Can someone Help me?

[Lily Miller]

I am currently trying to figure out what it really means to OBEY Jesus, I would just like to know y'alls thoughts about what it means to you. Because I have heard a bunch of different things while traveling and while preaching the Gospel to people and so I would like to know what it means to you guys.

To me it means that we have to listen to the things that Jesus says in the four Gospels, which are manly located in the Sermon on the Mount. I've heard others who say things such as all we do is just acknowledge his existence and we're good, some who say its the sinners prayer. I just want to get a new perspective, as always.

Peace and Love, from Lily

 

[Dovegiven]

I am currently trying to figure out what it really means to OBEY Jesus, I would just like to know y'alls thoughts about what it means to you. Because I have heard a bunch of different things while traveling and while preaching the Gospel to people and so I would like to know what it means to you guys.

To me it means that we have to listen to the things that Jesus says in the four Gospels, which are manly located in the Sermon on the Mount. I've heard others who say things such as all we do is just acknowledge his existence and we're good, some who say its the sinners prayer. I just want to get a new perspective, as always.

Peace and Love, from Lily

Try keeping it very simple as Jesus and the disciples did. His commandments are not confined to the synoptic gospels, but continue on as promised by Jesus in John 16:12-13 (KJV)
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Jesus' preaching continued into Acts 1 taking the gospel message beyond the "4 gospels". He again speaks in Revelation. So counting the continued ministry of the Holy Spirit throughout the inspired 27 texts we find many commandments attributed to Jesus.

I take the following verse to be a primary commandment promise.
John 14:21 (KJV)
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

As for any new commandments, here's an example from one apostle.

2 John 1:5-6 (KJV)
5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

That is the greatest of all the new commandments.
It is simply getting out of the house, perhaps going to a store to shop, deciding beforehand you will express genuine love for someone, even a person breaking into the checkout line. This is a great time of year to be the first in line to pay a remaining balance at the counter. I was behind a young mother whose WIC and SNAP wouldn't pay for some snacks, so she began piling up enough to clear about $3 worth. I stopped that with a $20 bill, the change to be kept by her, and said "Merry Christmas, Jesus loves you and your sweet children, and so do I".

That quietened quite a number of people, slowed the line, but the checker was more than OK with it. My blessing was seeing the joy on the young woman, the checker, and others who were blessed. I always carry extra cash for that purpose, saying with my mouth "I will bless someone today as You arrange it, Lord". That was a small obedience to love someone combined with giving to the poor with joy, the sort of action that got God's attention to Cornelius, who also prayed a lot. It isn't the money but the intention in one's heart.

Be someone's "Cornelius" (Acts 10:1-2) in your day to day activities while always ready to preach the gospel. Add to such actions one more commandment in the New Testament. There are about 800 categories of commandments in those 27 texts to choose from. Read your Bible daily with one of your goals to find a commandment that sticks out. Put the one into action by declaring your intent to perform that. Oh, Lord, I want to do that." He will answer that prayer. If the Lord leads you to the very situation to perform it, you are blessed. If the Lord knows you intended, but there was no opportunity, He blesses anyway. He will put that one 'on lay-away'. Add another the next day. Memorize another one the next day and do it immediately, at least really desiring to, open to opportunity, day by day a little at a time. That grows into multiple discoveries, committments, and the opportunities daily sometimes, opening up chances to introduce Jesus to folks who don't hear much gospel. God is also sending you to other "Cornelius" folks who need Jesus along with their good works. And remember it is love to bless the stingy, too, for they need to meet real Christians possibly for the first time.

Blessed Christmas to you.

 

[Hiswillbedone]

I like the idea of keeping it simple. Jesus was alive during the four gospels, so if you want to obey Him, then following what Jesus taught from there is a good place to start. It is only the beginning; once you start obeying Jesus, He will soon reveal more to you. God is a living God and His words are living. They are not only confined in the Bible, but can be perceived through many means, as long as we bring whatever 'teachings' we believe could be from God, back to the cornerstone... which is Jesus and His teachings as recorded in the four gospels.

