Mat
24:14 KJV And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the
world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
The
gospel of the kingdom is more than the gospel of grace or the gospel of
repentance. We may understand it only as much as what our words or
thoughts can say about it. But it is beyond what we know. Many of us
think that we know everything. But when we are there, we could be too
shocked to know that we know nothing:
Mar 1:15 KJV And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mar 4:11-14 KJV And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:
but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
(12) That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may
hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and
their sins should be forgiven them. (13) And he said unto
them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
(14) The sower soweth the word ..
Luk 13:18-21 KJV Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God
like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? (19) It is like a grain of
mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew,
and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches
of it. (20) And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of
God? (21) It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three
measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Mat 18:23-24 KJV Therefore is the kingdom of heaven
likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
(24) And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which
owed him ten thousand talents .. (32) Then his lord, after that he had
called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all
that debt, because thou desiredst me: (33) Shouldest not thou also
have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
(34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till
he should pay all that was due unto him.
Mat 20:1 KJV For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard ..
Mat 22:2-14 KJV The kingdom of heaven
is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, ..
(11) And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man
which had not on a wedding garment: (12) And he saith unto him,
Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he
was speechless .. (14) For many are called, but few are chosen.
Mat 25:1 KJV Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom ..
Mat 25:14-15 KJV For the kingdom of heaven
is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants,
and delivered unto them his goods. (15) And unto one he gave five
talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to
his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
After
reading all the above, do we know more about the gospel of the kingdom
that Jesus preached? We may not know everything, but at least we know
something very certain: The gospel of the kingdom is always revealed
with the judgement of God at the end of it. However, it is unthinkable
how some preachers deliberately hide or avoid preaching of God's
judgement in their so-called gospel under the 'radical grace' or 'hyper
grace'. I will ask them, If you don't allow God to have the 'final say',
how can you say that it is His gospel? No, it is your gospel.
::
Sunday, 31 May 2015
K012. Jesus told us that there is judgement
But many preachers
(especially the radical grace or hyper grace preachers) argue, "No, we
can never be judged. If there is judgement, it must be only good
judgement. It is at the 'bayma seat' of judgement which will only reward
us; not to condemn us."
I will ask them, If this is really what Jesus said, you could be giving good assurance to the people. But if this is not what Jesus said, you could have preached against the Lord and become a false prophet. Did you preach that all the churches who preach 'do good get good' are the law preachers? Did you argue that you are not against 'do good', but against 'do good get good', and hence, many churches have misunderstood you? But, I have not misunderstood you. Yes, you are not against doing good, but you are against judgement of God ! Why ? Isn't 'do good get good' another words for 'judgement'? Why did you accuse the churches of preaching 'do good get good' or the judgement of God and now you believe in the bayma seat of Christ for those who 'do good'? Are you confused and contradicting yourselves now?
Rom 14:10-12 KJV But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (11) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
2Co 5:9-11 KJV Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. (10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
I will ask them, Have you read the Bible verses above? Is there effort to do good in the Bible verses above? Of course, certainly. Will the believer get 'good' because of their efforts to do good? Isn't this 'do good get good' still a law of Christ at the judgement seat of Christ? Do you realise that this law is still a law of God in the New Testament? and it was preached by Paul in Rom 14:10-12 and 2Co 5:9-11? How can you say that there is no more law in the gospel that Paul preached or in the 'pure grace' of the New Testament? Do you know that there are countless Bible verses in both the Old and New Testament which tell us to do good, and that those who are trying to preach against this is rejecting Christ who is the rock of our salvation or the corner stone too? It is because we build 'our houses' upon Him (or upon His words from which we build our characters and principles too):
Luk 20:17-19 KJV And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? (18) Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (19) And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. (Today we do not have any Pharisee who preached against this stone, but we do have many who still reject Christ and the teaching of Christ)
Eph 2:20-21 KJV And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
1Pe 2:6-8 KJV Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (7) Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (8) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Mat 7:15-24 KJV Beware of false prophets.. (16) Ye shall know them by their fruits .. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Have you read about the judgement seat of Christ from the Bible verses above? Do you honestly think that the judgement seat of Christ will only reward the believers? Do you truly believe that Jesus will never condemn anyone in His judgement? No, if we can't see how He had condemned those who claimed that they were the believers in Mat 7 above, we are blind.
