The Teachings of Jesus (TOJ)

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#1
My primary intent in the this thread is to compile a comprehensive survey of the teachings of Jesus (TOJ) rather than to conduct an exhaustive discussion of each one. In fact, I try to be very succinct and abbreviate the verbiage.

I will begin by following the order of the TOJ in the Gospel of Matthew supplemented by unique (non-parallel) teachings in the other two synoptic (similar) gospels by Mark and Luke. Typically, the first instance of a TOJ in Matthew is stated simply, and the reference with any parallel verses (denoted by //) is given in the brackets [ ] that immediately follow. For TOJ which are also taught in the gospel of John or on more than one (non-parallel) occasion in the synoptic gospels, the other passages are cited in rounded brackets { } either at an appropriate place in the discussion or at the conclusion of my comments. Although I am not very concerned about the order of Jesus’ teachings, apparently Luke’s account contains the earliest and latest (in ACTS 1:8) statements of Jesus, so I begin and conclude with these. After analyzing the synoptic gospels, I consider teachings that are unique or clearest from John’s gospel.

The most difficult aspect of the present endeavor is deciding whether a later statement by Jesus should be considered a new teaching or a nuance of a previously cited teaching. Where the nuance or wording seems significant, I list it separately (e.g., TOJ #10 & #81). Some of Jesus’ statements (such as MT 4:19//MK 1:17, MK 1:41-43//LK 5:13-14, MK 4:35, 5:8-9&30) do not seem to be for the purpose of teaching, so they are not mentioned. Other statements that do communicate teachings (such as MK 6:8-11, 11:17 & JN 6:70) seem to be meant or applicable only for that specific historical occasion, so they are not included in the enumeration, either.

It would seem prudent to accept the Bible’s authenticity until and unless there is very good reason to question a portion, such as Mark 16:9-20, which most versions question. I humbly offer my commentary, which incorporates logic as well as teachings found elsewhere in the Bible, hoping that it is inspired sufficiently enough to be helpful rather than contribute to confusion.
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#2
TOJ #1: Jesus is the Son of God. [LK 2:49] Jesus’ first pupils were His parents. By the age of twelve Jesus realized that God was His heavenly Father (in fulfillment of Psalm 2:7). John 1:14 states that God’s Word/Spirit was incarnate in Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is God’s Son, “the exact representation of his being.” Insofar as it is possible for the almighty, immortal and invisible God (1TM 1:17) to reveal Himself in a mortal human (RM 1:3), that person is Jesus (1TM 2:5). Jesus is the fullest possible revelation of the superhuman God (CL 1:19) in the human dimension (PHP 2:7-8). And with God all things are possible that do not contradict who He is (MT 19:26, HB 6:18). The “insofar” of this theophany is sufficient, so that the Son of God (MT 3:17, 17:5) or Messiah/Christ may be considered as Immanuel (MT 1:23) or God the Son {JN 5:17-27, 10:25-38, 14:9f., 17:1-5}. This means that God may be understood as a Triunity (See TOJ #7, #49, #52 & #178).

Regarding Jesus’ humanity the NT story indicates that in order to fulfill a prophecy (IS 7:14) the Holy Spirit implanted a specially created embryo in the virgin Mary, who had not yet consummated her marriage to the virginal Joseph (MT 1:18&25). Jesus’ earthly parents did not understand His relationship with His heavenly Father at first, but at least His birth-mother “treasured all these things in her heart”—as we all should (LK 2:50-52). Of course, every time Jesus referred to God as Father could be cited as teaching this concept, but I will cite only two more passages from John’s gospel {JN 6:32-46, 10:25-38}.

TOJ #2: Obey God’s will. [MT 3:15] Notice that the accounts of Jesus’ baptism in the other gospels (MK 1:9-11, LK 3:21-22, JN 1:31-34) omit this teaching. However, it is a major theme in John’s gospel. {JN 5:17, 17:4} (See TOJ #34 & #153.) By being baptized Jesus taught John and others present that He obeyed God’s will for Messiah to identify with sinful humanity. In John’s gospel Jesus called doing his Father’s will/work His “food” {JN 4:34}. It included giving eternal life {JN 5:19-21,36}. The work of dying Jesus called His “cup” {JN 18:11}, which surely is what was “finished” on the cross {JN 19:30}. Jesus also spoke of His coming obedience unto death (TOJ #54) as a “baptism”. {LK 12:50, MK 10:38-39, 14:36} Obeying God’s will as codified in the Ten Commandments is TOJ #107. Peter taught this truth via a negative example {in MT 16:23//MK 8:33}.

