BRIEF
This is a discussion of how to live a better life through improved spirituality. It reviews Jesus teachings on faith, hope, charity-love and other topics from the New Testament of the Bible. Jesus spiritual but not religious views are discussed to understand: the spiritual problem of modern man, self-improvement and life changes, personal relationships, and spirituality in connection with material artifacts. Please read on to expand your mind - spirituality and enjoy a better life with Jesus by seeing your self through Jesus' eyes.
During class, a history teacher said, If God did not exist; man would have to create Him. Early people needed to explain things they did not understand. They created gods to fill this need. Belief in these gods developed into religions with rituals and rules to help people define a good person and the rewards a good person can expect. Science has explained many of the natural events religions were created to explain, but science has not addressed the spiritual aspects of life. For some people, religion and science do not answer their needs.
One of the greatest obstacles to
For the religious person, the reward for following a religion is a good life after death. This reward is of little value to the spiritual person whose concern is coping with this life. In Mark 12, a group of church leaders who did not believe in life after death questioned Jesus about resurrection after death. Jesus answered, He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: Also see: Matthew 22 and Luke 20. In Luke 17, When church leaders asked Jesus, when the kingdom of God should come Jesus answered, the kingdom of God is within you. God is in each of us and he is there for us now.
There are three things to consider: the sprit, the flesh
and life after death. Jesus speaks of the difference of the sprit and the flesh
in John 3, That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. In John 4 he speaks of
our
In Matthew 11 Jesus said, learn of me; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Each of us must understand God for ourselves. This understanding is developed by learning about our own spiritual existence. Through the teachings of Jesus ( learn of me; ), we know how to develop our spiritual self ( the kingdom of God ). With this knowledge, we can fulfill our spiritual needs ( find rest unto your souls.).We will then live a better life and enjoy inner peace. Inner peace and a better life are the goals of the spiritual person.
In this discussion, the words of Jesus, as stated in the
King James Version of the Bible, are red. Other
quotes are black, and the words of this
author are in blue. Biblical quotes were copied and pasted electronically into
this document to eliminate the possibility of altering the quotes. Versions of
the bible written in
Please do not use any part of this discussion to harm another person or for financial gain.
RELIGION
Any religion or church needs to answer peoples spiritual needs and help society. They should help people understand how to live a better spiritual life without placing burdens on people by creating rules, financial responsibilities and rituals that make life more difficult.
The role of church leaders is to help people understand their spiritual existence. The beliefs, rituals and traditions of religions are of the physical world. We should be careful of church leaders, politicians or other people that want us to place their practices and beliefs above the teachings of Jesus. Those entrusted with leadership should humbly serve others without a desire to increase their power or social status.
In Matthew 23 Jesus said, woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: The church leaders placed difficulties on people that hindered peoples spiritual development.
Luke 11: When a church leader asked Jesus to dine with him, he was surprised that Jesus did not wash before he ate. Jesus responded by saying, ye make clean the outside but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens.
Mark 8: Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. Also see Luke 12. We should not let religious or political leaders obstruct our spiritual development.
Todays religions often place emphasis on the number of people that practice the religion and the amount of money the church controls. These are sources of earthly power. The Church that does not serve people, unselfishly, will loose its power. This loss of power is evident in todays world by the number of people that do not understand that the intent of Jesus teachings is to provide a map to a better life in this world rather than a basis for a religion.
A religion or church should not exist to earn a profit. We give money to churches and governments, but many people suffer and die without knowing the help Jesus can give to ease their lives.
It is ironic that we celebrate, Christmas, the birth of Jesus who criticized people that made a profit from religion, by giving excessive amounts of money to those who make a profit from selling merchandise to celebrate his memory. The birth of Jesus is a spiritual event not an opportunity to gain profit.
Mark 11: When Jesus went to the temple at Jerusalem, he chased the merchants out
and turned over the
John 2: For the Jewish holy day known as Passover Jesus went to the temple at Jerusalem where he, found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money he drove them all out of the temple And said make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. Also see, Matthew 21 and Luke 19. The temple or church is not a place to earn money.
