What are his commandments?

mailmandan · Feb 22, 2024

In regard to Matthew 5:20 - "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven," this statement from Jesus would come as a shock to the multitude of people who had great admiration of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, for their knowledge of the law and seeming righteousness and holiness in external observance of the law, yet Jesus points out their righteousness was defective.

Paul makes it clear in Romans 10:3-4, "For they (Israel) being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who BELIEVES."

We see in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector an example of those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, yet despised others. (Luke 18:9-14) We also see this today with various modern day Pharisees. The righteousness that exceeds the "righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees" (self righteousness) is the righteousness of God which is from God by faith.

Philippians 3:9 - and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.

Romans 3:21 - But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22
even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference.

Romans 4:5 - But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.

Your faith is in law keeping and is not in Christ alone for salvation. You are no better off than the Pharisees. Difference in style, but same in substance - "works based false gospel."

Johann · Feb 22, 2024

SabbathBlessing said:

There is no specific scripture that says the Sabbath has been abrogated. However, some Christians believe that the Sabbath commandment is no longer binding on believers because it is part of the Old Testament law that was fulfilled in Christ. They point to passages such as Colossians 2:16-17, which refers to the Sabbath as a shadow of Christ that is no longer binding since the substance (Christ) has come.

They also argue that the New Testament never commands Christians to observe the Sabbath and that the early church met on the first day of the week (Sunday) rather than the Sabbath. However, other Christians believe that the Sabbath commandment is still binding on believers and that it is a matter of personal conviction and spiritual freedom. They point to Jesus' observance of the Sabbath and the Sabbath commandment being part of the Ten Commandments, which are considered to be moral laws that still apply to believers. Ultimately, the question of whether the Sabbath is still binding on Christians is a matter of theological debate and interpretation of scripture.

You know what really breaks my heart? On every Christian Forum the Law-Sabbath and baptism is foremost-and the gospel of Jesus Christ-Him crucified-Him resurrected seems to be in the background.
Some want to remain in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John-but seldom do I hear mention of the 13 Pauline epistles-
Just my observation.
J.

mailmandan · Feb 22, 2024

SabbathBlessing said:

Old covenant has been made obsolete. (Hebrews 8:13; Colossians 2:16-17)

Who is US? Exodus 20:2 - I am the Lord your God, who brought YOU out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Exodus 31:16 - Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.

Deuteronomy 5:15 - And remember that YOU were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought YOU out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore, the Lord your God commanded YOU to keep the Sabbath day. The ISRAELITES.

Jesus said the sabbath is made for man, specifically the children of Israel. See above. Of course, Jesus kept the sabbath. He was a Jew born under the law (Galatians 4:4) and His faithful disciples were also Jews under the law until the transition was made into the new covenant.

You place your misguided trust in sabbath keeping for salvation and not in the death, burial and resurrection Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

Johann · Feb 22, 2024

mailmandan said:

The statement "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" is found in Mark 2:27. In this passage, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees, who were criticizing Him and His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus' response emphasizes the true purpose of the Sabbath, which is to benefit humanity, rather than to be a burden or a legalistic requirement.

In the Greek text of Mark 2:27, the phrase "the Sabbath was made for man" is translated as "ὁ σάββατος διὰ τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἐγένετο" (ho sabbatos dia ton anthropon egeneto). The word "sabbath" (sabbatos) refers to the seventh day of the week, which was set apart as a day of rest and worship in the Old Testament. The phrase "for man" (dia ton anthropon) emphasizes the idea that the Sabbath was created for the benefit of humanity.

The syntax of the phrase "the Sabbath was made for man" suggests that the Sabbath is a gift from God to humanity, intended to provide rest, refreshment, and spiritual renewal. The phrase "not man for the Sabbath" emphasizes that the Sabbath is not meant to be a burden or a legalistic requirement that dominates human life.