Many argue that Mat 7 is not for us because it was for the false prophets or the 70 disciples who had departed from Jesus, and therefore, it is not for us. It was for the Jews who rejected Jesus at that time; not for us today. I will ask them, Do you know why Jesus said, Many will say to me, In that day .. (Mat 7:22)? It means that this is for the future. Did Jesus judge anyone during that time when some of the followers departed from Him? No, He did not send anyone to eternal condemnation. He will only do that in that day or in the future.
Joh 12:47-48 KJV And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. (48) He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
So, I don't see any reason why Mat 7 has become obsolete for us. It may not refer to everyone of us as the false prophets who will be judged severely, but it is certainly a valid warning for all of us who refuse to do the will of the Father. What is the will of the Father? It is to do the words and the commandments of God.
Many may argue, "But we have no more judgement. Oh, I mean, the churches or the true believers are totally saved and we have no more judgement because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. We should preach the year of Jubilee, the year of restoration, peace, and prosperity. Why? It is because of the finished work of Jesus. Jesus stopped at the positive words of the scripture.. and He closed the book. Hence, why do we still keep preaching sin, repentance, laws, judgement, hell, warnings, and condemnation? We should hear only the good things, the positive things in life.."
Luk 4:18-22 KJV The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (19) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (20) And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him .. (21) And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (22) And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
Oh, yes, we can just stop there and keep playing those words in our minds and assume that the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about gracious words, even to the ears of the Pharisees in the synagogue. But do we know that, immediately after that, Jesus preached repentance to the sinners in the streets, commanded His followers to keep God's commandments, taught them about hell and judgement with many parables, .. , but finally, He still came back to confront the Pharisees and Sadducees, overthrew the tables of the moneychangers in the temple, and rebuked them harshly? Yes, He would welcome most of the sinners and call them into His repentance. But do we know that He will reject many in His judgement too? If Jesus has preached about judgement, will there be any problem if we preach or proclaim it too? However, many churches have become the foolish virgins without realising it:
Mat 25:8 KJV And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Psa 119:97-109 KJV MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (98) Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. (99) I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation .. (102) I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me .. (105) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (106) I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments .. (108) Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. (109) My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
::
I will ask them, If this is really what Jesus said, you could be giving good assurance to the people. But if this is not what Jesus said, you could have preached against the Lord and become a false prophet. Did you preach that all the churches who preach 'do good get good' are the law preachers? Did you argue that you are not against 'do good', but against 'do good get good', and hence, many churches have misunderstood you? But, I have not misunderstood you. Yes, you are not against doing good, but you are against judgement of God ! Why ? Isn't 'do good get good' another words for 'judgement'? Why did you accuse the churches of preaching 'do good get good' or the judgement of God and now you believe in the bayma seat of Christ for those who 'do good'? Are you confused and contradicting yourselves now?
Rom 14:10-12 KJV But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (11) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
2Co 5:9-11 KJV Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. (10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
I will ask them, Have you read the Bible verses above? Is there effort to do good in the Bible verses above? Of course, certainly. Will the believer get 'good' because of their efforts to do good? Isn't this 'do good get good' still a law of Christ at the judgement seat of Christ? Do you realise that this law is still a law of God in the New Testament? and it was preached by Paul in Rom 14:10-12 and 2Co 5:9-11? How can you say that there is no more law in the gospel that Paul preached or in the 'pure grace' of the New Testament? Do you know that there are countless Bible verses in both the Old and New Testament which tell us to do good, and that those who are trying to preach against this is rejecting Christ who is the rock of our salvation or the corner stone too? It is because we build 'our houses' upon Him (or upon His words from which we build our characters and principles too):
Luk 20:17-19 KJV And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? (18) Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (19) And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. (Today we do not have any Pharisee who preached against this stone, but we do have many who still reject Christ and the teaching of Christ)
Eph 2:20-21 KJV And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
1Pe 2:6-8 KJV Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (7) Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (8) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Mat 7:15-24 KJV Beware of false prophets.. (16) Ye shall know them by their fruits .. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Have you read about the judgement seat of Christ from the Bible verses above? Do you honestly think that the judgement seat of Christ will only reward the believers? Do you truly believe that Jesus will never condemn anyone in His judgement? No, if we can't see how He had condemned those who claimed that they were the believers in Mat 7 above, we are blind.