Jesus placed God, himself and those who believe in Him above the laws of the church. From the following passages, it is clear that Jesus put the needs of people above the laws and rituals of the church.
Matthew 12: in this place is one greater than the temple. People are more important than a religious practices.
Mark 2: The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: Also see Luke 6. People are more important than the rules established by religions.
Jesus does not condemn anyone for not being part of a certain group as long as that person does nothing against his teachings. We do not need to belong to a church or group to enjoy the rewards of living as Jesus taught.
In Matthew 18: Jesus said
where two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of them. Some
people feel this
In Luke 9, Jesus was told a man that was not one of Jesus group was healing people in Jesus name. Jesus answered Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. Also see, Mark 9. Jesus recognizes the value of everyones efforts to help people as long as they do nothing to block the spiritual growth of others.
TEACHINGS OF JESUS
Guilt, fear, greed, hate and
so forth can
Jesus teaches:
1. Love God.
2. Love your neighbor.
3. Love your enemies.
4. Do not kill or injure anyone.
5. Stay true to the mate God has joined to you.
6. If you have wronged a person, repair that wrong.
7. Forgive those who wrong you.
8. When you speak, speak truly and simply.
Jesus message has been summarized into three simple points: Faith, Hope and Charity (compassion for other people).
Is it easier to believe that God created the universe,
or that the universe is the result of some accident? If it was an accident, what
If our lives are lacking, we should turn to Jesus teachings. Through these teachings, we know that the important things in life are: Faith, Hope and Charity. We also know we are free from guilt, fear and worry about the physical troubles we face. We will have inner peace and our lives will improve.
FAITH
People often want proof God exists. The existence of the universe and life should be enough proof that God exists. We must have faith that God is real and that he will give us what we need just as a child has faith in those who care for it.
We are not to fear the dangers of this world. Instead, we must have faith we have the strength to endure the hardship. All we have to do is believe and pray for help.
Mark 8: Why doth this generation seek after a sign? There shall no sign be given unto this generation. Also see: Matthew 12, Matthew 16 and Luke 11. Those who cannot accept God based on faith will not be given any proof of Gods existence.
Luke 18: Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Also see: Matthew 18, Matthew 19, Mark 9 and Mark 10. If we cannot accept God with the faith of a child, we will not be able to accept Jesus message and the spiritual help it offers.
Matthew 21: If ye have faith, and doubt not whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Also see, Luke 17.
In Matthew 6 and Luke 11, Jesus taught the prayer that is the basis for what we know as the Lords Prayer. This prayer includes the statement thy will be done If we have faith in Gods Will, we know God has a plan and He will give us what we need to fulfill that plan.
The depth of Jesus faith is shown in his prayers just before he was arrested. In Luke 22, Jesus said, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Also see Matthew 26 and Mark 14. The human side of Jesus did not want to die a horrible death by crucifixion, but spiritually he was willing to accept what God wanted.
Many Bible passages tell of the power of faith. Some of them are:
Luke 9: When Jesus sent his twelve closest followers to teach and heal the sick, he told them to Take nothing for your journey They were to have faith that God would provide the things they needed. Their journeys were successful. Also see: Matthew 10 and Mark 6
A Roman officer sent for Jesus to heal the officers servant. This officer did not believe he was worthy to ask for Jesus help, but he had faith Jesus could heal his servant. In Luke 7, When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and said I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Also see Matthew 8. The officer who was not part of Jesus group had more faith in Jesus than the Jews who claimed to believe in God. Jesus healed the servant.
Luke 7: When a sinful woman washed Jesus feet, a Jewish leader asked why Jesus would allow a sinner to touch him. Jesus responded, I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: Jesus then said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. The Jewish leader would not lower himself to honor Jesus or make him comfortable. Jesus reprimanded him. However, a woman that was an outcast showed respect to Jesus and received praise and forgiveness for her faith.
