Mark
*Going to break 'character' here. As I go through Mark, I am going to move... quickly, with less notes. A lot of this content is very similar or the same as Matthew*
Chapter 1
4- John baptized people in the desert. ha. almost oxymoronic.. considering I do not picture water in the desert.
8- John though baptizing with water, Jesus will baptize with the holy spirit.
* I wonder why the Jews listened to John. He essentially made them admit guilt and fault and dipped them in water. What was his selling point, how did he convince the Jews to listen to him. I dont think he would have convinced me, to be honest. The jews had no reason to believe this baptism would do them any good. All they knew were sacrifices.
15- Jesus says the kingdom is coming soon
24- Something very interesting here. This devil, demon (an entity I can not comprehend at all really) recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God. But everyone else is way to dense to figure it out. Thats just interesting, all these angelic, demon.. spirit beings all know each other apparently. Clearly there is a lot going on, that us humans will never know about.
34- the demons knew who Jesus was. Because of his power, or they knew him like how I see someone I used to know when I was like 7 and faintly begin to remember. Idk... mystery (insert twilight zone theme music)
39-Jesus is throwing out more demons. I have always been fascinated with the demon concept... I will never really know whats going on with them.
Chapter 2
1-12- Once again, Jesus proves he can do as he pleases.
*that sums up the whole chapter really
Chapter 3
11, 12- Evil spirits know Jesus... I wish I could know more of this whole concept.
17-Sons of Thunder. Boom.
30- Be wary of insulting the Spirit, or the Spirit Jesus has. On top of that... if Jesus baptizes with the holy spirt... I should be wary of insulting the Spirit of any follower of Jesus???
Chapter 4
41- The apostles really may have been stupid.
Chapter 5
11-13 A LOT happens in these verses. All of it is very interesting. ONCE again, demons know Jesus. They beg with him, and plead for Jesus not to hurt them. What could jesus do to an evil spirt to hurt it?? Like really, what would he do. The spirits beg to be put into some pigs. So, Jesus fills 2,000 pigs with demons. The pigs go crazy and drown themselves. Okay, Jesus just may have crippled the entire economy of this town. That is a lot of pigs. A LOT of money and food. For me to go buy a pig today, is expensive.. no telling the cost of that entire herd. Like seriously, this was probably a major dilemma for the city. The people of the city beg Jesus to leave. I cant blame them really, I suppose they were too afraid to do any worse to Jesus. I also can not blame them. But such a sticky situation. I wonder if Jesus did anything, to better the situation. We will never know.
Chapter 6
14-29... Women, they'll get ya.
Chapter 7
18 Foods will not make me unclean, or what goes into my body. Ah ha... I think alot of ultra conservatives miss these passages. It is what is on the inside that makes me unclean, my heart, mind, thoughts. Not what is superficial. Haha.
30...more demons.
Chapter 8
1-21... I swan, the disciples are stupid.
29- Peter finally gets it. Finally.
Chapter 9
1-Jesus addresses those around him, saying some of them will see the Kingdom come. So, the kingdom's here...
32-- I am doubting the Apostles intelligence again...
* Be humble
* Do not cause others to sin. A great punishment for that
Chapter 10
The sons of thunder want some recognition in heaven. Well, better they want heavenly wealth than earthly.
* A mans faith gets him healed
Summary.
*Ive been jumpy and brief tonight. Maybe I opened up a few things... allowed some new views, had a few laughs.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Part 6
Matthew
Chapter 26
28 Blood of the new covenant? there was an old covenant...?
*Jesus did not want to die and suffer. ...he was human.
Chapter 27
The ground shakes and the holy dead rise at Jesus's death
Chapter 28
18 Jesus has been given all authority on heaven and earth.
19. I must go make disciples of all nations. I must baptize them in the name of the father, son and holy spirit.
20. I must teach them to obey all of Jesus's commands.
Matthew Final Summary.
Well. This book is over. Some High Points as I see them:
*I must swallow my pride, fear, selfishness if I am to be in the kingdom of heaven. A disciple of Jesus.
* I must not worry about any earthly, physical problem. I should only be concerned about my spiritual self.
* Jesus is my foundation. My cornerstone. It will be through him I will have access to the kingdom. It will be my faith in him that makes all of this so.
* A follower of Jesus I must keep his commandments. I must go out and make more disciples out of people and baptize them. They must obey Jesus's Commands.
This has given me a good basis of knowledge. There is yet some information to be desired...more detail. The kingdom, and how I must make the transition into it. That is still cloudy. I feel like the must be more commands as well. I feel like Matthew has focused a lot on the general code of conduct for a member of the kingdom... but is there not more to it than that?
Chapter 26
28 Blood of the new covenant? there was an old covenant...?
*Jesus did not want to die and suffer. ...he was human.
Chapter 27
The ground shakes and the holy dead rise at Jesus's death
Chapter 28
18 Jesus has been given all authority on heaven and earth.
19. I must go make disciples of all nations. I must baptize them in the name of the father, son and holy spirit.
20. I must teach them to obey all of Jesus's commands.
Matthew Final Summary.
Well. This book is over. Some High Points as I see them:
*I must swallow my pride, fear, selfishness if I am to be in the kingdom of heaven. A disciple of Jesus.
* I must not worry about any earthly, physical problem. I should only be concerned about my spiritual self.
* Jesus is my foundation. My cornerstone. It will be through him I will have access to the kingdom. It will be my faith in him that makes all of this so.
* A follower of Jesus I must keep his commandments. I must go out and make more disciples out of people and baptize them. They must obey Jesus's Commands.
This has given me a good basis of knowledge. There is yet some information to be desired...more detail. The kingdom, and how I must make the transition into it. That is still cloudy. I feel like the must be more commands as well. I feel like Matthew has focused a lot on the general code of conduct for a member of the kingdom... but is there not more to it than that?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Part Five
Matthew 20
21 Jesus emphasized Faith to his Disciples. Again.
42
"Jesus said to them, "Haven't you ever read what the Scriptures say,
" 'The stone the builders didn't accept
has become the most important stone of all.
The Lord has done it.
