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Post by slowtosee on Mar 8, 2020 18:21:02 GMT -5
Actually science is for the logical brain, art is for the imaginative brain, and religion is for the brainless
Hi Thankfully , science does not support that statement.
“Irreligion (adjective form: non-religious or irreligious) is the absence, indifference to, or rejection of religion. According to the Pew Research Center's 2012 global study of 230 countries and territories, 16% of the world's population is not affiliated with a religion, while 84% are affiliated.”
Alvin
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 18:25:08 GMT -5
Alvin, you are quoting statistics gathered in 2012. Would think they are very much out of date in 2020. Things change fast nowadays.
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Post by nathan on Mar 8, 2020 18:27:54 GMT -5
Nathan, individual Family unity, peace and happiness is one of the most precious things we have on this Earth. It should be protected against anything that will destroy it. It grieves me when I know how my Parents Families were torn apart by the 2x2 Gospel. And the Workers condoned it, said it was meant to happen. Wrong, wrong,always wrong. Well, Jesus warned those who wanted to follow Him to count the cost before they say "YES, I will follow wherever you lead me." Jesus said in Matthew 10: 34-35 "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."Doing the will of God will clash with your unbelievers family wills, and they will hate you for it because you put God first/before them! Therefore, it will bring unrest, hardships and so on.
So, Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Draw closer to God and Christ in these difficult time and trials of your faith, they will give you inner peace, rest and comfort for your souls. A wonderful fellowship with God you can never imagine... I had been there many times myself.
~~ The workers tried to warn those who want to follow Jesus must count the cost before saying Yes, to follow Jesus but fear NOT God, Christ and Holy Spirit will stand by you to give you help, comfort and peace. These tests and trials of your faith come into our lives to TEST and STRENGTHEN our faith and deepen our relationship with God, Christ and Holy Spirit. It's part of our spiritual growth process.
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Post by sharingtheriches on Mar 8, 2020 18:28:30 GMT -5
Surely there’s kittens needing homes around? I’ve been wanting a pet but they’ve tightened city laws around here even for cats so that means increased vet and training costs. Thanks Shaz, but Tigs adopted me. She got things right. If I chose a cat, I would likely get the wrong one. Well if you were to be where the litter is, just see which kittens comes to you and stays near you. As for me, I’ve always had a soft spot for the bashful, backwards pups and kitties. And they’ve always became MY pet. No doubt about it. It was like Id rescued them from something that was beating them down or back.
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Post by sharingtheriches on Mar 8, 2020 18:31:14 GMT -5
The format did change in Calgary and elsewhere I suspect . You didn’t have to kneel to pray anymore ! Yes, that changed back in about the early 1960’s. Also quit having to stand up to give testimony in Sunday’s mtgs. But still in special mtgs and conventions.
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Post by sharingtheriches on Mar 8, 2020 18:34:40 GMT -5
I'm looking forward to some spiritual contributions from those who say it's our attitude to the study that is the problem. 1 Chronicles 1 1 Adam, Sheth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered, 3 Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech, 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 5 The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. 6 And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. 7 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 8 The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. 9 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan. 10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth. 11 And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim, 12 And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim. 13 And Canaan begat Zidon his firstborn, and Heth, 14 The Jebusite also, and the Amorite, and the Girgash-e, 15 And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite, 16 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. 17 The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech. 18 And Arphaxad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber. 19 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan. 20 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, 21 Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah, 22 And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba, 23 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 24 Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah, 25 Eber, Peleg, Reu, 26 Serug, Nahor, Terah, 27 Abram; the same is Abraham. 28 The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael. 29 These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, 30 Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema, 31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael. 32 Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan. 33 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah. 34 And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel. 35 The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah. 36 The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek. 37 The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. 38 And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezar, and Dishan. 39 And the sons of Lotan; Hori, and Homam: and Timna was Lotan's sister. 40 The sons of Shobal; Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. and the sons of Zibeon; Aiah, and Anah. 41 The sons of Anah; Dishon. And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran. 42 The sons of Ezer; Bilhan, and Zavan, and Jakan. The sons of Dishan; Uz, and Aran. 43 Now these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel; Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah. 44 And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead. 45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead. 46 And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith. 47 And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. 48 And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead. 49 And when Shaul was dead, Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. 50 And when Baalhanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pai; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. 51 Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were; duke Timnah, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth, 52 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, 53 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, 54 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom. That's a lot of begatting. As a child of 8 who probably didn't know what begatting even meant I might have said something really silly like I would just like to begat better in the coming days. Of course people would try hard not to laugh and think it was cute, when I was 8... When I was about 11 when I asked Peter DeNeui how in the world to get something out of a study like this one, he said, “Try to find or see Jesus in it.” That did help a times. But with this study Fixit wrote, phew! One would have to run Jesus’ bloodline down through all those names! 😉
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Post by sharingtheriches on Mar 8, 2020 18:39:19 GMT -5
Nathan, individual Family unity, peace and happiness is one of the most precious things we have on this Earth. It should be protected against anything that will destroy it. It grieves me when I know how my Parents Families were torn apart by the 2x2 Gospel. And the Workers condoned it, said it was meant to happen. Wrong, wrong,always wrong. Well, Jesus warned those who wanted to follow Him to count the cost before they say "YES, I will follow wherever you lead me." Jesus said in Matthew 10: 34-35 "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."Doing the will of God will clash with your unbelievers family wills, and they will hate you for it because you put God first/before them! Therefore, it will bring unrest, hardships and so on.
So, Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Draw closer to God and Christ in these difficult time and trials of your faith, they will give you inner peace, rest and comfort for your souls. A wonderful fellowship with God you can never imagine... I had been there many times myself.
~~ The workers tried to warn those who want to follow Jesus must count the cost before saying Yes, to follow Jesus but fear NOT God, Christ and Holy Spirit will stand by you to give you help, comfort and peace. These tests and trials of your faith come into our lives to TEST and STRENGTHEN our faith and deepen our relationship with God, Christ and Holy Spirit. It's part of our spiritual growth process.Back in the beginning of the 2x2 churches, it was a regular thing for workers to advise their converts to not have anything to do with their “worldly” relatives. Of course some would run into difficulties and ask the workers about said problems and they’d get a bigger, more detailed edict about avoiding unsaved relatives. Telling them you can’t have fellowship with unbelievers. But this day, a certain amount of interaction amongst your unsaved relatives is encouraged, for how can you know if you might effect them unto salvation?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 18:39:37 GMT -5
Nathan, Jesus never intended that Families should be destroyed, that would be against the humanistic values that he believed in. That idea was invented by others, not Jesus. The irony of the disaster caused by those early Workers is that many of them did not have Family, if they did they had left them. The Worker who was a wrecking ball and done all the damage in our part of the World came from NZ, never mentioned Family. This meant they were insensitive to the damage they caused. The ones who did not profess in my Mother's Family would have liked to tar and feather him.
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Post by believingjesus on Mar 8, 2020 18:46:03 GMT -5
Thank you Gratu, at least you have shed some light on it. It is just interesting to know why that particular format was chosen. Most Churches are able to tell you the reason why they do what they do. 2x2's seem to believe in obscurity, I guess it gives then wriggle room to avoid questioning. Frustrating. It is the Holy Spirit which makes it unknown to those who don't follow Jesus, Jesus tells us it is hidden. The rationale attributed to him is very convenient.
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Post by slowtosee on Mar 8, 2020 18:51:45 GMT -5
Alvin, you are quoting statistics gathered in 2012. Would think they are very much out of date in 2020. Things change fast nowadays. Agreed , I think lots of change since 2012 , but even if the statistic was 50 percent now, a statement that 50 percent of world population is brainless , is just that . Lol Alvin
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Post by Brick on Mar 8, 2020 18:58:01 GMT -5
That's a lot of begatting. As a child of 8 who probably didn't know what begatting even meant I might have said something really silly like I would just like to begat better in the coming days. Of course people would try hard not to laugh and think it was cute, when I was 8... When I was about 11 when I asked Peter DeNeui how in the world to get something out of a study like this one, he said, “Try to find or see Jesus in it.” That did help a times. But with this study Fixit wrote, phew! One would have to run Jesus’ bloodline down through all those names! 😉 At one time, I would have bought into that line, but now, I just see the bible as a book. Some of the writings are probably inspired, some are merely historical, some...I don't have a clue why they were even considered to be a part of the canon, such as the Song of Solomon. I can find inspiration, but also find words that conflict with my belief. I mean, why would Jesus say "It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs?" It completely changes my picture of the nature of Jesus' character.
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Post by speak on Mar 8, 2020 19:13:43 GMT -5
It is the Holy Spirit which makes it unknown to those who don't follow Jesus, Jesus tells us it is hidden. The rationale attributed to him is very convenient. Non the less true.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 19:28:38 GMT -5
Speak you must remember that everything attributed to Jesus was written by others long after his Death. So it becomes hearsay, we will never know if it is true or not. Hearsay is never accepted in a Court of Law, because it may not be reliable information.
