Mar 282014
 

God’s View of Birthday Celebration.

Birthdays and Holidays.

There is no where in the Bible where celebration of ones date of birth becomes a sin. The fact that two pagan Kings killed people on their own birthday in the Bible does not mean that you will also kill people on your own birthday. Is it reasonable to forbid weeding ceremony because two persons kill people on a weeding day? Not at all. For we are not to judge our fellows humans on what they consider important to them. There are many faithful servants of God who had good times and had a big feast on their own days(Birthdays) Let us consider the followings:

The angels celebrated the birth of Jesus.

The Bible presents life as a gift to be celebrated and for which to be thankful. The Bible said, “But the angel said to them: “Have no fear, for, look! I am declaring to YOU good news of a great joy that all the people will have, because there was born to YOU today a Savior, who is Christ [the] Lord, in David’s city. And this is a sign for YOU: YOU will find an infant bound in cloth bands and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there came to be with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: “Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill.” On seeing the star they rejoiced very much indeed. 11 And when they went into the house they saw the young child with Mary its mother, and, falling down, they did obeisance to it.

They also opened their treasures and presented it with gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ( Matthew 2:10, Luke 2:10-14)

Abraham Celebrated Isaac Birthday.
Now the child kept growing and came to be weaned; and Abraham then prepared a big feast on the day of Isaac’s being weaned. (Genesis 21:4,8)

Job Children Celebrated their Birthday.
Job, an “upright and blameless man” celebrated with his children, in what was possibly their birthday celebration.

“And his sons went and held a banquet at the house of each one on his own day; and they sent and invited their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And it would occur that when the banquet days had gone round the circuit, Job would send and sanctify them; …”(Job 1:4,5)

God does not object to commemoration, with a number of yearly festivals, memorials, and celebrations in the Jewish calendar.

Paul tells us, “… where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.” and condemns those that are judgmental, rather than those that celebrate a particular day special. (2 Cor 3:17),

“One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. … But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God…?”(Romans 14:5,6, 10)

Jesus Said,
“Truly I say to YOU men, Whatever things YOU may bind on earth will be things bound in heaven, and whatever things YOU may loose on earth will be things loosed in heaven. Again I truly say to YOU, If two of YOU on earth agree concerning anything of importance that they should request, it will take place for them due to my Father in heaven. For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.”(Mathew 18:18-19)

Since all believers think that December 25, is acceptable day to honor and celebrate our Lord birthday one will not commit a sin for doing so.

ChristMas
The annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus: celebrated on December 25 and now generally observed as a legal holiday and an occasion for exchanging gifts.

Week Days

From Monday to Sunday each of these days were used to worship idols and false Gods before Jesus Christ mediated the New Covenant and reconciled all humans to the only one true God. Those days are now been used to worship our God. Glory be to Jesus, to our God and to the Holy Spirit.(The Tri-Unity)

“There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving”, and birthdays afford the opportunity to appreciate the joy of giving”.(Acts 20:35)

