This year we are covering The Gospel According to Matthew. This week, we are looking in greater depth at several previously covered topics, before beginning Matthew chapter 21 next month. Yesterday's post looked more deeply at the posts from this month covering "Three Way Fellowship" by looking at the man-made doctrine of loyalty. Here is the summary:
Loyalty is a man-made doctrine used by BOSSES to exert control.
Loyalty is supporting someone BECAUSE they are wrong!
Loyalty is a Right WHAT (supporting someone) with a Wrong HOW/WHY (because they are wrong). This is deception!
This does NOT always result in good...in creation in the Long Term.
The Bible did NOT focus on loyalty. God wants us to focus on something more...
The Bible focused on supporting people BECAUSE they are right...which is Truth.
The Bible focused on confronting people BECAUSE they are wrong...which is Fellowship.
Focusing on loyalty over Fellowship and Truth HINDERS God's Will.
The doctrine of loyalty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God...but is NOT.
The doctrine of loyalty contradicts God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Today, we will look at a story from the Bible that most "Christians" apply incorrectly...
MODERN DAY PHARAOHS?
Throughout the history of this blog we have looked at doctrine associated with Pharaoh. Most of the emphasis concerned sovereignty and God's Will. Some people believe God hardened Pharaoh's heart as a cause...that there was nothing Pharaoh could do: God made Pharaoh's heart hard AGAINST Pharaoh's will. During the novella, we saw this was NOT the case.
While we will review that doctrine during this post, the focus on this post is Pharaoh's actions. I have found people have a false explanation of Pharaoh's actions. Let's look at Pharaoh by beginning with Exodus chapter 5...
EXODUS 5
"1 And afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness."
(The best way to understand this chapter is to keep track of Justice. Who owes and who is owed. Moses and Aaron made a REQUEST. There was NOTHING Good or Bad about this request. Justice was NOT affected by verse 1.)
"2 And Pharaoh said, Who is Jehovah, that I should hearken unto his voice to let Israel go? I know not Jehovah, and moreover I will not let Israel go."
(Pharaoh denied the request. There was NOTHING Good or Bad about this denial. Justice was NOT affected by verse 2.)
"3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice unto Jehovah our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword."
(Moses and Aaron made the request warning that judgment MAY fall on them from God if they don't. Still, nothing Good or Bad. Justice was NOT affected.)
"4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, loose the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
5 And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land are now many, and ye make them rest from their burdens."
(Pharaoh PROJECTED onto Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh STATED Moses and Aaron make the people rest from their burdens. They did NOT do this! Pharaoh hasn't taken any actions yet, however, we see he has an abusive thought process, which means a Bad action will result...)
"6 And the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,
7 Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
8 And the number of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof: for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
9 Let heavier work be laid upon the men, that they may labor therein; and let them not regard lying words.
10 And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.
11 Go yourselves, get you straw where ye can find it: for nought of your work shall be diminished.
12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.
13 And the taskmasters were urgent saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.
14 And the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task both yesterday and to-day, in making brick as heretofore?"
(Justice is now against Pharaoh and for Israel.)
"15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?
16 There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault it in thine own people."
(The children of Israel CONFRONT Pharaoh about the injustice. They ask him about his First Dimensional Sin.)
"17 But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and sacrifice to Jehovah.
18 Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the number of bricks."
(Pharaoh's Second Dimensional response was to justify himself. Pharaoh thinks he EQUALLED out Justice...however, he ACTUALLY owes.)
"19 And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, when it was said, Ye shall not diminish aught from your bricks, your daily tasks.
20 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:
21 and they said unto them, Jehovah look upon you, and judge: because ye have made our savor to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us."
(The children of Israel do NOT take out their Justice on Pharaoh...so Pharaoh still owes. However, they take out their Justice on Moses and Aaron.)
"22 And Moses returned unto Jehovah, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou dealt ill with this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?
23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath dealt ill with this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all."
(Moses ASKS God WHY He is causing pain to His people.)
(Exodus chapter 5 is CRITICAL. By the end, Pharaoh is on the wrong side of Justice AND believes everything has been equaled out.)
EXODUS 6
"1 And Jehovah said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for by a strong hand shall he let them go, and by a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land."
(It is at THIS point, that God is able to divulge His Plan. NOT before this point. WHY? Because Pharaoh has chosen to justify himself even though he is on the wrong side of Justice. God knows that every time He equals out Justice, Pharaoh is going to think he can equal it out by doing something MORE WRONG...but that only will allow God to equal out Justice at a greater level!)
"2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am Jehovah:
3 and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name Jehovah I was not known to them.
4 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their sojournings, wherein they sojourned.
5 And moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am Jehovah, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments:
7 and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah your God, who bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
8 And I will bring you in unto the land which I sware to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for a heritage: I am Jehovah."
(God tells Moses the Big Picture view of His Plan.)
"9 And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage."
(Moses told it to the people, but they didn't listen...)
(The rest of Exodus 6 gives background. Let's move on to Exodus 7...)
EXODUS 7
"1 And Jehovah said unto Moses, See, I have made thee as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
2 Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.
3 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt."
(This is the verse people point to in order to prove God hardened Pharaoh's heart AGAINST Pharaoh's will. In the novella, the point is made that of all the things God said in the Bible, this may actually be the least impressive thing. Look at it this way...If I brushed up against a stranger and he responded by hitting me, what do you think his response would be if I hit him back? Does it really take a genius or omniscient Being to reply: he would hit you back. After all, if he hit me when I brushed him, he is definitely going to retaliate when I do something more.)
(In the same way, God is telling Moses He will hardened Pharaoh's heart as an EFFECT of Pharaoh's first decision. God could NOT have stated this to Moses BEFORE Pharaoh made his first Unjust response.)
(Furthermore, if you believe that God hardened Pharaoh's heart against his will, then look at this passage from I Samuel 6...
"1 And the ark of Jehovah was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do with the ark of Jehovah? show us wherewith we shall sent it to its place.
3 And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but by all means return him a trespass-offering: then ye shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.
4 Then said they, What shall be the trespass-offering which we shall return to him? And they said, Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.
5 Wherefore ye shall make images of your tumors, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.
6 Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?")
(The PHILISTINES knew that Pharaoh hardened his own heart! Do you still think God hardened Pharaoh's heart against Pharaoh's will? If you do, you know less than the Philistines...)
"4 But Pharaoh will not hearken unto you, and I will lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.
5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I stretch forth my hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
6 And Moses and Aaron did so; as Jehovah commanded them, so did they."
(It is at this point that God ramps up the judgments. Turning the river to blood, then frogs, then lice, then flies, then cattle dying, then boils, then hail and fire, then locusts, then darkness, and finally the first born dying.)
(Now, here is the question I want you to take a moment and answer: What was Pharaoh's response to these judgments?)
(Let me make this easier by offering you a multiple choice:
A. He evened out Justice by doing something Bad
B. He ignored the judgment
C. He confessed
D. He confessed and stated he would repent, but doesn't
E. He confessed and repented
Take your time and pick an answer.)
(While you are considering your answer, think about this question: What is our response to each of the options below when they are done by a "Christian"?
A. He evens out Justice by doing something Bad
B. He ignores the judgment
C. He confesses
D. He confesses and states he would repent, but doesn't
E. He confesses and repents)
EXODUS 9
(After the plague of hail and fire, the following occurs...)
"27 And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: Jehovah is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
28 Entreat Jehovah; for there hath been enough of these mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer."
(Pharaoh confessed he had sinned and stated he would repent!)
"29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto Jehovah; the thunders shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know that the earth is Jehovah's.
30 But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear Jehovah God.
31 And the flax and the barley were smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom.
32 But the wheat and the spelt were not smitten: for they were not grown up.
33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto Jehovah: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth."
(Moses kept his part of the deal.)
"34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
35 And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the children of Israel go, as Jehovah had spoken by Moses."
(Pharaoh did NOT repent. Repentance is a DO, NOT a SAY. He hardened his heart. He sinned yet more. The increased sinning allowed God to bring a greater judgment. However, it is at this point we must consider Pharaoh's conscience may be seared over. He may now be unable to repent because he intentionally sinned and did NOT repent AFTER he confessed and stated he would repent.)
EXODUS 10
(Exodus chapter 10 gave the account of the plague of locusts. Here was Pharaoh's response...)
"16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against Jehovah your God, and against you.
17 Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and entreat Jehovah your God, that he may take away from me this death only."
(Pharaoh admitted he sinned against God AND Moses and Aaron! Again, Pharaoh confessed and stated he would repent.)
"18 And he went out from Pharaoh, and entreated Jehovah.
19 And Jehovah turned an exceeding strong west wind, which took up the locusts, and drove them into the Red Sea; there remained not one locust in all the border of Egypt.
20 But Jehovah hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go."
(Verse 20 stated Pharaoh's heart was ALREADY hardened previous to this plague. It looks like Pharaoh's conscience is seared over and he is unable to repent...)
(Next is the plague of darkness. The plague before the final plague. Here was Pharaoh's response...)
"24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve Jehovah; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
25 And Moses said, Thou must also give into our hand sacrifices and burnt-offerings, that we may sacrifice unto Jehovah our God.
26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind: for thereof must we take to serve Jehovah our God; and we know not with what we must serve Jehovah, until we come thither."
(Sounds like Pharaoh repented!)
"27 But Jehovah hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go."
(No, he did NOT.)
"28 And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die.
29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well. I will see thy face again no more."
(This last passage tells me a lot. Pharaoh was done believing he was right!)
(Think about it...the KING tells a slave under his rule NOT to appear before him again. WHY? Isn't the king most powerful? Isn't the king more powerful than a slave under his rule?)
(Actually, the king is most powerful UNTIL he is wrong. The king is most powerful UNTIL he is NOT right.)
(One thing I've noticed over the last five years, when someone thinks they are right or I am wrong, they will meet with me!)
(If I stated "2+2=3", WHY would ANYONE be afraid to meet with me and tell me I'm wrong?)
(However, when people don't think they are right or don't think I am wrong, they will NOT meet with me! They will SAY I am wrong...but their ACTIONS will prove they know they are wrong.)
(ONLY one pastor has ever met with me about "Modeling God" or this blog...and that pastor wants to discuss anything with me EXCEPT "Modeling God"! When the story of the last five years is written and presented publicly, even the most casual observer is going to wonder HOW/WHY most "Christians" were DECEIVED by people whose ACTIONS proved they were Unprofitable.)
(Did you answer the questions from above? Take a moment if you haven't...that is if you want to grow.)
(Obviously, Pharaoh's response was to confess and state he would repent...and then NOT repent. The real question is what did you answer for the second question? What do you think when a "Christian" confesses, states he will repent...and then does NOT repent? Do you think he is making progress and real close to living a godly life? Or do you think he is just like Pharaoh...and is on the road to searing over his conscience?)
SUMMARY
Our man-made "Christian" culture considers people who confess, state they will repent...and then don't repent as Believers who are making progress in their Salvation.
Actually, the Bible showed this is the SAME behavior as exhibited by Pharaoh...and he was ACTUALLY on the road to searing over his conscience.
Why don't we recognize these modern day Pharaohs for what they really are?
On Monday, we will begin looking at Matthew chapter 21...
Next Post
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Loyalty
This year we are covering The Gospel According to Matthew. This week, we are looking in greater depth at several previously covered topics, before beginning Matthew chapter 21 next month. Yesterday's post looked more deeply at the posts from this month covering "Three Way Fellowship" by looking at the man-made doctrine of honesty. Here is the summary:
Honesty is a man-made doctrine used by BOSSES to exert control.
Honesty is an adherence to facts.
Honesty REQUIRES an answer. NOT answering is the same as NOT being honest.
This does NOT always result in good...in creation in the Long Term.
The Bible did NOT focus on honesty. God wants us to focus on something more...
The Bible focused on being honorable and sincere.
Honor and sincerity are based on truth...they create in the Long Term.
God wants us to speak the Truth...not the facts. This means we have the option of NOT speaking at all AND still remaining in God's Will. God wants us to speak Truth (facts that create in the Long Term) or God wants us NOT to speak.
Focusing on honesty/facts over honor/sincerity/Truth HINDERS God's Will.
The doctrine of honesty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God...but is NOT.
The doctrine of honesty contradicts God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Today, we will look at another man-made doctrine contradictory doctrine that is NOT mentioned in the Bible...
LOYALTY
Yesterday, we saw how "honesty" is used by BOSSES to control people. The same could be said for "loyalty"...
The word loyalty is not in the Bible.
The Greek word for loyalty is αφοσίωση (afosiosi).
However, if you search for the Greek word for "loyalty", you will see numerous "Christian" resources state the Greek word for "loyalty" is the same word the Bible used for "faith"...pistis.
Strong's #4102 pistis - "persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction."
Once again, the ACTUAL Greek word for a man-made doctrine is NOT the Greek word "Christian" resources claim for a word used in the Bible.
We covered "loyalty" in Modeling God's Wills. Here is an excerpt:
LEADERS bear pain, they don't inflict pain.
BOSSES inflict pain, they don't bear pain.
Unfortunately, a lot of people see inflicting pain as the main benefit of being a "Leader". It seems most people want to be in charge so that they can order people around (for their own benefit). In fact, some people want this so much, they are willing to let others order them around now if it means they will get to order others around later. I call it the "frat mentality"..."I let the seniors abuse me so that someday I can abuse freshmen." OR "I won't question the people in charge so that one day when I'm in charge people won't be able to question me."
I've even heard people rationalize this mentality by calling it the "perks of leadership". If a book states that Leaders ought to be obeyed or not questioned, it is really encouraging people to be Bosses (authority). There are no perks with Leadership. We will see from the Bible being a Leader is a responsibility, not an entitlement.
