Here is exactly what I think about the nonsense we find on internet. I wouldn't have expressed it better : Luke 11:42-52 He denounced their sins (vv. 42-52). These six "woes" parallel the "woes" in Matt 23. Jesus started with the sins of the Pharisees (Luke 11:42-44) and then turned to the sins of the scribes, for it was their interpretations of the Law that formed the basis for the whole pharisaical system (Luke 11:45-52). The first three "woes" denounce the Pharisees for their wrong priorities. They were careful about tithing even the tiny leaves and seeds from the herbs, but they forgot about important things like justice and love (Mic 6:7-8). They majored on the minors! Jesus did not say they should stop tithing but that they should put their religious activities into proper perspective. They also put reputation above character. They thought that sitting in the right seats and being acknowledged by the right people would make them spiritual. Reputation is what people think we are; character is what God knows we are. The comparison in Luke 11:44 must have infuriated the host and the other Pharisees who were present. The Jews had to be especially careful about ceremonial defilement from dead bodies (Num 19:11-22; note especially v. 16), so they made sure the graves were carefully marked. But the Pharisees were like unmarked graves that did not look like graves at all ! This meant that they were unconsciously defiling others when they thought they were helping them become holier! Instead of helping people, the Pharisees were harming them. The scribes felt the sting of our Lord's words and tried to defend themselves. Jesus used three vivid illustrations in answering them: burdens, tombs, and keys. The scribes were good at adding to the burdens of the people, but they had no heart for helping them carry those burdens. What a tragedy when "ministers" of God's Word create more problems for people who already have problems enough! A pastor friend of mine prays daily, "Lord, help me today not to add to anybody's problems." Jesus had these "religious burdens" in mind when He gave the gracious invitation recorded in Matt 11:28-30. The scribes were also good at "embalming" the past and honoring the prophets who had been martyred by the religious establishment to which they belonged. Both Bible history and church history reveal that true servants of God are usually rejected by the people who most need their ministry, but the next generation will come along and honor these people. The Pharisees were like "hidden graves," but the scribes built elaborate tombs! The first recorded martyrdom in the Old Testament is that of Abel, and the last is that of Zechariah* (see Gen 4:1-15; 2 Chron 24:20-27, and remember that 2 Chron is the last book in the Hebrew Bible). Jesus did not suggest that the scribes and Pharisees were personally responsible for killing the Old Testament prophets. Rather, He was affirming that people just like the scribes and Pharisees did these terrible things to God's servants. Their ultimate crime would be the crucifixion of the Son of God. Finally, the scribes were guilty of robbing the common people of the knowledge of the Word of God. It was bad enough that they would not enter the kingdom themselves, but they were hindering others from going in! It is a serious thing to teach God's Word and not everyone is supposed to do, it (James 3:1). Unfortunately, what some people call "Bible study" is too often just a group of unprepared people exchanging their ignorance. But there is another side to this: the scribes convinced the people that nobody could understand and explain the Law except the trained and authorized teachers. We have some of that arrogant attitude showing today. Teachers who overemphasize the Bible languages give people the impression that the Holy Spirit cannot teach anyone who does not know Greek and Hebrew. There are so many "study Bibles" these days (and many of them are helpful) that you wonder if a student can learn anything from a simple text Bible. We must not despise true Christian scholarship, but we must also keep things in balance. Jesus is the key to the Scriptures (Luke 24:44-48). When you take away that key, you cannot understand what God has written. As helpful and necessary as theological studies are, the most important requirements for Bible study are a yielded heart and an obedient will. Some of the best Bible teachers I have known in my own ministry were men and women who learned the truth of God's Word on their knees and on the battlefield of life. They were Spirit-taught not man-taught. (from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.) * Luke 11:49-50 The rabbis considered the place between the porch and altar the holiest place on earth after the holy of holies and the priestly sanctuary. (...) Zechariah prayed for vengeance (2 Chron 24:22), and Abel's blood cried out from the ground (Gen 4:10); to say that their vengeance would be requited on Jesus' generation was thus to promise unimaginable horrors. This judgment is because his generation would climax the terrible sins of their spiritual ancestors. (from IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig S. Keener Copyright © 1993 by Craig S. Keener. Published by InterVarsity Press. All rights reserved.)
That was a truthful text, interesting that he wrote that people often put to much emphasis on original language when they try to understand the bible. Instead as he wrote yielded and obedient heart is what matters.
