Hello Cdollar2. In principle, I feel that in the situation you shared, it would be very proper and Christ-like to forgive your friend this debt he owes you. You can look at a couple of Scriptures where Jesus speaks in parables about forgiving another's debt: Matthew 18:23-35 and Luke 7:41-43. These situations are different to yours, but the principle of forgiving is evident.
However, to add to this and could be helpful: you would know whether this matter with your friend is a one-off difficulty that he is in and that he has been known not to take advantage of you (or others) in such matters. If so, then you would do well to cancel the debt. In some cases though, it can be useful to the one in debt to help him learn responsibility for borrowing & paying back the debt.
Just a personal example: while ministering in a small town in remote North India, a poor man who was employed at the Christian hospital as a peon approached me for some money to pay off an immediate debt to another person. It was only a small amount to me (Rupees 100, or a couple of bucks for us), but it meant that he could clear the debt and have food on the table for his family. I lent him the money and he promised to pay it back at the end of the month from his meagre salary. I agreed to that and at the month's end, he promptly approached me with joy on his face that he could now repay the debt to me. I took the money with thanks and said to him, 'because you have been honest in this small matter, revealing his genuineness & responsible nature, I now give this Rupees 100 back to you as a gift, in the Name of Jesus Christ.' Of course, he was thankful for this unexpected gift and it would align with the Gospel he heard from our resident evangelist who ministered to him and others (Hindus and Muslims) of God's saving Love & Grace. Maybe he witnessed a little of Christian love & concern in action. May your forgiving your friend's debt also convey a loving message to his heart. Blessings.
What then of Ephesians 5:31-32? Paul says the husband-wife union is a mystery that illustrates Christ and the church. But Paul still names our identity repeatedly as His Body ( Eph 1:22-23; 5:30; 1 Cor 12:27), "one new man," and a "new creature" ( 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15)-never calling us the Bride. Even 2 Corinthians 11:2 ("espousedas a chaste virgin") is betrothal imagery used to guard the Body from deception; it does not rename the Body as the Bride nor collapse Israel's prophetic marriage into Paul's mystery people. Keeping these categories distinct preserves both God's faithfulness to Israel's covenants and the uniqueness of the church revealed "not made known" before Paul ( Eph 3:1-9; Rom 16:25-26).
On baptism: John's and Peter's water baptisms belonged to Israel's kingdom program ( Mark 1:4; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 2:38; 22:16)-covenantal, priestly, and preparatory for an earthly nation of priests ( Exod 19:6; Ezek 36:25-27). In this dispensation, Christ sent Paul "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17), and there is "one baptism" ( Eph 4:5) by which the Spirit places us into Christ's death and resurrection ( Rom 6:3-5; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:11-12). Romans 6 describes that Spirit baptism's identification with Christ-not a ritual that completes salvation. We are saved by grace through faith apart from works ( Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Water may testify, but it cannot add to the finished cross-work ( John 19:30; Gal 2:21). To make it a salvation requirement would muddle Israel's kingdom commands with the Body's grace calling.
So, yes: saints from Israel's program and from the Body will both be with Christ and under His rule-but Scripture differentiates their identities and spheres. Israel/Zion/New Jerusalem is the Bride/Wife in prophecy and Revelation; the Body is the heavenly people of the mystery, bone of His bone and seated above. Keeping those distinctions guards the gospel of grace today and honors God's promises to Israel tomorrow.
I kind of take the "pineapple upside down cake" approach to the common fad of attempting to be appealing to the world to foster friendships in order to facilitate opportunities for Gospel conversations. Tonight in our usual online prayer group "vignette" sort of style the Pastor did his usual brief scriptural thought for the day regarding the book of Luke and the three times Jesus was "invited to dinner" with the Pharisees. The second passage had greater rebuke; the first time being for the "sinner" who was washing Jesus' feet with her tears starting in Luke 7:36; the second was Luke 11:37-54 which was the time Jesus gave the famous woes to the hypocritical Pharisees. The last meal in Luke 14 starting in verse 1 was probably milder in a sense; where it still had a rebuke about those that sit in seats of honor after Jesus' inquiry about whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. In this case the hearts were so hard that no response was given. It only mentions that Jesus went to eat at the house of a prominent Pharisee; not that He was necessarily invited.
Jesus of course "hung out" with the "sinners" eating and drinking as well and summarily accused of excess of such actions.
That may or may not have been associated with the specific individuals He was said to have eaten with; such as Zachaeus in Luke 19:5 who Jesus basically instructed that He was going to stay at his house that day. Whether Matthew brought some of his friends as well we don't know.
My beef is to seek friends for the purpose of sharing Christ if we don't intend to keep them if they reject Him. Romans 13:8 says Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. We don't want to be trapped into long term obligations either if a paerson isn't doing all they can to make ends meet or squandering money on drugs or other illicit habits. Let us be wise as serpents; innocent as doves ( Matt. 10:16)
Luke 7:30 states But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
This verse was discussed in the ongoing sermon on Luke today; although I have never noticed until now that statement or considered the implications.
This dangerous action of disobeying God's messenger was to have profound implications which would bring the unique sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit later on for these religious leaders. They were exposed and set apart for this particular evil and Jesus said:
31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. ( Matt. 12:31-32).
Consider this in the light of John the Baptist himself. He languished in prison and was asking through messengers if Jesus truly was the Messiah! We see this in Matthew 11:2-3 and then Jesus responds about ongoing miracles; in particular the blind being healed. This is important as no one had seen that miracle in the Old Testament; Elijah had raised a dead child in 1 Kings 17:17-24.
John 9 itself is quite a read; as the entire chapter is about a blind man being healed. Verse 32 is where the blind man after repeated interrogations on the subject rebukes the Pharisees since no one blind had ever been healed then they cast him out of their presence. Finally the man is revealed that Jesus is the "Son of Man" (verse 37) and he summarily worships Christ.
This is some pretty deep stuff and if I haven't gone over it would be good for a more detailed explanation (probably did each chapter in John when going over predestination as a concept).
The climax of the issue is Matthew 12:31-32 in regard to blasphemy of the Spirit. Sobering words.
7. Christ was unpredictable. Unlike the imaginary sage or wise man that everybody loved who never said anything hurtful to offend people's feelings; Jesus Himself admitted that He came to cause division rather than peace ( Luke 12:53); yet He also said "blessed are the peacemakers" in Matthew 5:9. He would be invited to homes of the Pharisees; then excoriate them as to how He was treated (see Luke 7:45). His own Disciples were confused as to the necessity of dying in Jerusalem despite many statements about it He had to rebuke Satan when Peter spoke about these things never occurring ( Matt. 16:23). This was the same Peter who shortly before that stated who Christ truly was which only could have come from God ( Matt. 16:15-16). He sidestepped about 10 attempts on His life that we know of; but then deliberately headed toward Jerusalem where He knew He would die. Thomas at least understood it ( John 11:16-26 when he knew of the opposition faced when going back to raise Lazarus from the grave which was within weeks of the crucifixion I believe). His Resurrection sadly wasn't expected once the report came back from the women who were the first to arrive at the grave to see evidence and hear from the angels that He had risen. Women were an important aspect along with the Samaritans and Gentiles which the Pharisees couldn't understand.