Okay, there is my beginning. Any comments? What do you think will be TOJ #3?
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,693
6,882
113
#3
Where are you copy/pasting these comments from? Would like to know the Book/Article and Author.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,932
860
113
#4
Where are you copy/pasting these comments from? Would like to know the Book/Article and Author.
Possibly from a source called "Truth- Seekers Fellowship".
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#5
Where are you copy/pasting these comments from? Would like to know the Book/Article and Author.
I self-published two physical books in 2005 entitled "The Best Belief" and "The Christian Creed".

Rather than do the same with my third effort entitled "The Teachings of Jesus" and other efforts including "History of Beliefs", I decided to create a website called <truthseekersfellowship.com> that is able to be found searching via Google.

I considered chatting about these and other topics similar to what we do here on Christian Chat, but I am not computer savvy enough. I have no idea how many folks, if any, ever find and peruse the site. (My son is my site manager :^) However, since I use it as my source for cutting and pasting to here, I guess this is my ministry.
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#6
No one guessed, so I will go ahead and post the next four TOJ, which occurred during the "temptation of Jesus".

TOJ #3: Learn God’s Word (LGW). [MT 4:4//LK 4:4] This is the first of four truths Jesus tried to teach the devil during a period of testing in the desert (MK 1:12-13). Satan first tempted Jesus to perform a miracle; just like he tempts us to want to walk by proof rather than by Faith (MT 24:24). However, Jesus indicated that God’s Word is the fuel, food {JN 6:26-27} and medicine for souls, so if we do not LGW, then we will run out of gas, fail to grow and be spiritually sick. Or, in terms of another passage, our house (life) will be destroyed. {MT 7:24-27//LK 6:47-49}

This TOJ prompts the question: what is God’s Word? The NT affirms most of the books in the OT, and most Christians affirm the books in the NT. The next TOJ indicates that “truth” is God’s Word. Some people identify every word in the Bible with truth, but this view ignores the need for an infallible interpretation in order to establish an inerrant canon and to explain discrepancies, such as one instruction to pray for God’s will to be done (TOJ #34) and another to ask for anything (TOJ #51). A perfect revelation might also be expected to have included teachings to head off future controversies, such as “Thou shalt not murder babies in the womb,” or to answer crucial issues, like “God does not prove His will to humanity because doing so would abrogate volition.” (Cf. the next TOJ.)

TOJ #4: Harmonize all truth. [MT 4:7a] Jesus implied this important logical principle to apply when seeking the correct understanding of GW by saying, “It is also written”. If the Spirit of God inspired the biblical writers (2PT 1:20-21) and created the world (GN 1:1-3), then the best interpretation of a TOJ should harmonize the totality of revealed and scientific knowledge.

In his second temptation the devil quoted Scripture (PS 91:11-12) as though he were heeding the TOJ about LGW, but he attempted to deceive Jesus with a false interpretation so He would perform a miracle. Although Jesus did perform miracles, it was only as necessary in order to establish His church so that Christians could preach salvation via saving Faith in the Gospel/kerygma. (See TOJ #77 & #78.)

TOJ #5: Life is God’s test. [MT 4:7b//LK 4:12b] The verse of Scripture to which Jesus alluded (DT 6:16) shows that it is human souls who must prove to God whom they will serve (JSH 24:15).

TOJ #6: Worship only God. [MT 4:10//LK 4:8] The account of the third temptation is slightly fuller in Luke (where it is mentioned second). What Satan claimed in verses six and seven (in LK) are lies. God has not given all authority to Satan; Satan tries to usurp it (RM 13:1-5). The only power Satan and people have is permission to disobey and rebel against God’s authority within limits (GN 2:16-17, 3:22-24, 6:3, 11:6-9, JOB 1:12, 2:6; TOJ #136).
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#7
BTW, as far as I am aware, no one has ever tried to enumerate the TOJ before, but I welcome y'all's participation by way of suggestions or additional commentary. LIC