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Post by sharingtheriches on Mar 8, 2020 19:42:22 GMT -5
When I was about 11 when I asked Peter DeNeui how in the world to get something out of a study like this one, he said, “Try to find or see Jesus in it.” That did help a times. But with this study Fixit wrote, phew! One would have to run Jesus’ bloodline down through all those names! 😉 At one time, I would have bought into that line, but now, I just see the bible as a book. Some of the writings are probably inspired, some are merely historical, some...I don't have a clue why they were even considered to be a part of the canon, such as the Song of Solomon. I can find inspiration, but also find words that conflict with my belief. I mean, why would Jesus say "It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs?" It completely changes my picture of the nature of Jesus' character. I used to hiccup at those words of Jesus until it came to me, he was actually testing that woman’s faith. And her answer pleased him very much. That however it comes about she was humble enough to consider that salvation WAS OF THE JEWS, however she would eat their scraps off the floor if she could just share in that.
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Post by Brick on Mar 8, 2020 19:57:04 GMT -5
I used to hiccup at those words of Jesus until it came to me, he was actually testing that woman’s faith. And her answer pleased him very much. That however it comes about she was humble enough to consider that salvation WAS OF THE JEWS, however she would eat their scraps off the floor if she could just share in that. My lack of faith won't allow me to accept that explanation. My choices are that it didn't really happen that way or Jesus is not the compassionate person that he is portrayed to be. I'm going with the first. It's inconceivable to me that compassionate Jesus could have said those words.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 20:20:47 GMT -5
Nathan, Jesus never intended that Families should be destroyed, that would be against the humanistic values that he believed in. That idea was invented by others, not Jesus. The irony of the disaster caused by those early Workers is that many of them did not have Family, if they did they had left them. The Worker who was a wrecking ball and done all the damage in our part of the World came from NZ, never mentioned Family. This meant they were insensitive to the damage they caused. The ones who did not profess in my Mother's Family would have liked to tar and feather him. while he may have never intended for it to be so Jesus certainly said it would happen... Mat_10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. Luk_12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. Mat_10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
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Post by nathan on Mar 8, 2020 20:26:19 GMT -5
Nathan, Jesus never intended that Families should be destroyed, that would be against the humanistic values that he believed in. That idea was invented by others, not Jesus. The irony of the disaster caused by those early Workers is that many of them did not have Family, if they did they had left them. The Worker who was a wrecking ball and done all the damage in our part of the World came from NZ, never mentioned Family. This meant they were insensitive to the damage they caused. The ones who did not profess in my Mother's Family would have liked to tar and feather him. Jesus went through with his own family, his brothers and sisters did NOT believe him as the Messiah for many years until AFTER his death then some of them came around and believed he was the Messiah/God.
Therefore, Jesus wanted to warn his apostles and followers will face similar situation with their unbelievers family members so, don't be surprised! when they faced opposition within their own families.
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Post by sharingtheriches on Mar 8, 2020 20:27:55 GMT -5
My lack of faith won't allow me to accept that explanation. My choices are that it didn't really happen that way or Jesus is not the compassionate person that he is portrayed to be. I'm going with the first. It's inconceivable to me that compassionate Jesus could have said those words. Yes I can understand what you’re saying. But I learned in the process and with my ups and downs with faith in similar issues was that Jesus usually dealt with people in the manner they would understand what he was getting at. As with this woman, she knew that the Jews typically thoughts her kind were not any better than dogs. So that’s the way Jesus approaches her.
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Post by believingjesus on Mar 8, 2020 20:29:12 GMT -5
The rationale attributed to him is very convenient. Non the less true. Well, who can argue with that?
