Love Is The Answer!

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

Agape is a love with no thoughts of self.

"If indeed you [really] fulfill the royal Law in accordance with the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as [you love] yourself, you do well."James 2:8 AMP

Guess that would be a discrepancy, either God's or someone elses.

God blesses!

[Robert]

God is rich too we know, but He is not a tyrant.

I wouldn't say God is rich because He lives to serve. For example He created this earth for Adam & Eve. He gave them dominion over it.

Right now He is building mansions for those who have put their faith in Him. Again, He is not self-seeking...God loves you more than Himself because in God there's no iniquity (bent to self). Everything He does is agape.

[Robert]

What about the seamless robe He wore.

That doesn't deserve a reply. Next....

[Robert]

Quote:

Agape is a love with no thoughts of self.

You shall love your neighbor as [you love] yourself, you do well."James 2:8 AMP

Yes, how many commands? Two or one?

Q: How are you to love others? A: As you love yourself.

Self-love is not a command - it's a given. You love yourself by birth. You were born bent-to-self.

Ps 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

To be brought forth in iniquity means you were conceived bent to self.

The following Ellen White statement makes it very plain:

You will have that love which seeks not her own, but another's wealth. [DA 439]

[Robert]

What prompted Peter to ask the question - "Who then can be saved?" Can you tell me, Gibs, within the immediate context?

Gibs, you haven't answer the question. If you don't know, just admit it.

[Tom Wetmore]

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In the meantime try using the preview function to proofread posts before hitting the submit button.

[Gibs]

Robert, I don't see why I need to answer an obviously answered question. Peter asked the question after the Lord told them it was harder for a camel to pass thru an eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven and in response Jesus answered him. His question, "Who then can be saved"?

Mt 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, -- With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Yes God is rich too, He owns it all and He gives it to whom He wills. You see rich men like Him it is not impossible. They are few however.

Na 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Love our wonderful God and Saviour with ALL the heart and soul is the answer and then His commandments are not grievious but exactly your love to do and Satan's way you have become to hate. Now I hate sin! I love God and His way, it is my way too!

Should we love our sin more than OUR GOD AND SAVIOUR?

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Robert]

Robert, I don't see why I need to answer an obviously answered question. Peter asked the question after the Lord told them it was harder for a camel to pass thru an eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven and in response Jesus answered him. His question, "Who then can be saved"?

In other words Peter was asking Christ that if a rich man couldn't make it to heaven, who could? Is that what you are basically saying?

[Gibs]

The rendition in Mark makes it easier to see. Today to see through a rich man isn't hard as with most, mamon, money is their God but in their day maybe the percentage was much better and it astonished the disciples.

Mr 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Mr 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Mr 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Mr 10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

Mr 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Well it boils down to the love that is in the heart and mind and soul. Some rich men do have it, but very very few we can know.

De 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Repeated here in the New Testament but without the words "that thou mayst live.

Mr 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

This is the whole key to pleasing God, how much do we love Him over money and you name it. Yes and even our pet sin we say we can not stop doing. Heh, heh, one sure can't if not wanting too!

We prove what we love the most by what we do.

He says, my paraphrase, If you really do love me you will show it by keeping my commandments.

Joh 14:15 ¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Robert]

Originally Posted By: Gibs

Robert, I don't see why I need to answer an obviously answered question. Peter asked the question after the Lord told them it was harder for a camel to pass thru an eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven and in response Jesus answered him. His question, "Who then can be saved"?

In other words Peter was asking Christ that if a rich man couldn't make it to heaven, who could? Is that what you are basically saying?

Of course that was a rhetorical question. Yes, that's what Christ basically said.

Now keep in mind this young rich man claimed to be a law keeper:

Matt 19:17...(Jesus to the young rich man) if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

This was in reference to the young rich man's question:

verse 16: "What good thing must I do to have eternal life"

Jesus response to this man's question was: if you want heaven by doing good then you must keep the law! Then Christ listed the last six commandments of the Decalog. Notice, however, that instead of quoting the 10th commandment, "you shall not covet", Christ replaced it with "you shall love your neighbor as yourself".

What was this man's reply to Christ?

"All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I lack?"

In other words I've been a full time law keeper - what haven't I done?

Okay, the question that we need to answer is "what did this young rich man's law keeping have to do with his accumulated wealth?"

[Robert]

Okay, the question that we need to answer is "what did this young rich man's law keeping have to do with his accumulated wealth?"

Let's go to Mark 10:23 (KJV) And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Mark gives us a clue. The young man trusted in his wealth! How? What does this have to do with keeping the law. Are the two related. Yes....I have the reference, but you see if you can find it first.

BTW, here's a clue from Ellen White:

As the young man turned away, Jesus said to His disciples, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God." These words astonished the disciples. They had been taught to look upon the rich as the favorites of heaven; worldly power and riches they themselves hoped to receive in the Messiah's kingdom; if the rich were to fail of entering the kingdom, what hope could there be for the rest of men?

In other words they looked at the rich as blessed of God. So again, what do riches and obedience (the rich man claimed to obey the law) have to do with each other. It's in the OT....

[Robert]

1] how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! ... (Bible)

2] They had been taught to look upon the rich as the favorites of heaven.... (Ellen White)

The rich man trusted in his wealth!

How?

Whatever the answer is it has something do with winning favor with God. Of course God can't be bought, but in the young man's eyes His wealth was proof of his obedience to the law.

Would you like proof from the Old Testament?

