This is how to follow the Lord Jesus. Who can explain?

[Suze]

I am dee

I have learned this about the enemy. I have a question that is even more difficult to answer. I have been suffering for 15 years with a rare form of leukemia. Along with the leukemia have come other issues as the destruction of my spine. I am in horrible pain with no relief. This has been over 15 years and has become so bad that morphine, fentanyl and Dilaudid don't really touch the pain. The suffering is indescribable. I know all of the Scriptures about suffering. However, over the past years I have been prayed over and prayed for relief and a healing. I have seen so many faithful believers who are never healed. Yet I have seen others who have been healed.

People have sent me multiple videos about healings. Mostly from Sid Roth's TBN program, "It's a Miracle". Being a retired doctor, I do have scientific explanations for many of these healings. However, for some healings, if all of the information is presented and accurate, I believe are miraculous healings. Jesus healed many people. Some without asking and some with no knowledge or faith. Other healings were done for the faithful. The perfect example is the woman with the bleeding issue. She was considered unclean and held back from getting close to Jesus. Yet her faith allowed her to reach out and touch the hem of the garment of Jesus and she was instantly healed. I believe many times Jesus healed people in the Scriptures to show who he was. Who else could do such miraculous healings but G-d himself in the flesh?

Of course G-d brings me comfort when I am so distressed. Ha satan also whispers in my ear that I am going to suffer until the end. I await the end and to be out of this tent and to be in the majesty of Hashem. However, my question is this: I believe G-d chooses who he wants to heal and who He does not want to heal. While others tell me I do not have enough faith or I would be healed. So, is healing truly just a matter of faith? Or is it God's decision who will be healed and who will not? Thank you for your input. Steven

I am very sorry for your circumstances . Know that u r not alone , many people , Christian and none , suffer daily for many years . God is always with u . I believe that our sufferings r a test of our faith . I have been in pain for 20 years , not like yours but still enough to seriously alter the course of my life . No children because I couldn't look after them , no decent job and eventually no job at all . No social life , no holidays and also ,no confidence , self esteem or sense of self worth . Being looked down on by family and friends etc . When u r ill or disabled u learn a lot about human nature and most of it isn't pleasant .
The only , only thing that has got me through all this is the love and mercy of God . Knowing that He sees me and loves means that I am His forever . These precious Truths r what get me out of bed every day with a smile on my face . Nothing else . Stay faithful and know He loves u sooo very very much . U shall c God's Kingdom u shall b a part of it . No pain no suffering just awesome beauty , peace and love for ever . Before I became ill , my childhood was horrendous also , but God got me through that too .

 

[Suze]

I have learned this about the enemy. I have a question that is even more difficult to answer. I have been suffering for 15 years with a rare form of leukemia. Along with the leukemia have come other issues as the destruction of my spine. I am in horrible pain with no relief. This has been over 15 years and has become so bad that morphine, fentanyl and Dilaudid don't really touch the pain. The suffering is indescribable. I know all of the Scriptures about suffering. However, over the past years I have been prayed over and prayed for relief and a healing. I have seen so many faithful believers who are never healed. Yet I have seen others who have been healed.

People have sent me multiple videos about healings. Mostly from Sid Roth's TBN program, "It's a Miracle". Being a retired doctor, I do have scientific explanations for many of these healings. However, for some healings, if all of the information is presented and accurate, I believe are miraculous healings. Jesus healed many people. Some without asking and some with no knowledge or faith. Other healings were done for the faithful. The perfect example is the woman with the bleeding issue. She was considered unclean and held back from getting close to Jesus. Yet her faith allowed her to reach out and touch the hem of the garment of Jesus and she was instantly healed. I believe many times Jesus healed people in the Scriptures to show who he was. Who else could do such miraculous healings but G-d himself in the flesh?

Of course G-d brings me comfort when I am so distressed. Ha satan also whispers in my ear that I am going to suffer until the end. I await the end and to be out of this tent and to be in the majesty of Hashem. However, my question is this: I believe G-d chooses who he wants to heal and who He does not want to heal. While others tell me I do not have enough faith or I would be healed. So, is healing truly just a matter of faith? Or is it God's decision who will be healed and who will not? Thank you for your input. Steven

Have u considered , that God knew u before u were born , He knew u would suffer these things in your life , so He decided to take pity upon u and allow u a measure of understanding of and faith in His Word ? I don't think that we suffer because we know the Truth , I believe we were always going to suffer these things and that God decided to comfort us in this life by allowing us to know Him . I was always going to b born to hideous psychopaths and then suffer ill
health . God knew this before I was conceived and because He knew this and because of His merciful and loving nature , He decide not to leave me in this world in ignorance of Him . He decided to comfort me and cheer me up as only He can . He could have just left me miserable and ignorant in these awful kingdoms of death and darkness . He says somewhere , I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy . What greater mercy is there , than having some understanding of His Word and the comfort that gives us in this life of pain and suffering ? I believe that's what that phrase is all about . Allowing us to approach Him through Christ is His ( just one of ) great act of mercy . I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy . That u and me !