I think that it depends on what you're looking for in the Bible at each given moment you open your Bible to study. As always, the extremes are always bad. What is best ? Someone who knows much and who doesn't apply what they know ? Or someone who doesn't know much and who applies the least they know ? I'm a big fan of Robert Alter. That guy is a genius. His knowledge of the Hebrew texts is very impressive and yet, he is an atheist. I've known brothers who were elders or not even elders and who, yet, were loving and "spiritual" more than many others who boast over their knowledge. Knowledge is a tool to improve the way we apply it in our lives and towards others : James 3:17-18 - NIV But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
When we read the scriptures I can't think of a single moment where Jesus started breaking down the structure of the words to the people. Those who have to do so in order to feel superior, or to attribute some book smart intelligence to themselves forget that it's not the words, it's the spirit that makes us understand. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 “. . .Now we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that have been kindly given us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by [the] spirit, as we combine spiritual [matters] with spiritual [words].†1 Timothy 6:2-8 “. . .Keep on teaching these things and giving these exhortations. 3 If any man teaches other doctrine and does not assent to healthful words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor to the teaching that accords with godly devotion, 4 he is puffed up [with pride], not understanding anything, but being mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words. From these things spring envy, strife, abusive speeches, wicked suspicions, 5 violent disputes about trifles on the part of men corrupted in mind and despoiled of the truth, thinking that godly devotion is a means of gain. 6 To be sure, it is a means of great gain, [this] godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. 8 So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.â€
Jesus didn't speak to the crowds back then in a language that hadn't been spoken for 2000 years for the Greek or 3500 years for the Hebrew, as it is for us now. So, whether you learn the Koine Greek or you read a translation in any given modern language, the structure of the words must come into play at some point. When you think that there are people who read texts in their own native language and that they're unable to understand what they are all about.....
Good point -- which means we're all left to 'fill in the blanks' of missing thoughts / ideas, in a sense. Some correct, some incorrect. This is why the holy spirit is so important in reading the scriptures eh?
It is good that we have good translations, so all of us who do not know the original languages can read them. Then we have also online interlinear Bibles we can check when we are uncertain.
Du har rätt ! (2 Petrus 3:15-16) Betrakta dessutom vår Herres tålamod som räddning, alldeles som också vår älskade broder Paulus, enligt den vishet som har getts honom, skrev till er, när han talar om dessa ting, så som han också gör i alla sina brev. I dem finns det emellertid en del som är svårt att förstå och som de oupplysta och obefästa förvränger – något som de också gör med de övriga Skrifterna – till sin egen tillintetgörelse. Edit : You are right ! (2 Pe 3:15-16) - NLT "And remember, the Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him — speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction."
Yes, Christo, amen. Born of the 'water and spirit' (John 3) ; knowledge , then God's spirit acting upon your mind/heart in accordance with the water generates the realization one is born from God. Jesus' teaching and Bible knowledge is just the beginning. "...but we ourselves also who have the firstfruits, namely the spirit, yes we ourselves groan within ourselves, while we are earnestly waiting for adoption as sons, the release from our bodies by ransom." Rom. 8:23 "However, you are in harmony , not with the flesh, but with the spirit, if God's spirit truly dwells in you. But if anyone does not have Christ's spirit, this one does not belong to him." Rom. 8:9 "For all who are led by God's spirit, these are God's sons." Rom. 8:14 The truth about the rebirth is very simply stated in Jesus' and Paul's teaching is it not? Most every translation (except the NWT who renders "in us" or "in you" ...[speaking about the spirit], instead of their way..."in union with" which totally makes the passage impersonal and intellectual instead of real.......most translations give the very real thought: God and Christ enter your heart and mind personally through the spirit, empowering you to become like them. This really is the core teaching Christ was revealing; becoming one with his Father through a very real action of the holy spirit working in our mind and heart. This occurs only after a basic knowledge of God and his will is attained through reading the scriptures, though...and not religious doctrines of demons, or men set upon starting a new type of message...which deliver up another spirit.... There is a pattern set; knowledge, faith, declaring one righteous, empowering the mind/heart with the spirit. Rom. 3:26 The truth is repetitive, and is easy to see as one reads through the NT over and again. Working it out daily is the chore, and one which we fail at daily , too. But forgiveness covers our weaknesses.
what will you look like? Heres another question for those of you with the heavenly calling. Have you gave any thought to what your bodies will look like? Will you be floating balls of consciousness?
