| Topic: |
Religions > Bible |
| User: |
"Graham Thomas" |
| Date: |
19 Feb 2005 03:15:00 PM |
| Object: |
Follow Jesus' Example |
FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked." 1John 2:6
We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
Yet, all to often many believers persistently cling to Church
tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
stated in the scriptures.
I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
For example:
Was Jesus baptized by full immersion? Ans. YES. Then do likewise.
Was Jesus circumcised? Ans. YES! Then do likewise.
Did Jesus regularly obey the Sabbath? " " "
Did Jesus observe the Passover? " " "
Did Jesus reverence God's Law? " " "
Did Jesus lay hands on the sick? " " "
Did Jesus fast? " " "
Did Jesus advocate the carrying of weapons? (Luk 2:36) " " "
Did Jesus preach the gospel to the Jews? " " "
.. . . Likewise in the negative:
Did Jesus eat pork & shellfish? NO! " " "
Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices? NO! " " "
Did Jesus refrain from criticizing apostate Jews? " " "
Did Jesus appoint women to positions of church authority? " " "
Sure, there are a number of exceptions to this simple rule, e.g.,
turning water into wine when the wine bottle is empty, walking on
water, multiplying loaves and fishes, etc. And neither should we
necessarily be compelled to be silent as lambs before our accusers,
manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Nevertheless, I've
found the DAJD principle can be of great benefit even though it may
run counter to some long-established Church traditions or certain
popular Pauline doctrines. Paul himself recognized that he was not
the ultimate example.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye
baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
Does that last scripture imply a certain degree of lattitude to
occasionally stray from Paul's teachings when they don't appear to
follow Christ's perfect example?
--
Graham Thomas
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| User: "Ninure Saunders" |
|
| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
20 Feb 2005 10:18:59 AM |
|
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In article <qvaf111sp05bt60kopgm20arl5pjkfea5e@4ax.com>, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
-FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
-
- "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
-as he walked." 1John 2:6
-
-We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
-interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
-critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
-what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
-conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
-assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
-possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
-non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
-
-Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
-a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
-are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
-Yet, all to often many believers persistently cling to Church
-tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
-stated in the scriptures.
-
-I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
-conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
-practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
-doctrines.
-
-For example:
-
=========================================================================
(This article is based/was inspired on an article I read almost two years
ago in the newsgroups (usenet).)
Which Law should Christians follow?
It is suprising the number of Christians who do not seem to understand the
difference between the Commadments given to the nation of Israrel as part
of the Old Covenant, and the Commandments given to Christians, between the
Law (including the Levitical Code) given to a race/nation set apart, that
which Law Jesus preached, and taught, and asks that those believe in Him
live by.
Jesus said:
" If ye love me, keep my commandments. " (John 14:15 KJV)
What were these commandments that Jesus was referrring to? Was He, as a
large number of Fundamentalist Christians claim, telling His followers to
keep the Laws of the Old Testament except those involving aninal
sacrifice?
Not according to Paul!!
The Paul of the Bible summarizes God's law for mankind in one verse:
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, "You shall love your neighbor
as yourself." (Galatians 5:14 RSV)
This has become known as the "Royal Law".
If you really fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, "You shall
love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. (James 2:8 RSV)
Jesus Himself went into more detail about what He wants us to do and not
to do. Although we are Òsaved by grace, not by worksÓ if we follow only
the Royal Law we demonstrate our love for what God through Jesus Christ as
done for us.
It is even better if we can also keep all of the Commandments of Jesus,
since is thew way in which we can accomplish two very important things:
1) Demonstrate to non-Christians that we truly are followeres of
Christ.
These Commandments of Jesus have a very special place of high priority
for all Christians because The Lord said, "If ye love Me, keep My
commandments." (John 14:15 KJV). (Emphasis mine)
2) Help bring about God's dominion/kingdom/realm , the same
dominion/kingdom/realm we pray for every time we say the Prayer That
Jesus Taught Us. "Your dominion/jingdom/realm come, Your will be on
earth as it is in heaven."
Jesus also gave the following instructions regarding His Commandments . . .
" Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)
By these words, Jesus tells us that we are to obey all of the Commandments
He gave to His disciples, and that these Commandments apply until the end
of the world and GodÕs domion is fully realized.
Here, then, is a fairly complete list of all the Commandments which Jesus
taught His disciples (us) to observe, obey, and live by. I found these in
an article posted to usenet, where someone had taken the time to do a
study of all four Gospels. They are organized into two groups: the
Universal Moral Law, and the Other Commandments Of Jesus.