 

[Eli1]

However, my question is this: I believe G-d chooses who he wants to heal and who He does not want to heal. While others tell me I do not have enough faith or I would be healed. So, is healing truly just a matter of faith? Or is it God's decision who will be healed and who will not? Thank you for your input. Steven

The HOW is something i've wrestled with myself. We can't know the HOW. We will never know the HOW.
We only know what has happened. Christ healed people. Miracles (which are my favorite topic) continue to this day. Some are even mass-miracles.
Nobody knows the HOW. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise, forgive them.
I experienced 3 major miracles myself and all i had as a comfort (before the miracles happened to me) was the fact that miracles have happened in the past to others and Christ was here with us giving us hope in this cruel world in order so we can have light inside our hearts to deal with the world and see the good things even in the midst of war, suffering, famine, tragedies, accident, disease and many other afflictions and injustices.

 

[Mem]

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Our Lord spoke similarly to Martha when He said, "Martha, Martha... Mary has chosen the one thing needful, and no one will take it from her..."

Jesus tells this man, "...and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.... come, follow me." But he didn't believe Him. Otherwise, why would he go away sad thinking he would 'lose' everything?

 

[Watchman22]

Surrender. That is how you follow Jesus complete and utter surrender,

When we know that " faith in Him" applied is a personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender, that salvation we tend to keep in our back pockets (money) incase God doesn't do what we want can be a problem.

Jesus called him out on it, and well, we see his response..

In the state of living a surrendered life, all the blessings God bestows on us are not for us, but others. That kind of giving that can't be imitated, then becomes Gods problem to keep us from giving everything we have away. And hence, what the tithes are really for.

 

[Blain]

When we know that " faith in Him" applied is a personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender, that salvation we tend to keep in our back pockets (money) incase God doesn't do what we want can be a problem.

Jesus called him out on it, and well, we see his response..

In the state of living a surrendered life, all the blessings God bestows on us are not for us, but others. That kind of giving that can't be imitated, then becomes Gods problem to keep us from giving everything we have away. And hence, what the tithes are really for.

Tithing is usually just a mere ten percent of what we have but if one cannot be trusted with a little he won't give you a lot many actually do not give ten percent but just what they have on hand

But yes a surrrendered life that is the way of being close to God that is how you don't just follow him you walk with him side by side

 

[Omegatime]

The Jew that Jesus was talking to was still under the Law. One more thing appears to be rewards

 

[Spiritwalker]

Hello. I am new here. I joined to help me understand the Bible more and join a church for loving community. I have Lots of questions.

But first this really good thread has me thinking about how Jesus (knowing our hearts ) wants us to recognise any idolatry that is happening in our lives, and for the rich ruler it was money. The rich rulers subjects were poor and needed things and Jesus knew it would make him more of a better loving kinder ruler. This is what happens when billionaire philanthropists give most of their money away > We see Warren Buffet pledged More than 99% of his wealth to help the world poverty and health and education etc...they really had too much money and it sat there doing nothing. Which is great!

This makes me wonder how I should also self reflect and recognise any idolatry in myself so I can also learn how to follow Jesus more.

Thankyou OP.

 

[lrs68]

It's baffling how simple it should be to just love God with all that we are and then to love our neighbors as ourselves suddenly have turned into implying Jesus meant doctrines and creeds because people can't make themselves follow what Jesus Commanded about loving God and our neighbors.

 

[Watchman22]

Tithing is usually just a mere ten percent of what we have but if one cannot be trusted with a little he won't give you a lot many actually do not give ten percent but just what they have on hand

But yes a surrrendered life that is the way of being close to God that is how you don't just follow him you walk with him side by side

I couldn't agree more with your post blain.
Just wanted to add one note.
There are 3 tithes, 10% on income, 10% on the increase, and the first fruits.

I don't want that to take away from the excellent point you made.

 

[Blain]

I couldn't agree more with your post blain.
Just wanted to add one note.
There are 3 tithes, 10% on income, 10% on the increase, and the first fruits.

I don't want that to take away from the excellent point you made.

Thank you for the complinebt it is appreciated, You know I never considered a ten percent incease and first fruits so you made a valid point there

 

[Watchman22]

Thank you for the complinebt it is appreciated, You know I never considered a ten percent incease and first fruits so you made a valid point there

Here's the dilemma Blain ,
I've only known one teacher that taught tithing done rightly was a restraint, so we didn't give everything. He taught that God didn't want everything we have, even though the spirit He puts in us compels us to do so.