I will attempt to look at several specific instances in the life of Christ to show how His approach; forethought and actions represent a perfect man; and how His example and those of the Apostles in the early church show about how and how not to do God's work as everyone had their character traits; flaws and at times outward sins. We therefore can conclude we all should emulate Christ and the Apostles; but we also all live in different situations and have different responsibilities incorporated into the good works He has given us to do planned since the foundation of the world ( Eph. 2:10).
In Luke 7:11-15, we hear of His compassion for the widowed who were especially vulnerable; therefore, He resurrected the widow's son and gave him back to her. In the case of Lazarus, Christ's compassion was so strong that He wept ( John 11). When Jesus arrived graveside, He raised Lazarus from the dead and gave him back to his grieving relatives. No doubt Jesus Himself rejoiced greatly over the return of His friend.
The pinnacle of Christ's compassion can be observed at the cross of Calvary where He lay down His life for the sins of the world ( John 3:16).
He not only showed concern for the suffering of people, He suffered for them and He took their suffering upon Himself to relieve them of their suffering for their own sins. Those who are drawn to put their faith in Jesus are born again spiritually and receive the Holy Spirit. We are made new creations in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). This enables us to love God and our neighbors.
Luke 7:23 - And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
The word offended means stumble over!
Luke 7:29 - And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
Again, the word "publicans" just means a tax collector. And they "justified God." And what that means, it is actually a Greek term for a Hebraism that means they declared God right.
Luke 7:41 - There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
So, Jesus says that there was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed him five hundred DENARII, 500 days wages.
That is a lot of money, almost two years' worth. And the other owed fifty, 500 and 50.
Luke 8:1 - And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
And it came to pass afterward, and in the Greek text it literally says in succession. This is the next thing that happened, but not exactly the same day or the next day. Some of these incidents are anywhere from three to six months apart as far as their proximity to each other.
Brother Jesse (and Jaz), I believe Jesus' Words in Luke 7:47 are directly related to His Words to Simon in Luke 7:40-43. In this passage, Jesus asks Simon which of those two debtors would love the kind forgiving creditor more: the one who owed five hundred pence or the one who owed fifty?
I sense that Jesus was showing Simon, via this short parable, that this woman of the night came here with a great weight upon her heart: a weight of much sin maybe over a long period of time & hearing of Jesus, she came to the only One Who could forgive her. Thus she expressed her sorrow & unceasing repentance by this act of utter humility of not only washing the feet of Jesus with her tears & anointment but stooping even further to kiss His feet. So, I see a clear but stern message to Simon that this woman, whom he sorely despised, was showing more love because of her need of much forgiveness, than Simon who gave Jesus little respect & having no inclination to self-examination, apart from inviting Him to his house for a meal, as a kind gesture.
I agree that I do see a message here of a self-righteous Pharisee who believes he has no need of self-introspection bringing on repentance & renewal, when compared to this woman who wept over her sins before the Holy Son of God; yet I see, that Jesus' emphasis here is on the full expression of love & gratitude when one is forgiven for their many sins, whereas those who might 'love little' can include those such as the religiously inclined who offer regular set prayers for forgiveness or even those not giving much regard to the gravity of their sins before God, these would not demonstrate the same tearful emotion that the woman laden with sins displayed. So, I perceive that Jesus is showing us here is the value of true repentance for sins & resulting gratitude, rather than what comes from a heart not so mightily affected by the wretchedness of sin. Forgiveness is the end result, but our response in love may be quite different.
I completely missed your whole point and I do apologize for that. I think I understand your message better now. I re-read your original post and your question asking about Luke 7:47 where Jesus talks about those to whom little is forgiven, and asking if He means those who haven't sinned very much, or those who THINK that they haven't sinned very much?" Unless someone else has an answer to that, the only answer I am able to give is that in that section of scripture, Jesus is showing a contrast between the love of a sinful woman and a self-righteous Pharisee. What you are saying does make sense. The Pharisees had their own righteousness (Self-righteousness). Sorry I didn't have a better answer!
I would like to share my understanding on Luke 7:47. Verses 48-50 can be read also with Verse 47.
This is another instance where God's Spirit worked in a situation to show what faith looks like. Her love did not produce her salvation. She was not saved by works.
What Jesus is saying is that her love proved that she was saved, that she was forgiven. Love is a fruit, a response to Christ, not a work in order to gain salvation. It is a byproduct.
John says in first John Chapter 4, "We love Him because He first loved us." Our relationship with the Lord is a response. Even thanksgiving does not originate with us. We are told to give God thanks for everything.
The word thanksgiving means respond to grace. That is what it means, EUCHARISTHEO CHARIS.
The more I am exposed to God's grace, the more I have a response of thanks. Gratitude! God's pouring out in my life, what I need and I don't deserve, and I thank Him for it. That is what it means. Her love was proof of her faith.
Look at the apostle Paul who was Saul of Tarsus. God saved him and Paul says "I'm not worthy to be an apostle because I persecuted church of God." And he told Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:15, he says "I am the chiefest of sinners!" And that's my message, that if I'm the chiefest of sinners, and God can save me, He can save anybody. What a message to have. But Paul was no celebrity!
How would we like to have the most notorious criminal in the world visit our church? And they come and say "I got a testimony!" It would be like, "Yeah, we don't mind as long as we have two people follow you around!" Just stay away from the offering box!
But you know, the people who are the most sinful, when they get saved, watch out because they're gone. They will leave us in the dust. For the person who is forgiven most will love the most. It gives that much more importance to pray for the people that we know who are not saved.
Walking in the Spirit-How to correctly discern the Spirit in the Body of Christ
The title here is where I am expanding this study to; but am focusing now on the Pastor in particular and church leadership in general. Going back to what I said earlier as it seems relevant; it is easier to see someone's conversion in real life when they have a dramatic change from an earlier lifestyle; and that is bolstered by any personal knowledge we have of the individual of where they used to be. The best example I can think today of that sort of individual is Nicky Cruz who David Wilkerson mentored as written in the Cross and the Switchblade. I HIGHLY recommend reading the account and seeing what a truly transformed heart is (he who loves much has been forgiven much) ( Luke 7:47). This scenario also shows how a Pastor over a large congregation is to operate; not being afraid of physical persecution himself to reach the downtrodden in society. I won't necessarily espouse all the prophetic statements that Wilkerson made as I would have to research it; nonetheless I would say for that period of time in this country he was unmatched for conviction in his sermons and was in the class of the great 19th Century revivalists.
