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Bible Contradictions

February 14, 2016 by Fritz

WhichWayWhen giving directions to my house I tell some people to turn right onto my street, others I tell to turn left.  I’m not confused about where I live nor am I contradicting myself, my instructions depend on which way people are headed when they come to my street.

Bible passages can be understood like this, too.  For example:

“But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” – Matthew 6:15 (spoken by Jesus)

“And be ye kind to one another, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgive you” – Ephesians 4:32 (written by Paul)

One passage appears to say our forgiveness from God comes AFTER we forgive and the other appears to say it comes BEFORE.  But notice to whom the instructions were given and when.

Jesus was speaking to the crowd before the cross; Paul was writing to those after the cross, ones who had their sins paid for by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Before the cross, the best anyone could do was try to live right and hope for the coming redemption through God’s messiah.  Many still think the best they can do is try to get and keep on God’s good side by their acts of sacrifice.

The good news is that Jesus, the Messiah, has now paid for my sins.  I cannot forgive enough to earn my way to heaven no matter how hard I try, but He exchanged my sins for his righteousness.  My forgiveness came as a gift when I gave my life to Jesus before I did any forgiving of my own.  He took my sins away and put his Holy Spirit in me, enabling me to extend the forgiveness by choice and from gratitude that I could not on my own.

I am headed a different direction than before.

Many Bible passages turn out to need only a simple understanding of who is being spoken to and which way they are headed in life’s journey.

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Please be seated.

February 10, 2016 by Fritz

Chair

Of all the items Moses was instructed to make and place in God’s temple, one was notably missing.  There were tables and candlesticks, altars and basins, etc. but nowhere was there a chair.

This suggests the Old Testament sacrifices were never finished.  Each year, each month, each day, and throughout the day another sacrifice was required, another sin needed atoning.  The priests were never allowed to sit.

But Jesus brought a new priesthood.  When he offered himself, the work was finished and he sat down.

“Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices and never makes a dent in the sin problem.  Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it!  Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.” – Hebrews 10:11-14 (Message)

We don’t need a constant reminder of our sins, Jesus on the cross took our sins away and we can rest in him as if they were never there in the first place.

How would things be different if you believed Jesus really did remove all your sins forever?

Andrew Farley asks it this way,

“What position are you in with regards to your sins?  Are you standing up, running around, and trying to make up for them?  Attempting to get forgiven, to get cleansed?  Or are you seated with Jesus in a relaxed position?  Do you realize that your Savior has taken them away once all?” – The Naked Gospel, page 145

 

 

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A Shared Joy

April 10, 2014 by Fritz

DadAndSonWhat father hasn’t tried to share a joy with his son?

A sunrise, a field of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes, a particularly tasty treat – we share not because we are lonely, crave gratitude, or need the affirmation, but because we enjoy bringing a wonderful discovery to someone we cherish.  When their eyes light up and they smile with delight – Wow!  Our attempts are not always received, but when they are there is something lovely about a shared joy.

Our heavenly Father created not because he was lonely, craved gratitude, or needed affirmation, but to share his great love for his eternal Son.  By the Holy Spirit he attempts to make his Son known and loved.  That wonderful Son we know as Jesus volunteered to do what was needed to remove all obstacles to sharing that joy and by the Holy Spirit attempts to share with us what he loves about his eternal Father.

His attempts are not always received, but when they are there is something lovely about a shared joy.

These things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves…Father, ….I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” – John 17

-fritz

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