I don't have much time right now to write reams. I'll provide more detailed and written-up answers in a while. In the meantime, please read : Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament Have you never contemplated the idea that the WT avoided to employ "in Christ" so as not to use an expression that might be trinitarian ? John 10:25-42 Our Lord made a statement that He knew would startle His enemies and give them more reason to oppose Him (John 10:30). It was the "plain answer" that the religious leaders had asked for. I and My Father are One" is as clear a statement of His deity as you will find anywhere in Scripture. This was even stronger than His statement that He had come down from heaven (John 6) or that He existed before Abraham ever lived (John 8:58). The word One does not suggest that the Father and the Son are identical persons. Rather, it means that they are one in essence: the Father is God and the Son is God, but the Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Father. He is speaking about unity, not identity (See John 17:21-24 for similar language.) (from The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)
“His face was radiant because he had spoken with Jehovah.†(Ex 34:29 LITV) ANOINTED TO LEAD The Bible says: “[Moses] was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights. . .And it happened as Moses was going down from Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony being in Moses' hand as he went down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face had become luminous through His speaking with him. And Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses. And, behold! The skin of his face had become luminous. And they were afraid to draw near to him. And Moses called to them. And Aaron and all the leaders among the congregation turned back to him. And Moses spoke to them. And afterwards all the sons of Israel drew near. And he commanded them all which Jehovah had spoken with him in Mount Sinai.†(vv. 28-32 NIV). When the Israelites were in Moses' company, there was a look on his face that told them he’d been in the presence of Jehovah. They could see it and sense it. The Bible refers to this as the “anointing (1 Jn 2:27). Simply put, the anointing is God equipping and empowering you to succeed in what He’s called you to do. Anointed leadership is always characterized by these four benchmarks: (1) Calling. When people are around an anointed leader, they sense that God has truly gifted and assigned that person to fulfill a certain purpose. (2) Character. People see God’s nature in an anointed leader, and as a result they trust them. (3) Competence. An anointed leader has the ability to get the job done right. The results validate his or her calling. (4) Conviction. Anointed leaders aren’t wishy-washy; they have moral and spiritual backbone and they stand up for what’s right. These four qualities are benchmarks of God-called leadership, and when people see them at work in your life they will follow you. (© 2015 Celebration Inc.) I have taken the liberty to use the ideas here, but used Green’s Literal Translation for the scriptural account. This particular thought is for those who are Leaders. Paul wrote to those in the Corinthian congregation that there were different appointments of the body of Christ. (1 Co 12:27) Of those members, there are others assignments given due to certain talents that an individual naturally has within themselves. (1 C0 12:28-30) The article above says there are four important benchmarks. Just what is the meaning of the word: benchmark = a standard of excellence, achievement, etc., against which similar things must be measured or judged: “Jesus Christ is the benchmark from which Christians standards are measured.â€
No, Gabriel. Spiritual bodies are not just simple balls of conciousness. Instead they are also beautiful, powerful and elaborate, I expect. My arguments for this is that God has shown in his earthy creation that he likes beauty. So his spiritual sons he made beautiful likewise. The Bible specifically tells about a cherub (Satan ) that was very beautiful, and became haughty partially because of that. Also visions about God Jehovah and the New Jerusalem are described in the most beautiful terms. But we humans cannot see spiritual bodies, so we can not actually imagine what they look like. But apostle John wrote interestingly in 1John 3:2 Beloved ones, now we are children of God, but as yet it has not been made manifest what we shall be. We do know that whenever he is made manifest we shall be like him, because we shall see him just as he is.
They should be, yes. Not just in intellectual agreement , or mentally factual unison, as is taught by WT as a way of shifting you off topic when reading about Jesus' instructions for attaining 'Oneness' with God. How did WT leaders, Franz, and Rutherford do this? I found out by reading the Gospel of John over and over...especially in different translations. Almost everyone I read pointed to the plain thought Christians should become 'one' with God...and with Christ, too, separately....by receiving their spirit. Now, we are not, as JW's immune to many scriptures showing the Devil and demons can get inside a person in some way, and inhabit them....guiding, talking in their heads, and 'pushing' them to do evil, murder, even. But conversely, all the scriptures show the holy spirit comes into servants of God, and can empower heart, mind, strengthen, enlighten, renew, encourage, and reveal God's desire for them, and as Christ repeated many times....teach the meaning of the scriptures. WT wanted to avoid this fact getting to us through the scriptures, just as they sought and achieved killing the desire for us to receive the spirit rebirth, the road to God, Christ, and real scriptural truth. Utuna; You asked about the switch . John 14:15-21 "If you love me you will observe my commandments; and I will request the Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, the spirit of the truth, which the world cannot receive, because it neither beholds it nor knows it. You