In fact, now is the perfect time to bring up a deception that most "leaders" present: LOYALTY.
The word "loyalty" and the concept of loyalty are NOT in the Bible. Loyalty is a man-made doctrine that ministers project onto God. What is loyalty?
Loyalty is supporting someone BECAUSE they are wrong!
Loyalty is a Right WHAT (supporting someone) with a Wrong HOW/WHY (because they are wrong). This is deception!
Notice, supporting someone because they are right is not loyalty. Also, confronting someone who is wrong is not loyalty. Loyalty is ONLY mentioned when someone wants support when they are wrong. Loyalty is looking for AGREEMENT because the person is wrong. Loyalty is only mentioned when a "leader" wants to threaten someone...
Leaders don't cause pain by threatening others. They don't enter a situation and look for a way to make everyone feel worse. Leaders take on the pain of their followers. They enter a crisis and look for ways to make things easier for the followers. They are supposed to be more excellent, not less.
I have even heard pastors use the Mafia as an example of loyalty. They wanted their members to emulate the Mafia!
SUMMARY
Loyalty is a man-made doctrine used by BOSSES to exert control.
Loyalty is supporting someone BECAUSE they are wrong!
Loyalty is a Right WHAT (supporting someone) with a Wrong HOW/WHY (because they are wrong). This is deception!
This does NOT always result in good...in creation in the Long Term.
The Bible did NOT focus on loyalty. God wants us to focus on something more...
The Bible focused on supporting people BECAUSE they are right...which is Truth.
The Bible focused on confronting people BECAUSE they are wrong...which is Fellowship.
Focusing on loyalty over Fellowship and Truth HINDERS God's Will.
The doctrine of loyalty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God...but is NOT.
The doctrine of loyalty contradicts God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Tomorrow, we will look at a story from the Bible that most "Christians" apply incorrectly...
Next Post
Honesty is a man-made doctrine used by BOSSES to exert control.
Honesty is an adherence to facts.
Honesty REQUIRES an answer. NOT answering is the same as NOT being honest.
This does NOT always result in good...in creation in the Long Term.
The Bible did NOT focus on honesty. God wants us to focus on something more...
The Bible focused on being honorable and sincere.
Honor and sincerity are based on truth...they create in the Long Term.
God wants us to speak the Truth...not the facts. This means we have the option of NOT speaking at all AND still remaining in God's Will. God wants us to speak Truth (facts that create in the Long Term) or God wants us NOT to speak.
Focusing on honesty/facts over honor/sincerity/Truth HINDERS God's Will.
The doctrine of honesty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God...but is NOT.
The doctrine of honesty contradicts God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Today, we will look at another man-made doctrine contradictory doctrine that is NOT mentioned in the Bible...
LOYALTY
Yesterday, we saw how "honesty" is used by BOSSES to control people. The same could be said for "loyalty"...
The word loyalty is not in the Bible.
The Greek word for loyalty is αφοσίωση (afosiosi).
However, if you search for the Greek word for "loyalty", you will see numerous "Christian" resources state the Greek word for "loyalty" is the same word the Bible used for "faith"...pistis.
Strong's #4102 pistis - "persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction."
Once again, the ACTUAL Greek word for a man-made doctrine is NOT the Greek word "Christian" resources claim for a word used in the Bible.
We covered "loyalty" in Modeling God's Wills. Here is an excerpt:
LEADERS bear pain, they don't inflict pain.
BOSSES inflict pain, they don't bear pain.
Unfortunately, a lot of people see inflicting pain as the main benefit of being a "Leader". It seems most people want to be in charge so that they can order people around (for their own benefit). In fact, some people want this so much, they are willing to let others order them around now if it means they will get to order others around later. I call it the "frat mentality"..."I let the seniors abuse me so that someday I can abuse freshmen." OR "I won't question the people in charge so that one day when I'm in charge people won't be able to question me."
I've even heard people rationalize this mentality by calling it the "perks of leadership". If a book states that Leaders ought to be obeyed or not questioned, it is really encouraging people to be Bosses (authority). There are no perks with Leadership. We will see from the Bible being a Leader is a responsibility, not an entitlement.
In fact, now is the perfect time to bring up a deception that most "leaders" present: LOYALTY.
The word "loyalty" and the concept of loyalty are NOT in the Bible. Loyalty is a man-made doctrine that ministers project onto God. What is loyalty?
Loyalty is supporting someone BECAUSE they are wrong!
Loyalty is a Right WHAT (supporting someone) with a Wrong HOW/WHY (because they are wrong). This is deception!
Notice, supporting someone because they are right is not loyalty. Also, confronting someone who is wrong is not loyalty. Loyalty is ONLY mentioned when someone wants support when they are wrong. Loyalty is looking for AGREEMENT because the person is wrong. Loyalty is only mentioned when a "leader" wants to threaten someone...
Leaders don't cause pain by threatening others. They don't enter a situation and look for a way to make everyone feel worse. Leaders take on the pain of their followers. They enter a crisis and look for ways to make things easier for the followers. They are supposed to be more excellent, not less.
I have even heard pastors use the Mafia as an example of loyalty. They wanted their members to emulate the Mafia!
SUMMARY
Loyalty is a man-made doctrine used by BOSSES to exert control.
Loyalty is supporting someone BECAUSE they are wrong!
Loyalty is a Right WHAT (supporting someone) with a Wrong HOW/WHY (because they are wrong). This is deception!
This does NOT always result in good...in creation in the Long Term.
The Bible did NOT focus on loyalty. God wants us to focus on something more...
The Bible focused on supporting people BECAUSE they are right...which is Truth.
The Bible focused on confronting people BECAUSE they are wrong...which is Fellowship.
Focusing on loyalty over Fellowship and Truth HINDERS God's Will.
The doctrine of loyalty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God...but is NOT.
The doctrine of loyalty contradicts God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Tomorrow, we will look at a story from the Bible that most "Christians" apply incorrectly...
Next Post
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Honesty
This year we are covering The Gospel According to Matthew. This week, we are looking in greater depth at several previously covered topics, before beginning Matthew chapter 21 next month. Yesterday's post looked more deeply at the posts from this month covering "Three Way Fellowship" by looking at the difference between "Truth" and "Facts". Here is the summary:
Facts are reality. Facts are a Right WHAT. Facts can contradict.
Truth is a Right WHAT with a Right HOW/WHY.
The Right HOW/WHY creates...it is the source of Profitability.
Deception is a Right WHAT with a Wrong (or NO) HOW/WHY.
People who believe Facts are Truth are DECEIVED.
We need Truth in order to bring about God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven.
People who teach that "Facts are Truth" HINDER God's Will.
Today's post will look at another man-made doctrine HINDERING God's Will...
HONESTY
Yesterday's post looked at HOW/WHY a belief in "facts" in place of "Truth" leads to HINDERING God's Will. Another man-made doctrine that reinforces this belief in "facts" in place of "Truth" is "Honesty".
"honesty" according to our culture is best defined in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
1 obsolete : chastity
2 a : fairness and straightforwardness of conduct b : adherence to the facts : sincerity
The first definition is obsolete. Actually, the word "honesty" was created in 1500's...that means it came 1500 years AFTER the New Testament was written!
The second definition includes BOTH good conduct AND adherence to facts.
In our culture, honesty means an adherence to FACTS...to be factual.
This man-made doctrine is used by BOSSES...they appeal to honesty in others as a method of control.
Honesty REQUIRES the person to give a FACTUAL answer. NOT answering is NOT being honest. So, a BOSS can ask a question and the person HAS to answer factually OR they are NOT honest.
I realize people SAY this is NOT their definition of "honesty"...however, their DO agrees with this definition. For instance, when a person chooses NOT to answer questions or NOT to answer the specific question that is asked, they feel bad. This feeling comes from NOT adhering to the facts...NOT being honest. I'm NOT speaking about stating the opposite of the facts, that would be the definition of "dishonest".
We see this happen in most romantic comedies. One of the people is trying to control the perception of a member of the opposite sex. The person is NOT dishonest...they don't lie. They just don't share all the facts or the facts the person is interested in...and then they feel bad because they weren't honest.
This is WHY understanding this doctrine is so important. It is deception. The doctrine of honesty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God.
We see this definition of "honesty" in movies, tv shows, and real life. For instance, watch the commentary when a person "pleads the fifth". When a person chooses NOT to answer questions during a trial or a hearing, the FIRST thing people say is, "Why couldn't the person be honest?" or "The only reason a person is afraid of being honest is because they are guilty". Notice, the person was NOT dishonest...they didn't lie. However, our response is they were NOT honest.
I have seen pastors and school principals state "honesty" as one of their core principles. What does that mean? Would they really answer a personal question honestly? Would they really answer a question about one of their subordinates honestly? Would he tell me the last time he masturbated? Or is the "honesty" they speak about one-way...everyone else needs to answer questions honestly except the BOSS?
What would happen if I told the pastor that his wife is fat? Would he get mad at me for being honest...or would he praise me for my honesty?
The reason most "Christians" give for NOT being honest in the above examples is that it is "too personal". We have seen that the Doctrine of Fellowship is complete sharing in all areas. So, "too personal" contradicts the Doctrine of Fellowship...which HINDERS Three Way Fellowship...which HINDERS God from accomplishing His Will on earth through us!
Actually, the "Christian" ought to ask the questioner: How is my response Profitable? How does my response create in the Long Term?...which is TRUTH. The "Christian" ought to use the Doctrine of Truth (instead of the doctrine of facts) to respond to the questioner.
Notice, it may be Profitable to explain the last time one masturbated. However, the answer would be according to God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Some people point to the King James Version of the Bible to justify the doctrine of honesty. The first place to begin is with the passage mentioned during yesterday's post...and the "Three Way Fellowship" posts from two weeks ago:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Again, if "honest" means "adherence to facts", then stating a specific woman has posed naked in a magazine or that the pastor's wife is fat are "honest"...and things Paul would want us to think on. Clearly, this passage CAN'T mean honest as we know it in our culture...
In this verse, the word for honest is Strong's #4586 semnos - "venerable, i.e. honorable".
The ASV made this change:
"8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
In fact, the ONLY place where the KJV and the ASV both use honest is Luke 8:15.
KJV: "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
ASV: "And that in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with patience."
The Greek word in this verse is Strong's #2570 kalos - "of uncert. affin.; prop. beautiful, but chiefly (fig.) good (lit. or mor.), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is prop. intrinsic)"
Strong's #18 agathos - "good"
It looks as if this verse ought to say "...in a beautiful (virtuous) and good heart, having heard..."
kalos does NOT mean honest...yet, if you do a search you will see numerous references stating "kalos" is the Greek word for "honest". We have seen it is NOT.
There are several verses using kalos. Here they are in both the KJV and the ASV:
Romans 12:17
KJV: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
ASV: "Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men."
2 Corinthians 8:21
KJV: "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
ASV: "for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
2 Corinthians 13:7
KJV: "Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates."
ASV: "Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate."
1 Peter 2:12
KJV: "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
ASV: "having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
It looks as if kalos is interpreted most of the time by the ASV as "honorable"...which would mean "something capable of being honored"..."something capable of being looked up to". THAT definition is much more consistent with the context of the previously mentioned verses.
There is another passage that uses a word that came from 2570 kalos.
Hebrews 13:18
KJV: "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly."
ASV: "Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things."
The word honestly is Strong's #2573 kalos - "from 2570, well"
There is one usage in the Bible that does NOT have a Greek word reference for "honest":
Acts 6:3
KJV: "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
ASV: "Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
It's as if the ASV knew the point was that something was objectively "good"...created in the Long Term...NOT just factual.
Here are the rest of the KJV verses using some version of honest:
Romans 13:13
KJV: "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying."
ASV: "Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy."
1 Thessalonians 4:12
KJV: "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."
ASV: "that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing."
honestly in both passages is Strong's #2156 euschemoncs - "from 2158, decorously"
Strong's 2158 euschemon - "well-formed"
1 Timothy 2:2
KJV: "For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
ASV: "for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity."
honesty is Strong's #4587 semnotes - "from 4586, venerability"
Strong's #4586 was semnos...which is the word used in Philippians 4:8.
One of the things I have noticed is "Christian" resources state the meaning of a Greek word as what Strong's stated. However, if you go to a modern day Greek resource and ask for a translation, you will find there is a disconnect. For instance, the Greek words for "unmerited favor" are NOT "charis"...it is NOT grace.
Likewise, the Greek word for "honesty" is ειλικρίνεια.
This word DOES occur in the Bible. It is Strong's #1505 eilikrineia "from 1506 ; clearness, i.e. (by impl.) purity (fig):-sincerity"
Strong's #1506 is eilikrines - "judged by sunlight, i.e. tested as genuine"
This word is translated into the English language Bibles as "sincere"...which still is NOT the same as "adherence to facts".
SUMMARY
Honesty is a man-made doctrine used by BOSSES to exert control.
Honesty is an adherence to facts.
Honesty REQUIRES an answer. NOT answering is the same as NOT being honest.
This does NOT always result in good...in creation in the Long Term.
The Bible did NOT focus on honesty. God wants us to focus on something more...
The Bible focused on being honorable and sincere.
Honor and sincerity are based on truth...they create in the Long Term.
God wants us to speak the Truth...not the facts. This means we have the option of NOT speaking at all AND still remaining in God's Will. God wants us to speak Truth (facts that create in the Long Term) or God wants us NOT to speak.
Focusing on honesty/facts over honor/sincerity/Truth HINDERS God's Will.
