| Author | Message | ||
| Max |
Since this seems to be an issue on this web site, I'd like to hear what everybody thinks. Especially those who post only rarely or who only lurk and never post. Please support your thoughts with Scripture. I'll start. My answer is, No. And my text is Matthew 5:14-16 NIV, Jesus preaching his Sermon on Mt. Blessings. ^^ 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ^^ According to Jesus, what people see is "your good deeds," not your righteousness. Also according to Jesus, what they do in response is to "praise your Father in heaven," not you on earth. Blessings on all, Max of the Cross | ||
| Maryann |
Hi Max, Here's an OLD poster's thoughts. Let's take a peek at Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV): "19...Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very edge of the age." In the context of the Bible I read, Jesus is telling His disciples to go out and teach the gospel to all people. After they believe (or become disciples), they are then to teach all that was commanded (taught) to them over the last 3 years. These disciples learned a NEW way of life, NEW values, self denial, to be servants. Above all, they learned to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul and spirit and their neighbor as themselves. These men went out as lights to the world, proclaiming the mighty and finished work of Jesus. Were they calling attention to their own righteousness? Not as a focal point but as a lifestyle it pointed to the mighty power of God! They were teaching ALL that they had been taught by Jesus Himself and that included a whole new lifestyle. Is it possible to live the lifestyle of the Christian and not be a Christian? Absolutely! Just look at Judas! He lived a lie for 3 years. Who was it between? Him and his Lord. As to Paul, he chose to draw a contrast of his earlier life to his present life. Thank God that Paul was not ashamed of the gospel or to let his light shine! Upward and onward.....Maryann | ||
| Max |
Thanks Maryann, Here's another: 17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! [And this doesn't refer to a changed life? It can't be anything but!] 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation [light-bearing!]. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. [Ambassadors are people who hide their light under a bushel? I don't think so!] Blessings upon all, Max of the Cross | ||
| Rayna |
Paul preached about Jesus, not Himself. He testified of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and also of His being at the right of God in Heaven for every believer. The only time I see Paul testifying of himself is when he was accused of not being a true disciple of Jesus. At that time he used his testimony about himself to prove to his accusers that he was a follower of Jesus, but then exclaimed that he gloried not in himself, but in the righteousness of faith, the righteousness of Jesus in heaven. This is in the book of Phillipians chapters 2 and 3. | ||
| Max |
NIV 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." --Paul | ||
| Patti |
Why did you not post the rest of that chapter, Max? Do you believe that what Paul gives in the rest of the chapter is "Gospel"? 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 2 I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you. 3 Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. 5 And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head--it is just as though her head were shaved. 6 If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. 7 A man ought not to cover his head, [2] since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9 neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head. 11 In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice--nor do the churches of God. Which part of the above are we required to follow as an example of our loyalty to God? | ||
| Max |
NIV Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. | ||
| Max |
Maryann, Rayna and Patti, God bless you! It's been sheer delight trading Scriptures with you! Max of the Cross |