Over...
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,089
29,423
113
#8
I have no idea how many folks, if any, ever find and peruse the site. (My son is my site manager :^)
Wouldn't a visitor counter be easy enough to incorporate into your site? There used to be a slew
of them available for free. Of course, I am thinking in terms of like twenty years ago LOL.
Things have probably changed a lot since then. Still, it would be an interesting statistic
for you to have data on, and may be worth looking into
.:D
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#9
Wouldn't a visitor counter be easy enough to incorporate into your site? There used to be a slew
of them available for free. Of course, I am thinking in terms of like twenty years ago LOL.
Things have probably changed a lot since then. Still, it would be an interesting statistic
for you to have data on, and may be worth looking into
.:D
I have no idea how to do that, but maybe I will ask my site manager. Thanks for the suggestion.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on TOJ 1-6?
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,512
484
83
#10
My primary intent in the this thread is to compile a comprehensive survey of the teachings of Jesus (TOJ) rather than to conduct an exhaustive discussion of each one. In fact, I try to be very succinct and abbreviate the verbiage.

I will begin by following the order of the TOJ in the Gospel of Matthew supplemented by unique (non-parallel) teachings in the other two synoptic (similar) gospels by Mark and Luke. Typically, the first instance of a TOJ in Matthew is stated simply, and the reference with any parallel verses (denoted by //) is given in the brackets [ ] that immediately follow. For TOJ which are also taught in the gospel of John or on more than one (non-parallel) occasion in the synoptic gospels, the other passages are cited in rounded brackets { } either at an appropriate place in the discussion or at the conclusion of my comments. Although I am not very concerned about the order of Jesus’ teachings, apparently Luke’s account contains the earliest and latest (in ACTS 1:8) statements of Jesus, so I begin and conclude with these. After analyzing the synoptic gospels, I consider teachings that are unique or clearest from John’s gospel.

The most difficult aspect of the present endeavor is deciding whether a later statement by Jesus should be considered a new teaching or a nuance of a previously cited teaching. Where the nuance or wording seems significant, I list it separately (e.g., TOJ #10 & #81). Some of Jesus’ statements (such as MT 4:19//MK 1:17, MK 1:41-43//LK 5:13-14, MK 4:35, 5:8-9&30) do not seem to be for the purpose of teaching, so they are not mentioned. Other statements that do communicate teachings (such as MK 6:8-11, 11:17 & JN 6:70) seem to be meant or applicable only for that specific historical occasion, so they are not included in the enumeration, either.

It would seem prudent to accept the Bible’s authenticity until and unless there is very good reason to question a portion, such as Mark 16:9-20, which most versions question. I humbly offer my commentary, which incorporates logic as well as teachings found elsewhere in the Bible, hoping that it is inspired sufficiently enough to be helpful rather than contribute to confusion.
Separating facts and fiction, I put all those scriptures together
Matthew 4:19

Authorized (King James) Version



And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Read full chapter
Matthew 4:19 in all English translations

Mark 1:17

Authorized (King James) Version



And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
Read full chapter
Mark 1:17 in all English translations

Mark 1:41-43

Authorized (King James) Version



And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;
Read full chapter

Luke 5:13-14

Authorized (King James) Version



And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Read full chapter

Mark 4:35

Authorized (King James) Version



And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
Read full chapter
Mark 4:35 in all English translations

Mark 4:38-39

Authorized (King James) Version



And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Read full chapter

Mark 4:30

Authorized (King James) Version



And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Read full chapter
Mark 4:30 in all English translations

Mark 6:8-11

Authorized (King James) Version



and commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: but be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Read full chapter

Mark 11:17

Authorized (King James) Version



And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Read full chapter
Mark 11:17 in all English translations

John 6:70

Authorized (King James) Version



Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Read full chapter
John 6:70 in all English translations
Mark 6:9-20

Authorized (King James) Version



but be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

The time the place, what was happening and is it meant to still be going on to us through us as believers to the truth
In other words
Am I to go and do the same, take no money, nothing with me put a staff, and find a place top stay, that welcomes me and then either wipe the dust off my feet too or not according to how those their treated me? Or even here on Christtian chat as a matter of fact?

