Thursday, May 20, 2010

How Do We Know

Matthew tells a story of a man coming to Jesus and asking what he had to do to have eternal life. Jesus' response was to keep the Law. When the man said he did that Jesus told him he should sell what he had, give the money to the poor and come follow Jesus. In the story of the prodigal son the youngest son asked for his share of the inheritance. His father gave him the share which was 2/3rds of the value of the estate. Must have not put the father into the poor house because he continued to have servants etc. So when Jesus told the man to sell what he had and give to the poor I think it reasonable to understand it did not mean a totality of his possessions.

Luke tells the story of the farmer who had so much harvest he built bigger barns instead of sharing. How do those compare with us today investing our money instead of sharing it?

Jesus told his disciples, which today are us, to not be anxious about their life, what they will eat, nor about their  body, what they would put on.  We discount that and say that Jesus does not want us to be poor. Who would pay the preacher or pay for the building if no one had any money?

Jesus also said whomever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 

How do we know when Jesus means what he says and does not mean what he says?


Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

You are getting old when you just can't stand people who are intolerant.

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