For Christians: If you lived in Jesus' time...

[M30USA]

If you saw Jesus in Galilee, walking around in an ordinary robe, sandals, and obviously appearing to be a normal person, what would YOU think about him?

 

It's so easy to have the advantage of Scripture telling us, outright, who he is. But people in his time didn't have that. If they were lucky, they might have known a scribe or religious leader who had the privelage of knowing the Scriptures--but even most of THOSE people didn't know who he was either!

 

How would you know who he is? Would you really believe he is God in human flesh? I mean just stop and think about that for a second: the person/being who literally created the universe...walking, breathing, and talking right in front of you. And even more unbelievable than that is how he didn't make a grand opera of himself, but just walked around humbly. I begin to think about this and I seriously get so overwhelmed that I feel like I wanna start going crazy and beating my chest, lol, just like the Rabbi leader did when Jesus told him who he was. This guy starts tearing off his robe and starts raging, lol. I mean, seriously, we have our dusty Bibles and we kind of lose the reality of what Jesus' physical appearance on earth means.

 

So, in all honesty, answer the question. Do you really think you would have correctly identified Jesus as God in human flesh?

 

My answer: I'm pretty sure I would NOT have (unless God opened my eyes to the fact).

[mercy]

I believe I would have been drawn to Him. I believe my connection to Him was known before I was born.

 

I see myself falling to my knees and worshiping Him.

[pie2]

I believe I would have been drawn to Him. I believe my connection to Him was known before I was born.

 

I see myself falling to my knees and worshiping Him.

 

Beautiul mercy! I admire this

 

Me on the other hand, I'm not so sure lol!

 

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected....Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:2-3)

[M30USA]

Good point, Pie2.

 

People actually thought Jesus was "cursed" by God. Others thought he was demon-possessed, especially when he did miracles and drove out spirits.

 

As far as I know there are only 2 people in all the Bible who knew EXACTLY who Jesus was immediately upon meeting him: John the Baptist, and the demon-possessed man named Legion in the cave. Everyone else, including the 12 disciples (with the exception of Peter shortly before the cruxifiction), didn't know who Jesus was until after he was resurrected and appeared to them.

 

This is another reason why I believe the Bible wasn't written by the mind of man. If man had written it, all the discriples would definitely have known who Jesus was.

[M30USA]

I believe I would have been drawn to Him. I believe my connection to Him was known before I was born.

 

I see myself falling to my knees and worshiping Him.

 

I guess this brings up a good point. There are two different ways to comprehend Jesus: with the heart (worship), and with the mind (understanding his identity).

 

I think it's very possible to have a heart open to Jesus and worship him, yet not fully comprehend his identity. On the flip side, it's possible to fully understand his identity, yet not have a heart open to him. Obviously we should have both.

[pie2]

And even more unbelievable than that is how he didn't make a grand opera of himself

 

Grand opera...can you imagine? The Opera on the Mount...free fish and bread for a limited time, if you purchase tickets now! You're cracking me up.

[M30USA]

Grand opera...can you imagine? The Opera on the Mount...free fish and bread for a limited time, if you purchase tickets now! You're cracking me up.

 

LOL, well, I guess the grand opera is coming when he returns. I guess since God is both mercy and judgement, he couldn't do both at the same time, so he had to "split it up" and come twice, lol.

[mercy]

LOL, well, I guess the grand opera is coming when he returns. I guess since God is both mercy and judgement, he couldn't do both at the same time, so he had to "split it up" and come twice, lol.

 

Surely you aren't saying that God is limited in what He can do.

 

Because I can talk and chew gum.

Edited November 2, 2012 by mercy

[mercy]

I really liked the first sentence.. but have a question in regards to the second.. would he have wanted that, he didn't seem like someone that wouldn't like that.... He always come off rather modest from the smalls amount ingrained in me.

 

 

It came from my heart thinking of standing before the Son of God. I can't imagine myself doing anything else. He has just been so good to me. My life is blessed.

[BetheButterfly]

It came from my heart thinking of standing before the Son of God. I can't imagine myself doing anything else. He has just been so good to me. My life is blessed.

