Do you like surprises? I am in two minds, some surprises are nice - like when the children invite us over or when we can unexpectedly get together. Others are not so good - like cars breaking down or pipes suddenly bursting.
This Sunday in church part way through the sermon, there was a loud bang, the air shook and so did the building, definitely a shock - was it the second coming? No, unless we were being left behind or something. Was it part of the building falling? No, no sign of dust, large pieces of masonry dropping on us. Turns out it was an Air Force jet generating a sonic boom having been sent to intercept an airliner that the air traffic people had lost touch with. I suspect the arrival of a jet must have been a bit of a shock for them.
Jesus told a mixed group of religious leaders and onlookers that their idea of heaven and hell was skewed, that they were in for a shock when the time came as to who would be in Heaven and who would end up in Hell. Just in case we are in any doubt, Jesus also points out that words are not enough, the truth of our faith is borne out in how we act towards each other. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and saviour it is always a life changing experience, our lives, our attitudes, our thoughts and so our actions will change to be more like His.
The shock will be that for far too many, Jesus is going to be saying "I never knew you" on the day of judgement.
This Sunday in church part way through the sermon, there was a loud bang, the air shook and so did the building, definitely a shock - was it the second coming? No, unless we were being left behind or something. Was it part of the building falling? No, no sign of dust, large pieces of masonry dropping on us. Turns out it was an Air Force jet generating a sonic boom having been sent to intercept an airliner that the air traffic people had lost touch with. I suspect the arrival of a jet must have been a bit of a shock for them.
Jesus told a mixed group of religious leaders and onlookers that their idea of heaven and hell was skewed, that they were in for a shock when the time came as to who would be in Heaven and who would end up in Hell. Just in case we are in any doubt, Jesus also points out that words are not enough, the truth of our faith is borne out in how we act towards each other. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and saviour it is always a life changing experience, our lives, our attitudes, our thoughts and so our actions will change to be more like His. The shock will be that for far too many, Jesus is going to be saying "I never knew you" on the day of judgement.
Your focus is on children it seems to me and so you are looking at the scriptures with your own context in mind. Its important to get to the context of the time they were written if we can and then interpret the writing to see how it might speak to us today.
ReplyDeleteIn the passage you mention they are talking about spiritual ancestry - they follow the law of Moses and are descended as the "chosen people" from Abraham. Jesus was telling them all that being descended from Abraham was not going to get them salvation. Salvation is of God, through Jesus death and resurrection, Jesus brought a glimpse of the Kingdom of heaven and also tells us that he will one day come again and renew all things.
All humans sin and fall short of God's glory - God's best from us (Romans 3:22) Rom 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Rom 3:24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Our doing right will not save another, they can only find salvation through Jesus, our example may speak to them, but in the end we have no ability to save, that is a sovereign work of God's Holy Spirit, sent to convict us of our sin and bring us to faith in Christ.
Every Blessing
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ReplyDeleteAs I said previously your "theology" is very different to mine so I am not sure what your point in this discussion is, It is not easy to discuss this online, maybe you need to find a local Christian minister to discuss things with :-). Or you could write your own blog and let others look at your point of view on all of this.
ReplyDeleteEvery Blessing
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ReplyDeleteIn answer then, I believe the bible is true and as I have said I would disagree with your interpretation. I could spend a lot of time explaining why I disagree, but its not my way to do that since just as you will not Persuade me, with the above arguments, to change my understanding, I suspect the same is true of you.
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ReplyDeleteYou can turn computer lights down. They are set so bright for your eyes. Use the best radiation protection possible.
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DeleteHi "C",
ReplyDeleteI am going to be blunt in this reply, since you have continued to add comments. You appear to be so busy with your own thoughts and desires to make scripture what you want it to be that I think you need to start your own blog rather than simply putting your ideas on mine. Much as you are free to have your own opinions, using my blog to give them is not the right way to do that.
And in answer to your many posts ...
You seem to have some big issues with church and pastors and are quite judgemental from the way you write and if I lived near I would talk with you over a coffee or something, but that is not possible.
Perhaps you could consider these words
Psa 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Joh 14:7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."
Trying to convince ourselves that we are "saved" by doing lots of what we consider good has a huge flaw, different cultures and different people have different and conflicting ideas of what is good. One. Often prompted by society, business or just personal desire.
Inviting Jesus into our lives is a beginning, it leads to a better understanding of God's truth and not our own manufactured truths.
I wish you well in your journey
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ReplyDeleteDo you want to read my Creation With Life Poetry Book? If you do let's know and I'll send you my email address and you can have it sent to you. A sample of my poems. It is not written to instruct. It is written because I liked writing since I was sixteen.
ReplyDeleteCreations Plan.
It's calm to me to see the trees,
And walk the scrub with birds and bees.
The rabbits run the kangaroos hop,
The wedgies nest in the tree top.
It's the sweetest rest peaceful and still,
Out of the rush of any will.
Our Trees.
When our trees are fully loaded,
Using up the glorious sun,
Ripens all their fruit up fully,
Living fruit for everyone.
Example names of poems, Careful Driving. Apple Tree.
The Rain. Lightning. Shepherds.
This Book is written not for any kind of belief
separation but it is written to enjoy. enjoy! Thank you!
Thanks for your message, can you tell me more about yourself, anonymous messages are always difficult to respond to with details.
ReplyDeleteI'm the person who wrote all those messages to you ages ago. Thank you for putting up with me although I wrote to many. I'm just a farm person and mother of a 12 year old. I'm in my early 40s. I live in Australia. Let's know if you want my phone to get my email and I can send you my lovely book to enjoy with your family. kindest regards always.
Delete:-) I would be happy to read your poems, how do you want to give me you phone number - you could email me on my church email - thepastor@harlowbaptist.org that would not put it on the internet :-) every blessing.
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