See Luke 5, 8, 17 and 18, Mark
2, 5, and 9, Matthew 9, 15 and 17 for other examples where Jesus helped people
be
HOPE
Many Bible passages describe the hope Jesus offers. Some of them are:
John 16: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 10: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Matthew 11: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
John 17: I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
John 8: I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Luke 19: the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 9: the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
John 4: whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 7: If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Luke 24: I send the promise of my Father upon you:
Matthew 28: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
With these quotes, we see that Jesus and his teachings provide us with hope. We are not alone. As we strengthen our spiritual self, we are better able to face the challenges of the physical world and help others.
How do we receive the promises of Jesus?
We must first learn what
Jesus promised and what He promised is available to us. For most of us, we
learn about the promises from others. Jesus told his followers to spread his
message throughout the world. Some people believe this
John 5: He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,
Mark 15: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
What is baptism? Is it a physical dipping with water or a spiritual event? In Luke 3, John the Baptist said, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: In John 3 Jesus said, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. In John 4 Jesus refers to His message as water, whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him Physical baptism with water is a symbolic action that shows belief in God. Through the teachings of Jesus, we receive a spiritual baptism (with the Holy Ghost and with fire and with the water that I shall give ). The spiritual baptism, not the symbolic baptism, opens us to the better life Jesus taught.
The Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, is one part of the Trinity: God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost (or Father, Son and Holy Ghost). The Holy Ghost will come to those who truly want to follow Jesus, and will show them Jesus teachings and the way to inner peace that cannot be taken away ( everlasting life ). All we have to do is believe and ask for guidance in Jesus name, and we will be shown how to live as Jesus taught.
John 14: If a man love me, he will keep my words: the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. peace I give unto you: Also see: John 15 and 16.
When the Holy Ghost wants us to do something, we know what to do. We will feel that it is the right thing, and we are at peace even when things do not happen exactly as we think they should. If we do not do what we feel is right, our lives may become difficult. No matter what we do, nothing works. We must believe that God will give us what we need to do to live as Jesus taught and fulfill Gods Plan.
Jesus promised new power to
those with faith. They would have the power to over come evil
cast
out devils
The statement
speak with new tongues
has been taken to
Although we face troubles in the world, Jesus teachings will help our spiritual selves endure the physical hardships. Through Jesus teachings, we will receive comfort. Our lives improve and become more fruitful. Joy and inner peace are given to us. All we have to do is ask in Jesus name and believe.
Jesus tells us that those who place too much value on the things of this world will have difficulty accepting His message. We must accept the kingdom of God on a spiritual level. We have Jesus message to show us how to develop ourselves spiritually.
John 6: Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you
John 3: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned
John 6: my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 13: Thomas, one of Jesus closest followers asked, how can we know the way? Jesus answered, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Mark 10: Another follower asked, Who then can be saved? Jesus answered, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
John 14: Philip, another of Jesus closest followers said, Lord, shew us the Father Jesus answered, he that hath seen me hath seen the Father If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. I will not leave you comfortless He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 14: Another follower asked, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, Jesus answered, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. peace I give unto you: Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Also see: John 15 and 16.
John 5: He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life
Luke 11: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. If ye know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Also see, Matthew 7.
To receive the promises of Jesus, all we have to do is ask to be given His promises and believe God will give them to us. Following Jesus teachings will give us rewards greater than the physical things of the world. We must then live our lives as Jesus taught and become examples others wish to copy.
We must understand that what we think we need may not be what we really need. Janis Joplin sang, Lord wont you buy me a Mercedes Benz. Did Janis need the Mercedes Benz to complete her part of Gods Plan? God gave her a powerful voice and recognition in this world, but she died young, alone and, reportedly, unhappy. If she had asked for Faith and Hope instead of the Mercedes Benz, maybe she would not have needed the drugs and alcohol that killed her. God knows what you need. Therefore, elaborate prayers asking for more than what you need are not necessary.
Jesus taught the following prayer:
Matthew 6: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Also see, Luke 11
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. This recognizes and honors God.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. This shows we want to develop spiritually and accept Gods Will.
