Results 421 - 440 of 1003
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Rowdy Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
421 | Why did God wait to send the Holy Spirit | Joel 2:28 | Rowdy | 113863 | ||
I'll take a shot at answering your questions if I may. First of all, I don't believe the Holy Spirit works in our lives to a miraculous degree, at least not nearly as frequently and to the level of public viewing as He did in the timeframe of the Bible. But I do think he helps us avoid sin by strengthening our conscience and reminding us of what we've studied in God's Word. I've mentioned before in other posts; I believe any miracles in today's world is manifested directly from the Godhead to the recipient here on earth, with no 3rd party human participating other than by prayer. Second point is why Jesus' death ushered in this dispensation with the Holy Spirit involved in this way. I think we need to see God's plan for all of mankind much like we see our children grow and mature. When our children are very young, we start them out by having them pick up their toys and do very simple chores which have to be described in very specific terms, listing each task separately and follow up on them constantly. As these kids grow and mature, they take on more and more responsibilities and learn to do their chores, homework and other tasks that show them to be growing toward ultimate adulthood. Then they're finally out on their own like mine are now and very rarely do they need our advice and counsel. Our God sees His creation in the same way. He wants all mankind to grow up and get away from our addiction to this physcial world and actually learn to prefer thinking about and preparing ourselves for the next, the spiritual world. He's building our home in Heaven with that goal in mind. He started out in the Garden of Eden with a very personal one-on-one relationship with Adam and Eve. We all know where that went and we all do our part of that ruination every day, every hour of lives that we don't live perfectly like Christ Jesus. Next Jesus came to this earth to seek and save the lost, to show us the Way, the Truth and the Life. His Words sum it up best: when we see Christ through faith, we see the Father. Thus we learn instead of getting an "eye for an eye," we are to forgive our enemies and try to lead them to Christ by living an imitation of Christ. Now that Christ was made the perfect sacrifice and provided the perfect redemption plan to go back home to our Father, we must live that living sacrifice till He decides to take us to that home in Heaven. The perfect Assistant in this process is the Holy Spirit. As I've mentioned in other posts, He helped out much more prominently during the first century with miraculous powers bestowed on a select few, the Apostles and those onto whom they laid their hands. His main purpose in doing that was to confirm the fact that the words they spoke and the deeds they performed, the acts of worship they established had His seal of approval. Now that we have the Holy Scriptures, "completely furnished unto every good work," we don't need that close up support of miracles. We have historical documents, credible testimonies and archelogical artifacts proving the truth and the origin of the Bible as coming from the Holy Spirit. Basically in summary, again, our God wants us to graduate from this world of the finite, physical limitations and look forward to a world of the infinite and spiritual where God truly does rule everything. Here in this world, God allows the Devil to rule, at least in the hearts of mankind that don't want God in their lives. But in the next world, the Devil will be reduced to nothing just like all the rest of the world who reject God. So you see, that's why it took so long to send Jesus. God has His own time table; we can't rush it nor can we slow it down. We just say "Yes, Lord, your will be done." By the way, while He wants us to graduate to that next world, He also wants us to wait for His signal that we go; we DON'T get to choose. I hopes this helps. Good questions and God bless. |
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422 | Why did God wait to send the Holy Spirit | Joel 2:28 | Rowdy | 114017 | ||
I don't really have any answers to your question. As I've stated in my profile and in some of my posts, I've spent a lifetime in studying God's Word and maybe a little bit of human behavior. Over the years I have noticed some trends in the way God and humans interact now and in the way they acted in the OT. I may have drawn some conclusions but I think they seem to have a "ring of truth." Like I mentioned I don't really have any real answers that neatly address your specific question. Who could possibly fully describe why God does now and why He did things the way He did in the OT. I assume you've already read my previous posts on this subject in which I depicted a number of strange and unusal actions on the part of our Lord. So, the standard cop-out almost anyone gives at this point is to cite the fact that God's thoughts are far, far above ours and we'll just have to wait until Judgment Day to ask God Himself. God bless. |
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423 | Amos 6-7 repentance relented | Amos | Rowdy | 109073 | ||