Rather, it is a gift that is meant to enhance human flourishing and well-being.
In terms of cross-references, Jesus' statement in Mark 2:27 is consistent with the broader biblical teaching on the Sabbath. For example, Exodus 20:8-11 emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy and resting on that day. Deuteronomy 5:12-15 also emphasizes the Sabbath as a day of rest and remembrance of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In Isaiah 58:13-14, the Sabbath is described as a delight and a day of honor to the Lord.

In conclusion, Jesus' statement in Mark 2:27 emphasizes the true purpose of the Sabbath, which is to benefit humanity and provide rest and spiritual renewal. The Sabbath is a gift from God, intended to enhance human flourishing and well-being, rather than to be a burden or a legalistic requirement. This statement is consistent with the broader biblical teaching on the Sabbath, which emphasizes its importance as a day of rest and remembrance of God's goodness and deliverance.
J.

Johann · Feb 22, 2024

Johann said:

The statement "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" is found in Mark 2:27. In this passage, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees, who were criticizing Him and His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus' response emphasizes the true purpose of the Sabbath, which is to benefit humanity, rather than to be a burden or a legalistic requirement.

In the Greek text of Mark 2:27, the phrase "the Sabbath was made for man" is translated as "ὁ σάββατος διὰ τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἐγένετο" (ho sabbatos dia ton anthropon egeneto). The word "sabbath" (sabbatos) refers to the seventh day of the week, which was set apart as a day of rest and worship in the Old Testament. The phrase "for man" (dia ton anthropon) emphasizes the idea that the Sabbath was created for the benefit of humanity.

The syntax of the phrase "the Sabbath was made for man" suggests that the Sabbath is a gift from God to humanity, intended to provide rest, refreshment, and spiritual renewal. The phrase "not man for the Sabbath" emphasizes that the Sabbath is not meant to be a burden or a legalistic requirement that dominates human life.

Rather, it is a gift that is meant to enhance human flourishing and well-being.
In terms of cross-references, Jesus' statement in Mark 2:27 is consistent with the broader biblical teaching on the Sabbath. For example, Exodus 20:8-11 emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy and resting on that day. Deuteronomy 5:12-15 also emphasizes the Sabbath as a day of rest and remembrance of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In Isaiah 58:13-14, the Sabbath is described as a delight and a day of honor to the Lord.

In conclusion, Jesus' statement in Mark 2:27 emphasizes the true purpose of the Sabbath, which is to benefit humanity and provide rest and spiritual renewal. The Sabbath is a gift from God, intended to enhance human flourishing and well-being, rather than to be a burden or a legalistic requirement. This statement is consistent with the broader biblical teaching on the Sabbath, which emphasizes its importance as a day of rest and remembrance of God's goodness and deliverance.
J.

For man (dia ton anthrōpon). Mark alone has this profound saying which subordinates the sabbath to man’s real welfare (mankind, observe, generic article with anthrōpos, class from class). Man was not made for the sabbath as the rabbis seemed to think with all their petty rules about eating an egg laid on the sabbath or looking in the glass, et cetera. See 2 Maccabees 5:19 and Mechilta on Exo_31:13 : “The sabbath is delivered unto you and ye are not delivered unto the sabbath.” Christianity has had to fight this same battle about institutionalism. The church itself is for man, not man for the church.
RWP

SabbathBlessing · Feb 22, 2024

Johann said:

Yes, you are correct there is no scripture that says the Sabbath has been abrogated in scripture and God is the one who wrote and spoke His commandment and blessed it and no man has the authority to countermand God. We should not be following other Christians, but following God's Word. That is the light to our path Psa 119:105 outside of that is not of God Isa 8:20

Sadly many Christians cling to Col 2:16 without carefully studying the context or how it relates to the teachings of Jesus. If one did it is obviously it is not about the weekly Sabbath that is a commandment of God. I see you didn't read my post, but I do hope you will consider reading it and read the scriptures, because those who do not come to the truth with be condemned. John 3:18-20 and all of God's commandments are Truth Psa 119:151 and righteous Psa 119:172. Many Christians today depend on their own righteousness and truth, not God's.

