Do we know how Yeshua lived his life?

[Rainrider]

Mat 4:12When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee.
Mat 4:13He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.
Mat 4:14This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:
Luke 4:14-16 Mark 1: 14-15

Mat 4:15"In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live,

Why point out that many gentiles lived in the place Yeshua had went? We think the idea was to make sure the readers understand that Yeshua was not putting one person above the other. Though He had came for the Jew first, as we will see later, He also came for the whole world. One may also understand this due to the following passages.

Mat 4:16the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined."
Mat 4:17From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

When one thinks of what darkness may mean in this passage, we must think about it as an overall intention. In other words, what does darkness stand for through out all scripture? Most understand it to speak of sin, and others may say it is speaking of Satan. Though both hold some truth, the idea of it speaking to sin is more predominate. So we will look at it in this manner.
Knowing that a gentile is called unclean by the Jewish people of that time, and that talking with one for any reason other than business is grounds to stone you, we may ask why did Yeshua do this. The idea that Yeshua did so only out of obligation to scripture is a bit off base. Had that been His only reason, then Love would have nothing to do with it.

Luk 4:15He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
Luk 4:16When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures.
Luk 4:17The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
Luk 4:18"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,
Luk 4:19and that the time of the LORD's favor has come
Is. 61;1-2

For any that don't understand the reading of Torah, and what is called the half Torah. Every year the reading of Torah is done. Yes the full Torah is read every year. It was expanded to include what is called the Half Torah after the Babylonian exile. Our understanding of this is that when in Babylonia Israel was not permitted to read the Torah, or even one in their possession. So they turned to the Prophets to fulfill this part of their faith, and it just seemed to stick. So today we have them reading both.
Now before any one gets on their high horse and try's to say they don't read this or that. There is a lot more than you know that isn't read. Not because it has anything to do with Yeshua, they simply stay with the parts of prophecy that help to explain the Torah reading for that week. If you look it up, you will find that Yeshua went outside of the norm with His reading.

Luk 4:20He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently.

Some say they were looking at Him to explain the passage, others say they were trying to figure out why He went outside of the norm, and read a passage never read on Shabbat. You are free to think as you wish on that, we however follow the later of the 2. If you have ever stood before a group of people to speak on a topic, and then talked on a topic that had little to do the topic at hand, I am sure you know the look.

Luk 4:21Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!"
Luk 4:22Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. "How can this be?" they asked. "Isn't this Joseph's son?"
Luk 4:23Then he said, "You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: 'Physician, heal yourself'—meaning, 'Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.'
Luk 4:24But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.

Oddly, this stands true even today. No I am not a prophet, I am just a man, willing to follow the lead of my Lord. If HaShem made it clear I was to go to the gates of hell and teach His word, any idea where you would find me? Yet as we know prophecy is truth, it may still stand to be fulfilled, or it may have been fulfilled in the past. Doesn't matter, it is truth, and as we will see in the next chapter every one will be fulfilled in it's time.
I say all that as it has been clear many times in life, that truth isn't what people really want. So what makes us so sure of this?
When a person wishes to use scripture to negate scripture, it shows they only want their idea of truth. Having walked that paith my self, I understand the need to stay with what we know. It's simple, and already ingrained in ones mind. However as one that has also moved past that in a life long search for THE TRUTH, I see no reason to return to what I now see as not following the truth the Word places before us.
We will be back, and we will be moving to the next chapter.

 

[homwardbound]

Mat 4:12When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee.
Mat 4:13He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.
Mat 4:14This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:
Luke 4:14-16 Mark 1: 14-15

Mat 4:15"In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live,

Why point out that many gentiles lived in the place Yeshua had went? We think the idea was to make sure the readers understand that Yeshua was not putting one person above the other. Though He had came for the Jew first, as we will see later, He also came for the whole world. One may also understand this due to the following passages.

Mat 4:16the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined."
Mat 4:17From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

When one thinks of what darkness may mean in this passage, we must think about it as an overall intention. In other words, what does darkness stand for through out all scripture? Most understand it to speak of sin, and others may say it is speaking of Satan. Though both hold some truth, the idea of it speaking to sin is more predominate. So we will look at it in this manner.
Knowing that a gentile is called unclean by the Jewish people of that time, and that talking with one for any reason other than business is grounds to stone you, we may ask why did Yeshua do this. The idea that Yeshua did so only out of obligation to scripture is a bit off base. Had that been His only reason, then Love would have nothing to do with it.

Luk 4:15He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
Luk 4:16When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures.
Luk 4:17The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
Luk 4:18"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,
Luk 4:19and that the time of the LORD's favor has come
Is. 61;1-2

For any that don't understand the reading of Torah, and what is called the half Torah. Every year the reading of Torah is done. Yes the full Torah is read every year. It was expanded to include what is called the Half Torah after the Babylonian exile. Our understanding of this is that when in Babylonia Israel was not permitted to read the Torah, or even one in their possession. So they turned to the Prophets to fulfill this part of their faith, and it just seemed to stick. So today we have them reading both.
Now before any one gets on their high horse and try's to say they don't read this or that. There is a lot more than you know that isn't read. Not because it has anything to do with Yeshua, they simply stay with the parts of prophecy that help to explain the Torah reading for that week. If you look it up, you will find that Yeshua went outside of the norm with His reading.

Luk 4:20He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently.

Some say they were looking at Him to explain the passage, others say they were trying to figure out why He went outside of the norm, and read a passage never read on Shabbat. You are free to think as you wish on that, we however follow the later of the 2. If you have ever stood before a group of people to speak on a topic, and then talked on a topic that had little to do the topic at hand, I am sure you know the look.