Sorting it out, comes out when I see it printed out, that is some deep dstudy, thanks
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,512
484
83
#11
TOJ #1: Jesus is the Son of God. [LK 2:49] Jesus’ first pupils were His parents. By the age of twelve Jesus realized that God was His heavenly Father (in fulfillment of Psalm 2:7). John 1:14 states that God’s Word/Spirit was incarnate in Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is God’s Son, “the exact representation of his being.” Insofar as it is possible for the almighty, immortal and invisible God (1TM 1:17) to reveal Himself in a mortal human (RM 1:3), that person is Jesus (1TM 2:5). Jesus is the fullest possible revelation of the superhuman God (CL 1:19) in the human dimension (PHP 2:7-8). And with God all things are possible that do not contradict who He is (MT 19:26, HB 6:18). The “insofar” of this theophany is sufficient, so that the Son of God (MT 3:17, 17:5) or Messiah/Christ may be considered as Immanuel (MT 1:23) or God the Son {JN 5:17-27, 10:25-38, 14:9f., 17:1-5}. This means that God may be understood as a Triunity (See TOJ #7, #49, #52 & #178).

Regarding Jesus’ humanity the NT story indicates that in order to fulfill a prophecy (IS 7:14) the Holy Spirit implanted a specially created embryo in the virgin Mary, who had not yet consummated her marriage to the virginal Joseph (MT 1:18&25). Jesus’ earthly parents did not understand His relationship with His heavenly Father at first, but at least His birth-mother “treasured all these things in her heart”—as we all should (LK 2:50-52). Of course, every time Jesus referred to God as Father could be cited as teaching this concept, but I will cite only two more passages from John’s gospel {JN 6:32-46, 10:25-38}.

TOJ #2: Obey God’s will. [MT 3:15] Notice that the accounts of Jesus’ baptism in the other gospels (MK 1:9-11, LK 3:21-22, JN 1:31-34) omit this teaching. However, it is a major theme in John’s gospel. {JN 5:17, 17:4} (See TOJ #34 & #153.) By being baptized Jesus taught John and others present that He obeyed God’s will for Messiah to identify with sinful humanity. In John’s gospel Jesus called doing his Father’s will/work His “food” {JN 4:34}. It included giving eternal life {JN 5:19-21,36}. The work of dying Jesus called His “cup” {JN 18:11}, which surely is what was “finished” on the cross {JN 19:30}. Jesus also spoke of His coming obedience unto death (TOJ #54) as a “baptism”. {LK 12:50, MK 10:38-39, 14:36} Obeying God’s will as codified in the Ten Commandments is TOJ #107. Peter taught this truth via a negative example {in MT 16:23//MK 8:33}.

Okay, there is my beginning. Any comments? What do you think will be TOJ #3?
Eternal teachings of Jesus, what applies still today

Matthew 5:43
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Matthew 5:44
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;
Matthew 5:46
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Matthew 6:5
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.
Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 10:37
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 19:19
Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 22:37
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.
Matthew 22:39
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 23:6
and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues
Matthew 24:12
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Can we see it is we, the "I" "eye" that gets in the way of us and besets us, seeing physically all of man's inventions as when Jesus was taken upon a high mountain to see all the man made kingdoms made and being made.
Can we see the warning in Proverbs 23:1-7 to us each personally and not take some offers unless led tot take them for a purpose from God working God's done work through you, That takes discernment

Matthew 24:12
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Iniquity in this case is selfishness, so deep, one will harm others over gains here on earth and not care for doing that to others, yet act as if they do, if ever caught, "Please forgive me" to get away with it, will not confess it unless caught.
You want freedom, Confess to those you have done wrong to, those that do not know it was you that did it to them. What, I hear going on in thoughts, no way or I better and still do not do it. Face the music and be freed please thanking god all in all to teach each of us personally to choose not have to confess, choose to thank you
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#12
HB,

Slow down, there, good buddy! You are forcing me to get ahead of--Jesus. :^)

MT 4:19 and parallel verses in the other synoptic gospels you cited I include in the next TOJ, so I will go ahead and post #7&8.

TOJ #7: Accept Jesus as the Lord’s Messiah/Christ. [LK 4:18-22, 43] This event is omitted in Matthew and Mark, although the teaching is implied when he calls his disciples to follow him (in MT 4:19 & MK 1:17.

By saying the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 (cf. IS 49:5-7, 52:13) was fulfilled, Jesus was teaching that He is God’s Messiah {MT 16:16a//MK 8:29//LK 9:20}, whose mission is the next TOJ. Jesus asserted this teaching directly {in JN 4:25-26}, and it was also taught by the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. {JN 11:25-44}

Another term for Messiah is Son (TOJ #1), which may be why those who doubted asked, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Although Jesus’ role as God’s Messiah is equivalent to His role as God’s Son {MT 16:16-18}, both terms are significant enough to justify listing these teachings separately. (Also see TOJ #49, #52 & #131.)