It is wonderful in our eyes'? (Psalm 118:22,23)"
Is that, not just beautiful. Jesus is out corner stone, our foundation, our rock. SO, is Jesus the rock? The rock his church is built on??
Chapter 22
**Jesus has told stories of Masters sending servants who are mistreated, and who sends his son who is Killed. ... About the jews mistreating prophets, John the Baptist, and Jesus.
*Jesus does not appreciate people worrying about how the details of relationships and families will work out when the dead shall rise.
34-40 Jesus emphasizes two commandment. Love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Love my neighbors as I love myself. ...I love my neighbors...a lot.
Chapter 23
1-14.. Jesus emphasizes the hypocritical nature of the Pharisees. He stressed the humility needed.. to serve others, not to raise myself up, or to act important.
17... this verse says a lot. Does the gold make the temple, or does the temple make the gold holy. So much is said here. Oh the ways to look at this verse.
-39... This sums ups Gods feelings towards the Jew.. and his relationship with them. Be careful with hypocrisy and pride.
Chapter 24
9-14 Jesus talks about the trials and troulbles that will come along with following him. He encourages the followers to stay strong.
29... Jesus begins talking about The End. The actual end. When all those that follow him are gathered together.
51 Jesus stresses the importance of being ready for the end, being prepared, a good servant... Okay, How am I to be prepared???
Chapter 25
1-13... be ready
14-30.. a great story. I need to use what the Lord gives me. Whether I am blessed with a lot, or less. It will be enough for me.
31-46 Another reference to the end. Jesus and the angles coming, the angels gathering everyone and separating them into two groups. Those who did the Lords will, and those who did not.
Overall Summary
Well. It seems, some more, Important tones once again are
*fatih
*Humility
Some new points
*being prepared for the end. For when Jesus and the angels come, to cull the weeds.
*not to be hypocrites, and to actually do the Lords will.
These passages really start to open up about the 'end' and to be ready. These passages also begin to give more information on how important Jesus will be, for me to be part of the Kingdom. ..Now, how to become part of this kingdom...I do not know yet.
21 Jesus emphasized Faith to his Disciples. Again.
42
"Jesus said to them, "Haven't you ever read what the Scriptures say,
" 'The stone the builders didn't accept
has become the most important stone of all.
The Lord has done it.
It is wonderful in our eyes'? (Psalm 118:22,23)"
Is that, not just beautiful. Jesus is out corner stone, our foundation, our rock. SO, is Jesus the rock? The rock his church is built on??
Chapter 22
**Jesus has told stories of Masters sending servants who are mistreated, and who sends his son who is Killed. ... About the jews mistreating prophets, John the Baptist, and Jesus.
*Jesus does not appreciate people worrying about how the details of relationships and families will work out when the dead shall rise.
34-40 Jesus emphasizes two commandment. Love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Love my neighbors as I love myself. ...I love my neighbors...a lot.
Chapter 23
1-14.. Jesus emphasizes the hypocritical nature of the Pharisees. He stressed the humility needed.. to serve others, not to raise myself up, or to act important.
17... this verse says a lot. Does the gold make the temple, or does the temple make the gold holy. So much is said here. Oh the ways to look at this verse.
-39... This sums ups Gods feelings towards the Jew.. and his relationship with them. Be careful with hypocrisy and pride.
Chapter 24
9-14 Jesus talks about the trials and troulbles that will come along with following him. He encourages the followers to stay strong.
29... Jesus begins talking about The End. The actual end. When all those that follow him are gathered together.
51 Jesus stresses the importance of being ready for the end, being prepared, a good servant... Okay, How am I to be prepared???
Chapter 25
1-13... be ready
14-30.. a great story. I need to use what the Lord gives me. Whether I am blessed with a lot, or less. It will be enough for me.
31-46 Another reference to the end. Jesus and the angles coming, the angels gathering everyone and separating them into two groups. Those who did the Lords will, and those who did not.
Overall Summary
Well. It seems, some more, Important tones once again are
*fatih
*Humility
Some new points
*being prepared for the end. For when Jesus and the angels come, to cull the weeds.
*not to be hypocrites, and to actually do the Lords will.
These passages really start to open up about the 'end' and to be ready. These passages also begin to give more information on how important Jesus will be, for me to be part of the Kingdom. ..Now, how to become part of this kingdom...I do not know yet.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Part Four
Matthew
Chapter 16
1-12 the pharisees and saducess were quite difficult... The apostles showed their lack of faith, again. Also are a bit thick.
13-20 some complicated stuff here. Jesus wants to know who people say he is...he then asks the apostles who they think he is. Peter declares Jesus is the son of God. Jesus was very please because he had not revealed the to Peter, but God had. Jesus then declares "on this rock I will build my church" This rock.... the Premise that he is the Son of God, is that the rock? And on this premise the church will be established. That hell can not destroy... is the church, the kingdom?
21-28 Jesus scolds Peter for worrying about his death. Worldy things. To follow Jesus, I must say NO to myself... I must say no. I must take my cross and follow Jesus... my cross?? I do not need to put my life before my soul... " 27 The Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory. His angels will come with him. And he will reward everyone in keeping with what they have done." So... Is this referring to the end, when the angels will cull the weeds from the field, and the members of the kingdom shall be rewarded? 28 "What I'm about to tell you is true. Some who are standing here will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." Okay. So Jesus earlier tells his apostles, to pray for the kingdom to come. He now tells them, most of them will see the day when the kingdom comes. I know from earlier the kingdom is not there yet, he was preparing everyone for the kingdom. What does Jesus do to initiate the kingdom, that will allow the disciples, and me, to be a part of it???
Summary:
*Jesus drops some instructions one less of me and more of him. My soul befor my life..
*Jesus reveals more about the mysterious kingdom and the day it will be possible to be a part of it.
Chapter 17
1-13 John the Baptist was the coming of Elijah..the man of the desert. Idk. thats complex for me.
14-23 More on faith. Jesus is once again disappointed in the lack of faith. He makes a reference to if they had the faith the size of the mustard see...anything would be possible. Did they not have faith, or were they just stupid. They just dont seem smart... just dense (HP reference anyone?)
