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| Topic: Idolatry | |
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Edited by
Pansytilly
on
Mon 08/03/15 12:50 AM
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God reached out to His people in many ways...first through directly communicating with the patriarchs, then through the priesthood of the Levites, then through prophets and then through his Son.
Hebrews1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. as it is said ^^ "He is the representation of God"--that is why they are one, because Jesus represents God's glory and radiance. But that does not mean they are the same, nor does it mean they are equal, nor does that mean we should treat him as equal or the same as God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jesus spoke in parables regarding this matter...the people did not listen to the priests and the prophets when they spoke of God's will. That is why he sent his son, Jesus as a new covenant and testament on the true worship and love of God...but many did not believe him either. Mark 12:1-12 He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let'�s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven't you read this scripture: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ this explains how we are brothers and sisters in Christ, through faith and the will of God that Christ should suffer and die for our sins Hebrews2:9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This shows that Christ is the "High Priest" of God...therefore, a mediator for our sins, that his faithfulness to God qualifies him for this position. He does as per the will of God to intercede in man's behalf...instead of blood offerings and animal sacrifice, it was his obedience that made him as the perfect sacrifice...both the Lamb of God and the High Priest of God (both the perfect offering and mediator), that we may have forgiveness from God through Christ. Hebrew3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Hebrews5:1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jesus is not God. Jesus does the will of God. God is immutable. There is none like Him, there is none above him. Jesus is the very word of God made flesh...not God. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ your concept of Jesus being the same as God by mixing the timeline of the old with the new testament is unacceptable. in the old testament, the word of God was still very much with God. In the new testament, the word of God had been made flesh in the person of Jesus. There is a distinction. That distinction is made very clear by this... John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.'" 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. |
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God reached out to His people in many ways...first through directly communicating with the patriarchs, then through the priesthood of the Levites, then through prophets and then through his Son. Hebrews1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. as it is said ^^ "He is the representation of God"--that is why they are one, because Jesus represents God's glory and radiance. But that does not mean they are the same, nor does it mean they are equal, nor does that mean we should treat him as equal or the same as God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jesus spoke in parables regarding this matter...the people did not listen to the priests and the prophets when they spoke of God's will. That is why he sent his son, Jesus as a new covenant and testament on the true worship and love of God...but many did not believe him either. Mark 12:1-12 He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let'�s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven't you read this scripture: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ this explains how we are brothers and sisters in Christ, through faith and the will of God that Christ should suffer and die for our sins Hebrews2:9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This shows that Christ is the "High Priest" of God...therefore, a mediator for our sins, that his faithfulness to God qualifies him for this position. He does as per the will of God to intercede in man's behalf...instead of blood offerings and animal sacrifice, it was his obedience that made him as the perfect sacrifice...both the Lamb of God and the High Priest of God (both the perfect offering and mediator), that we may have forgiveness from God through Christ. Hebrew3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Hebrews5:1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jesus is not God. Jesus does the will of God. God is immutable. There is none like Him, there is none above him. Jesus is the very word of God made flesh...not God. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ your concept of Jesus being the same as God by mixing the timeline of the old with the new testament is unacceptable. in the old testament, the word of God was still very much with God. In the new testament, the word of God had been made flesh in the person of Jesus. There is a distinction. That distinction is made very clear by this... John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.'" 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. Jesus is not God. Jesus does the will of God. God is immutable. There is none like Him, there is none above him. Jesus is the very word of God made flesh...not God. Very true Jesus is the Word in the flesh, but that doesn't denote him being our God. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Matthew 4:7 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. |
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BEYOND BLIND FAITH
