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Thanks for this story-- At a Bible study taught by a Lutheran pastor several years ago, he used the same example except he said that the ticket to board the ship is free--we can go out and buy one, but only the free ticket is accepted; pretty sure that's how he said it, or something similar-- the ship of life represents a power greater than ourselves that saves us and protects us, and once on-board we still must obey the rules of the ship and Captain's authority--JESUS and the Bible and church. Even if there is a passing cloud, the sun remains the same, even if we can't see it or feel it-- we know it's there. If someone becomes ill on-board, they might feel forsaken or alone, but in the infirmary, or their room--still safely on the ship; free medical care too. If they disobey the rules, they may be below deck, even have their key taken away, and might feel abandoned, but, feelings don't create reality-- one person's feelings can not change the reality of the ship, which is greater, or change the reality of the sun even if they believe freedom is not there. But, if someone comes to believe, like in this story, that the meals are not free, it will effect reality, or if they believe their door is locked because someone said so, when it is not.
Whenever I feel weak inside and not able to hold onto the truth, I ask the Lord to help me believe His reality, supported by the truth of the Bible through scriptures, and not try to create it on my own. OUr own minds or hearts, or resources are not great enough to either justify or condemn us--neither do the fallen angels have authority, except to attempt to gain influence through deception; but our own wrong beliefs can effect our freedom. As John said: "if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and knows all things." And Paul: "God knows who are His." And Jesus: "I have not lost one of My sheep." And John again: "If we love others it is a confirmation of being one" and Peter: "if we obey the Lord we have a reassurance of not being ashamed when He appears."
(paraphrases for now). And James and all the Apostles and Bible evangelists confirm the same truths.
just some thoughts on spiritual freedom from some stormy seas--
Whenever I feel weak inside and not able to hold onto the truth, I ask the Lord to help me believe His reality, supported by the truth of the Bible through scriptures, and not try to create it on my own. OUr own minds or hearts, or resources are not great enough to either justify or condemn us--neither do the fallen angels have authority, except to attempt to gain influence through deception; but our own wrong beliefs can effect our freedom. As John said: "if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and knows all things." And Paul: "God knows who are His." And Jesus: "I have not lost one of My sheep." And John again: "If we love others it is a confirmation of being one" and Peter: "if we obey the Lord we have a reassurance of not being ashamed when He appears."
(paraphrases for now). And James and all the Apostles and Bible evangelists confirm the same truths.
just some thoughts on spiritual freedom from some stormy seas--
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You can of course believe whatever you want, it’s between god and you.
As for me, I believe that Jesus took my diseases at the cross, so that I can be healthy.
I am not honoring his finished work by claiming that salvation is paid for but healing is not included.
As for me, I believe that Jesus took my diseases at the cross, so that I can be healthy.
I am not honoring his finished work by claiming that salvation is paid for but healing is not included.
Healing is included but so is death of these human bodies and resurrection of new bodies in Christ upon His return.
Note the difference between God and god.
The godss of this world lie, don't be ensnared by their lies.
Its interesting that you use Old Testament examples when I ask for scriptures stating that people approach Jesus for healing but he declined to heal them.
But this story used by Jesus can be viewed from this perspective, the Jews were asking Jesus but Jesus used the story of 2 Gentiles to illustrate wealth, for the widow, and health, for the leper.
But Jesus is saying that "health and wealth", terms that Christians nowadays are so critical about, comes to people who don't deserve them. Jesus is telling his Jewish listeners that the Gentiles claim those by faith. This made all those listeners mad and they wanted to throw Jesus off the cliff.
A very similar incident happened to Paul in Acts 22. Paul was talking about Jesus and how he was saved. The Jews were calm until he talked about how God is sending him to the Gentiles, then all hell broke loose
Acts 22
17 “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance 18 and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ 19 So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. 20 And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting [b]to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21 Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ ”
22 And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!”
But this story used by Jesus can be viewed from this perspective, the Jews were asking Jesus but Jesus used the story of 2 Gentiles to illustrate wealth, for the widow, and health, for the leper.
But Jesus is saying that "health and wealth", terms that Christians nowadays are so critical about, comes to people who don't deserve them. Jesus is telling his Jewish listeners that the Gentiles claim those by faith. This made all those listeners mad and they wanted to throw Jesus off the cliff.
A very similar incident happened to Paul in Acts 22. Paul was talking about Jesus and how he was saved. The Jews were calm until he talked about how God is sending him to the Gentiles, then all hell broke loose
Acts 22
17 “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance 18 and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ 19 So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. 20 And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting [b]to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21 Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ ”
22 And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!”
Okay, to me, its clear you don't regard healing from physical diseases as part of the finished work of the cross.
That is fine, many Christians share that view too. We will still see each other in heaven.
That is fine, many Christians share that view too. We will still see each other in heaven.
However the focus is not on the miracles but on the ability of His children to carry the Gospel to others. The focus is on loving and being a light unto the world no matter what state you are in, be content for God has given you all you need to live a godly life now. Be thankful and praise God always.
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