I will show you through scripture what the substance that is no longer binding since Christ came.

First, we need to understand what sin is as that is what our salvation is from. We are saved from sin, not in sin. Mat 1:21

Sin is the transgression of God's law 1 John 3:4 and Paul points right to the Ten Commandments to define sin. In scripture when they list one commandment, it means them all James 2:10-12 just like when only one of the greatest commandment is mentioned it means both.

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” Only found in the Ten Commandments Exo 20

If we break one commandment, we break them all even in the New Covenant.

James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty

So sin is breaking God's Ten Commandments and it is what we will be judged by- breaking one we break them all. Jesus in His own Words said the same thing telling us not to break or teach others to break the least of these commandments quoting from the Ten and in doing so one would be in fear of sin and judgement. Mat 5:19-30

Without God's law there is no sin Rom 4:15 which is why it was sin for Cain to murder Abel because God gave him His law of thou shalt not murder- breaking one you break them all as God wrote Ten Commandments- He was very clear on that and added no more after. Deut 4:13 Exo 34:28 Deut 4:22

I can also prove to you the Ten Commandments are in heaven under His mercy seat where justice and mercy will come together. I would not want to remove anything from under His mercy seat because we won't be covered. If you want I can share scriptures that prove this, but I'll move on to Col 2:14-17. Christians start at 2:16 because they don't want to reconcile Paul's words that we are warned are hard to understand and lead many people to destruction, but at the end it will only hurt those who choose not to come to the light on God's Truth.

There is more than on sabbath in scripture. Paul was very careful to provide the details on the sabbath(s) he was referring to which was not the weekly Sabbath that is a commandment of God, written by God's own finger that is holy and blessed. The opposite of the context Paul provided.

It is the annual sabbaths contained in ordinances that were handwritten that have to do with food and drink and holy days which some are also called sabbath(s) that were given after the fall of man written by Moses placed on the outside of the ark as a witness against. This is the context. The weekly Sabbath was placed inside the ark Exo 40:20 and is the only commandment that reveals our Creator and points us back to Creation before sin entered so is not a shadow of anything. Not contrary or against. Not handwritten by Moses. The weekly Sabbath is not nailed to the cross, the apostles kept every Sabbath as they were servants of God and God's people keep God's commandments. Rev 14:12

Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

If we look at verse 17 scripture tells us what this points to

Col 2:17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

Please read carefully because this tells us exactly what it points to the context of Col 2:14-17

Hebrews 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
But a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You had no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—
In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
To do Your will, O God.’ ”
8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, [b]O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been [c]sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

What was taken away at the Cross? Animal sacrifices for sin. They always pointed forward to Christ whose blood can take away the sins of the world. So now in the New Covenant instead of bringing an animal offering for sin we have Jesus who is our High Priest and Advocate who we can go to when we sin and repent which means a change of heart and direction. It's why the New Covenant is established on better promises, not better laws because God's law is perfect for converting the soul Psa 19:7 because God is perfect- He could not personally write an imperfect law. It's why its still a sin in the NC to break the least of these commandments Mat 5:19-30 breaking one is like breaking them all James 2:10-12 and why there is no scripture that says the Sabbath commandment has been abrogated. It was predicted the Sabbath would be changed Dan 7:25 but not by God. Sadly there is only a remnant left who keep God's commandment Rev 12:17 God is calling us out of our false teachings Rev 18:4 because He is coming back soon. The Sabbath shows we are worshipping the true God Eze 20:20, the only God who has the power to sanctify us Eze 20:12 the only God who has the power to create heaven and earth Exo 20:11 and the same God of our Judgement Rev 14:12

I pray you consider these scriptures in prayer.