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Post by openingact34 on Mar 8, 2020 20:29:38 GMT -5
Nathan, Jesus never intended that Families should be destroyed, that would be against the humanistic values that he believed in. That idea was invented by others, not Jesus. The irony of the disaster caused by those early Workers is that many of them did not have Family, if they did they had left them. The Worker who was a wrecking ball and done all the damage in our part of the World came from NZ, never mentioned Family. This meant they were insensitive to the damage they caused. The ones who did not profess in my Mother's Family would have liked to tar and feather him. Jesus was an apocalyptic nutcase, not a humanist. In addition to the verses that Nathan quoted, it is clear that some of his disciples had abandoned their wives and children to follow him around. "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." - Matthew 19:29 I recall reading some stories about how several 2x2 workers were inspired to do the same, giving children up for adoption and leaving each other so that they could go preach the gospel warning people about God's wrath coming and the end of the world.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 20:36:08 GMT -5
At one time, I would have bought into that line, but now, I just see the bible as a book. Some of the writings are probably inspired, some are merely historical, some...I don't have a clue why they were even considered to be a part of the canon, such as the Song of Solomon. I can find inspiration, but also find words that conflict with my belief. I mean, why would Jesus say "It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs?" It completely changes my picture of the nature of Jesus' character. I used to hiccup at those words of Jesus until it came to me, he was actually testing that woman’s faith. And her answer pleased him very much. That however it comes about she was humble enough to consider that salvation WAS OF THE JEWS, however she would eat their scraps off the floor if she could just share in that. It is quite amazing how offended some 2x2s have become by such wording in the Elizabethan English KJV Bible without making one effort to figure it out favorably to a Jewish Messiah. I checked it out just now – taking me but a couple seconds to do so, using the NET Bible with its thousands of translators notes – here is the passage according to Matthew 15:26, NET Bible: 15:26 “It is not right35 to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,”36 he said.37 15:27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied,38 “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Translators notes 35tn Grk “And answering, he said, ‘It is not right.’” The introductory phrase “answering, he said” has been simplified and placed at the end of the English sentence for stylistic reasons. Here δέ (de) has not been translated. 36tn Or “lap dogs, house dogs,” as opposed to dogs on the street. The diminutive form originally referred to puppies or little dogs, then to house pets. In some Hellenistic uses κυνάριον (kunarion) simply means “dog.” sn The term dogs does not refer to wild dogs (scavenging animals roaming around the countryside) in this context, but to small dogs taken in as house pets. It is thus not a derogatory term per se, but is instead intended by Jesus to indicate the privileged position of the Jews (especially his disciples) as the initial recipients of Jesus’ ministry. The woman’s response of faith and her willingness to accept whatever Jesus would offer pleased him to such an extent that he granted her request. 37tn Grk “And answering, he said.” The participle ἀποκριθείς (apokriqeis) is redundant and has not been translated. 38tn Grk “she said.” Your answer arrived at without one translators note and out of Elizabethan English at that, sharingtheriches, is VERY close and that I would credit to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 20:43:45 GMT -5
Wally you are quoting what was written almost 2000 years ago. Has no significance or relevance in the World of today, we have progressed in our thinking, thank God. Next you will be reverting back to the OT and suggesting to go out and kill a few thousand people with the jawbone of an Ass, before breakfast. Just not appropriate here and now. Get up to date Man, don't live in the past. sop trying to apply the Bible literally, it is out of date, there are better books available, that apply to now. And as I mentioned in a previous post things that Jesus are supposed to have said, were written by others so it becomes hearsay. It could be their own thoughts to suit their own agenda. We Humans are good at that, we all do it.
The Family unit is most precious, and NOTHING should ever interfere with that. And any responsible Father will ensure that protection.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 20:47:34 GMT -5
Wally you are quoting what was written almost 2000 years ago. Has no significance or relevance in the World of today, we have progressed in our thinking, thank God. Next you will be reverting back to the OT and suggesting to go out and kill a few thousand people with the jawbone of an Ass, before breakfast. Just not appropriate here and now. Get up to date Man, don't live in the past. And as I mentioned in a previous post things that Jesus are supposed to have said, were written by others so it becomes hearsay. It could be their own thoughts to suit their own agenda. We Humans are good at that, we all do it. The Family unit is most precious, and NOTHING should ever interfere with that. And any responsible Father will ensure that protection. uhhh no...you said he never intended it to happen i showed you where he PREDICTED it would happen...and guess what it does quite a bit in the World of Today....
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 20:50:26 GMT -5
It shouldn't happen, and Workers have no right to encourage it. I have spoken to reasonable Workers about my concern, and they agreed it was wrong.