Many argue that Mat 7 is not for us because it was for the false prophets or the 70 disciples who had departed from Jesus, and therefore, it is not for us. It was for the Jews who rejected Jesus at that time; not for us today. I will ask them, Do you know why Jesus said, Many will say to me, In that day .. (Mat 7:22)? It means that this is for the future. Did Jesus judge anyone during that time when some of the followers departed from Him? No, He did not send anyone to eternal condemnation. He will only do that in that day or in the future.
Joh 12:47-48 KJV And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. (48) He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
So, I don't see any reason why Mat 7 has become obsolete for us. It may not refer to everyone of us as the false prophets who will be judged severely, but it is certainly a valid warning for all of us who refuse to do the will of the Father. What is the will of the Father? It is to do the words and the commandments of God.
Many may argue, "But we have no more judgement. Oh, I mean, the churches or the true believers are totally saved and we have no more judgement because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. We should preach the year of Jubilee, the year of restoration, peace, and prosperity. Why? It is because of the finished work of Jesus. Jesus stopped at the positive words of the scripture.. and He closed the book. Hence, why do we still keep preaching sin, repentance, laws, judgement, hell, warnings, and condemnation? We should hear only the good things, the positive things in life.."
Luk 4:18-22 KJV The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (19) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (20) And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him .. (21) And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (22) And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
Oh, yes, we can just stop there and keep playing those words in our minds and assume that the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about gracious words, even to the ears of the Pharisees in the synagogue. But do we know that, immediately after that, Jesus preached repentance to the sinners in the streets, commanded His followers to keep God's commandments, taught them about hell and judgement with many parables, .. , but finally, He still came back to confront the Pharisees and Sadducees, overthrew the tables of the moneychangers in the temple, and rebuked them harshly? Yes, He would welcome most of the sinners and call them into His repentance. But do we know that He will reject many in His judgement too? If Jesus has preached about judgement, will there be any problem if we preach or proclaim it too? However, many churches have become the foolish virgins without realising it:
Mat 25:8 KJV And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Psa 119:97-109 KJV MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (98) Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. (99) I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation .. (102) I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me .. (105) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (106) I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments .. (108) Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. (109) My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
::
K011. Jesus told us that there is hell
But
many preachers prefer to hide the preaching of this truth and reject it
as a negative message. They argue, "No, hell is a negative thing for
us. Although it is true, it is not for us because we can never fall.
Yes, we know that many believers or disciples of Jesus Christ have
fallen, including the 70 who had cast out the demons (Luk 10:1-17). But
we are like the twelve who remained faithful till the end. Did Paul
preach about hell to the believers? No, he would never preach it because
he was a grace preacher who preached the goodness of God radically
until everyone misunderstood him. However, many churches and preachers
today still use the negative 'fear and condemnation therapy' to get
people to the churches. These 'glooms and dooms' preachers who still
preach the hell message or repentance message can never get people
saved.. They are not preaching the words of God if they still condemn
like the devil .. But our God is a smiling God and gracious God .. he
will never condemn us even if we sin or fall (because of the finished
work of Jesus Christ). He will make sure that we all can never fall.
Only the grace message can truly lead all the people to repentance and
salvation. Amen."
I will ask them, How do you know that Paul had never preached about hell? Yes, it is true that a search will show that he did not mention any hell in all his letters. But it cannot prove that he had never preached about hell. His letters did not say that he would preach repentance everywhere he went too, but the book of Acts by another disciple recorded that Paul indeed preached it:
Act 26:19-21 KJV Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: (20) But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (21) For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
But, we must still preach about repentance, sin, judgement, and hell even if Paul did not tell us to preach it. Why? It is because we preach according to what Jesus preached, not what Paul or men preached, although Paul had most of his revelation from Jesus.