SabbathBlessing · Feb 22, 2024

SabbathBlessing said:

Yes, you are correct there is no scripture that says the Sabbath has been abrogated in scripture and God is the one who wrote and spoke His commandment and blessed it and no man has the authority to countermand God. We should not be following other Christians, but following God's Word. That is the light to our path Psa 119:105 outside of that is not of God Isa 8:20

Sadly many Christians cling to Col 2:16 without carefully studying the context or how it relates to the teachings of Jesus. If one did it is obviously it is not about the weekly Sabbath that is a commandment of God. I see you didn't read my post, but I do hope you will consider reading it and read the scriptures, because those who do not come to the truth with be condemned. John 3:18-20 and all of God's commandments are Truth Psa 119:151 and righteous Psa 119:172. Many Christians today depend on their own righteousness and truth, not God's.

I will show you through scripture what the substance that is no longer binding since Christ came.

First, we need to understand what sin is as that is what our salvation is from. We are saved from sin, not in sin. Mat 1:21

Sin is the transgression of God's law 1 John 3:4 and Paul points right to the Ten Commandments to define sin. In scripture when they list one commandment, it means them all James 2:10-12 just like when only one of the greatest commandment is mentioned it means both.

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” Only found in the Ten Commandments Exo 20

If we break one commandment, we break them all even in the New Covenant.

James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty

So sin is breaking God's Ten Commandments and it is what we will be judged by- breaking one we break them all. Jesus in His own Words said the same thing telling us not to break or teach others to break the least of these commandments quoting from the Ten and in doing so one would be in fear of sin and judgement. Mat 5:19-30

Without God's law there is no sin Rom 4:15 which is why it was sin for Cain to murder Abel because God gave him His law of thou shalt not murder- breaking one you break them all as God wrote Ten Commandments- He was very clear on that and added no more after. Deut 4:13 Exo 34:28 Deut 4:22

I can also prove to you the Ten Commandments are in heaven under His mercy seat where justice and mercy will come together. I would not want to remove anything from under His mercy seat because we won't be covered. If you want I can share scriptures that prove this, but I'll move on to Col 2:14-17. Christians start at 2:16 because they don't want to reconcile Paul's words that we are warned are hard to understand and lead many people to destruction, but at the end it will only hurt those who choose not to come to the light on God's Truth.

There is more than on sabbath in scripture. Paul was very careful to provide the details on the sabbath(s) he was referring to which was not the weekly Sabbath that is a commandment of God, written by God's own finger that is holy and blessed. The opposite of the context Paul provided.

It is the annual sabbaths contained in ordinances that were handwritten that have to do with food and drink and holy days which some are also called sabbath(s) that were given after the fall of man written by Moses placed on the outside of the ark as a witness against. This is the context. The weekly Sabbath was placed inside the ark Exo 40:20 and is the only commandment that reveals our Creator and points us back to Creation before sin entered so is not a shadow of anything. Not contrary or against. Not handwritten by Moses. The weekly Sabbath is not nailed to the cross, the apostles kept every Sabbath as they were servants of God and God's people keep God's commandments. Rev 14:12

Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

If we look at verse 17 scripture tells us what this points to

Col 2:17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

Please read carefully because this tells us exactly what it points to the context of Col 2:14-17

Hebrews 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
But a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You had no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—
In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
To do Your will, O God.’ ”
8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, [b]O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been [c]sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

What was taken away at the Cross? Animal sacrifices for sin. They always pointed forward to Christ whose blood can take away the sins of the world. So now in the New Covenant instead of bringing an animal offering for sin we have Jesus who is our High Priest and Advocate who we can go to when we sin and repent which means a change of heart and direction. It's why the New Covenant is established on better promises, not better laws because God's law is perfect for converting the soul Psa 19:7 because God is perfect- He could not personally write an imperfect law. It's why its still a sin in the NC to break the least of these commandments Mat 5:19-30 breaking one is like breaking them all James 2:10-12 and why there is no scripture that says the Sabbath commandment has been abrogated. It was predicted the Sabbath would be changed Dan 7:25 but not by God. Sadly there is only a remnant left who keep God's commandment Rev 12:17 God is calling us out of our false teachings Rev 18:4 because He is coming back soon. The Sabbath shows we are worshipping the true God Eze 20:20, the only God who has the power to sanctify us Eze 20:12 the only God who has the power to create heaven and earth Exo 20:11 and the same God of our Judgement Rev 14:12

I pray you consider these scriptures in prayer.