Chapter 18
1-9 Some great passages...(going to break character here, some of my favorite passages) Sin must exist, that is the way it is. But to be a cause of that sin.... is a great evil. To make a follower of Jesus sin, is bad... We as followers must break our pride, to that of a child. That will allow us to enter the kingdom.
10-14 ...Jesus earlier compared a follower to a child. I think he still is. He compares a lost follower to a stray sheep. the shepherd goes to much trouble to get the sheep back. ...God is like this shepard though he may have many followers, he is concerned when one goes astray. He longs for this follower to come back, and rejoices when he does.
15-20 Confront people who sin against me. I should try and settle it quitely..then if that does not work, I bring a few brothers with me... then i can take it to the church. Jesus is where ever people meet in his name.
21-35 ....I must forgive. Plain and simple.
Summary:
*Humility
*As a follower, I am very important to God, and he will be concerned about me if I wander away. He will rejoice when I come back to him.
*I must forgive. This also take humility.
Matthew 19
1-12 God joins a couple together in marriage. He intends for the marriage to not break. God takes marraige seriously. This almost reads like.. get married, or become a eunuch... oh my. I think I will take marriage. ha. I like how this scared the crap out of the diciples, and they decided it better to not even get married. They would give up sex, just so to no put up with a woman the rest of their life. WOW. ...women arnt that bad. These verses have cracked me up.
13-15 Jesus compares the followers of his kingdom to children again.
16-17 Jesus refers to being in the kingdom to having eternal life.
18-30 Being rich makes it hard to go to heaven. The more you have to lose on earth, will make it hard for you to give up if needed, if it gets in the way you doing what you need to do...to be part of the kingdom. Fight Club anyone? The more you give up for the kingdom...the more you have to gain in the kingdom.
Summary:
*Relationship rules. Being a man, If I do not think I can put up with one woman the rest of my life or that I can not stay faithful.... I may need to go see a surgeon. Or a skilled rancher...
*Humility
*I need to be wary of a lot of worldly things tying me up.
Chapter 20
1-16 ....I am having a hard time with these verses. I guess its my personality. But it is HARD for me, to this in. Because, if I had been a working for a day, Id be ticked off when someone who work a couple hourse made as much as me. I guess this is my pride. I suggest you to read these passages and dwell on them. This is some tough stuff. I should not worry about what others do, buy my own soul, and my 'reward' Who am I to judge what Jesus does.
28 Jesus came to serve and offer himself for me. Okay... this is fitting together. IS this what Jesus does, to initiate the kingdom?
Overall Summary for the Night:
*To be in the kingdom. I must make myself like a child. HUMILITY
* The kingdom, as of the reading tonight, Jesus is still preparing for. I believe it will be closely associated with his death. His own personal cup of suffering he will go throgh, to set me free.
*Once again...Faith.
*Take marriage seriously. It is not meant to be broken.
*For good measure, more humility.
Chapter 16
1-12 the pharisees and saducess were quite difficult... The apostles showed their lack of faith, again. Also are a bit thick.
13-20 some complicated stuff here. Jesus wants to know who people say he is...he then asks the apostles who they think he is. Peter declares Jesus is the son of God. Jesus was very please because he had not revealed the to Peter, but God had. Jesus then declares "on this rock I will build my church" This rock.... the Premise that he is the Son of God, is that the rock? And on this premise the church will be established. That hell can not destroy... is the church, the kingdom?
21-28 Jesus scolds Peter for worrying about his death. Worldy things. To follow Jesus, I must say NO to myself... I must say no. I must take my cross and follow Jesus... my cross?? I do not need to put my life before my soul... " 27 The Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory. His angels will come with him. And he will reward everyone in keeping with what they have done." So... Is this referring to the end, when the angels will cull the weeds from the field, and the members of the kingdom shall be rewarded? 28 "What I'm about to tell you is true. Some who are standing here will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." Okay. So Jesus earlier tells his apostles, to pray for the kingdom to come. He now tells them, most of them will see the day when the kingdom comes. I know from earlier the kingdom is not there yet, he was preparing everyone for the kingdom. What does Jesus do to initiate the kingdom, that will allow the disciples, and me, to be a part of it???
Summary:
*Jesus drops some instructions one less of me and more of him. My soul befor my life..
*Jesus reveals more about the mysterious kingdom and the day it will be possible to be a part of it.
Chapter 17
1-13 John the Baptist was the coming of Elijah..the man of the desert. Idk. thats complex for me.
14-23 More on faith. Jesus is once again disappointed in the lack of faith. He makes a reference to if they had the faith the size of the mustard see...anything would be possible. Did they not have faith, or were they just stupid. They just dont seem smart... just dense (HP reference anyone?)
Chapter 18
1-9 Some great passages...(going to break character here, some of my favorite passages) Sin must exist, that is the way it is. But to be a cause of that sin.... is a great evil. To make a follower of Jesus sin, is bad... We as followers must break our pride, to that of a child. That will allow us to enter the kingdom.
10-14 ...Jesus earlier compared a follower to a child. I think he still is. He compares a lost follower to a stray sheep. the shepherd goes to much trouble to get the sheep back. ...God is like this shepard though he may have many followers, he is concerned when one goes astray. He longs for this follower to come back, and rejoices when he does.
15-20 Confront people who sin against me. I should try and settle it quitely..then if that does not work, I bring a few brothers with me... then i can take it to the church. Jesus is where ever people meet in his name.
21-35 ....I must forgive. Plain and simple.
Summary:
*Humility
*As a follower, I am very important to God, and he will be concerned about me if I wander away. He will rejoice when I come back to him.
*I must forgive. This also take humility.
Matthew 19
1-12 God joins a couple together in marriage. He intends for the marriage to not break. God takes marraige seriously. This almost reads like.. get married, or become a eunuch... oh my. I think I will take marriage. ha. I like how this scared the crap out of the diciples, and they decided it better to not even get married. They would give up sex, just so to no put up with a woman the rest of their life. WOW. ...women arnt that bad. These verses have cracked me up.