Unfortunately, today not only do we see fewer examples of those preaching doctrinal truth; but it is hard to find anyone with much transparency today in regard to their own sinfulness like Paul the Apostle who called himself the "chief of sinners" ( 1 Tim. 1:15). I have mentioned before some of the so called statements of "repentance" of megachurch Pastors today. When we look to the PROPER function of elders and indeed laypersons in administering Biblical church discipline we see a reflection of Christ Himself. This means we cannot ever put the OFFICE of Pastor or Elder above the ROLE; which is to be a shepherd of the flock who is submitted to the CHIEF Shephard of our souls. ( 1 Peter 5:4).
Jesus was truly a "friend of sinners" ( Luke 7:34) but was referred to as "Master" in both Colossians 3:24 as to who we serve and those addressing Him ( Luke 18:18). There are parables as well where the word is used as a thinly veiled analogy of Christ returning to reward or punish His subjects (last half of Matthew 25 for one). It is intersting that in the example of Christ being a friend of sinners (and tax collectors) that it was used in a derogatory way by the Pharisees as to those He kept company with. The passage in Luke 18:18 continues in the following verses to show someone whose heart truly wasn't entirely committed in this passage either to put his money where his mouth was; literally. The same can be said of the parable of the servants in the vineyard; there were unfaithful servants there who would suffer the consequences; and others who would reap the benefits of reward for being a TRUE servant of their master. John 14:15 comes to mind once again where love is shown by obedience on our part.
Naturally; when we live in a world where obedience to parents; commitment to others after making a marriage vow and a covenant agreement is established and overall lack of respect for authority has caused the spirit of the age to affect many who either deliberately want to excuse their conduct or don't know any better. To put it best perhaps here is a lengthy quote from C.S. Lewis in "Mere Christianity"
"Give me all of you!!! I don't want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don't want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me... (out of space).
Speaking of John the Baptist, JESUS said: Luke 7:27 - This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
And now? Who will be sent before JESUS's coming? Now is sent Michael- Daniel 12:1-3 combined with 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 12.
And what is the current mission of Michael in this world of Devil?
Now, now, don't you know?
He will do the same he did in Sodom and Gomorrah, of the same manner as he revealed it to Lot: Remember: He asked to Lot: Has you here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: For we will DESTROY this place(NOW WILL DESTROY THE WORLD AS A WHOLE), because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord has sent us to DESTROY it.
And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, GET YOU OUT OF THIS PLACE; for the Lord will DESTROY this city (NOW WILL DESTROY THE WORLD AS A WHOLE). But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
John the Baptist was called from the foundation of the world to be the forerunner of Christ, your called to be his wife.
John had everything he needed to dwell in the wilderness, a coat of camels hair, and locust to eat.
Jesus SAID:
Luke 7:28 .... among those that are born among women there is not a GREATER PROPHET than John the Baptist, be he that is LEAST in the Kingdom of God is a GREATER (prophet) than he.
Revelation 10:11 .... thou (you) must PROPHESY AGAIN before many people, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
Your calling is to be a JUDGE, along the side, of your husband Christ , when he resurrects the dead back to life.
Just as God told Gideon, you only need a FEW to destroy the Midianites, he is ONLY calling out a FEW to be JUDGES with him, and they together will DESTROY the carnal mind of those resurrected back from the dead.
They will BE JUDGED by God's word, just as we are judged by God's word.
Proverbs 16:6 .... by MERCY and TRUTH, iniquity is purged .......
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! ( Luke 7:34).
And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. ( Luke 15:31:32).
I have combined these verses to show the meaning of another verse ( Mark 2:19) which shows how with the bridegroom (Christ) present the Disciples couldn't fast but they would later on. Now of course that doesn't mean that they shouldn't fast such as what they lacked in Mark 9:29 for deliverance; what it DOES mean is that the joy of being present with the Lord when they were communing together resulted in enjoying meals together; like the Prodigal Son should have had with his father and restored brother.
Since we normally don't have "love feasts" together ( 1 Cor. 11:20-34) it may be a foreign concept but probably should be present in churches today or would often be a helpful concept. Nonetheless; for purposes here let us just refer to any communal meals we partake with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. IF; and I say that emphatically we are ever to imbibe in alcoholic beverages it should be to enjoy the celebration with family or trusted friends and of course praise and worship of God.
We also; of course have to abstain if we or anyone else present is known to have a problem with drinking.
The company we keep also in Christ's example was NOT swaying Him to sin but the Lord was clearly in charge of conversations.
I previously mentioned the lambasting Christ did to the Pharisees when they invited Him over for a meal; that happened more than once but never as clearly as in Luke 11; and Matthew 23. He certainly would be perceived as a most rude houseguest!!!!
We all like Paul have times of plenty and want; feasting and fasting more or less.
We; being the Body of Christ only have individual functions-each part being essential in the ministry of the Holy Spirit coming from Christ in the heavenly places. Christ; of course ( John 3:34-35) had the Spirit without limit. As a member of the Godhead He also wouldn't have had to rely on anything from the Spirit in His own Divinity; but He did when on earth He was strengthened by the Spirit as well as angels in time of greatest struggle (such as after the 40 day fast and Satan's interrogation and in Gethsemene).
When Jesus was stated to know what people were thinking; it seems never to be good. It was a general statement to the Pharisees; where large chunks of scripture were dedicated to rebuke for hypocrisy along with the section for the same treatment for the lawyers of the time. Luke 7:36-50 is a fascinating section where the thoughts of the Pharisee were revealed to Christ; but He chose instead to talk to Peter about how such a "sinner" could be justified and put everyone to shame. The "blasphemy" of Him forgiving her sins trumped all earlier issues no doubt at the end of this section.
The "word of knowledge" which seems to be most apparent is the statement to Peter about denying Him. Again; that fit into prophecy as did the running away of everyone in Mark 14:50. Also; the statement of being betrayed was prophetically in scripture along with the whole section of Isaiah 53 and everything else predicted to happen to Him in the crucifixion and later raising from the dead. I can't think of anything offhand that isn't in the Old Testament that Christ revealed; short of the further implications of the law in what was to be the new covenant of grace. The scriptures were further revealed from the concealed passages of hidden meanings in the Old Testament; and will be further still at the Second Coming. What is new is statements of what would happen specifically with Peter in the Book of Acts.
It appears; after looking at the KJV and another translation that Peter was simply to be used by God as a vessel to reach the Gentiles. There were individuals such as the Centurion at the crucifixion ( Mark 15:39) who truly believed; this would also be the case for the Samaritan woman at the well earlier (half Jew and half Gentile) in John 4; the Roman Centurion whose faith was great according to Christ when his daughter was healed in Luke 7:9; where Christ stated that He had hadn't seen such faith in all Israel.
We also; of course see individuals such as Nebuchadnezzar who was converted in charge of Babylon; a pagan nation as well as individuals assimilated in such as the mixed multitude in Exodus; Ruth and Rahab; and likely Naaman the Syrian not to mention for a time the population of Nineveh; at least in momentary repentance.