The last verse was meant to be Rev 14:7. I wish I could edit posts.

Webers.Home · Feb 22, 2024

~
181» Eph 5:4 . . Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking,
which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

"out of place" is a pretty good way to put it; sort of like a fish out of water,
viz: heavenly people are mature up there, and really ought to be down here.

The Greek word translated "foolish talk" basically means silliness; viz:
buffoonery.

Webster's defines a buffoon as: 1) a ludicrous figure; viz: a clown, and 2) a
gross, and usually ill-educated stupid person; viz: an ignoramus. I think I
would put "gross" high on the list of undesirable buffoon-type behaviors. It's
okay for kids to be gross, but thoroughly unbecoming for a mature adult.

The word for "coarse joking" basically means witticism in a vulgar sense;
viz: ribaldry. Double entendres would probably fall into that category along
with suggestive remarks.

The word for "thanksgiving" basically means gratitude, viz: grateful,
appreciative language.

You know "thank you" is not a dirty word, nor is gratitude a bad habit.
Christ's people should never take the attitude that just because somebody is
doing their job that they don't deserve recognition.

One of my favorite romantic comedies is "No Reservations" starring
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart. Prior to filming, Catherine took a
job waiting tables to get a feel for working in a restaurant.

On several occasions, patrons didn't even look up at her nor speak in a
cordial, courteous tone when they ordered. It struck her as remarkable that
some of the people whom she was serving totally took her for granted and
displayed not the slightest inclination to even so much as acknowledge her
as a fellow human being, let alone express any gratitude for her taking care
of them.
_

Webers.Home · Feb 23, 2024

~
182» Eph 5:5-7 . . For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or
greedy person-- such a man is an idolater --has any inheritance in the
kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with futile words, for
because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Therefore do not be numbered among them.

Immoral is translated from a Greek word related to prostitution, i.e.
naughty.

Impure is from a word related to filth, i.e. dirty habits.

Greedy is from a word related to avarice, i.e. grasping; never content with
enough.

It appears then, that idolatry isn't limited to the respects one might pay to a
tin god like Ganesha, Persephone, and/or Minerva, but includes an all-out
ambition for life's guilty pleasures.

Seeing as it's an absolute certainty that those three impious behaviors are
all hell-worthy; then we must concede they are thoroughly unbecoming for a
people so closely associated with God as are Jesus' followers.

● Col 3:1-4 . . Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your
hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set
your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your
life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears,
then you also will appear with him in glory.

● 1John 3:2-3 . . Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we
will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,
we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this
hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
_

Webers.Home · Feb 24, 2024

~
183» Eph 5:8-9 . . For you were once darkness, but now you are light in The
Lord. Live as children of light (for its fruit is in all goodness, righteousness
and truth)

Goodness is from a Greek word pertaining to benevolence, i.e. kindness.

Righteousness is from a word pertaining to fairness, i.e. lacking bias,
disparity, and or favoritism.

Truth is from a word pertaining to verity, i.e. fact; actual.

When a Christian is exemplifying and/or practicing those three elements of
light, something miraculous is taking place that's best described by the verse
below:

● Rom 8:11 . . If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living
in you, the He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your
mortal bodies through His spirit, who lives if you.

