The Teachings of Jesus (TOJ)

[GWH]

That’s exactly the reason I like you too sailor, because you do passive trolling.
But I’m also impressed on how a southern Baptist has arrived to such teachings which are similar to mine.

And many people come to faith by observing God’s power and signature in His Creation by the way so it’s a common thing.
I work with doctors sometimes and they have found faith by looking at God’s wonders under a microscope which led them to be baptized later.

Hallelujah !

If you think I troll, then we have different definitions of that term, because my intent is to engage in serious discussion rather than to get a rise out of someone, argue or pick a fight.

I arrived at my understanding of GW by:

1. Attending Sunday school followed by church services with my parents,
2. Augmented by reading the New English Bible they gave me about the time I went to college,
3. Augmented by reading the Today's English Version while taking systematic theology seminary classes and hearing sermons by Thieme,
4. Augmented by reading the New International Version for the purpose of training Sunday School teachers as a Minister of Education,
5. Augmented by more seminary classes for becoming a pastor and chaplain,
6. Augmented by debating atheists in Austin and via an online chat site,
7. Augmented by lessons developed for sharing with soldiers while mobilized in Bosnia, Del Rio Texas and Iraq,
8. Augmented by self-publishing two booklets before opting to publish via my website, <truthseekersfellowship.com>,
9. Augmented by reading the Apologetics Study Bible I was given in 2010,
10. Augmented by discussions on CC and adding to my website.

 

[Eli1]

If you think I troll, then we have different definitions of that term, because my intent is to engage in serious discussion rather than to get a rise out of someone, argue or pick a fight.

I arrived at my understanding of GW by:

1. Attending Sunday school followed by church services with my parents,
2. Augmented by reading the New English Bible they gave me about the time I went to college,
3. Augmented by reading the Today's English Version while taking systematic theology seminary classes and hearing sermons by Thieme,
4. Augmented by reading the New International Version for the purpose of training Sunday School teachers as a Minister of Education,
5. Augmented by more seminary classes for becoming a pastor and chaplain,
6. Augmented by debating atheists in Austin and via an online chat site,
7. Augmented by lessons developed for sharing with soldiers while mobilized in Bosnia, Del Rio Texas and Iraq,
8. Augmented by self-publishing two booklets before opting to publish via my website, <truthseekersfellowship.com>,
9. Augmented by reading the Apologetics Study Bible I was given in 2010,
10. Augmented by discussions on CC and adding to my website.

I like your list sailor and it’s okay if you don’t understand that your sarcastic sense of humor is seen as “trolling” but the important thing is that we’ve all come to learn about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity in different ways and all these ways should not be seen are right or wrong despite when people disagree with you or me that God is not found in nature.

 

[GWH]

I like your list sailor and it’s okay if you don’t understand that your sarcastic sense of humor is seen as “trolling” but the important thing is that we’ve all come to learn about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity in different ways and all these ways should not be seen are right or wrong despite when people disagree with you or me that God is not found in nature.

Well, that's what I get for trying to inject a little humor into a serious discussion.

I guess the list shows that I am a slow learner (but at least I have the gift of perseverance :^)

 

[GWH]

TOJ #176: Believers play various roles in doing GW. [JN 4:35-38] One may plant the seed of truth in a soul, another may encourage it to grow, and yet another may be present when that soul decides to accept Jesus (1CR 3:5-10).

TOJ #177: John and Moses (the OT prophets) testified about Jesus. [JN 5:31-40,45-47, 8:56] The correct interpretation of the OT points to Jesus as Messiah/Christ. Paul also referred to this in ACTS 26:22-23 (cf. TOJ #20 & #159).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #178: God the Father is revealed most fully by God the Son, who embodied God’s Holy Spirit. [JN 5:36-38, 6:27b&45, 8:19, 10:30, 16:14-15] Thus, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 54:13. This nuance of TOJ #1 is so central in John’s gospel that I will state again the key concept: Insofar as it is possible for God to reveal Himself as a human, that person is Jesus. {JN 12:44-45, 14:9-11, 17:6} They are One {JN 17:11}. (See TOJ #70 & #186.)