There was a time earlier when Jesus instructed the Disciples to only preach to the lost sheep of Israel ( Matt. 10:5-6). However; in the case of the woman praying for her daughter; the only other individual Jesus stated had great faith and also a Gentile went though a discourse in Matthew 15:26-27 and then her prayers were answered. This appears on the surface to be cruel; but Jesus was drawing her out; and this allowed His glory to be put on display and signifies to us for all time perseverance.
Acts 18:6 shows a similar pattern with Paul after he had more than worn out his welcome in preaching Christ in their midst. Now; Israel will have to wait until the Lord's return for all of the cities of Israel to be reached ( Matt. 10:23). Thus; until the "fullness of the Gentiles come in" ( Romans 11:25) Israel is blind in part.
These things are according to God's pattern; and eventually will fulfill verses such as Isaiah 56:7 when in God's Holy mount; there will be a place for prayer for all nations. Mark 11:17 shows how the Jews themselves failed in understanding their own destiny by making a marketplace in the Temple as a mockery.
Firstly lets gather all the information that we are given in the Word of God about John's Baptism.
1. In Luke 7:29-30 Jesus said to Pharisees, "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.".
So the Will of God was ALL people (Hebrews) to be baptised by John.
2. John 1:31, "And I (John the Baptist) knew him (Jesus) not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
So John's ministry was to reveal Jesus (the Savior) to people. That was done during Jesus' baptism. See John 1:32-34.
3. Luke 3:3, "And he (John) came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;"
So the purpose of that baptism was the remission of sins through the repentance done in public during John's baptism.
One detail that I have read in other books but is not mentioned in the Bible is how that baptism was done. The man who was to be baptised went in the water, confessed all his sins publically and as soon as he finished confessing he submerged himself in the water and then got up. Jesus has no sin to confess that is why he went straight up, i.e. Matthew 3:16, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: ..."
I don't know if I have omitted something important but all the above sums up to:
God sent John to baptise all people. It was the Will of God that all people are to be baptized. So my belief is that that baptism was not done before, it wasn't like all the other baptisms done by Hebrews before. Through that baptism John revealed the Savior (Jesus) to people. During that baptism people repented for their sins, confessed those publically and were forgiven. About that "remission of sins" I will come back later on.
Most of the apostles were John's disciples before joining Jesus. In that incident just before Pentecost when the apostles were to choose another disciple in Judas' place, Peter said to the rest of them, ( Acts 1:21-22) "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, BEGINING FROM THE BAPTISM OF JOHN, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.". Some like Matthew were not John's disciples, but I suppose a large number of them were. Surely Peter, Andrew, John, James (the incident in the sea of Galilee), also Phillip and Nathanael ( John 1:45-52). So at least 6 out 12.
Were they baptized John's baptism?
In Luke 7:29-30 Jesus said to Pharisees, "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.".
Also in Luke 3:3 says, "And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;"
So it was the counsel of God Hebrews to be baptized (how about the christian baptism?). Also it was for the remission of sins. So it was something so important that John's disciples had to do. Once John baptized others even Jesus, didn't he baptize his own disciples? So they were all baptized John's baptism.
Where they baptised the christian baptism later on? In Acts 19: 4-5 when Paul meets those disciples in Ephessus told them, "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." So all had to be baptised again in the name of Jesus. So as a conclusion the apostles were baptized both tJohn's and the christian baptism.
1John 1:9, Romans 7, Paul speaks of struggle, 1Corinthians 6:19,
Romans 8, Psalms 139,
There are many people in scripture that were stressed to point of wanting death, even Jesus Matthew 26:38, however the ones that trusted in GOD had the best outcomes. Sometimes it seems things will stay bad but things will change & life is worth living! You have people you haven't met yet, beautiful things you haven't seen yet. You have a better relationship with GOD you haven't experienced yet, don't harm yourself. Jesus said "those forgiven much Love much." Luke 7:47,
I pray you seek the LORD, trust Him at His word 1John 1:9, & for a better day ahead. Read the scripture when you're feeling that way & keep praying. Maybe even speak to a counsellor.
Hello Peggy. You could look up the following Scriptures on Jesus Christ's Deity (i.e. God's fullness found in Jesus ( Colossians 2:9) & in His Holy Spirit). Jesus' Deity is proved by:
a. His Names: Hebrews 1:8, John 20:28 (God); Matthew 16:16, Matthew 26:61-65 (the Son of God); Matthew 22:41-46 (Lord); Revelation 19:13 (Word of God); Revelation 19:16 (King of kings and Lord of lords).
b. His Characteristics: Matthew 28:18 (Omnipotence: all powerful); Luke 6:8, John 2:24,25, John 13:11 (Omniscience: all knowing); Matthew 18:20 (Omnipresence: present in any place); John 1:4 (Life); John 14:6 (Truth); Hebrews 13:8 (Immutability: unchanging); 1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:1-14 (God manifest in the flesh in Jesus).
c. His Works: John 1:3, Colossians 1:16 (creates); Colossians 1:17 (sustains); Luke 7:48,49 (forgives sin); John 11:41-44 (raises the dead); John 5:27 (judges); John 15:26 (sends the Holy Spirit).
d. His receiving Worship: Hebrews 1:6 (from angels); Revelation 5:11-13 (from other heavenly beings); Matthew 14:33 (from men); Philippians 2:10 (from all).
e. His equality within the Triune God: John 14:23, John 10:30-33 (with the Father); Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14 (with the Father and the Spirit).
I hope you can see from these few Scriptures that Jesus was not just a special Man or Prophet sent by God, but truly was "God manifested in the flesh". No other man before Jesus' coming, during, or after His leaving this Earth, could ever fully reflect God's Glory, Wisdom & Power. Only God could - and He did this by sending us His Word, made Him a Man, so that He could give His Life as full payment for our sins - but only to those who believe this & place their trust in Him. To some, the 'Trinity' teaching is abominable. But man's salvation depends on the Divine Person of the Lord Jesus Christ - that God could accept no other Sacrifice to redeem & secure people to Himself - only by giving fully of Himself, which is true love for all.
Lord be merciful and guide this couple to Your will for their lives. I lift them up to You Father. Whatever is needed to bring them closer to living for You.
Do a mighty work in them and use their lives for Your glory. Bless them and help them in their walk with you. Thank You Lord, in Jesus name I pray, amen.
Jag very good question....Its the H.G. that is least in the Kingdom simply b/c the H.G. has to be BORN in us...Thus he is just an infant...Spiritually...Thats y he cannot speak of himself...But he is greater then any human... Gal 4 :1 The heir as long as he is a Child a new Born An infant but he is Lord of all ...He is under tutors and governors till the time apppointed of the of FATHER
Luke 7:28 is a very important verse. Right in the middle of Verse 28 is an indicator to us that John the Baptist is the end of the Old Testament. Not at Malachi Chapter 4 in the books, but in time and history, John the Baptist is the last of the Old Testament, and Old Testament Law and times.