I will ask them again, You said that you can never fall because you are not like the 70 disciples who departed; but like Peter, John, and James who still remain. Do you know why Peter still fell and denied Jesus 3 times? He was too confident of himself. The fall of Peter does not mean nothing to all of us; it means serious lesson and warning to all who think like Peter too. If you know the teaching of Jesus Christ, you will know that hell was mentioned clearly 15 times in the Lord's sermon, parables, and teaching to His disciples. It was not mentioned as 'fear and condemnation' therapy; but as doctrine and truth for the believers. We know that no people like to know about sin, repentance, judgement, or hell. But it is the doctrine of Christ which we must know and preach before we can leave for higher spiritual things:
Heb 6:1-3 KJV Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit.
I will ask them, You said that you are under grace and therefore you are too strong to fall. That is why you do not need to know or hear any warning from Jesus. But do you realise that all the warnings of Jesus Christ about sin, judgement, and hell were spoken to the disciples, including the twelve, who followed Him too? If Jesus could preach it to all His believers, I don't see any reason why we should stop preaching it in our churches and falsely label it as just "fear and condemnation therapy". Have it occurred to you that you could have gone to the other extreme and resorted to 'radical or positive therapy' which has never been used by Jesus?
::
I will ask them, How do you know that Paul had never preached about hell? Yes, it is true that a search will show that he did not mention any hell in all his letters. But it cannot prove that he had never preached about hell. His letters did not say that he would preach repentance everywhere he went too, but the book of Acts by another disciple recorded that Paul indeed preached it:
Act 26:19-21 KJV Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: (20) But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (21) For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
But, we must still preach about repentance, sin, judgement, and hell even if Paul did not tell us to preach it. Why? It is because we preach according to what Jesus preached, not what Paul or men preached, although Paul had most of his revelation from Jesus.
I will ask them again, You said that you can never fall because you are not like the 70 disciples who departed; but like Peter, John, and James who still remain. Do you know why Peter still fell and denied Jesus 3 times? He was too confident of himself. The fall of Peter does not mean nothing to all of us; it means serious lesson and warning to all who think like Peter too. If you know the teaching of Jesus Christ, you will know that hell was mentioned clearly 15 times in the Lord's sermon, parables, and teaching to His disciples. It was not mentioned as 'fear and condemnation' therapy; but as doctrine and truth for the believers. We know that no people like to know about sin, repentance, judgement, or hell. But it is the doctrine of Christ which we must know and preach before we can leave for higher spiritual things:
Heb 6:1-3 KJV Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit.
I will ask them, You said that you are under grace and therefore you are too strong to fall. That is why you do not need to know or hear any warning from Jesus. But do you realise that all the warnings of Jesus Christ about sin, judgement, and hell were spoken to the disciples, including the twelve, who followed Him too? If Jesus could preach it to all His believers, I don't see any reason why we should stop preaching it in our churches and falsely label it as just "fear and condemnation therapy". Have it occurred to you that you could have gone to the other extreme and resorted to 'radical or positive therapy' which has never been used by Jesus?
::
Saturday, 30 May 2015
K010. Jesus told us to carry our cross
When
I was a young boy, I always thought ignorantly that carrying the cross
was to die on the cross or suffer physical death, like Jesus Christ or
many early Christians, at the end or at a certain point of our lives. I
told myself, "Oh boy, that was a horrible death which is too much for
me. If that is really what God demands from me, Oh sorry, I can't do
it." Hence, I would always reject anyone who preached Christianity to
me. However, I began to understand more only when I started to read the
Bible myself.