Mar 272014
 

What Jesus Witness Believe. Since Jehovah God bears witness to Jesus, the Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus, the Angels bears witness to Jesus, the prophets bears witness to Jesus and the early Christians bear witness to Jesus. We too should bear witness to Jesus, based on the following scriptures. ( John 8:18, 1John 5:9-11 , Matthew 3:17) (John 15: 26-27, John 16:12-14) (Revelation 19:10, Revelation 22:16)(Acts 1:8 , Act 2:32 , Act 3: 15, Act 4: 33, I Corinthian 15:1-10) Jesus Witnesses Ministries. We rely on Holy Spirit to teach us the Bible truth and that The Scriptures are sufficient to assist us to come to Jesus for salvation.(John 14:26, 2 Timothy 3:15-17) We believed that Jesus is the truth, the Way and Life John 14:6 . Any human Or organization that claim to be the truth is false Christ. Our Preaching is bases on God’s Spirit and Power “And I came to YOU in weakness and in fear and with much trembling; 4 and my speech and what I preached were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of spirit and power, 5 that YOUR faith might be, not in men’s wisdom, but in God’s power.(1 Corinthian 2:3-5, 4:20, Act 1:8) We believed that spiritual gifts is very portent today until the Lords work is fully accomplished. “Therefore, if YOU, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to YOUR children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”( Luke 11:13, John 20:22, 1 Corinthian 12:1-30. 14:1-2 )(Mark 16:15-18) We believed that all Christians should obey Jesus command to partake his symbolic flesh and blood if they want life after self-scrutiny.(John 6:41-57, 1 Corinthian 11-23-27) We believed that it not the business of any Christian to classify people into Heaven or into paradise earth. That Is God’s own business and jurisdiction(Mark 10:40, Act 1:7, John 1:12 , 1 John 5:1,18-19 ) We believed that our salvation is not based on our own righteousness or based on our own work but based on Jesus grace and favor(Ephesians 2:8-9). We believed in personal relationship with Jesus, our father and the Holy Spirit. Our preaching goal is to direct people to Jesus for Salvation. We believed that the Bible is sufficient to help us to become completely equip for every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-17. 1 John 2:27 John 14:26 ) We invite people to come to Jesus for salvation ( Matthew 11:28-30 John 14:6) We encourage our members to be highly educated because it will assist them to fully utilize their talents and serve God better. We love people unconditionally and we do not practice disfellowshipping and shunning of members. We believe that Jesus is the appointed judge of both the living and the dead. (Matthew 7:1-5 John 5:22. 2 Timothy 4:1 ) Person is counseled with love, grace and humility but never completely isolated from friends and family, and he is still considered a “brother” in the faith (2 Thessalonians 3:15, James 5:13-16) Life Change: = Empowered through the indwelling Holy Spirit who changes heart motivations and strengthens believers to overcome sin and destructive behaviors (Ephesians 1:11-14; Romans 8:1-2, 4-5, 11-17; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Psalm 103:10, 12; Micah 7:18-19). Under the New Covenant given to Christians, and through the blood atonement of Jesus Christ, humans are now able to move from the legalistic standards of “religion” to a personal “relationship” with God, by being “adopted” sons and daughters of God out of Satan’s family and the condemnation of death due to sin.(Hebrew 8:7-13; 12:24)(John 1:12, Galatians 4:4-7). Because no man can keep God’s laws perfectly enough to merit eternal life, animal sacrifices were performed on an on-going bases under the Old Covenant to atone for mankind’s sin and disobedience because, “without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). This was where Jesus Christ stepped in to become the ultimate blood sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity. 1 Peter 2:24 explains: Any member can attend any church without penalty and whoever proclaim that Jesus is Lord is our fellow Christian workers (I Corinthian 12:3, Mark 9:38). HOLY SPIRIT and POWER Faith based Work alone at the direction of Holy Spirit and Power Method of spreading the Good-news is based on available technology, such as, emails, text messages, social media, mass media and public crusades, including house to house evangelism.(1 Corinthian 2:4-5, 4:20, Act 8:1, Ephesians 2:8-12) Jesus Witness Ministries God’s favor: = Freely granted to those who personally accept the forgiveness offered in Christ’s blood (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10; Romans 4:4-5; 8:1-2; 6:23; 11:6). Rules : = A means of expressing gratitude for God’s unconditional forgiveness (1 John 4:19; John 14:15). Relationship Personal “relationship” with God is far different from a “religion” that tries to earn God’s approval through human efforts. Operating under the “religion” of the Old Covenant given to the Israelites in the Hebrew Old Testament Scriptures, the Jews constantly struggled to try to be worthy enough for God’s forgiveness by obeying 613 commandments given to Moses (including the 10 Commandments that encompass the heart of the Law). No matter how hard the Jews tried to be righteous, they always fell short of fulfilling the Law requirements perfectly. This is why Jesus told the followers of His day: “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. …Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”—Matthew 5:20, 48 1. Jesus Witness Ministries Salvation: Forever guaranteed to those who have been bought by the blood of Christ, whose sacrificial death was “sufficient” to cover “all” wrongs forever( Ephesians 2:8-9)(2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 1:9, Roman 8:1-2) MARRY ONLY IN THE LORD Our members are free to marry anyone who is a believer in Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior regardless of the name of their religion. We do not use cultish interpretation of the Bible by applying the counsel to a particular sect because Marry only in The Lord is not Mary only in the Religion. “Everyone believing that Jesus is the Christ has been born from God, and everyone who loves the one that caused to be born loves him who has been born from that one.”(1 John 5:1, 1 Corinthian 12:3, NWT)( 1 Corinthian 7:39) Birthdays and Holidays We believe that faithful men of old had good times including celebration of birthday and feast. For examples, Abraham had a big feast for Isaac when weaned(turned 3 years old) and Job children had parties on their own days. Furthermore, we are to rejoice with those rejoice and weep with those who weep, our Lord said. We believe that each day of the week was used in ancient time to worship false gods. We rejoice to know that today that same days of the week, Months and Year are now been used to serve the True God and our Lord Jesus Christ. ( Genesis 21:4-8, Prayer & Fasting: Since Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and he stated that no one can perform miracle without fast and prayers we too have chosen Thursday as our fasting and prayer day.