After John the Baptist, through Jesus Christ, the person whose least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he. John never realized or knew or experienced or had the relationship that we have with Christ, though he was great in his time!
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he..
However, to add to this and could be helpful: you would know whether this matter with your friend is a one-off difficulty that he is in and that he has been known not to take advantage of you (or others) in such matters. If so, then you would do well to cancel the debt. In some cases though, it can be useful to the one in debt to help him learn responsibility for borrowing & paying back the debt.
Just a personal example: while ministering in a small town in remote North India, a poor man who was employed at the Christian hospital as a peon approached me for some money to pay off an immediate debt to another person. It was only a small amount to me (Rupees 100, or a couple of bucks for us), but it meant that he could clear the debt and have food on the table for his family. I lent him the money and he promised to pay it back at the end of the month from his meagre salary. I agreed to that and at the month's end, he promptly approached me with joy on his face that he could now repay the debt to me. I took the money with thanks and said to him, 'because you have been honest in this small matter, revealing his genuineness & responsible nature, I now give this Rupees 100 back to you as a gift, in the Name of Jesus Christ.' Of course, he was thankful for this unexpected gift and it would align with the Gospel he heard from our resident evangelist who ministered to him and others (Hindus and Muslims) of God's saving Love & Grace. Maybe he witnessed a little of Christian love & concern in action. May your forgiving your friend's debt also convey a loving message to his heart. Blessings.
What then of Ephesians 5:31-32? Paul says the husband-wife union is a mystery that illustrates Christ and the church. But Paul still names our identity repeatedly as His Body ( Eph 1:22-23; 5:30; 1 Cor 12:27), "one new man," and a "new creature" ( 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15)-never calling us the Bride. Even 2 Corinthians 11:2 ("espousedas a chaste virgin") is betrothal imagery used to guard the Body from deception; it does not rename the Body as the Bride nor collapse Israel's prophetic marriage into Paul's mystery people. Keeping these categories distinct preserves both God's faithfulness to Israel's covenants and the uniqueness of the church revealed "not made known" before Paul ( Eph 3:1-9; Rom 16:25-26).
On baptism: John's and Peter's water baptisms belonged to Israel's kingdom program ( Mark 1:4; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 2:38; 22:16)-covenantal, priestly, and preparatory for an earthly nation of priests ( Exod 19:6; Ezek 36:25-27). In this dispensation, Christ sent Paul "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17), and there is "one baptism" ( Eph 4:5) by which the Spirit places us into Christ's death and resurrection ( Rom 6:3-5; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:11-12). Romans 6 describes that Spirit baptism's identification with Christ-not a ritual that completes salvation. We are saved by grace through faith apart from works ( Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Water may testify, but it cannot add to the finished cross-work ( John 19:30; Gal 2:21). To make it a salvation requirement would muddle Israel's kingdom commands with the Body's grace calling.
So, yes: saints from Israel's program and from the Body will both be with Christ and under His rule-but Scripture differentiates their identities and spheres. Israel/Zion/New Jerusalem is the Bride/Wife in prophecy and Revelation; the Body is the heavenly people of the mystery, bone of His bone and seated above. Keeping those distinctions guards the gospel of grace today and honors God's promises to Israel tomorrow.
G&P
I kind of take the "pineapple upside down cake" approach to the common fad of attempting to be appealing to the world to foster friendships in order to facilitate opportunities for Gospel conversations. Tonight in our usual online prayer group "vignette" sort of style the Pastor did his usual brief scriptural thought for the day regarding the book of Luke and the three times Jesus was "invited to dinner" with the Pharisees. The second passage had greater rebuke; the first time being for the "sinner" who was washing Jesus' feet with her tears starting in Luke 7:36; the second was Luke 11:37-54 which was the time Jesus gave the famous woes to the hypocritical Pharisees. The last meal in Luke 14 starting in verse 1 was probably milder in a sense; where it still had a rebuke about those that sit in seats of honor after Jesus' inquiry about whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. In this case the hearts were so hard that no response was given. It only mentions that Jesus went to eat at the house of a prominent Pharisee; not that He was necessarily invited.
Jesus of course "hung out" with the "sinners" eating and drinking as well and summarily accused of excess of such actions.
That may or may not have been associated with the specific individuals He was said to have eaten with; such as Zachaeus in Luke 19:5 who Jesus basically instructed that He was going to stay at his house that day. Whether Matthew brought some of his friends as well we don't know.
My beef is to seek friends for the purpose of sharing Christ if we don't intend to keep them if they reject Him. Romans 13:8 says Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. We don't want to be trapped into long term obligations either if a paerson isn't doing all they can to make ends meet or squandering money on drugs or other illicit habits. Let us be wise as serpents; innocent as doves ( Matt. 10:16)
This verse was discussed in the ongoing sermon on Luke today; although I have never noticed until now that statement or considered the implications.
This dangerous action of disobeying God's messenger was to have profound implications which would bring the unique sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit later on for these religious leaders. They were exposed and set apart for this particular evil and Jesus said:
31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. ( Matt. 12:31-32).
Consider this in the light of John the Baptist himself. He languished in prison and was asking through messengers if Jesus truly was the Messiah! We see this in Matthew 11:2-3 and then Jesus responds about ongoing miracles; in particular the blind being healed. This is important as no one had seen that miracle in the Old Testament; Elijah had raised a dead child in 1 Kings 17:17-24.
John 9 itself is quite a read; as the entire chapter is about a blind man being healed. Verse 32 is where the blind man after repeated interrogations on the subject rebukes the Pharisees since no one blind had ever been healed then they cast him out of their presence. Finally the man is revealed that Jesus is the "Son of Man" (verse 37) and he summarily worships Christ.
This is some pretty deep stuff and if I haven't gone over it would be good for a more detailed explanation (probably did each chapter in John when going over predestination as a concept).
The climax of the issue is Matthew 12:31-32 in regard to blasphemy of the Spirit. Sobering words.
7. Christ was unpredictable. Unlike the imaginary sage or wise man that everybody loved who never said anything hurtful to offend people's feelings; Jesus Himself admitted that He came to cause division rather than peace ( Luke 12:53); yet He also said "blessed are the peacemakers" in Matthew 5:9. He would be invited to homes of the Pharisees; then excoriate them as to how He was treated (see Luke 7:45). His own Disciples were confused as to the necessity of dying in Jerusalem despite many statements about it He had to rebuke Satan when Peter spoke about these things never occurring ( Matt. 16:23). This was the same Peter who shortly before that stated who Christ truly was which only could have come from God ( Matt. 16:15-16). He sidestepped about 10 attempts on His life that we know of; but then deliberately headed toward Jerusalem where He knew He would die. Thomas at least understood it ( John 11:16-26 when he knew of the opposition faced when going back to raise Lazarus from the grave which was within weeks of the crucifixion I believe). His Resurrection sadly wasn't expected once the report came back from the women who were the first to arrive at the grave to see evidence and hear from the angels that He had risen. Women were an important aspect along with the Samaritans and Gentiles which the Pharisees couldn't understand.