That verse isn't talking about the resurrected bodies that Jesus' followers are
on track to receive in the future. Those bodies won't be mortal; they will be
immortal. So then, the verse is speaking of improvements that take place for
us now, prior to our passing on.

According to Rom 7:5-25 the bodies we have now literally drive us to sin.
However, the Spirit of Him who raised up Jesus is well able to overcome
those drives; thus freeing his followers from slavery to their impulses. (cf.
Jer 31:31-34 & Ezek 36:24-27)

* This liberty doesn't happen overnight. It's a growth process. (Eph 4:11-15
& Gal 4:19)
_

tylerbones1313 · Feb 25, 2024

Johann said:

I agree and disagree. We need to hear more about Jesus Christ and Him Crucified and Resurrected. But at the same time the proper understanding of Scripture on baptism is fundamental for your Christian walk. Plus we need to keep in mind that the bible speak of Judaism (Jews) being partially blind to the truth until the "fullness of the Gentiles" a future event.

Romans 11:25
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Romans 11:25 is a complex verse.

Context: This verse is part of Romans 11, where Paul explores God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles. He argues that God's faithfulness to his promises extends to both groups despite Israel's rejection of Jesus.

Key components:

Mystery: Paul refers to God's plan as a "mystery," something not fully understood by humans but revealed in scripture.
Blindness in part: This refers to the spiritual blindness of a portion of Israel, meaning not the entire nation. They have not recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
Until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in: This suggests a temporary situation where God's focus is on bringing the Gentiles to faith in Christ.

Interpretations:

Partial hardening: Some interpret this as a temporary hardening of Israel's hearts by God to allow for the Gentiles' salvation. It's seen as a loving act, preparing Israel for a future acceptance of Christ.
Fulfillment of prophecy: This interpretation sees the "blindness" as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about Israel's temporary rejection of God. Their hearts will eventually be softened, leading to their salvation.
Continuing unbelief: Some interpret this as describing a continued unbelief in Israel until the end times, when all will be saved. However, this contradicts other verses affirming God's future restoration of Israel.

Considerations:

The meaning of "fulness of the Gentiles" is debated. Some interpret it as the complete number of Gentiles destined for salvation, while others see it as a significant number witnessing God's grace before Israel's restoration.
The verse emphasizes God's sovereign plan and his faithfulness to his promises to both Israel and the Gentiles.
It doesn't necessarily imply a superiority of the Gentiles over Israel or a permanent separation between the two groups.

Conclusion

Romans 11:25 offers a complex perspective on God's relationship with Israel and the Gentiles. While interpretations vary, the key message is that God's plan encompasses both groups and ultimately leads to salvation for all who believe.

It's important to remember that this interpretation is just one approach. Consulting different sources and perspectives can help you form your own understanding of this verse and its meaning in the context of Christian theology.

My Signature------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noone on Earth brings new revelation, that isn't already revealed through the Word of God, which is fullest revelation given to man. Through the moving and operation of the Holy Ghost, I Pray what we say here brings the truth of these Revelations, truth by truth, or precept upon precept, to the heart of the hearer. Lay what we say before the feet of Jesus (Word of God) and compare, the Bible is Always truth, so if they don't match, we need to reevaluate our stance. What we say or do here will have lasting impact upon the believer and sinner alike. We most certainly have freedom of speech, but any true christian will weigh what they say against the Word of God and if they don't agree God is not in error, and we need to pray for understanding. Those that have more meat of the Word can help those who are struggling, if done with humility, peace and love. I don't mind a peaceful debate, but when we start to argue amongst each other that is not the Spirit of God. God Bless and Peace to you all. (This signature is in general and not pointing fingers at anyone at anytime. God Bless.)
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Webers.Home · Feb 25, 2024

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184» Eph 5:10 . . Find out what pleases The Lord.

You know how to make God happy? Easy: just give Him what He wants;
that's how Jesus did it.