Who is Jesus? Is Jesus God? See what Jesus said about himself, his equality with God, and what exactly Jesus did to prove it. [By Paul E. Little] It is impossible for us to know conclusively whether God exists and what he is like unless he takes the initiative and reveals himself. We must scan the horizon of history to see if there is any clue to God's revelation. There is one clear clue. In an obscure village in Palestine, 2,000 years ago, a Child was born in a stable. Today the entire world is still celebrating the birth of Jesus, and for good reason. Is Jesus God? Did Jesus ever claim to be God? We're told that "the common people heard him gladly." And, "He taught as One who had authority, and not as their teachers of the Law." It soon became apparent, however, that he was making shocking and startling statements about himself. He began to identify himself as far more than a remarkable teacher or prophet. He began to say clearly that he was God. He made his identity the focal point of his teaching. The all-important question he put to those who followed him was, "Who do you say I am?" When Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," Jesus was not shocked, nor did he rebuke Peter. On the contrary, he commended him! Jesus frequently referred to "My Father," and his hearers got the full impact of his words. We are told, "The Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God." On another occasion he said, "I and My Father are One." Immediately the religious authorities wanted to stone him. He asked them which of his good works caused them to want to kill him. They replied, "We are not stoning you for any of these but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." Is Jesus God? Look at His life. When a paralyzed man was let down through the roof wanting to be healed by him, Jesus said, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." The religious leaders immediately reacted. "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" When Jesus was on trial for his life, the high priest put the question to him directly: "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy." So close was Jesus' connection with God that he equated a person's attitude to himself with the person's attitude toward God. Thus, to know him was to know God. To see him was to see God. To believe in him was to believe in God. To receive him was to receive God. To hate him was to hate God. And to honor him was to honor God. Is Jesus God? - possible explanations "As we face the claims of Christ, there are only four possibilities. He was either a liar, mentally ill, a legend, or the Truth." The question is, was he telling the truth? Maybe Jesus lied when he said he was God. Perhaps he knew he was not God, but deliberately deceived his hearers to lend authority to his teaching. Few, if any, hold this position. Even those who deny his deity affirm that he was a great moral teacher. However they fail to realize those two statements are a contradiction. Jesus could hardly be a great moral teacher if, on the most crucial point of his teaching -- his identity -- he was a deliberate liar. Another possibility is that Jesus was sincere but self-deceived. We have a name for a person today who thinks he is God. Mentally disabled. But as we look at the life of Christ, we see no evidence of the abnormality and imbalance we find in a mentally ill person. Rather, we find the greatest composure under pressure. A third alternative is that his enthusiastic followers put words into his mouth he would have been shocked to hear. Were he to return, he would immediately repudiate them. This theory has been significantly refuted by modern archaeology. The four biographies of Christ were written within the lifetime of people who saw, heard and followed Jesus. These gospel accounts contained specific facts and descriptions confirmed by those who were eyewitnesses of Jesus. The early dating of the Gospels by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, is why they gained such circulation and impact, unlike the fictional Gnostic gospels which appeared centuries later. Jesus was not a liar, or mentally disabled, or manufactured apart from historical reality. The only other alternative is that Jesus was consciously being truthful when he said he was God. Is Jesus God? What is the proof? From one point of view, however, claims don't mean much. Talk is cheap. Anyone can make claims. There have been others who have claimed to be God. I could claim to be God, and you could claim to be God, but the question all of us must answer is, "What credentials do we bring to substantiate our claim?" In my case it wouldn't take you five minutes to disprove my claim. It probably wouldn't take too much more to dispose of yours. But when it comes to Jesus of Nazareth, it's not so simple. He had the credentials to back up his claim. He said, "Even though you do not believe me, believe the evidence of the miracles, that you may learn and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father." The life of Jesus - His unique moral character His moral character coincided with his claims. The quality of his life was such that he was able to challenge his enemies with the question, "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?"13 He was met by silence, even though he addressed those who would have liked to point out a flaw in his character. We read of Jesus being tempted by Satan, but we never hear of a confession of sin on his part. He never asked for forgiveness, though he told his followers to do so. This lack of any sense of moral failure on Jesus' part is astonishing in view of the fact that it is completely contrary to the experience of the saints and mystics throughout the ages. The closer men and women draw to God, the more overwhelmed they are