13-15 Jesus compares the followers of his kingdom to children again.
16-17 Jesus refers to being in the kingdom to having eternal life.
18-30 Being rich makes it hard to go to heaven. The more you have to lose on earth, will make it hard for you to give up if needed, if it gets in the way you doing what you need to do...to be part of the kingdom. Fight Club anyone? The more you give up for the kingdom...the more you have to gain in the kingdom.
Summary:
*Relationship rules. Being a man, If I do not think I can put up with one woman the rest of my life or that I can not stay faithful.... I may need to go see a surgeon. Or a skilled rancher...
*Humility
*I need to be wary of a lot of worldly things tying me up.
Chapter 20
1-16 ....I am having a hard time with these verses. I guess its my personality. But it is HARD for me, to this in. Because, if I had been a working for a day, Id be ticked off when someone who work a couple hourse made as much as me. I guess this is my pride. I suggest you to read these passages and dwell on them. This is some tough stuff. I should not worry about what others do, buy my own soul, and my 'reward' Who am I to judge what Jesus does.
28 Jesus came to serve and offer himself for me. Okay... this is fitting together. IS this what Jesus does, to initiate the kingdom?
Overall Summary for the Night:
*To be in the kingdom. I must make myself like a child. HUMILITY
* The kingdom, as of the reading tonight, Jesus is still preparing for. I believe it will be closely associated with his death. His own personal cup of suffering he will go throgh, to set me free.
*Once again...Faith.
*Take marriage seriously. It is not meant to be broken.
*For good measure, more humility.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Part Three
Matthew Continues
10:
7- So. The apostles are preaching of the coming kingdom. ...the kingdom I must be part of to go to heaven. So at this time, you could not be part of the kingdom.
21 I should expect persecution as a follower of Jesus
29 I should only fear what can kill my soul... not what harms or kills my body.
30-31...once again. Do not worry.
32-33 IF we say we know Jesus to others, Jesus will say he knows us to God...or if we say we do not know him, he will not recognize to God.
34 ...Confusing passage. Jesus says he has come to bring the sword and not peace. What Jesus had come to do, will drive people family and friends apart.... Following Jesus will stir hate and animosity... but oh, we should not worry... To follow Jesus will reap a greater reward. Those who are supportive of followers of Jesus will be rewarded.
Summary of 10
*Dont worry
*Following Jesus will be excruciating. Expect hate. Expect spite. Expect death.
*I should not worry about this, my goal and reward is greater.... So this path that is narrow and hard, Is my proving ground to be part of the kingdom?
.....quite a cheerful chapter.
Chapter 11
6 faith is brought up as important. Faith in Jesus... faith in what, that he will save me? That he is the son of God? All of the above?
*Apparently those Jews were difficult to get along with.*
*Jesus just condemned his own Jewish brothers. Strong...biting words. Perhaps this is what he meant, by he came with a sword*
25-30 To know Jesus is to know God...to follow Jesus is to follow God. Jesus will give rest to the souls who follow him. Serving him is easy....WAIT, hold on. I am to expect hate, paint, and death as a follower??? The path and gate to the kingdom is narrow, hard and few will make it. I know this from earlier passages. What is this passage referencing to... that is easy. .... is Jesus's way to heaven, easier in comparison, to other ways? If so, what other ways? Is not the kingdom the only way?
Summary:
*Faith is imporatant... but once again, what does faith in Jesus really mean?
* Some hard to comprehend passages about following Jesus to be easy... up until now, I have come to not expect this... I will see where the rest of Matthew goes I suppose.
Chapter 12
1-14 Jesus does what he wants and when and no Pharisee has any right to accuse the Lord of the Sabbath. Boom!
30-32 A bit No No, ...speaking against the spirit is unforgivable.
36-37... I shall be judged by my words. Every careless word I say will be noted and brought against me.... now that is hefty. A lot of weight is put on my tongue.
50- Any follower of Jesus is his family
Summary... none needed
Chapter 13
1-15 Jesus knows it is redundant to speak to the Jews. But he is anyway, to fullfill prophecy, know he is going to get nowhere with the Jews.
16-40 A lot of stories about seeds, fields, and harvest. The followers of the kingdom are the good seed growing among weeds..sinners. When harvest/judgment comes, the angels will pluck the weeds and throw them aside/burn them...Hell.
44-45... the kingdom is a treasure once found.
-58 Jesus was not respected in his home town.
Summary.. The kingdom was a secret for sometime, that Jesus came to reveal to the jews even though he knows they do not "get it" The kingdom is the only way to heaven
Chapter 14
31 Peters faith in Jesus was small and he began to sink in the water...literal and metaphorical
Summary-None
Chapter 15
10- 11 "Jesus called the crowd to him. He said, "Listen and understand.11 What goes into your mouth does not make you 'unclean.' It's what comes out of your mouth that makes you 'unclean.'" Okay, so..... Our actions are important, how we conduct ourselves?
16-20 Okay, okay, I get it now... It is what in our hearts, minds, and souls that will make us unclean. Not what we do physically that makes us unclean. But our mindset... (this may also be more literal, and Jesus just saying, He does not care what we eat or how we eat. Because that is not going to affect our soul)
21-28 (26) Jesus just calls this woman a dog, to her face, as she is crying for his help. She gets on her knees and begs ... he then compliments her faith, and heals her daughter. Now that is a lot to take in. I think of Jesus as a humble savant, healing the sick and lame, and just an all around great guy. Here, he insults this crying woman, as she pleads for his help. Only to then, compliment her faith even still, after his harsh words. He then of course helps her. Is that faith? Is that what faith is? When you know you need help, and there is only one person who can help you, you just forget yourself and just beg and plead regardless of what it takes, to get that help??? This just leads me to more questions....
Summary...
*What our hearts cause us to do, is the determining factor for our spiritual cleanliness.
* Once again. Faith.
Done for the night, Overall summary. OF the more important tones I picked up on.
*Jesus is preparing the Jews for the kingdom even though he knows they will not respond.
*Being part of the kingdom will be difficult.
