Results 1 - 20 of 22
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: XRing Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | CanIlove my wife more than I love jesus? | Bible general Archive 2 | XRing | 126436 | ||
To be a follower of Jesus Christ, particularly as a disciple, we MUST love Jesus first and foremost in our lives - even ahead of our spouse, our kids, and families. This is not to say we do not love our spouse, kids and families. But as a follower of Jesus, what else separates us from the blind and lost? The unsaved and lost love their spouses and kids. But - your spouse and your kids and families never died on a Cross to pay for all your sins. God's perfect, unconditional and holy love (described in 1 Cor 13) is what we can have for others only when we love Jesus more - meaning to PREFER Jesus in our lives ahead of all others. Why? Because your spouse, kids and families are mere people who also need a Savior. People WILL disappoint us, fail us and let us down - more than once in a lifetime. Jesus IS that Savior - and His love will never fail. That's why - IF (and it's optional, meaning it's really up to us IF we choose to follow and obey, which is a definition of discipleship) we choose to follow Jesus Christ - He must come first in our lives. He enables us to love others in our lives the way we ought. (Not the other way around.) Bear in mind, choosing to follow as a disciple or not does NOT nullify one's salvation. You must be saved to become a disciple, but NOT becoming a disciple does NOT mean you are not saved. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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2 | What's really going on? | 1 Thess 5:18 | XRing | 125106 | ||
I agree with Prayon that as believers, we MUST exercise and walk in great faith, regardless of the circumstances. After all, that's what "walking by faith, and not by sight" means. However, mommapbs brings up an equally valid point in that God's plan and purposes are much higher than what we can know at the time they're unfolding. I mean, Lazarus DIED after being sick... not from a lack of faith, but because it was God's plan that Jesus would raise him in front of many witnesses (including Pharisees), that God would be glorified. I believe exercised and growing faith is vital to all believers in their walk with Jesus Christ. And I believe Jesus Christ is still very much the Master Physician and Healer. His plan may include a season of illness or crisis - but it's for our own good to be sure. Isaiah 38:17 - after King Hezekiah's life was extended, and he had been very close to death, responded: "Indeed it was for my own peace that I had great bitterness; but You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back." Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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3 | BEING PREJUDICE | Prov 14:21 | XRing | 125105 | ||
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28 (KNJV) Neither Jew nor Greek addresses race, creed and culture. (ALL of them.) Neither slave nor free addresses all social and economic classes. Neither male nor female addresses sexism. In the body of Christ, there can be NO distinction or predjudice because as God's Word clearly states - "for you are ALL one in Christ Jesus." It's not the outside that matters. It's the inside. It's a heart condition. God shows no partiality, neither should His kids. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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4 | I won't let go until thou has blessed me | Gen 32:28 | XRing | 125103 | ||
This passage of scripture, from Gen 32:24-29 describes an awesome encounter with Jacob, and a pre-incarnate Jesus Christ, or Angel of the LORD. (He describes Himself to Jacob - without answering what His name is, the same way He did in Judges 13:17-18.) The physical "wrestling match" Jacob had with "a Man" lasted until the sun was about to come up. This signifies or demonstrates something about the character and nature of Jacob. He was incredibly determined to be blessed by God, and literally "fought" to obtain it. Jesus had to "touch his hip" to remove it from its socket (32:25) to end the struggle and break free of Jacob's grasp before the sun came up and revealed clearly His identity to Jacob. Verse 29 tells us Jacob was blessed, and V.28 tells us that BECAUSE he struggled with man and God and prevailed - his name would no longer be Jacob, but Israel. Letting Jacob(Israel) live wasn't the blessing, and the "cost" of Jacob's determination earned him a limp from that day on - but Jacob gives believers today a picture perfect example of great determination in seeking God and not letting go. And no, Jacob wasn't "stronger" than the pre-incarnate Jesus, but just determined to cling to Him. If you've ever been "savagely hugged by a small child, you know what I mean. It's not a matter of strength so much as tenacity and determination. Jesus COULD HAVE flung Jacob to the far side of the world, but THAT would be contrary to HIS loving nature. Jacob was blessed because he earned his blessing - the match wasn't for God's sake, but for Jacob's. (God KNOWS His plan already. Jacob was the one needing the "boost.") Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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5 | Why does God repent in 1 Samuel 35? | 1 Sam 13:13 | XRing | 125098 | ||