"He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do
always those things that please Him." (John 8:29)

This is speaking of the process of discovery, i.e. research and investigation;
which involves learning by means of books, sermons, lectures, seminars,
radio Bible teachers, Sunday school classes, and personal Bible reading.

"Seek The Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the
wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to The
Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely
pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My
ways-- declares The Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are
My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa
55:6-9)

This work has to include the Old Testament in order to avoid the possibility
of missing important principles because that which pleases The Lord isn't3
limited to commandments carved in stone.

● Rom 15:4 . . For whatever things were written before were written for our
learning

● 1Cor 10:11 . . Now all these things happened to them as examples, and
they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have
come.
_

Johann · Feb 25, 2024

tylerbones1313 said:

Agree.

tylerbones1313 said:

Agree-

tylerbones1313 said:

Agree--AI is a wonderful tool-wouldn't you say?

tylerbones1313 said:

Agree-
Shalom
J.

CorrectiveLens · Feb 25, 2024

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
What is His word? To Love God first and everyone else as one loves himself. Baptism in the name of the Father is when the Father chooses by granting repentance. Baptism in the name of the Son occurs when one believes that Christ's death means forgiveness of sins for those who believe. Baptism in the name of the Holy Spirit occurs when one is filled with the Holy Spirit of the Father and Son so that they both reside in the heart of that person and fill it with divine love so that all thoughts and actions are motivated by love thus perfecting the person by his obeying the Spirit of the Law (upon which all the commandments are based. The Father chooses, the Son erases, and the Holy Spirit perfects. We know that we are part of Christ's spiritual body and both the Father and Son reside in us (through the Holy Spirit) because we can feel the love in and out of us. If you don't feel it, it isn't there.

Remember 1 Cor 13, it doesn't matter what you do if you don't do it with love in your heart.

Webers.Home · Feb 26, 2024

185» Eph 5:11-12 . . Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of
darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of what
the disobedient do in secret.

For example: Genesis is mute about the despicable things that the
Sodomites had in mind for the two men sheltered in Lot's home. It's as if
inspiration drew a curtain over Sodom and said: This is just too shocking.
I'm not going to spell out what the people of Sodom wanted that night. You
will just have to use your imagination.

Jude didn't give away much either. He simply, and concisely, wrote that they
were utterly unchaste, and longed for inappropriate relations; even to the
point of having their way with innocent visitors. (Jude 1:7)

I think it's fair to ask just exactly how one might "expose" shameful deeds
without at least identifying them and/or describing them to some degree.

The Greek word for "shameful" basically pertains to indecorum; defined by
Webster's as: impropriety. In other words, despicable acts should never be
described explicitly in polite company, nor in the presence of children; which
quite obviously precludes the use of a pulpit for explicit descriptions since
congregations are an aggregate of men, women, wives, husbands, dads,
moms, and underage children.

I don't think The Lord's instructions forbid any and all mention of despicable
acts. In other words, they don't say that we cannot speak in polite company
about how that the Bible disapproves gays, lesbians, bestiality and
pedophiles, etc. just so long as we don't start describing those disturbing
facts of life in all their lurid detail.
_

Webers.Home · Feb 28, 2024

186» Eph 5:14 . .Wake up, O sleeper! . . rise from the dead, and Christ will
shine on you.

That exhortation seems sort of like preaching to the choir especially when
it's considered that the letter to the Ephesians was written to Christian folk
for whom Paul said all that glowing stuff in the very first chapter.

Sleeper and dead are probably talking about indifference. So Paul's remark
likely targets Christians who honestly think that compliance with their Lord's
commands is not all that important.

● Rom 8:12-13 . . Brothers, we have an obligation-- not to the sinful nature,
to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will
die." ( cf. John 15;1-11)

Christianity is not only a faith to believe in, but it's also a faith to live by

● Jas 2:17 . . Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Dead faith is still a faith, but it's not a vigorous faith, viz: dead faith lacks a
lifestyle that's compatible with divine values. (cf. 1Thess 5:5-11)
_

Webers.Home · Feb 29, 2024

187» Eph 5:15 . . So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who
are wise.

