Who's teaching should a Christian focus on?

[Civil Shephard]

The whole NT is God-breathed revelation (2 Tim 3:16). . .it is one whole revelation, and all of it is to be preached, understood and obeyed.

Your question presents a false dichotomy. . .which has the possiblity of developing into a heresy.

I wonder if Paul meant for his statement to be taken as a personal invitation by Christians to develop a bible believer mentality? Why I've heard folks use Paul to trump Jesus and tell folks not to help the poor cause then they'd be trying to earn their salvation by works.

Forgive me but the whole point of this thread was to point to a matter of focus. If we can agree that teachings of Christ himself are or greater importance and worthy of greater attention then there should be no dichotomy. But there is... and the reason I bring this up is because there is... and that dichotomy has liberal and conservative believers at each others throats and has for a long time.

From my point of view I have no fear of my feelings "developing" into heresy? As Christ said,

Luke 11:30-32 (New International Version, ©2011)
30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

You know... it really is a matter of focus. You want to obey everything in the bible and Jesus shows the most concise way and attitude of doing just that. Jesus was the only perfect man and yet you would put Isaiah's words on par with his? I don't think Isaiah would do that. Would you want to put Moses life on par with Jesus? Moses himself would not do that and from the mount of Transfiguration would probably tell you to stop trying to build three tents trying to put him and Elijah on par with Jesus. No... I believe our heavenly father was quite clear. "This is my Beloved Son... Hear ye him!"

Now... where is the dichotomy? Isn't in that many new Christians don't know the basics of Christ teaching but rather the jump around of some Pauline novice who reads Paul at length plugging a line here and there from Jesus to prove a point? I would rather sit and read the Sermon on the Mount with you before we actually spoke in person so that our words would be seasoned with salt. But you don't want to do that... why?

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

Whilst The basis of Christianity must be the teachings of Jesus, These must also be set in a context.
More, they must be applied to the situations we find our selves in today... His teachings are as relevant to us to day as they have always been.

Religion and Politics are very closely linked in todays world.
When taken literally, Jesus words present a world view far to the left of what is acceptable to any political party today.

As a result, right wing politics through out the western world, prefers the more worldly and aggressive view of a vengeful God, and the world view of the Old Testament.

Jesus Teachings show that there is more to faith than serving self.
And that helping others is more effective than punishing them.

This is not a popular view.

 

[smokydot]

I wonder if Paul meant for his statement to be taken as a personal invitation by Christians to develop a bible believer mentality? Why I've heard folks use Paul to trump Jesus and tell folks not to help the poor cause then they'd be trying to earn their salvation by works.
Forgive me but the whole point of this thread was to point to a matter of focus. If we can agree that teachings of Christ himself are or greater importance and worthy of greater attention then there should be no dichotomy. But there is... and the reason I bring this up is because there is... and that dichotomy has liberal and conservative believers at each others throats and has for a long time.
From my point of view I have no fear of my feelings "developing" into heresy? As Christ said, [Lk 11:30-32]
You know... it really is a matter of focus. You want to obey everything in the bible and Jesus shows the most concise way and attitude of doing just that. Jesus was the only perfect man and yet you would put Isaiah's words on par with his? I don't think Isaiah would do that. Would you want to put Moses life on par with Jesus? Moses himself would not do that and from the mount of Transfiguration would probably tell you to stop trying to build three tents trying to put him and Elijah on par with Jesus. No... I believe our heavenly father was quite clear. "This is my Beloved Son... Hear ye him!"

The words of the Prophets, of Moses and of Jesus are all the Word of God.

Now... where is the dichotomy? Isn't in that many new Christians don't know the basics of Christ teaching but rather the jump around of some Pauline novice who reads Paul at length plugging a line here and there from Jesus to prove a point?

The remedy for ignorance of the basics is not the creation of a false dichotomy between the gospels and epistles. . .the remedy is
to sit under good orthodox (Reformed) Biblical teaching of the whole NT.