Now I realize that carrying the cross is not to die like Christ. It is to keep His commandments. Of course, we know that there were Christians who died on the cross, because they kept His commandments, like Peter and many early Christians. Some sold everything to follow Jesus. Some suffered tragic death and persecution from the world. However, will all of us die physically on the cross? No, certainly not. Will all of us give up everything tangible to follow Jesus? No, Jesus gave no such commandment for all of us to die on the cross or sell everything; He gave it only to His twelve disciples and a young ruler (who had kept and followed all the Ten Commandments). However, Jesus was sad to find that the young ruler could not keep His only commandment to follow Him (Mat 19:2, Mar 10:21, Luk 18:22). If you read all the three Bible verses above, you will notice that the tone that Jesus used when He spoke to the young ruler was not to test him, insult him, or make things difficult for him because he kept the Ten Commandments. It meant that Jesus approved what he did, but He wanted him to do one more thing - ie. to sell everything and follow Him. Of course, Jesus would not want everyone to do this today. He has already risen, but He would still want us to keep God's commandments, help the poor, and carry our cross. Many of us was confused by another incident when a lawyer tested Jesus about the keeping of God's commandments:
Mat 22:35-40 KJV Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, (36) Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
In fact, the lawyer, trying to justify himself, asked Jesus again later, "Who is my neighbour?" However, Jesus' answer to him was not only to know and teach the commandments, but to do the commandments (see Luk 10:33 - the parable of the good Samaritan).
I have shown you that selling everything and giving it away to the poor is not a commandment to everyone today, but carrying our cross is a commandment to everyone. How do we know that?
Mat 16:24 KJV Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mar 8:34 KJV And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luk 9:23 KJV And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
If this has been mentioned three times in the gospels, it is indeed a commandment for everyone who follows Him.
The Lord had actually given a commandment to Peter. Peter had to carry his own cross by taking care of His sheep and showing it with his death too:
Joh 21:15-22 KJV So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. .. (18) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. (19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. (20) Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? (21) Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? (22) Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Today, do we still carry the cross like Peter's? No, that is why Jesus did not say that we carry Peter's cross or His cross; but our (own) cross. If we know His commandments, we will carry our cross. That is why He also said, If ye love me, keep my commandments (Joh 14:15 KJV). If we keep His commandments, we will take our cross (daily - Luk 9:23) in our hearts and minds. We will do His works too:
Rev 2:5-7 KJV Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (6) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (7) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
(The cross that I have chosen is a simple wooden cross. It is a simple picture for the community, with no one being nailed on it. It is not made to crucify Jesus, myself, or anyone on it; but to remind ourselves that we have the cross (or His commandments) in our churches, in our hearts, and in our minds daily. Jesus has shown us that taking up the cross should be main focus of our message in the churches. However, sadly most preachers have found that it is hard to blend with their preaching of prosperity gospel and decided to 'freeze' it merely as a symbol behind their pulpit or a piece of useless fixture to show people that they are in the church.)
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Now I realize that carrying the cross is not to die like Christ. It is to keep His commandments. Of course, we know that there were Christians who died on the cross, because they kept His commandments, like Peter and many early Christians. Some sold everything to follow Jesus. Some suffered tragic death and persecution from the world. However, will all of us die physically on the cross? No, certainly not. Will all of us give up everything tangible to follow Jesus? No, Jesus gave no such commandment for all of us to die on the cross or sell everything; He gave it only to His twelve disciples and a young ruler (who had kept and followed all the Ten Commandments). However, Jesus was sad to find that the young ruler could not keep His only commandment to follow Him (Mat 19:2, Mar 10:21, Luk 18:22). If you read all the three Bible verses above, you will notice that the tone that Jesus used when He spoke to the young ruler was not to test him, insult him, or make things difficult for him because he kept the Ten Commandments. It meant that Jesus approved what he did, but He wanted him to do one more thing - ie. to sell everything and follow Him. Of course, Jesus would not want everyone to do this today. He has already risen, but He would still want us to keep God's commandments, help the poor, and carry our cross. Many of us was confused by another incident when a lawyer tested Jesus about the keeping of God's commandments:
Mat 22:35-40 KJV Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, (36) Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
In fact, the lawyer, trying to justify himself, asked Jesus again later, "Who is my neighbour?" However, Jesus' answer to him was not only to know and teach the commandments, but to do the commandments (see Luk 10:33 - the parable of the good Samaritan).
I have shown you that selling everything and giving it away to the poor is not a commandment to everyone today, but carrying our cross is a commandment to everyone. How do we know that?