Luk 4:21Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!"
Luk 4:22Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. "How can this be?" they asked. "Isn't this Joseph's son?"
Luk 4:23Then he said, "You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: 'Physician, heal yourself'—meaning, 'Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.'
Luk 4:24But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.

Oddly, this stands true even today. No I am not a prophet, I am just a man, willing to follow the lead of my Lord. If HaShem made it clear I was to go to the gates of hell and teach His word, any idea where you would find me? Yet as we know prophecy is truth, it may still stand to be fulfilled, or it may have been fulfilled in the past. Doesn't matter, it is truth, and as we will see in the next chapter every one will be fulfilled in it's time.
I say all that as it has been clear many times in life, that truth isn't what people really want. So what makes us so sure of this?
When a person wishes to use scripture to negate scripture, it shows they only want their idea of truth. Having walked that paith my self, I understand the need to stay with what we know. It's simple, and already ingrained in ones mind. However as one that has also moved past that in a life long search for THE TRUTH, I see no reason to return to what I now see as not following the truth the Word places before us.
We will be back, and we will be moving to the next chapter.

God simply just loves us all, the tis the truth from God, Hashem for me, thanks as we each continue to mature in the love and mercy given us

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 5:1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,
Luke 6:16 John 6:3

Mat 5:2and he began to teach them.

This is where things become somewhat interesting. As here we find that Yeshua is giving a fuller understanding of Torah. In other words He is trying to help us better understand the Laws. Though many times in life we forget about this, and some wish to undermine the teachings found here. More on that as we move on.

Mat 5:3"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Luke 6:20
Though we do find a little different wording in Luke, the meaning is the same. People that are poor, understand what means to have HaShem meet your every need. With this understanding also comes a prayer life that most rich never dream of having. They rely on their money, hoard it, and show it off in their cars, homes and so on.
I do ask that you keep that last part in mind, as it will come up again.

Mat 5:4God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
I can't say how many people have lived this out in their lives, however having seen this in the life of many people, it is clear that had they not turned to HaShem, they would have been lost. Losing a loved one is never easy. However we have the promise of comfort from HaShem, this comes in the form of His Spirit. What many call the Holy Spirit. He uses His spirit with in us to lift us up. So if you ever loss a loved one, turn to Him, you won't be left without purpose.

Mat 5:5God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
Speaking just for myself, This sounds like something from an old movie. However to inherit the earth may just be what some want. As a humble person once said of them self, "If the earth is to be mine, then I can make the changes I wish. To some this may not sound so humble. Yet if we look at it from their ideas, and understanding, we may find their will follows that of HaShem. So they are not talking of making the earth in a fashion that suits their wants, rather speaking of making the earth into what it was truly meant to be. So when we see, or hear a person make a statement that sounds boastful, slow down and hear them out. You might end up shocked by their intent.
One last note on this, when people wish to say Israel has been replaced by the church, they become prideful, and boastful. If not for their selves, then for their church. It can manifest in ways they may not even understand. Like wishing to remove Israel from any hope of salvation. Many churches do this, and don't even understand just how wrong they are.

Mat 5:6God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
Have we ever thought about the people in this world that have been sentenced to life? Most never give a thought at all. If asked they may say, "Why worry about it, they got what they had coming." In some cases that may be true, however in the world today, anything they can tag as a felony come with a life sentence. They become unhirable in most places, lose their right to vote, and in a way they lose every right others enjoy. Even if they were only given 90 days, they lose their rights for the rest of their life. That isn't justice.

Mat 5:7God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
In a world where mercy has little place, if any, it is odd to find a person that is willing to over look any debt. Be that person, and extend true mercy when you can. Remember this, it will come back around.

Mat 5:8God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
It would be hard to say if a person has a pure heart. We simply can't see the intent behind their actions or words. We can however look into our own hearts and see if we are. Trust me when I say, their people that would say I am not in this category. So be it, after all my Judge hasn't passed that judgement, so I will wait on Him. Until then I pray we will all look to Yeshua to show us the right path for our lives.

Mat 5:9God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Working for peace, comes in many forms. Keeping a thread peaceful, bring peace to the world, or even steeping to end a debate that holds little constructive purpose. So from this we should also think about how we may bring discourse into a topic, conversation, or life of others. That isn't how we are to act, although at times to bring peace, we must first go to war.

Mat 5:10God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
I once said it makes me feel good when people wish to persecute me for my teachings. That is true, as it shows I am on the right path. Yet in life, we may find we are mocked for pointing out that a cashier gave us to much in change, or standing up when we see others being wrongly accused. If you ever have a chance to do whats right, even when it is harder than just walking away, we must do whats right.

Mat 5:11"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
If we look around the world today, it becomes clear we are in the end times. Governments, people, and groups go out of their way to silence the Word. They call it hate speech, claim it insights violence, and so on. Not just that, many churches will do their best to stop anyone from teaching truth to their followers. Yes a person can become a follower of a church, and forget they are to follow the Teachings of Yeshua.
This seems a good place to stop, it will give time for the ones that wish to try and show me I am wrong to step up. Although I am sure they won't. It will also give time for some think about what has been placed before them, and contiplate how it reflects on their own faith. Stick around though, as we will soon ope the door to the one topic that most are so willing to do their best to negate.

