Originally Posted by CarlsenHighway
Originally Posted by TF49
Originally Posted by CarlsenHighway
One can love god, and our neighbours as ourselves, but the gospels tell me there is more required than that. I don't believe there is a lite version of Christianity where we can disregard what Christ said in the gospels.



Yes, but note that if we get firm in our “followance” of the first two, then we will follow God, obey his commands and life life as He directs us in a manner more fruitful and pleasing to Him.

Remember, God does not need our work or service or money or anything from us.....to accomplish His will on earth. Seems that what He wants from us first and foremost,is that intimate relationship with Him. Our works at service then follow on as we please the God who loves us and who reveals Himself to us.



What I have ben thinking through is that what you have described is too simplistic, when put up against what Jesus actually said in the gospels, to give one example, about giving away everything and following him, such as what he told the rich man, or saying that it would be easier to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy man to enter heaven.
Further related to material wealth : If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to go with two hands into hell, where the fire never goes out.
And then from ( I think Mathew) "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."

My first post above comes across as categorically glib, or tending towards dismissive sarcasm, this is not my intention, for I think this is a point of concern for a Christian person.


Ok, I would not debate your view on this. Each is called to lead a different life and do different things.

I see allegory in much of what Jesus taught. For example, we would think that it is impossible for a rich man to go through the eye of a needle. Does that mean a rich man cannot enter heaven? Probably not. What it might indicate is that a man who trusts in his own wealth and not God’s mercy will not seek Him and therefore miss out.

The cutting off of the hand seems to be hyperbole for the purpose of indicating how serious sin is in God’s sight and a warning for us to correctly deal with the sin in our own lives.



Last edited by TF49; 07/01/19.
The tax collector said: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus said he went home “justified.”