A summary of His commandments is given first, then a detailed explanation
of each one (where necessary), with Scriptural references.
It is always possible that a commandment or two may have been overlooked.
So in order to make sure for yourself, please buy or borrow a Bible with
the words of Jesus written in red. Then read the red words first, and see
for yourself! As Jesus said, "the words I speak to you, they are spirit
and they are life." (John 6:63b KJV)
Summary Of The Commandments of Jesus
I. The Universal Moral Law
A. The Law Of Love
"First, love God your Creator more than anything else. Then, love all
other people the same as you love yourself."
B. The Ten Commandments
1. "Do not put anything ahead of God your Creator."
2. "Do not make or worship idols."
3. "Do not take the name of God in vain."
4. "Take one day of complete rest each week, in honor of God."
5. "Honor your father and your mother."
6. "Do not commit murder."
7. "Do not commit adultery."
8. "Do not steal."
9. "Do not tell lies against anyone."
10. "Do not covet other people's
possessions."
C. The Golden Rule
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
II. The Other Commandments Of Jesus
1. "FORGIVE EVERYBODY OF ALL THEIR OFFENSES AGAINST YOU." (Forgive, and
be forgiven.)
2. "YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN."
3. "ABIDE IN ME, AND LET ME ABIDE IN YOU."
4. "LET PEOPLE SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS." (Do not hide your light under a
basket.)
5. "END DISPUTES QUICKLY." (And take to your "problem to the person!!!
Not to everybody else!)
6. "WHATEVER CAUSES YOU TO SIN, GET RID OF IT."
7. "DO NOT SWEAR OATHS AT ALL."
8. "DO NOT RETURN OFFENSE FOR OFFENSE." (Turn the other cheek.)
9. "GIVE WHAT PEOPLE ASK OF YOU, AND GIVE MORE THAN IS REQUIRED." (Go
the extra mile.)
10. "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES AND THOSE WHO WORK AGAINST YOU."
11. "GIVE TO THE POOR TO PLEASE GOD, NOT TO GAIN APPROVAL FROM OTHER
PEOPLE."
12. "PRAY PRIVATELY AND SIMPLY, NOT TO IMPRESS OTHER PEOPLE."
13. "MAKE YOUR PRAYERS BE LIKE THE LORD'S PRAYER."
14. "WHEN YOU FAST, DO IT SECRETLY, NOT FOR SHOW."
15. "STORE UP YOUR TREASURES IN HEAVEN, NOT ON EARTH."
16. "DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR MATERIAL NEEDS."
17. "DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE."
18. "MAKE GOD YOUR HIGHEST PRIORITY, AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR
NEEDS."
19. "DO NOT JUDGE OTHER PEOPLE." (Judge not, lest ye be judged.)
20. "DO NOT GIVE HOLY THINGS TO DOGS OR CAST YOUR PEARLS BEFORE SWINE."
21. "ASK GOD FOR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO HAVE." (Seek, and ye shall find.)
22. "FEED THE HUNGRY, CLOTHE THE NAKED, SHELTER THE HOMELESS, COMFORT
THOSE IN DISTRESS."
23. "FOLLOW THE NARROW PATH TO LIFE." (Enter by the narrow gate.)
24. "BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS."
25. "EXERCISE POWER OVER UNCLEAN SPIRITS."
26. "LOVE LITTLE CHILDREN, DO NOT DESPISE THEM."
27. "DO NOT TAKE THE TITLES 'MASTER' OR 'FATHER' FOR YOURSELF."
28. "RESOLVE DISPUTES IN AN ORDERLY WAY, LIKE THIS . . . "
29. "DO NOT OPPOSE OTHER BELIEVERS IN CHRIST WHO ARE NOT IN YOUR
GROUP." (stop denomination bashing!)
30. "HAVE TOTAL FAITH IN GOD FOR EVERYTHING."
31. "BE LIKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN." (Go, and do likewise.)
32. "LOVE OTHER PEOPLE AS I HAVE LOVED YOU"
33. "EAT BREAD AND DRINK WINE IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME."
34. "WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET."
35. "BE MERCIFUL."
36. "GO AND TEACH ALL NATIONS."
37. "KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS."
38. "BE PREPARED FOR YOUR MASTER TO RETURN."