with their own failure, corruption, and shortcomings. The closer one is to a shining light, the more he realizes his need of a bath. This is true also, in the moral realm, for ordinary mortals. It is also striking that John, Paul, and Peter, all of whom were trained from earliest childhood to believe in the universality of sin, all spoke of the lack of sinfulness of Christ: "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." Even Pilate, who sentenced Jesus to death, asked, "What evil has he done?" After listening to the crowd, Pilate concluded, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." The crowd relentlessly demanded Jesus be crucified (for blasphemy, claiming to be God). The Roman centurion who assisted in the crucifixion of Christ said, "Surely he was the Son of God." The life of Jesus - He cured the sick Jesus constantly demonstrated power over sickness and disease. He made the lame to walk, the dumb to speak, and the blind to see. Some of his healing abilities were of congenital problems not susceptible to psychosomatic cure. For example, the man who had been blind from birth. Everyone knew him as the familiar beggar outside the temple. Yet Jesus healed him. As the authorities questioned the beggar about what happened, he said, "One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" he declared. He was astounded that these religious authorities didn't recognize this Healer as the Son of God. "Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind," he said. To him the evidence was obvious. The life of Jesus - His ability to control nature Jesus also demonstrated a supernatural power over nature itself. With just words, he stilled a raging storm of high wind and waves on the Sea of Galilee. Those in the boat were awestruck, asking, "Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!" He turned water into wine, at a wedding. He fed a massive crowd of 5,000 people, starting with five loaves of bread and two fish. He gave a grieving widow back her only son by raising him from the dead. Lazarus, a friend of Jesus' died and was buried in a tomb for four days already. Yet Jesus said, "Lazarus, come forth!" and dramatically raised him from the dead, witnessed by many. It is most significant that his enemies did not deny this miracle. Rather, they decided to kill him. "If we let him go on like this," they said, "everyone will believe in him." Is Jesus God, as he claimed? Jesus' supreme evidence of deity was his own resurrection from the dead. Five times in the course of his life, Jesus clearly predicted in what specific way he would be killed and affirmed that three days later he would rise from the dead. Surely this was the great test. It was a claim that was easy to verify. It would either happen or not. It would either confirm his stated identity or destroy it. And significant for you and me, Jesus' rising from the dead would verify or make laughable statements such as these: "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me."19 "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not live in darkness, but will have the light of life." For those who believe in him, "I give them eternal life..." So by his own words, he offers this proof, ""The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise." What this would mean "Talk is cheap. Anyone can make claims. But when it comes to Jesus of Nazareth... He had the credentials to back up His claim." If Christ rose, we know with certainty that God exists, what God is like, and how we may know him in personal experience. The universe takes on meaning and purpose, and it is possible to experience the living God in this life. On the other hand, if Christ did not rise from the dead, Christianity has no objective validity or reality. The martyrs who went singing to the lions, and contemporary missionaries who have given their lives while taking this message to others, have been poor deluded fools. Paul, the great apostle, wrote, "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." Paul rested his whole case on the bodily resurrection of Christ. Did Jesus prove he is God? Let's look at the evidence for Jesus' resurrection. Given all the miracles he had performed, Jesus easily could have avoided the cross, but he chose not to. Before his arrest, Jesus said, "I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord...and I have authority to take it up again." During his arrest, Jesus' friend Peter tried to defend him. But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its place...Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?" He had that kind of power in heaven and on earth. Jesus went willingly to his death. Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Jesus' death was by public execution on a cross, a common form of torture and death, used by the Roman government for many centuries. The accusation against Jesus was for blasphemy (for claiming to be God). Jesus said it was to pay for our sin. Jesus was lashed with a multi-cord whip having metal or bone fragmented ends. A mock crown of long thorns was beaten into his scull. They forced him to walk to an execution hill outside of Jerusalem. They put him on a wooden cross, nailing his wrists and feet to it. He hung there, eventually dying. A sword was thrust into his side to confirm his death. The body of Jesus was taken from the cross, wrapped in mummy-like linens covered with gummy-wet spices. His body was placed in a solid rock tomb, where a very large boulder was rolled down to it, to secure the entrance. Everyone knew that Jesus said he would rise from the dead in three days. So they stationed a guard of trained Roman soldiers at the tomb. They also affixed an official Roman seal to the outside of the tomb declaring it government property. Three days