In peace

 

[littlesheep]

I have friends who begin each day with the word and prayerfully ask who the Lord would like them to be a blessing to. They lead very full lives and are indeed a blessing to many people.

 

[Hiswillbedone]

I have friends who begin each day with the word and prayerfully ask who the Lord would like them to be a blessing to. They lead very full lives and are indeed a blessing to many people.

That is great! I would be careful to assume that they live "very full lives", considering that you only see them at certain points (or maybe you live with them 24/7). It is easy to put on a 'mask' around certain people so we can appear to look like everything is 'ok', when in reality we are struggling.

Judge the fruit of people to know where they are at. If they are following Jesus, then good fruits will show. If not, then the exact opposite is true.

In peace

 

[littlesheep]

That is great! I would be careful to assume that they live "very full lives", considering that you only see them at certain points (or maybe you live with them 24/7). It is easy to put on a 'mask' around certain people so we can appear to look like everything is 'ok', when in reality we are struggling.

Judge the fruit of people to know where they are at. If they are following Jesus, then good fruits will show. If not, then the exact opposite is true.

In peace

As far as I can see they show good fruits.....helping people, serving as missionary support workers, supporting an extended family, etc I'm not there 24/7 but they also foster so their lives are open to other people more than perhaps most.....God has blessed me through knowing them.....also to see how faith can be a part of daily life. But I appreciate other people may seem nice at certain times but their lives not bear closer scrutiny. I know I need to surrender more of my life to God's direction.

 

[Lily Miller]

As far as I can see they show good fruits.....helping people, serving as missionary support workers, supporting an extended family, etc I'm not there 24/7 but they also foster so their lives are open to other people more than perhaps most.....God has blessed me through knowing them.....also to see how faith can be a part of daily life. But I appreciate other people may seem nice at certain times but their lives not bear closer scrutiny. I know I need to surrender more of my life to God's direction.

I think having good, Godly friends is something that we always need to be focused on. We need to center ourselves around people who are focused on God; it will help us out a lot in the long run. Being around Godly people has helped me a lot in the long run as well. We're always trying our best to continue our lives in the way that Jesus wants us to. Praise God for the people he puts in our lives to help us grow and continue in the path that he has set before us!

Peace and Blessings

 

[Sue D.]

I like the idea of keeping it simple. Jesus was alive during the four gospels, so if you want to obey Him, then following what Jesus taught from there is a good place to start. It is only the beginning; once you start obeying Jesus, He will soon reveal more to you. God is a living God and His words are living. They are not only confined in the Bible, but can be perceived through many means, as long as we bring whatever 'teachings' we believe could be from God, back to the cornerstone... which is Jesus and His teachings as recorded in the four gospels.

In peace

Your comment "Jesus was alive during the four Gospels". --- how about the four Gospels tells the life of Jesus Christ and end with His bodily resurrection from the dead. The rest of the New Testament -- the Prison Epistles , etc. are Also important to read and follow. The beginnings of the Church. - founded upon Jesus Christ.

And, God Can be seen in nature around us. Other than That, there Are no other teachings. There ARE people who write very good devotional books and those Should have Bible readings listed.

Those 'teachings' that 'could' be from God and that Should bring us back to the cornerstone - which is Jesus and the four Gospels. WHAT teachings would those Be?!

 

[Sue D.]

Try keeping it very simple as Jesus and the disciples did. His commandments are not confined to the synoptic gospels, but continue on as promised by Jesus in John 16:12-13 (KJV)
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Jesus' preaching continued into Acts 1 taking the gospel message beyond the "4 gospels". He again speaks in Revelation. So counting the continued ministry of the Holy Spirit throughout the inspired 27 texts we find many commandments attributed to Jesus.