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 5:13"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
As we all know salt has many uses. It can bring out the flavor of other spices, and preserve almost almost anything. As followers, we are to preserve the truth, and bring a little flavor to the world around us. When we fail to hold pn to truth, we lose our usefulness to HaShem.

Mat 5:14"You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
Like Yeshua, when we turn our lives over to Him, His light fills us, and others should see there is something a bit different about us. We become the light, and in us others see what they have been missing. It is in our living by the Word, and not seeking a way out of doing this, that others can find true hope. Does this mean I am saying follow the law? No, however the Word is clear on the topic, if one wishes to over look this, I have no power to stop them. We can simply point out the truth of what the Word tells us, it is up you to decide if you will walk in the light or not.

Mat 5:16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Are we to boast of the good things we do? No, rather if we do a good dead, like say helping someone in need, that gets out. It can become somewhat embarrassing at time. People may try to turn it into a chance to pill praise on you, and hold you up as some kind of hero.
I personal am not comfortable with that. Give glory where it is due. Do your best to direct any praise to HaShem. After all, He put you in place to help the other person, He placed it on your heart to do so, and most of all, it is His lpove in use that made all of it possible.

Mat 5:17"Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.
Mat 5:18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.
Luke 16:17,
As one looks to the 2 passages given, we find that in both the Law is said to out last both Heaven and earth. Not in those words mind you. However the idea is that the Law/Torah will not change in the lest. They are eternal by some teachings. Yet for some sad reason many simply with to remove the Law, and yet up hold it when it seems to fit their ideas. The best way to test if the law is valid today is answer one simple question. "Is there sin in the world today, and must we seek forgiveness for said sin?" If you answered yes, then by your answer you show the law is valid. If not, then the Word has leaded us to believe something that isn't true at all. If one reads 1John 3:4 they find the Biblical definition of sin. As stated there, sin is any violation of HaShem's laws. If the law is not in place then their is no sin held against us, as their is law to violate.

Mat 5:19So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Now comes the comment of, See I can get into heaven without the law. Some have even said, "If I get in as a street sweeper, I still got in, so whats the big deal." For thouse that have a heart for the worldly things, and a drive for the actions of the flesh, there is nothing that can change their hearts. For them, let us all pray that they will find it in their own minds to seek out a better way.

 

[Rainrider]

I was asked by one in our group, Why do you say you wish to move faster, then don't post for days?" The answer is rather simple. I have good days and bad. There are days when I can sit for hours to get a post out, and days when I simply can't.

 

[Bruce_Leiter]

I find it sad that I listed this 3 days ago and it has not been posted. Well things do get over looked, so let try once more.
In this study I do ask that we keep to the life of Yeshua, how He lived His life, what religion He followed, and what His study/teaching tools were. After all if we fail to understand this, how can we say follow His example?
The Word is clear on one thing,

Hos 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

As I have seen in every post I opened, there are some that simply wish to make sure they are heard, and any one that stands in opposition of their thinking must be talked over, belittled, and or forced out. Anything to stop their understanding from getting out. However, they have little to say about how Yeshua lived His life, or what His guiding principles were.
If this thread is approved, we will examine the Life of Yeshua, and seek to find how He walked in His life. From His teachings, and His teaching alone we can learn more than one may think. I know that what I ask now will be over looked, ignored, or otherwise pushed aside. Still I must ask. If you wish to try and derail this study, please don't post. Keep in mind we are looking the life of Yeshua, NOT PAUL. Thank you for your understanding in this simple request.

Following Jesus' example is impossible on our own strength. That's what it sounds like you're trying to do. That's the theologically-liberal way of approaching the Bible that I experienced in the church, while I was growing up.

We need to balance Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection with Paul's teachings about the meaning of those events that Jesus went through to rescue us from our perilous, spiritual death to eternal life in his strength with the forgiveness of our sins.

However, it is only in the divine power released by Jesus' resurrection that we can live for and under the progress of his life flowing within us. I am very interested in your response. Can we have a dialogue?

 

[Rainrider]

Following Jesus' example is impossible on our own strength. That's what it sounds like you're trying to do. That's the theologically-liberal way of approaching the Bible that I experienced in the church, while I was growing up.

We need to balance Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection with Paul's teachings about the meaning of those events that Jesus went through to rescue us from our perilous, spiritual death to eternal life in his strength with the forgiveness of our sins.

However, it is only in the divine power released by Jesus' resurrection that we can live for and under the progress of his life flowing within us. I am very interested in your response. Can we have a dialogue?

I would never say that we have the power to live a sin free life. Even with the Spirit living with in us, we still come up short. I have said this many times in this forum, and may repeat it many more. This is why we should be thankful for the grace and love of HaShem. He is true to His word, and willing to forgive us.
I do agree that we need the whole of scripture, however, I disagree with the idea that Paul has to authority to over ride the teachings of Yeshua. This is why I have said I will not entertain Paul in this thread.

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 5:20"But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
So what is it about the righteousness of those named here that makes it so wrong? As we will see this many times in a study of the teachings of Yeshua, we should at lest have some understanding of it. As we can see there is a hint in this passage. That hint comes in the words religious law. You see many people seem to think that there is only one form of law, that being one judgement. However the Torah is a book a judgement. It tells us how we should treat others, and how we should conduct ourselves in our relationship with HaShem. That is Biblical law, and as we will see Yeshua tells us it isn't a burden.
Religious law on the other hand is a set of laws set by the Jewish leaders in response to the Babylonian exile. Though it does hold some elements of Torah, once understood we see a lot is added. Now before anyone tries to make this into something it isn't, keep this in mind. They were doing their best to reinforce the Torah, in an effort to keep from being being removed again. As we should know, they removed from the land due to their not giving the land it's rest every 7 years. Knowing that to violate Torah can lead to their removal again, they did what they seen as right. So lets not put anything on them that isn't theirs. As we move on we will see time and again when Yeshua sets the record straight. He will also give us a clear understanding of Torah if we listen.