later, the tomb was empty. In spite of all this, three days later the boulder, formerly sealing the tomb, was found up a slope, some distance away from the tomb. The body was gone. Only the grave linens were found in the tomb, caved in, empty of the body. It is important to note that both critics and followers of Jesus agree that the tomb was empty and the body missing. The earliest explanation circulated was that the disciples stole the body while the guards were sleeping. This makes little sense. This was an entire guard of highly trained Roman soldiers, and falling asleep on duty was punishable by death. Further, each of the disciples (individually and separately from each other) were tortured and martyred for proclaiming that Jesus was alive, risen from the dead. Men and women will die for what they believe to be true, though it may actually be false. They do not, however, die for what they know is a lie. If ever a man tells the truth, it is on his deathbed. Maybe the authorities moved the body? Yet they crucified Jesus to stop people from believing in him. This also is a weak possibility. If they had Christ's body, they could have paraded it through the streets of Jerusalem. In one fell swoop they would have successfully smothered Christianity in its cradle. That they did not do this bears eloquent testimony to the fact that they did not have the body. Another theory is that the women, distraught and overcome by grief, missed their way in the dimness of the morning and went to the wrong tomb. In their distress they imagined Christ had risen because the tomb was empty. But again, if the women went to the wrong tomb, why did the high priests and other enemies of the faith not go to the right tomb and produce the body? "Men and women will die for what they believe to be true, though it may actually be false. They do not, however, die for what they know is a lie." One other possibility is what some call "the swoon theory." In this view, Christ did not actually die. He was mistakenly reported to be dead, but had swooned from exhaustion, pain, and loss of blood, and in the coolness of the tomb, he revived. (One would have to overlook the fact that they put a spear in his side to medically confirm his death.) But let us assume for a moment that Christ was buried alive and swooned. Is it possible to believe that he would have survived three days in a damp tomb without food or water or attention of any kind? Would he have had the strength to extricate himself from the grave clothes, push the heavy stone away from the mouth of the grave, overcome the Roman guards, and walk miles on feet that had been pierced with spikes? It too makes little sense. However, it wasn't the empty tomb that convinced Jesus' followers of his deity. Not just the empty tomb. That alone did not convinced them that Jesus actually rose from the dead, was alive, and was God. What convinced them were the number of times that Jesus showed up, in person, in the flesh, and ate with them, and talked with them. Luke, one of the gospel writers, says of Jesus, "he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." Is Jesus God? All four of the gospel writers give accounts of Jesus physically showing up after his burial, obviously alive. One time that Jesus joined the disciples, Thomas, was not there. When they told him about it, Thomas simply wouldn't believe it. He flatly stated, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." One week later, Jesus came to them again, with Thomas now present. Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas replied, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus told him "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Your opportunity Why did Jesus go through all of that? It was so we could know God now, in this life, by believing in him. Jesus offers us a far more meaningful life, by being in a relationship with him. Jesus said, "I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly." You can begin an intimate relationship with him right now. You can begin to personally know God in this life on earth, and after death into eternity. Here is God's promise to us: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus took our sin on himself, on the cross. He chose to receive punishment for our sin, so that our sin would no longer be a barrier between us and him. Because he fully paid for your sin, he offers you complete forgiveness and a relationship with him. Here is how you can begin that relationship. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door [of your heart] and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him." Right now you can invite Jesus Christ into your life. The words are not important. What matters is that you respond to him, in light of what he has done for you, and is now offering you. You could say to him something like, "Jesus, I believe in you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I ask you to forgive me and to come into my life right now. I want to know you and follow you. Thank you for coming into my life and giving me a relationship with you, right now." "Thank you." jacobus DeBruyn on January 6, 2013 at 8:29 pm said: God was manifested to our level of understanding in the form of Jesus, but God did not make himself the image and likeness of a mortal, it is the other way around, we have to abandon our false sense of selfhood, to find the Christ in us, as us. God and Son, Creator and creation, are one, but not the same. It is more like the Korean flag symbol of ying and yang, two but one inseparable. The one cannot exist without the other. If they were the same, then the Father would be the Son, and vice versa, which is nonsense. For love to exist, you need two. And we are to become one with the Son, then Christ is all in all.   