I take the following verse to be a primary commandment promise.
John 14:21 (KJV)
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

As for any new commandments, here's an example from one apostle.

2 John 1:5-6 (KJV)
5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

That is the greatest of all the new commandments.
It is simply getting out of the house, perhaps going to a store to shop, deciding beforehand you will express genuine love for someone, even a person breaking into the checkout line. This is a great time of year to be the first in line to pay a remaining balance at the counter. I was behind a young mother whose WIC and SNAP wouldn't pay for some snacks, so she began piling up enough to clear about $3 worth. I stopped that with a $20 bill, the change to be kept by her, and said "Merry Christmas, Jesus loves you and your sweet children, and so do I".

That quietened quite a number of people, slowed the line, but the checker was more than OK with it. My blessing was seeing the joy on the young woman, the checker, and others who were blessed. I always carry extra cash for that purpose, saying with my mouth "I will bless someone today as You arrange it, Lord". That was a small obedience to love someone combined with giving to the poor with joy, the sort of action that got God's attention to Cornelius, who also prayed a lot. It isn't the money but the intention in one's heart.

Be someone's "Cornelius" (Acts 10:1-2) in your day to day activities while always ready to preach the gospel. Add to such actions one more commandment in the New Testament. There are about 800 categories of commandments in those 27 texts to choose from. Read your Bible daily with one of your goals to find a commandment that sticks out. Put the one into action by declaring your intent to perform that. Oh, Lord, I want to do that." He will answer that prayer. If the Lord leads you to the very situation to perform it, you are blessed. If the Lord knows you intended, but there was no opportunity, He blesses anyway. He will put that one 'on lay-away'. Add another the next day. Memorize another one the next day and do it immediately, at least really desiring to, open to opportunity, day by day a little at a time. That grows into multiple discoveries, committments, and the opportunities daily sometimes, opening up chances to introduce Jesus to folks who don't hear much gospel. God is also sending you to other "Cornelius" folks who need Jesus along with their good works. And remember it is love to bless the stingy, too, for they need to meet real Christians possibly for the first time.

Blessed Christmas to you.

How about the greatest commandment being to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and then our neighbor as ourselves".

People using WIC and SNAP aren't Supposed to be buying snacky foods for their kids. They're supposed to be for nutricious foods Only. Now IF you'd been behind a mother who was paying cash for good quality food and didn't quite have enough to pay for all of it -- Then I'd help with a few items.

That which really bugs Me is when Mom's go through a line with a cart full of food, chips, drinks, -- used food stamps for the nutricous stuff and cash for the rest of it. hmmmm.

 

[Dovegiven]

How about the greatest commandment being to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and then our neighbor as ourselves".

People using WIC and SNAP aren't Supposed to be buying snacky foods for their kids. They're supposed to be for nutricious foods Only. Now IF you'd been behind a mother who was paying cash for good quality food and didn't quite have enough to pay for all of it -- Then I'd help with a few items.

That which really bugs Me is when Mom's go through a line with a cart full of food, chips, drinks, -- used food stamps for the nutricous stuff and cash for the rest of it. hmmmm.

Being a father and grandfather, I have not had a problem treating my children and others to a little candy or soda. My wife has spent years helping other mothers teach young mothers how to do that job. Many are on that job way too soon in life with no job, no skill, Daddy unknown or missing. It is what it is for way too many. Most have never learned to boil water without burning up the pot. Cooking a bag of dry beans? I still have trouble not scorching that. They have no idea how to plan meals to shop wisely, most of the time not knowing what is healthy, or how to make it so the kids will eat it. So they go heavy on canned food loaded with salt and sugar. Nutritious? You can do it well and have time on your hands? Help one along in life. Many churches are in need of volunteers to connect to a single parent home.

