01/18/2018
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Everything about Jesus from His Radical
Birth {being conceived by a virgin} to Him giving instruction to the
“Religious” leaders of His time was RADICAL. Jesus was forgiving sins, eating
with NON-RELIGIOUS men and women, He was healing people on the Sabbath, He
broke the Jewish Laws ever chance He got, and
He even ate things that were “NOT” supposed to be eaten according to the
customs of that time. JESUS was very RADICAL about His Father God and the House
of God. He got angry and kicked out all the money changers and people doing
everything but Worshiping God in God’s house. Jesus gave us the PERFECT example
of what it means to be RADICAL. Since God sent Him to deliver a NEW COVENANT it
only seems fitting that He come with a RADICAL NEW WAY of doing things. He came
to show mankind that the OLD WAY of Pleasing God was ENDING and a NEW MORE
POWERFUL – MORE RADICAL WAY of PLEASING GOD was going to happen. BEHOLD – THE
RADICALLY OFFENSIVE JESUS that came into the world to SAVE MANKIND from their
CONSISTENTLY SINFUL WAYS.
Offensive Jesus
You may have heard, as I have many times before by trendy authors and edgy preachers willing to push the limits and boundaries of comfort, as well as those of us who have a proclivity for proclaiming “TRUTH” –
‘JESUS was offensive. The GOSPEL is offensive.’
‘Some people just aren’t going to like it. Jesus was a stumbling block to many.’ This usually comes with the implied perspective, ‘So if Jesus is a stumbling block to you, just get out of my way. I’ve got work to do.’
If you will spend time reading the gospels, allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you into the TRUTH of the Word, you will find that JESUS was not at all offensive to the “Others”. By “OTHERS” we are referring to the disenfranchised, to the oppressed, to the despised and to the rejected. The TRUTH is that JESUS was NOT all that offensive to sinners. In fact, HE was ATTRACTIVE to them.
Of course HE was and still is to this day a “STUMBLING BLOCK” to many. HE still to this day offends many just as HE did while walking upon this earth.
Mostly we find in Scripture that JESUS was MOST OFFENSIVE to the “RELIGIOUS” men referred to as Pharisees, Sadducee’s and Scribes {Matthew 23}. He even went as far as to warn the people to NOT believe the FALSE teachings of these men in Matthew 16:6-12.
As a matter of fact HE got these “RELIGIOUS” men so worked up that they BEGGED the Roman Authorities to kill HIM just to get HIM to shut up. To those “SELF-RIGHTEOUS” RELIGIOUS men, JESUS was too INCLUSIVE, too LOVED by the “COMMON PEOPLE” and just too ACCEPTING of those the “INSIDERS” {RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS} deemed as “OTHER”; therefore unworthy of the LOVE and GRACE of GOD. JESUS refused to RESPECT the “STATUS QUO” enough and HE ROCKED the boat just a little too much.
Oh and God forbid, HE even CLAIMED that this was what the FATHER GOD had sent HIM to do.
They were so OFFENDED alright that one could still imagine what it must have sounded like to hear their cries,
‘CRUCIFY! CRUCIFY HIM! Let HIS blood be on us and our children!’ Matthew 27:22-25
If we decide to get serious about following Jesus {remembering, celebrating and actually mimicking HIS life “being CHRIST-LIKE” and following HIS example in humble obedience to God} – it is NOT such a bad thing to be considered OFFENSIVE to the “RELIGIOUS” leaders today.
JESUS consistently behaved in ways that were OFFENSIVE to the “CUSTOMS” the “RELIGIOUS” men had followed for years thinking that it is their works that will get them points with God. In Luke 11:37-54 Jesus gave the Pharisees a lesson on cleaning the INSIDE being more important than the cleaning of the outside of the body. He was letting them know that “Rituals” mean NOTHING if you remain WICKED in your heart. We also learn that JESUS was OFFENSIVE to the “LAWYERS” because they were all about weighing people down with heavy burdens and JESUS was all about freeing mankind and lightening their loads.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
As soon as JESUS left that dinner party in Luke 11 the “RELIGIOUS” men started plotting against JESUS to find a way to do away with HIM because HE was too RADICAL for their taste. They did not like that JESUS revealed evil of their hearts as their pride pushed them to the point that they thought they were above reproach. JESUS pointed out their SINFUL insides and they wanted HIM silenced.
