The Central Teaching Of Jesus Christ

May 20, 2006

1) Jesus came to heal the broken hearted.

2) The central theme of Galatians: God has made the Law our friend. Do not make it your enemy.

olger

May 20, 2006

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God has made the Law our friend. Do not make it your enemy.

How can the law be our friend? Sure, as Paul says, "The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good." In other words, "we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin."

The law is friendly to the righteous, not sinners. To be under law this side of the fall is not good news because it condemns the sinner to death.

Rob

May 21, 2006

Great thought, Nico:

Religion must die...die...die...

A True Disciple of Jesus doesn't need a church or an official creed to practice his faith. A True Disciple would be doing the same things he/she would normally be doing, daily, even if all of the churches in the entire world were suddenly flushed down a very large toilet.

A True Disciple of Jesus can't just sit back and do nothing. A True Disciple of Jesus must do what Jesus has said he/she must do. This would be Love in Action, not love in theory (lip service), only.

Nearly everything Jesus told us to do involved Love in Action. Maybe that's another way to state his central teaching. His Love in Action, demonstrated by his self-sacrifice for us, gave us a way out of this garbage pit of a world, but only if we listen to him and do what he told us to do.

Doing what Jesus told us to do is not legalism, unless we beat others over the head with his commands, violating the principles that he wanted us to understand and practice, or, if we try to obey Jesus and have no love in our hearts for him or the rest of mankind.

Maybe there's some magic involved for those not accustomed to practicing Love in Action. Maybe narrow, mean-spirited, angry, self-centered individuals who say the Magic Words, "I love Jesus" will suddenly become perfect, loving, good-natured beings in the next life.

Remember the Sheep and the Goats.

May 21, 2006

The Apostle Paul's words, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit;

[:"red"] "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." [/] 1 Cor 2:2

NASB

Jesus word's under the inspiration of the same Spirit;

[:"red"] "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." [/] John 14:6 NASB

[:"red"] "Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things." [/] John 8:28 NKJV

[:"red"] "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

" [/] Romans 5:8 NASB

I wonder, since Jesus pointed out that all His teachings were not of Himself, but only as the Father taught Him, I wonder how valuable our opinions or assumptions are when not directly referring to a "Thus saith the Lord"?

Maybe that's a different thread. If it is, <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/sorry.gif" alt="" />

Keep the faith!!

May 22, 2006

I'm wondering, now, if we need to get rid of our stuff in order to achieve the level of Love in Action/Self-Sacrifice we see in Jesus' teachings. With no stuff to worry about having enough space for or getting stolen, perhaps only then can we focus mainly on spiritual themes, and depend on Jesus, through his other servants, to sustain us.

Maybe his "sell your stuff and give to the poor" statement was meant mainly for his 12 disciples.

The Spirit of God can, if we ask, give us a better understanding of the Scriptures so we won't be quite so shocked when we see the reality of what its writers so tersely describe. Does the Spirit no longer inspire men to expand their thinking into something beyond what their forefathers wrote thousands of years ago?

If we take a narrow view of the Scriptures, we may miss out on something very important when it comes, just like the Pharisees of old did. Looking at today's technology, we can see that God's technology is light-years beyond what we can achieve, something Bible writers could only describe as miracles, or something indescribably fantastic.

Our old, tired religion is due for a good shake-up. This concept, that God is the leader of highly advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, could shake today's religions to the core. Its members do not understand what the Bible writers were trying to describe, because the writers themselves did not understand what they were seeing or what was happening because of their non-existent technological frame of reference. Those who are locked into a scripture-quoting mindset may not be able to accept that which they do not expect.

For example, the Bible contains several references to flying objects shrouded in cloud, or, mountains hovering in the sky. Ezekiel also describes another type of flying machine, moving to and fro, pulling him up, then transporting him some distance away.

New light may come from unexpected places. What's most important, though, is to love and obey Jesus. It's OK to believe God uses miracles in the affairs of men, but it's also OK to believe that there's technology or unknown (to us) forces involved in the miracles.

A list of Scripture quotes to prove some point may have meaning only to its compiler.