*Faith is an important part of being a follower of Jesus... Will it be faith, that helpes me as I struggle being part of the kingdom. This faith, is it what lets me know everything will be okay in the end. No matter what life may bring, my faith in Jesus is what will drive me? Maybe this is faith...
10:
7- So. The apostles are preaching of the coming kingdom. ...the kingdom I must be part of to go to heaven. So at this time, you could not be part of the kingdom.
21 I should expect persecution as a follower of Jesus
29 I should only fear what can kill my soul... not what harms or kills my body.
30-31...once again. Do not worry.
32-33 IF we say we know Jesus to others, Jesus will say he knows us to God...or if we say we do not know him, he will not recognize to God.
34 ...Confusing passage. Jesus says he has come to bring the sword and not peace. What Jesus had come to do, will drive people family and friends apart.... Following Jesus will stir hate and animosity... but oh, we should not worry... To follow Jesus will reap a greater reward. Those who are supportive of followers of Jesus will be rewarded.
Summary of 10
*Dont worry
*Following Jesus will be excruciating. Expect hate. Expect spite. Expect death.
*I should not worry about this, my goal and reward is greater.... So this path that is narrow and hard, Is my proving ground to be part of the kingdom?
.....quite a cheerful chapter.
Chapter 11
6 faith is brought up as important. Faith in Jesus... faith in what, that he will save me? That he is the son of God? All of the above?
*Apparently those Jews were difficult to get along with.*
*Jesus just condemned his own Jewish brothers. Strong...biting words. Perhaps this is what he meant, by he came with a sword*
25-30 To know Jesus is to know God...to follow Jesus is to follow God. Jesus will give rest to the souls who follow him. Serving him is easy....WAIT, hold on. I am to expect hate, paint, and death as a follower??? The path and gate to the kingdom is narrow, hard and few will make it. I know this from earlier passages. What is this passage referencing to... that is easy. .... is Jesus's way to heaven, easier in comparison, to other ways? If so, what other ways? Is not the kingdom the only way?
Summary:
*Faith is imporatant... but once again, what does faith in Jesus really mean?
* Some hard to comprehend passages about following Jesus to be easy... up until now, I have come to not expect this... I will see where the rest of Matthew goes I suppose.
Chapter 12
1-14 Jesus does what he wants and when and no Pharisee has any right to accuse the Lord of the Sabbath. Boom!
30-32 A bit No No, ...speaking against the spirit is unforgivable.
36-37... I shall be judged by my words. Every careless word I say will be noted and brought against me.... now that is hefty. A lot of weight is put on my tongue.
50- Any follower of Jesus is his family
Summary... none needed
Chapter 13
1-15 Jesus knows it is redundant to speak to the Jews. But he is anyway, to fullfill prophecy, know he is going to get nowhere with the Jews.
16-40 A lot of stories about seeds, fields, and harvest. The followers of the kingdom are the good seed growing among weeds..sinners. When harvest/judgment comes, the angels will pluck the weeds and throw them aside/burn them...Hell.
44-45... the kingdom is a treasure once found.
-58 Jesus was not respected in his home town.
Summary.. The kingdom was a secret for sometime, that Jesus came to reveal to the jews even though he knows they do not "get it" The kingdom is the only way to heaven
Chapter 14
31 Peters faith in Jesus was small and he began to sink in the water...literal and metaphorical
Summary-None
Chapter 15
10- 11 "Jesus called the crowd to him. He said, "Listen and understand.11 What goes into your mouth does not make you 'unclean.' It's what comes out of your mouth that makes you 'unclean.'" Okay, so..... Our actions are important, how we conduct ourselves?
16-20 Okay, okay, I get it now... It is what in our hearts, minds, and souls that will make us unclean. Not what we do physically that makes us unclean. But our mindset... (this may also be more literal, and Jesus just saying, He does not care what we eat or how we eat. Because that is not going to affect our soul)
21-28 (26) Jesus just calls this woman a dog, to her face, as she is crying for his help. She gets on her knees and begs ... he then compliments her faith, and heals her daughter. Now that is a lot to take in. I think of Jesus as a humble savant, healing the sick and lame, and just an all around great guy. Here, he insults this crying woman, as she pleads for his help. Only to then, compliment her faith even still, after his harsh words. He then of course helps her. Is that faith? Is that what faith is? When you know you need help, and there is only one person who can help you, you just forget yourself and just beg and plead regardless of what it takes, to get that help??? This just leads me to more questions....
Summary...
*What our hearts cause us to do, is the determining factor for our spiritual cleanliness.
* Once again. Faith.
Done for the night, Overall summary. OF the more important tones I picked up on.
*Jesus is preparing the Jews for the kingdom even though he knows they will not respond.
*Being part of the kingdom will be difficult.
*Faith is an important part of being a follower of Jesus... Will it be faith, that helpes me as I struggle being part of the kingdom. This faith, is it what lets me know everything will be okay in the end. No matter what life may bring, my faith in Jesus is what will drive me? Maybe this is faith...
Monday, February 20, 2012
Part Two
Matthew Continued
Chapter 7:
1-6 Judging and criticizing. Oo, everyone is familiar with this passage, lets have a look... If I do not judge others, God will not judge me (loop hole sounding) ...Ultimately, I will be judged as I judge others (or perhaps, I shall be criticized, as I criticize others). SO, God and other people will hold me to the same standard that I hold others. Mm, tough. okay... I should only criticize/judge when I am not in a hypocritical position. Once again, the standard I hold others to, should be the same standard to that I hold myself. I like the sound of this.
**Verse 6... this is kind of cryptic. Let me see here... I should be careful giving good advice/judgement/criticism to the unworthy because it will not be appreciated...(pigs will not appreciate pearls) ??? So, this is a tough one. Any input here, anyone?
7-11 Asking.. If we ask God, he will give. Simple enough. (this is similar to passages from Part One)
12 Oh my. THIS passage. Treat others, as I would have them treat me. Mm...tough. This is similar to the judging issue.. I should judge, as I would be judged.