When He left there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile [toward Him] and to interrogate Him on many subjects, plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say. Luke 11:53-54
Every chance they got from that day forward they made it their mission to stump and trip HIM up; however JESUS became a RADICALLY OFFENSIVE STUMBLING BLOCK against all their “RELIGIOUS” man-made rules. Throughout Matthew, Luke and Mark you will see how much HATE the “RELIGIOUS” men had toward the MESSIAH. Go here to read many Scriptures about how they felt.
As stated previously, if you will spend time reading the gospels, allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you into the TRUTH of the Word, you will find that JESUS was not at all offensive to the “Others”. By “OTHERS” we are referring to the disenfranchised, to the oppressed, to the despised and to the rejected. The TRUTH is that JESUS was NOT all that offensive to sinners. In fact, HE was ATTRACTIVE to them.
JESUS came into this World with a RADICAL NEW COVENANT to share with mankind, making it is easier to be a TRUE FOLLOWER known as a CHRISTIAN.
Just as in JESUS’ time on this earth, the “RELIGIOUS” men and women of this day continue to preach a Gospel of BONDAGE, leaving out the RADICAL TEACHINGS of the ONE they say they are following. The “RELIGIOUS” men and women today still OPPRESS the “OTHERS” even though they have CLEAR teaching from the SON of GOD to do just the OPPOSITE.
What about this RADICAL NEW COVENANT?
From the time before Jesus showed up, God had already told the people who follow HIM that HE was going to start a NEW COVENANT that would be what they were to follow. God had witnessed firsthand the weakness of His creation in keeping all the laws that had been handed down to them from Moses and the prophets of old. He knew from listening to the Israelites complain constantly how “UNFAIR” He was and turn away from Him constantly {Ezekiel 18} that a RADICAL CHANGE had to take place.
A New Covenant
“Behold (listen carefully), the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. It will be that as I have watched over them to uproot and to break down, to overthrow, destroy, and afflict with disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant [with good],” says the Lord. “In those days they will not say again, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ But everyone will die [only] for his own wickedness; every man who eats sour grapes—his [own] teeth shall be set on edge. “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and with the house of Judah (the Southern Kingdom), not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” says the Lord. “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” says the Lord, “I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. And each man will no longer teach his neighbor and his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me [through personal experience], from the least of them to the greatest,” says the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness, and I will no longer remember their sin.” Jeremiah 31:27-34 (AMP)
We tend to embrace the Jesus, who glosses over Victimization with a grace-Band-Aid,
And we shy away from the Jesus who asks for RADICAL REPENTANCE and RESTORATION…
Ken Weliever AKA The Preacherman wrote about RADICAL REPENTANCE in his blog and I think we need to take time here to have a look at what “RADICAL” repentance looks like from a BIBLICAL standpoint.
Real repentance, radical repentance involves these six stages.
- Recognition of Sin. The prophet Jeremiah condemned the people of Israel who plead, “I am innocent… I have not sinned!”(Jer. 2:35) Yet they were guilty before God. In contrast David said, “I have sinned.” (2 Sam. 12:13). David saw the seriousness of sin and knew that his sin was an affront to the holiness of God. Sin is not a just a mistake you make. The Bible defines sin as a transgression of God’s law. Sin is called Evil - Wicked – Defilement – Even Darkness.
- Remorse. The Bible says, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Cor 7:10). There is a huge difference for being sorry for our sins, and feeling sorry that we got caught! David’s penitent heart was filled with Moral anguish - Emotional pain - And Spiritual hurt.
- Resolve. When the lost son in Jesus’ parable “came to himself” he decided to make things right - To go home - To confess sin - And accept the consequences {Luke 15:11-32}. So did David. The consequences of his sin were bitter, but he accepted them without bitterness.
- Reformation. The fruits of repentance are realized in a Reformed life - A changed life - A different life - A new life - A change both inside and outside. David’s psalms of repentance are evidence of his change; as well as the commendation of future Bible writers.
- Restitution. When possible, repentance results In restitution - In making amends - In repairing damages - In restoring what is right. This was the spirit Zacchaeus, the tax collector, had when he told Jesus, “If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Luke 19:8). David could not undue the past, but he did make restitution to God.
- Rejoicing. When we really repent, we will feel joyful. Real repentance results in Restoration – Renewal - And Revival. Sins are remitted. Relationships are repaired. Spiritual regeneration is received. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12),” was David’s plea.
Repentance is required for God’s forgiveness. And it issues itself in a changed heart and a new life. Charles Spurgeon put it this way, “If you are renewed by grace, and were to meet your old self, I am sure you would be very anxious to get out of his company.”