I will attempt to look at several specific instances in the life of Christ to show how His approach; forethought and actions represent a perfect man; and how His example and those of the Apostles in the early church show about how and how not to do God's work as everyone had their character traits; flaws and at times outward sins. We therefore can conclude we all should emulate Christ and the Apostles; but we also all live in different situations and have different responsibilities incorporated into the good works He has given us to do planned since the foundation of the world ( Eph. 2:10).
Pt. 3
In Luke 7:11-15, we hear of His compassion for the widowed who were especially vulnerable; therefore, He resurrected the widow's son and gave him back to her. In the case of Lazarus, Christ's compassion was so strong that He wept ( John 11). When Jesus arrived graveside, He raised Lazarus from the dead and gave him back to his grieving relatives. No doubt Jesus Himself rejoiced greatly over the return of His friend.
The pinnacle of Christ's compassion can be observed at the cross of Calvary where He lay down His life for the sins of the world ( John 3:16).
He not only showed concern for the suffering of people, He suffered for them and He took their suffering upon Himself to relieve them of their suffering for their own sins. Those who are drawn to put their faith in Jesus are born again spiritually and receive the Holy Spirit. We are made new creations in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). This enables us to love God and our neighbors.
Luke 7:23 - And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
The word offended means stumble over!
Luke 7:29 - And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
Again, the word "publicans" just means a tax collector. And they "justified God." And what that means, it is actually a Greek term for a Hebraism that means they declared God right.
Luke 7:41 - There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
So, Jesus says that there was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed him five hundred DENARII, 500 days wages.
That is a lot of money, almost two years' worth. And the other owed fifty, 500 and 50.
Luke 8:1 - And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
And it came to pass afterward, and in the Greek text it literally says in succession. This is the next thing that happened, but not exactly the same day or the next day. Some of these incidents are anywhere from three to six months apart as far as their proximity to each other.
I sense that Jesus was showing Simon, via this short parable, that this woman of the night came here with a great weight upon her heart: a weight of much sin maybe over a long period of time & hearing of Jesus, she came to the only One Who could forgive her. Thus she expressed her sorrow & unceasing repentance by this act of utter humility of not only washing the feet of Jesus with her tears & anointment but stooping even further to kiss His feet. So, I see a clear but stern message to Simon that this woman, whom he sorely despised, was showing more love because of her need of much forgiveness, than Simon who gave Jesus little respect & having no inclination to self-examination, apart from inviting Him to his house for a meal, as a kind gesture.
I agree that I do see a message here of a self-righteous Pharisee who believes he has no need of self-introspection bringing on repentance & renewal, when compared to this woman who wept over her sins before the Holy Son of God; yet I see, that Jesus' emphasis here is on the full expression of love & gratitude when one is forgiven for their many sins, whereas those who might 'love little' can include those such as the religiously inclined who offer regular set prayers for forgiveness or even those not giving much regard to the gravity of their sins before God, these would not demonstrate the same tearful emotion that the woman laden with sins displayed. So, I perceive that Jesus is showing us here is the value of true repentance for sins & resulting gratitude, rather than what comes from a heart not so mightily affected by the wretchedness of sin. Forgiveness is the end result, but our response in love may be quite different.
I completely missed your whole point and I do apologize for that. I think I understand your message better now. I re-read your original post and your question asking about Luke 7:47 where Jesus talks about those to whom little is forgiven, and asking if He means those who haven't sinned very much, or those who THINK that they haven't sinned very much?" Unless someone else has an answer to that, the only answer I am able to give is that in that section of scripture, Jesus is showing a contrast between the love of a sinful woman and a self-righteous Pharisee. What you are saying does make sense. The Pharisees had their own righteousness (Self-righteousness). Sorry I didn't have a better answer!
God Bless!!!
I would like to share my understanding on Luke 7:47. Verses 48-50 can be read also with Verse 47.
This is another instance where God's Spirit worked in a situation to show what faith looks like. Her love did not produce her salvation. She was not saved by works.
What Jesus is saying is that her love proved that she was saved, that she was forgiven. Love is a fruit, a response to Christ, not a work in order to gain salvation. It is a byproduct.
John says in first John Chapter 4, "We love Him because He first loved us." Our relationship with the Lord is a response. Even thanksgiving does not originate with us. We are told to give God thanks for everything.
The word thanksgiving means respond to grace. That is what it means, EUCHARISTHEO CHARIS.
The more I am exposed to God's grace, the more I have a response of thanks. Gratitude! God's pouring out in my life, what I need and I don't deserve, and I thank Him for it. That is what it means. Her love was proof of her faith.
Look at the apostle Paul who was Saul of Tarsus. God saved him and Paul says "I'm not worthy to be an apostle because I persecuted church of God." And he told Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:15, he says "I am the chiefest of sinners!" And that's my message, that if I'm the chiefest of sinners, and God can save me, He can save anybody. What a message to have. But Paul was no celebrity!
How would we like to have the most notorious criminal in the world visit our church? And they come and say "I got a testimony!" It would be like, "Yeah, we don't mind as long as we have two people follow you around!" Just stay away from the offering box!
But you know, the people who are the most sinful, when they get saved, watch out because they're gone. They will leave us in the dust. For the person who is forgiven most will love the most. It gives that much more importance to pray for the people that we know who are not saved.
God bless!!!
The title here is where I am expanding this study to; but am focusing now on the Pastor in particular and church leadership in general. Going back to what I said earlier as it seems relevant; it is easier to see someone's conversion in real life when they have a dramatic change from an earlier lifestyle; and that is bolstered by any personal knowledge we have of the individual of where they used to be. The best example I can think today of that sort of individual is Nicky Cruz who David Wilkerson mentored as written in the Cross and the Switchblade. I HIGHLY recommend reading the account and seeing what a truly transformed heart is (he who loves much has been forgiven much) ( Luke 7:47). This scenario also shows how a Pastor over a large congregation is to operate; not being afraid of physical persecution himself to reach the downtrodden in society. I won't necessarily espouse all the prophetic statements that Wilkerson made as I would have to research it; nonetheless I would say for that period of time in this country he was unmatched for conviction in his sermons and was in the class of the great 19th Century revivalists.
Unfortunately, today not only do we see fewer examples of those preaching doctrinal truth; but it is hard to find anyone with much transparency today in regard to their own sinfulness like Paul the Apostle who called himself the "chief of sinners" ( 1 Tim. 1:15). I have mentioned before some of the so called statements of "repentance" of megachurch Pastors today. When we look to the PROPER function of elders and indeed laypersons in administering Biblical church discipline we see a reflection of Christ Himself. This means we cannot ever put the OFFICE of Pastor or Elder above the ROLE; which is to be a shepherd of the flock who is submitted to the CHIEF Shephard of our souls. ( 1 Peter 5:4).