TOJ #8: Repent of Sin/Believe GRFS. [MT 4:17//MK 1:15 & LK 4:43] Jesus was sent for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel (good news) about how to be saved from death and hell to eternal life in the kingdom of God/heaven. The way to be saved is to repent of the sin of unbelief or atheism (2PT 3:10-13), and believe—not merely in God’s existence (JM 2:19), but—in the way that satisfies GRFS. Repentance or saving Faith was the central theme of Jesus’ preaching. {MK 1:38} [Are you happy now, SB? :^]

Salvation/heaven was signified by freedom from poverty, captivity, infirmity, sins and their just (miserable) consequences {MT 11:4-6//LK 7:22-23}. Many people scoff at this imperative invitation of Jesus, because “everything goes on as it has since the beginning” (2PT 3:3-4). Unfortunately for them, the miraculous proof they demand will be the second coming of Christ in judgment, when it will be too late to repent of sin/evil that results in the opposite of heaven (TOJ #195).
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,512
484
83
#13
HB,

Slow down, there, good buddy! You are forcing me to get ahead of--Jesus. :^)

MT 4:19 and parallel verses in the other synoptic gospels you cited I include in the next TOJ, so I will go ahead and post #7&8.

TOJ #7: Accept Jesus as the Lord’s Messiah/Christ. [LK 4:18-22, 43] This event is omitted in Matthew and Mark, although the teaching is implied when he calls his disciples to follow him (in MT 4:19 & MK 1:17.

By saying the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 (cf. IS 49:5-7, 52:13) was fulfilled, Jesus was teaching that He is God’s Messiah {MT 16:16a//MK 8:29//LK 9:20}, whose mission is the next TOJ. Jesus asserted this teaching directly {in JN 4:25-26}, and it was also taught by the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. {JN 11:25-44}

Another term for Messiah is Son (TOJ #1), which may be why those who doubted asked, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Although Jesus’ role as God’s Messiah is equivalent to His role as God’s Son {MT 16:16-18}, both terms are significant enough to justify listing these teachings separately. (Also see TOJ #49, #52 & #131.)

TOJ #8: Repent of Sin/Believe GRFS. [MT 4:17//MK 1:15 & LK 4:43] Jesus was sent for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel (good news) about how to be saved from death and hell to eternal life in the kingdom of God/heaven. The way to be saved is to repent of the sin of unbelief or atheism (2PT 3:10-13), and believe—not merely in God’s existence (JM 2:19), but—in the way that satisfies GRFS. Repentance or saving Faith was the central theme of Jesus’ preaching. {MK 1:38} [Are you happy now, SB? :^]

