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Topic: The Wisdom Of The Pharisees
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becauseHElives
Advanced Member
Member # 87
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posted
quote:
"This man cannot be from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath day" (John 9:16ff).
That was only their opinion, Yeshua keep the Law, He keep it perfectly or He would not been able to be the Sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Yeshua just did not keep the Law the way the religious of His time thought it should be kept.
And if any person has been “Born Again” been circumcised of heart, they also will keep the Law of Yahweh ! and if they fail they have Yeshua the Messiah, the righteous the mediator between Yahweh and man to ask forgiveness.
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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Wetshoes
Advanced Member
Member # 48
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posted
Hello BA!
LOL! The "Wetshoes" are my in ability to walk on water but your "thin ice" analogy could apply as well.
BA – what I am saying is that the Church today does not look like the Church as it is depicted later in Revelations! Or do you disagree?
Concerning my statement about absence of geographic distinction of the Church in the latter verses of Rev. - I should probably say that I am noting that all other scripture references refer to the Church at - Corinth, Ephesus,Colosse,Galatia etc. or in the beginning of the book of Revelation, the Churches mentioned are geographically Asia Minor or present day Turkey.
The “Church” (singular) one entity, specific and unique to many locations – looses its multiple specific and unique natures later in Revelation!
My reason for pointing this out is not really remarkable, except that in the latter verses of Revelation, the Church is not given ANY geographic distinction, or for that matter any distinction from one group of believers to another. It is apparently known globally as the Church or its members simply as saints or holy ones although I am sure they still have distinct locations where they gather!
All of this is simply an observation. It may be important or it may not be.
I think what is more relevant, is that Scripture does not give an example of a mature congregation. There are no models to aspire too! The Church in the New Testament is all a work in progress! However, the Church seems to become a single, cohesive, Adversary of satan. At this point the Church no longer is referred to by location or leadership.
BA I am not saying or even thinking that one location, group or assembly emerges as dominate! What I am saying is that something happens to the Church that brings it into maturity or do you think the Church today exists in its final form?
My contention is that it does not!
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WoodStoneSteel@hotmail.com
Posts: 279 | From: San Diego County California | Registered: Jun 2002
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BORN AGAIN
unregistered
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posted
Hello, brother Wetshoes, you write quote:
I think that it is rather ironic, that the church today closely parallels the religious spirit at the time of Jesus birth. Sects of religious thought, each one looking for God to validate their particular zeal, yet our Lord used none of them! Would it be different today?
The Church depicted in the later chapters of Revelation is a “known” entity and specific enemy of satan. There is no distinction, even [hb]geographic[/b] of the Church – it is singular without fracture or facture! It is the only mature example of the Church in Scripture! And it is certainly different from the church of today! {bold by BORN AGAIN}
Regarding the bolded phrases, brother Wetshoes, I was wondering where this diffrent church of today was located?
brother Wetshoes, I am a very geographical kind of bornagain man, and when you say something like: quote:
It is the only mature example of the Church in Scripture! And it is certainly different from the church of today! {bold by BORN AGAIN}
, then I would like to know where this different church of today is located, please?
Can you give me a city's name or thank you, a city's church's name, brother Wetshoes, where this different church of today is located?
And, are you a part of that different church or of the church of the scriptures?
BTW, brother Wetshoes, were you walking on ice or water that your shoes are wet?
Bless the LORD God of Israel who Alone is Creator of heaven and earth.
"It's all about You. Lord, help me see beyond this flesh."
May the LORD God of Israel bless all who participate on this CBBS. I am BORN AGAIN by the ![[Cross]](graemlins/cross.gif) of Lord God Yeshua-Jesus
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Wetshoes
Advanced Member
Member # 48
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posted
David
A very good thought – thank you!
I think that it is rather ironic, that the church today closely parallels the religious spirit at the time of Jesus birth. Sects of religious thought, each one looking for God to validate their particular zeal, yet our Lord used none of them! Would it be different today?
The Church depicted in the later chapters of Revelation is a “known” entity and specific enemy of satan. There is no distinction, even geographic of the Church – it is singular without fracture or facture! It is the only mature example of the Church in Scripture! And it is certainly different from the church of today!
There is a principle in scripture where God abandons a larger corruption and builds from a remnant! Many examples can be made, but Christianity itself is built from those who are “called out”
It is a sobering thought!
Love john
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WoodStoneSteel@hotmail.com
Posts: 279 | From: San Diego County California | Registered: Jun 2002
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KnowHim
Admin
Member # 1
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posted
"This man cannot be from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath day" (John 9:16ff).
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22).
I have made the statement several times that most churches would not recognize the Lord Jesus even if He walked down the aisle on Sunday morning and sat on the altar. This statement is largely designed to shake people out of their complacency. It is highly unlikely that Jesus will actually go to church this Sunday. I do not believe Jesus attends many religious meetings, and this belief has a Scriptural basis: "He does not keep the Sabbath day." For that matter, He does not keep any day, for every day is His Day and He cannot be contained within a particular twenty-four hour period.
When you read the Gospels two things become quite clear. First, Jesus is undeniably, unquestionably GOD IN THE FLESH, Wholly Other. Second, the more religious you are, the less likely it is that you will see, recognize, and appreciate Him for Who He really is.
Sinners, on the other hand, had little trouble recognizing Him. The Samaritan woman may have been a despised outsider to the Jew's system of religion but it only took her a few minutes to realize that she had found the Messiah. The Roman centurion, an unworthy Gentile, nevertheless knew where to go when his servant was sick, and Jesus said this man's faith was greater than anyone in Israel. The Syrophoenician woman had enough faith to ask Jesus for only a few crumbs from the table, and even though she was not technically not a Jew, Jesus gave her everything she asked for. Yes, Jesus was indeed a friend of sinners, publicans, tax collectors, and women caught in adultery.