Jesus said He would be with Believers as the Holy Spirit, who would continue to counsel or teach the truth. {JN 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:12-15}
The apostle Paul also taught that the Holy Spirit baptizes (1CR 12:13) and indwells Believers as God’s seal or deposit (EPH 1:13, 2CR 1:22), who is manifested whenever they speak the truth and love (RM 5:5, EPH 4:15).

This TOJ reveals that the one true God (Being/I AM) is known or relates to human beings in three ways or as a Triunity. (See TOJ #197).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #179: The work/will of God is to believe in His Messiah. [JN 6:29] This verse is very important, because it clarifies that saving Faith (TOJ #49) is prior to working faith (TOJ #51), and we should never reverse them.

TOJ #180: God enables souls to be volitional and loving. [JN 6:44] Souls are not able/free to love by themselves apart from the initiating power/love of God (EPH 3:16-20), which Believers reflect (1JN 4:19). Even the ability to work and produce physical goods is given by God (DT 8:17-18). God initiates/draws; souls choose to cooperate--or not.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #181: Do not stumble because of Christ’s crucifixion. [JN 6:53-58&67] (See TOJ #92.) Just as many Israelites complained at having to eat manna (NM 11:4-6), sophisticates criticize God’s plan of salvation as barbaric (1CR 1:18-25), as though they were not equally in need of its efficacy.

TOJ #182: Words expressing God’s truth are God’s Spirit/Being. [JN 6:63, 14:10] (GW=life/being is another synonymous pairing.) The spiritual realm is an invisible dimension that is partially revealed by right logic (see TOJ #203).

TOJ #183: God ordained when Jesus would die. [JN 7:6&8, 12:27] Jesus recognized that the right time had come when He prayed in the Upper Room. {JN 17:1} Paul said (in RM 5:6) that Christ died for sinners “at just the right time.”

 

[GWH]

TOJ #184: Whoever serves Satan will reject/hate/kill Jesus. [JN 7:19, 8:37, 39-41, 44] They are not His sheep {JN 10:25-26}, but in fact they are wolves/demonic/antichrist. (See TOJ #59, #63 & #202.)

TOJ #185: All souls sin (except One). [JN 8:7] This truth is found in Psalm 53:1-3 and Romans 3:23. The lone exception is Jesus, who always pleased God. {JN 8:29} Hebrews 4:15 states that He was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” (See TOJ #24.)

 

[GWH]

TOJ #186: Jesus is the light or God/GW incarnate. [JN 8:12, 9:5, 14:6] John’s gospel stated this in the opening section (JN 1:1&4-9). Several OT verses spoke of light as representing God (PS 27:1, IS 60:19 MIC 7:8) or GW (PS 119:105). Jesus spoke GW {JN 8:26, 12:49-50, 15:15} or truth {JN 18:37b}, and so He illuminates the right way to live {JN 12:35-36, 46}. (See TOJ #19, #38, #178 & #203.)

TOJ #187: Jesus’ testimony is validated by God the Father. [JN 8:14-18] Jesus showed concern to satisfy the Jewish law that required two witnesses (NM 35:30, DT 17:6, 19:15). Jesus cited the miracles He performed as one form of validation {JN 10:25,32&36-38, 11:14}; OT prophecies {JN 13:18-19} and His own prophecies {JN 14:29, 16:1&4} were another form. (See TOJ #177.) He referred to God’s approval as glorification {JN 8:54, 11:4&40-42, 12:23, 13:31-32, 14:11, 17:1}.

TOJ #188: Jesus’ disciples obey His teachings. [JN 8:31, 14:15, 21, 23, 15:9-10, 14-15] The Greek word for disciple (mathetes) means “learner”.

