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| What does faith have to do with it? https://acts20.com/viewtopic.php?t=85741 |
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| Author: | acts [ Tue Jan 14, 2025 2:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | maqqebet: What does faith have to do with it? |
| Cast in the context of the need to forgive others, Jesus shares a parable referred to by some as “The Parable of the Unprofitable Servant.” A closer examination of the passage, however, reveals a different story altogether. Forgiveness is an essential core value all believers must embrace because without forgiveness God fails to forgive us and our prayers are hindered. Twice in the context of prayer Jesus’ message is forgive, once in Matthew 6:14-15, and in Mark 11:15we read, Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” In Luke 17[see passage below] Jesus taught His disciples that it would be impossible to avoid others placing “stumbling blocks,” or offenses, in our paths. Jesus said if the offending brother comes to you asking for forgiveness, forgive him, even if he repeats the offense seven times and seven times he asks for forgiveness. Seven Times! The Apostles indicated what Jesus required was difficult, so difficult they appealed to Him, “Increase our faith!” I can remember the first time I read this incident I wasn’t so dumbfounded with Jesus’ expectation that we forgive but with the Apostles suggesting they couldn’t accept what Jesus required unless there as an increase in faith. And I asked myself then, without reading the rest of the story, “What’s faith got to do with it?” Jesus dispelled that notion by asserting faith, indeed, had nothing to do with it. In fact, He said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.” In other words, faith isn’t required to forgive others, even offended seven times in a day and seven times the offender asks forgiveness. Jesus then told this parable: |
| Author: | acts [ Tue Jan 14, 2025 2:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | diakoneo: The story seems self-explanatory. A master who works his slaves doesn’t at the end of the work day invite the slave to sit down and eat with him. Instead, the slave changes clothes, cooks a meal, and sets it on the table for his master to eat. A |
| Good stuff! |
| Author: | acts [ Tue Jan 14, 2025 2:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | bradfreeman: |
| When interpreting scripture, context is vital. There are parables about |
| Author: | acts [ Tue Jan 14, 2025 2:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | Ventureforth: |
| Well, just what I expected... |
| Author: | acts [ Tue Jan 14, 2025 2:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | maqqebet: |
| Read the letter and miss the spirit... If we love Jesus, obeying Him is not issue...That's all I'm going to respond because I won't take the bait and get drawn into a discussion having nothing to do with the message.Somehow some folk just can't help themselves.And one more point. Parables are not about type but about analogy. Some folk need to learn the difference The HammerMi kamocah ba'elim AdonaiWho is like you, Adonai, among the mighty? (Exodus 15:11 |
| Author: | acts [ Tue Jan 14, 2025 2:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | Ventureforth: |
| I agree with Brad on the above. I would add that there are times when we aren't motivated as much by the Spirit as others (unfortunately). So at those times we do need to just do it. But if we keep relying on that, we are destined to fail in the long run. And those times are not God's best for us. We do very well in practicing a Spirit led life. But for many, that requires too much surrendering. I do take one thing back. The slavesat the last of the Luke passage is in reference to the disciples which I think |
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