The doctrine of honesty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God...but is NOT.
The doctrine of honesty contradicts God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Tomorrow, we will look at another man-made doctrine contradictory doctrine that is NOT mentioned in the Bible...
Next Post
Facts are reality. Facts are a Right WHAT. Facts can contradict.
Truth is a Right WHAT with a Right HOW/WHY.
The Right HOW/WHY creates...it is the source of Profitability.
Deception is a Right WHAT with a Wrong (or NO) HOW/WHY.
People who believe Facts are Truth are DECEIVED.
We need Truth in order to bring about God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven.
People who teach that "Facts are Truth" HINDER God's Will.
Today's post will look at another man-made doctrine HINDERING God's Will...
HONESTY
Yesterday's post looked at HOW/WHY a belief in "facts" in place of "Truth" leads to HINDERING God's Will. Another man-made doctrine that reinforces this belief in "facts" in place of "Truth" is "Honesty".
"honesty" according to our culture is best defined in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
1 obsolete : chastity
2 a : fairness and straightforwardness of conduct b : adherence to the facts : sincerity
The first definition is obsolete. Actually, the word "honesty" was created in 1500's...that means it came 1500 years AFTER the New Testament was written!
The second definition includes BOTH good conduct AND adherence to facts.
In our culture, honesty means an adherence to FACTS...to be factual.
This man-made doctrine is used by BOSSES...they appeal to honesty in others as a method of control.
Honesty REQUIRES the person to give a FACTUAL answer. NOT answering is NOT being honest. So, a BOSS can ask a question and the person HAS to answer factually OR they are NOT honest.
I realize people SAY this is NOT their definition of "honesty"...however, their DO agrees with this definition. For instance, when a person chooses NOT to answer questions or NOT to answer the specific question that is asked, they feel bad. This feeling comes from NOT adhering to the facts...NOT being honest. I'm NOT speaking about stating the opposite of the facts, that would be the definition of "dishonest".
We see this happen in most romantic comedies. One of the people is trying to control the perception of a member of the opposite sex. The person is NOT dishonest...they don't lie. They just don't share all the facts or the facts the person is interested in...and then they feel bad because they weren't honest.
This is WHY understanding this doctrine is so important. It is deception. The doctrine of honesty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God.
We see this definition of "honesty" in movies, tv shows, and real life. For instance, watch the commentary when a person "pleads the fifth". When a person chooses NOT to answer questions during a trial or a hearing, the FIRST thing people say is, "Why couldn't the person be honest?" or "The only reason a person is afraid of being honest is because they are guilty". Notice, the person was NOT dishonest...they didn't lie. However, our response is they were NOT honest.
I have seen pastors and school principals state "honesty" as one of their core principles. What does that mean? Would they really answer a personal question honestly? Would they really answer a question about one of their subordinates honestly? Would he tell me the last time he masturbated? Or is the "honesty" they speak about one-way...everyone else needs to answer questions honestly except the BOSS?
What would happen if I told the pastor that his wife is fat? Would he get mad at me for being honest...or would he praise me for my honesty?
The reason most "Christians" give for NOT being honest in the above examples is that it is "too personal". We have seen that the Doctrine of Fellowship is complete sharing in all areas. So, "too personal" contradicts the Doctrine of Fellowship...which HINDERS Three Way Fellowship...which HINDERS God from accomplishing His Will on earth through us!
Actually, the "Christian" ought to ask the questioner: How is my response Profitable? How does my response create in the Long Term?...which is TRUTH. The "Christian" ought to use the Doctrine of Truth (instead of the doctrine of facts) to respond to the questioner.
Notice, it may be Profitable to explain the last time one masturbated. However, the answer would be according to God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Some people point to the King James Version of the Bible to justify the doctrine of honesty. The first place to begin is with the passage mentioned during yesterday's post...and the "Three Way Fellowship" posts from two weeks ago:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Again, if "honest" means "adherence to facts", then stating a specific woman has posed naked in a magazine or that the pastor's wife is fat are "honest"...and things Paul would want us to think on. Clearly, this passage CAN'T mean honest as we know it in our culture...
In this verse, the word for honest is Strong's #4586 semnos - "venerable, i.e. honorable".
The ASV made this change:
"8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
In fact, the ONLY place where the KJV and the ASV both use honest is Luke 8:15.
KJV: "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
ASV: "And that in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with patience."
The Greek word in this verse is Strong's #2570 kalos - "of uncert. affin.; prop. beautiful, but chiefly (fig.) good (lit. or mor.), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is prop. intrinsic)"
Strong's #18 agathos - "good"
It looks as if this verse ought to say "...in a beautiful (virtuous) and good heart, having heard..."
kalos does NOT mean honest...yet, if you do a search you will see numerous references stating "kalos" is the Greek word for "honest". We have seen it is NOT.
There are several verses using kalos. Here they are in both the KJV and the ASV:
Romans 12:17
KJV: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
ASV: "Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men."
2 Corinthians 8:21
KJV: "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
ASV: "for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
2 Corinthians 13:7
KJV: "Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates."
ASV: "Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate."
1 Peter 2:12
KJV: "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
ASV: "having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
It looks as if kalos is interpreted most of the time by the ASV as "honorable"...which would mean "something capable of being honored"..."something capable of being looked up to". THAT definition is much more consistent with the context of the previously mentioned verses.
There is another passage that uses a word that came from 2570 kalos.
Hebrews 13:18
KJV: "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly."
ASV: "Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things."
The word honestly is Strong's #2573 kalos - "from 2570, well"
There is one usage in the Bible that does NOT have a Greek word reference for "honest":
Acts 6:3
KJV: "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
ASV: "Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
It's as if the ASV knew the point was that something was objectively "good"...created in the Long Term...NOT just factual.
Here are the rest of the KJV verses using some version of honest:
Romans 13:13
KJV: "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying."
ASV: "Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy."
1 Thessalonians 4:12
KJV: "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."
ASV: "that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing."
honestly in both passages is Strong's #2156 euschemoncs - "from 2158, decorously"
Strong's 2158 euschemon - "well-formed"
1 Timothy 2:2
KJV: "For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
ASV: "for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity."
honesty is Strong's #4587 semnotes - "from 4586, venerability"
Strong's #4586 was semnos...which is the word used in Philippians 4:8.
One of the things I have noticed is "Christian" resources state the meaning of a Greek word as what Strong's stated. However, if you go to a modern day Greek resource and ask for a translation, you will find there is a disconnect. For instance, the Greek words for "unmerited favor" are NOT "charis"...it is NOT grace.
Likewise, the Greek word for "honesty" is ειλικρίνεια.
This word DOES occur in the Bible. It is Strong's #1505 eilikrineia "from 1506 ; clearness, i.e. (by impl.) purity (fig):-sincerity"
Strong's #1506 is eilikrines - "judged by sunlight, i.e. tested as genuine"
This word is translated into the English language Bibles as "sincere"...which still is NOT the same as "adherence to facts".
SUMMARY
Honesty is a man-made doctrine used by BOSSES to exert control.
Honesty is an adherence to facts.
Honesty REQUIRES an answer. NOT answering is the same as NOT being honest.
This does NOT always result in good...in creation in the Long Term.
The Bible did NOT focus on honesty. God wants us to focus on something more...
The Bible focused on being honorable and sincere.
Honor and sincerity are based on truth...they create in the Long Term.
God wants us to speak the Truth...not the facts. This means we have the option of NOT speaking at all AND still remaining in God's Will. God wants us to speak Truth (facts that create in the Long Term) or God wants us NOT to speak.
Focusing on honesty/facts over honor/sincerity/Truth HINDERS God's Will.
The doctrine of honesty is a man-made contradictory doctrine that appears to be from God...but is NOT.
The doctrine of honesty contradicts God's Doctrines of Fellowship and Truth.
Tomorrow, we will look at another man-made doctrine contradictory doctrine that is NOT mentioned in the Bible...
Next Post
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Truth vs. Facts
This year we are covering The Gospel According to Matthew. This week, we are looking in greater depth at several previously covered topics, before beginning Matthew chapter 21 next month. Yesterday's post dealt with information covered in the post titled, "Matthew 19:8-9". Here is the summary:
If God's OWN PRIESTS were unable to convince God to adjust to THEIR actions, WHY do "Christians" today think God will adjust to THEIR actions?...that God will adjust to OUR man-made culture?
God did NOT honor the offerings of HIS OWN PRIESTS...
Today, God's Will is being HINDERED by "Christians'" man-made doctrine of marriage that is currently in place of God's Biblical Doctrine.
Today's post will look more deeply at the posts from this month covering "Three Way Fellowship"...
TRUTH VS. FACTS
Another man-made doctrine currently hindering God's Will can be understood by looking at the difference between "Truth" and "Facts".
We've covered "Truth" in the post titled, "Truth. Here is a brief review:
Truth is a Right WHAT with a Right HOW/WHY.
A Fact is a Right WHAT.
The Right HOW/WHY is the cause of Profitability...the cause of something being created in the Long Term.
So another way of saying, "Truth is a Right WHAT with a Right HOW/WHY" is...
Truth is "facts (Right WHAT) that create in the Long Term (Right HOW/WHY)".
When someone quotes a Right WHAT, it is only Truth if it includes a Right HOW/WHY. Said another way...
When someone quotes a fact, it is only Truth if the fact (Right WHAT) creates something of value in the Long Term (because of the Right HOW/WHY). For example, the Bible is fact (Right WHAT). However, the Bible is only Truth when it is used to create (has the Right HOW/WHY) in the Long Term. This is WHY it is important to understand what the Bible MEANS, not just what it SAYS.
People who quote the Bible (WHAT) with an incorrect (Wrong HOW/WHY) meaning (intent) and assert it as Truth just because it is from the Bible are behaving in the same manner as the devil did when he tempted Jesus! WHAT they are stating may be correct, however, WHY and HOW they are stating it is Wrong. The proof is that it doesn’t create in the Long Term.
In fact, there is a common term that describes a Right WHAT with a Wrong (or no) HOW/WHY...DECEPTION!
Think about it, someone stating a Wrong WHAT is NOT going to DECEIVE you. Deception occurs when someone accepts a Right WHAT with a Wrong (or no) HOW/WHY! The enemy states a Right WHAT...with a Wrong (or no) HOW/WHY. Be careful...
This is the definition of Truth according to the Bible.
The issue is some people state the Biblical definition of Truth is "Reality". They will say, "Reality is Truth".
Actually, Reality is a fact...it is a Right WHAT...it exists.
The problem is the Bible NEVER used the words "fact" or "reality"!
There are several Greek words used to mean "fact" or "reality": on, ousa/ousia, ontos/onta...and these words are sometimes translated as "thing" in the Bible!
"thing" is Strong's #5607 - on, ousa, ontos - "being".
So, in the Greek, the words for fact, thing, and reality are words that mean "being" or "existence"...basically, facts and reality exist.
The Greek word for "truth" is Strong's #225 aletheia...which is completely different than facts, reality, or thing.
In the post titled, "Truth, we saw Jesus stated:
"44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth 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 thereof.
45 But because I say the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?" John 8:44-46
Jesus stated there is NO TRUTH in the devil.
We have seen in this year's Series the devil quoted the Bible to Jesus! In the post titled, "Matthew 4:1-11, we saw the Bible is a fact...it is a Right WHAT. However, the HOW/WHY for quoting the Bible determines whether it is Truth or not. The devil quoted the Bible in order to make Jesus Unprofitable...which was a Wrong WHY...which was really DECEPTION (Right WHAT with a Wrong WHY).
Several people have tried to convince me with rationalizations why the devil's tempting of Jesus does NOT contradict John 8:44. However, that is just one passage. What about these several from the Job Series?
"6 Now it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan also came among them.
7 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." Job 1:6-7
The devil stated a fact: he went to and fro in the earth. If he didn't, God would have corrected him.
However, this CAN'T be a Truth...otherwise Jesus was WRONG. Jesus was NOT wrong. The devil stated a fact...a Right WHAT...for a Wrong WHY to make Job Unprofitable.
"9 Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." Job 1:9-10
The devil stated two MORE facts:
1. God made a hedge about Job
2. God blessed the work of Job's hands
Again, if these are Truths, then Jesus was WRONG. Jesus was NOT Wrong.
These are Right WHAT's (facts)...these are NOT Truths.
"1 Again it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Jehovah.
2 And Jehovah said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." Job 2:1-2
The devil again stated the same fact as recorded in Job 1:6-7
"4 And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
5 But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face." Job 2:4-5
The devil stated a Fact in verse 4...it is a Right WHAT that a man will give all he has for his life. However, the reason WHY the devil stated this was to get God to take away Job's DO...which was a Wrong WHY.
Clearly, "facts" and "Truth" are different...
Let's look at a Bible passage from two weeks ago in a post titled, "More Warnings Against Unprofitable Three Way Fellowship":
"8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
Notice, the things we ought to think on ONLY have to be "true" OR "honorable" OR just, etc. They don't have to be ALL these things. THAT is what "whatsoever" means.
If "true" in this passage is the same as reality or facts, then we ought to, for example, think on the fact that a specific female celebrity has posed nude...after all, it would be "true".
There is NO Greek word listed for "things" in this passage. The Greek word for "whatsoever" is translated into English as "whatsoever things"...because it means "all that exists" or "all that is real".
The word for "true" in this passage is Strong's #557 apelegmos - "refutation". It comes from #575 and #1651.
Strong's #575 apo - "off, away...it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc."
Strong's #1651 elegcho - "to confute, admonish:-convict, convince, tell a fault..."
So, "true" in this passage means "reversal of convincing" or, said another way, "unable to tell a fault".