Details Of The Commandments Of Jesus
The Universal Moral Law
This is the Universal Moral Law regarding your relationship with your
Creator and with all other people on Earth. This law now applies to all
people in all situations, regardless of whatever name they vall God by .
There are three parts to the Universal Moral Law . . .
1. The Law Of Love
2. The Ten Commandments
3. The Golden Rule
THE LAW OF LOVE
"First, love God your Creator more than anything else. Then, love all
other people the same as you love yourself."
(Based on Matthew 22:35-40, restated in Mark 12:28-31 and Luke 10:25-28.
The idea of all people as neighbors is explained in Luke 10:29-37)
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great
commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38 KJV)
"And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew
22:39-40 KJV)
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
Throughout the Old Testament, there are hundreds of "commandments,"
covering all parts of life. Collectively, these make up "the Law" of the
Old Covenant.
However, one group of commandments is very special, and it is known as
"the 10 Commandments." The Book of Exodus records that the Ten
Commandments were given directky to Moses by God, written io tablets
stone, and given to all people forever. The people of Israel placed The
Ten Commandments first, separate and distinct above all others.
Most of The Law of the Old Covenant no longer applies to Christians under
the New Covenant (See Hebrews 8:13, etc.) However, the Ten Commandments
still apply, because they were ratified by Jesus in Mark 10:19 and Luke
18:20 when He said, "You know the Commandments."
The Ten Commandments are given in two different places in the Bible, once
in Exodus 20:1-17 and once in Deuteronomy 5:6-22. The content is the
basically same in both places.
Here is the modern restatement of The Ten Commandments. After this is the
translation of the original text.
The Ten Commandments: Modern Restatement
1. "Do not put anything ahead of God your Creator."
2. "Do not make or worship idols."
3. "Do not take the name of God in vain."
4. "Take one day of complete rest each week, in honor of God."
5. "Honor your father and your mother."
6. "Do not commit murder."
7. "Do not commit adultery."
8. "Do not steal."
9. "Do not tell lies against anyone."
10. "Do not covet other people's possessions."
(Based on Exodus 20:1-17, restated in Deuteronomy 5:6-22. Jesus did not
specifically restate commandments 2, 3, 4 or 10, but it was understood
that He endorsed and followed all of the Ten Commandments.)
EXODUS 20:1-17 (KJV)
The Ten Commandments
1 And God spake all these words, saying,
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt,
out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any
thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is
in the water under the earth
.
NOTE: "Graven images" here means idols, that is things which wee not such
the representations of the Deity, but the Deity Himself/Herself. It
certainly did not/does not mean all drawings or statues, as some have
mistakenly believed. If statues were prohibited, then the two angel
statues on the Ark Of The Covenant would have been prohibited. (See Exodus
25:18-20)
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD
thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the
children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my
commandments.
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD
will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou
shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is
within thy gates: 11
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in
them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the
sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the
land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
NOTE: This clearly was a prohibition against private killing, not against
killing in war, in self defense, or as punishment for breaking the law.
God specifically authorized killing in war (see Deuteronomy 7:2, etc.) and
killing as punishment for certain crimes (see Deuteronomy 13:9, etc.
Today meany Christians and Jews agree that at the very least, this command
forbids murder, but there is a wide variety of opinion regarding war,
capitial punishment, and/or self defense.
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not steal.
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy
neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor
his *****, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
THE GOLDEN RULE
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
(Based on Matthew 7:12, restated in Luke 6:31)
" "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do
ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12
KJV)
The Other Commandments Of Jesus
1. "FORGIVE EVERYBODY OF ALL THEIR OFFENSES AGAINST YOU." (Forgive, and be
forgiven.)
As you forgive other people, God will forgive you.
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12 KJV)
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that
your Father also which in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." "But if
ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive
your trespasses." (Mark 11:25-26 KJV)
2. "YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN."
Simply put, accepting Christ as Savior, and being baptized is being born
again. It can also mean, that if you were baptized as a child, raised as a
Christian, but only when you became an adult did you make a choice to be a
Christian, well then you've been born again.
"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:7 KJV)
3. "ABIDE IN ME, AND LET ME ABIDE IN YOU."
When you accept Jesus and the grace of God into your life, and you committ
to living you life in partnership with Christ, then Jesus abides in you.
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." (John
15:4 KJV)
4. "LET PEOPLE SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS." (Do not hide your light under a basket.)