I would rather sit and read the Sermon on the Mount with you before we actually spoke in person so that our words would be seasoned with salt. But you don't want to do that... why?

Are you asking why I don't want to speak with you in person? . .and what does "seasoned with salt" mean to you?

 

[MathewJames]

I believe our heavenly father was quite clear. "This is my Beloved Son... Hear ye him!"

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

So if you follow after Christs teaching, Have you given all you own to the poor yet????

 

[Civil Shephard]

The words of the Prophets, of Moses and of Jesus are all the Word of God.

Of course I aggree that Moses spoke as God moved him... but he made mistakes and was not perfect. The Prophets as well... they made mistakes as God moved them. Paul, Peter, James and John all made mistakes as God moved them.

Jesus was not only perfect but he made no mistakes. His words are the very words of the Creator of our Universe. His words are the image of what is impossible to man in the flesh without the Holy Spirits accepted help. Jesus words are the Holy Spirit in perfection.

Are you asking why I don't want to speak with you in person? . .and what does "seasoned with salt" mean to you?

In person? No... what I meant was I doubt you would take the time to simply sit and read the Sermon on the Mount with me or anyone for that matter. Then His Holy Words could salt us with spirit and fire as we shut our mouths and minds and listen to him.

 

[Civil Shephard]

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

So if you follow after Christs teaching, Have you given all you own to the poor yet????

If I follow Christ would I let my left hand know what my right is doing or would I blow a trumpet to satisfy those that question my belief in Christ teachings?

 

[smokydot]

Of course I aggree that Moses spoke as God moved him... but he made mistakes and was not perfect. The Prophets as well... they made mistakes as God moved them. Paul, Peter, James and John all made mistakes as God moved them.

Are you saying that not all Scripture is the Word of God written?

Jesus was not only perfect but he made no mistakes. His words are the very words of the Creator of our Universe. His words are the image of what is impossible to man in the flesh without the Holy Spirits accepted help. Jesus words are the Holy Spirit in perfection.

You are dichotomizing the Word of God written. . .unless you believe that not all Scripture is the Word of God written.

In person? No... what I meant was I doubt you would take the time to simply sit and read the Sermon on the Mount with me or anyone for that matter. Then His Holy Words could salt us with spirit and fire as we shut our mouths and minds and listen to him.

 

[MathewJames]

In person? No... what I meant was I doubt you would take the time to simply sit and read the Sermon on the Mount with me or anyone for that matter. Then His Holy Words could salt us with spirit and fire as we shut our mouths and minds and listen to him.

Would you be willing to read the Qur'an after and be filled with it also?

 

[astarath]

I would say to go with Jesus' teaching.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

Whilst The basis of Christianity must be the teachings of Jesus, These must also be set in a context.
More, they must be applied to the situations we find our selves in today... His teachings are as relevant to us to day as they have always been.

Religion and Politics are very closely linked in todays world.
When taken literally, Jesus words present a world view far to the left of what is acceptable to any political party today.

As a result, right wing politics through out the western world, prefers the more worldly and aggressive view of a vengeful God, and the world view of the Old Testament.

Jesus Teachings show that there is more to faith than serving self.
And that helping others is more effective than punishing them.

This is not a popular view.

This :clap:

 

[Jacksnyte]

For the last few years I've been to many a church service and found that the teaching of Jesus take a back burner to all other portions of scripture. I've found this trend to be annoying frankly. It seems to me that folks are chasing after the latest pet doctine. So I find myself getting thoroughly judgemental during many services and late for the door at times.

But getting past the feeling of "who am I to think this way" I wish to pose a question of the presentation of Christ in most media and most churches. Studies show that "our most segregated hour" is still that way in most American churches. When I leave most congregations I feel as if the focus and presentation of the Gospel leaves the hungry and thirsty, hungry and thirsty. Where are Christians teaching the words of Christ?