Jesus was truly a "friend of sinners" ( Luke 7:34) but was referred to as "Master" in both Colossians 3:24 as to who we serve and those addressing Him ( Luke 18:18). There are parables as well where the word is used as a thinly veiled analogy of Christ returning to reward or punish His subjects (last half of Matthew 25 for one). It is intersting that in the example of Christ being a friend of sinners (and tax collectors) that it was used in a derogatory way by the Pharisees as to those He kept company with. The passage in Luke 18:18 continues in the following verses to show someone whose heart truly wasn't entirely committed in this passage either to put his money where his mouth was; literally. The same can be said of the parable of the servants in the vineyard; there were unfaithful servants there who would suffer the consequences; and others who would reap the benefits of reward for being a TRUE servant of their master. John 14:15 comes to mind once again where love is shown by obedience on our part.
Naturally; when we live in a world where obedience to parents; commitment to others after making a marriage vow and a covenant agreement is established and overall lack of respect for authority has caused the spirit of the age to affect many who either deliberately want to excuse their conduct or don't know any better. To put it best perhaps here is a lengthy quote from C.S. Lewis in "Mere Christianity"
"Give me all of you!!! I don't want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don't want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me... (out of space).
Let us do the same.
And now? Who will be sent before JESUS's coming? Now is sent Michael- Daniel 12:1-3 combined with 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 12.
And what is the current mission of Michael in this world of Devil?
Now, now, don't you know?
He will do the same he did in Sodom and Gomorrah, of the same manner as he revealed it to Lot: Remember: He asked to Lot: Has you here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: For we will DESTROY this place(NOW WILL DESTROY THE WORLD AS A WHOLE), because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord has sent us to DESTROY it.
And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, GET YOU OUT OF THIS PLACE; for the Lord will DESTROY this city (NOW WILL DESTROY THE WORLD AS A WHOLE). But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look.
Be careful or else get ready
John the Baptist was called from the foundation of the world to be the forerunner of Christ, your called to be his wife.
John had everything he needed to dwell in the wilderness, a coat of camels hair, and locust to eat.
Jesus SAID:
Luke 7:28 .... among those that are born among women there is not a GREATER PROPHET than John the Baptist, be he that is LEAST in the Kingdom of God is a GREATER (prophet) than he.
Revelation 10:11 .... thou (you) must PROPHESY AGAIN before many people, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
Your calling is to be a JUDGE, along the side, of your husband Christ , when he resurrects the dead back to life.
Just as God told Gideon, you only need a FEW to destroy the Midianites, he is ONLY calling out a FEW to be JUDGES with him, and they together will DESTROY the carnal mind of those resurrected back from the dead.
They will BE JUDGED by God's word, just as we are judged by God's word.
Proverbs 16:6 .... by MERCY and TRUTH, iniquity is purged .......
God BLESS YOU as SPIRIT declares his truth to us.
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! ( Luke 7:34).
And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. ( Luke 15:31:32).
I have combined these verses to show the meaning of another verse ( Mark 2:19) which shows how with the bridegroom (Christ) present the Disciples couldn't fast but they would later on. Now of course that doesn't mean that they shouldn't fast such as what they lacked in Mark 9:29 for deliverance; what it DOES mean is that the joy of being present with the Lord when they were communing together resulted in enjoying meals together; like the Prodigal Son should have had with his father and restored brother.
Since we normally don't have "love feasts" together ( 1 Cor. 11:20-34) it may be a foreign concept but probably should be present in churches today or would often be a helpful concept. Nonetheless; for purposes here let us just refer to any communal meals we partake with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. IF; and I say that emphatically we are ever to imbibe in alcoholic beverages it should be to enjoy the celebration with family or trusted friends and of course praise and worship of God.
We also; of course have to abstain if we or anyone else present is known to have a problem with drinking.
The company we keep also in Christ's example was NOT swaying Him to sin but the Lord was clearly in charge of conversations.
I previously mentioned the lambasting Christ did to the Pharisees when they invited Him over for a meal; that happened more than once but never as clearly as in Luke 11; and Matthew 23. He certainly would be perceived as a most rude houseguest!!!!
We all like Paul have times of plenty and want; feasting and fasting more or less.
We; being the Body of Christ only have individual functions-each part being essential in the ministry of the Holy Spirit coming from Christ in the heavenly places. Christ; of course ( John 3:34-35) had the Spirit without limit. As a member of the Godhead He also wouldn't have had to rely on anything from the Spirit in His own Divinity; but He did when on earth He was strengthened by the Spirit as well as angels in time of greatest struggle (such as after the 40 day fast and Satan's interrogation and in Gethsemene).
When Jesus was stated to know what people were thinking; it seems never to be good. It was a general statement to the Pharisees; where large chunks of scripture were dedicated to rebuke for hypocrisy along with the section for the same treatment for the lawyers of the time. Luke 7:36-50 is a fascinating section where the thoughts of the Pharisee were revealed to Christ; but He chose instead to talk to Peter about how such a "sinner" could be justified and put everyone to shame. The "blasphemy" of Him forgiving her sins trumped all earlier issues no doubt at the end of this section.
The "word of knowledge" which seems to be most apparent is the statement to Peter about denying Him. Again; that fit into prophecy as did the running away of everyone in Mark 14:50. Also; the statement of being betrayed was prophetically in scripture along with the whole section of Isaiah 53 and everything else predicted to happen to Him in the crucifixion and later raising from the dead. I can't think of anything offhand that isn't in the Old Testament that Christ revealed; short of the further implications of the law in what was to be the new covenant of grace. The scriptures were further revealed from the concealed passages of hidden meanings in the Old Testament; and will be further still at the Second Coming. What is new is statements of what would happen specifically with Peter in the Book of Acts.
We also; of course see individuals such as Nebuchadnezzar who was converted in charge of Babylon; a pagan nation as well as individuals assimilated in such as the mixed multitude in Exodus; Ruth and Rahab; and likely Naaman the Syrian not to mention for a time the population of Nineveh; at least in momentary repentance.
There was a time earlier when Jesus instructed the Disciples to only preach to the lost sheep of Israel ( Matt. 10:5-6). However; in the case of the woman praying for her daughter; the only other individual Jesus stated had great faith and also a Gentile went though a discourse in Matthew 15:26-27 and then her prayers were answered. This appears on the surface to be cruel; but Jesus was drawing her out; and this allowed His glory to be put on display and signifies to us for all time perseverance.
Acts 18:6 shows a similar pattern with Paul after he had more than worn out his welcome in preaching Christ in their midst. Now; Israel will have to wait until the Lord's return for all of the cities of Israel to be reached ( Matt. 10:23). Thus; until the "fullness of the Gentiles come in" ( Romans 11:25) Israel is blind in part.
These things are according to God's pattern; and eventually will fulfill verses such as Isaiah 56:7 when in God's Holy mount; there will be a place for prayer for all nations. Mark 11:17 shows how the Jews themselves failed in understanding their own destiny by making a marketplace in the Temple as a mockery.
Hello Spencer
My thoughts on John's Baptism.