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 KJV; see
also Matthew 5:15)
5. "END DISPUTES QUICKLY."
This important!!! Failure to end "disputes quickly can not only get you in
trouble (legal or otherwise). Failure to end disputes, clear the air,
resolve problems can let feelings fester, making forgiveness and healing
impossible.
"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that
thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the
altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come
and offer thy gift.Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in
the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the
judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into
prison." (Matthew 5:23-25 KJV)
6. "WHATEVER CAUSES YOU TO SIN, GET RID OF IT."
"And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee:
for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and
not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. "And if thy right hand
offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for
thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body
should be cast into hell." (Matthew 5:29-30 KJV)
7. "DO NOT SWEAR OATHS AT ALL."
"But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's
throne:
"Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it
is the city of the great King.
"Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one
hair white or black.
"But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more
than these cometh of evil."
(Matthew 5:34-37 KJV)
8. "DO NOT RETURN OFFENSE FOR OFFENSE." (Turn the other cheek.)
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for
a tooth: "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall
smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew
5:38-39 KJV)
9. "GIVE WHAT PEOPLE ASK OF YOU, AND GIVE MORE THAN IS REQUIRED." (Go the
extra mile.)
"And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him
have thy cloak also. "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go
with him twain. "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would
borrow of thee turn not thou away." (Matthew 5:40-42 KJV)
10. "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES AND THOSE WHO WORK AGAINST YOU."
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you;
"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he
maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on
the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:43-45 KJV)
11. "GIVE TO THE POOR TO PLEASE GOD, NOT TO GAIN APPROVAL FROM OTHER PEOPLE."
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them:
otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew
6:1 KJV)
12. "PRAY PRIVATELY AND SIMPLY, NOT TO IMPRESS OTHER PEOPLE."
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they
love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets,
that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their
reward.
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast
shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which
seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they
think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." (Matthew 6:5-7
KJV)
13. "MAKE YOUR PRAYERS BE LIKE THE LORD'S PRAYER."
" After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power,
And the glory,
For ever.
Amen."
(Matthew 6:9-15 KJV)
Note that that the major elements of praye are covered in this model Jesus
left for us: Adoration, Confession. Thanksgiving, and Supplication!!!
14. "WHEN YOU FAST, DO IT SECRETLY, NOT FOR SHOW."
" Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance:
for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.
Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." (Matthew 6:16)
15. "STORE UP YOUR TREASURES IN HEAVEN, NOT ON EARTH."
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
16. "DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR MATERIAL NEEDS."
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall
eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor
gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much
better than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26 KJV)
17. "DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE."
That may seem strange, but considering the level of stress that Americans
live under, this certainly makes sense.
This doesn't mean that one shouldn't budget, plan for a vacation.....but
simply that one should not be caught up in such things to the exclusion of
the NOW.
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take
thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof." (Matthew 6:34 KJV)
18. "MAKE GOD YOUR HIGHEST PRIORITY, AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR NEEDS."
" But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33 KJV)
19. "DO NOT JUDGE OTHER PEOPLE." (Judge not, lest ye be judged.)
"Judge not, that ye be not judged.
"For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matthew 7:1-2 KJV)
20. "DO NOT GIVE HOLY THINGS TO DOGS OR CAST YOUR PEARLS BEFORE SWINE."
This is an example of what this means to me:
There are some people who just won't hear the Good News that's God's love
is inclusive. No matter what you say, or how you live, they will insist on
being bigots. (Some say Fred Phelps may change someday for example)
Stop wasting your time on them!!!
"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls
before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and
rend you." (Matthew 7:6 KJV)
21. "ASK GOD FOR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO HAVE." (Seek, and ye shall find.)
Keep in mind tho, that sometimes God says no. When its not in God's will,
when it will hurt you, when what you ask could harm someone else, God will
say no.
But...if you don't ask, you can't get ANY answer!!
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you:" (Matthew 7:7 KJV)
22. "FEED THE HUNGRY, CLOTHE THE NAKED, SHELTER THE HOMELESS, COMFORT
THOSE IN DISTRESS."
"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of
my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world:
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me
drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
"Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison,
and ye came unto me."
(Matthew 25:34-36 KJV)
23. "FOLLOW THE NARROW PATH TO LIFE." (Enter by the narrow gate.)
The wide gate is the gate you simply stumble through, when you are not
paying attention.
Accepting or engaging in homophobia, racism,classism, ageism, nationalism,
homophobia, and sexism is the way "the wide gate". Being apathetic is also
the way of the "wide gate"...