That's a great question, and I have always wondered the exact same thing about that verse AND the 1 Sam 13:13 verse. God "would have" established your kingdom over Israel forever. I think the answer is in the context. Of course, God makes NO mistakes, nor is He surprised as His plan is far greater than any mistake any of us could make. However, because God loves His people and has compassion on them when it would seem natural He should want to wipe them out, I believe that God's heart is heavy for the sorrow His people sometimes choose. Of course God's plan was for David to rule with a heart after God's own, and it wasn't even God's idea that Israel should have a mortal king. But the people insisted, and God gave them what they asked for - and his name was Saul. Even though God's plan is greater than our errors and iniquities, and He knows where and when we will stumble and fall, I believe we can "break His heart" or grieve Him with our wanton disobedience sometimes. All that being said to simply say, God is gracious and He has a tender, merciful heart. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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6 | Bible study questions - John 2 | John 2:4 | XRing | 124947 | ||
Examples of study questions for John chapter 2: Q: Why did Jesus respond to Mary with "My hour has not yet come" in V.4? (You asked for questions - not answers, so I'm trusting you'll handle the answers.) Q: What can we learn from V.7 that is clearly demonstrated in just a few words? "Fill," and "they filled them to the brim." Q: How can we determine if the wine Jesus miraculously created was non-alcoholic 'new wine' or fermented wine? Q: Why did Jesus drive the money-changers out of the Temple? What were they doing that prompted Jesus to make His own whip and employ it? Q: What does it mean that "Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men"? That should generate some Bible Study discussion for you - hope this helps. Abounding in His grace. XRing |
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7 | When you die, what happens exactly??? | John 3:16 | XRing | 124364 | ||
Amen, TKBjork! Glory to God for His amazing grace! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but I can rejoice with you that we'll see him again - and we'll all worship Jesus around His throne forever! Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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8 | john3.16 | John 3:16 | XRing | 124363 | ||
Westside, I think the answer to your question can be found in the Amplified Bible's version of John 3:16. Perish is "come to destruction, be lost." Eternal life is "everlasting life." You could also call this heaven and hell. That's why Jesus paid such a great price to save us. Hope this helps. XRing |
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9 | right side why? | Leviticus | XRing | 124362 | ||
The right side simply represents the position of authority and righteousness. (Psa 48:10) Just as Jesus is seated at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), man's right side signifies a reverence for authority. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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10 | Homosexuality and Christianity? | Leviticus | XRing | 124361 | ||
Yes, God is a God of amazing love. Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Because of the Cross of Christ, He's already paid for ALL the sins of all the world. It's no longer a sin issue. God's love for US isn't really the question. It's man's love for HIM that ushers in the great separation. You see, man cannot say with his mouth and mean it that he "loves God" if at the same time he's proud and unrepentant of his sin. Does God still love this person? Of course. But you can't hang on to sin and the Cross at the same time. Believers in Christ are to show and share His great love as well; not judgment or condemnation. That goes for homosexuality as well as ALL other issues that keep the unrepentant heart from God. It's a matter of the condition of the human heart toward what God has done. Not a matter of sin. The issue is what we do in RESPONSE to the great love God has already shown us. Not IF He loves us... Accept it, receive it and let us change us to be conformed into His likeness, or reject it and keep our grasp on our sin. Only two choices we have. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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11 | are the teachers of space exploration a | Ps 19:1 | XRing | 124352 | ||
I wouldn't go so far as to say such sciences are "evil," even if many scientists reject God and His word. Many great minds, like CS Lewis for example, were converted TO a saving faith in Jesus Christ after devoting so much of their life to denying Him. Of course you'll rarely hear in the media how the study of space and especially space travel for astronauts has drawn men of science TO God, rather than pushing them farther away. This awesome universe - all of it - declares God's glory. (Psa 19:1) So, for man to study it and try to figure it out - especially if that study stirs their hearts to know The Creator of it all - can't be in and of itself "evil." Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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12 | Is submission of wives for today? | 1 Pet 3:1 | XRing | 124350 | ||
Joy, I feel your pain and share your confusion if you listen to those who "pick and choose" which scripture is applicable today, and which scripture is somehow null and void due to social or cultural advancements. It's refreshing to know you seek truth - and truth based on God's infallable word. 2 Tim 3:16 - ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Tim 4:3-4 tells what some choose to do by determining for themselves what from God's word still works today, and what is "outdated." Confusion will always result when this happens. I hope to be able to help - if even a little - with the issue of woman's role as wife. Not to make it too simple, but I want to avoid confusion. Submission to God's will and order is NOT slavery. Jesus was not a SLAVE when He washed His disciples' feet - but He did this humble act as "an example" (John 13:15). I believe confusion may be caused by seeing servitude as slavery. One may be a slave and forced to do much