(Mathew 17 :14- 21 ,Mathew 4: 1-4 , Easter 4:12-21)(I Cort 12: 1-12 So, to have this personal “relationship” with God, all that you need to do is put your faith and trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and confess Him as Lord and Savior of your life (Romans 10:9), by “coming to” Jesus, asking Him to forgive you of your sins and to give you eternal life (John 5:39-40; 6:37, 39-40; 14:6; 1 John 1:9). In return, Jesus promises: “Come to me, all YOU who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh YOU. 29 Take my yoke upon YOU and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and YOU will find refreshment for YOUR souls. 30 For my yoke is kindly and my load is light“(Matthew 11:28-30). Are you “weary and heavy-laden”? Are you ready for “rest”? This is what a personal “relationship” with Jesus Christ is all about. You come to Him with your sin and guilt and He will give you forgiveness, a clear conscience and “rest” from your wearisome toil of endless human efforts of “filthy rags” of pride Exchange your “rags” of human “righteousness” for His worthiness, and you will be clothed with the righteousness of Christ(Romans 8:1)(Isaiah 64:6). “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”—2 Corinthians 5:21 Jesus Witness Ministries “As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but, as the anointing from him is teaching you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in union with him.” —1 John 2:27, New World Translation Think about it this way. If God is a loving God and He wants everyone to come to know His Truth so that they can be forgiven and receive eternal life, why would He made the Bible so difficult that it would take a religious expert to understand it? Doesn’t it make more sense that God, being the loving God that He is, would send His Holy Spirit to teach spiritual truth to those who are seeking Him? Consider what Jesus declared to His followers: “But YOU, do not YOU be called Rabbi, for one is YOUR teacher, whereas all YOU are brothers.” —Matthew 23:8, New World Translation “But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach YOU all things and bring back to YOUR minds all the things I told YOU.” —John 14:26, New World Translation “However, when that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide YOU into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, and he will declare to YOU the things coming.” —John 16:13, New World Translation Is Jesus The Mediator For All Mankind? Mediator for All mankind. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all—[this is] what is to be witnessed to at its own particular times. For the purpose of this witness I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—a teacher of nations in the matter of faith and truth”(I Timothy 2:5-7). “My little children, I am writing YOU these things that YOU may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s”(1 John 2:1-2). How many people did Jesus die for? Did he die for only the privilege Few? How many people did Jesus mediate for? Jesus is the Mediator of the New Covenant for who? “But now [Jesus] has obtained a more excellent public service, so that he is also the mediator of a correspondingly better covenant, which has been legally established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, no place would have been sought for a second; 8 for he does find fault with the people when he says: “‘Look! There are days coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘and I will conclude with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah a new covenant; not according to the covenant that I made with their forefathers in [the] day of my taking hold of their hand to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt, because they did not continue in my covenant, so that I stopped caring for them,’ says Jehovah.” For this is the covenant that I shall covenant with the house of Israel after those days,’ says Jehovah. ‘I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I shall write them. And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people. And they will by no means teach each one his fellow citizen and each one his brother, saying: “Know Jehovah!” For they will all know me, from [the] least one to [the] greatest one of them. 12 For I shall be merciful to their unrighteous deeds, and I shall by no means call their sins to mind anymore”(Hebrew 8: 6-11). What is difference between new covenant and the old convent? Where will God write the new covenants? So that is why he is a mediator of a new covenant, in order that, because a death has occurred for [their] release by ransom from the transgressions under the former covenant, the ones who have been called might receive the promise of the everlasting inheritance. 16 For where there is a covenant, the death of the [human] covenant needs to be furnished”.(Hebrew 9:15) Who is the mediator of the new covenants? What does the old or former covenants produce? 19 Why, then, the Law? It was added to make transgressions manifest, until the seed should arrive to whom the promise had been made; and it was transmitted through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now there is no mediator where only one person is concerned, but God is only one. 21 Is the Law, therefore, against the promises of God? May that never happen! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, righteousness would actually have been by means of law. 22 But the Scripture delivered up all things together to the custody of sin, that the promise resulting from faith toward Jesus Christ might be given to those exercising faith. (Galatia 3:19-22) What is the purpose of the law according to Galatia 3:19? Why is the old covenants not able to give everlasting life? Who were those under the new covenant? Tri-unity of God:TRINITY And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:26, 27 KJVA) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1, 2 NIV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. (Colossians 1:14-16, 18 KJVA) Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23, 24 NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:18, 19 NIV) He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7, 8 NIV) Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” (Mark 3:28, 29 NIV) And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22 NIV) When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:15-17 NIV) In summary the difference between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Jesus Witness Ministry is clear. Jesus Witness live by faith and grace and live under the new covenants written on believer’s hearts. Conversely, the Jehovah Witnesses live by work and self-righteousness and live under the law covenants written on the pages of Watchtower Publications. Compare (Hebrew 8:6-11 ; Galatia 9: 15; 1John 2:1-2; 1Timothy 2:5)