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God reached out to His people in many ways...first through directly communicating with the patriarchs, then through the priesthood of the Levites, then through prophets and then through his Son. Hebrews1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. as it is said ^^ "He is the representation of God"--that is why they are one, because Jesus represents God's glory and radiance. But that does not mean they are the same, nor does it mean they are equal, nor does that mean we should treat him as equal or the same as God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jesus spoke in parables regarding this matter...the people did not listen to the priests and the prophets when they spoke of God's will. That is why he sent his son, Jesus as a new covenant and testament on the true worship and love of God...but many did not believe him either. Mark 12:1-12 He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let'�s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven't you read this scripture: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ this explains how we are brothers and sisters in Christ, through faith and the will of God that Christ should suffer and die for our sins Hebrews2:9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This shows that Christ is the "High Priest" of God...therefore, a mediator for our sins, that his faithfulness to God qualifies him for this position. He does as per the will of God to intercede in man's behalf...instead of blood offerings and animal sacrifice, it was his obedience that made him as the perfect sacrifice...both the Lamb of God and the High Priest of God (both the perfect offering and mediator), that we may have forgiveness from God through Christ. Hebrew3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Hebrews5:1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jesus is not God. Jesus does the will of God. God is immutable. There is none like Him, there is none above him. Jesus is the very word of God made flesh...not God. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ your concept of Jesus being the same as God by mixing the timeline of the old with the new testament is unacceptable. in the old testament, the word of God was still very much with God. In the new testament, the word of God had been made flesh in the person of Jesus. There is a distinction. That distinction is made very clear by this... John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.'" 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. Jesus is not God. Jesus does the will of God. God is immutable. There is none like Him, there is none above him. Jesus is the very word of God made flesh...not God. Very true Jesus is the Word in the flesh, but that doesn't denote him being our God. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Matthew 4:7 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. your concept of Jesus being the same as God by mixing the timeline of the old with the new testament is unacceptable. in the old testament, the word of God was still very much with God. In the new testament, the word of God had been made flesh in the person of Jesus. There is a distinction. That distinction is made very clear by this... Please don't get confused with the limited terminology we have in language. Jesus is the God of the old testament, "at times". Thus why even in the old testament sometimes it says "God" did this or that. Then sometimes it will say "LORD God" did this or that. Same "God" two different entities. Thus why in Genesis chapter 1 it says God did this or that, then in chapter 2 when it goes into more detail but repeats about the exact same thing, it says "LORD God" did this or that. |
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Very true Jesus is the Word in the flesh, but that doesn't denote him being our God. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Matthew 4:7 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. yes...he is the word of God, it does not equate him as God...it means that he is directly of God, hence the only begotten Son of God -- not God. yes...John 1 i quoted the entire thing... the temptation in the wilderness thing, we already covered that in the "Happy Easter" thread...i dislike being redundant, but i can look for it and recopy it if someone requests it. |
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Very true Jesus is the Word in the flesh, but that doesn't denote him being our God. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Matthew 4:7 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. yes...he is the word of God, it does not equate him as God...it means that he is directly of God, hence the only begotten Son of God -- not God. yes...John 1 i quoted the entire thing... the temptation in the wilderness thing, we already covered that in the "Happy Easter" thread...i dislike being redundant, but i can look for it and recopy it if someone requests it. He isn't "of" God, he IS God. 1. AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. |
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your concept of Jesus being the same as God by mixing the timeline of the old with the new testament is unacceptable. in the old testament, the word of God was still very much with God. In the new testament, the word of God had been made flesh in the person of Jesus. There is a distinction. That distinction is made very clear by this... Please don't get confused with the limited terminology we have in language. Jesus is the God of the old testament, "at times". Thus why even in the old testament sometimes it says "God" did this or that. Then sometimes it will say "LORD God" did this or that. Same "God" two different entities. Thus why in Genesis chapter 1 it says God did this or that, then in chapter 2 when it goes into more detail but repeats about the exact same thing, it says "LORD God" did this or that. no...am not limited by the language. but i do not appreciate your picking apart the entirety of the sentiment of my post.... yes "Lord God" precisely because there was only God and the word was with Him....it was after when the word became flesh as Jesus, that a distinction has been made. This is what i pointed out as per the entire chapter of John 1, before you picked apart my original post. "Lord" only means a title of one that is above another. Hence, Jesus has the title of "Lord". God also has the title of "Lord". But they are not the same. I also already pointed this out in the "Happy Easter" thread in the part where King David prophesied the coming of the Messiah. |