The main message of Amos is the same as most of the minor prophets. God was trying to send a message telling his Israelite children he wanted their obedience rather than their artificial piety and token sacrifices. God's relenting just meant He was willing once again to grant mercy and forgiveness in spite of His repeated promises of their reaping what they had sown. I don't really see any good in keeping count of the number of times God did this. Thanks be to God, He continues to be patient and merciful with us in spite of our nation going the other way. In spite of our taking prayer out of schools and love for justice out of our court system, putting up with corruption in our government and blessing homosexuals in our society. Hopefully, our country will continue re-discovering God and the pendulem will go back the other direction. If we continue following the footsteps of the Roman Empire, we're certain to face the same end result. Looking over my words just now, I seem to sound like a doomsday prophet but then I'm sure that's how the minor prophets sounded to Israel. Will we take heed of God's warnings? Will we learn from our own world's history or are we doomed to repeat it? Only God knows. Maybe if we all pray for mercy and repent for our children's sake. God bless. |
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424 | Yet Another Opinion on Baptism, Part 1 | Amos 1:1 | Rowdy | 131064 | ||
Excerpts from a book review, Part I From: Bobby Valentine Date: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:56 am Subject: Unveiling Glory: A Review Greetings Cyberfriends and family, Unveling Glory: Visions of Christ's Transforming Presence by Jeff Childers and Frederick Aquino (ACU Press, 2003). On one level the book is well written. It is easy to read and the authors do a fine job of presenting a challenging subject to a reader who is unfamiliar with Christological issues. But we are not interested in just the finesse of the prose but in what the authors are trying to say. The burden of the book is that the life of Jesus Christ matters to Christian discipleship and how we "do" church. This is, in my view, a very healthy and sound position to take. Jesus did not just come to demonstrate his authority to empower the apostles to give a new law, he himself is central to the entire "equation." Through the Incarnation we learn fundamental truths about the nature of Christian existence as the new humanity. I personally think this section of the book is among the most needed in our fellowship. The book also looks at Jesus as our Teacher and ourselves as Learners (disciples). This again is very good material. Here again the concern of the authors that Jesus matters himself for the church is quite evident. We all agree that Jesus matters, that is not the issue and we should be clear on that. However what the authors, I think, wish to make clear is that Jesus himself is the church's Teacher, not simply his empowered apostles. This is important because some (not all) brethren will relegate the teaching of Jesus in the Gospels as "before the cross" and not binding. But these authors challenge this view . . . I think correctly. Jesus' teaching on living in the kingdom is for the Christian, not just Jews in Palestine in the first century. Please check out Part II. Rowdy |
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425 | Yet Another Opinion on Baptism, Part 2 | Amos 1:1 | Rowdy | 131068 | ||
Excerpts from a book review, Part 2 From: Bobby Valentine Date: Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:56 am Subject: Unveiling Glory: A Review Chapters 6 and 7 focus on the meaning of the atonment and resurrection. I thought again the authors did an admirable job with complex issues. They did not oversimplify but did try to communicate that Jesus death and resurrection are not just historical facts but have meaning for Christian living right now. Their call to "imitate" Jesus in his resurrection is a needed call to live the new life we begin in baptism with Christ. What the authors challenge us to avoid is reductionism. They correctly point out that we have often debated the essentiality of baptism but rarely the meaning of baptism. If what these authors write in chapter 3 is a "dismissing" of baptism I wish for more dismissing!! Hardly dismissing baptism these authors challenge us to look at our daily discipleship through the lens of baptism. We live baptismal lives. There actual words (though they say much more) are: "Baptism is not just a command to be obeyed, an essentail requirement to be checked off the list. Baptism is important because, in its essence, it connects the disciple to Jesus Christ. That is its basic meaning and key to its significance. Discussing baptism's essentiality reveals little, but looking into its essence can open our eyes to see the power of Jesus to cleanse and renew broken lives . . . " (pp. 58-59). The authors tell us three things begin as we "enter the waters with Jesus." First, we are reborn by water and Spirit by experiencing the washing of rebirth and renewal (p. 62). This certainly does not sound like a dismissing the essentiality of baptism . . . the authors just move us BEYOND that debate to say how does this moment continue to impact my life. Second, "in the water" we join Jesus . . . we become