May 22, 2006

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A list of Scripture quotes to prove some point may have meaning only to its compiler.

<hr /></blockquote>What do you mean by this?

May 22, 2006

I tend to have difficulty connecting lists of scripture quotes to the topics of discussions. Maybe a step-by-step explanation of the compiler on his/her line of reasoning would be helpful. Otherwise, I may miss their point and see only irrelevance to the subject at hand.

Perhaps someone can explain why LHC listed the 4 quotes above.

May 22, 2006

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Perhaps someone can explain why LHC listed the 4 quotes above.

Four suggestions as to the central teaching of Jesus.

You have been given freedom by Jesus to choose other ideologies, as we all do. However the ideology we choose has the reward of its' own truth in it. Are those four, central? You choose.

Other suggestions.

[:"red"] "And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free." [/] John 8:32 AMP

[:"red"] "Jesus said to him, "I am the...the truth,...no one comes to the Father but through Me." [/] John 14:6 NASB

[:"red"] "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me (Truth) you can do nothing." [/] John 15:5 Parenthesis mine LHC

May 25, 2006

Here's another angle on the main teaching/s of Christ. Maybe this is the Big Picture.

Jesus often told his followers that they should be servants to each other and to their fellow man. His Messengers, the angels, also indicated that they were only servants of God. None of them claimed to be one of the bosses.

So, all of the qualities listed previously, love, obedience, self-sacrifice, etc. are the qualities needed to be good servants. In order to be a part of the Kingdom of God, we must be good servants.

What are good servants like?

They love and honor their master.

They always obey their master without complaint.

They don't own much, if any, stuff. Whatever they need is provided by their master. He feeds and clothes and houses them in exchange for their work for him.

If the master is kind to them, the servants will give him their undying loyalty and never even think of leaving him for another master.

Jesus often spoke about the servant/master relationship because in the New Kingdom of God, everyone rescued from Earth will be servants of God. They will work for him in exchange for their daily needs.

What kind of work does God need servants for?

One example would be the construction of the New Jerusalem. Maybe some believe that God will magically speak a huge city, 1400 miles by 1400 miles by 1400 miles instantaneously into existence. More likely, it will require technology far beyond what we can imagine, not superstitious beliefs. This will require workers, those skilled in the fabrication techniques needed to assemble such a huge city capable of traveling in space, destined to rendezvous with the Earth in the future.

So, what God needs are workers/servants to replace those who left in the Great Rebellion, led by Satan. About one-third of them left God's Kingdom to form their own government under Satan. They also took some of the highly advanced technology with them to construct their own projects. God's messengers don't fly through space on clouds, as some might imagine. Neither does Satan, nor the evil beings following him.

God doesn't need inferior or lazy or complaining or faithless or easily discouraged worker/servants. He needs only those best suited to work under his direction. These worker/servants will all have the qualities Jesus has indicated in his instructions to mankind.

That's why we're here on Earth, to be tested to see if we choose to be worthy servants to serve God in his New Kingdom. If there are any (serious?) imperfections, we will be rejected, and not allowed to participate in his Kingdom.

That's our mission, to live our lives as worthy servants of God here on Earth.

We will be unfailingly kind to every human being we encounter, even dying for them if necessary.

We won't surround ourselves with stuff we have wasted our money on, or seek our own pleasure in the amusements of the world, but rather, use our resources to feed and clothe and otherwise help those less fortunate than ourselves.

We will forgive others when they wrong us, and we will never intentionally cause harm to other human beings, or treat them badly in any way.

All of God’s servants must obey him perfectly, and get along with each other, perfectly, lest evil once again is reborn.

How we love and obey God while we are living on Earth is how we would love and obey him in the Kingdom of the Stars. Our only option is to live like we’re his servants while we are living on Earth. In our daily tasks, we must perform them as if we are doing it for God, that is, no slacking, dishonesty, disagreeableness, etc.. We must treat others with unfailing kindness and respect, as if they were God’s children, even if they don’t act like it.