know it, because it remains with you and is in you. I shall not leave you bereaved. I am coming to you. "A little while longer and the world will behold me no more, but you will behold me, because I live, and you will live. In that day, you will know that I am in union with my Father and you are in union with me and I am in union with you. He that has my commandments and observes them, that one is he who loves me. In turn he that loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will plainly show myself to him." First off....The NWT is largely transliterated from Wescott and Hort Greek text. I hav a copy which was reprinted by the Society and called, 'Kingdom Interlinear'. I was studying John by this translation very carefully when I came across consistent rendering of the expression , 'in you' , with the expression 'in union with'...a completely different thought. Here is John 14:20 from the Wescott and Hort literal rendering; " In that the day you will know That I in the Father of me and you in me and I in you." Here is NWT' "In that day you will know that I am in union with my Father, and you are in union with me and I am in union with you." Is this just an isolated case? John 15:1-6 The great 'Vine ' Illustration of Christ " I am the vine the true, and the Father of me the farmer is; every branch in me not bearing fruit he is lifting up it, and everyone the fruit bearing he is cleaning it in order that fruit more it may bear. Already you clean ones you are through the word which I have spoken to you; remain you in me, and I in you. According as the branch not is able fruit to be bearing from itself if ever not it may remain in the vine, thus neither you if never not in me you may be remaining. " I am the vine, you the branches. The one remaining in me and I in him this one is bearing fruit much, because apart from me not you are able to do nothing. If ever not anyone may be remaining in me, he was thrown outside as the branch and he was dried up, and they are leading together them and into the fire they are and it is being burned." And of course you have the NWT ....and can read the switch; everywhere Jesus says he should be in us, they have altered the master text translation to "in union with". This is standard procedure of the NWT transliterators, not translators; big dif of course. All manner of switches having occurred, unbeknownst to us sheep. One last example....but not by any means are these just the only places; John 17:20-23 ""Not about these that I am requesting only, but also about the ones believing through the word of them into me, in order that all (ones) one (thing) they may be , according as you, Father, in me and I in you, in order that also they in us they may be, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth." "And I the glory which you have given to me I have given to them, in order that they may be one (thing) according as we one (thing) , I in them and you in me, in order that they may be having been perfected into one (thing), in order that may be knowing the world that you me sent forth and you loved them according as me you loved." If we have God's spirit, and Jesus' spirit in us, will we not be able to conform to their personalities? Understand the Bible better, due to holy spirit living right inside us, speaking in our ear mentally, and unlocking doors and secrets hidden from the proud and intellectual? certainly. (Matt. 11:25; John 16:13) The 'sons of the kingdom' are imbued with Christ's and Jehovah's spirit. This is how Jesus is "with you all the days" , until the conclusion of the system of things; right inside of us through his spirit, which is also Jehovah's spirit. We can literally become one with God and Christ when we are born again of spirit and truth. All Christians are taught by Christ directly to receive of this spirit freely, of necessity, and willingly. Now why would a corporate religion try to hide this cardinal all-important truth? That is a simple question, and the answer Jesus gives in John 10:1 "Most truly I say to you, he that does not enter into the sheepfold through the door but climbs up some other place, that one is a thief and a plunderer."
I use Christ's words in my reasoning, and I don't claim to be a Bible Translator, nor would I change the meaning of the scripture to fit my new interpretation of Jesus' gospel message to the world from heavenly inheritance/goal... to earthly. I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic? Do you see tampering with the message Jesus clearly preached as serious ? What fault can you find with Jesus' teaching and what I reason?
reality/humility Let me declare something to all worshipers of the true and loving God, Jehovah...my spiritual brothers and sisters. The rebirth to holy spirit is nothing to get puffed up about. It is a torture stake to be born till the end. Satan makes sure you go through every kind of trial, abuse, envy, and problem. You become a special target for attacks from demons, and men bent on promotion of their own agenda over Christ's. If you become anointed, you are envied by Witness buddies, and actually hated by some;overseers, Circuit Overseers, wives, children, best friends, etc. I lost ALL my friends. Relatives. Wife of 34 years. All. My best friend became Bob, my Boxer dog, whom I raised on a sailboat living in ports off the FLA coast. But I chose this way, after being persecuted by former friends, brothers and lovers. It is too bad some see the anointing as a way to elevate themselves above their brothers. If this is the way anyone views this, then they need to think; "Why am I not considering myself a candidate for the heavenly upward call...as it has gone out as an open invitation to everyone on earth and still stands." It is for anyone to aspire to; even as Jesus said...all were called, "Come to the wedding feast". The WT changed it's interpretation to preach the gospel into heaven and down-to-earth only after they saw their numbers pass the 160,000 mark in the mid-thirties. Obviously, something had to give; hence Rutherford started the 'earthly hope' band-aid.