TOJ #189: The truth will set you free from slavery to sin. [JN 8:32-36&51] The resurrection miracles, especially of Jesus, are the critical evidence. (See TOJ #77 & #94.)

 

[GWH]

TOJ #190: The consequence of Sin or sins is not reaped (necessarily or justly) in this life. [JN 9:1-3] Thus, we should not view sickness as symptomatic of an individual’s sinfulness or lack of faith. (See TOJ #51.)

TOJ #191: Jesus is the shepherd/pastor of God’s people. [JN 10:1-5&10-15] The OT spoke of God as the shepherd (GN 48:15, PS 23:1, IS 40:11, and the NT called church leaders pastors (ACTS 20:28, EPH 4:11), so Jesus is the great or chief Shepherd (HB 13:20, 1PT 5:4).

TOJ #192: No one can cause a believer to become unsaved. [JN 10:28] However, a Believer should not become complacent, because numerous scriptures such as MT 10:22 refer to the possibility of Believers choosing to become apostate.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #193: Knowledge of GW enlightens our way in this world. [JN 11:9-10] This point was made by the Psalmist (PS 119:105; cf. TOJ #186). Jesus said not to take enlightenment for granted, because a soul may not have another opportunity to satisfy GRFS before death {JN 12:35-36}.

TOJ #194: The purpose of Jesus’ first coming was redemption. [JN 12:47] Even so, those who reject GRFS condemn themselves (TOJ #195). What God intends for good (GN 50:20), He allows sinful souls to pervert with evil consequences {JN 9:39, 12:31}.

TOJ #195: Judgment and condemnation will occur at the second coming of Jesus. [JN 12:48] As the writer of Hebrews 9:27-28 stated, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people [TOJ #194]; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”

Simultaneously, this will mean condemnation for those who are implicated in the crucifixion of Jesus (TOJ #54). This doctrine, even though it is essentially the same point as TOJ #83 & #160, is the “bottom line” of the NT, so it warrants reemphasis. If this is false, then life is a farce, and God is tricky.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #196: Pray in the name of Jesus. [JN 14:13-14, 16:23-24] The name of the Lord revealed in the NT is Jesus (Joshua, the Lord saves), the “name that is above every name” (PHP 2:9-11). Thus, we pray to the Father (Yahweh or Jehovah) in the name of the Son (EPH 5:20, CL 3:17), not because the word “Jesus” is magical, but to acknowledge that the reason we have the privilege of addressing God as Father is because of our saving relationship with Christ the Son.

TOJ #197: The Holy Spirit will indwell and guide truth-seekers until Christ returns. [JN 14:16-18,23&26, 15:26, 16:13-15] The Holy Spirit has always been God’s connection with Believers (NM 11:25, DT 35:31-35, PS 51:11) and always will be in heaven. However, Jesus and the NT taught this truth more fully.

TOJ #198: Joy/peace is the God-given motivation for saving faith. [JN 14:27, 15:11, 16:20-24, 33 17:13] Joy and peace speak of ultimate satisfaction rather than momentary emotion—the deep sense of fulfillment that will accompany the realization that life on earth was meaningful rather than a farce. Desiring happiness God’s way is self-love but not selfishness.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #199: Love is sacrificial. [JN 15:13] It is unconditional concern for the eternal welfare of others to the point of willingness to risk death on behalf of others if necessary (RM 5:8).

TOJ #200: Jesus views His disciples as friends. [JN 15:14] Another word for friendship is fellowship (1JN 1:3). Conversely, fellowship with ungodly souls is hatred toward God (JM 4:4, 2CR 6:14).

TOJ #201: God’s revelation transitioned from the Old Covenant to the New Testament or Gospel of Christ. [JN 15:22-25] Theism per the OT satisfies GRFS only until a person learns the NT, at which time he/she becomes responsible for accepting its teaching about Jesus. There is no good/godly reason not to become a Christian (TOJ #61).