connected to him (p. 63). Third, "taken under the water, we . . . meet him in his death and resurrection" (p. 63). Following this the authors challenge a number of false dichotomies that are often constructed. They make some very good and insightful comments that salvation (and thus baptism) is both a divine and human moment. For example: "Baptism initiates us into the new humanity by connecting us with the Second Adam. It is not primarily an act of obedience that qualifies us for salvation. It is not like a lever we throw to receive the membership card that will gain us entry at the pearly gates. Nor is it a mere external human work, to be downplayed due to an emphasis on God's grace . . . the picture we get in the baptistry should match the one we get at the Jordon, where the fragmants of our humanity are being put back together under God, not broken further apart." (pp. 67-68). After a number of observations on real discipleship and truly dismissing the notion of "cheap grace" the authors spend considerable time on the implications of baptism for daily living. This is a needed thing in many churches. Here is one example: "Discipleship is not one-sided. It does not begin with us. Discipleship begins with the Lord. It is a response to the commitment God has already made to us, founded on a relationship and a covenant established in a muddy river in a tiny country where one who is both God and man humbled himself in the waters of baptism." (p. 77). We do the same. This book, while not flawless, should be welcomed by all who want to think through the implications of Jesus of Nazareth for living for God. I invite you to read this book for yourself. I pray you do. Shalom, Bobby Valentine Milwaukee, WI Ut omnes unum sint (John 17.21, Vulgate) End of review. I'd be interested in your opinions if you've read the book. God bless. Rowdy |
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426 | Yet Another Opinion on Baptism, Part 2 | Amos 1:1 | Rowdy | 131098 | ||
Quoted from your post: Ephesians 1:12-14 That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. Eph 1:13 In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Scripture supporting my response below: Heb 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, Heb 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 9:15 For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Heb 9:16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. Heb 9:17 For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. Notice in particular Eph 1:14 and Heb 9:15-17. Don't you see our Lord died and left His Last Will and Testament in which He bequeathed to you, me and everyone in the whole world, past and future an eternal life with God in Heaven IF we meet His qualifications as a receipient. Yes, of course it's a Gift from God but we must accept it and just like in a court of law on Judgment Day, our God and ultimate Judge will be looking for those that have put on His Son's blood in accordance with His Words. How will our Lord and Father distinguish us from other sinners? God's children will have obeyed His and His Son's commands, and those whom He placed in charge when Jesus left this earth. Do continue studying. Remember we'll all be judged by ALL the words of the NT on Judgment Day. Thus we should represent a fully balanced Biblical view on these very important subjects, especially to those who don't know God's Word. Also we'll be held accountable for teaching error and promoting false doctrine. God bless. Rowdy |
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427 | Visions through angelic messengers only? | Obad 1:1 | Rowdy | 131100 | ||
Please believe me! I already realize you're probably getting tired of seeing this kind of message and you may be getting tired of seeing responses from me. But I've seen most of your posts and have noticed you do have a rather zealous way about you. This Forum is used by folks with a wide spectrum of education, maturity (both spiritual and physical), and personalities. You have received at least a half dozen warnings and counsels from several reasonably well balanced people of this Forum. So I find myself joining in this resounding chorus. No matter what you may think, "a rose by any other name is still a rose" my friend. And your constant overuse of ALL CAPS in your Forum posts and statements is very definitely shouting. You've already noticed that practically all of us do use an occassional word in all caps to emphasize a point. But this should be use lightly like salt and pepper on food. When it's overdone like as in your posts, the end result is repulsive and is rejected without much adieu. So I would consel you my friend, if you really are serious about trying to win numerous people over to your way of thinking and your opinions, I would refer you to the words of Paul. 1 Cor 9:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. I do hope you'll take this advice in the same spirit with which it is given...in love. (Not mine, I'm just trying to imitate God's love.) Me? I'm more inclined to dismiss you altogether but my God forgave me and I used to be just like you in my younger days. God bless. Rowdy |
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428 | Visions through angelic messengers only? | Obad 1:1 | Rowdy | 131105 | ||