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto
life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)
24. "BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS."
Can we say Exodus International? World Church of the Creator? Christian
Identity?
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15 KJV)
25. "EXERCISE POWER OVER UNCLEAN SPIRITS."
Do something to comfort people, help people, get then the help they need....
"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of
sickness and all manner of disease." (Matthew 10:1 KJV)
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:
freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8 KJV)
26. "LOVE LITTLE CHILDREN, DO NOT DESPISE THEM."
"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto
you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father
which is in heaven." (Matthew 18:10 KJV)
27. "DO NOT TAKE THE TITLES 'MASTER' OR 'FATHER' FOR YOURSELF."
"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master,
even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one
is your Father, which is in heaven.
"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master,
even Christ.
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your
servant.
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased;
and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
(Matthew 23:8-12 KJV)
28. "RESOLVE DISPUTES IN AN ORDERLY WAY, LIKE THIS . . . "
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee,
go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone:
if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
"But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one
or two more, that in the mouth of two or three
witnesses every word may be established.
"And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto
the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let
him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
(Matthew 18:15-17 KJV)
29. "DO NOT OPPOSE OTHER BELIEVERS IN CHRIST WHO ARE NOT IN YOUR GROUP."
......that is stop "denomination" bashing!!!
"And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in
thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth
not us.
"But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a
miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
"For he that is not against us is on our part." (Mark 9:38-40 KJV)
30. "HAVE TOTAL FAITH IN GOD FOR EVERYTHING."
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain,
Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his
heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to
pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11:22-24 KJV)
31. "BE LIKE THE GOOD SAMARITAN." (Go, and do likewise.)
"Then Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." (Luke 10:37b KJV)
This was in reference to the Parable Of The Good Samaritan, who helped and
took care of a man who had been attacked by robbers. (See Luke 10:30-35)
His hearers considered Samaritans worse than Gentiles, unlean and unworthy
of God's love.
32. "LOVE OTHER PEOPLE AS I HAVE LOVED YOU"
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."
(John 15:12 KJV)
33. "EAT BREAD AND DRINK WINE IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME."
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them,
saying, This is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of
me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new
testament in my blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:19-20 KJV)
34. "WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET."
The full meaning of this dramatic command is for us to care for each
other's needs as if they were our own. He also wants us literally to wash
each other's feet.
"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to
wash one another's feet." (John 13:14 KJV)
35. "BE MERCIFUL."
"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:36
KJV) " . . . for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." (Luke
6:35b KJV)
36. "GO AND TEACH ALL NATIONS."
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)
37. "KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS."
"If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15 KJV)
38. "BE PREPARED FOR YOUR MASTER TO RETURN."
"Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye
think not." (Luke 12:40 KJV)
The Law of Moses or the Law of Jesus?
To a very large extent, the choice is up to each and every person:
One can decide that's God's grace is too easy, that the way Jesus is
insufficent fo salvation, and try to live under the Law, which the Gospels
record even Jesus did not do.
OR
One can accept the fact that:
"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it
is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any person should boast.....13 But
now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the
blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath
broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished
in his flesh the enmity, even the Law of commandments contained in
ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby:" Ephesians 2:8-9, 13-16 KJV)
Ninure Saunders aka Rainbow Christian
The Lord is my Shepherd and He knows I'm Gay
http://Ninure-Saunders.tk
Take my polls
http://ninure.100megsfree5.com
My Yahoo Group
http://Ninure.tk
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches
http://www.MCCchurch.org
The Bible Site - help provide free scripture
http://www.thebiblesite.org
To send e-mail, remove nohate from address
.
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| User: "Graham Thomas" |
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| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
26 Feb 2005 06:21:59 PM |
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On 19 Feb 2005 21:15:00 GMT, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked." 1John 2:6
We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
Yet, all too often many believers persistently cling to Church
tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
stated in the scriptures.
I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
For example:
Was Jesus baptized by full immersion? Ans. YES. Then do likewise.
Was Jesus circumcised? Ans. YES! Then do likewise.