Later is not always or necessarily better. Many teachings of some popes, Mohammed and Joseph Smith are retrograde or steps backward toward OT legalism that contradict NT grace.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #202: Some so-called theists will think God wants Christians to be excommunicated or even killed. [JN 16:2-3] “Theists” who have fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy include some “Jews” (the Sanhedrin, MT 27:1), “Christians” (e.g. medieval Roman Catholic popes) and fanatical “Muslims” (terrorists). (See TOJ #70 & #184.)

TOJ #203: God’s Word is truth. [JN 17:17] (See TOJ #175 & #182.) Here are other biblical synonyms:
GW = Spirit = truth = light = life = wisdom = power = love = law
(JN 6:63) (1JN 5:6) (JN 1:4) (JN 1:4) (PR 8:1&35) (JR 10:12) (EPH 3:16f.) (GL 5:14)

TOJ #204: God wants all Believers to become perfectly unified or loving. [JN 17:11&23b] Paul exhorted Believers (in EPH 4:3) “to keep the unity of the Spirit.” Those who have received God’s Holy Spirit manifest an ecumenical mind.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #205: Witness for Jesus to the world. [ACTS 1:8] Jesus told the apostles (minus Judas and before Paul) to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (ACTS 1:4-5) before beginning to evangelize the world. Unfortunately, only the ministry of Paul in the area westward to Asia Minor, Greece and Rome had a significant lasting effect. The TOJ faded from memory in Palestine and were perverted into ascetic monasticism in Egypt. Thus, there was a spiritual void that was filled by Mohammed’s Koran and campaign of conquest a few centuries later. (See TOJ #164.)

This concludes my enumeration and commentary regarding the TOJ.
May the reader find this effort a helpful boost for understanding ultimate reality
and for coping with life on earth. Amen.

The complete TOJ are posted on <truthseekersfellowship.com>
for everyone to utilize as a resource. (LIC :^)

 

[GWH]

So now just for fun why don't we nominate our favorite TOJ to come up with a top Ten?

I realize it might be difficult to come up with only one, so I suggest sharing one at a time or per day.
Feel free to cite a Scripture, but if you want to peruse the enumeration on our website, it is
<truthseekersfellowship.com>

I will begin with:

1. TOJ #4: Harmonize all truth. [MT 4:7a]

Jesus implied this important logical principle to apply when seeking the correct understanding of GW by saying, “It is also written”.
If the Spirit of God inspired the biblical writers (2PT 1:20-21) and created the world (GN 1:1-3), then the best interpretation of a TOJ should harmonize the totality of revealed and scientific knowledge.

In his second temptation the devil quoted Scripture (PS 91:11-12) as though he were heeding the TOJ about learning God's Word (LGW), but he attempted to deceive Jesus with a false interpretation so He would perform a miracle. Although Jesus did perform miracles, it was only as necessary in order to establish His church so that Christians could preach salvation via saving Faith in the Gospel/kerygma.

 

[GWH]

I see no one else chimed in while this was on the front page, so I will go ahead and post another top ten TOJ
(in my book, MT :^)

TOJ #19: Believers teach the value of learning God's Word (LGW) and obeying God's Requirement for Salvation (GRFS) to the world.
[MT 5:13-16]

Whereas salt seasons and preserves food, Believers (who manifest the beatitudes) make the world a better place to live and save converts from moral corruption. {MK 9:49-50//LK 14:34-35} Believers not only are blessed but also are a blessing to others. However, the possibility of becoming “no longer good for anything” implies the need for perseverance (1TM 1:18-20, cf. TOJ #60).

“Light”, which symbolizes God (PS 27:1, 1JN 1:5), is reflected by Jesus (JN 9:5) and Believers (EPH 5:8-9). Just as the purpose of lighting a lamp is to illuminate a room, so the reason Believers remain in this world is to provide spiritual light {LK 11:33, 12:35}. The light symbol or imagery is found also in MT 6:22 & JN 3:19-20).

 

[GWH]

Ditto. Next are two sides of the same coin or two iterations of the same spiritual requirement for salvation.