Give us this day our daily bread. This asks that we be given the things we need.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Here, debt is not related to physical things such as money. Debts are wrongs against God and people.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: This asks that we not be tempted to do anything against God or any person, and that we be protected from the harm others may do to us.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. The closing states our belief in Gods Will and the strength of that Will.
A simple prayer such as this asks for all that we really need.
In John 9, Jesus was asked whether a man who was blind from birth had sinned or was his blindness due to his parents sins, Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. Each of us has hardships to overcome. These hardships serve Gods purpose just as the good things we enjoy. The hardships rather than the good things challenge us and make us better and stronger. If everything is good, there is little reason to improve. Only hardships force change. The bad things that happen makes us spiritually stronger, and makes us better able to fulfill our part in Gods plan. How we respond to the bad things either makes us examples for others to follow or obstacles to the spiritual growth of others as well as our own spiritual growth.
CHARITY
Charity is showing compassion
to all people, helping people and forgiving those that have wronged us without
expecting repayment. Charity is the most important part of Jesus message. While
Faith is primarily related to the power of God, and Hope is, at least partially,
concerned with the individual, Charity is directed toward other people. Life
gains
John 15: This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Luke 6: Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, hoping for nothing Be merciful, Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you;
How do we practice charity?
Jesus wants us to take care of each other. We should humbly help others, especially those that cannot help themselves, without expecting repayment. This help may be physical or spiritual.
Luke 14: when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee:
Mark 9: If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. Jesus placed a child among his closest followers and said, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. Also see, Luke 9.
John 21: Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep.
Luke 22: when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
We should not condemn others or be concerned about their imperfections. Instead, we must be concerned about our imperfections and try to improve them. Only then will we be able to help others improve.
Matthew 7: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Luke 6: why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
If someone does a wrong to us, we should tell them we are offended. If they are sorry, we should forgive them. If we do not forgive, we cannot expect forgiveness.
Luke 17: Jesus said, If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Matthew 18: One of Jesus closest followers asked, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Jesus answered, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven
Mark 11: And when ye stand praying, forgive that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
The Bible tells many examples of Jesus charity. Some of them are:
John 8: Jewish leaders brought an adulterous woman to Jesus for judgment. They said, the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? Jesus answered them by saying, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. All of the people that accused the woman left. When they were alone Jesus said to the woman, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
When the Jews came to arrest Jesus, one of his closest followers drew a sword and cut off the ear of one of the men in the arresting party. Jesus healed the wounded man. He showed compassion for one of the men that came to capture him.
Luke 22: And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Also see John 18.
If Jesus could forgive the people that were taking him to his death, can we not forgive those that do wrong to us?
A BETTER LIFE
In the novel Eye of the Needle by Summerset Maugham, the main character gives up his comfortable life to spend years trying to understand the presence of evil in the world. He eventually came to understand that who we are and how we live are more important than what we have and what we fear in the world. This lesson is an important part of Jesus teachings.
What do we need to do to live as Jesus taught?
In Luke 10, two sisters, Martha and Mary, invited Jesus into their house. Martha took care of the guests needs, but Mary sat near Jesus listening to his message. When Martha complained about having to do all the work, Jesus answered, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Marthas concern was the physical needs of the world but Mary placed the message of Jesus before the concerns of the world. The physical things of the world can pass away, but the peace of spiritual fulfillment is always available to us. We need to be concerned about the spiritual needs that good part.
Once we have accepted Jesus teachings, we are to place the new way of life above physical matters. We should humbly serve other people without expecting repayment.
Matthew 18: Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Matthew 20: whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Also see: Luke 18
If we place too much value on the things of this world, we may enjoy physical comforts, but we will loose the spiritual rewards Jesus offers. Jesus understood that not all people could totally reject physical things or be perfect. He was here to show us how to improve our lives. The measure of our success is how well we follow Jesus teachings. All our imperfections are forgiven except showing disrespect for the Holy Spirit.
The important treasure is the life we live. Do not be concerned about the physical things such as money, clothes, food or drink. Do not worry about what tomorrow may bring. We must have faith God will provide what we need and concentrate on living in such a way as to be accounted worthy when our lives are compared to the way of life Jesus taught ( to stand before the Son of man )
Luke 21: take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with cares of this life pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to stand before the Son of man.