Did Jesus regularly obey the Sabbath? " " "
Did Jesus observe the Passover? " " "
Did Jesus reverence God's Law? " " "
Did Jesus lay hands on the sick? " " "
Did Jesus fast? " " "
Did Jesus advocate the carrying of weapons? (Luk 2:36) " " "
Did Jesus preach the gospel to the Jews? " " "
. . . Likewise in the negative:
Did Jesus eat pork & shellfish? NO! " " "
Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices? NO! " " "
Did Jesus refrain from criticizing apostate Jews? " " "
Did Jesus appoint women to positions of church authority? " " "
Sure, there are a number of exceptions to this simple rule, e.g.,
turning water into wine when the wine bottle is empty, walking on
water, multiplying loaves and fishes, etc. And neither should we
necessarily be compelled to be silent as lambs before our accusers,
manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Nevertheless, I've
found the DAJD principle can be of great benefit even though it may
run counter to some long-established Church traditions or certain
popular Pauline doctrines. Paul himself recognized that he was not
the ultimate example.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye
baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
Does that last scripture imply a certain degree of lattitude to
occasionally stray from Paul's teachings when they don't appear to
follow Christ's perfect example?
Can anyone give me a sound reason why your church's doctrine should be
preferred over Jesus' example?
GT
_______________________________________________________________________________
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| User: "Graham Thomas" |
|
| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
02 Mar 2005 11:32:35 PM |
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|
On 19 Feb 2005 21:15:00 GMT, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked." 1John 2:6
We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
Yet, all too often many believers persistently cling to Church
tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
stated in the scriptures.
I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
For example:
Was Jesus baptized by full immersion? Ans. YES. Then do likewise.
Was Jesus circumcised? Ans. YES! Then do likewise.
Did Jesus regularly obey the Sabbath? " " "
Did Jesus observe the Passover? " " "
Did Jesus reverence God's Law? " " "
Did Jesus lay hands on the sick? " " "
Did Jesus fast? " " "
Did Jesus advocate the carrying of weapons? (Luk 2:36) " " "
Did Jesus preach the gospel to the Jews? " " "
. . . Likewise in the negative:
Did Jesus eat pork & shellfish? NO! " " "
Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices? NO! " " "
Did Jesus refrain from criticizing apostate Jews? " " "
Did Jesus appoint women to positions of church authority? " " "
Sure, there are a number of exceptions to this simple rule, e.g.,
turning water into wine when the wine bottle is empty, walking on
water, multiplying loaves and fishes, etc. And neither should we
necessarily be compelled to be silent as lambs before our accusers,
manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Nevertheless, I've
found the DAJD principle can be of great benefit even though it may
run counter to some long-established Church traditions or certain
popular Pauline doctrines. Paul himself recognized that he was not
the ultimate example.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye
baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
Does that last scripture imply a certain degree of lattitude to
occasionally stray from Paul's teachings when they don't appear to
follow Christ's perfect example?
Can anyone give me a sound reason why your church's doctrine should be
preferred over Jesus' example?
GT
_______________________________________________________________________________
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| User: "Graham Thomas" |
|
| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
04 Mar 2005 08:56:17 PM |
|
|
On 19 Feb 2005 21:15:00 GMT, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked." 1John 2:6
We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
Yet, all too often many believers persistently cling to Church
tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
stated in the scriptures.
I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
For example:
Was Jesus baptized by full immersion? Ans. YES. Then do likewise.
Was Jesus circumcised? Ans. YES! Then do likewise.
Did Jesus regularly obey the Sabbath? " " "
Did Jesus observe the Passover? " " "
Did Jesus reverence God's Law? " " "
Did Jesus lay hands on the sick? " " "
Did Jesus fast? " " "
Did Jesus advocate the carrying of weapons? (Luk 2:36) " " "
Did Jesus preach the gospel to the Jews? " " "
. . . Likewise in the negative:
Did Jesus eat pork & shellfish? NO! " " "
Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices? NO! " " "
Did Jesus refrain from criticizing apostate Jews? " " "
Did Jesus appoint women to positions of church authority? " " "
Sure, there are a number of exceptions to this simple rule, e.g.,
turning water into wine when the wine bottle is empty, walking on
water, multiplying loaves and fishes, etc. And neither should we
necessarily be compelled to be silent as lambs before our accusers,
manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Nevertheless, I've
found the DAJD principle can be of great benefit even though it may
run counter to some long-established Church traditions or certain
popular Pauline doctrines. Paul himself recognized that he was not
the ultimate example.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye
baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
Does that last scripture imply a certain degree of lattitude to
occasionally stray from Paul's teachings when they don't appear to
follow Christ's perfect example?