13-14- True life... Is heaven I suppose. The way to true life is hard and goes through a narrow gate. (SO, If true life is heaven, then... the way/gate must be the kingdom. So, those stipulations from Part One for being part of the kingdom...are gonna be tough, humility, persecution, giving, Etc) Good news, going to hell sounds easy.
15-20 These are some powerful passages. A lot is covered. Lets see here... You will know what type a person is by what they do, or perhaps more accurately, by what the results of what they do. The actions of a bad person, will result in bad things... good person- good things. ... what I do, Shows what type of person I am. (the passages speaks of trees and fruit, etc. I have a hard time with this analogy. Because a perfectly good treat can produce poor fruit from time to time. Or maybe that is the truth of life. Good people will do bad things from time to time. Hmm.)
21-23 The only people who go to heaven are those who do what God wants (the stipulations of the Kingdom??) Apparently, there will be plenty of people who think they are doing what God wants who will go to hell. ...So, how am I to discern between what I think God wants, and what God really wants?????
24-28 If you listen to Jesus, youre wise. If you dont, youre a fool (Of course, shouldnt every teacher have this mindset, ha.)
8
5-13 Faith. A difficult subject for me. A man had so much faith in Jesus, that by a word from Jesus's mouth, he servant could be healed. Jesus compliments this man on his faith, and goes on to say, Faith like this, will allow you to be part of the kingdom. (also, to not be in the kingdom is to be in the dark were there is crying and grinding of teeth from pain...oh my)
22 Folow Jesus and let the dead bury the dead. Clearly a deeper meaning Here. Okay... Put Jesus first?
26 Jesus comments on his followers lack of faith. (they were worried about dying in a storm)
28-34 Jesus scares the crap out of an entire town by communicating and commanding demons. ...To be honest, that would scare the crap out of me too, while impressing me.
9
1-8 Jesus shows up a bunch of people by healing a lame man. Jesus has spunk
9-13 Jesus came for the 'sick' not the healthy. .. He came for sinners. He came for ME.
22 A womans faith and belief in Jesus mad her well, physically. What about spiritually? Jesus has been healing sick people, but says he is there for the sinners. How is he helping them spiritually??
35-38... Once again, Jesus feels compassion/sorry for people, for lost people. He speaks of these people needing a shepherd.
Gonna stop... and Do A summary of what I have drawn from these passages. The main points:
* Hold others to the same standard as I expect to be held. Because that is how I will be judged.
*I should treat others with the same mindset as well.
*By doing what God wants, doing good things that have good results will get into the Kingdom. This will not be an easy task. If anything, that is emphasized.
* FAITH...F-A-I-T-H... is that enough emphasis for you, Because, I can not emphasize it enough. You must have faith to be in the kingdom. Now, faith in what... thats a little gray right now.
Chapter 7:
1-6 Judging and criticizing. Oo, everyone is familiar with this passage, lets have a look... If I do not judge others, God will not judge me (loop hole sounding) ...Ultimately, I will be judged as I judge others (or perhaps, I shall be criticized, as I criticize others). SO, God and other people will hold me to the same standard that I hold others. Mm, tough. okay... I should only criticize/judge when I am not in a hypocritical position. Once again, the standard I hold others to, should be the same standard to that I hold myself. I like the sound of this.
**Verse 6... this is kind of cryptic. Let me see here... I should be careful giving good advice/judgement/criticism to the unworthy because it will not be appreciated...(pigs will not appreciate pearls) ??? So, this is a tough one. Any input here, anyone?
7-11 Asking.. If we ask God, he will give. Simple enough. (this is similar to passages from Part One)
12 Oh my. THIS passage. Treat others, as I would have them treat me. Mm...tough. This is similar to the judging issue.. I should judge, as I would be judged.
13-14- True life... Is heaven I suppose. The way to true life is hard and goes through a narrow gate. (SO, If true life is heaven, then... the way/gate must be the kingdom. So, those stipulations from Part One for being part of the kingdom...are gonna be tough, humility, persecution, giving, Etc) Good news, going to hell sounds easy.
15-20 These are some powerful passages. A lot is covered. Lets see here... You will know what type a person is by what they do, or perhaps more accurately, by what the results of what they do. The actions of a bad person, will result in bad things... good person- good things. ... what I do, Shows what type of person I am. (the passages speaks of trees and fruit, etc. I have a hard time with this analogy. Because a perfectly good treat can produce poor fruit from time to time. Or maybe that is the truth of life. Good people will do bad things from time to time. Hmm.)
21-23 The only people who go to heaven are those who do what God wants (the stipulations of the Kingdom??) Apparently, there will be plenty of people who think they are doing what God wants who will go to hell. ...So, how am I to discern between what I think God wants, and what God really wants?????
24-28 If you listen to Jesus, youre wise. If you dont, youre a fool (Of course, shouldnt every teacher have this mindset, ha.)
8
5-13 Faith. A difficult subject for me. A man had so much faith in Jesus, that by a word from Jesus's mouth, he servant could be healed. Jesus compliments this man on his faith, and goes on to say, Faith like this, will allow you to be part of the kingdom. (also, to not be in the kingdom is to be in the dark were there is crying and grinding of teeth from pain...oh my)
22 Folow Jesus and let the dead bury the dead. Clearly a deeper meaning Here. Okay... Put Jesus first?
26 Jesus comments on his followers lack of faith. (they were worried about dying in a storm)
28-34 Jesus scares the crap out of an entire town by communicating and commanding demons. ...To be honest, that would scare the crap out of me too, while impressing me.
9
1-8 Jesus shows up a bunch of people by healing a lame man. Jesus has spunk
9-13 Jesus came for the 'sick' not the healthy. .. He came for sinners. He came for ME.
22 A womans faith and belief in Jesus mad her well, physically. What about spiritually? Jesus has been healing sick people, but says he is there for the sinners. How is he helping them spiritually??
35-38... Once again, Jesus feels compassion/sorry for people, for lost people. He speaks of these people needing a shepherd.
Gonna stop... and Do A summary of what I have drawn from these passages. The main points:
* Hold others to the same standard as I expect to be held. Because that is how I will be judged.
*I should treat others with the same mindset as well.