Mat 5:21"You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.
Mat 5:22But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
Mat 5:23"So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,
Mat 5:24leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. If you will not, in 23 it doesn't say if you have something against someone, rather if someone has something against you. One may think, "How am I responsible for the thoughts of another?" To answer that think about this. If your upset with one, more times than not it due to something they did. So in truth we are responsible for their anger, or mistrust, making it our job to set things right, or at lest try. Once we have done all we know to, it is then on them. After all if I come to you and say, Sorry I did what ever it was, and I make a peace offering with you, and you tell me to get lost and never return. I did my best, and it is now on them to make right that wrong.
This is a point we have debated many times, just to see if have it right or wrong. Don't get me wrong, we may never be 100% on this. So please, take the time to think it over.

Mat 5:25"When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.
Mat 5:26And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.
Though we know that suing others isn't the right way to do things, at times it is the only way to set the record straight. As noted above, we are to do everything we can to make sure our dealings with others is on the up and up. If we always deal fairly with others, their will be no hard feelings to deal with later. However, also as noted above, if can set things right without a judge, we save a lot of time, and most likely a lot of hard earned cash. Ever hear the saying, "lawsuits only make the attorney richer". Though it sad, it is true.

Mat 5:27"You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.'
Mat 5:28But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Some see this for what it tells us, however to explain the reasoning behind it is a bit harder for some. So lets try to place this in perspective. Ever had a relationship where the other shows an interest in another? Think about how that made you feel, it hurts to find out that your loved one finds another person more interesting than they do you. In some cases, it can lead to divorce. Oddly that same kind of pain is found when the one you love goes out with another. I may not be explaining this as clearly as it is in my head, so over look that please. However the image does fit, and should help you see what is being said here.
Also, if we let our minds go down that road, we open ourselves to influences that as a true follower we should be free from. Yeshua doesn't give a lustful heart, so we know that thoughts of this nature are not from Him.

Mat 5:29So if your eye—even your good eye —causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Never take this as literal. You see to mutilate ones self is a violation of Torah. However, we should consider that if we have something wrong in our lives, it must be dealt with, to make us better. To try and make this a bit more clear, if you look at another with lust, your eyes, i.e. looking bring that sin about. So what can we do? Start with prayer, then to remove your eye, simply stop looking. Odd you say. In all truth it the looking that brought that sin into your life. So if we stop looking, we remove it from sight. This is much the same as putting out your own eye, because you are blinding yourself to the thing that brought that sin.

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 5:31"You have heard the law that says, 'A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.
Mat 5:32But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.
This is a topic that has been brought up many times to try and show that we have it wrong. The argument on the other side seems to always turn to an abusive relationship. You will note that not once in this passage is that named. Yet in the minds of some, the abuser is guilty of something. They simple can never find anything to back their understanding.
Don't get us wrong, we agree that if anyone is in an abusive relationship, they need to get out. So let us explain this way of thinking.
The Torah places human life above all things. Even it's own laws at times. It also tells us that a marriage should be between 2 people with respect, love, and kindness toward one another. We must also keep in mind that adultery in the Word isn't confined to just human interaction. Ex.34:16, Ps. 106:39, Is. 57:7, Jer. 3, read the full chapter for clarity, Eze. 16:17, and this list can get rather long. However it does show us that adultery isn't confined to human interaction with others. It does seem that it can be found in the spiritual life as well. So does that give us grounds for divorce? It would seem that way from the passages given.

Mat 5:33"You have also heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.
Mat 5:34But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, 'By heaven!' because heaven is God's throne.
Mat 5:35And do not say, 'By the earth!' because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, 'By Jerusalem!' for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.
Mat 5:36Do not even say, 'By my head!' for you can't turn one hair white or black.
Mat 5:37Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Ever get the call to sit on a jury? I have, and I found that if you won't make the vow they ask of you, you won't sit on that jury, ever. Oh I have had them say I would go to jail, until I comply. Funny how they say that yet never even try to do so. You see even when a person places their hand on the Word, and swear to tell the truth and so on they may not. Yet a true believer has no need of this action. They will tell the truth no mater what it brings. Now I do hope you won't just use this passage to get out of doing whats right.

Mat 5:38"You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'
Mat 5:39But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.

As made clear in the opening of this passage, it is about the punishment fitting the crime. So lets look at this with a bit of understanding. If I did something that brought about the loss of your eye, hand, or what ever, doing the same thing to me isn't justice. After all you are still missing a body part, and may have lost your ability to make a living. You have also just done the same to another person. However, if the one in the wrong is forced to compensate you properly, you may be set for life, and therefore justice has been served.
Now if a person slapes you, and you do turn the other cheek, and they slap that one as well what then? I like to say the word is moot on this, so knock that person out. I know that is wrong, yet is fun to think about. In all truth, the one in the wron should be charged with assault, and let justice hand down the punishment. Now please don't think even for a second that I would say sit back and let an evil person kill anyone. If you have the means to stop an action like that, you must do so. Even if that means killing the evil one before they can kill.
Many people think my understanding is wrong, mostly due to their teachings that to kill is wrong. However if you read, Ecc. chapter 3, we find there is a time to kill, as well a time for war, and so. The commandment that many read as don't kill, should in fact read murder rather than kill.