Mar 232014
 

Our journey began at Genesis through Exodus. On the way, we saw Leviticus recording the Numbers of people at Deuteronomy, while Joshua was waiting at the beautiful gate for Judges to see Ruth calling loudly “Samuel,Samuel”. At a stage, the, first and second Kings of Chronicles were coming to visit Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther for the misfortune of Job, their brother. Then they noticed that Mr. Psalms was teaching his children Proverbs concerning Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon. This coincided with the period that Isaiah and Jeremiah were engaged in Lamentation for Ezekiel and Daniel their friend. By that time, Amos and Obadiah were not around. Three days later, Hosea, Joel and Jonah traveled in the same ship with Micah and Nahum to Jerusalem . More also,Habakkuk visited Zephaniah who introduced him to Haggai a friend of Zechariah whose cousin is Malachi. Immediately after the old tradition, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John got involved in Acts with the Romans who were behaving like the Corinthians, who were also always at loggerhead with the Galatians. At that time too, the Ephesians realizing that the Philippians were close to the Colossians, suggested to the Thessalonians that they should first of all see Timothy who had gone to the house of Titus to teach Philemon his younger brother how to read and write Hebrew. On hearing, James asked Peter to explain to him how the three Johns have disclosed to Jude the Revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mar 052014
 

Is Jesus The Mediator Only for the Saints?

Jesus The Mediator for All mankind.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all—[this is] what is to be witnessed to at its own particular times. For the purpose of this witness I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—a teacher of nations in the matter of faith and truth”(I Timothy 2:5-7).

“My little children, I am writing YOU these things that YOU may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s”(1 John 2:1-2).

How do we know that Jesus die for all humans?

How many people did Jesus mediate for?

Jesus is the Mediator of the New Covenant.

“But now [Jesus] has obtained a more excellent public service, so that he is also the mediator of a correspondingly better covenant, which has been legally established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, no place would have been sought for a second; 8 for he does find fault with the people when he says: “‘Look! There are days coming,’ says Jehovah, ‘and I will conclude with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah a new covenant; not according to the covenant that I made with their forefathers in [the] day of my taking hold of their hand to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt, because they did not continue in my covenant, so that I stopped caring for them,’ says Jehovah.”
For this is the covenant that I shall covenant with the house of Israel after those days,’ says Jehovah. ‘I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I shall write them. And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people.
And they will by no means teach each one his fellow citizen and each one his brother, saying: “Know Jehovah!” For they will all know me, from [the] least one to [the] greatest one of them. 12 For I shall be merciful to their unrighteous deeds, and I shall by no means call their sins to mind anymore”(Hebrew 8: 6-11).

What is difference between new covenant and the old covenant?

Where will God write the new covenants?

So that is why he is a mediator of a new covenant, in order that, because a death has occurred for [their] release by ransom from the transgressions under the former covenant, the ones who have been called might receive the promise of the everlasting inheritance. 16 For where there is a covenant, the death of the [human] covenanter needs to be furnished”.(Hebrew 9:15)

Who is the mediator of the new covenants?

What does the old or former convenants produce?

What does the new covenants produce?