We can apply for the unfilled servant positions and pass the test in order to participate in his Kingdom in the next life, but only if we surrender ourselves completely to God, allowing his Spirit to work in us and give us the desire and the power to love him and obey his commands.

May 25, 2006

Luke 22:24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26 “But not so with you, but let him who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. 27 “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Matt 20:25 “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Luke 6:27 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

May 26, 2006

Now wouldn't that be a rude awakening, to find out you've become an alien's (God's) slave in the next life. I wouldn't worry, though, because God will take very good care of us. Jesus, as our king, will also make sure nothing harms us.

We won't be sitting around in tropical gardens doing nothing but smiling and pretending we have wings, though. The Cherubim have six wings, but I don't recall the Bible indicating that resurrected humans will have wings, or that the Messengers (angels) have wings either.

We will all have tasks to keep us busy, maybe some of us will even serve God doing something similar in principle to what we do well here on Earth.

Again, it's really important that we serve our fellow humans in this life, because that's what we'll be doing in the next world, serving God by serving others. It's too bad about all of the selfish people that won't make it to the New Earth, but it can't be helped, unless, of course, we try to do something about it.

May 26, 2006

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Now wouldn't that be a rude awakening, to find out you've become an alien's (God's) slave in the next life. I wouldn't worry, though, because God will take very good care of us.

First of all, how in the world did you get the above from reading what I posted? God is # 1 because He is the servant of all. He lives to serve...He lives not for himself, but His creation.

Secondly, does your statement subtlety imply that God didn't take very well care of us in the past?

Rob

May 27, 2006

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 1:22

"Love in action" can at times be used as a guise for holiness; as in opposition to "unfeigned love of the brethren." (1 Pet.1:22). If there is "unfeigned love;" then it follows that there is "feigned love." What would this

be? Hmmmm. I wonder: How would this look in a Church?

Sometimes; in a church setting, true followers of God are "watched" constantly, every little snippet of conversation is examined with abusing and greedy ambition to catch them in saying or doing something "wrong." Case in point: "…The scribes and Pharisees watched him, [Jesus] whether he would heal on the Sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him." Luke 6:7

The clapperclawing I have personally been the recipient of from a few Churches or internet forum members who literally and actively hate anyone who questions their ideas; or who isn’t "good," has almost been enough to make me see no value in Christian teachings anymore; or in asking questions to find out what they are.

The central teaching of Christ’s life and ministry was how to get, and how to manifest this "unfeigned love" and to put this into our daily, and into our church practice. Jesus wants us to be a message; not just to "have" a message. He does not want us to "keep the faith;" if we don’t intend to give it away!! This is the most popular religion we see these days: "Keep the faith." Yet, if you don’t give it away; as soon as you get it; it is a selfish religion.

The later development of faith and experience within each one of us, is as much the central teaching of Christ, by His Spirit, (Heb.9:13), as were any of the words spoken by Him upon the hills of Galilee, or in the synagogue of Capernaum; or wherever; and as we follow Jesus into the inner sanctuary of instruction; the "school of Christ" would be quite embarrassed should uncertainties arise as to who Jesus really was. We see this confusion running rampant in today’s world; and in today’s Church.

As I study, even just limiting my study to the Book of John; I am seeing that we must earnestly attempt to realize the actual life of John, and the specific circumstances under which the gospel, through him was composed; and then it will follow that we understand better how this process of development must have actually taken place in the heart and life of the inspired writer.

To do this; within this post; I will briefly look at the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead, in the book of John to show how we become a message; how we are to internalize the central teaching of our Lord.

One thing is for sure; if today’s disciples can no longer listen (to His Word) with that old trustful security that they were literally hearing Him; (Jo.13:23), and being taught by Him as is truth in Jesus; (Jo.1:17); then what claims could we make now upon the central teaching of Christ?

" So everyone may be able, through his own experience, to "set his seal to this, that God is true." John 3:33, A. R. V. He can bear witness to that which he himself has seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ. He can testify: "I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was supplied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied; the Bible is to me the revelation of Christ. I believe in Jesus because He is to me a divine Saviour. I believe the Bible because I have found it to be the voice of God to my soul." (8T.321.004-.005).