Mat 16:24 KJV Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mar 8:34 KJV And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luk 9:23 KJV And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
If this has been mentioned three times in the gospels, it is indeed a commandment for everyone who follows Him.
The Lord had actually given a commandment to Peter. Peter had to carry his own cross by taking care of His sheep and showing it with his death too:
Joh 21:15-22 KJV So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. .. (18) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. (19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. (20) Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? (21) Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? (22) Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Today, do we still carry the cross like Peter's? No, that is why Jesus did not say that we carry Peter's cross or His cross; but our (own) cross. If we know His commandments, we will carry our cross. That is why He also said, If ye love me, keep my commandments (Joh 14:15 KJV). If we keep His commandments, we will take our cross (daily - Luk 9:23) in our hearts and minds. We will do His works too:
Rev 2:5-7 KJV Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (6) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (7) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
(The cross that I have chosen is a simple wooden cross. It is a simple picture for the community, with no one being nailed on it. It is not made to crucify Jesus, myself, or anyone on it; but to remind ourselves that we have the cross (or His commandments) in our churches, in our hearts, and in our minds daily. Jesus has shown us that taking up the cross should be main focus of our message in the churches. However, sadly most preachers have found that it is hard to blend with their preaching of prosperity gospel and decided to 'freeze' it merely as a symbol behind their pulpit or a piece of useless fixture to show people that they are in the church.)
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K009. A truly humble preacher of the gospel will not preach in craftiness, like a strange (radical) wave
The
gospel of Jesus Christ is not to promote individual, personal, or
celebrity influence over others; it is to promote godly influence to
touch lives and to shine for Christ without craftiness in scheming for
self-recognition. Hence, a true preacher of God preaches godliness with
no regret. He would never hide what he preaches by tossing to and fro
with much radical, confusing, vain, or lawless doctrine which often
creates unnecessary controversies or disputes to put himself in the
limelight.By his fruits, we will know him:
Jas 1:6-8 KJV But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2Co 4:2 KJV But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Eph 4:14-15 KJV That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Rev 3:15-16 KJV I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
1Ti 6:3-14 KJV If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (13) I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; (14) That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Very like the Lord will judge the lukewarm believers severely, not because they are fickle minded; but because they craftily and frequently change their doctrine to convince others that they have been falsely accused by God's people who correct them.
However, please think, If a preacher claims that he is always falsely accused by others who are jealous of him or by God's preachers, don't you think that there is something very wrong with the preacher. It is very likely that his doctrine is so misleading that both the sinners and the preachers are all confused by him. Hence, his motive and intention of preaching gospel of 'confusion' or 'revolution' is highly questionable.
However, if we know the charge that Paul gave to Timothy in 1Ti 6:3-14 above, we would keep the commandment without spot too, unrebukeable (or unquestionable), until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
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Jas 1:6-8 KJV But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2Co 4:2 KJV But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Eph 4:14-15 KJV That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Rev 3:15-16 KJV I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
1Ti 6:3-14 KJV If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (13) I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; (14) That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Very like the Lord will judge the lukewarm believers severely, not because they are fickle minded; but because they craftily and frequently change their doctrine to convince others that they have been falsely accused by God's people who correct them.
However, please think, If a preacher claims that he is always falsely accused by others who are jealous of him or by God's preachers, don't you think that there is something very wrong with the preacher. It is very likely that his doctrine is so misleading that both the sinners and the preachers are all confused by him. Hence, his motive and intention of preaching gospel of 'confusion' or 'revolution' is highly questionable.
However, if we know the charge that Paul gave to Timothy in 1Ti 6:3-14 above, we would keep the commandment without spot too, unrebukeable (or unquestionable), until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
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K008. The gospel that Jesus preached is the gospel of the kingdom of God
It is the gospel of grace because it is given by grace. It did not came by the law or Moses; it came by Jesus Christ:
Joh 1:17 KJV For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
But many argue, If the kingdom of God is given by grace or came by grace, we should do nothing and can do nothing for it. I will tell them, Of course, we can do something and should do something; or else Jesus would not tell us to do something and seek for it:
Mat 6:33-34 KJV But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you..