When they apply for those benefits there's a bit of a learning curve at the agency booth. They learn it mostly the hard way, embarrassed at the checkout. Unless cigarettes or booze is involved, I will not judge concerning what they are "entitled" to. When I detect a woman is a single mom with kids, I don't question helping them beyond kelp, turnips, cabbage, beans, especially when they are producing some cash and come up a little short for the disallowed stuff. Those kids can't help their situation. And Moms deserve a little something sweet, too.

Let's have a little humane compassion folks, adding to that the love of God.

 

[Lily Miller]

All I’m going to say is focus on Jesus, he is the one who you will answer to on the last day. It’s not just about his death and resurrection, we have to actually listen to what Jesus said to us, we can’t just say “oh yeah i believe in Jesus” and not actually listen.
Listen to the person you claim to be following.

 

[Hiswillbedone]

As far as I can see they show good fruits.....helping people, serving as missionary support workers, supporting an extended family, etc I'm not there 24/7 but they also foster so their lives are open to other people more than perhaps most.....God has blessed me through knowing them.....also to see how faith can be a part of daily life. But I appreciate other people may seem nice at certain times but their lives not bear closer scrutiny. I know I need to surrender more of my life to God's direction.

How do you know they do this if you don't live with them?

It is good to look at others good works and want to appreciate them for it. However, remember we are called to do good works so we can 'glorify our father in Heaven'. If you want someone to glorify, then glorify Jesus.

I think your last point about surrendering your life to God is the most important lesson you can learn from these friends. We won;t be saved by how well our friends or family follow God; we are judged alone. Work on your relationship with God, and see these friends as nothing more than an example to lead you to Christ. The end goal should be for you to follow Christ yourself.

In peace

 

[Hiswillbedone]

Your comment "Jesus was alive during the four Gospels". --- how about the four Gospels tells the life of Jesus Christ and end with His bodily resurrection from the dead. The rest of the New Testament -- the Prison Epistles , etc. are Also important to read and follow. The beginnings of the Church. - founded upon Jesus Christ.

And, God Can be seen in nature around us. Other than That, there Are no other teachings. There ARE people who write very good devotional books and those Should have Bible readings listed.

Those 'teachings' that 'could' be from God and that Should bring us back to the cornerstone - which is Jesus and the four Gospels. WHAT teachings would those Be?!

One question to ask yourself is how the NT writers got their inspiration? Obviously they were led by God, but it happened as they were following Jesus. God continues to reveal Himself the more we abide in His son's teachings. This is what happened as the first century Christians continued to follow Jesus.

The same spirit is here now and can continue revealing God more and more to anyone who is willing to listen. Let me be clear, I am not promoting people that want to promote themselves or their own group. I am talking about people who are following Jesus and are pointing people to Him (just like the early Christians). I think the Bible is a great source to learn from, but God is not limited to the pages of the Bible. His thoughts are definitely expressed there, but He is not in a box like the tabernacle. When Jesus died, that veil was torn in two.

Last thought, Jesus was alive in the four gospels, and He is still alive today. We know what spirit is leading us if it leads us back to Jesus' spirit, which are His teachings.

I am just reiterating what I already stated because I want to make it clear that the final authority is Jesus and His words as recorded when He was alive on the Earth.

In peace

 

[littlesheep]

How do you know they do this if you don't live with them?

It is good to look at others good works and want to appreciate them for it. However, remember we are called to do good works so we can 'glorify our father in Heaven'. If you want someone to glorify, then glorify Jesus.

I think your last point about surrendering your life to God is the most important lesson you can learn from these friends. We won;t be saved by how well our friends or family follow God; we are judged alone. Work on your relationship with God, and see these friends as nothing more than an example to lead you to Christ. The end goal should be for you to follow Christ yourself.

In peace

Perhaps I am misunderstanding your replies, I don't understand why you are 'correcting' me and picking me up on what I have said. Please can you explain why i helpful?

 

[littlesheep]

I can't edit my reply for some reason but perhaps would word it how it is meant to be helpful.

 

[Sue D.]