Matthew 6: take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought of itself. Also see: Luke 12.
Mark 8: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Also see: Matthew 10, Luke 9 and John 12.
Matthew 19: If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mark 12: A group of church and political leaders asked Jesus if it was wrong to pay taxes to Rome. Jesus answered, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. Also see: Luke 20. Caesar controlled the physical, but God is concerned with the spiritual.
We are not rewarded by how much we contribute, but by what we contribute when considered against what we have. Giving money is not the only way to be charitable. A good deed is charitable as is giving time to help those in need. When we give more than we can afford we are showing how much faith we have that God will provide what we need.
Mark 12: While Jesus watched people donating money to the poor and the church, he saw many rich people donate great sums of money and one poor widow donate a small amount. He said to his followers, this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Also see Luke 21.
It is important to be good on the inside rather than appearing to be good on the outside. We should not show off our wealth and importance. We should not try to dominate others, but humbly serve them. We should not do good deeds (alms) to impress other people. The satisfaction of a good deed should be the benefit of that deed.
Mark 12: Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
Matthew 6: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen
We must go beyond what is expected of us to serve God and other people. We are to improve ourselves even through hardships and sacrifices and be at peace with others.
Luke 17: when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Also see, Matthew 25.
Mark 9: For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
We should be careful of the people that would obstruct our attempts to live by these teachings and cause no harm to others.
Matthew 10: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Those who follow the teachings of Jesus will be like a man who builds his house on a solid foundation. The strong spiritual foundation gives us the strength to face any hardship.
Luke 6: Whosoever heareth my sayings, and doeth them, is like a man which built an house, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood beat upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. Also see: Matthew 7.
We should live in a way that shows people how Jesus teachings have benefited us. Nelson Mandela said, as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear our presence automatically liberates others. By following the lessons of Jesus we are liberated from fear and guilt. We will become better people. Others will notice this change, and wish to improve their lives and enjoy the peace we are experiencing.
Luke 6: A good man bringeth forth that which is good;
Matthew 5: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
John 7: My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me he that seeketh his glory no unrighteousness is in him.
Matthew 28: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
What are the obstacles to living as Jesus taught?
Jesus warns against trusting in the physical things of the world and believing in people who falsely make claims in His name.
Mark 10: how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! Also see: Matthew 19 and Luke18.
Mark 13: Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, Also see: Matthew 24 and Luke 21.
What about Divorce?
This is a difficult issue. In
todays world, divorce is common. What if our previous spouse was not Gods
choice for us? Previous marriages may have been due to immaturity, family or
peer pressure, physical desire or many other earthly things. Does God join those
partners together? When God joins a man and woman, they support each other
spiritually, the
Matthew 19: a man shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh? What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. Also see, Mark 10 and Luke 16.
What happens to us when we die?
In Matthew 22 when the religious leaders asked about conditions after the resurrection of the dead, Jesus answered, God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Jesus was here to help us live a better life. Whether we believe in life after death or not, we can have a better life and inner peace today.
Practicing Faith, Hope and Charity will do us no harm when we are judged against Jesus teachings.
John 12: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
CONCLUSION
Jesus taught: love God, love your neighbor, love your enemies, do not kill or injure anyone, stay true to the mate God has joined to you, if you have wronged a person, repair that wrong, forgive those who wrong you and when you speak, speak truly and simply.
These points keep us focused on what is significant in life: Faith, Hope and most importantly Charity. By using these teachings as a guide, we will live a better life. Our improved life makes us an example to others.
To those concerned with the
religious aspects of Jesus, the kingdom of God
Science tries to understand and define the physical world. Science has eliminated many of our earthly fears, but it has not replaced Faith when it comes to the kingdom of God.
To live a better life, we must improve our inner self, the Spirit, through Faith, Hope and Charity. Those who practice the teachings of Jesus enjoy an inner peace and live a better life.
As to death and life after death, we can cross that bridge when we get there. However, the crossing will be easier if we have lived as Jesus taught.
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