Mar 1:14-15 KJV Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Let me give you an example: If you commit a traffic offence today, the police may give you a ticket of summon for you to pay the fine. Do you know that you must do something (pay the fine) within the grace period? Don't you think that the ticket of summon could also be a 'type of grace' which is given for all the traffic offenders to pay their fines, learn their mistakes, and continue to drive on the roads? I know that this is a bad analogy. But Jesus gave us a better picture of how the kingdom of God is like:
Luk 13:2-9 KJV And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? (3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish .. (6) He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. (7) Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? (8) And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: (9) And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Do you notice the word 'also' in (v6) above? it means that the parable given was related to His command for the sinners to repent; or else they would all likewise perish, irrespective of whether they are more righteous than others or they feel that they are more righteous.
Hence, the gospel that Jesus preached is not just the gospel for the sinners or the believers to feel more righteous or to think of more grace for more sins in life. The gospel that Jesus preached has 'grace limits'. After knowing and receiving the kingdom of God by grace, we should be more diligent in life. Take for example: If you have known more about the traffic rules after receiving the summon tickets, will you drive more recklessly on the roads or will you drive more cautiously? Similarly, if we have really known the kingdom of God, we would not go around and boast about how much grace we can get from God (or the number of traffic tickets we can receive on the roads); instead, we would live more diligently and warn others with the gospel that Jesus preached or the gospel of the kingdom of God.
2Pe 3:9-14 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance .. (13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
The gospel of the kingdom through Jesus is the end time gospel
Mat 24:14 KJV And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
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Joh 1:17 KJV For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
But many argue, If the kingdom of God is given by grace or came by grace, we should do nothing and can do nothing for it. I will tell them, Of course, we can do something and should do something; or else Jesus would not tell us to do something and seek for it:
Mat 6:33-34 KJV But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you..
Mar 1:14-15 KJV Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Let me give you an example: If you commit a traffic offence today, the police may give you a ticket of summon for you to pay the fine. Do you know that you must do something (pay the fine) within the grace period? Don't you think that the ticket of summon could also be a 'type of grace' which is given for all the traffic offenders to pay their fines, learn their mistakes, and continue to drive on the roads? I know that this is a bad analogy. But Jesus gave us a better picture of how the kingdom of God is like:
Luk 13:2-9 KJV And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? (3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish .. (6) He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. (7) Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? (8) And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: (9) And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Do you notice the word 'also' in (v6) above? it means that the parable given was related to His command for the sinners to repent; or else they would all likewise perish, irrespective of whether they are more righteous than others or they feel that they are more righteous.
Hence, the gospel that Jesus preached is not just the gospel for the sinners or the believers to feel more righteous or to think of more grace for more sins in life. The gospel that Jesus preached has 'grace limits'. After knowing and receiving the kingdom of God by grace, we should be more diligent in life. Take for example: If you have known more about the traffic rules after receiving the summon tickets, will you drive more recklessly on the roads or will you drive more cautiously? Similarly, if we have really known the kingdom of God, we would not go around and boast about how much grace we can get from God (or the number of traffic tickets we can receive on the roads); instead, we would live more diligently and warn others with the gospel that Jesus preached or the gospel of the kingdom of God.
2Pe 3:9-14 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance .. (13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
The gospel of the kingdom through Jesus is the end time gospel
Mat 24:14 KJV And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
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K007. Jesus said, If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15 KJV)
But
how many of us can say this to our children? No, we won't say it. But
how do we know that our children love us? We may say, If they love us,
they will bring us to the best restaurant in town, or book the best
holiday for us. Sadly, we have thought that God would want all these
things from us, like our earthly parents too. But God does not want our
sacrifices; He wants our obedience more than any other things.
Similarly, Jesus does not want us to do many things insincerely; He
wants us to keep His commandments more than just confessing, boasting,
healing, or suffering in His name. Of course, He would still want us to
do many things for Him; but He is happier if we can just obey Him and
keep all His commandments:
Joh 15:14-15 KJV Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
1Sa 15:22-24 KJV And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (23) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (24) And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
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Joh 15:14-15 KJV Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
1Sa 15:22-24 KJV And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (23) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (24) And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
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