That’s radical.
David’s prayer in Psalm 51 begins with the words, “Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.” Throughout the Psalms, we sense the intimate relationship that David had with the Lord. He called on God in many different situations and poured out his heart to the Lord repeatedly. After David began his prayer by asking God to be gracious to him, he asked God to forgive him. In beautiful poetic language, David prayed, “Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2). These three word pictures describe what David believed the God of lovingkindness and compassion would do. “Blot out” is a reference to human records that could be erased. “Wash” is used to compare forgiveness to the washing of clothing. The verb “cleanse” comes from the ceremonial law and speaks of purification for temple participation.
David had so much faith in God and walked with God so he already felt the RADICAL Forgiving Grace of God in his life. David got to experience what we get to experience now through the saving GRACE of JESUS CHRIST.
This same God of lovingkindness and compassion is willing to forgive you and to forgive me. He will erase, wash, and cleanse every sin that holds us back from experiencing His best.
Will you bring your confession to the God of lovingkindness and compassion? Only He can set you free from the guilt and shame that shackle you to the past. Let Him wash you with His complete cleansing and forgiveness.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”
As believers, we live in community and we are able to experience healing and forgiveness as we confess our sins to other believers. Now that is a RADICAL new concept. God will heal and restore you if you confess your sins with other believers who will then pray with you to watch God’s loving mercy and grace bring you back into right standing with GOD. What an AMAZING GOD we serve that would allow this to happen.
JESUS and the “NEW COVENANT” PROMISE
In Hebrews 8 we learn that God is doing away with the original “TEMPLE” that had to be built to certain perfections for HIM to dwell in; turning our human hearts into God’s TEMPLE within us. He was bringing JESUS on the scene to become the Mediator of this NEW COVENANT uniting God and man like God had promised the prophets of the Old Testament that He was going to do. Because of the sacrifice Jesus was going to make, God’s laws would be written upon the hearts of man because man would not have JESUS as his center and Jesus was the fulfillment of the laws. With this NEW COVENANT coming into place, God was making the first one obsolete and it would soon disappear. Read Hebrews 8:6-13 to see God’s promise of the New Covenant coming to pass.
Through this NEW COVENANT we are saved by GRACE and NO LONGER by trying to keep all those Levitical laws that kept people in bondage proving to be impossible as human beings to keep. Therefore let us rejoice in knowing that JESUS is now our Salvation.
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. Ephesians 2:8-9
In Matthew 5 – Known as the Sermon on the Mount; we learn the Beatitudes of Christ, we are instructed as disciples of Christ to let our light shine brightly in this dark world so other’s would be attracted to it and want to know more about the FATHER in HEAVEN. Jesus also gives a brief explanation as to why HE was sent to earth. He also teaches us about the responsibilities of having good relationships with others. For this lesson we will focus on Matthew 5:17-20 where Jesus explains about the LAW.
“Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law [of Moses] or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished. So whoever breaks one of the least [important] of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least [important] in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them, he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. “I say to you that unless your righteousness (uprightness, moral essence) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20
Let’s look at a few more Scriptures that help explain how RADICAL this Word that Jesus is sharing is going to be.
Then He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you, everything which has been written about Me in the Law of Moses and the [writings of the] Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Luke 24:44
But the Law does not rest on or require faith [it has nothing to do with faith], but [instead, the Law] says, “He who practices them [the things prescribed by the Law] shall live by them [instead of faith].” Galatians 3:12
But now that faith has come, we are no longer under [the control and authority of] a tutor and disciplinarian. For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:25-26
All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. 1 Corinthians 10:23
Now don’t let these scriptures confuse you because they will unless you know how to interpret them. Let me give you a brief explanation if I may.
I think part of the difficulty comes as a bit of confusion as to what is meant by the law and its application.
When the law was introduced, it was never intended to be the instrument by which man would save himself, but it was the instrument through which man was to be saved. In a very real sense, man is saved through the fulfillment (keeping) of the law. When Christ fulfilled the law, he earned the privilege of life. Those who are in Christ, likewise, share in his righteousness and are declared righteous right alongside him. In that sense, the law has always stood and will continue to stand.
That being said, though, it's important to realize that we basically choose whether the law applies to us individually or not -- through grace, we can choose to be in Christ, or we can choose to stand on our own merits when we're judged. In that sense, too, the law still stands.
