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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | why do we have to call Jesus -Lord Jesus | Rom 10:9 | DocTrinsograce | 209739 | ||
Dear Meta, I believe it was you who mentioned Zacchaeus as one who would espouse the superiority of emotion over thought. It seemed a bit out of left field to me, but then I am fine with rabbit trails. I assumed that he somehow did have bearing on the question, since you brought him up. I congratulate you on your experience with varying stripes of Jewish people. As I am a Jewish person -- saved by God's grace alone, through faith alone, by the completed work of Christ alone, and to God's glory alone -- I trust you will grant me the leeway to focus on text of the Bible. You see, our forum is rooted in sola Scriptura. Our doctrine is drawn solely from the text of the Bible. You asked, "Why would he have to know anything" (sic) From Luke 19 we may understand that Zacchaeus knew the following: 1. He knew something about Jesus and His ministry, for it was knowledge that had attracted the man's attention (v3). The chief tax collector's curiosity was so keen that he used extraordinary measures to satisfy it (v4). Zacchaeus foresaw an opportunity, quickly devised a plan, hasted to implement it in accommodation of his physical limitations. When does anyone do that kind of thing in absence of knowledge? 2. Many people approached Jesus directly. What knowledge do you think this fellow had that caused such humility (vv 2 and 7)? Without knowledge of the law, he would have had no sense of guilt (Romans 7:7). That sense of guilt is manifest in the choice of action that follows. 3. When Christ singled out Zacchaeus -- note that Christ approached him, not vice versa -- he experienced great joy (Luke 19:6). How would that have been possible if he hadn't known that Jesus had called him? Even the crowd knew the implications of what was going on (v7). 4. The work of conversion in Zacchaeus is worked out clearly and visibly (v8). Zacchaeus calls Jesus "Lord" -- a title that Luke uses repeatedly to affirm the authority and power of the Son. Zacchaeus expresses his godly zeal by his generous offering to the poor. Furthermore, he demonstrates his repentance by his pledge to restore what he had stolen. 5. Zacchaeus demonstrates an understanding of the particulars of the Law in offering to restore fourfold (Exodus 22:1; Leviticus 6:5). 6. Jesus confirms that the blessings of salvation has been gifted to Zacchaeus. In order to please God, the author of Hebrews tells us that a person must KNOW that God is and that He is a rewarder of them that seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Paul tells us, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?" (Romans 10:14a ESV) The gospel is rooted in truth that is heard and understood (Colossians 1:5). Christ says, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32). Note that the Bible never says, "You will feel passion and your passion will set you free." So, I say again, Zacchaeus doesn't help you in your opinion of human intellect. The Scriptures bear out the fact that emotion follows knowledge. Of course, it will take application of thought and of study -- intellect things -- for it to become clear. In Him, Doc PS You've been a member of the forum for a year now. Why don't you update your profile and tell us about yourself and the church you attend? |
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2 | why do we have to call Jesus -Lord Jesus | Rom 10:9 | meta | 209768 | ||
Hi Doc, It is me again. I do need to say something more. I really do see your point. You make a lot of sense. I agree with everything you said about Zacchaus. I also agree that it was a poor choice on my part. My original point was not to devalue intellect or truth or knowledge or study or the scriptures. There sometimes comes a point where faith in Christ finds its expression in ways that do not need to be over analyzed. I asked Jesus to come into my heart and to change my life. I did this in response to a man that has been involved in leading many people to Christ. The original statements said “that would do about as much good as walking down the aisle”. That it was of no value and that it was like asking Jesus to come into a sewer. When that is exactly what He did. My prayer was not based in a great deal of Knowledge. I did believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. All I did was offer up an honest prayer. I went on my merry, way I kept on drinking my beer and smoking my drugs. I wasn't even concerned with repentance or eternal life. I wanted to know Jesus. I was told that if I wanted a relationship with someone who would never leave me, someone I could rely on, that He was the only one. A strange thing happened after I prayed that unscriptural prayer. Suddenly their seemed to be a lot of things happening around me that continued to remind me of Jesus. I somehow obtained a book called who is this man Jesus. It is simply a synopsis of the four gospels laid out in chronological order without repetion so as to have complete scriptural record of the life of Christ according to the gospels. This may not be the most correct way to study the scriptures either. Idid not know any other Christians. I did not go to a church. I did not know personally the man that led me to Christ. However my life started to change. I stopped smoking. I stopped doing drugs. I began speaking to Jesus every night as if He were in a chair in the room. ( I was a counsellor alone in a half way house with hardened criminals). I am sure that is not scriptural either. All of these things that are not supposed to work and here I am decades later still walking with Him. In love with Him and His word and sharing that with others and trying to be more than a hearer only. I understand that this forum is about Studying the scriptures and I intend to join the rest of you in this pursuit. A number of you have asked why I didn’t fill in the profile so you could get a chance to know me better. Hopefully this reply will accomplish more than telling you which church I attend. Thank you, Honestly I mean that. I will now keep my questions and replies to scriptural discussions. |
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3 | why do we have to call Jesus -Lord Jesus | Rom 10:9 | DocTrinsograce | 209832 | ||
Hi, Meta... Thank you for your reply. Human beings really don't live by facts -- as much as we'd like to think we do! We actually live by the interpretation of facts. Interestingly enough, even before the Fall, God explained to our First Father a number of things. Isn't that amazing that the as-yet-sinless, perfect Adam still needed God's explicit direction? Sounds familiar, really, since we, as believers, are attempting to live out our lives by the Word of God -- and so shall we do in eternity. I am very grateful to our Lord for having wrought the work of redemption in your life. It is interesting that you issue disclaimers about things being "not scriptural" (sic). I can think of a number of clear Biblical teachings that coincide with the various experiences you describe. You see, the struggle in each of our lives is ferreting out the lies in our heads with the truth of the Word. We come alongside one another and work together through that process. The reason we ask about the churches that people attend helps us in a twofold fashion: It helps us understand the basic teachings and approach that people have; and it helps us in our prayers for each person and the congregation with whom they gather. In Him, Doc |
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