Nothing in the Bible negates the words of another. If they do, then we are interpreting the words incorrectly.
Agreed. People use scripture to negate scripture. If anything seems to negate, then it is due to us
not lining our interpretation with Jesus (the cornerstone).
What you are suggesting is that in voluntarily giving up all we have, Jesus will then give us back more....? Why would he need to do that for every Christian? He was clearly talking about those who have lost their material possessions due to them being persecuted as Christians.
Now hold on here. When Jesus said this he was talking to Peter and his 12 disciples... Where are you getting this idea that he is talking about those that had to leave their possessions (because they were being persecuted as Christians)? I think you are trying to hard to hold to this idea that Jesus only meant for us to give up everything during time of persecution, in order to justify why YOU are not doing it. Nothing in the above passage does Jesus say he is
only talking to those that left all because of persecution.
No one had to worry about losing their material things because Jesus would reward those who had lost them with something better. Remember Jesus told us to hate our family members too...it is a balanced view of these things that Jesus was highlighting. Do you think he has nothing better to do than provide 'stuff' for those who simply discarded what they had? Does it make sense to make yourself poor so that someone else might also have to discard what you gave them? I'm trying to imagine the scenario.....
I don't think you are trying to imagine the scenario. If so, then look no further than Acts 2 and 4 when the early Church gave up everything. They didn't just "throw it away" as you are saying. What they did was
sell them, and gave the proceeds to the apostles feet, then they distributed to everyone as needed.
Imagine this, a city that sells everything and share everything as equals. Nobody has any personal belongings, rather they shared all things in common. If you needed something for whatever reason, then you had a whole CITY filled with people that are willing to give whatever you
need. Notice, it is a need not a want. Of course, with corrupt men, this won't work. IT will only take those that fear God that can make such a system that Jesus and the first century Christians followed work. God must be with them.
No one can change your position but you. All I am doing is trying to add some balance to your interpretation of scripture. As I said....either the whole Bible is God's word or none of it is. We are not free to pick and choose what we will accept and what we will ignore as less important. Its all important, and it all fits if we have the truth. The truth does not make you choose one scripture in favor of another.
Likewise.
The balance you are really asking for me to do is put Jesus words below others. All I am doing is telling you to obey Jesus, and the response is, "we must balance what Jesus says with other people". This is in NO way what the Bible teaches.
You say, "either the whole Bible is God's word or none of it is".
Why? Where did you get this doctrine? Not from the Bible because the bible says that JESUS is the Word of God. This idea that the "whole Bible" is the Word of God is not taught
by the Bible. Just stating your opinion doesn't make it truth.
I don't pick and choose. What I do is line the Bible up with Jesus and His teachings. The bible says Jesus is the cornerstone, therefore everything we teach must line up with him. If not, then we are not following the Bible's guideline of how to interpret scripture.
Jesus is the way, the TRUTH, and the life, therefore, if I teach Jesus, then I
am teaching the truth. Simple, eh?
From what you post it seems as if you do. Your interpretation of Jesus' words fights with what other Bible writers have said.....but my study shows me that God inspired all of it....and Jesus said nothing that fights with any of it. I find your views rather extreme actually...but I do not doubt your sincerity for a moment.
No need for the flattery.
Jesus words only fight against other bible writers when we try to elevate what they teach, above the teachings of Jesus. When we put the cornerstone
back into our doctrines, then what other Bible writers teach will make sense. If we leave Jesus out (which is what you are doing by negating everyone of his teaching that I shared) then we are not looking at the Bible in the correct view. I don't think any words I can say will change your mind. I will leave this point for God to sort out between him and you alone.
If you imply that parts of the Bible are not really true, then how is your house built on the rock?
What I imply is that people use other parts of the Bible to negate Jesus. People's interpretation of what other bible writers say is what I have an issue with. If they use Bible scripture to
promote Jesus' words, then I will gladly say Amen along with them! However, if they use other Bible writers to
negate what Jesus said, then I will ignore that person's interpretation of what the
think the Bible is saying, and simply say, "Listen to Jesus' words."
I do not doubt your love for God and his Christ.....but if you are just another lone sheep with a single voice, who is directed by Jesus personally......then you are in good company....there are many here and elsewhere who see themselves the same way.
Who do we believe when you all hold different beliefs? How is Jesus talking to all of you when your views conflict? Do you see the dilemma? You can each be personally convicted.....but are you just convicting yourselves? Jesus can't possibly be speaking to all of you individually or else you would have joined forces by now. You would be congregations.....not lone rangers.
I still am a bit confused as to why you say I'm a lone ranger? Maybe what I said about me having a fellowship of believers that live like the first century christians didn't get sent?
Really, Jesus is talking through his words found in the Bible. Whether or not I have a physical organization to show for it doesn't make Jesus' teachings obsolete. Nor does
having an organization make it more credible. Even Jesus didn't have an organization, yet only individuals of the religious system of their time that wanted to follow God, even if it meant leaving their religious organization, would accept Jesus' message.
Your last point is correct. There is a congregation that has joined forces!
We have to work hard to prove ourselves worthy of salvation. It is a free gift, but not one we can take for granted. There are qualifications. The "faithful and discreet slave" exists because Jesus appointed 'him'......but in framing his identity in a question, it is apparent that it will not be easy to identify him among all those others claiming to be that channel through whom Jesus 'feeds' his sheep. (
Matthew 24:45)
We have to look at all the things that identify 'him'......number one is that he is not alone, because he is responsible for feeding Jesus' entire household. Secondly, he is teaching his fellow slaves what is appropriate behavior for Christians. That means no political involvement, no military training, no weapons designed to kill humans, no involvement in wars or bloodshed, no justification for immorality, dishonesty, or ignoring the plight of the poor among us. And they must be promoting the all important preaching work that has to be accomplished before the end of the present system. (
Matthew 24:14)
All must be in agreement. (
1 Corinthians 1:10)
I can see that my own brotherhood is living up to all of those things.....what about yours? Can you point to anyone and say "those are my brothers and we are all doing what Jesus commanded"?
I agree. We each have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. I can appreciate you pointing me to your organization, because I know you hold a belief that only those within the JW organization will be saved. I appreciate the gesture. However, from hearing your stance about the teachings of Jesus, and lighning it up with what Jesus teaches, then I would say your organization does
not follow the commands of Jesus. Do they follow some? Sure. Do I follow all? No. Not because I don't believe in them, rather I am weak and fall short. Do I try? Yes I do.
However, when I hear Jesus say that I must FIRST forsake all to
become a Christian, then I took that command seriously. Jesus said unless I do this, then I am not a Christian. I can't even consider myself a Christian because I haven't followed the first requirement.
The faithful and discreet slave is one that follows and obeys Jesus, and teaches others to do so. Yes, I can say I have found other people that do just that.
I know from experience that I won't change the mind of a JW because of the fear that the organization puts on their followers. They teach that if someone is disfellowshipped from the organization, then they won't be saved. I will be afraid too. However, this isn't true.
Let Jehovah open your heart to more truth.
In Peace and love
.