Jesus was pretty radical. I think most would agree on this regardless of your personal belief in Jesus as the messiah. I think we often times miss how radical his thinking was and is when we read or hear one of the most famous passages of scripture in our culture.
When the dudes who followed Jesus asked him how to pray, he responded with what we now refer to as the Lord’s Prayer. If you can recite it without thinking, clear your mind and read it again. If you have never heard it, check it out in Matthew 6:9.
It starts, as many know; Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
I would like to stop there for a moment. Read the beginning of the prayer again.
Read it one more time.
Often times, we measure the success of Christianity and the success of the local church on how many people recite a prayer that confesses Jesus as their savior. Still others measure success on how many people show up on Sunday morning. Neither of these things are wrong or vain ambitions, but I think we have missed the point, at least partially.
The reason so many people stay away from Christianity, away from the church, and away from a relationship with Jesus is because we have short-changed the Gospel. It’s good news not only because of an eternal relationship with God the Creator, but also because it means bringing God’s kingdom to earth. Right now.
When you have a packed out auditorium on Sundays, or get thousands to profess Christ as the messiah, but don’t do anything to advance the kingdom of God on earth, you are missing out on the breadth of the Gospel. Call it social justice, call it missional living, call it what you will, but if we aren’t living out the Gospel we aren’t maximizing our impact.
Re: The reason so many people stay away from Christianity, away from the church, and so forth, because “WE” (false prophets, false pastors, false preachers, false priests…and so on) have shortchanged the Gospel.
Your observation is correct. They desire to be teachers of the law ; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
You see, these people wanted to take the role as the adversary of God. They thought that by preaching the Gospel to the people , (carrying with them four verses, that they somehow acquired I don’t know where) they do God service. What they don’t know, is that , it make more harm than good. That is why, they had different understanding of the gospel. And I think that you are one of them.(No offense intended).
May I ask you now, when you recite “Thy Kingdom Come”, was it already here or yet about to come?
That’s all.
I am curious as to why you would pin me as “one of them” – assuming you are making reference to false teachers.
Also, when I say “Thy Kingdom Come” I believe it has come, and it is here. I believe that the kingdom of God is at hand, present because of the work of Jesus the messiah. In other words, the Kingdom of God came to earth with Jesus, and now it is our responsibility (the Church’s) to live in the reality that Christ has set things right through the cross.
Thoughts?
Sometimes, I wonder if we miss it so often because we fail to pray. The disciples asked, “Sir, teach us to pray, just as John taught His disciples.” I wonder at that point, they saw the added value of praying–something they saw Yeshua do a lot, but didn’t seem to be doing themselves. Many churches seem to be houses of acquisition instead of houses of prayer. Prayer changes things…just think about how much the world changed after they began to pray, ‘May your kingdom come.’–and boy did it come with a vengeance!
lucretiaberry,
Praying is good, if you know and understand what, and to whom , you are praying. But , if you are praying like the way Roman Catholics are praying, boy , you don’t understand what a prayer is .
smahlstadt,
If you already knew that the Kingdom of God was already here, why didn’t you seek that kingdom? As it is written: SEEK YE FIRST The kingdom of God, and his RIGHTEOUSNESS; (Matthew 6:33) for God saith: I said NOT unto the seed of Jacob, SEEK YE ME IN VAIN : I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.(Isaiah 45:19). So my question is ; WHY DIDN’T YOU SEEK THAT KINGDOM?
Now if you will tell me , that you you already have done that, that is why you are , where you are right now. But the bible had this ready answer for you: (Roman 10:3) For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to ESTABLISH THEIR OWN righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Now to your query, as to why I pin you as “one of them”, my answer is this. I can easily recognize a person who are well verse of the bible to those who are not. And to WHO ARE SENT BY GOD, and to those WHO ARE NOT SENT BY GOD”. And I can rightly assess that you belong to those WHO ARE NOT SENT by God by the things you wrote, or will write. For example, (let’s talk about your blog, what you had written) You said recite the Lord’s prayer without thinking. Now let us analyze this. To a moron, this doctrine of yours maybe correct. But to those who will use their brain, this will not pass.. you see, where in the bible can you find, that you will not think if you will recite the Lord’s prayer? And also why will you use the Lord’s prayer when you pray? Don’t you know how to pray ? Do you know what a “PRAYER” is?Don’t you know that it is only use by our Lord Jesus Christ to be AS AN EXAMPLE? To continue recommending to people is just as accepting that you are ignorant of God’s word. That is tantamount in saying that you have no Spirit of Christ. And if you profess that you are a pastor, gosh , the so much more.
Now if you want to know WHAT is a prayer, just ask. And also if you wanted to know, what are the requirements of God before you pray, I will also tell you, if you will ask me of it. So you, and your readers may understand. And also, please stop preaching the word of God. It is not meant for you to be a preacher. Maybe you just misunderstood the so called “calling” of God. Maybe, after , after you’ll fully understand the word of God , but as of now, REFRAIN.
