. It was wholly and fully, 100% about a promise that he made to a man who impressed and pleased God because this man had FAITH! This man was Abraham who just happened to be the patriarch of Israel.
It was Abraham and only Abraham and his FAITH that caused God to choose to establish his new covenant with man through him and his bloodline. It had nothing to do with anything other than the FAITH shown and demonstrated by Abraham. Abraham was imputed (considered as righteous) righteousness because of his FAITH. ...And for no other reason. There was no genetic distinction that matters to God. God looked for Faith in the world and found it in Abraham moreso than any other at the time.
In the post below there is the implicit idea that Jesus was NOT "inclusive" and some would use this as justification for their rather narcissistic view of the world. In fact, in this post there is the inference that cultural narcissism is somehow being "Christ-like" when NOTHING could be further from the truth.
"There is no right or wrong way to be like Jesus, as long as you are sincerely trying to be like Jesus."
Again, WRONG! There IS a "RIGHT" way and also a "WRONG" way to "be like Jesus" and "SINCERITY" has NEVER been deemed as acceptable to God. In fact Jesus himself spoke about that in saying
"“And many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name; and in thy name cast out devils; and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I say, Ye never knew me; depart from me ye that work iniquity Matthew 7:32–33
In other words Jesus is describing a scene in which "MANY" will be shocked, chagrined and dismayed to learn that Jesus was/is NOT impressed by their pious words, their arrogant presumptions and the works that they do in HIS name though they do not truly KNOW Him for who HE is! Obviously these people are SINCERE which is why they are flabbergasted to learn that they haven't impressed God in their efforts to impress man.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. - Proverbs 14:12
So here God is saying, via King Solomon that there IS indeed a "right way" and also a "wrong way" to be like Jesus ...and that the end of the "wrong way" are "THE WAYS OF DEATH!".
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. " Proverb 14:12
Twice in the book of Proverbs (14:12 and 16:25) we learn that man's judgment as to the right way is not reliable. What seems right to him ends in disaster and death.
Man's judgment has been seriously impaired by sin. He feels absolutely sure that the way to heaven is by doing the best he can. If you tell him that no one has ever been saved by good works, he still has every confidence that he will be the first to beat the system. He is certain that God would never turn him away from the gates of heaven.
But he is wrong, his safety lies in trusting the Word of God rather than his own judgment. If he does so, he will repent of his sins and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Because God's Word is truth, those who believe it can be confident that they are following the right route.
Jesus went on to give us a principals by which we can JUDGE those who prophesy and set themselves up as teachers and leaders:
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. - (Matthew 7:15–20)
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. - (Matthew 7:15–20)
In addition to that, God's promise made to Abraham
was INCLUSIVE of the whole world
from the very beginning!
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Genesis 22:18
Jeremiah 4:2 and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear, 'As surely as the LORD lives,' then the nations will be blessed by him and in him they will glory."
Genesis 26:5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws."
Galatians 3:8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you."
Now WHO are the TRUE
Children of Abraham?
Now as for this idea that some people are
somehow more special than others
...even by a blood lineage, read these words carefully.
Galatians 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants and heirs, as God promised.
Matthew 3:9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
Romans 9:8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring.
Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Romans 4:13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.
Re: Galatians 3:29
For if ye be Christ's,.... Or seeing ye are his, not by creation only, but by the Father's gift to him, by the purchase of his own blood, by the power of his grace, making them willing to give up themselves to him; not only his by profession, saying they are the Lord's, calling themselves by his name; but by possession, Christ dwelling in their hearts by faith, and they having his Spirit as a spirit of regeneration and adoption:
Then are ye Abraham's seed - The promise made to Abraham related to the Messiah. It was a promise that in him all should be blessed. Abraham believed in that Messiah, and was distinguished for his faith in him who was to come. If they believed in Christ, therefore, they showed that they were the spiritual descendants of Abraham. No matter whether they were Jews or Gentiles; whether they had been circumcised or not, they had the same spirit which he evinced, and were interested in the promises made to him.
And heirs according to the promise - See Romans 8:17. Are heirs of God. You inherit the blessings promised to Abraham, and partake of the felicity to which he looked forward. You have become truly heirs of God, and this is in accordance with the promise made to Abraham. It is not by the obedience of the Law; it is by faith - in the same way that Abraham possessed the blessing; an arrangement before the giving of the Law, and therefore one that may include all, whether Jews or Gentiles. All are on a level; and all are alike the children of God, and in the same manner, and on the same terms that Abraham was.
And heirs according to the promise - See Romans 8:17. Are heirs of God. You inherit the blessings promised to Abraham, and partake of the felicity to which he looked forward. You have become truly heirs of God, and this is in accordance with the promise made to Abraham. It is not by the obedience of the Law; it is by faith - in the same way that Abraham possessed the blessing; an arrangement before the giving of the Law, and therefore one that may include all, whether Jews or Gentiles. All are on a level; and all are alike the children of God, and in the same manner, and on the same terms that Abraham was.
A few more words to live by
"the gospel was preached beforehand to
Abraham," the first who ever heard the gospel. He gave his message to Abraham,
and what was the message? "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be
blessed." That is a comprehensive promise — the oath-bound promise, as the
Apostle Paul calls it in his letter to the Hebrews. God swore that it should be so,
that we might have strong consolation while waiting for the fulfillment of that
great statement of the divine purpose.
Abraham," the first who ever heard the gospel. He gave his message to Abraham,
and what was the message? "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be
blessed." That is a comprehensive promise — the oath-bound promise, as the
Apostle Paul calls it in his letter to the Hebrews. God swore that it should be so,
that we might have strong consolation while waiting for the fulfillment of that
great statement of the divine purpose.
Question: "But how can Jesus be God? Does not the bible say that Jesus, prayed to God. Does not the bible say that God sent his SON? I'm confused now.
Answer: God is a trinity. A triparte. A three part being. Guess what ...so are YOU. We are created in the image of God.
Again ... God = Father + Son + Holy Spirit
Man = Body + Soul + Spirit
Your body alone is not you, your soul alone is not you, your spirit alone is not you.
Now repeat that out loud 3 times. 30 times if necessary until it sinks in.
The essence of YOU is SPIRIT.
You dwell inside of a physical body
and you have a soul
Body, Soul & Spirit = YOU
When you look into a mirror you are not seeing the whole YOU.
What you see in the mirror is a reflection of the house that YOU live inside of.
Again... You ARE a SPIRIT that lives in a BODY and has a SOUL
This is water in it's natural liquid state...
This is water in solid form...
... This is water coming from this steam engine
That shall suffice for now.
What say you?
Answer: God is a trinity. A triparte. A three part being. Guess what ...so are YOU. We are created in the image of God.
Again ... God = Father + Son + Holy Spirit
Man = Body + Soul + Spirit
Your body alone is not you, your soul alone is not you, your spirit alone is not you.
You are a Spirit that lives in a Body and has a soul.
Now repeat that out loud 3 times. 30 times if necessary until it sinks in.
The essence of YOU is SPIRIT.
You dwell inside of a physical body
and you have a soul
Body, Soul & Spirit = YOU
When you look into a mirror you are not seeing the whole YOU.
What you see in the mirror is a reflection of the house that YOU live inside of.
Again... You ARE a SPIRIT that lives in a BODY and has a SOUL
This is water in it's natural liquid state...
This is water in solid form...
... This is water coming from this steam engine
That shall suffice for now.
What say you?
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