Choose Life

 

Jesus told his disciples, and by extension all Followers of Jesus Christ, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit." ~ John 15:16

When we think that salvation is our choosing, we misunderstand WHO does the choosing. Do you really believe that God leaves something as important as salvation up to puny man to decide for himself? As it is written: A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9

All throughout the Scriptures, God does the choosing. Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob/Israel, Moses, the prophets. and apostles were chosen and given the means to accomplish the will of God. Even Satan and Judas were chosen for their specific jobs in God's overall plan of redemption of all mankind.

What happens if God does not choose you? Not to worry, Your Loving, Merciful, Forgiving Father has you covered. Every human being who has ever lived will be resurrected from the grave (mistranslated 'hell'). ~ John 5:28-29

Learn More About God's Great Plan

 

What Does Turn The Other Cheek Really Mean?

 

 

Jesus was from a small, rural town in Galilee in which everyone spoke Aramaic. Jesus spoke or at least understood three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. While Jesus didn't speak Hebrew as a conversational language, he certainly understood it when it was read out loud in the Scriptures.

Aramaic was the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean during and after the Neo-Assyrian, Neo-Babylonian, and Achaemenid empires (722–330 BC) and remained a common language of the region in the first century AD. In spite of the increasing importance of Greek, the use of Aramaic was also expanding, and it would eventually be dominant among Jews both in the Holy Land and elsewhere in the Middle East around 200 AD and would remain so until the Islamic conquests in the seventh century.

The New Testament most likely was written in Aramaic and later translated into Greek, then into English. With each translation the original meaning of the Aramaic words lost something in translation. A good example is Matthew 5:39

Most Christians have been taught that "turn the other cheek" is a probihation again self-defense.

But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. ~ Matthew 5:39

Apparently, Jesus Did Not Oppose Self Defence

Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. ~ Luke 22:36

What is the meaning of "turn the other cheek?" A closer look at Matthew 5:39 with spiritual understanding may reveal greater insight. The word "right" in Greek Transliteration: dexios.  Pronunciation: dex-ee-os. The primary meaning is "right" or "the right hand." However, it also carries the meaning of a place of honor or authority.

When Matthew 5:39  is read with spiritual understanding, it makes sense and there is no contradiction:

But I tell you, do not be unwise and trade insults when dealing with an evil person. Whoever "slaps you in the face," turn and walk away from that person.

In modern English, we might say, "After 30 years of loyal service to the company it was slap in the face to be downsized."

There are many other Scriptures that are misunderstood or taken out of context. Paul gave Timothy some sound advice. We would be wise to heed: Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ~ 2 timothy 2:15

To learn more about what Jesus said and did, You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2021/01/renew.html

 

The Eternal Word

The Eternal Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

~ John 1:1 

 

Throughout the Bible, various verses refer to Jesus Christ using the imagery of basic elements such as water, air, food, and light. These references provide a deeper understanding of Christ’s nature, role, and significance in our lives.

 

Let us explore these verses and their implications:

 

Water: Genesis 7:4 recounts the story of Noah and the great flood, where water plays a central role in both judgment and salvation. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the living water. John 4:14 states, “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” This imagery signifies the spiritual refreshment, cleansing, and eternal life that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.

 

Air: In Exodus 9:33, during the plagues in Egypt, the wind and air play a crucial role in bringing relief and change. While specific references to Jesus as the air are not explicitly mentioned, the Holy Spirit, who is intimately connected to Jesus, is often symbolized by wind or breath. Acts 2:2 describes the Holy Spirit coming like a rushing mighty wind. This association points to the life-giving, transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to experience spiritual renewal and empowerment.

 

Food: In Deuteronomy 11:17, God speaks of withholding rain and causing the ground to yield no produce as a consequence of disobedience. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” Jesus presents Himself as the sustenance for our spiritual hunger and thirst. Just as physical food nourishes and sustains our bodies, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment and satisfaction, meeting our deepest longings.

 

Light: Job 37:6 and Jeremiah 10:13 metaphorically depict God’s power and majesty by referencing lightning and light. In John 8:12, Jesus proclaims, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” Jesus’ statement illuminates His role as the source of spiritual enlightenment and guidance, dispelling darkness and leading us into a life of truth and righteousness.

 

Luke 8:22–25 records the account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. This event demonstrates Jesus’ authority over the elements, showcasing His power to still the winds and waves. It affirms His divine nature and ability to bring peace and security in the midst of life’s storms.

 

These references to Jesus as water, air, food, and light convey profound truths about His character and mission. They remind us that Jesus is the source of spiritual refreshment, transformation, sustenance, and illumination. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers us eternal life, the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, spiritual nourishment, and the light of truth.

 

As we meditate on these elements, let us embrace Jesus’ invitation to drink of His living water, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to partake of Him as the bread of life, and to walk in His light. May we recognize that Jesus is the ultimate satisfaction for our deepest needs and desires, and may we continually seek Him as the source of spiritual life and fulfillment.

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