We will stop here for now, as there may be questions, or disagrment with what is said. So I leave it you to pick it up if you wish.

 

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Following Jesus' example is impossible on our own strength. That's what it sounds like you're trying to do. That's the theologically-liberal way of approaching the Bible that I experienced in the church, while I was growing up.

We need to balance Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection with Paul's teachings about the meaning of those events that Jesus went through to rescue us from our perilous, spiritual death to eternal life in his strength with the forgiveness of our sins.

However, it is only in the divine power released by Jesus' resurrection that we can live for and under the progress of his life flowing within us. I am very interested in your response. Can we have a dialogue?

Have you changed your mind?

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 5:40If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.
Mat 5:41If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.
Mat 5:42Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.

To sum this up one simply to think about going above what is asked.

Mat 5:43"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy.
Mat 5:44But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

The way we see this is that we should never hate anyone. After all, if we are to refelct the love HaShem has for man kind, we must show love to everyone. If we pray for those that wish to belittle us for our faith, we open the door to them one day finding salvation, that is way better than doing our best to push them away. Sadly many can't see when they are pushing others away from the truth, simply because they can't see the truth themselves. I can say for sure that I walked away from the teachings of most churches when I found how wrong the idea that they are right, HaShem and everyone else is wrong.

Mat 5:45In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
Mat 5:46If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
Mat 5:47If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.
Mat 5:48But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

No matter what anyone thinks of themselves, we all know deep down that we are all flowed. However, that doesn't mean we should give up. We all sin, even if some wish to admit it to themselves and others. I am happy to say I am a sinner. It is shows that I am human, and that HaShem can forgive us even when we fall on our face.

 

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Mat 6:1"Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.
Mat 6:2When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
Mat 6:3But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Mat 6:4Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

This passage has been used to try and show a conflict in the Word. Let us show how, then we will show why it isn't.
If you recall, in Mat. 5:14-16 we are told to let our good deeds shine for everyone to see. However we are to do in a way that bring glory to HaShem and not us.
Someone that holds little understanding, or is just doing their best to discredit the Word, will say. Look right here, your told to show your good deeds to the world, then Yeshua turns around and say's never mind don't do that.
Not only do the 2 passages speak of two different actions, they make clear what they are speaking of. A good dead can be anything from mowing the yard of a person that can't do so for them self, asking for nor excepting any pay. Everyone that goes past sees your action, and some may even understand why. Now that person will tell the world of your action, shining a light on the blessing you have given them. No reason for you to go telling everyone how good you are. Once you do that, you have gotten all the glory you ever will.
In the passage above, it is speaking of giving. Be it your tithes, or helping someone meet there needs, be it food, bills, or a car. Do that in a way that helps the one receiving to maintain their dignity. Nothing can be more embarising than for others to know you are struggling to make ends meat. So that must be done in a way that no one ever finds out. Don't even tell your spouse, they may tell others. I like to say somethings are on a need to know. If you need to ask, you don't need to know. If HaShem see fit to reword me, so be it, if not, that is fine as well.

Mat 6:5"When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.
Mat 6:6But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Mat 6:7"When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.
Mat 6:8Don't be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

Here we find that when we pray we should limit the words used. No it doesn't take away from your pray, it does show you understand, and take on faith that HaShem knows your needs and the needs of those you pray for. So if you can ask HaShem for help in one word, there is no need to use 500.
As for praying in public, I do my best not to at all. Even when I am asked, I will turn down the offer. Let those who see it think what they wish, HaShem knows why, and understands. To pray in public, with long winded rambling wording, is offten seen as nothing more than a show. When I was a pastor, I never ofered pray in church. We simply called for everyone to pray on their own. Not a word was ever spoken in pray, unless there was a need that need agreement. Then it was done in privet, with only the leaders of the church on hand. Again, this also helps to protect the dignity of the being being prayed for.
Mat. 6:9-13 is what many call the Lords pray. I am sure most know it by heart, so we see not need to post it. Seldom have any of us heard, (By any of us, I am speaking for the people that I study with only.) the teachings in this pray.
In this example as given, we find the right way to open a pray, and the order we should place things.
Praise first, acknowledging our need for Him, thanks giving for meeting our needs, asking forgiveness of sins, and last, for the strength to turn away from temptation.
There is no need to use the exact wording we find in this passage, it is after all Yeshua not praying, rather giving us a pattern to use in our own prayers.
One thing we must understand is the following.

Mat 6:14"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
Mat 6:15But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
As this follows the teaching on how to pray, and tells us a bit more onpart, we should look closely at it. When we ask that our sins be forgiven, AS we forgive others, that is in fact how it works. After all, we are to live as Yeshua lived. He never held hate in His heart. As we know from the cross He asked that the people be forgiven. More on that when we get there. It also fits with the teaching of loving your enemy. Hard to forgive some one if you hate them, easy if you love them. Just as HaShem loves everyone, sinner and believer alike. He hates the sin for sure, yet He loves the person.
We will finish this chapter when we come back. Or at lest try hard to do so.