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A Simple Note:
Whatever little knowledge I possess, of The Bible Or Life Of Jesus, I feel, whether 'He is God' or 'Son Of God', is an issue, left to the 'heart & mind' of the believer. This is a 'debate', that seemingly has no end. However, I may conclude, that given the kind, human, selfless, miraculous, compassionate ('words' are too few to actually delineate/define HIM (Jesus Christ)) 'being' HE was.. GOD wouldn't mind (even a bit), if I were to consider Christ as God Almighty.. I wouldn't be committing a sin if I did so. I'm sure that 'those' who see GOD in Jesus have a 'million just reasons' to do so.. And as for 'me', regardless of whether I see 'Him' as GOD or as 'God's Son'.. It's the same to me.. |
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Edited by
Pansytilly
on
Mon 08/03/15 06:03 AM
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He isn't "of" God, he IS God. 1. AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. and like i said, our views are not the same. you are entitled to your opinion. i have explained how i understood the nature and being of Christ and God numerous times. and i do not confuse it with semantics nor do i pick and choose one verse to connect with another that is far from helping explain it. i state things as is, and as a whole. anyone can judge for themselves according to how it is revealed to them. as Jesus rightfully said... Matthew 16:16-17 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. Matthew 11:27 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. |
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Edited by
CowboyGH
on
Mon 08/03/15 06:09 AM
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your concept of Jesus being the same as God by mixing the timeline of the old with the new testament is unacceptable. in the old testament, the word of God was still very much with God. In the new testament, the word of God had been made flesh in the person of Jesus. There is a distinction. That distinction is made very clear by this... Please don't get confused with the limited terminology we have in language. Jesus is the God of the old testament, "at times". Thus why even in the old testament sometimes it says "God" did this or that. Then sometimes it will say "LORD God" did this or that. Same "God" two different entities. Thus why in Genesis chapter 1 it says God did this or that, then in chapter 2 when it goes into more detail but repeats about the exact same thing, it says "LORD God" did this or that. no...am not limited by the language. but i do not appreciate your picking apart the entirety of the sentiment of my post.... yes "Lord God" precisely because there was only God and the word was with Him....it was after when the word became flesh as Jesus, that a distinction has been made. This is what i pointed out as per the entire chapter of John 1, before you picked apart my original post. "Lord" only means a title of one that is above another. Hence, Jesus has the title of "Lord". God also has the title of "Lord". But they are not the same. I also already pointed this out in the "Happy Easter" thread in the part where King David prophesied the coming of the Messiah. Jesus isn't just God, he is God of Gods. Deuteronomy 10:17 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: Thus why Jesus never references another being/entity as our God but himself. Outside of Jesus Christ, there is nothing and no one referenced as "God". There is nothing made that Jesus didn't make. John 1 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men He only became "the son of God" once he came to the world in the flesh in the form of a servant. Before then, there was no "father/Son". It was just that "God", for the Father and I are one. |
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Edited by
Pansytilly
on
Mon 08/03/15 06:44 AM
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A Simple Note: Whatever little knowledge I possess, of The Bible Or Life Of Jesus, I feel, whether 'He is God' or 'Son Of God', is an issue, left to the 'heart & mind' of the believer. This is a 'debate', that seemingly has no end. However, I may conclude, that given the kind, human, selfless, miraculous, compassionate ('words' are too few to actually delineate/define HIM (Jesus Christ)) 'being' HE was.. GOD wouldn't mind (even a bit), if I were to consider Christ as God Almighty.. I wouldn't be committing a sin if I did so. I'm sure that 'those' who see GOD in Jesus have a 'million just reasons' to do so.. And as for 'me', regardless of whether I see 'Him' as GOD or as 'God's Son'.. It's the same to me.. not to worry kaust... you are correct, in that compassion is key. the nature of Jesus and of God is a topic of endless possibilities, yes..that is true. For me, the first and second commandment of God states very clearly that there is to be no other "god/s" before him, for he is a jealous God, and he does not tolerate idolatry. Jesus is the word of God made flesh, hence one that is created -- an image and/or representation of God. To make Jesus as God, is idolatry. That is why I defend my belief. God is God. Jesus is the word of God, the Son of God-- not God. hence, it also behooves any Christian to study and learn deeply what he/she truly believes in, so that we can know firmly in ourselves what it is that we have put our faith in and not be deceived or led astray. reasons being: Matthew 24(Mark 13:10-13; Luke 21:10-19) 1And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. False Christs 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows. Witnessing to All Nations 9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 1 Timothy 1 3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1 Peter 4 1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. God bless you for your efforts, kaust.