 

Amen!!!

 

It enthralls me how Jesus fulfills the prophecies in the Tanakh concerning the "Son of God" - 2 Samuel 7:12-17, 1 Chronicles 17:11-15; Psalm 2; Psalm 89:20-29; Isaiah 9:6-7...

 

One thing I love about the Biblical accounts of Jesus is the history recorded... I love the testimony of Martha who confesses to Jesus who she believes he is!!!

 

John 11 (I boldened some.)

John 11 NIV - The Death of Lazarus - Now a man named - Bible Gateway

 

"21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

 

 

[BetheButterfly]

If you saw Jesus in Galilee, walking around in an ordinary robe, sandals, and obviously appearing to be a normal person, what would YOU think about him?

 

Cool thread!!!

 

I don't know. I imagine my life would be a lot different. For one thing, I wouldn't be writing on a forum right now.

 

It's so easy to have the advantage of Scripture telling us, outright, who he is.

 

Agreed.

 

But people in his time didn't have that.

 

True.

 

If they were lucky, they might have known a scribe or religious leader who had the privelage of knowing the Scriptures--but even most of THOSE people didn't know who he was either!

 

Well, those who were interested in being serious about their faith meditated (I would think) on the Tanakh, no? From what I understand, the boys memorized the Scriptures when they were young and parents made sure to teach their children the Scriptures. In the time of Israel being conquered by Rome, I don't think the law against apostasy in the Law of Moses was enforced. I do think that many Jewish people in Jesus' (Yeshua?) were faithful to the beliefs of their forefathers.

 

How would you know who he is?

 

Good question. I think Jesus answers it in John 6:35-66 and John 14.

 

John 14

John 14 NIV - Jesus Comforts His Disciples -

 

"22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

 

 

I really wish Jesus had shown himself to the whole world. Even though I accept these answers he gives, it makes me sad that others don't know him.

 

 

 

 

Would you really believe he is God in human flesh?

 

I think so, because of the miracles... I have personally never seen a person heal another like how Jesus did. Sure I understand that many people think those are myths, but I don't believe that. If time travel were possible (and who knows... maybe someday it will be!?) my time of choice to go back in time would be to observe Jesus!!!

 

I mean just stop and think about that for a second: the person/being who literally created the universe...walking, breathing, and talking right in front of you. And even more unbelievable than that is how he didn't make a grand opera of himself, but just walked around humbly. I begin to think about this and I seriously get so overwhelmed that I feel like I wanna start going crazy and beating my chest, lol, just like the Rabbi leader did when Jesus told him who he was. This guy starts tearing off his robe and starts raging, lol. I mean, seriously, we have our dusty Bibles and we kind of lose the reality of what Jesus' physical appearance on earth means.

 

Don't go crazy please. Enough people already think Christians or anybody who believes God exists = crazy.

So, in all honesty, answer the question. Do you really think you would have correctly identified Jesus as God in human flesh?

 

My answer: I'm pretty sure I would NOT have (unless God opened my eyes to the fact).

 

Agreed. I think God opens peoples' "eyes" when they seek Him. I know it sounds dorky, but I believe there is a "spiritualscope" like a microscope or a telescope, but one that sees what is not just physical.

 

I would so much love to go back in time to see Jesus!!! If I could right now, I would run up to him and give him a big hug!!! I would also want to ask him a bazillion questions!!!

 

One thing I love about Jesus is his kindness and gentleness to women. I love how he talked with them and cared for them, even the lady many people think he "insulted." I personally don't think he insulted her.

 

For one, he doesn't call her a dog. He makes an observation that is correct. What he calls her is "Woman" which, interestingly, is what he called his mother and is what they both are!!! Logic is so beautiful lol.

 

I believe he was teaching her. She answered in an incredibly witty way that I admire greatly (wit is not one of my strengths but I wish it was). He granted her request: healing her daughter - Matthew 15:21-38. He even praised her for her faith! I think this lady knew that Jesus was not insulting her. Rather, she seems to know who he is due to calling him, "Son of David."