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 6:16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
Mat 6:17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.
Mat 6:18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

This is an example of the things one should not put on display. Just as the ones above on how to pray, and so on.
Mat 6:19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.
Mat 6:20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Mat 6:21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Luck 12:13-14
Keep in mind this doesn't mean don't bey your home, car, and so on. As that can be passed to your loved ones. We understand this to speak of things we hold dear to our hearts. As with anything, if we place the things of this world ahead of our spiritual lives, we soon find that they become a big part of who we are. Even see someone that wants to let everyone know they have more money than those around them, or talk about how your paid for car isn't as good as the one they will be paying for over the next 5 years? Well that person has lost preservative. My old pick up is paid for, and can go anyplace I wish to go. I have no worries about what may happen to it, it is after all just a tool. It helps me to get where I am needed, and around to do the things we all must do.
Mat 6:22 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.
Mat 6:23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
Mat 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Luke 12:22-31

Most never see this passage as speaking to generosity. We do, as it follows on the heels of storing up ones treasures. You see if we have discernment we can see a need, and there fore we can help others in need. This adds in storing up our treasures in Heaven. Where as if we close our eyes to those in need, we show a lake of faith. Let us explain that one.
When we give to others even if it means giving our last penny, we show our faith in HaShem to meet our needs. The act of giving freely also lets us show the kind of love HaShem has for all mankind.
It is as the passage tells us, impossible to serve HaShem if we hold back anything. More on this later.
Mat 6:25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
Mat 6:26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Mat 6:27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Mat 6:28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,
Mat 6:29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
Mat 6:30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
As you can see, it is more about faith than many wish to think. What I find odd is how a person with more money than they can spend in a life time, can be so hungry for more. Oh sure it helps make life a bit easier, yet with it comes a responsibility to help others. As we all know, most people with money can't see past their money, and only seek to get more and more. They talk a good talk, yet when it comes to giving, they really give vary little.
Mat 6:31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’
For some it isn't what will we eat, it is where we will get something to eat. So when your looking in your frig, think about that. Oh we may find that what we have we don't really want, what many don't think is so simple. How many people out there would love to have what you see as unwanted at the time.
Mat 6:32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
Mat 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Mat 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

I wish to close this in a way that I was told not to. The others seem to think it is unwarranted, and may seem more political than spiritual. However as I do more often than not, I will follow what has been placed on my heart.
That last hurricane has left many with nothing. I know people that have so little they can't give anything really. Yet in their need to serve HaShem they have given what they don't have. That is what we should do. We can always deal with the fall out later, right now there are real needs, in the lives of real people. Our government has already said it doesn't have the money to help them, so it falls on us. We all know that a true follower of The Way can do more with less than any government. So I ask please help them. Let HaShem's light and love shine through us all.

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 7:1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
Mat 7:2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
Luke 6:37-42

I know people love to turn to this passage to try and make out like they are being unfairly judged. If a person passes judgement on you, the best thing to do is just let it be. Oh don't get me wrong, we all judge others almost every day. In small things mostly, like having their pants down a round their thighs, and so on. However, some go past that and condemn others to hell for simply following the truth they have found in the Word. So if you judge others by the standards of your ideas, and not truth, it won't be good for you in the end. If we hold a person accountable when they say one one thing, then turn around and say the opposite, only to flip that back to their original stand, that isn't judging, it is holding them accountable. Now that goes for everything we do. We are to hold one another accountable, and ask the hard questions when needed.
Mat 7:3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
Mat 7:4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
Mat 7:5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
Luke 6:37-38 and 6:41-42
We must always seek the true meaning of a passage before we speak on it. You see when we fail to follow logic, we may find that we negate one passage by how we understand others. Something that is sadly becoming the norm for many. They can, or won't see this due in part to their unwillingness to follow the example left for us in the life and teachings of Yeshua. Some have even said Paul holds more authority than HaShem. The Word isn't a work of contradictions, it must follow the same path from Gen. to Rev. If not we are the ones creating the conflict.
Mat 7:6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
Luke 9:5
Everyone sees this passage in their own way. Nothing said by anyone will change their understanding of it. However we will find that Yeshua does give us some insight as to it's meaning when we look at Luke. Yeshua said to kick the dust from your feet when you leave a place that doesn't want to hear the truth. In that passage one may find something they like, or something they think can be used to dismiss anyone that stands on an understanding they don't like. For that kind of person, it is a wast of time to show them THE TRUTH, as they simply hope for a salvation that doesn't require them to follow the Word as it is, rather lets us just make it up as we go.
Mat 7:7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
Mat 7:8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Mat 7:9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?
Mat 7:10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!
Mat 7:11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Luke 11:9-13
When one is truly seeking the truth, they should always ask for understanding. Not just once, every time you study the Word. When we find a passage that we think isn't in line with another, stop, ask HaShem for help in understanding it correctly. However if we ask, then seek the meaning wee want, it does no good, and we will find what we want to find.
Mat 7:12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
Do we ever think of this passage before we start trying to force our thoughts and ideas on others? Most would have to say no if they are honest. However from time to time we find someone that is simply doing nothing more than trying to get us to think about a passage in a different way. Or point out that one passage can't negate another. At times we must simply stop and hear them out. No need to try and place something on a person when they have not said it. Yet when a person does say something, they must be held to account for it. As was stated above, if we make a stand then change that, only to return to the first, we do great harm to our ability to teach. As it shows we simply don't understand, or hold to truth.
Mat 7:13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[ is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.
Mat 7:14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Luk 13:24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.
Luk 13:25 When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’
This passage should scare the pants off everyone. If not it should make us back and rethink everything we think we know. After all, it is clear that the ones seeking to enter, have missed the mark, and never really knew Yeshua, much less followed His teachings. Let that sink in my friends. To follow Yeshua would mean that we know Him, His teachings, and His way of life. Something not many have shown in their interactions with us.
I will finish this chapter later today, I do pray that someone is at lest reading this, and may find need to voice their understanding. Keep in mind, if you turn to Paul to negate anything the Word has said, you will be reminded that we are not entertaining Paul in this thread.