With his blood, Jesus purchased us from death. Jesus was the fulfillment of the law; not us. Because of that, we are bound as slaves of righteousness. We're not going to fulfill the law in our own lives, and we're not expected to; however this does not allow us to use this as an excuse to sin without reign, we are supposed to set our sights on righteousness out of gratitude and duty to our Savior. Those who understand the Gospel (the goodness of God, the wickedness of sin, the graciousness of God to provide a savior) will, naturally seek to please the God who save them and whom they serve, and the best way we can know what this is it to look to the law He's given us.
For Christ is the end of the law [it leads to Him and its purpose is fulfilled in Him], for [granting] righteousness to everyone who believes [in Him as Savior]. Romans 10:4
Paul talks a good deal about this in the book of Romans, and the whole book gives a much more complete (and competent) version of the fulfillment of the law. Take time to read all of Romans for a good explanation asking the Holy Spirit to give you the insight to understanding. I will be posting a Study of Romans soon in the blog.
Since we now have a NEW COVENANT through Christ Jesus it is important for us to keep Christ’s law of love in our heart that will cause us to become more CHRIST-LIKE. We must continue to study the Word of God both OLD and NEW TESTAMENTS because we learn from the OLD TESTAMENT that the LAWS were pointing us to a SAVIOR – CHRIST JESUS.
But as for you, continue in the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced [holding tightly to the truths], knowing from whom you learned them, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings (Hebrew Scriptures) which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus [surrendering your entire self to Him and having absolute confidence in His wisdom, power and goodness]. All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
It is through Christ Jesus that we are now sanctified and set apart to do the will of God while we journey through this life on earth. If we abide in Jesus we will learn the TRUTH that sets men free that we will share with others. When we are covered by the blood of Jesus even our accusers will not have a leg to stand on when they bring false accusations against us. John 8:31-36, Revelation 12:10-12.
And in accordance with this will [of God] we [who believe in the message of salvation] have been sanctified [that is, set apart as holy for God and His purposes] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) once for all. Every priest stands [at his altar of service] ministering daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over, which are never able to strip away sins [that envelop and cover us]; whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice [the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, sat down [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] at the right hand of God [the position of honor], waiting from that time onward until his enemies are made a footstool for His feet. For by the one offering He has perfected forever and completely cleansed those who are being sanctified [bringing each believer to spiritual completion and maturity]. And the Holy Spirit also adds His testimony to us [in confirmation of this]; for after having said, “This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their heart, And on their mind I will inscribe them [producing an inward change],” He then says, “And their sins and their lawless acts I will remember no more [no longer holding their sins against them].” Now where there is [absolute] forgiveness and complete cancellation of the penalty of these things, there is no longer any offering [to be made to atone] for sin. Hebrews 10:10-18 (AMP)
Now through JESUS CHRIST our RADICAL MENTOR and SAVIOR we are given the GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT that will TEACH us all the mysteries of the WORD of GOD if we allow Him too, He will bring to our remembrance all Scripture that teaches us to do good for God and He will empower us with the AUTHORITY of JESUS CHRIST. With the AUTHORITY of JESUS we are commanded as HIS DISCIPLES to go into all the WORLD PREACHING the GOOD NEWS of the GOSPEL, make disciples of all nations, teaching everything about Jesus so people have the opportunity to come to Him and be saved and HEALING THE SICK. Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:12-14, Matthew 18:18-20
I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it. John 14:12-14
We know from John 3:14-18 that Jesus did not come into this world to condemn it, but to SAVE it through HIS sacrifice, grace and love for each and every one of GOD’S creation. We learn that ANYONE, {LGBTQI+ included} who believes in HIM will be saved. No longer can the “RELIGIOUS” men and women DICTATE who can or can NOT be SAVED. JESUS made it quite clear that HIS MISSION was to SAVE everyone who chooses to BELIEVE in HIM and Keep HIS Commandments. HE did NOT say KEEP the LAW because HE was the fulfillment of the LAW.
In Matthew 10:7-8 when Jesus sent the disciples out He told them, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
Now that’s what I call RADICAL. How many “EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS” do you hear PREACHING that the Kingdom of God is near compelling people to repent of their sins and be saved? How many do you actually see healing the sick, raising the dead or cast out demons these days? Hardly any are actually doing the things JESUS commanded HIS followers to do.
Let the TRUTH of these next few Scriptures penetrate your Spirit getting you excited about living your life like our RADICAL SAVIOR, Jesus Christ.