I wonder why you accuse me of seeking my own righteousness? I seek only to proclaim the name of Jesus, and help people come closer to Him.
I also wonder how you feel you are entitled to this statement: “And I can rightly assess that you belong to those WHO ARE NOT SENT by God by the things you wrote, or will write.”
I feel that in your judgment of my heart, you are placing yourself in a dangerous place.
Also, a clarification: you mention that I say to recite the Lord’s Prayer without thinking, which is not what I said. I said:
“If you can recite it without thinking, clear your mind and read it again.”
I think you may have missed the point.
Feel free, however, to let us know what prayer is, and what is required by God. This is an open conversation, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers.
But to address your request to stop preaching the Gospel, I am sorry, I cannot oblige. I am curious, how you know that I missed my calling, when I have never met you nor had a conversation with you outside of these comments. That seems a little presumptuous of you. I do invite you with all sincerity to continue this conversation, and add what you feel will benefit myself and those who read this blog.
smahlstadt,
What is a Prayer ?=a) is a kind of request made by one who pray either to God, or Higher Authority like the Supreme Courts.
b) A humble communication in thought or speech to God or an object of worship, expressing supplication, thanksgiving, praise, confession, petition, etc. And also it is an entreaty made to someone.
RULES :
1) Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God ; For God is in heaven and thou upon earth :
Therefore LET THY WORDS BE FEW.(Eccl. 5:2)
2) Be careful for nothing ; But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.
LET YOUR REQUEST BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD . (Philippians 4:6)
3) And when you prayest, thou SHALT NOT BE the hypocrites are : for they LOVE TO PRAY STANDING in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
4) And when you prayest, ENTER INTO THY CLOSET, and when you shut the door, PRAY TO THY FATHER ( not to anyone else, not to Jesus,not to mary, not to Joseph, or to angels, not to Apostles, but to thy Father only which is in heaven, in the name of HIS Son Jesus Christ) which is IN SECRET : and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.(Matthew 6:6)
5) But when you pray, USE NOT VAIN REPETITION as the heathen do : for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
BE YE NOT THEREFORE LIKE UNTO THEM : for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Matthew 6:7-8)
6) AFTER THIS MANNER therefore pray ye :
The Lord prayer is just an example
Example of a prayer, before eating :
Father I thank thee for the food that we were about to eat. I pray to thee Father to please bless these foods. I thank thee Father , In the name of your Son and our saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN.
That is a prayer.
smahlstadt,
I was not able to finished yesterday, due to important business I had to attend to. The following are just supplemental information .
1) Every man PRAYING or prophesieth having HIS HEAD COVERED, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that PRAYED or prophesieth with HER HEAD UNCOVERED dishoureth her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. ( I Corinthians 11:4-5)
2) He that turneth away his ear FROM HEARING THE LAW , even his prayer shall be ABOMINATION.(Proverbs 28:9)
3) And call NO MAN your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.(Matthew 23:9)
4) For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (I Peter 3:12)
Well, that’s all for “Prayer”. I will answer your query after this.
smahlstadt,
I will now answer your query. ( Nothing personal, No offense intended, I’m just correcting,..telling it straight from the bible)
These are my basis :
1) For he whom God HATH SENT speaketh the word of God :( John 3:34)
2) A fool’s voice is known by multitude of words(Eccl. 5:3)
3) If any man will do his will, he SHALL KNOW OF THE DOCTRINE , whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself….and no unrighteousness is in him (John 7:17-18)
4) In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works : in DOCTRINE shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemn ; (Titus 2:7-8)
5) for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him ? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received , not the spirit of the world, BUT THE SPIRIT WHICH IS OF GOD ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (I Corinthians 2:10-12)
6) COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL (I Corinthians 2: 13)
So you can assess it yourself right now , and ask yourself, “Does God call me to be a preacher ?” What do you think is the answer ?
Dove;
I am still unsure of why you accuse me of what you are accusing me of. You seem to be reciting a lot of Scripture without really saying anything.
To answer your question, yes, I think God calls me to be a preacher.
smahlstadt,
You THINK ? So you are not sure about that. You see, if Christ Jesus is in you , you should had been enlightened already. But since you do not understand those verses that I gave,The Spirit of Christ was not yet in you. I will explain it to you.
Just like what is written; ” For he whom God hath SENT, speaks the WORD OF GOD ,” It means that whenever you open your mouth , or think, or write, it should be supported by the verses in the scripture. If you can’t support it with biblical verses, it means only one thing, you are not sent, and if you are not sent, then the following verses are meant for you.