This is why I have reached some conclusions about the central teaching of Christ as being Who He is, as opposed to what we do. I do agree that His life and ministry reflect that we must "love one another;" but can this really be done "as He has loved us" if we do not know, or if we are not convinced that He is just; and the Justifier?" (Rom.3:26)

Let’s take the story I have chosen as an example here:

"When the Lord is about to do a work, Satan moves upon someone to object. "Take ye away the stone," Christ said. As far as possible, prepare the way for My work. But Martha's positive and ambitious nature asserted itself. She was unwilling that the decomposing body should be brought to view. The human heart is slow to understand Christ's words, and Martha's faith had not grasped the true meaning of His promise.

Christ reproved Martha, but His words were spoken with the utmost gentleness. "Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" Why should you doubt in regard to My power? Why reason in opposition to My requirements?

You have My word. If you will believe, you shall see the glory of God. Natural impossibilities cannot prevent the work of the Omnipotent One. Skepticism and unbelief are not humility. Implicit belief in Christ's word is true humility, true self-surrender.

"Take ye away the stone." Christ could have commanded the stone to remove, and it would have obeyed His voice. He could have bidden the angels who were close by His side to do this. At His bidding, invisible hands would have removed the stone. But it was to be taken away by human hands. Thus Christ would show that humanity is to co-operate with divinity. What human power can do divine power is not summoned to do. God does not dispense with man's aid. He strengthens him, co-operating with him as he uses the powers and capabilities given him." DA.535.001-.003

Jesus said in Jo.13:35 "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Most of the world has no idea anymore what or who is a true disciple of Christ. Hollywood and Disney Productions, and others; easily mix up the multitudes these days about the central teaching of Christ.

Continuing with the story of Lazarus; we begin to unlock some clues as to why the central teaching of Christ is within the concept of humanity, cooperating with divinity, thereby eliminating any possibility of deception in our claim to being a "Christian;" and establishing forever the fact that the Father is just, and the Justifier of them which believe in Jesus

"The command is obeyed. The stone is rolled away. Everything is done openly and deliberately. All are given a chance to see that no deception is practiced.

There lies the body of Lazarus in its rocky grave, cold and silent in death. The cries of the mourners are hushed. Surprised and expectant, the company stand around the sepulcher, waiting to see what is to follow.

Calmly Christ stands before the tomb. A sacred solemnity rests upon all present. Christ steps closer to the sepulcher. Lifting His eyes to heaven, He says, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me." Not long before this,

Christ's enemies had accused Him of blasphemy, and had taken up stones to cast at Him because He claimed to be the Son of God. They accused Him of performing miracles by the power of Satan. But here Christ claims God as His Father, and with perfect confidence declares that He is the Son of God.

In all that He did, Christ was co-operating with His Father. Ever He had been careful to make it evident that He did not work independently; it was by faith

and prayer that He wrought His miracles. Christ desired all to know His relationship with His Father. "Father," He said, "I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me. And I knew that Thou hearest Me always: but because of the people

which stand by I said it, that they may believe that Thou hast sent Me." Here the disciples and the people were to be given the most convincing evidence in regard to the relationship existing between Christ and God. They were to be shown that Christ's claim was not a deception" (DA.535.004 - DA.536.001).

Do people see that we, the church are cooperating with the Father; as did Jesus? We must not busy ourselves so deceptively to show we have the truth; as we should be showing how that we know THE Truth. (Jo.14:6, 15:5, 17:3). "Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for

we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." Jo.4:42

God is just; and the Justifier; through His Son. It is eternal life to know Him; (Jo.17:3), not to "love one another." In many Churches; that’s just another "program." We can only, and really "love one another;" as we know Him. Do we really know Jesus? Is He really "dear" to us as we so piously pray every day:

"Dear Jesus….?"