*By doing what God wants, doing good things that have good results will get into the Kingdom. This will not be an easy task. If anything, that is emphasized.
* FAITH...F-A-I-T-H... is that enough emphasis for you, Because, I can not emphasize it enough. You must have faith to be in the kingdom. Now, faith in what... thats a little gray right now.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Part One
Matthew
3:15 -Jesus is baptized because God told him to and it is the right thing to do. (curious as to why Jesus did not baptize John here). As Jesus rises he receives Gods spirit. I assume he did not have it until now. So, does that mean he could not do any miracles or magic until this moment?
4:7 Do not test God.
4:10 Serve only God
:17 A kingdom is come and whoever Jesus is speaking to much change their hearts and minds.
5: This Kingdom is for: humble, those who do right, show mercy, have pure thoughts, bring peace, and suffer persecution. They will have a reward in heaven. So, you have to do these things or be this type of person to be part of the kingdom, which will get to go to heaven.
:13-14 Live so others will see the good I do, and I need to praise good. So, I need to do good things and people need to see it.
17-20 Jesus is not abolishing Moses's law, but to fulfill it but we are to follow ALL of its commands. SO, I need to sacrifice animals still, and do nothing on Sat??
21-26 I do not need to be angry with anyone. I should make this anger right with the person I have a probem with. Or if they have a problem with me, I should make it right.
27-30 I do not need to look at women for sex, or look at them and think "man Id hit that" The whole I cant look OR touch rule
31-32- I can only get a divorce for sexual sin...what? So, I can only divorce if my wife looks at or touches another man sexually. ... that dosn't make things easy. Well, Im not married...
33-37 I am to make no promises or vows. I should only simply say yes or no, If I am do do something. Now... this is, hmm. Okay. Vows and promises are a huge part of our culture. We have contracts, binding documents, WEDDING VOWS, so.. If I make a vow, it is wrong? Simple as that. How am I to expect people to just take my word for it? ...okay...
38-42 Do not fight... take a punch, and keep taking them. Do not fight back. If a man sues me for a shirt, give him two. I am forced to do anything, do a little extra. I am to say no, to no one. Whatever anyone asks of my, I am to do. ....now this is a HEFTY command. Let everyone walk all over me? Is this supposed to show that I do not take pride in my body, items I own, and my own life. That I have a greater purpose, so do what ever you want to me kind of thing?? ....This is like that Jim Carrey movie.
43-48 Love my enemies and pray for them. This is like God. He gives everyone rain and days. He does not show favor to friends or enemies. ... I suppose he will show favor to those in his kingdom, considering they are the ones going to heaven.
6
1-4 Giving... do not let others see me do good. No one should be aware of my giving and good deeds. God will know and that is all that matters.... okay now. Small issues, earlier, I was told to act so others could see the good that I do (which was a stipulation for being in the Kingdom). Now, people should not be aware of my deeds. Or at the very least, I should not make an ordeal out of my deeds and giving. A little confusing.
5-14 Prayer- only closed up in our rooms, not in front of others. God is in our private place with us. God knows what we need, we do not need a fancey prayer. what to say- for kingdom to come, what he wants may be done (dosnt God do what he wants? what does this mean, he does things he does not want to do?) food, forgive us as we forgive, do not let us be tempeted, save us from the evil one... SO, we need to forgive, thats a biggy. God can keep us from being tempted?
16-18 If i should fast, I should keep it to myself. Not make a big deal of it. ...I kind of like this motto. keep to your own business and do not go around talking about it all the time.
19-24- store treasures in heaven (where the kingdom is going to go) not on earth. My heart will be with my treasures. I look at people and want to help, I am full of light. If I am jeaous, I am full of darkness.... I can not serve two masters. I will only be loyal to one. I can not serve God and money. How do I serve money... clearly by putting it before God, but how? by making me not meet the requirements of being in the kindgom?
25-34
Dont worry about food and clothes...(hard one for me) The birds do no worry, they just fly around and are taken care of. I am more important than a bird, So I most of all should not worry about being taken care of. I should worry/want to be in Gods Kingdom, and I should do what he wants (see above). God will give me the rest. Each day has enough trouble, do not worry about tomorrow.
Stopping here.
In summary:
The new testament is offering to those who are worthy to be in a kingdom, which will go to heaven.
To be worthy, you have to be a certain type of person.
This type of person has these qualities, as I see it:
Humble (no pride, a lot of these qualities, no fighting, resolving problems, giving at all times no mater what, require a complete lack of pride in ones self and what one has or does. Cause If one were to give, it should be in a manner that is not flashy or looking for attention. It seems humility is a MAJOR factor here.
...well, humility really sums up everything so far. To be part of the kingdom is to be God like (we are to replicate Gods qualities it seems) and humility key. We are to only serve the kingdom, and that is all we should worry about, the rest will work itself out anyway.
3:15 -Jesus is baptized because God told him to and it is the right thing to do. (curious as to why Jesus did not baptize John here). As Jesus rises he receives Gods spirit. I assume he did not have it until now. So, does that mean he could not do any miracles or magic until this moment?
4:7 Do not test God.
4:10 Serve only God
:17 A kingdom is come and whoever Jesus is speaking to much change their hearts and minds.
5: This Kingdom is for: humble, those who do right, show mercy, have pure thoughts, bring peace, and suffer persecution. They will have a reward in heaven. So, you have to do these things or be this type of person to be part of the kingdom, which will get to go to heaven.
:13-14 Live so others will see the good I do, and I need to praise good. So, I need to do good things and people need to see it.
17-20 Jesus is not abolishing Moses's law, but to fulfill it but we are to follow ALL of its commands. SO, I need to sacrifice animals still, and do nothing on Sat??
21-26 I do not need to be angry with anyone. I should make this anger right with the person I have a probem with. Or if they have a problem with me, I should make it right.
27-30 I do not need to look at women for sex, or look at them and think "man Id hit that" The whole I cant look OR touch rule
31-32- I can only get a divorce for sexual sin...what? So, I can only divorce if my wife looks at or touches another man sexually. ... that dosn't make things easy. Well, Im not married...