Salvation/heaven was signified by freedom from poverty, captivity, infirmity, sins and their just (miserable) consequences {MT 11:4-6//LK 7:22-23}. Many people scoff at this imperative invitation of Jesus, because “everything goes on as it has since the beginning” (2PT 3:3-4). Unfortunately for them, the miraculous proof they demand will be the second coming of Christ in judgment, when it will be too late to repent of sin/evil that results in the opposite of heaven (TOJ #195).
I just simply posted as was told to post from God through me, that is all folks, not stealing your thunder or ever care to steal anyone's, I give all praise to God and do not care about plaudits or popularity or discredits either
I am a part of the fellowship of the "Unashamed"
The die has been cast
The decision has been made, I have crossed over the line! I will not let up, back away or slow down.
I am a child of the living God by God it is done, not by me ever, not even a modicum
I am finished and done with, low living, cheap giving, dwarfed goals, plaudits, popularity, and small dreams
I now live by Faith in the risen Son only.
Learning this truth daily, trusting God I remain forgiven by God through risen Son for me, amazing grace otherwise it is not amazing
I put whatever is past behind me and move forward in continued trust to God, that he did on that cross take away all sin, all the nasty nines and dirty dozen for us all to be in thankful belief in this gift and see to stand in belief Son is risen where new life is here now for us to walk new in love to all, not a few as flesh only knows how to only love those that love them back
What good is that to say I believe and not love all in truth. Sometime true love is: people do not always get what they ask for
God is sovereign
What is done is done by Son once for us all to ask for the new life without want to have things here and now as if God will reward us as good enough over our doings, that are dung, that be religion I speak of
Phil 3 as Paul gave up under Law, why?????????????????????? read it to see it if God Will reveal it, that depends on motive(s) to me at least I have seen me with wrong motive(s) and thought I was doing better
as in Luke 18:9-14 tells me about and Matthew 18:24-35
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#15
I just simply posted as was told to post from God through me, that is all folks, not stealing your thunder or ever care to steal anyone's, I give all praise to God and do not care about plaudits or popularity or discredits either
I am a part of the fellowship of the "Unashamed"
The die has been cast
The decision has been made, I have crossed over the line! I will not let up, back away or slow down.
I am a child of the living God by God it is done, not by me ever, not even a modicum
I am finished and done with, low living, cheap giving, dwarfed goals, plaudits, popularity, and small dreams
I now live by Faith in the risen Son only.
Learning this truth daily, trusting God I remain forgiven by God through risen Son for me, amazing grace otherwise it is not amazing
I put whatever is past behind me and move forward in continued trust to God, that he did on that cross take away all sin, all the nasty nines and dirty dozen for us all to be in thankful belief in this gift and see to stand in belief Son is risen where new life is here now for us to walk new in love to all, not a few as flesh only knows how to only love those that love them back
What good is that to say I believe and not love all in truth. Sometime true love is: people do not always get what they ask for
God is sovereign
What is done is done by Son once for us all to ask for the new life without want to have things here and now as if God will reward us as good enough over our doings, that are dung, that be religion I speak of
Phil 3 as Paul gave up under Law, why?????????????????????? read it to see it if God Will reveal it, that depends on motive(s) to me at least I have seen me with wrong motive(s) and thought I was doing better
as in Luke 18:9-14 tells me about and Matthew 18:24-35
That's fine; please pay attention to my :^) smiley face.
 

jacko

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2024
1,001
547
113
#16
TOJ #1: Jesus is the Son of God. [LK 2:49] Jesus’ first pupils were His parents. By the age of twelve Jesus realized that God was His heavenly Father (in fulfillment of Psalm 2:7). John 1:14 states that God’s Word/Spirit was incarnate in Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is God’s Son, “the exact representation of his being.” Insofar as it is possible for the almighty, immortal and invisible God (1TM 1:17) to reveal Himself in a mortal human (RM 1:3), that person is Jesus (1TM 2:5). Jesus is the fullest possible revelation of the superhuman God (CL 1:19) in the human dimension (PHP 2:7-8). And with God all things are possible that do not contradict who He is (MT 19:26, HB 6:18). The “insofar” of this theophany is sufficient, so that the Son of God (MT 3:17, 17:5) or Messiah/Christ may be considered as Immanuel (MT 1:23) or God the Son {JN 5:17-27, 10:25-38, 14:9f., 17:1-5}. This means that God may be understood as a Triunity (See TOJ #7, #49, #52 & #178).

Regarding Jesus’ humanity the NT story indicates that in order to fulfill a prophecy (IS 7:14) the Holy Spirit implanted a specially created embryo in the virgin Mary, who had not yet consummated her marriage to the virginal Joseph (MT 1:18&25). Jesus’ earthly parents did not understand His relationship with His heavenly Father at first, but at least His birth-mother “treasured all these things in her heart”—as we all should (LK 2:50-52). Of course, every time Jesus referred to God as Father could be cited as teaching this concept, but I will cite only two more passages from John’s gospel {JN 6:32-46, 10:25-38}.

TOJ #2: Obey God’s will. [MT 3:15] Notice that the accounts of Jesus’ baptism in the other gospels (MK 1:9-11, LK 3:21-22, JN 1:31-34) omit this teaching. However, it is a major theme in John’s gospel. {JN 5:17, 17:4} (See TOJ #34 & #153.) By being baptized Jesus taught John and others present that He obeyed God’s will for Messiah to identify with sinful humanity. In John’s gospel Jesus called doing his Father’s will/work His “food” {JN 4:34}. It included giving eternal life {JN 5:19-21,36}. The work of dying Jesus called His “cup” {JN 18:11}, which surely is what was “finished” on the cross {JN 19:30}. Jesus also spoke of His coming obedience unto death (TOJ #54) as a “baptism”. {LK 12:50, MK 10:38-39, 14:36} Obeying God’s will as codified in the Ten Commandments is TOJ #107. Peter taught this truth via a negative example {in MT 16:23//MK 8:33}.