 

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Mat 7:15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.
Mat 7:16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Mat 7:17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.
Mat 7:18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.
Mat 7:19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
Mat.12:33, Luke 6:43-45
Have you ever had the privilege of speaking with a person that holds no true understanding of the Word? Oh they will defend their church doctrine even to the point of doing their best to negate any passage that stands in conflict with what they want. It is seldom that a teacher of the Word can also be a student. However that is just what we should be. A student first, and a teacher second. You see a true teacher wants to always be on the right side of any topic they teach.
One thing is for sure, any one that holds only their own hopes of being free from everything they don't like, will become angry if confronted with any truth that doesn't back their way of thinking. Unlike a person that doesn't care what any church has to say, and works to teach the truth as it is found in the word. They simply remain calm and cool under fire. Just as Yeshua seldom got angry, we should always follow that example. In all truth when you are standing on the Word, and not a denomination, it is easy. Just as it is easy to never contradict ones self when follow he Word.
Mat 7:21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.
Mat 7:22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’
Mat 7:23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
Luke 6:46 and Luke 13:26-27
So how do we know the Will of HaShem? Yeshua teaches us this in His teachings, His life, and His faith. How can we as people think that to remove His teachings in favor of our own wants, hopes, and dreams ever hope to know Him? Sadly many are so convinced that Paul is the way the truth and the light, they know less about him than they do Yeshua. How can that be you may ask. Well when you have no idea how Paul not only spoke, lived or what faith he followed, you have missed the boat.
When we stand in judgement, will we stand tall, or try to hide? For us that study His Word, and do our best to follow the Teaching of Yeshua, yes we will. Not from pride, or any seance of better than the others. We will stand tall in the eyes of HaShem. We who work to inform others of the Law, and again do our best to live by that law, are not asked to leave. However once a person tries to remove the Law, and get others to do so, they may not make it. I say may not, as I have no way to know. I am not your final judge, yet when it comes to the Word, it becomes clear, there are a lot of people that think they are following the right Way, yet are not.
The passage named from Luke uses what we think to be a bit better wording.
Mat 7:24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
Mat 7:25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.
Mat 7:26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
Mat 7:27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
We understand this well. When a person follows the teachings of anyone that doesn't follow the Word, their teachings crumble when asked the hard questions. If they teach their is no law, they can't answer to the teachings of Yeshua, as they simply have no understanding of Him. When faced with the idea that their most renowned teacher, is misunderstood, and given that persons teachings in a way that show he isn't saying what they think, they melt down. They build on sand, and then blame the hurricane for their house falling flat.
Yet when a person puts aside the teachings of man, and turns only to the Word for understanding, they are mocked, and even faced with judgement from man, that the one giving can't stand up to. Yet they stand strong in any storm. Try as the mockers may, they can't shake the foundation of the teachings from the Word. After all, the bed rock is the Torah, and once we build on Torah, we build on the vary foundation of creation. Not once in the Word does anyone say don't follow Biblical law. Oh we are told about religious law, yet that isn't Biblical law, as we see in time.
Mat 7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
Mat 7:29 for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
Real authority? What is it that loans authority to any teacher? Is it that they speak well, or that they teach the truth? I have seen more than my share of teaches run from the truth, unable to make their point from sound Biblical scripture. Just as I have seen less people with an understanding of Who Yeshua is, how he lived, and what He said. Authority doesn't come from our words, it comes from the Word. Once we as man remove the Word from being one coherent, and logical document, we have lost our way. As everyone will agree, the Word holds no contradictions, yet some unwittingly teach them.

 

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Mat 8:1 Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside.
Mat 8:2 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”
Mat 8:3 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.
Mat 8:4 Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Mark 1:40-45 Luke 5:12-16
Now this may seem a bit odd for some of you, and others may find it to be a slap i the face of your beliefs. However, when we got caught up in a debate on the shroud of turin. It was said by one that holds it as the real deal, that Yeshua was under the oath of a nazrite His whole life. This was to explain away the long hair and short beard. When faced with the fact that if what they said was true, Yeshua had broken that vow many times. This is one of them. We will talk on this more when we look at the Sacrifice made by Yeshua, His resurrection, as well as His time in the tomb.
Mat 8:5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him,
Mat 8:6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”
Mat 8:7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”
Mat 8:8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.
When we think of faith alone, we must over look that faith is always followed by works. No that isn't saying we can find salvation by our own works. If is however looking at the actions we have all taken. If faith alone can bring salvation, why are we told to openly confess that HaShem by his grace saved us? Why must we also show our faith through the things we say, do, or don't do?
As seen above, this officer had enough faith to believe, so why not just stay home and say, "Don't worry, you going to be healed." His faith lead him to seek out Yeshua, an act that showed us his faith. Also it was an act that lead to many also seeing his faith in a tangible way.
Mat 8:9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!
When we back our faith with action, and can show through our words as well, we can become unstoppable. Just think of the times you stood on faith, and won. Or maybe look at those you wished to shot down, yet they just kept coming. The more you try to show how wrong they are, the more they show just how the Word backs their thinking. Those are the ones that stand on their faith, and are willing to stand up and be heard, even when faced with adversity. That kind of faith comes from knowing in your heart and mind that Yeshua will fight our battle, and win every time.
Mat 8:11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mat 8:12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Mat 8:13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Luke 7:1-10
When we look at our own faith, in the depths of our own understanding, do we find this kind of faith? Most will say no if they are honest. You see most people have never been used to shine a light into the darkness that became so common place in the world.