Dear friend, I was sincerely trying to help you but apparently you don't want to heed the wise counsel of the majority on the Forum or even to the words of Paul so I must leave you on your own. I regret loosing you as a reasonable student with whom to spar and sharpen swords. Go in peace my friend. I'll not be responding to any more of your posts on this Forum but I do pray for that God blesses you with wisdom and understanding. Rowdy |
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429 | Visions through angelic messengers only? | Obad 1:1 | Rowdy | 131120 | ||
I will grant you one thing. You seem to be learning not to shout so much on your posts. Keep studying and praying, dear friend. God bless. Rowdy |
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430 | Last part of Jonah | Jon 4:10 | Rowdy | 116325 | ||
In addition to Sir Pent's excellent post, I'd like to add the Lord's commentary from the famous parable, The Prodical Son from Luke. Luke 15:25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' 28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' 31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'" You see the Israelite nation had developed a rather "exclusive" relationship with God, or at least in their mind, it was exclusive. They didn't want to share any of the benefits/blessings of God with the rest of the world of gentiles; that includes most all of us. God from the beginning intended to bless the whole world with the ultimate benefit of salvation with His Son's sacrifice. That's made pretty plain with curse on the serpent in the Garden of Eden. But of course, the Jewish nation got rather hooked on this feeling of superiority and wanted the Messiah to lead them to conquer their whole world and be their physical king here on earth. So we can see some correlation between God's handling of Jonah and the way the Prodical Son's father treated his older son. God bless. |
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431 | your understanding of zechariah chptr 11 | Zechariah | Rowdy | 133222 | ||
I just re-read it. To me it sounds a rather harsh lament over the loss of the Israelite nation by our Lord. Toward the latter portion of the chapter, I believe if I'm not mistaken there's a prophecy about Judas' coming betrayal for 30 pieces of silver and the potter's field where he was buried. When one thinks about it, it's kinda amazing that the scribes and leaders of the Israelites didn't pick up on all these prophecies...as they were being fulfilled. But there again, we probably would NOT have done any better. What special item or question did you wish submit under the microscope for discussion? God bless. Rowdy |
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432 | the truth about tithes | Mal 3:8 | Rowdy | 110525 | ||
The only guidance I see in Malachi 3 is general about how we as mankind should think about money. I see no specific references to the contribution to the Lord but regardless, I would refer you the NT. We need to see the NT as have more authority on all matters, especially when there's a contrast between the OT and the NT. I don't think there's any specific numerical amount, percentage or any other specific formula to reflect our giving to the Lord's church. However, we are given examples of collections being made so we really should follow that example, as being a command. Another factor to be considered is the fact that Christianity is a better law than that of the Law of Moses, with a much better High Priest and a much better promise of eternal home in Heaven. So it's only logical our devotion to this new and better Law of Liberty should be reflected in our giving. BUT let me stress our giving should be ultimately a private matter between us as individuals and our God. You probably already know the basic scriptures on this subject of giving, i.e. being a cheerful giver, etc. If by chance you're talking about one particular person who has deceived you in spite of your being brothers in God's kingdom, that's a different matter. In this kind of situation, you must follow Matt 18:15-17 as a last resort. But our Father would really prefer that we follow Paul's advice in 1 Cor 6:1-11, unless the wrongs perpetrated by this individual is harming the church. We need to do whatever is best for the overall body of our Lord. Hope this helps. God bless. |
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433 | Bible to be taken literally? | Matthew | Rowdy | 111482 | ||
I would refer to John 19:29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. and Col 2:13-15. In summary the Law of Moses couldn't pass away until the perfect sacrifice was made to fulfill God's perfect sense of justice. Now that the Law of Moses has been fulfilled and is no longer effective, Christ's rule in His Kingdom is in full power. Thus we will be judged by His Words as he predicted. Also we are to follow the doctrine and teachings of the Apostles, His only representatives sent to fulfill their commission. God bless. |
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434 | what is going to happen when Jesus retur | Matthew | Rowdy | 117643 | ||
Very, very good response. Amen. --Rowdy | ||||||
435 | spending and saving money | Matthew | Rowdy | 119536 | ||