We have seen Comparative Thinking is to look ONLY for facts that agree with one's current beliefs. This is man's way of thinking. This results in justification of self by making something that is NOT Profitable seem to be Profitable.
We have seen the most powerful God-given principle is Contrastive Thinking. This is when one looks for facts that DON'T agree with one's current beliefs. This is God's way of thinking. This is the reason WHY God moved against Job without just cause.
"3 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause." Job 2:3
Truth is proven with Contrastive Thinking.
If a fact remains Non-contradictory after being tried to be proven wrong, and EVERY OTHER option is proven wrong, then the ONLY reason it is Non-contradictory is because it is TRUTH.
In yesterday's post, we saw HOW/WHY having a man-made doctrine for Marriage HINDERS God's Will. The Meaning of Life is Church and Marriage. We, the church, will make up Jesus' Bride. Having a man-made doctrine in place of one of the two doctrines (Church or Marriage), that ARE God's Will AND bring about God's Will, results in HINDERING God's Will.
We have seen Ephesians 4 contained the explanation of The Meaning of Life. Notice the key to being able to continually grow for eternity...
"11 And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ;
16 from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love." Ephesians 4:11-16
The increase of the Bride in love is done by "speaking truth in love".
If we don't know the Doctrine of Truth...let alone the difference between Truth and Facts...we will HINDER God's Will.
SUMMARY
Facts are reality. Facts are a Right WHAT. Facts can contradict.
Truth is a Right WHAT with a Right HOW/WHY.
The Right HOW/WHY creates...it is the source of Profitability.
Deception is a Right WHAT with a Wrong (or NO) HOW/WHY.
People who believe Facts are Truth are DECEIVED.
We need Truth in order to bring about God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven.
People who teach that "Facts are Truth" HINDER God's Will.
Next Post
If God's OWN PRIESTS were unable to convince God to adjust to THEIR actions, WHY do "Christians" today think God will adjust to THEIR actions?...that God will adjust to OUR man-made culture?
God did NOT honor the offerings of HIS OWN PRIESTS...
Today, God's Will is being HINDERED by "Christians'" man-made doctrine of marriage that is currently in place of God's Biblical Doctrine.
Today's post will look more deeply at the posts from this month covering "Three Way Fellowship"...
TRUTH VS. FACTS
Another man-made doctrine currently hindering God's Will can be understood by looking at the difference between "Truth" and "Facts".
We've covered "Truth" in the post titled, "Truth. Here is a brief review:
Truth is a Right WHAT with a Right HOW/WHY.
A Fact is a Right WHAT.
The Right HOW/WHY is the cause of Profitability...the cause of something being created in the Long Term.
So another way of saying, "Truth is a Right WHAT with a Right HOW/WHY" is...
Truth is "facts (Right WHAT) that create in the Long Term (Right HOW/WHY)".
When someone quotes a Right WHAT, it is only Truth if it includes a Right HOW/WHY. Said another way...
When someone quotes a fact, it is only Truth if the fact (Right WHAT) creates something of value in the Long Term (because of the Right HOW/WHY). For example, the Bible is fact (Right WHAT). However, the Bible is only Truth when it is used to create (has the Right HOW/WHY) in the Long Term. This is WHY it is important to understand what the Bible MEANS, not just what it SAYS.
People who quote the Bible (WHAT) with an incorrect (Wrong HOW/WHY) meaning (intent) and assert it as Truth just because it is from the Bible are behaving in the same manner as the devil did when he tempted Jesus! WHAT they are stating may be correct, however, WHY and HOW they are stating it is Wrong. The proof is that it doesn’t create in the Long Term.
In fact, there is a common term that describes a Right WHAT with a Wrong (or no) HOW/WHY...DECEPTION!
Think about it, someone stating a Wrong WHAT is NOT going to DECEIVE you. Deception occurs when someone accepts a Right WHAT with a Wrong (or no) HOW/WHY! The enemy states a Right WHAT...with a Wrong (or no) HOW/WHY. Be careful...
This is the definition of Truth according to the Bible.
The issue is some people state the Biblical definition of Truth is "Reality". They will say, "Reality is Truth".
Actually, Reality is a fact...it is a Right WHAT...it exists.
The problem is the Bible NEVER used the words "fact" or "reality"!
There are several Greek words used to mean "fact" or "reality": on, ousa/ousia, ontos/onta...and these words are sometimes translated as "thing" in the Bible!
"thing" is Strong's #5607 - on, ousa, ontos - "being".
So, in the Greek, the words for fact, thing, and reality are words that mean "being" or "existence"...basically, facts and reality exist.
The Greek word for "truth" is Strong's #225 aletheia...which is completely different than facts, reality, or thing.
In the post titled, "Truth, we saw Jesus stated:
"44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth 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 thereof.
45 But because I say the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?" John 8:44-46
Jesus stated there is NO TRUTH in the devil.
We have seen in this year's Series the devil quoted the Bible to Jesus! In the post titled, "Matthew 4:1-11, we saw the Bible is a fact...it is a Right WHAT. However, the HOW/WHY for quoting the Bible determines whether it is Truth or not. The devil quoted the Bible in order to make Jesus Unprofitable...which was a Wrong WHY...which was really DECEPTION (Right WHAT with a Wrong WHY).
Several people have tried to convince me with rationalizations why the devil's tempting of Jesus does NOT contradict John 8:44. However, that is just one passage. What about these several from the Job Series?
"6 Now it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan also came among them.
7 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." Job 1:6-7
The devil stated a fact: he went to and fro in the earth. If he didn't, God would have corrected him.
However, this CAN'T be a Truth...otherwise Jesus was WRONG. Jesus was NOT wrong. The devil stated a fact...a Right WHAT...for a Wrong WHY to make Job Unprofitable.
"9 Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." Job 1:9-10
The devil stated two MORE facts:
1. God made a hedge about Job
2. God blessed the work of Job's hands
Again, if these are Truths, then Jesus was WRONG. Jesus was NOT Wrong.
These are Right WHAT's (facts)...these are NOT Truths.
"1 Again it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Jehovah.
2 And Jehovah said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." Job 2:1-2
The devil again stated the same fact as recorded in Job 1:6-7
"4 And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
5 But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face." Job 2:4-5
The devil stated a Fact in verse 4...it is a Right WHAT that a man will give all he has for his life. However, the reason WHY the devil stated this was to get God to take away Job's DO...which was a Wrong WHY.
Clearly, "facts" and "Truth" are different...
Let's look at a Bible passage from two weeks ago in a post titled, "More Warnings Against Unprofitable Three Way Fellowship":
"8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
Notice, the things we ought to think on ONLY have to be "true" OR "honorable" OR just, etc. They don't have to be ALL these things. THAT is what "whatsoever" means.
If "true" in this passage is the same as reality or facts, then we ought to, for example, think on the fact that a specific female celebrity has posed nude...after all, it would be "true".
There is NO Greek word listed for "things" in this passage. The Greek word for "whatsoever" is translated into English as "whatsoever things"...because it means "all that exists" or "all that is real".
The word for "true" in this passage is Strong's #557 apelegmos - "refutation". It comes from #575 and #1651.
Strong's #575 apo - "off, away...it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc."
Strong's #1651 elegcho - "to confute, admonish:-convict, convince, tell a fault..."
So, "true" in this passage means "reversal of convincing" or, said another way, "unable to tell a fault".
We have seen Comparative Thinking is to look ONLY for facts that agree with one's current beliefs. This is man's way of thinking. This results in justification of self by making something that is NOT Profitable seem to be Profitable.
We have seen the most powerful God-given principle is Contrastive Thinking. This is when one looks for facts that DON'T agree with one's current beliefs. This is God's way of thinking. This is the reason WHY God moved against Job without just cause.
"3 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause." Job 2:3
Truth is proven with Contrastive Thinking.
If a fact remains Non-contradictory after being tried to be proven wrong, and EVERY OTHER option is proven wrong, then the ONLY reason it is Non-contradictory is because it is TRUTH.
In yesterday's post, we saw HOW/WHY having a man-made doctrine for Marriage HINDERS God's Will. The Meaning of Life is Church and Marriage. We, the church, will make up Jesus' Bride. Having a man-made doctrine in place of one of the two doctrines (Church or Marriage), that ARE God's Will AND bring about God's Will, results in HINDERING God's Will.
We have seen Ephesians 4 contained the explanation of The Meaning of Life. Notice the key to being able to continually grow for eternity...
"11 And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ;
16 from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love." Ephesians 4:11-16
The increase of the Bride in love is done by "speaking truth in love".
If we don't know the Doctrine of Truth...let alone the difference between Truth and Facts...we will HINDER God's Will.
SUMMARY
Facts are reality. Facts are a Right WHAT. Facts can contradict.
Truth is a Right WHAT with a Right HOW/WHY.
The Right HOW/WHY creates...it is the source of Profitability.
Deception is a Right WHAT with a Wrong (or NO) HOW/WHY.
People who believe Facts are Truth are DECEIVED.
We need Truth in order to bring about God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven.
People who teach that "Facts are Truth" HINDER God's Will.
Next Post
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Laws of The Land
This year we are covering The Gospel According to Matthew. In the previous post, we completed Matthew chapter 20. Here is the summary:
Jesus followed up a review teaching on greatest and least with an illustrated example which was actually a review healing.
Jesus DID exactly what He taught (SAID) and two blind men were healed by drawing on God through Jesus...which was also another example of Jesus' Three Way Fellowship...and an example of Offensive Spiritual Warfare.
Matthew chapter 20 serves as a teaching review for Matthew chapter 18 and 19 (which were themselves built on Jesus' Premiere Teaching)...and a practical review for Offensive Spiritual Warfare. This review was at an even SIMPLER level than the previous explanations...which continues the pattern of Jesus NOT teaching anything different than His Premiere Teaching and consistently changing HOW He taught to make it easier to understand.
We should be thankful Jesus chose teenagers as disciples. If He had chose men, He may not have had to repeat these teachings and examples so often and in so many different ways...
THE LAWS OF THE LAND
"It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong." Voltaire
I've learned this the hard way...
This week, we will look in greater depth at several previously covered topics, before beginning Matthew chapter 21 next month. Today's topic deals with information covered in the post titled, "Matthew 19:8-9".
We saw Matthew chapters 18 and 19 were two crucial chapters of the New Testament. These chapters have the answers (HOW/WHY) church today is NOT creating the value needed to bring about God's Will on earth as it is done in Heaven.
However, people miss the solutions presented by Jesus because they lack the foundational doctrine. We saw most churches today do the OPPOSITE of Matthew chapters 18 and 19. For instance, consider the following scenario and see if you can answer the two questions at the conclusion...
A virgin male has consensual sexual intercourse with a virgin female. He never speaks with her again. The next day, the same male meets a second virgin female. This time, the male and this second woman date, receive counseling, get engaged, and eventually publicly profess their love in a church wedding ceremony in front of their friends.
1. What do you think of this couple?
2. What does God think of this couple?
Take some time to answer each question before continuing...
When it comes to question #1, I can't tell you what you think...but I can tell you what most "Christians" think: They think the couple is married in God's Eyes. The couples' parents and their church would encourage these two people to keep growing together in their "Biblical Marriage".
Ever since posting the "Matthew 19:8-9" post, I have had several encounters with people who have stated they consider Biblical Marriage to be marriage endorsed by the church and government!
Some of the people have told me their reason is because the Bible says we are supposed to follow the "laws of the land". Their reference is Romans 13:1-7. We covered that passage during the Romans Series. We found that passage stated the only reason you would have to fear a ruler is if you did evil. That passage is NOT saying to do WHATEVER the laws of the land say to do.
We covered this during the Daniel Series, Daniel intentionally broke the law of the land which prohibited praying to God. Would these "Christians" who state we are supposed to obey the laws of the land ALSO stop praying if the law prohibited prayer? Worse, our country considered it legal to own other people! It was illegal to help slaves become free. Are these people who want to hold to the laws of the land ACTUALLY in support of slavery...depending on the circumstances?
There are even "Christians" who state couples are breaking the law when they live together without a church and state endorsed marriage!
Please reread that last sentence...
I know it sounds incredible, but man's doctrine has so invaded the church today, there are believers who state this with a straight face! THESE people are HINDERING God's Will. They are making the Word and Will of God of NONE EFFECT because they teach for God's Doctrine, the traditions (and culture) of men!
Notice, it would be against the law if a couple lived together without a state endorsed marriage AND filed their taxes as married, got the insurance benefits of a married couple, etc.
We have repeatedly seen on this blog and in "Modeling God's Wills":
-The Marriage Doctrine from the Bible stated intercourse is Marriage
-There are NO wedding ceremonies in the Bible...there are suppers/feasts
-Church and State endorsed marriage is less than 300 years old!
The Bible sees covenantal sexual intercourse as Marriage!
Notice, the people who claim that marriage according to the state is "Biblical marriage", do NOT claim that divorce according to the state is "Biblical divorce"!
I always ask people THEIR definition of "marriage"...that determines their definition of "divorce".
If the person embraces the legal doctrine of "marriage" and does NOT embrace the legal doctrine of divorce, then they are a hypocrite...and, according to the Bible, hypocrites don't go to Heaven. Be careful!
What is Marriage according to God's Word?
Answer: A Covenant that generates spiritual value to excess (unlimited amount) to all of the persons in community (wife, husband, and God) in order to bring about God’s Will.
God intended Marriage to be a benefit!
(Excerpt from Modeling God's Wills, Chapter 17-9: Marriage Recap")
The answer to question #2 is: God would see the male as married to the first female. God would see the male and the second female as adulterers.