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Very true Jesus is the Word in the flesh, but that doesn't denote him being our God. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Matthew 4:7 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. yes...he is the word of God, it does not equate him as God...it means that he is directly of God, hence the only begotten Son of God -- not God. yes...John 1 i quoted the entire thing... the temptation in the wilderness thing, we already covered that in the "Happy Easter" thread...i dislike being redundant, but i can look for it and recopy it if someone requests it. He isn't "of" God, he IS God. 1. AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. How is that "walking on water" thing going?.. did you get past the puddle stage yet? |
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Edited by
Kaustuv1
on
Mon 08/03/15 06:58 AM
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A Simple Note: Whatever little knowledge I possess, of The Bible Or Life Of Jesus, I feel, whether 'He is God' or 'Son Of God', is an issue, left to the 'heart & mind' of the believer. This is a 'debate', that seemingly has no end. However, I may conclude, that given the kind, human, selfless, miraculous, compassionate ('words' are too few to actually delineate/define HIM (Jesus Christ)) 'being' HE was.. GOD wouldn't mind (even a bit), if I were to consider Christ as God Almighty.. I wouldn't be committing a sin if I did so. I'm sure that 'those' who see GOD in Jesus have a 'million just reasons' to do so.. And as for 'me', regardless of whether I see 'Him' as GOD or as 'God's Son'.. It's the same to me.. not to worry kaust... you are correct, in that compassion is key. the nature of Jesus and of God is a topic of endless possibilities, yes..that is true. For me, the first and second commandment of God states very clearly that there is to be no other "god/s" before him, for he is a jealous God, and he does not tolerate idolatry. Jesus is the word of God made flesh, hence one that is created -- an image and/or representation of God. To make Jesus as God, is idolatry. That is why I defend my belief. God is God. Jesus is the word of God, the Son of God-- not God. hence, it also behooves any Christian to study and learn deeply what he/she truly believes in, so that we can know firmly in ourselves what it is that we have put our faith in and not be deceived or led astray. reasons being: Matthew 24(Mark 13:10-13; Luke 21:10-19) 1And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. False Christs 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows. Witnessing to All Nations 9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 1 Timothy 1 3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1 Peter 4 1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. God bless you for your efforts, kaust. I have always thanked you from 'heart & soul' for your enriched views that you have never ever refrained from sharing, Pansy.. And this India Evening isn't an exception.. God's already blessed me with a few wonderful people in my life.. You being one of them, Pansy.. I say this with utmost sincerity.. God knows it.. The God, I've known. Thank You for Everything.
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Jesus said, "I do nothing of my own accord, except by leave of Him who sent me."
As an example of Jesus dependence upon someone greater than himself, please read the healing of a deaf and speech impedimented man. (Mark 7: 31-37) ****************************************************************************************************************************************** I want to emphasize verse 34 as Jesus looks toward Heaven just before he says, "Ephphatha !" |
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