"Wise" of course meaning to live your life in such a way that it counts for
Christ instead of only counting for yourself and/or counting for the world. For
example: if you get pulled into the worlds of corporate management,
political activism, and/or civil disobedience; I can just about guarantee that
your life is not counting for Christ because those are really big distractions
and sometimes its players have to break the law and/or play dirty to be
effective.

The "fools" then can justly be described as people who live with little regard
for scruples; defined by Webster's as an ethical consideration or principle
that inhibits action. For example, the pioneer of a currently very popular
social network stole the idea. That particular theft of intellectual property
broke no laws, but it was unethical, ergo: it was the work of a fool rather
than wise.
_

Webers.Home · Mar 1, 2024

188» Eph 5:17 . .Therefore do not be uninformed, but understand what The
Lord's will is.

In other words: Christians are not supposed to fly by the seat of their pants,
but rather, fly by instruments: viz: fly intelligently; and that entails reading
a driver's manual before attempting to operate a car, so to speak.

Certain kinds of "play books" are essential to one's success. For example war
lords can profit from studying The Art Of War by Sun Tzu, politicians can profit
from studying The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, and socialists can profit
from studying Utopia by Thomas Moore.

Moses instructed his people that there is no need to go on a special "golden
fleece" quest to discover what The Lord's will is; either out in space nor
across the ocean in a foreign land. No, The Lord's will is easily accessible
between the covers of even the cheapest second-hand Bible on the shelves
of a thrift store.

However; no Bible-- no matter how cheap, nor how expensive, nor what
version-- is of any real use if it's not studied. But even systematic Bible
study is quite thwarted when the information isn't heeded.

● Jas 1:22-25 . . Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive
yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do
what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking
at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the
man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and
continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-- he will
be blessed in what he does.
_

Webers.Home · Mar 3, 2024

189» Eph 5:18 . . Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

( It isn't forbidden to drink; only to get intoxicated, a.k.a. hammered. )

Webster's defines "debauchery" as extreme indulgence in bodily pleasures;
e.g. sex, drugs, and alcohol. In this case alcohol. People that can limit
themselves to one drink are very fortunate. For many, that one drink is only
the beginning of the road to AA.

I've heard of studies indicating that some people have a genetic weakness
for alcohol, viz: a natural-born predilection. Nevertheless, drunkenness is sin
and Christians are under orders to subdue it.

● Col 3:5 . . So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.

Why do people get plastered anyway? Isn't it to make themselves feel good
and better able to cope with life's difficulties? Alcohol therefore could be said
to be an antidote to one's existence.

Some of us seem born with a melancholy disposition but that's really not the
same. Real depression literally drives people to suicide.

So in that respect, alcohol is a crutch. I'm not saying a crutch is a bad thing;
I mean, after all, God created Eve as a crutch for Adam so then if all
crutches are bad, then women are bad too. No, crutches per se are not bad;
it's one's choice of crutch that matters.

God's Spirit is a crutch for believers; but His effectiveness is moderated by
their conduct.

● Rom 8:13 . . If you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if
by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,

In other words; Christ's followers should not expect to be filled with the
Spirit when their conduct is unbecoming.
_

Webers.Home · Mar 6, 2024

190» Eph 5:20 . . Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Moses' people were so accustomed to God's providence that they began to
take it for granted, and would get upset with Him when He failed to produce.
Be on your guard; don't let that happen.

"We should not test the Lord, as some of them did-- and were killed by
snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did-- and were killed by the
destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were
written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has
come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
(1 Cor 10:9-12)

"in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" indicates that any and all providence
that comes our way is due to Christ's work on the cross. It was his sacrifice
for the sins of the world that makes it possible for God to come alongside
and bless rather than curse. We don't ever want to forget that.
_

What are his commandments?

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