The "marriage" that most "Christians" would encourage is actually seen by God as adultery according to God's Word!
We saw this during the Matthew Series. The male never speaking to the first female again is referred to in the Bible as "putting away". Now look at Matthew 19:8-9 again...
MATTHEW 19:8-9
"8 He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery."
Remember, fornication is the forming of a covenant with an image. This includes worshiping idols AND sexual intercourse with an Unbeliever.
The Bible consistently stated to "put away" Unbelievers so they would be unable to remain in community.
The Bible consistently stated to divorce Believers so they could remain in community.
I heard Gregory Dickow of Life Changers (Chicago) preach if you get DIVORCED and remarry, then you are committing adultery. We have seen, THAT interpretation results in believing the Law results in sin because Deuteronomy 24:1-5 is the Biblical Divorce Doctrine. Divorce and remarriage was according to the Law and did NOT result in sin.
I also heard Gregory Dickow preach in the same sermon that you can confess and ask God for forgiveness for this adultery because Jesus gave forgiveness to the woman caught in adultery! How does THAT work?
"10 And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, where are they? did no man condemn thee?
11 And she said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more." John 8:10-11
(We covered this passage in the post titled, "Conviction vs. Condemnation")
Jesus said He didn't condemn her AND stated "sin no more". How does a remarried couple "sin no more"? Do they ask for forgiveness after everytime they have intercourse?...or does Gregory Dickow believe God eventually endorses their "marriage"?
Finally, the most abused passage in the Bible actually agreed with the answer this post presents to question #2. We have covered this passage from Malachi 2 in "Modeling God's Wills":
"13 And this again ye do: ye cover the altar of Jehovah with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, neither receiveth it with good will at your hand.
14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because Jehovah hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously, though she is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
15 And did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? And wherefore one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
16 For I hate putting away, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith Jehovah of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
17 Ye have wearied Jehovah with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? In that ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of Jehovah, and he delighteth in them; or where is the God of justice?"
God did NOT honor the offering because the PRIESTS THEMSELVES were putting away their wives and marrying others.
God saw the priests as STILL MARRIED to their first wives...the wife of thy covenant! (verse 14)
God hated the putting away and told the priests to return to their WIVES...because God still saw the priests as married to their covenantal spouses.
SUMMARY
If God's OWN PRIESTS were unable to convince God to adjust to THEIR actions, WHY do "Christians" today think God will adjust to THEIR actions?...that God will adjust to OUR man-made culture?
God did NOT honor the offerings of HIS OWN PRIESTS...
Today, God's Will is being HINDERED by "Christians'" man-made doctrine of marriage that is currently in place of God's Biblical Doctrine.
Next Post
Jesus followed up a review teaching on greatest and least with an illustrated example which was actually a review healing.
Jesus DID exactly what He taught (SAID) and two blind men were healed by drawing on God through Jesus...which was also another example of Jesus' Three Way Fellowship...and an example of Offensive Spiritual Warfare.
Matthew chapter 20 serves as a teaching review for Matthew chapter 18 and 19 (which were themselves built on Jesus' Premiere Teaching)...and a practical review for Offensive Spiritual Warfare. This review was at an even SIMPLER level than the previous explanations...which continues the pattern of Jesus NOT teaching anything different than His Premiere Teaching and consistently changing HOW He taught to make it easier to understand.
We should be thankful Jesus chose teenagers as disciples. If He had chose men, He may not have had to repeat these teachings and examples so often and in so many different ways...
THE LAWS OF THE LAND
"It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong." Voltaire
I've learned this the hard way...
This week, we will look in greater depth at several previously covered topics, before beginning Matthew chapter 21 next month. Today's topic deals with information covered in the post titled, "Matthew 19:8-9".
We saw Matthew chapters 18 and 19 were two crucial chapters of the New Testament. These chapters have the answers (HOW/WHY) church today is NOT creating the value needed to bring about God's Will on earth as it is done in Heaven.
However, people miss the solutions presented by Jesus because they lack the foundational doctrine. We saw most churches today do the OPPOSITE of Matthew chapters 18 and 19. For instance, consider the following scenario and see if you can answer the two questions at the conclusion...
A virgin male has consensual sexual intercourse with a virgin female. He never speaks with her again. The next day, the same male meets a second virgin female. This time, the male and this second woman date, receive counseling, get engaged, and eventually publicly profess their love in a church wedding ceremony in front of their friends.
1. What do you think of this couple?
2. What does God think of this couple?
Take some time to answer each question before continuing...
When it comes to question #1, I can't tell you what you think...but I can tell you what most "Christians" think: They think the couple is married in God's Eyes. The couples' parents and their church would encourage these two people to keep growing together in their "Biblical Marriage".
Ever since posting the "Matthew 19:8-9" post, I have had several encounters with people who have stated they consider Biblical Marriage to be marriage endorsed by the church and government!
Some of the people have told me their reason is because the Bible says we are supposed to follow the "laws of the land". Their reference is Romans 13:1-7. We covered that passage during the Romans Series. We found that passage stated the only reason you would have to fear a ruler is if you did evil. That passage is NOT saying to do WHATEVER the laws of the land say to do.
We covered this during the Daniel Series, Daniel intentionally broke the law of the land which prohibited praying to God. Would these "Christians" who state we are supposed to obey the laws of the land ALSO stop praying if the law prohibited prayer? Worse, our country considered it legal to own other people! It was illegal to help slaves become free. Are these people who want to hold to the laws of the land ACTUALLY in support of slavery...depending on the circumstances?
There are even "Christians" who state couples are breaking the law when they live together without a church and state endorsed marriage!
Please reread that last sentence...
I know it sounds incredible, but man's doctrine has so invaded the church today, there are believers who state this with a straight face! THESE people are HINDERING God's Will. They are making the Word and Will of God of NONE EFFECT because they teach for God's Doctrine, the traditions (and culture) of men!
Notice, it would be against the law if a couple lived together without a state endorsed marriage AND filed their taxes as married, got the insurance benefits of a married couple, etc.
We have repeatedly seen on this blog and in "Modeling God's Wills":
-The Marriage Doctrine from the Bible stated intercourse is Marriage
-There are NO wedding ceremonies in the Bible...there are suppers/feasts
-Church and State endorsed marriage is less than 300 years old!
The Bible sees covenantal sexual intercourse as Marriage!
Notice, the people who claim that marriage according to the state is "Biblical marriage", do NOT claim that divorce according to the state is "Biblical divorce"!
I always ask people THEIR definition of "marriage"...that determines their definition of "divorce".
If the person embraces the legal doctrine of "marriage" and does NOT embrace the legal doctrine of divorce, then they are a hypocrite...and, according to the Bible, hypocrites don't go to Heaven. Be careful!
What is Marriage according to God's Word?
Answer: A Covenant that generates spiritual value to excess (unlimited amount) to all of the persons in community (wife, husband, and God) in order to bring about God’s Will.
God intended Marriage to be a benefit!
(Excerpt from Modeling God's Wills, Chapter 17-9: Marriage Recap")
The answer to question #2 is: God would see the male as married to the first female. God would see the male and the second female as adulterers.
The "marriage" that most "Christians" would encourage is actually seen by God as adultery according to God's Word!
We saw this during the Matthew Series. The male never speaking to the first female again is referred to in the Bible as "putting away". Now look at Matthew 19:8-9 again...
MATTHEW 19:8-9
"8 He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery."
Remember, fornication is the forming of a covenant with an image. This includes worshiping idols AND sexual intercourse with an Unbeliever.
The Bible consistently stated to "put away" Unbelievers so they would be unable to remain in community.
The Bible consistently stated to divorce Believers so they could remain in community.
I heard Gregory Dickow of Life Changers (Chicago) preach if you get DIVORCED and remarry, then you are committing adultery. We have seen, THAT interpretation results in believing the Law results in sin because Deuteronomy 24:1-5 is the Biblical Divorce Doctrine. Divorce and remarriage was according to the Law and did NOT result in sin.
I also heard Gregory Dickow preach in the same sermon that you can confess and ask God for forgiveness for this adultery because Jesus gave forgiveness to the woman caught in adultery! How does THAT work?
"10 And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, where are they? did no man condemn thee?
11 And she said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more." John 8:10-11
(We covered this passage in the post titled, "Conviction vs. Condemnation")
Jesus said He didn't condemn her AND stated "sin no more". How does a remarried couple "sin no more"? Do they ask for forgiveness after everytime they have intercourse?...or does Gregory Dickow believe God eventually endorses their "marriage"?
Finally, the most abused passage in the Bible actually agreed with the answer this post presents to question #2. We have covered this passage from Malachi 2 in "Modeling God's Wills":
"13 And this again ye do: ye cover the altar of Jehovah with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, neither receiveth it with good will at your hand.
14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because Jehovah hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously, though she is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
15 And did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? And wherefore one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
16 For I hate putting away, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith Jehovah of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
17 Ye have wearied Jehovah with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? In that ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of Jehovah, and he delighteth in them; or where is the God of justice?"
God did NOT honor the offering because the PRIESTS THEMSELVES were putting away their wives and marrying others.
God saw the priests as STILL MARRIED to their first wives...the wife of thy covenant! (verse 14)
God hated the putting away and told the priests to return to their WIVES...because God still saw the priests as married to their covenantal spouses.
SUMMARY
If God's OWN PRIESTS were unable to convince God to adjust to THEIR actions, WHY do "Christians" today think God will adjust to THEIR actions?...that God will adjust to OUR man-made culture?
God did NOT honor the offerings of HIS OWN PRIESTS...
Today, God's Will is being HINDERED by "Christians'" man-made doctrine of marriage that is currently in place of God's Biblical Doctrine.
Next Post
Friday, July 23, 2010
Matthew 20:29-34
This year we are covering The Gospel According to Matthew. In the previous post, we covered the ten disciples' response to the request made to Jesus by the mother of James and John. Here is the summary:
Again, this short passage presented several doctrinal points:
1. The proof of worldly ruling (Boss) is a focus on control and authority...regardless of what the person SAYS.
2. The proof of Godly ruling (Leader) is a focus on serving and responsibility.
3. The greatest in the Kingdom of God/Jesus is the least in the worldly kingdom
4. Jesus' life was the ONLY price that allowed people to be loosened from the bondage of sin
Remember, all of this was explained because a group of teenagers got insecure about a mother's request to Jesus on behalf of her teenage sons. If these teenagers had been men or had remembered Jesus' explanation (that took filled Matthew chapters 18 and 19) they wouldn't have gotten upset or had to have this lesson taught again.
Today's post covered a healing Jesus did immediately after this review of greatest and least in the kingdom of Heaven. It is a short story that on the surface doesn't seem to have many details. Consequently, people tend to miss the greater meaning...
MATTHEW 20:29-34
"29 And as they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David."
(In the previous post, we saw Jesus taught again on the greatest and least in the kingdom of Heaven. The disciples hadn't understood the teaching that covered all of Matthew chapters 18 and 19, so they got a review. It appears they also got a review in Offensive Spiritual Warfare...)
(Two men heard Jesus pass by and cried out to have mercy on them...and then they called Him son of David. Remember, Matthew began his Gospel account stating Jesus was the son of David...which meant He was the Messiah. It was the FIRST VERSE! "1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." Matthew 1:1 These two men proclaimed their faith Jesus was the Messiah.)
(The fact they cried out "have mercy on us" should have also helped you realize this was a review. Remember this previously covered passage?)
("27 And as Jesus passed by from thence, two blind men followed him, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou son of David.
28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you.
30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
31 But they went forth, and spread abroad his fame in all that land." Matthew 9:27-31)
(When we covered that story, we saw Jesus was attempting to limit the rate of His fame so the timing of His mission on earth would be maintained. He didn't want to get too famous too quickly. Now, we have a story that reads almost exactly the same. Two blind men say the same words. Will this story end the same?)
"31 And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David."
(In this story, the two blind men are rebuked by the multitude. Their response is to cry out again with the same words...again proving their faith in their actions...their DO.)
"32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you?"
(First, let's recall what had happened just prior to Jesus encountering these two men. Let's go back to the three verses preceding the passage in today's post. Here are the verses and commentary from yesterday's post:
"26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;
27 and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant:
28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
(Again, we saw Jesus taught God's measure for great was to humble one's self...to be a servant. In God's Kingdom, the rulers are those who serve others and focus on responsibility...which we have called a "Leader".)
(In verse 26, minister is Strong's #1249 diakonos - "an attendant, i.e. (generally) a waiter". One who executes the command of another. Basically, a person who facilitates the Purpose and Progress of another...a Leader.)
(In verse 27, servant is Strong's #1401 doulos - "a slave". One giving himself wholly to another's will.)
(Excerpt from post titled, "Matthew 20:24-28)
(Jesus just told the disciples He came to minister and be a servant...and this meant He ought to "execute the command of another" and "give Himself wholly to another's will". Verse 32 stated Jesus stood still...was He realizing this was the perfect opportunity to illustrate what He had had to review about greatest and least?)
(Jesus called to the two blind men and asked, What WILL YE that I should DO unto you? Jesus PERFECTLY fulfilled the lesson He had just taught! Jesus asked the two blind men what their will was so Jesus could DO it for them!)
"33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened."
(The blind men called Him "Lord"...and stated their will.)
"34 And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him."
(There is A LOT in this one verse...)
(Jesus touched their eyes and SAID NOTHING...and they were healed. Remember the Biblical guidelines for Offensive Spiritual Warfare? Here is an excerpt from a previous post:
1. Offensive Spiritual Warfare is done with WORDS and SENTENCES.
This is NOT something that is done PHYSICALLY. This is something that is done as a statement of the will.