19 Why, then, the Law? It was added to make transgressions manifest, until the seed should arrive to whom the promise had been made; and it was transmitted through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now there is no mediator where only one person is concerned, but God is only one. 21 Is the Law, therefore, against the promises of God? May that never happen! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, righteousness would actually have been by means of law. 22 But the Scripture delivered up all things together to the custody of sin, that the promise resulting from faith toward Jesus Christ might be given to those exercising faith.
(Galatia 3:19-22)

What is the purpose of the law according to Galatia 3:19?

Why is the old convenants not able to give everlasting life?

Who were those under the new covenant?

The writer opinions:

The Bible does not leave us in doubt as to who was the mediator and for whom.
Humans always want to claim to be more important than others.

Jesus was and is the mediator for all mankind. He said, I came not to judge the world but to safe the world. He also said,”I came for the sinners and not for the righteous”. Therefore, anyone who thinks that Jesus is not the mediator for the whole world is eating from the table of false teachers(John 17:3, John 12:47, Mark 2:17).

All Christians should heed The warning in 1 John 4:1,6. Which says,”
Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world”.

References:

Unchristian Doctrines.

Jesus is not mediator to the Great Crowd of Jehovah’s Witnesses or for the rest of mankind.

“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.” Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace” pp.10-11

“Is Jesus the “mediator” only for anointed Christians? … So in this strict Biblical sense Jesus is the “mediator” only for anointed Christians.” Watchtower 1979 Apr 1 p.31

The above doctrine sound logical when comparing Jesus to Moses, when he was a mediator between the natural Jews. However, this doctrine contradict the Bible teaching that Jesus came to save the whole world of mankind. This is one the inspired expression of error(1 John 4:1, 6)

And the question is:
If Jesus is only mediator for the few thousand remaining remnant on earth, who is
mediator for the millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses that do not form part of the
144,000?

“The “great crowd” of “other sheep” that is forming today is not in that new covenant. However, by their associating with the “little flock” of those yet in that covenant they come under benefits that flow from that new covenant.” Watchtower 1979 Apr 1 p.31

“They recognize that they are not spiritual Israelites in the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, nor part of the “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”-1 Pet. 2:9. Yet they do benefit from the operation of the new covenant. They benefit from this just as, in ancient Israel, the “alien resident” benefited from residing in among the Israelites who were in the Law covenant.-Ex. 20:10; Lev. 19:10, 33, 34; Rev. 7:9-15. To keep in relationship with “our Savior, God,” the “great crowd” needs to remain united with the remnant of spiritual Israelites.” Watchtower 1979 Nov 15 p.27 Benefiting from “One Mediator Between God and Men”

Where is Jesus in that statement?

Most congregations no longer have any of the “little flock” to associate with and the reality for a Jehovah’s Witnesses is that salvation comes from following the Governing Body, the leaders of the Organization. Jesus role as mediator for the Anointed alone underpins the concept that following the directions of a “Faithful and Discreet Slave” is necessary for salvation. (JWFacts)

Mar 042014
 

Anger Management &
Dispute Resolutions, the Christ’s Way.

Today pressures and stress from economic hardship, sickness, crime, and relationship problems makes people to be overly aggressive to family members, to co-workers, and to their school mates. To some extends, it has led some people to result to school shootings, workplace violence and domestic violence. Several books has been written by experts in conflict resolution and in anger management. The efforts of these experts has not stop the increase in workplace violence, the school shootings and domestic violence. Why? Because it is natural for humans to want to revenge and to pay back evil with evil and the vicious cycle has no end.

However hope is not lost because our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is a master of conflict revolution and anger management. The following Scriptures will guide us on how to resolve dispute among our fellow humans and to live peacefully with all people.

In the Book of Matthew 18:15-18 Jesus made the following statements,

“If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other persons with you, so that ‘every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses,’ as the scripture says. And if he will not listen to them, then tell the whole thing to the church. Finally, if he will not listen to the church, treat him as though he were a pagan or a tax collector”(Matthew 18:15-17)

Q.

What are the steps to settle disagreement?

How can we apply this in our home?

Does this apply to criminal activities, like stealing, rape and violence crime?

How many of us agree that we should adopt Jesus Disputes resolution method by show of hands?

What is Murder according to Jesus?

“You have heard that people were told in the past, ‘Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.’
But now I tell you: whoever is angry with his brother will be brought to trial, whoever calls his brother ‘You good-for-nothing!’ will be brought before the Council, and whoever calls his brother a worthless fool will be in danger of going to the fire of hell.
So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.

What are some of the gifts we usually offer to God?

What does Jesus say we should do first before we offer gift to God?