 

One of my favorite passages in the Gospel accounts is when the lady who "lived a sinful lifestyle" washed Jesus' feet with her hair. I don't believe this was sexual at all, but rather the way this lady showed Jesus how much she loved him - Luke 7:36-50.

 

I do think many people realized that Jesus was not an ordinary man. What he said and did was a lot different. To me, Jesus is worthy of following. His love and compassion and his teachings to love and help others draw me. I imagine they drew other people too, hence why he had disciples who talked about him from generation to generation. In that sense, I'm a disciple too!!!

[BetheButterfly]

I'd probably give him a high-5 and see if he wants to hang-out... start a bro-mance.

 

What a mance?

 

Googling now...

 

Lol... brotherhood romance... heterosexual friendship between 2 guys Cool!!! like David and Jonathan!

Edited November 2, 2012 by BetheButterfly

[M30USA]

All good posts.

 

So people who've said they would follow Jesus would do so because of his compassion, his love, and his miracles.

 

Okay, but fast forward to the day of the antichrist. We are told that the antichrist will perform miracles (at least the APPEARANCE of miracles), that he will claim to be God on earth, and will even give the APPEARANCE of having love and compassion--he will even create peace in the Middle East and APPEAR to befriend Israel.

 

So what will you use to determine who the antichrist is? How will that let you distinguish between him and the real Christ?

[M30USA]

Jesus and I could go find out where that burning bush is, maybe take some that bread (made with anointed oils) with us .

 

Don't even get me started on the burning bush subject. Most people don't even know the half of it, which is precisely why it remains a fairy tale taught in Sunday school.

[mercy]

All good posts.

 

So people who've said they would follow Jesus would do so because of his compassion, his love, and his miracles.

 

Okay, but fast forward to the day of the antichrist. We are told that the antichrist will perform miracles (at least the APPEARANCE of miracles), that he will claim to be God on earth, and will even give the APPEARANCE of having love and compassion--he will even create peace in the Middle East and APPEAR to befriend Israel.

 

So what will you use to determine who the antichrist is? How will that let you distinguish between him and the real Christ?

 

The spirit of God dwells within me. And that spirit has never steered me wrong. I'll trust that still quiet voice within me. I'll allow it to guide me to the truth.

[pie2]

So what will you use to determine who the antichrist is? How will that let you distinguish between him and the real Christ?

 

(I'll preface by saying I don't know a lot about Revelations)

 

Matthew 24 explains a lot of what to look for in Christ's return. The bible explains that there will be a flash (Matt. 24:27) and the sound like a trumpet (Matt. 24:31). Christ will descend from above (Matt. 24:30).

 

Prior to Christ's return, the bible says that many will be decieved by the antichrist (Matt. 24:24). The antichrist will have the ability to trick us into thinking that we've found happiness. We'll foolishly be anesthesized by the pleasures of this life (modern comforts, materialism, television, loveshack...I mean the internet, etc. ). So much so, that the next life will hold no appeal, and we'll despise the thought of laying down our life for our creator. We'll think we've found freedom in the power of a good life on this earth.

 

So the question is, how do we determine who the antichrist is, and whether or not we're falling away from the love of God?

 

I think one thing we can do is to ask ourselves if what we are doing, participating in, spending time on, etc. etc. is for the glory of God. If not, well, we'll know to step away, and reevaluate how to better spend out time.

 

HOWEVER, I'm not saying I wouldn't get fooled if I were in this situation. I guess I wouldn't really know unless I were in it. Just as Peter insisted that he would never deny Jesus...well, our hearts sometimes have different ideas than our minds.

 

What other ideas do you have OP?

[M30USA]

I'm pretty sure the antichrist's prime target for deception will be Christians, and I think he will succeed. When you consider modern Christianity's lack of reliance upon God's Word above everything else (including their own opinions) and the ever-increasing trend towards believing that God's favor is indicated by prosperity, worldly success, health and power...we are ripe for deception and it won't even take much. What did Satan offer Jesus during his 40 days temptation? Prosperity, worldly success, health and power. Same thing.

