Focus, today, is upon conversion and coming to Jesus as shown in the experience of Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Also, there is more on when advice/rules should be obeyed as law. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “rachel m” (Level 3 with 2,498 points, a member since March 18, 2007) posted the following:
Was Jesus a Rabbi? if so, then he broke all his own rules.?
i cant understand how Jesus became so popular. i DO NOT mean to be disrespectful but why Jesus??? there were many just like him at the same time so what was so special about him??
THE BATTLE AXE: When Is A Law The LAW? (03/25/2014)—The operations of sin influence created beings and living creatures to despise and reject godliness in all its forms. During his ministry upon the earth, Jesus contended against formalism (i.e., exaggerated and strict adherence to customs, traditions and practices as though their observance will satisfy all aspects of divine law). The Savior revealed that formalism is a source of confusion, error, and sin no less than idolatry that centers in worship of the law, rather than the divine law giver. The law may become an instrument of death, and a shield to transgression where emotion, fear, and emphasis upon obedience to law are primary aspects of focus and belief. A saving relationship with GOD, who is a spirit, may only be achieved by application of imparted, indwelling spirit matter—ones inward law. A highly developed legal apparatus was in place that blinded men to the spirit substance of the law. In addition to commandments, ordinances, and statutes that we immediately recognize as “the law,” the holy writings also document rulings from the system of judges who were appointed to resolve conflicts and disputes along with the pronouncements and verdicts from GOD that identify and condemn sin. The Scriptures also provide advice and counsel that have come forth from GOD, and therefore, has been acknowledged and valued as having the same force and power as divine law. These added treasures from GOD appear in the form of instruction, parables (we say, object lessons), precepts, principles, prophecies, warnings, and wisdom. Consider Exodus 18: 13-26, Leviticus 18: 3-5, Deuteronomy 1: 13-17, Deuteronomy 4: 1-20, Psalms 111: 10, Proverbs 1: 7, Proverbs 9: 10, Proverbs 21: 30, Matthew 13: 33-35, 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17 and 2nd Peter 1: 19, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1st Corinthians 2: 9-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Faith Given By GOD (03/13/2014); Miracles Are From GOD (03/14/2014); The Benefit of Grace (03/19/2013); Magical Resurrection? (03/20/2013); Given the Cloud of Witnesses (11/29/2012); A Golden Ticket? (11/30/2012); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012); The Slave to Law and Sin Made Free (11/16/2012); Lawful Divorce (11/17/2012)
“rachel m”, here are a few points you might want to consider before you just “give up on it” altogether:
(1.) The Apostle Paul stands out for expressing feelings similar to yours when he first began to examine the “Jesus phenomena.” As a dedicated and much respected scholar of Jewish law and culture, Saul of Tarsus, volunteered to serve as an officer of the Sanhedrin Court. In effect, the Pharisee became “the Lord, High Executioner,” officially commissioned to destroy the early church. He was given authority to offer bribes, kick down doors, take names, make arrests, torture, and preside over public executions by stoning.
(2.) Saul had his own personal experience of Christ. At first it came by hearing others preach, and proclaim the doctrines and teachings endorsed by Jesus. He became impressed by the confidence, certainty, and conviction among those who were his victims. At the same time, Saul saw gentleness, goodness, and the same spiritual power appearing among the Lord’s disciples that had been reported as shown by Jesus. There is no report of Saul having been in any of the gatherings where Jesus healed and preached before the Lord’s crucifixion. Yet, the stoning of a deacon, Stephen, the first martyr of the church, allowed Saul an experience within his own living spirit as if he had been physically present at the death of Jesus.
(3.) Finally, as he was traveling to Damascus, Saul had a direct experience of Christ. He was overwhelmed by what he heard and saw; and for three days remained blind. Saul was himself as if dead for three days; and a disciple was sent to heal and restore him. After instruction, he chose to honor and serve Jesus, first by accepting baptism (death of ones inborn spirit nature, rebirth having a new spirit nature from GOD), then by sharing his testimony, by personally protecting the church of Jesus, and by spreading the Gospel in places where it might not otherwise be heard.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) All non-believers go through the same overall process that Paul experienced. Certainly, the details of a believer’s testimony and witness that proclaims their encounter with Christ will vary from person to person. Nonetheless, the spiritual process of GOD is fixed, immutable, and has not changed. By what they share and show, the disciples of Jesus (i.e., ordinary people in flesh and blood) prepare those who will finally come to Christ to have their own clear experience of his presence in their lives.) Stay alert, for where you truly want answers from GOD, more are on the way. Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3: 13-14, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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