When I've asked this of some of the places I've been very few have listened. I have proposed that a simple reading of the Sermon on the Mount would be superior to most of what is being said and preached in most Christian churches. And... well, who am I to be saying this to someone with a church who has a congregation of tithers?

Whose teaching should a Christian focus on? I think the answer is simple. The teachings of Christ. But why when I approach most Christians on this matter is there so much rebuttal?

Because the vast majority of what is called Christianity today would be better represented as "Paulianity", as it is largely based on some letters Paul wrote to the various early churches in far-flung places.

 

[smokydot]

Because the vast majority of what is called Christianity today would be better represented as "Paulianity", as it is largely based on some letters Paul wrote to the various early churches in far-flung places.

You gotta' decide if Scripture is the Word of God written, or not.
If it is, it doesn't matter who put the pen to paper.
If it is not, none of it really matters anyway.

 

[MathewJames]

You gotta' decide if Scripture is the Word of God.

Yes, The WORD OF GOD, Torah, Gospel, Qur'an in harmony.

The BOOK

 

[Rainbow Mage]

You gotta' decide if Scripture is the Word of God written, or not.
If it is, it doesn't matter who put the pen to paper.
If it is not, none of it really matters anyway.

I see, so you want us to close our minds and take a narrow-minded approach to what is not a book, but actually several books written by varying authors and put into a collection. Smoky your narrow-mindedness isn't a virtue.

 

[MathewJames]

Yes, you have to decide if the 66 books, by over 40 different writers, over a period of about 1200 years, is the Word of God written.

The "collection" is all about the coming Messiah, as is shown here ---> http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/2299585-post1070.html
--

If I could pick the books, I would include the "Book of Enoch" make that first before Geneis, and all of those old writtings by Abraham, and for sure "Gospel of Jude" is going in the NT.

 

[smokydot]

If I could pick the books, I would include the "Book of Enoch" make that first before Geneis, and all of those old writtings by Abraham, and for sure "Gospel of Jude" is going in the NT.

You're a little late for that exercise. . .

 

[Civil Shephard]

When I starte this thread I was only trying to make the point that we are ignoring the teachings of Christ.

I say this to Christians for the most part but also to all who are willing to listen to this simplistic revelation of mine. If we were to simply discuss the teachings of Jesus as we have them then there would be much to be learned from one another.

I reference my threads in Christian DIR
http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/christianity-dir/110372-blessed-poor-spirit.html
and
http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/christianity-dir/110704-blessed-those-who-mourn.html

I have wondered about many things like the book of Enoch and all those other Gospels but somewhere along the line I gave up on looking for the truth I haven't read and started trying to understand the truth I have read even better.

It seems to me that there is no room for debate in my heart anymore... To me Jesus words make for no debate. Please come and help me with those threads if it is in your heart to focus for a bit on the meaning of Jesus teaching. This if you believe Jesus or not...

It's a question of focus.

 

[smokydot]

I see, so you want us to close our minds and take a narrow-minded approach to what is not a book, but actually several books written by varying authors and put into a collection. Smoky your narrow-mindedness isn't a virtue.

Yes, you have to decide if the 66 books, by over 40 different writers, over a period of about 1200 years, is the Word of God written.

The "collection" is a single book, by a single author--God the Spirit, and a single theme--God the Son, and the Father's saving purposes, which all revolve around the Son,
as can be seen here ---> http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/2299585-post1070.html

 

[Koldo]

I wonder what made you get to that conclusion, smokydot.

You agree that the scriptures that make up for the collection were in fact written by many authors over a large period. I don't see how you came up with the conclusion that God was the single author of the bible.

There is something missing in your post.

 

[smokydot]

I wonder what made you get to that conclusion, smokydot.

2 Tim 3:16.

You agree that the scriptures that make up for the collection were in fact written by many authors over a large period. I don't see how you came up with the conclusion that God was the single author of the bible.
There is something missing in your post.

See http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/2299585-post1070.html for illustration of the Bible as a book with a single theme--God's saving purposes

which all revolve around His Son, Jesus the Christ.