2. Offensive Spiritual Warfare is done according to the faith (Understanding and Experience) of the individual.
Both the person stating their will AND the person who is benefiting have to believe it will work.
3. The statement of the will has to be done over things that don't have a will
The weather, inanimate objects, and animals don't have a will. Also, beings that have been judged don't have a will. People have a will. However, if justice is against a person, they can be dealt with in RESPONSE to Justice. Offensive Spiritual Warfare does NOT work on people who are NOT willing AND/OR NOT deserving of losing a value through Justice.
4. Offensive Spiritual Warfare is initiated by the Holy Spirit
People don't initiate Offensive Spiritual Warfare. The goal of Spiritual Warfare is to bring about God's Will...to create, even if it requires equalling out Justice. The ONLY way to make sure Offensive Spiritual Warfare ALWAYS accomplishes its goal is for it to be initiated by God through the Holy Spirit. People who SCHEDULE sessions to do Offensive Spiritual Warfare are actually doing a work of the flesh...
(Excerpt from the post titled, "Spiritual Warfare: Overview of Offensive Spiritual Warfare")
(Now, we see Steps #1, #2, and #3 were done by two blind men. They exhibited their faith by continuing to cry out to Jesus after the multitude rebuked them. In the Matthew 9 story, the two blind men cried out once...and Jesus had to ask them if they thought Jesus could heal them. The two blind men called Jesus "Lord" which was a statement of belief. The two blind men also stated their will AFTER Jesus framed their response when He asked what was their will.)
(Jesus' actions were also a part of Step #3. As for Step #4, did this occur while Jesus stood still? It would seem to me Jesus stood still SO THAT He could take direction from the Holy Spirit...SO THAT Jesus could flow in GRACE...SO THAT the two blind men could draw on God through Jesus. This is another example of Jesus' Three Way Fellowship.)
(Notice, this example of Offensive Spiritual Warfare was the most BLATANT example of the four rules of Offensive Spiritual Warfare. Instead of Jesus walking up to the men and saying, "Receive your sight", Jesus formerly stated He wanted to know their WILL. Jesus did NOT do anything against the will of the individual. This story is a great example of this because Jesus knew they were blind and wanted to see without asking them. So WHY did He ask? Because that is HOW Offensive Spiritual Warfare is done! It requires being in line with the will and faith of the individual...and these individuals needed to state their will.)
(The two blind men followed Jesus. In the Matthew 9 story, the two blind men were strictly told not to tell others and did NOT follow Jesus. In this story, Jesus didn't tell them to not tell others and the two blind men DID follow Jesus. I believe Jesus was not concerned with His fame growing too much, because He was very near the end of His time on earth.)
SUMMARY
Jesus followed up a review teaching on greatest and least with an illustrated example which was actually a review healing.
Jesus DID exactly what He taught (SAID) and two blind men were healed by drawing on God through Jesus...which was also another example of Jesus' Three Way Fellowship...and an example of Offensive Spiritual Warfare.
Matthew chapter 20 serves as a teaching review for Matthew chapter 18 and 19 (which were themselves built on Jesus' Premiere Teaching)...and a practical review for Offensive Spiritual Warfare. This review was at an even SIMPLER level than the previous explanations...which continues the pattern of Jesus NOT teaching anything different than His Premiere Teaching and consistently changing HOW He taught to make it easier to understand.
We should be thankful Jesus chose teenagers as disciples. If He had chose men, He may not have had to repeat these teachings and examples so often and in so many different ways...
Next Post
Again, this short passage presented several doctrinal points:
1. The proof of worldly ruling (Boss) is a focus on control and authority...regardless of what the person SAYS.
2. The proof of Godly ruling (Leader) is a focus on serving and responsibility.
3. The greatest in the Kingdom of God/Jesus is the least in the worldly kingdom
4. Jesus' life was the ONLY price that allowed people to be loosened from the bondage of sin
Remember, all of this was explained because a group of teenagers got insecure about a mother's request to Jesus on behalf of her teenage sons. If these teenagers had been men or had remembered Jesus' explanation (that took filled Matthew chapters 18 and 19) they wouldn't have gotten upset or had to have this lesson taught again.
Today's post covered a healing Jesus did immediately after this review of greatest and least in the kingdom of Heaven. It is a short story that on the surface doesn't seem to have many details. Consequently, people tend to miss the greater meaning...
MATTHEW 20:29-34
"29 And as they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David."
(In the previous post, we saw Jesus taught again on the greatest and least in the kingdom of Heaven. The disciples hadn't understood the teaching that covered all of Matthew chapters 18 and 19, so they got a review. It appears they also got a review in Offensive Spiritual Warfare...)
(Two men heard Jesus pass by and cried out to have mercy on them...and then they called Him son of David. Remember, Matthew began his Gospel account stating Jesus was the son of David...which meant He was the Messiah. It was the FIRST VERSE! "1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." Matthew 1:1 These two men proclaimed their faith Jesus was the Messiah.)
(The fact they cried out "have mercy on us" should have also helped you realize this was a review. Remember this previously covered passage?)
("27 And as Jesus passed by from thence, two blind men followed him, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou son of David.
28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you.
30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
31 But they went forth, and spread abroad his fame in all that land." Matthew 9:27-31)
(When we covered that story, we saw Jesus was attempting to limit the rate of His fame so the timing of His mission on earth would be maintained. He didn't want to get too famous too quickly. Now, we have a story that reads almost exactly the same. Two blind men say the same words. Will this story end the same?)
"31 And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David."
(In this story, the two blind men are rebuked by the multitude. Their response is to cry out again with the same words...again proving their faith in their actions...their DO.)
"32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you?"
(First, let's recall what had happened just prior to Jesus encountering these two men. Let's go back to the three verses preceding the passage in today's post. Here are the verses and commentary from yesterday's post:
"26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;
27 and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant:
28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
(Again, we saw Jesus taught God's measure for great was to humble one's self...to be a servant. In God's Kingdom, the rulers are those who serve others and focus on responsibility...which we have called a "Leader".)
(In verse 26, minister is Strong's #1249 diakonos - "an attendant, i.e. (generally) a waiter". One who executes the command of another. Basically, a person who facilitates the Purpose and Progress of another...a Leader.)
(In verse 27, servant is Strong's #1401 doulos - "a slave". One giving himself wholly to another's will.)
(Excerpt from post titled, "Matthew 20:24-28)
(Jesus just told the disciples He came to minister and be a servant...and this meant He ought to "execute the command of another" and "give Himself wholly to another's will". Verse 32 stated Jesus stood still...was He realizing this was the perfect opportunity to illustrate what He had had to review about greatest and least?)
(Jesus called to the two blind men and asked, What WILL YE that I should DO unto you? Jesus PERFECTLY fulfilled the lesson He had just taught! Jesus asked the two blind men what their will was so Jesus could DO it for them!)
"33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened."
(The blind men called Him "Lord"...and stated their will.)
"34 And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him."
(There is A LOT in this one verse...)
(Jesus touched their eyes and SAID NOTHING...and they were healed. Remember the Biblical guidelines for Offensive Spiritual Warfare? Here is an excerpt from a previous post:
1. Offensive Spiritual Warfare is done with WORDS and SENTENCES.
This is NOT something that is done PHYSICALLY. This is something that is done as a statement of the will.
2. Offensive Spiritual Warfare is done according to the faith (Understanding and Experience) of the individual.
Both the person stating their will AND the person who is benefiting have to believe it will work.
3. The statement of the will has to be done over things that don't have a will
The weather, inanimate objects, and animals don't have a will. Also, beings that have been judged don't have a will. People have a will. However, if justice is against a person, they can be dealt with in RESPONSE to Justice. Offensive Spiritual Warfare does NOT work on people who are NOT willing AND/OR NOT deserving of losing a value through Justice.
4. Offensive Spiritual Warfare is initiated by the Holy Spirit
People don't initiate Offensive Spiritual Warfare. The goal of Spiritual Warfare is to bring about God's Will...to create, even if it requires equalling out Justice. The ONLY way to make sure Offensive Spiritual Warfare ALWAYS accomplishes its goal is for it to be initiated by God through the Holy Spirit. People who SCHEDULE sessions to do Offensive Spiritual Warfare are actually doing a work of the flesh...
(Excerpt from the post titled, "Spiritual Warfare: Overview of Offensive Spiritual Warfare")
(Now, we see Steps #1, #2, and #3 were done by two blind men. They exhibited their faith by continuing to cry out to Jesus after the multitude rebuked them. In the Matthew 9 story, the two blind men cried out once...and Jesus had to ask them if they thought Jesus could heal them. The two blind men called Jesus "Lord" which was a statement of belief. The two blind men also stated their will AFTER Jesus framed their response when He asked what was their will.)
(Jesus' actions were also a part of Step #3. As for Step #4, did this occur while Jesus stood still? It would seem to me Jesus stood still SO THAT He could take direction from the Holy Spirit...SO THAT Jesus could flow in GRACE...SO THAT the two blind men could draw on God through Jesus. This is another example of Jesus' Three Way Fellowship.)
(Notice, this example of Offensive Spiritual Warfare was the most BLATANT example of the four rules of Offensive Spiritual Warfare. Instead of Jesus walking up to the men and saying, "Receive your sight", Jesus formerly stated He wanted to know their WILL. Jesus did NOT do anything against the will of the individual. This story is a great example of this because Jesus knew they were blind and wanted to see without asking them. So WHY did He ask? Because that is HOW Offensive Spiritual Warfare is done! It requires being in line with the will and faith of the individual...and these individuals needed to state their will.)
(The two blind men followed Jesus. In the Matthew 9 story, the two blind men were strictly told not to tell others and did NOT follow Jesus. In this story, Jesus didn't tell them to not tell others and the two blind men DID follow Jesus. I believe Jesus was not concerned with His fame growing too much, because He was very near the end of His time on earth.)
SUMMARY
Jesus followed up a review teaching on greatest and least with an illustrated example which was actually a review healing.
Jesus DID exactly what He taught (SAID) and two blind men were healed by drawing on God through Jesus...which was also another example of Jesus' Three Way Fellowship...and an example of Offensive Spiritual Warfare.
Matthew chapter 20 serves as a teaching review for Matthew chapter 18 and 19 (which were themselves built on Jesus' Premiere Teaching)...and a practical review for Offensive Spiritual Warfare. This review was at an even SIMPLER level than the previous explanations...which continues the pattern of Jesus NOT teaching anything different than His Premiere Teaching and consistently changing HOW He taught to make it easier to understand.
We should be thankful Jesus chose teenagers as disciples. If He had chose men, He may not have had to repeat these teachings and examples so often and in so many different ways...
Next Post
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Matthew 20:24-28
This year we are covering The Gospel According to Matthew. In the previous post, we covered the request made to Jesus by the mother of James and John. Here is the summary:
In today's very short passage, we saw a lot of doctrine...
1. Jesus was a Rabbi. Jesus taught teenage students (disciples).
2. Jesus had been baptized in Holy Spirit
3. Jesus had yet to take the cup of His death
4. Jesus prophesied the disciples would be baptized in the Holy Spirit and be persecuted unto death
5. Jesus and God the Father are two distinct Beings
Today, we will see the reaction of the other ten disciples to this mother's request...
MATTHEW 20:24-28
"24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren."
(When the ten disciples other than James and John heard about the request made by their mother, they were moved with indignation. What does that word mean?)
(indignation is Strong's #23 aganakteo from agan (much) and acthos (grief...to be greatly afflicted). The other ten disciples were very resentful at the attempt to break the unity of the disciples.)
(Again, the disciples were teenagers. This is the response from teenagers that are insecure. If the disciples were men in their thirties, they would have been secure enough to MOCK James and John because they had to have their mother speak for them. The following lesson would have never been taught if that had happened...)
"25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them."
(We have extensively covered Leadership on this blog and in Modeling God's Wills. If you are interested in learning what Leadership is according to the Bible, click on that last link and continue through the section of Modeling God's Wills that covers Leadership. There are a lot of Leadership seminars being given in the church today. Unfortunately, a lot of them justify why a pastor can focus on control and authority.)
(We have seen Jesus intended Leaders to serve others...to facilitate the Purpose and Progress of others. This was THE Teaching at the First New Testament Church Service!...which was also Jesus' FINAL Teaching.)
(There are NO immediate benefits to Leadership. We have seen the world's "leaders" are Bosses. Bosses focus on authority and demanding people treat them as less excellent than everyone else. Bosses don't want to be more excellent.)
(lord it over them is Strong's #2634 katakyrieuo "to lord against, i.e., control...")
(Jesus stated the world has their rulers control people and focus on authority...which we have called a "Boss".)
"26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;
27 and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant:
28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
(Again, we saw Jesus taught God's measure for great was to humble one's self...to be a servant. In God's Kingdom, the rulers are those who serve others and focus on responsibility...which we have called a "Leader".)
(In verse 26, minister is Strong's #1249 diakonos - "an attendant, i.e. (generally) a waiter". One who executes the command of another. Basically, a person who facilitates the Purpose and Progress of another...a Leader.)
(In verse 27, servant is Strong's #1401 doulos - "a slave". One giving himself wholly to another's will.)
(Basically, minister is the "lowest" level in the Church...and servant is the "lowest" level in the world. Jesus was making sure He got across the point: the greatest in God's Kingdom is the least in this world.)
(In verse 28, minister is Strong's #1247 diakoneo - "to be an attendant". Jesus came to be the least in this world because He is the greatest in the Kingdom of God...which is the Kingdom of Jesus!)