Another good scripture on the subject from Paul 1 Tim 6:6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Notice money is a root but not the only root. So it's a matter of attitude toward God. Instead of worry about the physical things of this world, Jesus tells us in Matt 6:31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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436 | Gods promises in new testment about pros | Matthew | Rowdy | 122210 | ||
Matt 6:33 is a good start but a much more thorough discussion is cited in the latter verses of Matt 19. God bless. --Rowdy |
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437 | Hades shall not overpower the church? | Matthew | Rowdy | 123170 | ||
Apparently God has already created and reserved a special place call Hell for Satan and ALL those who would follow him, including demons and human beings. There's no chance that Satan can win over God in this battle as the he has already lost. The only thing to be decided is who all goes with him. See below. 2 Pet 2:4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; As for Matt 16:18, I quote here from the "Bible Commentary for clarification although it may be authoritative, it does seem to complement what the rest of the NT says about the matter. Beginning of quote: Jesus promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (assembly). Some have viewed this as the inability of hell to overpower the church and see the church as being on the defensive against Satan. However, the phrase "'shall not prevail" may be understood as meaning, "shall not stand against." The imagery would then picture the church as being on the attack against the gates of hell. Here hell (Gr hades) probably represents the kingdom of Satan, not just death and the grave. While Jesus' resurrection certainly will overcome the sting of death, it will also enable His church to aggressively and offensively attack the gates of hell by snatching out victims from darkness into His glorious kingdom of light. One does not attack with gates; he defends. It is the church which is on the attack here and hell is on the defensive. End of quote. Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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438 | The number 3, what does it signify? | Matt 1:1 | Rowdy | 109965 | ||
I'm afriad you're going to have to give us more to go on. What is the context of your question? What are the circumstances that are motivating you to ask such an unusual question? | ||||||
439 | i just dont understandthe verse. | Matt 1:1 | Rowdy | 119213 | ||
Cited for reference and context: Matt 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: "Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 "Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11 "And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 "As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 "If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 "Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. 16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 "But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. 20 "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. This chapter describes what is known as the "Limited Commission." You might say this was God's last ditch effort to try to bring His Israelite children back to repentance of their sins as cited in verses 5 and 6. This also afforded the disciples (future Apostles) with a prelude of experience for the start of the church after Christ wraps up His ministry here on earth. So in verse 21, Jesus warns his disciples that the cost will be high for those few that choose Jesus and His Father instead of continuing their life of sin away from Him. Throughout His ministry, Jesus maintains this kind of talk and makes it plain to all His disciples as in Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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440 | i just dont understandthe verse. | Matt 1:1 | Rowdy | 119214 | ||
Cited for reference and context: Matt 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: "Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 "Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11 "And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 "As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 "If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 "Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. 16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 "But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. 20 "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. This chapter describes what is known as the "Limited Commission." You might say this was God's last ditch effort to try to bring His Israelite children back to repentance of their sins as cited in verses 5 and 6. This also afforded the disciples (future Apostles) with a prelude of experience for the start of the church after Christ wraps up His ministry here on earth. So in verse 21, Jesus warns his disciples that the cost will be high for those few that choose Jesus and His Father instead of continuing their life of sin away from Him. Throughout His ministry, Jesus maintains this kind of talk and makes it plain to all His disciples as in Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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