against his/her will, and still have a hardened, prideful heart. The scripture - and Jesus' example in John 13 - directs believers to servitude with humility, and to not esteem others better than ourself (Phil 2:3). The wife is to be called by God to be a "helpmate" for the husband. God's order is for the man to be the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church. And God commands the husband to love his wife just as Christ loves the church and gave Himself for her (Eph 5:25). Again, this headship of the man is to be in accordance with God's order and plan - not a license for the husband to be a schmuck, or to be commanded by the wife. The wife's submission to the husband is as a co-laborer in the call to serve God - together. That's what Paul is saying all through Ephesians 5:21-33. Another scriptural example I hope may shed some light on this is found in Romans 13:1-3. In context, Paul is speaking about governing govermental authorities - but as you can see in V.2, "whoever resists the authority resists the ordinace of God." Without going into a bunch of detail on the doctrins of individualization of the soul, Rom 13:1 can suffice. "Let every SOUL be subject to governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and authorities that exist are appointed by God." Considering these verses in Rom 13 along side Ephesians 5, we can see a parallel of God's plan for everyone (husband, wife, man, woman - everyone) for submission. (NOT slavery.) "To be subect to" can be translated to mean - to come into, to merge into a larger life, but still maintaining the individualization of the soul, for the greater good and greater performance. This sort of "subjection" would make any marriage a dynamic force for God's kingdom if each party recognized and accepted that Jesus Christ is REALLY "the boss," and we are to first be subject to Him and His word. Then to one another, and then other governing authorities. The "women's lib movement" from back in the late 60's and into the 70's sent a shockwave through out the world that is to this day STILL challenging the validity, truth and "fairness" of God's word. Most women - especially in America and western cultures - are infuriated at the very idea that they are "supposed to be submissive." This is human pride. Nothing more. It doesn't matter if you're male or female when one has a pride-hardened heart and stands defiant against God's word. (This is likely why Rom 12:21 leads directly into Rom 13:1.) I hope this is helping, and not making it more confusing for you, Joy. God's word is the ultimate authority by which we will be judged. The Holy Spirit has given you this "check in your spirit" to prompt you to find His peace for you in His word for you. Submission does not mean slavery. It's the humble and contrite heart that God looks upon with great favor, and raises up. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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13 | What is Christianity? | John 3:16 | XRing | 124178 | ||
One answer: A "religion" based on Jesus Christ being the Son of God (A member of the Triune Godhead) who bore the sins of the world on a Cross, that all who believe in Jesus would be saved from everlasting death. The fundamental "problem" with religion, be it Christianity or any established basis of behavior, is that it's generally MAN's attempt to get to God based on MAN's efforts and capabilities. This is why I personally am not a supporter of "religion" per se. Man's righteousness is as filthy rags to God.(Isa 64:6) Which leads me to the Second answer: rather than a set of religious principles and traditions and programs made by man to get to God, Christianity is a 'relationship' - personal and intimate - between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and His precious child. In this relationship, man's efforts are not a factor because GOD bridged the gap and came to man to save him. (We call that bridge Jesus Christ!) Man only has to believe and receive - there is no program or procedure. Jesus Christ accomplished all that was needed on the Cross. (John 19:30) You see, there is liberty in the relationship with Jesus (John 8:36). A freedom to experience all that God has already provided for those who know Him closely (John 10:10). Religion, while it may intend to offer liberty, brings with it bondage and restrictions often imposed by man against man. I like to say, "Man gave us religion. God gave us Jesus Christ." I hope this helps. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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14 | scriptures that speaks on the heart of G | John 3:16 | XRing | 124176 | ||
John 3:16 is listed above. That reveals God's amazing love for each of us, to offer such a gift of grace and redemption. Romans 5:8 says 'But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were STILL SINNERS, Christ died for us.' God's love is unconditional, as He GAVE HIS ONLY SON while we were still His enemy in sin. God wants us to be FREE. (John 8:32, 36) Ephesians 1:6 tells us we are ACCEPTED in the beloved. 2 Cor 5:21 'For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us (God became what He hates - just for us) that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Think about THAT! Thanks to the Blood of Christ, believers are seen by God in His righteousness! Rom 8:1 - there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus Nothing nor nobody can separate us from the love of Christ! (Rom 8:35,39) Psalm 113:7-8 'He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may seat him with princes - with the princes of His people.' Both 'raises' and 'lifts' are complete Hebrew verbs - meaning they are perfect, continuing forever - meaning, as many times as we stumble and fall, Jesus Christ is there to not ONLY pick us up and brush us off, but He seats us where HE sees we should be - on a heavenly throne! (Ephesians 2:6 says this too!) Psalm 37:23-24 reiterate God's loving and tender nature to pick us up when we fall, and not cast us down. Ezekiel 33:11 and 2 Pet 3:9 are a couple that reflect God's graciousness and mercy - not desiring that any should perish. God is love. (1 John 4:8) I could go on all night... but I hope this helps. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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15 | When you die, what happens exactly??? | John 3:16 | XRing | 124175 | ||