1) A fool’s voice is known by his many words.(Eccl. 5:3)
2. I have NOT SENT these prophets, yet they ran : I HAVE NOT SPOKEN unto them, yet they prophesied.(Jeremiah 23:21)
3) I have heard what the prophets said, that LIES IN MY NAME, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. (Jeremiah 23:28)
4) But to the wicked GOD says: WHAT RIGHT HAVE YOU to declare MY statutes , Or TAKE MY COVENANT in your mouth. Seeing you hate instruction AND CAST MY WORDS BEHIND YOU ?(Psalms 50:16)
So you see, you must understand that whoever is or are SENT or called by God to be preacher, SHOULD HAVE NO UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN HIM WHATSOEVER,(in his teaching, in his doctrine there should be NO MISTAKES in it.) But if it has a mistake /s in his preaching, just like what you had wrote (” It means bringing God’s kingdom to earth. Right now”) then one thing is very sure, you are not called by God to preach. Somebody must have called you, BUT IT’S NOT GOD. That is for sure.
If God is the one who had called you, then you will approach HIM in a place where HE is calling you from, and that is in THE CHURCH OF GOD, that is in the bible.. Then I would have recognized you, THROUGH THE SPIRIT, because we would have ONE MIND, ONE SPIRIT, and dwell in ONE BODY. Then , I would have called you, my brother in Christ Jesus.
But that is not the case. As of NOW.
Again, For Your Information , The Kingdom of God was already here, 2,000 years ago. That is why, Jesus Christ, admonished everyone to “SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD”, If it wasn’t here ,Jesus Christ will not commanded it . So that is what the SPIRIT have also recommended to you.
If you have questions regarding the bible or words of God, or of The CHURCH OF GOD , feel free to ask. We are just glad to answer you.
Dove,
while I appreciate your conversation on this blog, it is clear that your sole motive is to criticize me. I don’t mind the personal attack because, to be quite frank, it helps me to know I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I don’t wish to engage in a battle of semantics, when I say I think God calls ke to be a preacher, I was only answering your question of; what do you think? I think yes. I know yes. It’s too bad that you can so openly and venomously attack someone you only know an online bio’s worth.
Sam,
My motive was not to criticize anyone. I’m just correcting the flaw of your teaching. If it is a criticism to you, I call it , constructive criticism. As it is written,”Open rebuke is better than secret love” (Proverbs 27:5) and also, ” He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattered with the tongue “.(Proverbs 28:23).
So why be offended ? Aren’t you glad that somebody had notice the mistake in your writeup and trying to correct you ? Heed the words of God, “So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding”(Prov. 2:2), ” For the Lord giveth wisdom : out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding “.(Prov. 2:6).
And also, please put this verse into your heart and mind:
TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart ; and LEAN NOT unto thine own UNDERSTANDING.
(Proverbs 3: 5)
And with that, I hope the Lord will open your heart.
For whom the LORD LOVED He corrected ; (Prov. 3:12)
Happy is the man that findeth WISDOM , and the man that getteth UNDERSTANDING . (Prov. 3:13)
I really wish you were joking.
It seems what you are uncomfortable with is someone who talks (writes) differently than you. I am pursuing Christ in my life and in my writing – and all you seem to see is that I am not adding scriptural quotations to every sentence I write, and quoting from the King James Version of the Bible.
Let me add this; I live in 21st century America. I write as such. Jesus did not come to earth in a vacuum, nor was Scripture written in a vacuum. I will continue to follow after Christ in my life and in my context. I will continue to see my life transformed from the inside out and share my story with those who care to hear. I will continue to press on even when strangers and pharisees criticizes me.
We get it, you know Scripture, and you have plenty memorized and/or readily at hand. What I would like to know is whether you walk in love or not, because you surely have not shown the transforming love of Christ on this blog.
And finally, and I mean this with all of my being, blessings to you – you will be in my prayers.
Sam,
FYI, Even though you memorized the whole scripture, and have not the Holy Spirit to guide, what you have memorized means nothing, it is useless.
The job of the Holy spirit is to “Bring to things to remembrance what Jesus had said”.(John 14:26). And since you have mistakes , or unrighteousness in your Doctrine or teaching, or whatever you want to share it to the world, then one thing is certain, you don’t have a Spirit of God. And if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of HIS.(Roman 8:9)
And one thing is sure, You will be showing your ignorance and stupidity to the whole world.
About LOVE, what right have you to tell me, if I walk in love or not? Isn’t this not enough for you to understand ? I was trying to “pull you out of fire”!(Jude 28). I waste my time on you, and even though, you seemed to found me, RUDE IN MY SPEECH, … one thing is sure, In knowledge ,I am not. I am well guided by Holy Spirit that was in me, and also, We are well fed by our presiding minister, who is sent by God.
And finally , I don’t need , nor want your prayer!! How can you pray for me, when your prayer is abomination to God ? As it is written, ” He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination .(Proverbs 28:9)
I will leave you with this verse:
A FOOL hath NO DELIGHT in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. (Proverbs 18:2)
lucretiaberry,
Praying is good, if you know and understand what, and to whom , you are praying. But , if you are praying like the way Roman Catholics are praying, boy , you don't understand what a prayer is .