 

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I was asked this, so I now pass it to you in a way. Why should anyone wast time showing what the Word really teaches, when the ones around want no part of truth? Should we not kick the dust from our feet, and leave them to their own fate?
In all truth, should there be no reply to this, that will make it clear your only interested in your own understanding, and anything that may show the truth is unwanted.
The choice is yours, if you want truth, without denominational dogma, let us know.

 

[Rainrider]

In spite of myself< and after much prayer on this, I feel lead to keep going on this. After all, HaShem has said His word would not come back to Him void. Besides I am looking forward to going in Rev. even if it is just for my own studies. So if your reading this thread, and just unwilling to speak up, it will move forward.

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 8:16 That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.
Mat 8:17 This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,
“He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.
Mark 1:32-34 Luke 4:40-41
At times we forget that Yeshua is still healing us today. We face many things in this world, why not turn it over to Him and let Him deal with it?
Mat 8:18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.
Mat 8:19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
We must make note here that in the Word there is a distinction made. Religious law, and Biblical law are not the same thing, as we will see as move on.
Mat 8:20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
Yeshua knew that once a person has lived in comfort they they will hold on to it. By letting this person know there are no creature comforts, He understood the man wouldn't follow Him. Does this mean we shouldn't own a home? No. It does however make it clear that Yeshua has no home of his own.
Mat 8:21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
Mat 8:22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.
Luke 9:57-62
If one reads this as is, and looks no further, they think Yeshua is saying let the people already in the grave bury the dead. However as we know that can't happen. It is more likely He is speaking of the spiritual dead. As it takes faith to leave behind what one has, and walk by faith in Him alone.
Ask anyone that has ever faced hard times, and held on to the only thing they had, FAITH. They will say that if not for faith they wouldn't have made it. Ask someone that has never faced hardship, and they won't have a real answer, much less any understanding of true hardship. However if you simply listen to them, you will hear I, I, I, a lot.

Seems like a good place to end for today.

 

[Rainrider]

Mat 8:23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.
Mat 8:24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
Mat 8:25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
Mat 8:26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
Mat 8:27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”
(Mar 4:35–41; Luk 8:22–25 )

When I was in isreal we took a night boat ride on the sea of Galilee. The owners of the boat explained this story in a way that changed how I see it. They pointed toward a valley at one end of the sea, that could bring the wind in faster than one would expect. It does this in a way that I can only explain by using a funnel. As the wind goes through, it is forced into a smaller opening where it comes over the sea. It picks up speed in this funnel, and can bring high waves with it.
Oddly there is a place on I80 in Wyoming that does this same thing.
Sorry just though that should be shared.
When we read this passage, do we ever think about the turmoil we face in our own lives? We should, you see in this passage we are shown that HaShem has the power to calm any storm.
Also, when one ask for a Biblical witness for Yeshua being HaShem, this one does that. However to see it, we must open our eyes to the Torah. As the Torah can be seen as HaShem's bio. Just we do our best to give a glimpse into how we are in a profile on line, HaShem has done the same in Torah.
Mat 8:28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area.
Mat 8:29 They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”
Mat 8:30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance.
Mat 8:31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”
Mat 8:32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.
Mat 8:33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men.
Mat 8:34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.
(Mar 5:1–20; Luk 8:26–39 )
This is a great place to try and show how perspective can change with a little more understanding. You see, at one point in my life I thought the people were upset over the water being contaminate. As we all know, or should anyway, Pigs are on the unclean side of the list of animals meant for food. That is where I came up the idea they unhappy with the pigs going into the water.
However once I was told to look a bit closer, I found the idea that the herdsmen were watching over the pigs, and not sheep a bit convincing. As I looked past that, I found that the Gadarenes may have been Gentile. That made the light come on. You see, gentiles would have no diversion to eating pork, and may have raised them for food. As we know all to well, if you take food off someones plate, they do get a bit upset. With this new understanding, it has became clearer in my mind as too some of what we see in this story.
Also we must think about this. How did the evil spirits know Yeshua? As it seems they knew Him without Yeshua ever saying a word. As most know, demons know HaShem, and have even spent time with Him. Just as we know a person, and recognize them from a ways off, they too know HaShem. So was I now ask, was it Yeshua, or HaShem they seen and knew? Think about it this way. When a true follower, and believer runs into a person they don't know at all, yet sees something familiar in them in them. What it is they are seeing? Ever had this happen to you, then asked them, Are you a believer? Most don't, as they feel odd about asking that. On the other hand, I have seen that asked of people, and when the answer is a yes, you see what some may see as a family reunion going on. A baptist pastor once said, this is due to the little part of HaShem's spirit in us, recognizing it's self in the other person. Funny how the teachings of ones youth stay with them, and I thank Brother Hill from Portailes NM for his guidance. Although I am sure he is no longer with us. You see that was in the 1970's, and he was much older than me then. Yet his teachings of the Word still shape how I look at it, even the O.T. was not unknown to him, and he did teach from the Torah.
I am still wanting to get to the teachings of Yeshua as found in Rev. So if any one wants that to be in a New thread let me know. Though I give this warning now. If I do open a new thread for that, it will be ponced on by people with so little understanding, and a over inflated view of their own scholarship, they will do all they can derail it. Not that I can't deal with them, it is just distracting, as I am sure they want it to be.