Now if the ministry of death, engraved in letters on stones [the covenant of the Law which led to death because of sin], came with such glory and splendor that the Israelites were not able to look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, [a brilliance] that was fading, how will the ministry of the Spirit [the new covenant which allows us to be Spirit-filled] fail to be even more glorious and splendid? For if the ministry that brings condemnation [the old covenant, the Law] has glory, how much more does glory overflow in the ministry that brings righteousness [the new covenant which declares believers free of guilt and sets them apart for God’s special purpose]! Indeed, what had glory [the Law], in this case no longer has glory because of the glory that surpasses it [the gospel]. 2 Corinthians 3:7-10
Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6
Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies John 11:25
But whoever drinks the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. But the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water [satisfying his thirst for God] welling up [continually flowing, bubbling within him] to eternal life.” John 4:14
“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death into life. John 5:24
Jesus replied to them, “I am the Bread of Life. The one who comes to Me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in Me [as Savior] will never be thirsty [for that one will be sustained spiritually]. But as I told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe. All that My Father gives Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, never reject anyone who follows Me]. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but that I [give new life and] raise it up at the last day. For this is My Father’s will and purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him [as Savior] will have eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.”John 6:35-40
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God [which represents all that Jesus Christ is and does], so that you will know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have eternal life.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities].
This judgment is not about whether or not the believer is saved, but about reward and loss. Once saved, forgiven sins will never haunt us again. God will not bring them up. It is the good and wonderful things that we have done that God will review. If there are many, our rewards will be great, but if there are few, we won't receive as many.
Jesus, our Example
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Since we have decided to call ourselves by Jesus name, being identified as “CHRISTIAN”, it is important that we live our lives as closely resembling JESUS as is humanly possible. Of course NO ONE can be exactly like JESUS that is why HE came to earth in the first place.
In order to fully operate in this NEW RADICAL way of life we must live a life of constant forgiveness and love {John 15:12-17, Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 5:43-48, John 13:34, 1 John 2:7-11} for others because we will be hurt over and over again by this world for STANDING UP for the TRUTH about JESUS. Jesus warned the disciples which includes ANYONE {LGBTQI+ included} that they would be hated by this world just like the world hated HIM in John 15:18-25. PRAISE the LORD for the knowledge that we will be hated for being RADICAL like our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
Forgiveness
Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven. “Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the accounting, one who owed him 10,000 talents was brought to him. But because he could not repay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and his children and everything that he possessed, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ And his master’s heart was moved with compassion and he released him and forgave him [canceling] the debt. But that same slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began choking him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe!’ So his fellow slave fell on his knees and begged him earnestly, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ But he was unwilling and he went and had him thrown in prison until he paid back the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and they went and reported to their master [with clarity and in detail] everything that had taken place. Then his master called him and said to him, ‘You wicked and contemptible slave, I forgave all that [great] debt of yours because you begged me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave [who owed you little by comparison]; as I had mercy on you?’ And in wrath his master turned him over to the torturers (jailers) until he paid all that he owed. My heavenly Father will also do the same to [every one of] you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”
Moral of the story
Actually, there are several very important doctrinal issues that can be drawn from this story. Some teachers try to exempt this story from doctrine stating that it is a parable and was intended only for Jesus’ audience at the time. Note again, that it was a “certain” king – not a parable. Also, look at verse 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” So, the application DOES apply to all of us.
Here are the issues that come to mind:
- Forgiveness is every person’s responsibility. Matthew 10:8, “Freely you have received; freely give.”
- God’s forgiveness of our sins is open to recall if we fail to demonstrate forgiveness of others.
- God does not forget.
Although God chooses not to remember our sins after we accept Jesus as our Savior (and accept His forgiveness), neither is God forgetful. Our sins are not beyond His reach or recall. As long as we continue to live for Him (and treat others with the grace and mercy that we have received), the state of our forgiveness is secure. However, if one chooses to turn away from God to live in sin rejecting the forgiveness purchased by His Son (Hebrews 10:26-31), or for whatever other reasons He may deem inappropriate behavior (like Unforgiveness), we may be called back into account for our (previously canceled) sins.