Can anyone give me a sound reason why your church's doctrine should be
preferred over Jesus' example?
GT
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
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| User: "Graham Thomas" |
|
| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
18 Mar 2005 08:22:37 PM |
|
|
On 19 Feb 2005 21:15:00 GMT, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked." 1John 2:6
We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
Yet, all too often many believers persistently cling to Church
tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
stated in the scriptures.
I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
For example:
Was Jesus baptized by full immersion? Ans. YES. Then do likewise.
Was Jesus circumcised? Ans. YES! Then do likewise.
Did Jesus regularly obey the Sabbath? " " "
Did Jesus observe the Passover? " " "
Did Jesus reverence God's Law? " " "
Did Jesus lay hands on the sick? " " "
Did Jesus fast? " " "
Did Jesus advocate the carrying of weapons? (Luk 2:36) " " "
Did Jesus preach the gospel to the Jews? " " "
. . . Likewise in the negative:
Did Jesus eat pork & shellfish? NO! " " "
Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices? NO! " " "
Did Jesus refrain from criticizing apostate Jews? " " "
Did Jesus appoint women to positions of church authority? " " "
Sure, there are a number of exceptions to this simple rule, e.g.,
turning water into wine when the wine bottle is empty, walking on
water, multiplying loaves and fishes, etc. And neither should we
necessarily be compelled to be silent as lambs before our accusers,
manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Nevertheless, I've
found the DAJD principle can be of great benefit even though it may
run counter to some long-established Church traditions or certain
popular Pauline doctrines. Paul himself recognized that he was not
the ultimate example.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye
baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
Does that last scripture imply a certain degree of lattitude to
occasionally stray from Paul's teachings when they don't appear to
follow Christ's perfect example?
Can anyone give me any justification why your doctrines should be
preferred over Jesus' example?
GT
<Guess not.>
_______________________________________________________________________________
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<><><><><><><> The Worlds Uncensored News Source <><><><><><><><>
.
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| User: "Graham Thomas" |
|
| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
12 Mar 2005 02:49:54 PM |
|
|
On 19 Feb 2005 21:15:00 GMT, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked." 1John 2:6
We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
Yet, all too often many believers persistently cling to Church
tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
stated in the scriptures.
I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
For example:
Was Jesus baptized by full immersion? Ans. YES. Then do likewise.
Was Jesus circumcised? Ans. YES! Then do likewise.
Did Jesus regularly obey the Sabbath? " " "
Did Jesus observe the Passover? " " "
Did Jesus reverence God's Law? " " "
Did Jesus lay hands on the sick? " " "
Did Jesus fast? " " "
Did Jesus advocate the carrying of weapons? (Luk 2:36) " " "
Did Jesus preach the gospel to the Jews? " " "
. . . Likewise in the negative:
Did Jesus eat pork & shellfish? NO! " " "
Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices? NO! " " "
Did Jesus refrain from criticizing apostate Jews? " " "
Did Jesus appoint women to positions of church authority? " " "
Sure, there are a number of exceptions to this simple rule, e.g.,
turning water into wine when the wine bottle is empty, walking on
water, multiplying loaves and fishes, etc. And neither should we
necessarily be compelled to be silent as lambs before our accusers,
manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Nevertheless, I've
found the DAJD principle can be of great benefit even though it may
run counter to some long-established Church traditions or certain
popular Pauline doctrines. Paul himself recognized that he was not
the ultimate example.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye
baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
Does that last scripture imply a certain degree of lattitude to
occasionally stray from Paul's teachings when they don't appear to
follow Christ's perfect example?
Can anyone give me any justification why your doctrines should be
preferred over Jesus' example?
GT
_______________________________________________________________________________
Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com - Accounts Starting At $6.95 - http://www.uncensored-news.com
<><><><><><><> The Worlds Uncensored News Source <><><><><><><><>
.
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|
| User: "Graham Thomas" |
|
| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
17 Mar 2005 12:58:04 AM |
|
|
On 19 Feb 2005 21:15:00 GMT, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked." 1John 2:6
We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
Yet, all too often many believers persistently cling to Church
tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
stated in the scriptures.
I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
For example:
Was Jesus baptized by full immersion? Ans. YES. Then do likewise.
Was Jesus circumcised? Ans. YES! Then do likewise.