[Gibs]

He lacked the love to sell all he had and follow Jesus. He knew as well as those disciples with Him who Jesus was, he called Him "Good Master". There stood the LORD of Life inviting Him to join Him and he showed he loved his riches more.

He couldn't do it!

The rich man loved his wealth more, to the rich they find it is power. He worked to keep the letter of the law and worked to get rich. Working to keep the letter of the law don't please God. It is not compliance by love to Him and righteousness. He was being obedient to earn Heaven and one don't earn it. Most of the Jews were doing the same.

This is why De 30:6 brings such a good realization, - - De 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

"That thou mayest live!", Do what? "Love the LORD thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul", yes, "that thou mayest live".

Love is the power in our heart and soul that we must have to please Him, if we don't have that great love we are nothing.

Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, ( love ) which is the bond of perfectness.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[LifeHiscost]

quoted by Robert

Quote:

Gibs, you haven't answer the question. If you don't know, just admit it.

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.1 Cor 10:13 AMP

Brackets parenthesis their's LHC

Since seeking one's own ends willfully is sin according to the statements made, and all men have and are falling short of the mark laid out by God for all,

the theology by you, Robert, denies the Truth stated in the Scripture above and places all men, without equivocation, doomed to the pits of hell and therefor denies the Truth that Jesus can live His life in us, as the Word states below.

"..even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,

to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ..."Colossians 1:26-28 ASV

The assessment reached that denies these two Scriptures above, leaves only this for which to look forward.

And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Revelation 21:26-27 NKJV

God Blesses!

[Robert]

The rich man loved his wealth more....

Partially true, but you left out why! Like I said, "His wealth was proof of his obedience to the law." If he gave up his wealth that would be proof that he wasn't righteous.

This concept goes with what EGW stated:

"They (the Jews) had been taught to look upon the rich as the favorites of heaven....if the rich were to fail of entering the kingdom, what hope could there be for the rest of men?"

So the Jews had been taught that the rich were blessed because God favored them. Who taught them this? The Pharisees. Where did they get this idea? The Torah!

[Robert]

Originally Posted By: Gibs

The rich man loved his wealth more....

Partially true, but you left out why! Like I said, "His wealth was proof of his obedience to the law." If he gave up his wealth that would be proof that he wasn't righteous.

This concept goes with what EGW stated:

"They (the Jews) had been taught to look upon the rich as the favorites of heaven....if the rich were to fail of entering the kingdom, what hope could there be for the rest of men?"

So the Jews had been taught that the rich were blessed because God favored them. Who taught them this? The Pharisees. Where did they get this idea? The Torah!

The Torah:

Deut 28:1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his law I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: ... 11 The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity-...12 You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. 13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail.

In other words, obey and God will make you wealthy .

[Robert]

Deut 28:1 If you fully obey [He] will grant you abundant prosperity...

So, when Christ said, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" He had the above in mind.

In other words if you think your wealth is proof of your goodness you'll never make it to heaven. Why? You are deceived!

[Robert]

"25....Who then can be saved?" 26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 27 Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?

Notice that Peter had a problem. Unlike the rich man, he was poor. In fact He reminded Christ that he gave up what little he had to follow Him.

Sounds wonderful, except Peter wasn't motivated from "agape", but from selfishness (sin). He wanted something in return.

[Gibs]

Robert, your see of it is not my see and you are welcome to yours and I'll stick to mine.

I made this thread to show that love is the power that we can have that will please God and do His Will willingly and love what He loves as we are with Him and one with Him.

Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Christ in us as He has made this possible then how can we continue in sin unless we put Him out. That is exactly what we do when we fall back in sin whatever that pet one is that we love more than He.

We do what we love the most to do. So that shows who we love most. Love does no wrong and especially to the one we must come to love first and best.

We are His twice, first by creation and second by redemption. We love most who has forgiven us most and who can take that place but Jesus Christ?

Doing His complete will isn't a matter of works but is a matter of what is the depth of our love to Him. He says, If you love me keep my commandments. John 14:15

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Robert]

Robert, your see of it is not my see and you are welcome to yours and I'll stick to mine.

Say again?

[LifeHiscost]

Originally Posted By: LifeHiscost

What about the seamless robe He wore.

That doesn't deserve a reply. Next....

Just as deserving as expecting all to be just as much a failure in living the life of a disciple as one's self.

God blesses!

[Gibs]

Again "Love is The Answer".

2Jo 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

That walk and Way is the only Way and Jesus Christ made it and none can get in no other way. He said the following and we need to take heed,

Mt 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Mt 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Here is the stumbling block Satan has made, beware, test all things well!

Mt 7:15 ¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Gibs]

Rooted and Grounded in Love, we must be!

"Bear in mind, the time will never come when the hellish shadow of Satan will not be cast athwart our pathway to obstruct our faith and eclipse the light emanating from the presence of Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness.[ Our faith must not stagger, but cleave through that shadow. We have an experience that is not to be buried in the darkness of doubt. Our faith is not in feeling, but in truth. The inspired apostle speaks of our being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone. The church of Christ is represented as being built for "an habitation of God through the Spirit." If we are "rooted and grounded in love," we shall "be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge." Oh, precious possibilities and encouragement! In the human heart cleansed from all moral impurity dwells the precious Saviour, ennobling, sanctifying the whole nature, and making the man a temple for the Holy Spirit." {TM 387.2}

To know the love of Christ and that love bred in us we must have, by His Spirit!

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.