This is certainly life's MOST important question, to be sure. There are really only two "choices" upon the death of the physical body. For the soul that has believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came and died on the Cross and bore the sins of the whole world, that soul is eternally saved. (John 3:16, Rom 5:8, Acts 4:12) As a believer, when your physical body dies, your spirit (which lives forever) goes to be in the presence of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 5:8) The other choice - and YES, it is a choice - is to reject the Cross of Christ, and the free gift of eternal salvation. Because Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, it's no longer a sin issue. All sins have been paid for. It's now only a matter of accepting Jesus as Savior, or rejecting His gift of salvation. Should that soul who rejects the gift of salvation die before believing on Jesus, that soul is eternally lost and condemned to hell. Lastly, bear in mind that hell was not created for man, but for Satan and his legions - but man choosing to reject salvation accepts by default this fate. Ezekiel 33:11 and 2 Peter 3:9 show us that God takes no pleasure, nor is it His will that any should perish, but it is up to the free will of each person to accept Him and His gift of salvation. I hope this helps you. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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16 | What are the essentials | NT general Archive 1 | XRing | 124172 | ||
I couldn't help notice Hank's excellent response to question of recited creeds versus preaching the Gospel. It's unfortunate that there exists today churches that do not preach and teach the full counsel of God's word, the finished work of the Cross of Jesus Christ, and the Gospel message. However, there are still many churches that do. Reciting a creed, any creed, just like reciting anything else - while it may be a beautiful experience to behold - won't amount to much eternally if souls are not being won to Christ. Being under the sound teaching of the Word of God, where the Holy Spirit of God is invited in and moving in people's hearts to salvation of the lost, and edification of the saints - THAT's what the church should be consumed with. I am not "against" creeds mind you, but they should in no way replace sound Bible doctrine teaching. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the hearts. Hebrews 4:12 Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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17 | did Jesus do something to children when | NT general Archive 1 | XRing | 124171 | ||
I see this question much like the question about the siblings of Jesus Christ. But an interesting point that may (or may not) shed some light on the matter is from the culture of that day, and of generations before Jesus Christ walked the earth as a man. In Hebrew culture, children under the age of 12 years were not counted. Not in geneologies, not in censuses - young children simply "did not count." This very likely why the Gospels share nothing about Jesus' childhood, and I won't address what non-Biblical writings say, because you right to understand they have been "rejected." However, at age 12 - in the Temple, Jesus is likely being "confirmed" - a Hebrew custom of the day. NOW, we learn more about what Jesus is doing. NOW He "counts" and is recognized. Not before that. Make no mistake, however, that because children under 12 yrs were not counted doesn't mean they had no value. That would be a false assumption. But, given the perspective of the culture and kids under 12 yrs of age, now look at Matt 18:2-5. The disciples are trying to determine who among them is the greatest. Jesus responds by taking a "little child" (v.2) and telling His disciples, "unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." And in V.4 "whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." People often like to think of "little cutesy" encounters with Jesus and young kids - and because of His compassion and grace, I'm sure Jesus was adored by kids. However, this is not the point Jesus is stressing to His disciples. He's telling His disciples essentially, "hey look! Stop worrying about which of you is the greatest, and START becoming like one of these little kids that don't even count for anything." Humbling to be sure, but that's how He wants us! Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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18 | God, spouse, children, work, church? | Bible general Archive 2 | XRing | 124169 | ||
Thank you, Ray, for the thoughtful greeting. The Zeph 3:17 scripture wasn't intended to be a part of the post, but simply a cherished scripture to go along with my name - a "signature" if you will. I apologize for any confusion that may have caused. As for preferred translation, I like both you listed. Afterall, God's character and nature as "Mighty One" and "Victorious Warrior" are synonomous. Even Exodus 15:3 - in the Song of Moses - YAWEH is called "a man of war." I am thoroughly in awe and filled with wonder at the majesty and power of such a Mighty God, who is yet so gentle and loving. I guess that's why I love that verse! Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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19 | Death? Where do you go when you die? | 2 Cor 5:8 | XRing | 124168 | ||