One question to ask yourself is how the NT writers got their inspiration? Obviously they were led by God, but it happened as they were following Jesus. God continues to reveal Himself the more we abide in His son's teachings. This is what happened as the first century Christians continued to follow Jesus.

The same spirit is here now and can continue revealing God more and more to anyone who is willing to listen. Let me be clear, I am not promoting people that want to promote themselves or their own group. I am talking about people who are following Jesus and are pointing people to Him (just like the early Christians). I think the Bible is a great source to learn from, but God is not limited to the pages of the Bible. His thoughts are definitely expressed there, but He is not in a box like the tabernacle. When Jesus died, that veil was torn in two.

Last thought, Jesus was alive in the four gospels, and He is still alive today. We know what spirit is leading us if it leads us back to Jesus' spirit, which are His teachings.

I am just reiterating what I already stated because I want to make it clear that the final authority is Jesus and His words as recorded when He was alive on the Earth.

In peace

You asked how the NT. writers got their inspiration. The same way Every writer of every good we have in the Canon -- both Old Testament and New Testament. God -- through the Holy Spirit -- used human authors to write the books we have now. The New Testament - through apostles mostly. The Old Testament saints were looking Forward to the cross of Christ. They had the prophets to share that info with them. So Old Testament writers were Not 'following Jesus" because He had not been born yet.

God's Word / the Bible / Is our Primary source to learn of God / His Teachings. As we take time to read His Word, the Holy Spirit 'teaches' us and He uses preachers to teach Also.

Jesus Christ died on the cross and He rose again bodily AND He ascended back up to heaven to be with God the Father. The Holy Spirit part of the Godhead Does come to indwell each believer at the moment of our personal salvation.

 

[Sue D.]

I am currently trying to figure out what it really means to OBEY Jesus, I would just like to know y'alls thoughts about what it means to you. Because I have heard a bunch of different things while traveling and while preaching the Gospel to people and so I would like to know what it means to you guys.

To me it means that we have to listen to the things that Jesus says in the four Gospels, which are manly located in the Sermon on the Mount. I've heard others who say things such as all we do is just acknowledge his existence and we're good, some who say its the sinners prayer. I just want to get a new perspective, as always.

Peace and Love, from Lily

So -- you're Mainly following the Sermon on the Mount? Well -- guidelines for living Godly lives are all through the New Testament. Shouldn't we be wanting to obey God? Jesus Christ came into this world as a baby -- His mission was to point mankind to His FATHER in heaven. He , in obedience To the Father, died on the cross and rose again bodily -- and Then ascended back up To the Father.

 

[Sue D.]

Being a father and grandfather, I have not had a problem treating my children and others to a little candy or soda. My wife has spent years helping other mothers teach young mothers how to do that job. Many are on that job way too soon in life with no job, no skill, Daddy unknown or missing. It is what it is for way too many. Most have never learned to boil water without burning up the pot. Cooking a bag of dry beans? I still have trouble not scorching that. They have no idea how to plan meals to shop wisely, most of the time not knowing what is healthy, or how to make it so the kids will eat it. So they go heavy on canned food loaded with salt and sugar. Nutritious? You can do it well and have time on your hands? Help one along in life. Many churches are in need of volunteers to connect to a single parent home.

When they apply for those benefits there's a bit of a learning curve at the agency booth. They learn it mostly the hard way, embarrassed at the checkout. Unless cigarettes or booze is involved, I will not judge concerning what they are "entitled" to. When I detect a woman is a single mom with kids, I don't question helping them beyond kelp, turnips, cabbage, beans, especially when they are producing some cash and come up a little short for the disallowed stuff. Those kids can't help their situation. And Moms deserve a little something sweet, too.

Let's have a little humane compassion folks, adding to that the love of God.

Well -- you're presenting a different perspective. Yes, humane compassion and yes, being a loving, caring person. A little candy or soda -- from you as a grandparent / father. And to a mother who Is struggling financially. When you know who they are and want to help them.