Forgiveness is very important to God therefore it needs to be very important to those of us who chose to be like His Son Jesus Christ. Are you ready to lay down your own life, take up the life of Jesus and go forth into this MEAN world to proclaim the GOOD NEWS of the from the NEW COVENANT into which you have been baptized? I pray your answer will be yes and that our Heavenly Father will give you the courage and strength you need to become RADICAL like JESUS every day of your life. Remember this my friends {no matter your orientation in this life – LGBTQI+ or other} you are have a SAVIOR who calls you FRIEND when you chose to follow HIM and NO ONE can come between you and your SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST unless YOU LET THEM. If you are ready to LET GO and LET JESUS know that in ORDER TO BE RADICAL you can NO LONGER BE LUKEWARM you are going to BE ON FIRE because LUKEWARM followers of JESUS will NOT make it into the KINGDOM of GOD.
So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]. Because you say, “I am rich, and have prospered and grown wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked [without hope and in great need], I counsel you to buy from Me gold that has been heated red hot and refined by fire so that you may become truly rich; and white clothes [representing righteousness] to clothe yourself so that the shame of your nakedness will not be seen; and healing salve to put on your eyes so that you may see. Revelation 3:16-18 {AMP}
May peace, love and grace abound in your life,
NOTE for LGBTQI+ and friends – GOD loves and accepts HIS RAINBOW CHILDREN if they accept JESUS CHRIST like everyone else. GOD DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE. Read my blog post about being LGBTQI+ and CHRISTIAN - Being LGBTQI+ in a world of Evangelical Christians who think you are not “WORTHY” to call yourself a “CHRISTIAN”
Recap with a little extra
Jesus and His disciples did not observe the strict scribal rules
against doing any work on the Sabbath (Matthew
12:1-14, Mark
2:23-28, 3:1-6,
Luke
6:1-11, 13:10-17,
14:1-6, John 5:1-18). Neither
did they perform the ritual hand washings before eating (Matthew
15:1-2). In contrast to the dietary rules of the Law, Jesus said no food
can defile a person; it is bad attitudes and actions that can make a person
unholy (Matthew
15:1-20, Mark
7:1-23). Jesus frequently criticized the scribal laws (Matthew
23:23, Mark
7:11-13) and some aspects of the civil law (John
8:3-5, 10-11).
Therefore, Jesus may have been specifically teaching that the moral and
ethical laws in the Scripture would endure until the end of time. That would be
consistent with His actions and other teachings. Through His teachings and
actions, Jesus revealed the true meaning and intent of the Law.
It is also pointed out that Jesus, Himself, is the fulfillment of the
Law (Matthew
26:28, Mark
10:45, Luke
16:16, John
1:16, Acts
10:28, 13:39,
Romans
10:4). The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross ended forever the need for
animal sacrifices and other aspects of the ceremonial law.
With the coming of Christ, God has
established a new covenant with mankind (Jeremiah
31:31-34, Luke
22:20, 1 Corinthians
11:25, Hebrews
8:8-13, 9:11-15).
Jesus and His apostles gave us a radically new understanding of the true intent
of the Old Testament Law; they brought a new era of the rule of love for all
people and spiritual truth instead of rule by law (Luke
10:25-28, John
13:34-35, Ephesians
2:14-18).
However, God has not revoked His original covenant with Israel and the
Jewish people (Luke
1:72, Acts
3:25, Romans
9:4-5, 11:26-29,
Galatians
3:17). The New Covenant does not condemn the Jews, nor does it in
any way justify persecution of Jews.
The teachings of Jesus, the Council of
Jerusalem, and other New Testament teachings (John
1:16-17, Acts
13:39, Romans
2:25-29, 8:1-4,
1 Corinthians
9:19-21, Galatians
2:15-16, Ephesians
2:15) make it clear that Christians are not required to follow the Old
Testament rules about crimes and punishments, warfare, slavery, diet,
circumcision, animal sacrifices, feast days, Sabbath observance, ritual
cleanness, etc.
Christians still look to the Old Testament scripture for moral and
spiritual guidance (2 Timothy
3:16-17). But when there seems to be a conflict between Old
Testament laws and New Testament principles, we must follow the New Testament
because it represents the most recent and most perfect revelation from God (Hebrews
8:13, 2 Corinthians
3:1-18, Galatians
2:15-20).
However, freedom from the Old Testament Law
is not a license for Christians to relax their moral standards. The moral and
ethical teachings of Jesus and His apostles call for even greater
self-discipline than those of the Old Testament (Matthew
5:21-22, 27-28,
31-32,
33-34,
38-42,
43-48,
7:1-5,
15:18-19,
25:37-40,
Mark
7:21-23, 12:28-31,
Luke
12:15, 1 Corinthians
13:1-13, Galatians
5:19-21, James
1:27, 2:15-16,
1 John
3:17-19).
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