(2 Corinthians 5:8) We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. The theif on the cross next to Jesus, just before he was to die, was told by Jesus - Assuredly, I say to you, TODAY you will be with Me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43) And the theif had no time to get baptized, but that's a point for a different question... Lastly, in Luke 16:19-31, Jesus recounts the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Because Jesus used the poor beggar's name - Lazarus, we know this is NOT a parable. Upon the death of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar, each man went directly to their eternal destination. I hope this helps, and don't allow those who promote "soul sleep" to steal your hope and joy! Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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20 | Is The Sabbath On Sunday Or Saturday? | Lev 23:32 | XRing | 124162 | ||
Do I keep one day separate unto Him? Well, yes and no. That is to say, I worship God in His house (AKA Church) on Sunday. BUT – I also worship Him in church on Wednesday and Friday nights. I go soul-winning on Saturdays. I attend other functions and Bible Studies at various times and days during the week. So yes, I separate days unto Him, but no – not just one. They are ALL His. The supporting scripture given of the Day of Rest (Ex 16:28 and Ex 20:8) are both wonderful verses to be sure. True, the practice of honoring God with a day of rest was implemented before the Law was given, and greatly defined after the law was given. However, in both instances, this is addressing a people BEFORE the Cross of Calvary. Do we still honor the Sabbath and keep it holy? Sure we do. Or, I pray we do. Does it then really matter what calendar day we join together to honor and worship God? I’d like to think the calendar day is not nearly as significant as some seem bent on stressing. Why? First and foremost, because of the Cross of Jesus Christ. When Jesus said, It is finished, (John 19:30) He meant His purpose for coming was complete. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law (Matt 5:17), and set us free – those who believe by faith and receive Him. Jesus fulfilled ALL of the law, and by His perfect blood, we now have a new covenant. So, why is there striving and disputing over the law – which Jesus Christ fulfilled – when Titus 3:9 tells us such striving is UNprofitable and useless? 1 Tim 6:20 instructs us to AVOID such contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge. (Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.) How does bickering over Saturday or Sunday glorify God? A house divided cannot stand. Holy day or holiday? For our own pleasure, or His? These are great questions, and the root of which reveals much. The Isaiah 58:13-14 scripture is wonderful. I love those verses. Delighting yourself in the LORD as V.14 tells us is the key we can carry on AFTER the Cross of Christ. (Bearing in mind He fulfilled and freed us from the law.) Psalm 37:4 and 7, Psalm 40:8, and Matt 6:33 are verses which speak to delighting yourself in the LORD and putting His pleasure ahead of our own, and resting in the LORD. In seeking first the kingdom; in delighting yourself in the LORD and His word – we do two things. First, we respond to His initiations in His word, which is what delighting means. And this leads to the second thing – and that is the submission that reveals that doing His will becomes our will and our pleasure. We find His rest there. It’s a beautiful thing, and beautiful place to be – when we delight in His word and His will, and rest in Him. This of course speaks to the vertical relationship with the Living, reigning Son of God – not merely a religious practice for two hours per week that profits nothing. By way of example, Jesus Himself INTENTIONALLY healed people on the Sabbath multiple times. Was Jesus dishonoring the Sabbath, or making a bigger point? The Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28) was making a point to the religious legalists – who knew the law and were filled with knowledge, but were FAR from God’s heart of grace and love. Point being, if your heart is hardened and you are self-centered and prideful, it doesn’t matter if you remember the Sabbath by attending services every day, OR which DAY you remember. God isn’t fooled by it, and men probably see through the show as well. Notice how many times through out the book of Acts that the first Christians gathered to worship God and study His word. On the Sabbath, as was their custom? Yes – and that’s likely why and how such tradition carries on 2,000 years later, BUT other times as well. Daily even. They were not limited to or by the old letter of the law with their worshipping God. Nor should we be. Matt 11:28-30 speaks to the true rest that only Jesus Christ provides. This rest is not limited to or by parameters of man’s temporal calendar. Hebrews 3:11 speaks to the promise of rest God gave His people, and because they were disobedient and hard-hearted, they DID NOT enter into His rest. Hebrews 4 carries on further, explaining that the promise of God’s rest is achieved by FAITH – not by works or legalism. The obedient children were permitted to enter into the land of promise (Canaan) and Joshua led them according to God’s plan, and they found rest. Today, thanks to the Cross of Jesus, believers are born-again INTO the land of promise and rest (Heb 4:9-10). There are no works, there are no hurdles – by faith we receive this, thanks to the Cross of Christ – the Lord of the Sabbath – in whom we have rest, every single day. The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27. Worship God in Spirit and truth. (Every day.) Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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