 

[Dovegiven]

One question to ask yourself is how the NT writers got their inspiration? Obviously they were led by God, but it happened as they were following Jesus. God continues to reveal Himself the more we abide in His son's teachings. This is what happened as the first century Christians continued to follow Jesus.

The same spirit is here now and can continue revealing God more and more to anyone who is willing to listen. Let me be clear, I am not promoting people that want to promote themselves or their own group. I am talking about people who are following Jesus and are pointing people to Him (just like the early Christians). I think the Bible is a great source to learn from, but God is not limited to the pages of the Bible. His thoughts are definitely expressed there, but He is not in a box like the tabernacle. When Jesus died, that veil was torn in two.

Last thought, Jesus was alive in the four gospels, and He is still alive today. We know what spirit is leading us if it leads us back to Jesus' spirit, which are His teachings.

I am just reiterating what I already stated because I want to make it clear that the final authority is Jesus and His words as recorded when He was alive on the Earth.

In peace

What authority does the record of what the Holy Spirit came to do, replacing the bodily presence of Jesus on earth, teaching ALL things?
John 14:26 (KJV)
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

He promised two areas of knowledge. What Jesus said on earth (remembrance), and what else God wanted disciples to know, too. That statement had to include spiritual understanding of the old scriptures, even the prophets, and what Jesus' apostles learned the rest of their days. There is no limit to how much more the Holy Spirit teaches believers in later generations, i.e., deeper comprehension of the Word for application in changing times. Otherwise, men would have had to interpret the scriptures according to the eventsand comprehension of their own times. The Holy Spirit does the interpretations for us, to us. That can often result in reading of familar verses one suddenly grasps a passage as "a word" for the reader alone, perfect guidance for the day.

As for the Church today, there are abilities beyond simply reading scriptures.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (KJV)
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit
the word of wisdom;
to another
the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another
faith by the same Spirit;
to another
the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another
the working of miracles;
to another
prophecy;
to another
discerning of spirits;
to another
divers kinds of tongues;
to another
the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

There is no logical reason anyone can simply read scriptures and rise up doing those things. Those are gifts for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
Which scripture would teach you to discern spirits? How to speak in tongues? What might be the exercise of those gifts? Lacking instruction in the scriptures one must be a student of the Holy Spirit.

The apostles walked with Jesus, heard the words come out of his mouth, saw the miracles. A few began to grasp who Jesus was, but all abandoned whatever they had grasped when Jesus was crucified. They were helpless. The little amount of inspiration they exhibited is amazing, that Jesus had to chew them out multiple times! Jesus told them to wait together for the inspiration they all needed desperately, to wait for the Holy Spirit. When He came down, they all received, were reminded what Jesus said, and the teaching went beyond what Jesus said.

What part was totally new to them, or forgotten and reminded of, compared to what John mentioned, we don't know.
John 21:25 (KJV)
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

 

[Dovegiven]

Well -- you're presenting a different perspective. Yes, humane compassion and yes, being a loving, caring person. A little candy or soda -- from you as a grandparent / father. And to a mother who Is struggling financially. When you know who they are and want to help them.

Those we already know won't have to be embarassed so easily at the checkout. Food banks and other ministries are coordinated to meet every need, and some wants, like Christian books for children, clothes to wear to school without shame, quality shoes, school lunch bill paid, kids sent to Bible camp, etc. I confess I don't always want to help (in my mind), as some are messed up from drugs, have a really bad talk, really, desperately needing their mind renewed. Their kids need the help, so some of us are compelled to help some, while others are very easy to work with.

Helping a total stranger, putting some gas in a car, having a tire fixed, can be the greatest blessing of my day, as with the Good Samaritan helping a stranger nobody else would touch. It isn't hard to figure out who is needy, and what's going on when a child asks Mom, pointing to me at Walmart, "Is that Daddy?". They sometimes keep going with that, asking each man "Daddy?".