(In verse 28, ransom is Strong's #3083 lytron - "something to loosen with, i.e. a redemption price". The price of money that loosed someone from bondage.)
(In verse 28, for many translates as "instead of many". Jesus' life was the price that loosened many people from bondage...His life was paid the price instead of the lives of many. Clearly, this is doctrine: the ONLY way to be freed from the bondage of sin is through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross...which means this verse was also prophecy.)
SUMMARY
Again, this short passage presented several doctrinal points:
1. The proof of worldly ruling (Boss) is a focus on control and authority...regardless of what the person SAYS.
2. The proof of Godly ruling (Leader) is a focus on serving and responsibility.
3. The greatest in the Kingdom of God/Jesus is the least in the worldly kingdom
4. Jesus' life was the ONLY price that allowed people to be loosened from the bondage of sin
Remember, all of this was explained because a group of teenagers got insecure about a mother's request to Jesus on behalf of her teenage sons. If these teenagers had been men or had remembered Jesus' explanation (that took filled Matthew chapters 18 and 19) they wouldn't have gotten upset or had to have this lesson taught again.
Next Post
In today's very short passage, we saw a lot of doctrine...
1. Jesus was a Rabbi. Jesus taught teenage students (disciples).
2. Jesus had been baptized in Holy Spirit
3. Jesus had yet to take the cup of His death
4. Jesus prophesied the disciples would be baptized in the Holy Spirit and be persecuted unto death
5. Jesus and God the Father are two distinct Beings
Today, we will see the reaction of the other ten disciples to this mother's request...
MATTHEW 20:24-28
"24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren."
(When the ten disciples other than James and John heard about the request made by their mother, they were moved with indignation. What does that word mean?)
(indignation is Strong's #23 aganakteo from agan (much) and acthos (grief...to be greatly afflicted). The other ten disciples were very resentful at the attempt to break the unity of the disciples.)
(Again, the disciples were teenagers. This is the response from teenagers that are insecure. If the disciples were men in their thirties, they would have been secure enough to MOCK James and John because they had to have their mother speak for them. The following lesson would have never been taught if that had happened...)
"25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them."
(We have extensively covered Leadership on this blog and in Modeling God's Wills. If you are interested in learning what Leadership is according to the Bible, click on that last link and continue through the section of Modeling God's Wills that covers Leadership. There are a lot of Leadership seminars being given in the church today. Unfortunately, a lot of them justify why a pastor can focus on control and authority.)
(We have seen Jesus intended Leaders to serve others...to facilitate the Purpose and Progress of others. This was THE Teaching at the First New Testament Church Service!...which was also Jesus' FINAL Teaching.)
(There are NO immediate benefits to Leadership. We have seen the world's "leaders" are Bosses. Bosses focus on authority and demanding people treat them as less excellent than everyone else. Bosses don't want to be more excellent.)
(lord it over them is Strong's #2634 katakyrieuo "to lord against, i.e., control...")
(Jesus stated the world has their rulers control people and focus on authority...which we have called a "Boss".)
"26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;
27 and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant:
28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
(Again, we saw Jesus taught God's measure for great was to humble one's self...to be a servant. In God's Kingdom, the rulers are those who serve others and focus on responsibility...which we have called a "Leader".)
(In verse 26, minister is Strong's #1249 diakonos - "an attendant, i.e. (generally) a waiter". One who executes the command of another. Basically, a person who facilitates the Purpose and Progress of another...a Leader.)
(In verse 27, servant is Strong's #1401 doulos - "a slave". One giving himself wholly to another's will.)
(Basically, minister is the "lowest" level in the Church...and servant is the "lowest" level in the world. Jesus was making sure He got across the point: the greatest in God's Kingdom is the least in this world.)
(In verse 28, minister is Strong's #1247 diakoneo - "to be an attendant". Jesus came to be the least in this world because He is the greatest in the Kingdom of God...which is the Kingdom of Jesus!)
(In verse 28, ransom is Strong's #3083 lytron - "something to loosen with, i.e. a redemption price". The price of money that loosed someone from bondage.)
(In verse 28, for many translates as "instead of many". Jesus' life was the price that loosened many people from bondage...His life was paid the price instead of the lives of many. Clearly, this is doctrine: the ONLY way to be freed from the bondage of sin is through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross...which means this verse was also prophecy.)
SUMMARY
Again, this short passage presented several doctrinal points:
1. The proof of worldly ruling (Boss) is a focus on control and authority...regardless of what the person SAYS.
2. The proof of Godly ruling (Leader) is a focus on serving and responsibility.
3. The greatest in the Kingdom of God/Jesus is the least in the worldly kingdom
4. Jesus' life was the ONLY price that allowed people to be loosened from the bondage of sin
Remember, all of this was explained because a group of teenagers got insecure about a mother's request to Jesus on behalf of her teenage sons. If these teenagers had been men or had remembered Jesus' explanation (that took filled Matthew chapters 18 and 19) they wouldn't have gotten upset or had to have this lesson taught again.
Next Post
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Matthew 20:20-23
This year we are covering The Gospel According to Matthew. In the previous post, we covered Jesus' third prophetic presentation of His impending death. Here is the summary:
Matthew 20:18-19 marks the beginning of a change in tone in the Gospel According to Matthew.
During the prophetic portion of Matthew, Jesus began to speak specifically about His impending death and future events in a somber and alarming tone.
MATTHEW 20:20-23
"20 Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him.
21 And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom."
First, remember Jesus was a Rabbi...a Teacher with students. These students were seventeen to eighteen years old by this time, except for Peter and John. We have seen Peter was older than twenty because ONLY he and Jesus paid the temple tax. (Peter was also married.) John was the younger son of Zebedee. He was probably around fifteen by this time.
So, it would make sense for a mother to ask Jesus about her teenage sons. Our man-made tradition wants to see the disciples as men in their thirties...which makes this passage non-sensical when seen in that light. (Tomorrow, we will see the other disciples were upset by this request. If the disciples were in their thirties, they actually would have made fun of the sons of Zebedee because of this request!)
Second, what she asked was for her sons to have the highest place of honor in Jesus FUTURE kingdom. The mother worshiped Jesus before she made this request. There is no doubt at this point in her mind Jesus was going to be a ruler. (Tomorrow's post will show there wasn't much doubt in the minds of the disciples either.)
Third, the mother is actually asking for Jesus to make her sons the greatest in His kingdom! We spent last month on Matthew chapter 18 and Matthew chapter 19...how Jesus BLATANTLY presented the key doctrine needed to bring about God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven. We saw WHY/HOW our "Christian" culture currently does the OPPOSITE of Jesus' Words. Remember, the ENTIRE presentation began with a question from the disciples, "1 In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (Matthew 18:1)
So, even during the disciples' time on earth, people misunderstood Jesus' explanation about greatest and HOW/WHY to bring about God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven! This question contradicted Jesus' previous explanation!
"22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able."
Notice, this answer is prophetic: "the cup that I am about to drink". In fact, Jesus' answer makes it sound like it is going to happen soon.
This passage is from the American Standard Version. In the King James Version, there is more to Jesus' answer:
"22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able." (Matthew 20:22, KJV)
Notice, the baptism Jesus mentioned was in the past. The cup was in the future.
Also, the baptism was something the disciples hadn't done. This can't be the water baptism. This leaves the baptism in the Holy Spirit...GRACE.
We spent the last two weeks covering doctrine on God flowing through a person via the Holy Spirit...which is GRACE. Jesus spoke of it here.
"23 He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father."
Again, the KJV covered the baptism portion:
"23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father." (Matthew 20:23, KJV)
Jesus stated the disciples would (future) get the same baptism and drink the same cup. The disciples would have the Holy Spirit in them and suffer persecution unto death.
HOWEVER, determining who is the greatest was NOT something Jesus was allowed to do! ONLY GOD the Father did this.
Jesus had previously stated what it took to be the greatest. It was something that was objectively proven through Spiritual Value...and Spiritual Value is a result of Justice.
God is ALWAYS and COMPLETELY Right and ALWAYS and COMPLETELY Just. God IS Justice. ONLY God the Father determines who is the greatest...and it is an EFFECT of the individual's choices...which is expressed in their actions.
Finally, notice also there is a clear difference between Jesus and God the Father. Jesus and God the Father are two distinct Beings. Jesus was NOT able to determine who sat at His right and left. God the Father is able to do this.
SUMMARY
In today's very short passage, we saw a lot of doctrine...
1. Jesus was a Rabbi. Jesus taught teenage students (disciples).
2. Jesus had been baptized in Holy Spirit
3. Jesus had yet to take the cup of His death
4. Jesus prophesied the disciples would be baptized in the Holy Spirit and be persecuted unto death
5. Jesus and God the Father are two distinct Beings
Tomorrow, we will see the reaction of the other ten disciples to this mother's request...
Next Post
Matthew 20:18-19 marks the beginning of a change in tone in the Gospel According to Matthew.
During the prophetic portion of Matthew, Jesus began to speak specifically about His impending death and future events in a somber and alarming tone.
MATTHEW 20:20-23
"20 Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him.
21 And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom."
First, remember Jesus was a Rabbi...a Teacher with students. These students were seventeen to eighteen years old by this time, except for Peter and John. We have seen Peter was older than twenty because ONLY he and Jesus paid the temple tax. (Peter was also married.) John was the younger son of Zebedee. He was probably around fifteen by this time.
So, it would make sense for a mother to ask Jesus about her teenage sons. Our man-made tradition wants to see the disciples as men in their thirties...which makes this passage non-sensical when seen in that light. (Tomorrow, we will see the other disciples were upset by this request. If the disciples were in their thirties, they actually would have made fun of the sons of Zebedee because of this request!)
Second, what she asked was for her sons to have the highest place of honor in Jesus FUTURE kingdom. The mother worshiped Jesus before she made this request. There is no doubt at this point in her mind Jesus was going to be a ruler. (Tomorrow's post will show there wasn't much doubt in the minds of the disciples either.)
Third, the mother is actually asking for Jesus to make her sons the greatest in His kingdom! We spent last month on Matthew chapter 18 and Matthew chapter 19...how Jesus BLATANTLY presented the key doctrine needed to bring about God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven. We saw WHY/HOW our "Christian" culture currently does the OPPOSITE of Jesus' Words. Remember, the ENTIRE presentation began with a question from the disciples, "1 In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (Matthew 18:1)
So, even during the disciples' time on earth, people misunderstood Jesus' explanation about greatest and HOW/WHY to bring about God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven! This question contradicted Jesus' previous explanation!
"22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able."
Notice, this answer is prophetic: "the cup that I am about to drink". In fact, Jesus' answer makes it sound like it is going to happen soon.
This passage is from the American Standard Version. In the King James Version, there is more to Jesus' answer:
"22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able." (Matthew 20:22, KJV)
Notice, the baptism Jesus mentioned was in the past. The cup was in the future.
Also, the baptism was something the disciples hadn't done. This can't be the water baptism. This leaves the baptism in the Holy Spirit...GRACE.
We spent the last two weeks covering doctrine on God flowing through a person via the Holy Spirit...which is GRACE. Jesus spoke of it here.
"23 He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father."
Again, the KJV covered the baptism portion:
"23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father." (Matthew 20:23, KJV)
Jesus stated the disciples would (future) get the same baptism and drink the same cup. The disciples would have the Holy Spirit in them and suffer persecution unto death.
HOWEVER, determining who is the greatest was NOT something Jesus was allowed to do! ONLY GOD the Father did this.
Jesus had previously stated what it took to be the greatest. It was something that was objectively proven through Spiritual Value...and Spiritual Value is a result of Justice.
God is ALWAYS and COMPLETELY Right and ALWAYS and COMPLETELY Just. God IS Justice. ONLY God the Father determines who is the greatest...and it is an EFFECT of the individual's choices...which is expressed in their actions.
Finally, notice also there is a clear difference between Jesus and God the Father. Jesus and God the Father are two distinct Beings. Jesus was NOT able to determine who sat at His right and left. God the Father is able to do this.
SUMMARY
In today's very short passage, we saw a lot of doctrine...
1. Jesus was a Rabbi. Jesus taught teenage students (disciples).
2. Jesus had been baptized in Holy Spirit
3. Jesus had yet to take the cup of His death
4. Jesus prophesied the disciples would be baptized in the Holy Spirit and be persecuted unto death
5. Jesus and God the Father are two distinct Beings
Tomorrow, we will see the reaction of the other ten disciples to this mother's request...
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Matthew 20:17-19
Last week we looked at both sides (Profitable and Unprofitable) of Three Way Fellowship.
The previous post looked at Examples of Jesus' Three Way Fellowship from the first twenty chapters of Matthew. Here is the summary:
Throughout our Series on the Gospel According to Matthew, we have seen several examples of HOW/WHY people and circumstances can positively or negatively affect our Fellowship with God.
We will continue to look at this effect as we complete this year's Series.
So far, we have covered the Gospel According to Matthew through Matthew 20:19. Here is the summary from that post:
Jesus told a parable that pulled together everything stated in Matthew chapters 18 and 19. Those two chapters showed us the reason why we don't see God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven...because we OPPOSE God. We follow our own understanding and traditions instead of God's Word.
This parable presented "friends of God" that end up murmuring against Him because the individuals followed their own traditions instead of God's Word!
After this parable, the Gospel According to Matthew changed its focus.However, before we change our focus, I would like to spend next week covering some doctrine.
We covered doctrine concerning "Friend", "Enemy", and "Three Way Fellowship".
We have seen Matthew presented Jesus in terms of the five-fold ministry:
Matthew chapters 1-4 showed Jesus as the Ultimate Apostle. He began the Ultimate Ministry.