33-37 I am to make no promises or vows. I should only simply say yes or no, If I am do do something. Now... this is, hmm. Okay. Vows and promises are a huge part of our culture. We have contracts, binding documents, WEDDING VOWS, so.. If I make a vow, it is wrong? Simple as that. How am I to expect people to just take my word for it? ...okay...
38-42 Do not fight... take a punch, and keep taking them. Do not fight back. If a man sues me for a shirt, give him two. I am forced to do anything, do a little extra. I am to say no, to no one. Whatever anyone asks of my, I am to do. ....now this is a HEFTY command. Let everyone walk all over me? Is this supposed to show that I do not take pride in my body, items I own, and my own life. That I have a greater purpose, so do what ever you want to me kind of thing?? ....This is like that Jim Carrey movie.
43-48 Love my enemies and pray for them. This is like God. He gives everyone rain and days. He does not show favor to friends or enemies. ... I suppose he will show favor to those in his kingdom, considering they are the ones going to heaven.
6
1-4 Giving... do not let others see me do good. No one should be aware of my giving and good deeds. God will know and that is all that matters.... okay now. Small issues, earlier, I was told to act so others could see the good that I do (which was a stipulation for being in the Kingdom). Now, people should not be aware of my deeds. Or at the very least, I should not make an ordeal out of my deeds and giving. A little confusing.
5-14 Prayer- only closed up in our rooms, not in front of others. God is in our private place with us. God knows what we need, we do not need a fancey prayer. what to say- for kingdom to come, what he wants may be done (dosnt God do what he wants? what does this mean, he does things he does not want to do?) food, forgive us as we forgive, do not let us be tempeted, save us from the evil one... SO, we need to forgive, thats a biggy. God can keep us from being tempted?
16-18 If i should fast, I should keep it to myself. Not make a big deal of it. ...I kind of like this motto. keep to your own business and do not go around talking about it all the time.
19-24- store treasures in heaven (where the kingdom is going to go) not on earth. My heart will be with my treasures. I look at people and want to help, I am full of light. If I am jeaous, I am full of darkness.... I can not serve two masters. I will only be loyal to one. I can not serve God and money. How do I serve money... clearly by putting it before God, but how? by making me not meet the requirements of being in the kindgom?
25-34
Dont worry about food and clothes...(hard one for me) The birds do no worry, they just fly around and are taken care of. I am more important than a bird, So I most of all should not worry about being taken care of. I should worry/want to be in Gods Kingdom, and I should do what he wants (see above). God will give me the rest. Each day has enough trouble, do not worry about tomorrow.
Stopping here.
In summary:
The new testament is offering to those who are worthy to be in a kingdom, which will go to heaven.
To be worthy, you have to be a certain type of person.
This type of person has these qualities, as I see it:
Humble (no pride, a lot of these qualities, no fighting, resolving problems, giving at all times no mater what, require a complete lack of pride in ones self and what one has or does. Cause If one were to give, it should be in a manner that is not flashy or looking for attention. It seems humility is a MAJOR factor here.
...well, humility really sums up everything so far. To be part of the kingdom is to be God like (we are to replicate Gods qualities it seems) and humility key. We are to only serve the kingdom, and that is all we should worry about, the rest will work itself out anyway.
The bible Made me do it. Rules of Engagement.
I am reading the Bible: New Testament. I come from a spiritual background. I am 22. I have been to college. I am read the Easy to Read Version of the text. I may reference the NIV. I will not reference the KJV. It is old and the translation is poor in comparison to others. I chose the ERV because it is straightforward and to the point. I can get right to the content. I am going to red the New Testament throwing out any prior bias. I will not use any other reference material. I should not need a dictionary or commentary. The bible is supposed to be pick up and go. This is where I shall document my progress.
Here is what I am focusing on:
***Commandments: Pretty much anything I am supposed to do as a follower of the NT. Anything Jesus says to do, or an apostle instructs to do (since he is inspired).
*** I will sum up what I have read. In what makes sense as I read it.
*** I do not plan to let any past teaching affect the way I read. SO, some may accuse me of being too literal some times or sometimes not.
*** I will note the tone of what I am reading. (and possibly compare it to my knowledge of the tone of the OT)
*** I am doing this for me. To improve myself and become a better Christian. Not to prove anyone right or wrong. I want to try and read this from the perspective of an intelligent person reading the bible, who is curious but unfamiliar with it. (of course, this is not a true type for me. But you may find I do a decent job...I hope)
*** I am going to start in the beginning. The way the JKV people laid out the bible (debatable format). Matthew through Revelation (that last book should be fun).
What I Plan to do:
I am gonna read. Jot notes in a pad and here. I have not set a certain amount in a specific time. (I plan to do it fast).
What I expect to happen:
Learn. Get a better understanding of the text, and potentially relate to anyone new to the text a bit better.
I expect to view certain parts differently and see them in a new way.
I expect to chang.
Okay. Lets go.
Here is what I am focusing on:
***Commandments: Pretty much anything I am supposed to do as a follower of the NT. Anything Jesus says to do, or an apostle instructs to do (since he is inspired).
*** I will sum up what I have read. In what makes sense as I read it.
*** I do not plan to let any past teaching affect the way I read. SO, some may accuse me of being too literal some times or sometimes not.
*** I will note the tone of what I am reading. (and possibly compare it to my knowledge of the tone of the OT)
*** I am doing this for me. To improve myself and become a better Christian. Not to prove anyone right or wrong. I want to try and read this from the perspective of an intelligent person reading the bible, who is curious but unfamiliar with it. (of course, this is not a true type for me. But you may find I do a decent job...I hope)
*** I am going to start in the beginning. The way the JKV people laid out the bible (debatable format). Matthew through Revelation (that last book should be fun).
What I Plan to do:
I am gonna read. Jot notes in a pad and here. I have not set a certain amount in a specific time. (I plan to do it fast).
What I expect to happen:
Learn. Get a better understanding of the text, and potentially relate to anyone new to the text a bit better.
I expect to view certain parts differently and see them in a new way.
I expect to chang.
Okay. Lets go.
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