But look at His own people, the Jews. Listen to the religious leaders, the spiritual teachers of Israel, the professionals and the experts of prophecy and the Law. What is their verdict? How do they read Him?
* * * *
"This man cannot be from G_d." Cannot be? Are you sure? This man is opening the eyes of the blind, casting out devils, making the lame to walk, raising people from the dead, multiplying food, walking on water and teaching people to love one another - even love their enemies. This man cannot be from G_d? Why not? On what grounds are we going to reject him? We cannot deny that this man is performing powerful miracles and signs.
"This man cannot be from G_d, because he does not keep the Sabbath day." Well, I suppose that settles it. Y'shua cannot be from G_d, he cannot be a prophet, he cannot be the Messiah or the Son of G_d, or even a good Jew, because he does not keep the Sabbath day! Yes, it is all very clear now. How could we have missed that?
You know, I was almost swept away by this man. For a moment there I really was beginning to believe. He is very, very persuasive. But if he doesn't keep the Sabbath then he cannot be from G_d. And if he doesn't keep the Sabbath then he probably doesn't tithe, either. Does he pay the Temple tax? We should check on that, I bet he doesn't. You know, that reminds me, his disciples don't fast twice a week either. Even John's disciples fasted. Y'shua told his disciples there was no need to fast as long as He was with them! Oh, didn't you know? He eats and drinks with sinners - a little too much eating and drinking, if you know what I mean.
Something else I noticed, too... he doesn't wash before he eats. It's true! He said the outside of the cup doesn't matter, it's what's inside. Are you sure Y'shua is really a Rabbi? He hasn't been to any of our schools. I'm not sure where he comes up with his teachings. Get this. Y'shua was preaching in Capernaum and told them he came down from heaven! Not only that, but he said if they eat his flesh and drink his blood they will live forever! Strange, very strange. Many of his disciples got right up and walked out. I don't blame them. It's all very strange and very sick.
So where does Y'shua get his power? If He doesn't keep the Sabbath then whatever power he has can't come from G_d. If the power doesn't come from G_d then it must come from Beelzebub. How else can you explain it? That's why it's so easy for him to cast out demons!
Fellow Pharisees, this man Y'shua must be stopped. Not only that, he deserves to die. First, because he calls G_d his father. Y'shua also says he has the power to forgive sins. No one but G_d can forgive sins, so he is obviously guilty of blasphemy. Second, he does not keep the Sabbath. Now the Law of Moses says if anyone does not keep the Sabbath they must be put to death. Third...
* * * *
Friends, you are witnessing the wisdom of the Pharisees in action. Jesus called them fools, blind leaders of the blind, snakes, and hypocrites who will not escape the damnation of hell. Amen, we say. How easy it is to look back on this evidence today and condemn the Jews for failing to recognize their Messiah and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
However, I suggest that the sect of the Pharisees is alive and well today, only it is no longer a sect within Judaism, it is a sect within Churchianity that continues to differentiate people based on external religious rules and customs. The names and customs have changed, but the same old "wisdom" prevails:
"You cannot be a Christian if you don't go to church."
"God will not bless you unless you pay your tithes."
"You cannot know the truth unless you get it from the 1611 King James Version."
"If you leave the church you lose your spiritual covering."
"If you don't submit to authority you have a Jezebel spirit."
"Submission means never asking questions."
"A true prophet always encourages and never judges."
"Women be quiet."
"Jesus' real name is Y'shua."
"God's real name is G_d."
"Saturday, not Sunday."
"Sunday, not Saturday."
When you take all these things and add them up, what do you get? What is the result? Pride, spiritual elitism, narrow-mindedness, dullness, and darkness. In a word, I describe these people as DISTRACTED FROM THE SIMPLICITY OF CHRIST!
Religion is the result of becoming consumed, absorbed, vexed, and stressed out over the "many things" while completely overlooking that only One Thing is needed (cf. Luke 10:41,42). It is the scrupulous, agonizing work of straining out gnats and swallowing camels (Matthew 23:24). Taken to its absurd conclusion, it actually feeds that Spirit of Antichrist that is always fighting against the Testimony of Jesus.
In Acts 18 we find Paul preaching Jesus in Corinth. As is always the case, whenever you decide to preach JESUS AS HE IN FACT IS, it will attract the ire of the local religious establishment:
"When Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose in concerted action against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. They accused Paul of "persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to the law" (Acts 18:12,13, NLT).
You see? There it is again - the Law of Moses, Torah, the traditions and customs of the elders. Paul was always ready to debate the Jews. Being a Jew and a Pharisee for many years, Paul enjoyed the arguments and usually won them. Yet something different happened that day...
"Just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul's accusers and said, 'Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would be obliged to listen to you. But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish laws, you take care of it. I refuse to judge such matters.' And he drove them out of the courtroom" (Acts 18:14-16, NLT).
Hallelujah! Thank God for Gallio! If an unbelieving Roman judge has enough discernment to confound the wisdom of the Pharisees, what about us? I pray God will give us the gift of single-mindedness in our pursuit of Christ and Christ alone. May God give us the courage to say, "If it is a question of Christ and His Kingdom I would be obliged to look at the issue more closely. But since it is merely a question of words and names, Sabbath days and holidays, religious rules about outward things, Bible versions and denominations, you take care of it yourself. I refuse to argue over such matters."
His yoke is easy! His burden is light! Come to Him and learn of Him. Repudiate the wisdom of the Pharisees and embrace this Man Who does not keep the Sabbath, because this Man is the Son of the Most High God, and there is therefore now NO condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus!
by Chip Brogden
www.theschoolofchrist.org
http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/pharisees.html
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