Okay, there is my beginning. Any comments? What do you think will be TOJ #3?

What does it mean to obey God’s will in plain English… like I’m a five-year-old
 

jacko

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2024
1,001
547
113
#17
No one guessed, so I will go ahead and post the next four TOJ, which occurred during the "temptation of Jesus".

TOJ #3: Learn God’s Word (LGW). [MT 4:4//LK 4:4] This is the first of four truths Jesus tried to teach the devil during a period of testing in the desert (MK 1:12-13). Satan first tempted Jesus to perform a miracle; just like he tempts us to want to walk by proof rather than by Faith (MT 24:24). However, Jesus indicated that God’s Word is the fuel, food {JN 6:26-27} and medicine for souls, so if we do not LGW, then we will run out of gas, fail to grow and be spiritually sick. Or, in terms of another passage, our house (life) will be destroyed. {MT 7:24-27//LK 6:47-49}

This TOJ prompts the question: what is God’s Word? The NT affirms most of the books in the OT, and most Christians affirm the books in the NT. The next TOJ indicates that “truth” is God’s Word. Some people identify every word in the Bible with truth, but this view ignores the need for an infallible interpretation in order to establish an inerrant canon and to explain discrepancies, such as one instruction to pray for God’s will to be done (TOJ #34) and another to ask for anything (TOJ #51). A perfect revelation might also be expected to have included teachings to head off future controversies, such as “Thou shalt not murder babies in the womb,” or to answer crucial issues, like “God does not prove His will to humanity because doing so would abrogate volition.” (Cf. the next TOJ.)

TOJ #4: Harmonize all truth. [MT 4:7a] Jesus implied this important logical principle to apply when seeking the correct understanding of GW by saying, “It is also written”. If the Spirit of God inspired the biblical writers (2PT 1:20-21) and created the world (GN 1:1-3), then the best interpretation of a TOJ should harmonize the totality of revealed and scientific knowledge.

In his second temptation the devil quoted Scripture (PS 91:11-12) as though he were heeding the TOJ about LGW, but he attempted to deceive Jesus with a false interpretation so He would perform a miracle. Although Jesus did perform miracles, it was only as necessary in order to establish His church so that Christians could preach salvation via saving Faith in the Gospel/kerygma. (See TOJ #77 & #78.)

TOJ #5: Life is God’s test. [MT 4:7b//LK 4:12b] The verse of Scripture to which Jesus alluded (DT 6:16) shows that it is human souls who must prove to God whom they will serve (JSH 24:15).

TOJ #6: Worship only God. [MT 4:10//LK 4:8] The account of the third temptation is slightly fuller in Luke (where it is mentioned second). What Satan claimed in verses six and seven (in LK) are lies. God has not given all authority to Satan; Satan tries to usurp it (RM 13:1-5). The only power Satan and people have is permission to disobey and rebel against God’s authority within limits (GN 2:16-17, 3:22-24, 6:3, 11:6-9, JOB 1:12, 2:6; TOJ #136).

What do you mean by harmonize all truth like I’m a five-year-old in plain English?
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,099
5,711
113
#18
What does it mean to obey God’s will in plain English… like I’m a five-year-old
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:18-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Gods Will is that we love other people as if we actually care about them not o my saying we care and love others but our actions is what God desires

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:12-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

in the end if we’re treating other people the right way , with compassion and care not as if we don’t care but as if we do care is Gods Will . To live a life treating others with dignity , compassion , love
 
Nov 1, 2024
646
171
43
#19
What does it mean to obey God’s will in plain English… like I’m a five-year-old
  1. Believe in his son
  2. Treat others like you want to be treated
  3. Don't treat others like you don't want to be treated

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 1 John 3:23
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
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
907
266
63
#20
What do you mean by harmonize all truth like I’m a five-year-old in plain English?
An example on Chat threads of the need to harmonize Scripture is jibing EX 20:8, Remember the Sabbath day by doing no work, with JN 13:34, A new command I give you: Love one another and CL 2:16-17, Do not let anyone judge you with respect to a Sabbath day. This is a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality is found in Christ.

Can you jibe/harmonize these teachings like a five-year-old?