Did Jesus regularly obey the Sabbath? " " "
Did Jesus observe the Passover? " " "
Did Jesus reverence God's Law? " " "
Did Jesus lay hands on the sick? " " "
Did Jesus fast? " " "
Did Jesus advocate the carrying of weapons? (Luk 2:36) " " "
Did Jesus preach the gospel to the Jews? " " "
. . . Likewise in the negative:
Did Jesus eat pork & shellfish? NO! " " "
Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices? NO! " " "
Did Jesus refrain from criticizing apostate Jews? " " "
Did Jesus appoint women to positions of church authority? " " "
Sure, there are a number of exceptions to this simple rule, e.g.,
turning water into wine when the wine bottle is empty, walking on
water, multiplying loaves and fishes, etc. And neither should we
necessarily be compelled to be silent as lambs before our accusers,
manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Nevertheless, I've
found the DAJD principle can be of great benefit even though it may
run counter to some long-established Church traditions or certain
popular Pauline doctrines. Paul himself recognized that he was not
the ultimate example.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye
baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
Does that last scripture imply a certain degree of lattitude to
occasionally stray from Paul's teachings when they don't appear to
follow Christ's perfect example?
Can anyone give me any justification why your doctrines should be
preferred over Jesus' example?
GT
_______________________________________________________________________________
Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com - Accounts Starting At $6.95 - http://www.uncensored-news.com
<><><><><><><> The Worlds Uncensored News Source <><><><><><><><>
.
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| User: "Graham Thomas" |
|
| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
19 Mar 2005 10:48:10 PM |
|
|
On 19 Feb 2005 21:15:00 GMT, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even
as he walked." 1John 2:6
We've all heard of WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) principle. This is an
interesting moralistic theorem in its basic form but it is ultimately
critically flawed in that each one of us must individually surmise
what Jesus _might do_ in every particular incident. And it's safe to
conclude that not all Christians would always be unanimous in their
assumptions about what exactly Jesus' behavior might be for every
possible situation. More often than not, the result is a
non-scriptural, highly subjective assessment.
Instead, I propose a more assured principle: DAJD (Do as Jesus Did) as
a more defined determinant of doctrinal soundness. As "Christians" we
are supposed to be "followers of Christ" and not followers of mankind.
Yet, all too often many believers persistently cling to Church
tradition (doctrines of men) instead following Christ's example as
stated in the scriptures.
I realize that DAJD will still not resolve all doctrinal/moral
conundrums, however, I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
For example:
Was Jesus baptized by full immersion? Ans. YES. Then do likewise.
Was Jesus circumcised? Ans. YES! Then do likewise.
Did Jesus regularly obey the Sabbath? " " "
Did Jesus observe the Passover? " " "
Did Jesus reverence God's Law? " " "
Did Jesus lay hands on the sick? " " "
Did Jesus fast? " " "
Did Jesus advocate the carrying of weapons? (Luk 2:36) " " "
Did Jesus preach the gospel to the Jews? " " "
. . . Likewise in the negative:
Did Jesus eat pork & shellfish? NO! " " "
Did Jesus offer animal sacrifices? NO! " " "
Did Jesus refrain from criticizing apostate Jews? " " "
Did Jesus appoint women to positions of church authority? " " "
Sure, there are a number of exceptions to this simple rule, e.g.,
turning water into wine when the wine bottle is empty, walking on
water, multiplying loaves and fishes, etc. And neither should we
necessarily be compelled to be silent as lambs before our accusers,
manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit, etc. Nevertheless, I've
found the DAJD principle can be of great benefit even though it may
run counter to some long-established Church traditions or certain
popular Pauline doctrines. Paul himself recognized that he was not
the ultimate example.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul;
and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye
baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
Does that last scripture imply a certain degree of lattitude to
occasionally stray from Paul's teachings when they don't appear to
follow Christ's perfect example?
Can anyone give me any justification why your doctrines should be
preferred over Jesus' example?
GT
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| User: "John Ings" |
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| Title: Re: Follow Jesus' Example |
19 Feb 2005 03:55:54 PM |
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On 19 Feb 2005 21:15:00 GMT, Graham Thomas
<GrahamThomas@cyberlink.com> wrote:
I've found that emulating the life of Christ is a
practical beneficial aid in evaluating the soundness of many
doctrines.
Have you indeed?
Did Jesus speak out against slavery? Ans, NO! Then do likewise?
Did Jesus make promises he didn't keep? Ans. YES! Then do likewise?
Did Jesus urge forcible conversion of pagans? Ans. YES!
Then do likewise?
## Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum.
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