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Post by nathan on Mar 8, 2020 20:51:03 GMT -5
Nathan, Jesus never intended that Families should be destroyed, that would be against the humanistic values that he believed in. That idea was invented by others, not Jesus. The irony of the disaster caused by those early Workers is that many of them did not have Family, if they did they had left them. The Worker who was a wrecking ball and done all the damage in our part of the World came from NZ, never mentioned Family. This meant they were insensitive to the damage they caused. The ones who did not profess in my Mother's Family would have liked to tar and feather him. Jesus was an apocalyptic nutcase, not a humanist. In addition to the verses that Nathan quoted, it is clear that some of his disciples had abandoned their wives and children to follow him around. "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." - Matthew 19:29 I recall reading some stories about how several 2x2 workers were inspired to do the same, giving children up for adoption and leaving each other so that they could go preach the gospel warning people about God's wrath coming and the end of the world. Jesus is NOT a nut or a mean God. Like I said Jesus told and warn those who want to follow him as his disciples to Count the COST before you want to follow Jesus... If you can't follow the criteria then don't become his followers. Question: "What does it mean to ‘count the cost’ (Luke 14:28)?"
Answer: In Luke 14, Jesus lays out the terms of discipleship. There were great crowds following Him. Everyone loved the miracles, healing, and free food. Jesus was cool, the talk of the town, and the latest fad. But He knew their hearts. He knew they desired the benefits of what He did rather than an understanding of who He was. They loved His gifts, not the life He was calling them to. So He explained what it takes to be one of His followers:“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-33).Jesus said a lot in those simple illustrations. He quickly put an end to the idea that He offered some kind of welfare program. Although the gift of eternal life is free to anyone who asks (John 3:16), the asking requires a transfer of ownership (Luke 9:23; Galatians 5:24). “Counting the cost” means recognizing and agreeing to some terms first. In following Christ, we cannot simply follow our own inclinations. We cannot follow Him and the world’s way at the same time (Matthew 7:13-14). Following Him may mean we lose relationships, dreams, material things, or even our lives. Those who are following Jesus simply for what they can get won’t stick around when the going gets tough. When God’s way conflicts with our way, we will feel betrayed by the shallow, me-first faith we have bought into. If we have not counted the cost of being His child, we will turn away at the threat of sacrifice and find something else to gratify our selfish desires (cf. Mark 4:5, 16-17). In Jesus’ earthly ministry, there came a time when the free food stopped and public opinion turned ugly. The cheering crowds became jeering crowds. And Jesus knew ahead of time that would happen. Jesus ended His description of the cost of discipleship with a breathtaking statement: "Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33). “ Renouncing” may mean we give up something physically, but more often it means we let go emotionally so that what we possess no longer possesses us. When we become one of His, we cannot continue to belong to this world (1 John 2:15-17). We must make a choice, for we cannot serve both God and Mammon (Matthew 6:24). The rich young ruler, when confronted with that choice, turned his back on Jesus (Luke 18:18-25).Suppose you learned that you had been given an all-expense-paid condo on a beach in Tahiti, complete with airfare, a car, food, and a maid. You could brag about your new lifestyle, plan for it, and dream about it. But until you pack up and leave your current home, the new life is never really yours. You cannot live in Tahiti and your current hometown at the same time. Many people approach Christianity the same way. They love the idea of eternal life, escaping hell, and having Jesus at their beck and call. But they are not willing to leave the life they now live. Their desires, lifestyle, and sinful habits are too precious to them. Their lives may exhibit a token change—starting to attend church or giving up a major sin—but they want to retain ownership of everything else. Jesus is speaking in Luke 14 to those with that mindset. We cannot earn salvation by lifestyle change or any other good deed (Ephesians 2:8-9). But when we choose to follow Christ, we are releasing control of our lives. When Jesus is in control, pure living results (1 John 3:4-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus’ parable of the sower, it was only the soil that allowed the seed to put down roots and bear fruit that was called “good.” If we are going to be disciples of Christ, we must first count the cost of following Him.www.gotquestions.org/count-the-cost.html
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Post by nathan on Mar 8, 2020 20:53:31 GMT -5
It shouldn't happen, and Workers have no right to encourage it. I have spoken to reasonable Workers about my concern, and they agreed it was wrong. Then they are NOT Jesus true servants and they don't understanding His teachings.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 20:54:58 GMT -5
It shouldn't happen, and Workers have no right to encourage it. I have spoken to reasonable Workers about my concern, and they agreed it was wrong. "reasonable workers" sounds kind of like wishy washy or fence riders or maybe they felt you were not ready for it so said things to leave you to your own devices....
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2020 21:00:25 GMT -5
Nathan as I said that information is out of date and not relevant to the times we are living in. There are much better guidelines to go by.
No matter how hard you try as far as I am concerned any interference to Family peace and harmony should never be tolerated. It makes me so wild when I remember the damage caused in my Mother's Family. All because of an over zealous Worker who was trying to put notches in his belt.
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