Why is this important before we can offer prayers to God?

Why does Jesus liking been angry with your neighbour to Murder?

What should we do before we offer prayers and praises to God if we remember
Someone had offended us?

What can you do if someone Sue You?

“If someone brings a lawsuit against you and takes you to court, settle the dispute with him while there is time, before you get to court. Once you are there, he will hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to the police, and you will be put in jail. There you will stay, I tell you, until you pay the last penny of your fine. (Matthew 5:21-26 GNB)

What can you do if someone Sue You?

Godly Qualities of Forgiveness.

“Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering. 13 Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave YOU, so do YOU also. 14 But, besides all these things, [clothe yourselves with] love, for it is a perfect bond of union.( Colossians 3: 12-14)

What are some of the qualities that help us to forgive others?

What are the steps to settle disagreement?

How can we apply this in our work place, in our church and in the family members?

The Parable of Unforgiven Slaves.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven, because the Kingdom of heaven is like this.

Once there was a king who decided to check on his servants’ accounts. He had just begun to do so when one of them was brought in who owed him millions of pounds. The servant did not have enough to pay his debt, so the king ordered him to be sold as a slave, with his wife and his children and all that he had, in order to pay the debt. The servant fell on his knees before the king. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay you everything!’ The king felt sorry for him, so he forgave him the debt and let him go.

“Then the man went out and met one of his fellow-servants who owed him a few pounds. He grabbed him and started choking him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he said. His fellow-servant fell down and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back!’ But he refused; instead, he had him thrown into jail until he should pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very upset and went to the king and told him everything. So he called the servant in. ‘You worthless slave!’ he said. ‘I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to. You should have had mercy on your fellow-servant, just as I had mercy on you.’ The king was very angry, and he sent the servant to jail to be punished until he should pay back the whole amount.” And Jesus concluded, “That is how my Father in heaven will treat every one of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:15-17, 21-35 GNB)

What can we do to avoid the attitude of unforgiving slave?

How can we apply this to our marriage partners?

How can we apply this to co workers.

Benefits of forgiveness?

“If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done. (Matthew 6:14, 15 GNB)

Why should we forgive others their sins?

How can we apply this to our family members, Your Husband, Your Wife, your Children?

Love Your Enemies.

“But I tell you who hear me: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who ill-treat you. If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back.

Do for others just what you want them to do for you. “If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners do that! And if you lend only to those from whom you hope to get it back, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount!
No! Love your enemies and do good to them; lend and expect nothing back. You will then have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God.

What is the benefit of praying for your enemies?

How we apply this to our co-workers?

Do not Judge Others
For he is good to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you. Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands — all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.”

The parable of a Blind man.

And Jesus told them this parable: “One blind man cannot lead another one; if he does, both will fall into a ditch. No pupil is greater than his teacher; but every pupil, when he has completed his training, will be like his teacher.

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but pay no attention to the log in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Please, brother, let me take that speck out of your eye,’ yet cannot even see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Luke 6:27-42 GNB)

Why should we not judge others?

How to conquered The World.
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Messiah is a child of God; and whoever loves a father loves his child also. This is how we know that we love God’s children: it is by loving God and obeying his commands. For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:1-5 GNB)

How can we conquer the world?

“Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God’s anger do it. For the scripture says, “I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.” Instead, as the scripture says: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing this you will make them burn with shame.” Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good”.(Romans 12:18-21 GNB)

Who’s job is to revenge?

Why should we leave revenge to God?

In conclusion, The former President of South African, Nelson Mandela, said, and I quote “Grudges is a poison that you keep within yourself, hoping it will kill your enemies”. From the above we can only conquer and win our enemies by obeying our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by praying for our enemies to have a change of hearts. This seem to be very difficult for us as an imperfect humans but it works like miracle. Yahweh, our God said, “vengeance is mine and do not avenge yourself”. Therefore, Let us live vengeance and revenge to God. He will reward us with peace of mind now and everlasting life in the future. If you follow Jesus counsels and it did not work for you, tell me to stop following Jesus.

What did Former President of South Africa said, about grudge?

What disease can result from keeping grudges?

Heart diseases, High Blood Pressures, Cancers, hormonal skin disorders.

What are the benefits of not harbouring grudges?

This Article was Written By: The Jesus Witness Ministries corp.

References

The Goodness Bible
The Amplifier Bible
The New World Translation Bible