Firstly lets gather all the information that we are given in the Word of God about John's Baptism.
1. In Luke 7:29-30 Jesus said to Pharisees, "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.".
So the Will of God was ALL people (Hebrews) to be baptised by John.
2. John 1:31, "And I (John the Baptist) knew him (Jesus) not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
So John's ministry was to reveal Jesus (the Savior) to people. That was done during Jesus' baptism. See John 1:32-34.
3. Luke 3:3, "And he (John) came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;"
So the purpose of that baptism was the remission of sins through the repentance done in public during John's baptism.
One detail that I have read in other books but is not mentioned in the Bible is how that baptism was done. The man who was to be baptised went in the water, confessed all his sins publically and as soon as he finished confessing he submerged himself in the water and then got up. Jesus has no sin to confess that is why he went straight up, i.e. Matthew 3:16, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: ..."
I don't know if I have omitted something important but all the above sums up to:
God sent John to baptise all people. It was the Will of God that all people are to be baptized. So my belief is that that baptism was not done before, it wasn't like all the other baptisms done by Hebrews before. Through that baptism John revealed the Savior (Jesus) to people. During that baptism people repented for their sins, confessed those publically and were forgiven. About that "remission of sins" I will come back later on.
Hello Jesse, and GiGi
Most of the apostles were John's disciples before joining Jesus. In that incident just before Pentecost when the apostles were to choose another disciple in Judas' place, Peter said to the rest of them, ( Acts 1:21-22) "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, BEGINING FROM THE BAPTISM OF JOHN, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.". Some like Matthew were not John's disciples, but I suppose a large number of them were. Surely Peter, Andrew, John, James (the incident in the sea of Galilee), also Phillip and Nathanael ( John 1:45-52). So at least 6 out 12.
Were they baptized John's baptism?
In Luke 7:29-30 Jesus said to Pharisees, "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.".
Also in Luke 3:3 says, "And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;"
So it was the counsel of God Hebrews to be baptized (how about the christian baptism?). Also it was for the remission of sins. So it was something so important that John's disciples had to do. Once John baptized others even Jesus, didn't he baptize his own disciples? So they were all baptized John's baptism.
Where they baptised the christian baptism later on? In Acts 19: 4-5 when Paul meets those disciples in Ephessus told them, "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." So all had to be baptised again in the name of Jesus. So as a conclusion the apostles were baptized both tJohn's and the christian baptism.
Romans 8, Psalms 139,
There are many people in scripture that were stressed to point of wanting death, even Jesus Matthew 26:38, however the ones that trusted in GOD had the best outcomes. Sometimes it seems things will stay bad but things will change & life is worth living! You have people you haven't met yet, beautiful things you haven't seen yet. You have a better relationship with GOD you haven't experienced yet, don't harm yourself. Jesus said "those forgiven much Love much." Luke 7:47,
I pray you seek the LORD, trust Him at His word 1John 1:9, & for a better day ahead. Read the scripture when you're feeling that way & keep praying. Maybe even speak to a counsellor.
Deuteronomy 30:19,
Hopefully these are helpful
a. His Names: Hebrews 1:8, John 20:28 (God); Matthew 16:16, Matthew 26:61-65 (the Son of God); Matthew 22:41-46 (Lord); Revelation 19:13 (Word of God); Revelation 19:16 (King of kings and Lord of lords).
b. His Characteristics: Matthew 28:18 (Omnipotence: all powerful); Luke 6:8, John 2:24,25, John 13:11 (Omniscience: all knowing); Matthew 18:20 (Omnipresence: present in any place); John 1:4 (Life); John 14:6 (Truth); Hebrews 13:8 (Immutability: unchanging); 1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:1-14 (God manifest in the flesh in Jesus).
c. His Works: John 1:3, Colossians 1:16 (creates); Colossians 1:17 (sustains); Luke 7:48,49 (forgives sin); John 11:41-44 (raises the dead); John 5:27 (judges); John 15:26 (sends the Holy Spirit).
d. His receiving Worship: Hebrews 1:6 (from angels); Revelation 5:11-13 (from other heavenly beings); Matthew 14:33 (from men); Philippians 2:10 (from all).
e. His equality within the Triune God: John 14:23, John 10:30-33 (with the Father); Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14 (with the Father and the Spirit).
I hope you can see from these few Scriptures that Jesus was not just a special Man or Prophet sent by God, but truly was "God manifested in the flesh". No other man before Jesus' coming, during, or after His leaving this Earth, could ever fully reflect God's Glory, Wisdom & Power. Only God could - and He did this by sending us His Word, made Him a Man, so that He could give His Life as full payment for our sins - but only to those who believe this & place their trust in Him. To some, the 'Trinity' teaching is abominable. But man's salvation depends on the Divine Person of the Lord Jesus Christ - that God could accept no other Sacrifice to redeem & secure people to Himself - only by giving fully of Himself, which is true love for all.
Lord be merciful and guide this couple to Your will for their lives. I lift them up to You Father. Whatever is needed to bring them closer to living for You.
Do a mighty work in them and use their lives for Your glory. Bless them and help them in their walk with you. Thank You Lord, in Jesus name I pray, amen.
John 3:16
John 8:36
Romans 2:4
Romans 6:23
Luke 7:50
May God Bless You today Susie
:-)
Luke 7:28 is a very important verse. Right in the middle of Verse 28 is an indicator to us that John the Baptist is the end of the Old Testament. Not at Malachi Chapter 4 in the books, but in time and history, John the Baptist is the last of the Old Testament, and Old Testament Law and times.
After John the Baptist, through Jesus Christ, the person whose least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he. John never realized or knew or experienced or had the relationship that we have with Christ, though he was great in his time!
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Matthew 9:21-22 kjv: For she said within herself, if I may but touch his
garment , I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when
he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made
thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Luke 7:13 kjv: And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her,
and said unto her, Weep not.
I need to understand the above
since JESUS came into my heart,
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
Since JESUS came into my heart!"
May we all be able to rejoice in the LORD and HIS salvation!
Leviticus 2:6,15, Ezekiel 46:15, John 6:50-51,
If these are the same account then much is written about her & her siblings, here are some: John 11, Luke 7:36-50, Luke 8:2,
Matthew 27:55-61, Matthew 28, Mark 15, Mark 16,
Hopefully these are helpful
1Samuel 2:6,
Matthew 27:52,53, 1Corinthians 15, Matthew 22:31,32, also, Luke 7:15,22, Luke 8:49-56, Luke 24, Colossians 1
Did you see it prophesy in:? Ezekiel 37:12,13, John 5:21,25,28, Isaiah 26:19,
Hosea 13:14, possibly Isaiah 8:1, Psalms 88:10,
John 12:1-11,
Romans 6, Romans 8, Revelation 20,
John 11:25, Romans 10:9, Romans 14:7,8,9, 2Corinthians 1:9,
Hopefully these are all helpful in answering your question & deeper questions you & others may have on the subject