The dilemma and my question is this.
What if a saint still wants to give everything? What if we're not looking to quench the wonderful spirit and the flow of Gods nature through us?
Are we still right with God?

 

[Dino246]

When we know that " faith in Him" applied is a personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender, that salvation we tend to keep in our back pockets (money) incase God doesn't do what we want can be a problem.

Jesus called him out on it, and well, we see his response..

In the state of living a surrendered life, all the blessings God bestows on us are not for us, but others. That kind of giving that can't be imitated, then becomes Gods problem to keep us from giving everything we have away. And hence, what the tithes are really for.

Tithing has nothing to do with that. Under the Sinai covenant, it was effectively the civil taxation system to ensure the Levites’ material needs were met.

Scripture does not require Christians to tithe.

 

[Dino246]

Just wanted to add one note.
There are 3 tithes, 10% on income, 10% on the increase, and the first fruits.

There are three tithes under the Sinai law, but never a 10% tithe on “income” in Scripture, and “first fruits” is not a tithe.

 

[Blain]

Here's the dilemma Blain ,
I've only known one teacher that taught tithing done rightly was a restraint, so we didn't give everything. He taught that God didn't want everything we have, even though the spirit He puts in us compels us to do so.

The dilemma and my question is this.
What if a saint still wants to give everything? What if we're not looking to quench the wonderful spirit and the flow of Gods nature through us?
Are we still right with God?

Good question and honestly if one wanted to give everything then we should not stop them it would be a slight against their good will.

But of course tithing is about the heart more than it is the amount and I have heard of people giving hundreds of dollars but had it wrapped in a way it appeared to be a couple dollars that right there is giving in the right way

I haven't heard hardly any teachings on tithing itself

 

[Watchman22]

Good question and honestly if one wanted to give everything then we should not stop them it would be a slight against their good will.

But of course tithing is about the heart more than it is the amount and I have heard of people giving hundreds of dollars but had it wrapped in a way it appeared to be a couple dollars that right there is giving in the right way

I haven't heard hardly any teachings on tithing itself

Ya, that's another dilemma. God tells us through His word to Pray in secret, fast in secret, and to give in secret. If the basket is going from seat to seat, the giving is seen. If the money is given by check, it's seen. If the church keeps track of your giving , that's being seen. The best teacher I've ever known required his congregation to have tithing numbers and monitored the giving.
It really takes some work and effort to truly give in secret. I know it seems petty, but if your someone who wants to give in secret, it's not easy.

 

[Blain]

Ya, that's another dilemma. God tells us through His word to Pray in secret, fast in secret, and to give in secret. If the basket is going from seat to seat, the giving is seen. If the money is given by check, it's seen. If the church keeps track of your giving , that's being seen. The best teacher I've ever known required his congregation to have tithing numbers and monitored the giving.
It really takes some work and effort to truly give in secret. I know it seems petty, but if your someone who wants to give in secret, it's not easy.

Yeah I noticed that as well and you know prayng in tongues is done incorrectly by many churches as well it is usually done in public and without an interpreter in fact God tells us to do all kinds of good works in secret but many do not do this many churches do not abide by that it makes me wonder what happens when you find one that does

 

[homwardbound]

LUKE 18:18-22
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

But he did not sell all he owned, was not willing to and walked away sad, the story is in Matthew 19 as well
The disciples asked Jesus, when they saw that man walk away sad
How can anyone enter Heaven?
Jesus answered "With man it is impossible"
But with God my Father all is possible!
What, was he saying to them? We the people can't make it under Law, since none of us can do it perfectly. No flesh other than Son's can do it Romans 8:1-3
Was he talking about his going to that cross and willingly die without any flesh fight back? to be risen where new life for anyone gets given them freely from father to them to walk new in love and mercy too.
Well, he now is risen, so I say Yes, he Took sin away John 1:29, not in this world sight, in Father's sight for us to be reconciled as if never sinned Col 1:21-22, 2 Cor 5:17-22
Wow, woe is me to see Isaiah 6:1-7 God did it for anyone to believe and be appreciative and seek truth in learning new and not get mad or angered over things as did before being born new by God Father through /Son for you
1 John 2:1-27

 

[Godsgood]

LUKE 18:18-22
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Luke 18:18-22 is a commandment of Jesus so that we can follow him.

What is the clear understanding of man in this commandment?
How to obey this commandment in our generation?

 

[PaulThomson]

LUKE 18:18-22
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

This is how this particular man needed to follow Christ. The principle is to surrender all to Christ, to use as it He wills and to be His stewards of what we have given to Him, relying upon Him to provide our daily needs.

Selling all we have and giving it to the poor in order to follow Jesus is not a general command to every Christian.