 

So who will make it thought the deception? I think the meek, lowly, broken, and humble people will. They are the only ones who don't rely on their own powers, and therefore God will have mercy on them and they will not succumb to the deception.

 

As a second point...

 

Pie2, think of the terminology that you just used to describe the second coming of Christ. You talked about "flashes" of light and Jesus "coming down". In all honesty, how far is that from the concept of UFOs? Seriously. We say we believe in the second coming, yet won't even consider the UFO phenomenon as current evidence of the angelic phenomenon (good and bad angels).

[M30USA]

Trivia:

 

According to Revelation, who is the person(s) that will send the "strong delusion" upon the world during the tribulation, causing many to "believe a lie"?

 

a) Satan

b) The Antichrist

c) The Beast

d) Fallen Angels

e) God

[pie2]

Trivia:

 

According to Revelation, who is the person(s) that will send the "strong delusion" upon the world during the tribulation, causing many to "believe a lie"?

 

a) Satan

b) The Antichrist

c) The Beast

d) Fallen Angels

e) God

 

Hmmm....well, which one most closely relates to UFOs and Aliens.....ummm.... d!?

 

M30, given the fact that I think you began this thread with the ultimate intention of talking about UFOs, I give you props for making all the way to post #24 before bringing them up !

 

Pie2, think of the terminology that you just used to describe the second coming of Christ. You talked about "flashes" of light and Jesus "coming down". In all honesty, how far is that from the concept of UFOs? Seriously. We say we believe in the second coming, yet won't even consider the UFO phenomenon as current evidence of the angelic phenomenon (good and bad angels).

 

No! At the rapture, Christ will not be unidentified, and he will not be an object. I will not equate our savior to the term "UFO", a term that brings to mind cheap tabloid covers and people who wear foil caps as they try to contact other life forms. He deserves more!!

[M30USA]

The answer is E.

 

And I truly didn't start this thread with the intention of bringing up UFOs. But do you recall what Christ said regarding his return? He said he will come "in the clouds". You will notice this is a throw-back to the Old Testament where the Lord was veiled in a "cloud". This same "cloud" is what parted the Red Sea and led the Israelities through the wilderness and gave them direction. It was a "pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night".

Edited November 4, 2012 by M30USA

[pie2]

I think the meek, lowly, broken, and humble people will. They are the only ones who don't rely on their own powers, and therefore God will have mercy on them and they will not succumb to the deception.

 

I bet you're probably right, M30 . Though, this means asking God to increase my humility...which generally results in some sort of difficult trial, meant to shape me into a better human being

[M30USA]

I bet you're probably right, M30 . Though, this means asking God to increase my humility...which generally results in some sort of difficult trial, meant to shape me into a better human being

 

 

Ha, sheesh. I remember Paul Washer (one of my favorite pastors) saying that when you pray to God and ask him to make you more like Jesus, you are basically wishing a "death sentence" upon yourself.

[M30USA]

By the way, I am no longer going to use the term UFO. It has too many connotations and people immediately read things into it that I (and others) never intend. There is a new term, UAP, which means Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon. By definition, the "pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night" in the Exodus is undeniably a UAP.

[pie2]

 

 

Ok, M30...once again, you're proving me wrong. I apologize...

 

But do you recall what Christ said regarding his return? He said he will come "in the clouds". You will notice this is a throw-back to the Old Testament where the Lord was veiled in a "cloud". This same "cloud" is what parted the Red Sea and led the Israelities through the wilderness and gave them direction. It was a "pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night".

 

What do you think this means exactly? Do you think he'll be hidden?

[M30USA]

 

Ok, M30...once again, you're proving me wrong. I apologize...

 

 

 

What do you think this means exactly? Do you think he'll be hidden?

 

Yes, he will be hidden during the rapture. This is why it says that Christians will be "caught up in the clouds" with Christ. Then--after an unspecified amount of time--Christ will make his second coming (assumingly not veiled or hidden), and his followers will be WITH him, returning TO earth.