When the Lord Says As or Like ~ Message 47

   This message considers how Jesus taught so that everyone would be able to understand.

  From the cradle to the grave we never stop learning.   No matter how much we are taught we can always learn more about how to do what we do.  The problem is in knowing that what we learn is the right.  The three most reliable sources to learn from, moving from worst to best are as follows.  First is from the mistakes of others.  Second and longer remembered are our own mistakes.  Last of all and the very best is from an infallible source that has never failed.  The obvious and only source for this is God who has never failed.  The problem here is interpreting the information, which is left in many cases to the student to learn from the Spirit of God, but that takes faith which is harder so most choose the easy way out and follow others advice, which is more about who they like or trust.  Learning from the scripture has a learning curve but God is patient and a great teacher.  For those who start seeking for the truth God will respond but he doesn’t compete for our attention.

  The bible is not a text book to read front to back and pass a test.  Sadly there many, many true believers that have never read it through even once because it’s easier to pay a preacher to study it and then tell them what they should do.  The trouble is there won’t be a Joint Trial for groups it will be one at a time; “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

  To add to the urgency, the results of the judgment will have eternal consequences or rewards. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment,” Matthew 12:36.  These verses are not meant to scare us; they are to inform us of the importance of our actions. 

  God has provided us with the Bible, Pastors, Teachers, Brothers, Sisters and his Comforter not only to teach us but provide leadership to follow.  He also is the official interpreter of the Bible.  The Spirit is also the most reliable resource he gave us. He not only teaches and guides but also keeps us from being deceived.  Our part is learning to listen to his instructions.

  Some of the easiest scripture to understand is where Jesus uses as or like in the text.  Because it builds on our previous knowledge so we don’t miss what he is saying to us.  

 Salient Points: The Mighty God, Martha-Martha, God’s three trips to Earth, The Second Coming in the Old Testament, Coincidence or God, Standing a watch, Four watches of the Church age, Stay awake, Receiving Jesus, Stay curious, Sharing God’s creation, Repetition-Similarities-Contrasts, When we are blessed, As or Like, Eternal life, Pearl of great price, Why a suffering creation, Breathing God’s air, God’s amazing variety, Built with no straight lines, Why a Church age.     

Scripture: Mt. 24:42-43, Mark 13:32-37, 2Ptr. 2:22

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