TOJ #7: Accept Jesus as the Lord’s Messiah/Christ. [LK 4:18-22, 43] By saying the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 (cf. IS 49:5-7, 52:13) was fulfilled, Jesus was teaching that He is God’s Messiah {MT 16:16a//MK 8:29//LK 9:20}, whose mission is the next TOJ. Another term for Messiah is Son (TOJ #1), which may be why those who doubted asked, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Jesus’ role as God’s Messiah is equivalent to His role as God’s Son {MT 16:16-18}.

TOJ #8: Repent of Sin/Believe GRFS. [MT 4:17//MK 1:15 & LK 4:43] Jesus was sent for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel (good news) about how to be saved from death and hell to eternal life in the kingdom of God/heaven. The way to be saved is to repent of the sin of unbelief or atheism (2PT 3:10-13), and believe—not merely in God’s existence (JM 2:19), but—in the way that satisfies God's Requirement For Salvation. Repentance or saving Faith was the central theme of Jesus’ preaching. {MK 1:38}

Many people scoff at this imperative invitation of Jesus, because “everything goes on as it has since the beginning” (2PT 3:3-4). Unfortunately for them, the miraculous proof they demand will be the second coming of Christ in judgment, when it will be too late to repent of sin/evil that results in the opposite of heaven (TOJ #195).

 

[GWH]

I guess I am playing solitaire, so here is my next move:

TOJ #30: Love and pray for God’s/your enemies. [MT 5:43-47//LK 6:27-28&32-36] God’s agape/love is unconditional (RM 5:6-8). We should “hate what is evil” (RM 12:9) while loving people we dislike. This teaching is akin to TOJ #14, #16 & #29. However, God’s forgiveness of Sin is conditional upon repentance (TOJ #8 & #114).

Some people have interpreted Matthew 5:38-48 as teaching pacifism, as though Jesus would say “And if someone murders your spouse, offer them your children”. I believe such a view fails to harmonize with Romans 13:2-4, which teaches that God works through godly governments to execute, if necessary, murderers and other evil aggressors.

Like God’s mercy, Believers’ forgiveness of other sinners is conditional upon their contrition (MT 18:26&29), or else they would be abetting immoral behavior. Thus, forgiving apparently remorseful criminals does not mean canceling the appropriate consequence for their immoral behavior. (The best penal policy would seem to be along the lines of enforcing work and restitution to the victims (cf. LK 19:8), and to incarcerate violent criminals until they have demonstrated the fruit of God’s Spirit (MT 18:30-34, GL 5:22-23) long enough to engender confidence in their rehabilitation.)

 

[GWH]

Okay, my #6 makes my prayer life KISSed:

TOJ #34: Desire God’s will to be done. [MT 6:10//LK 11:2c] This is a significant restatement of TOJ #2. “On earth” begins with the prayer’s own life. Jesus exemplified this teaching when He prayed in Gethsemane before His crucifixion {MT 26:39-42//MK 14:36}. God is not our genie; we are His ministers, who cooperate with His Holy Spirit (PHP 2:12-13) in doing His work (EPH 2:10). Thus, there is an implicit condition in “whatever you ask for”, i.e., we must ask in accordance with God’s will (TOJ #51).

Jesus prayed for the Kingdom of God (KOG) or God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, referring to His spiritual reign in the hearts of believers, as in LK 17:20b-21, “The coming of the KOG is not something that can be observed, nor will people say. Here it is, or there it is, because the KOG is in your midst.” The KOG is manifested in the world salt and light or as love and truth (cf. TOJ #19). Examples of such love are mentioned in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (MT 25:31-46, TOJ #35). In the writings of Paul, the KOG is called the body (1CR 12:13, EPH 1:23&5:30) or church of Christ (CL 1:13&18, EPH 2:22, 3:10 & 5:23), which is comprised of local churches (ACTS 9:31, 20:28).

#7?