May 31, 2006

The "Love in Action" principle and the "Self-sacrifice in Love" principle must be qualified, of course, because even God-haters can love and help one another and even sacrifice their lives for the good of others, all noble attributes not attributable to Satan, except when others are harmed or killed. These are just some of the ways the world can observe that Christians are practicing at least some of what they preach. Obviously, misguided church-goers/forum-posters in the attack-mode generally do not understand these principles, and instead prefer the raw flesh their sometimes carnivorous natures require.

Here's another important principle that is the Heart of Christianity, and indeed, God's entire Kingdom. It's the Law of Take to Give/Give to Take. It's the Circle of Life that EGW mentions in Desire of Ages, ch. 1.

This Take to Give principle is what Jesus did for us. He gave us the chance for eternal life by sacrificing himself as Satan's ransom demand during the hostage negotiations to rescue mankind. We in turn, can accept this gift and serve him with eternal gratitude. When we discard our mean-spirited natures and finally die to self and can properly serve him on Earth, he takes us into his Kingdom. As our One-and-Only King in the next life, he will serve us, as we serve him, in our respective capacities.

Because they already have all the possessions they need, and far more, while the poor have nothing, or nearly nothing, the rich will have a difficult time making it to the New Kingdom. They may give some of their wealth away, but they tend to keep most of it for themselves. They’re used to getting everything that they want. What's needed is for them to use their resources to benefit the poor, the sick, the homeless, etc., except what’s needed for their own basic survival. And where do the rich get all that money from? From all of us, including the poor, who have to pay higher prices than needed, even for the basics of life.

In the next life we will have little or no personal possessions. That’s why we shouldn’t waste our money on them here.

But that's another good idea, David, that Jesus' central teaching is Who He Is, the only human-born Son of God who came to the Earth to live among us in order to save us. That gives him the authority to teach us the requirements to enter his Kingdom.

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Quote:

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Now wouldn't that be a rude awakening, to find out you've become an alien's (God's) slave in the next life. I wouldn't worry, though, because God will take very good care of us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First of all, how in the world did you get the above from reading what I posted? God is # 1 because He is the servant of all. He lives to serve...He lives not for himself, but His creation.

Secondly, does your statement subtlety imply that God didn't take very well care of us in the past?

Rob

It was just an idea, not necessarily a response to your quotes.

Satan, we understand, created evil from selfishness/jealousy/pride as a result of being passed up for a promotion. He, of course, convinced many others that they were slaves, victims of unjust laws, and not free individuals. Thus, the Great Rebellion followed, where Satan, the Abraham Lincoln of the Galaxy, freed one third of the slaves in God's Land. In winning their freedom, though, they lost God's protection and acquired the deadly Virus of Evil, a terminal disease.

That's why our life records are so closely examined, to prevent the reoccurrence of this disease which will have cost the lives of so many individuals, both human and extraterrestrial.

May 31, 2006

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...our life records are so closely examined, to prevent the reoccurrence of this disease which will have cost the lives of so many individuals, both human and extraterrestrial.

If our records are examined none of us will make it!

Sin will not happen again because,

1] The saved know and understand the principle behind sin and the disaster it brings.

2] At the 2nd coming we lose our egocentric, self-loving natures.

Rob

May 31, 2006

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2] At the 2nd coming we lose our egocentric, self-loving natures.

Rob

<hr /></blockquote>I am not too sure that the timing referenced here would be correct? <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> This does happen; but at what point in "time" do we lose our "old man?" Rev.22:11 seems to suggest that it happens before the second coming. We have to do all our changing before Jesus arrives.<blockquote>Quote:<hr />

Rev.22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

May 31, 2006

<blockquote>Quote:<hr />

...I am not too sure that the timing referenced here would be correct? <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> This does happen; but at what point in "time" do we lose our "old man?"

Paul: 1 Cor 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep [some of us will be alive], but we shall all [:"red"]be changed[/], [When?] 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump [at the 2nd coming]: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we [who are living] shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

<blockquote>Quote:<hr />

Rev.22:11 seems to suggest that it happens before the second coming. We have to do all our changing before Jesus arrives.

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Are we righteous "in Christ" or are we righteous in ourselves? Right, by faith! Those whose faith has remained until the end will be saved.

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