Matthew chapters 5-7 showed Jesus as the Ultimate Teacher. We have seen Jesus did NOT stray from the blatant doctrine He presented during these three chapters.
Matthew chapters 8-15 showed Jesus as the Ultimate Evangelist. The masses were drawn to Him.
Matthew chapter 16 showed Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure. Jesus began explaining what would happen in the future. From His warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, to the sign of Jonah, to His declaration He would die...Jesus spoke prophecy. While Jesus continually spoke prophecy through chapter 20, we will see the tone changed in Matthew chapter 20.
MATTHEW 20:17-19
"17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them,
18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death,
19 and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up."
This was the third time Jesus spoke about His future suffering.
First Time: Matthew 16:21
"21 From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up."
Second Time: Matthew 17:22-23
"22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men;
23 and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised up. And they were exceeding sorry."
Each time, Jesus revealed something more. I don't know if it was because the causes occurred between the times of each prophetic presentation or because Jesus only told the Disciples what they needed to know and/or could handle.
(We know prophecy, the statement of future effects, is possible because of two things: the causes have to have occurred and God knows the causes. I would encourage those who have some insight to express their opinions with supporting reasons in the comments section of this post.)
In this third prophetic presentation, Jesus revealed four new facts:
1. He would be delivered to the Gentiles
2. He would be mocked
3. He would be scourged
4. He would suffer death by crucifixion
Remember, the chief priests and scribes are Jewish. (Scribes are Torah teachers.) Notice, this prophecy implied that both Jews and Gentiles were responsible for His death.
SUMMARY
Matthew 20:18-19 marks the beginning of a change in tone in the Gospel According to Matthew.
During the prophetic portion of Matthew, Jesus began to speak specifically about His impending death and future events in a somber and alarming tone.
Next Post
The previous post looked at Examples of Jesus' Three Way Fellowship from the first twenty chapters of Matthew. Here is the summary:
Throughout our Series on the Gospel According to Matthew, we have seen several examples of HOW/WHY people and circumstances can positively or negatively affect our Fellowship with God.
We will continue to look at this effect as we complete this year's Series.
So far, we have covered the Gospel According to Matthew through Matthew 20:19. Here is the summary from that post:
Jesus told a parable that pulled together everything stated in Matthew chapters 18 and 19. Those two chapters showed us the reason why we don't see God's Will on earth as it is in Heaven...because we OPPOSE God. We follow our own understanding and traditions instead of God's Word.
This parable presented "friends of God" that end up murmuring against Him because the individuals followed their own traditions instead of God's Word!
After this parable, the Gospel According to Matthew changed its focus.However, before we change our focus, I would like to spend next week covering some doctrine.
We covered doctrine concerning "Friend", "Enemy", and "Three Way Fellowship".
We have seen Matthew presented Jesus in terms of the five-fold ministry:
Matthew chapters 1-4 showed Jesus as the Ultimate Apostle. He began the Ultimate Ministry.
Matthew chapters 5-7 showed Jesus as the Ultimate Teacher. We have seen Jesus did NOT stray from the blatant doctrine He presented during these three chapters.
Matthew chapters 8-15 showed Jesus as the Ultimate Evangelist. The masses were drawn to Him.
Matthew chapter 16 showed Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure. Jesus began explaining what would happen in the future. From His warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, to the sign of Jonah, to His declaration He would die...Jesus spoke prophecy. While Jesus continually spoke prophecy through chapter 20, we will see the tone changed in Matthew chapter 20.
MATTHEW 20:17-19
"17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them,
18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death,
19 and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up."
This was the third time Jesus spoke about His future suffering.
First Time: Matthew 16:21
"21 From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up."
Second Time: Matthew 17:22-23
"22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men;
23 and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised up. And they were exceeding sorry."
Each time, Jesus revealed something more. I don't know if it was because the causes occurred between the times of each prophetic presentation or because Jesus only told the Disciples what they needed to know and/or could handle.
(We know prophecy, the statement of future effects, is possible because of two things: the causes have to have occurred and God knows the causes. I would encourage those who have some insight to express their opinions with supporting reasons in the comments section of this post.)
In this third prophetic presentation, Jesus revealed four new facts:
1. He would be delivered to the Gentiles
2. He would be mocked
3. He would be scourged
4. He would suffer death by crucifixion
Remember, the chief priests and scribes are Jewish. (Scribes are Torah teachers.) Notice, this prophecy implied that both Jews and Gentiles were responsible for His death.
SUMMARY
Matthew 20:18-19 marks the beginning of a change in tone in the Gospel According to Matthew.
During the prophetic portion of Matthew, Jesus began to speak specifically about His impending death and future events in a somber and alarming tone.
Next Post
Monday, July 19, 2010
Jesus' Examples of Three Way Fellowship
Last week we looked at both sides (Profitable and Unprofitable) of Three Way Fellowship.
The previous post looked at Jesus' Fellowship with God. Here is the summary:
Jesus HIMSELF did NOT DO anything Good of HIMSELF while He was on earth!
Jesus' strategy (Mind) while He was on earth was to HUMBLE Himself so that He did NOT HINDER God's ability to flow through Him!
WHY do people think they can DO Good of THEMSELVES?
WHY do peoples' ACTIONS show they believe they can DO Good or judge others who DON'T do Good?
People who teach that Jesus, while He was on earth, DID Good of Himself as a CAUSE are preaching a different Jesus!
Today, we will look at specific examples of HOW/WHY Jesus succeeded at NOT HINDERING the flow of God through Him.
JESUS' EXAMPLES OF THREE WAY FELLOWSHIP
Before we continue our Series on the Gospel According to Matthew, let's look back at passages from Matthew that show the effects of Three Way Fellowship.
"1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.
3 And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." Matthew 4:1-3
Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights. He isolated Himself and strengthened His Fellowship with God BEFORE dealing with teh devil...a being that would definitely negatively affect Jesus from the outside.
After Jesus' interaction with the devil, we read this passage:
"11 Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him." Matthew 4:11
Jesus needed ministering from angels after His experience with the devil.
Jesus' Premiere Teaching covered Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. Beginning in chapter 8, Jesus interacted withe people who needed healing. After Jesus cast a Legion of evil spirits out of person and sent them into swine, we see the following response from people:
"34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart from their borders." Matthew 8:34
In Matthew chapter 9, Jesus continued to heal people. In order to get this flow from God, Jesus needed to pay attention to who was around Him. For instance, look at how Jesus handled the people surrounding the damsel Jesus brought back to life:
"23 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute-players, and the crowd making a tumult,
24 he said, Give place: for the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
25 But when the crowd was put forth, he entered in, and took her by the hand; and the damsel arose." Matthew 9:23-25
Jesus put the others AWAY from the site of the miracle.
In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus sent the disciples out to others:
"5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:" Matthew 10:5
Luke chapter 10 began with the same story of Jesus commissioning followers:
"1 Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come." Luke 10:1
Sending out followers in pairs guaranteed these people would have Three Way Fellowship and be better able to perform the healings Jesus stated.
In Matthew chapter 13, we see an example of Jesus NOT being able to have God flowing through Him to others:
"57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." Matthew 13:57-58
The unbelief of the people outside of Jesus HINDERED the healings!
In Matthew chapter 14, Jesus feeds the multitude, sends the disciples away in a boat...and then PERSONALLY sends the crowd away BY HIMSELF! Was this draining to Jesus?
"23 And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone." Matthew 14:23
Jesus isolated Himself in order to have Fellowship with God. Then He walked out to the disciples:
"24 But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came unto them, walking upon the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto the upon the waters.
29 And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus."
Peter's eyes are on Jesus, so he is ALSO able to walk on water!
"30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me."
Peter allowed circumstances outside himself to HINDER the flow of God!
"31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, and saith unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:24-32
It looks as if the CAUSE of the storm was to show Peter NOT to look at his circumstances.
In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus is drained from dealing with the Pharisees:
"21 And Jesus went out thence, and withdrew into the parts of Tyre and Sidon." Matthew 15:21
Jesus has an exchange with a Canaanitish woman whose daughter had a demon. After the exchange:
"29 And Jesus departed thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there." Matthew 15:29
In Matthew chapter 16, Peter attempts to negatively influence Jesus!
"22 And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee.
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men." Matthew 16:22-23
Jesus immediately prohibited Peter from being a negative influence.
In Matthew chapter 17, Jesus brings His three most faithful disciples to witness a miraculous event:
"1 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:
2 and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light." Matthew 17:1-2
Later, Jesus laments the burden His disciples could be:
"17 And Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him hither to me." Matthew 17:17
In Matthew chapter 19, Jesus BLATANTLY stated the lengths a person OUGHT to go in order NOT to be negatively influenced by "outside" people:
"28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.
30 But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last." Matthew 19:28-30
Finally, in Matthew chapter 20, Jesus told a parable where two Believers negatively influence each other with the result being the Believers are speaking against God:
"10 And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling.
11 And when they received it, they murmured against the householder,
12 saying, These last have spent but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat." Matthew 20:10-12
SUMMARY
Throughout our Series on the Gospel According to Matthew, we have seen several examples of HOW/WHY people and circumstances can positively or negatively affect our Fellowship with God.
We will continue to look at this effect as we complete this year's Series.
Next Post
The previous post looked at Jesus' Fellowship with God. Here is the summary:
Jesus HIMSELF did NOT DO anything Good of HIMSELF while He was on earth!
Jesus' strategy (Mind) while He was on earth was to HUMBLE Himself so that He did NOT HINDER God's ability to flow through Him!
WHY do people think they can DO Good of THEMSELVES?
WHY do peoples' ACTIONS show they believe they can DO Good or judge others who DON'T do Good?
People who teach that Jesus, while He was on earth, DID Good of Himself as a CAUSE are preaching a different Jesus!
Today, we will look at specific examples of HOW/WHY Jesus succeeded at NOT HINDERING the flow of God through Him.
JESUS' EXAMPLES OF THREE WAY FELLOWSHIP
Before we continue our Series on the Gospel According to Matthew, let's look back at passages from Matthew that show the effects of Three Way Fellowship.
"1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.
3 And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." Matthew 4:1-3
Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights. He isolated Himself and strengthened His Fellowship with God BEFORE dealing with teh devil...a being that would definitely negatively affect Jesus from the outside.
After Jesus' interaction with the devil, we read this passage:
"11 Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him." Matthew 4:11
Jesus needed ministering from angels after His experience with the devil.
Jesus' Premiere Teaching covered Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. Beginning in chapter 8, Jesus interacted withe people who needed healing. After Jesus cast a Legion of evil spirits out of person and sent them into swine, we see the following response from people:
"34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart from their borders." Matthew 8:34
In Matthew chapter 9, Jesus continued to heal people. In order to get this flow from God, Jesus needed to pay attention to who was around Him. For instance, look at how Jesus handled the people surrounding the damsel Jesus brought back to life:
"23 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute-players, and the crowd making a tumult,
24 he said, Give place: for the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
25 But when the crowd was put forth, he entered in, and took her by the hand; and the damsel arose." Matthew 9:23-25
Jesus put the others AWAY from the site of the miracle.
In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus sent the disciples out to others:
"5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:" Matthew 10:5
Luke chapter 10 began with the same story of Jesus commissioning followers:
"1 Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come." Luke 10:1
Sending out followers in pairs guaranteed these people would have Three Way Fellowship and be better able to perform the healings Jesus stated.
In Matthew chapter 13, we see an example of Jesus NOT being able to have God flowing through Him to others:
"57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." Matthew 13:57-58
The unbelief of the people outside of Jesus HINDERED the healings!
In Matthew chapter 14, Jesus feeds the multitude, sends the disciples away in a boat...and then PERSONALLY sends the crowd away BY HIMSELF! Was this draining to Jesus?
"23 And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone." Matthew 14:23
Jesus isolated Himself in order to have Fellowship with God. Then He walked out to the disciples:
"24 But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came unto them, walking upon the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto the upon the waters.
29 And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus."
Peter's eyes are on Jesus, so he is ALSO able to walk on water!
"30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me."
Peter allowed circumstances outside himself to HINDER the flow of God!
"31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, and saith unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:24-32
It looks as if the CAUSE of the storm was to show Peter NOT to look at his circumstances.
In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus is drained from dealing with the Pharisees:
"21 And Jesus went out thence, and withdrew into the parts of Tyre and Sidon." Matthew 15:21
Jesus has an exchange with a Canaanitish woman whose daughter had a demon. After the exchange:
"29 And Jesus departed thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there." Matthew 15:29
In Matthew chapter 16, Peter attempts to negatively influence Jesus!
"22 And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee.
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men." Matthew 16:22-23
Jesus immediately prohibited Peter from being a negative influence.
In Matthew chapter 17, Jesus brings His three most faithful disciples to witness a miraculous event:
"1 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:
2 and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light." Matthew 17:1-2
Later, Jesus laments the burden His disciples could be:
"17 And Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him hither to me." Matthew 17:17
In Matthew chapter 19, Jesus BLATANTLY stated the lengths a person OUGHT to go in order NOT to be negatively influenced by "outside" people:
"28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.
30 But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last." Matthew 19:28-30
Finally, in Matthew chapter 20, Jesus told a parable where two Believers negatively influence each other with the result being the Believers are speaking against God:
"10 And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling.
11 And when they received it, they murmured against the householder,
12 saying, These last have spent but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat." Matthew 20:10-12
SUMMARY
Throughout our Series on the Gospel According to Matthew, we have seen several examples of HOW/WHY people and circumstances can positively or negatively affect our Fellowship with God.
We will continue to look at this effect as we complete this year's Series.
Next Post
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