DOCTRINES HINDER ETERNAL LIFE
God loves the whole world so much that He gave His only son with the condition that "EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM MAY NOT DIE BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE". Believing in Jesus needs to be 100% and unfortunately most manmade doctrines in the Christian religion interfere with believing Jesus and His teachings. Jesus says, "IF YOU OBEY MY TEACHING … YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE." Notice Jesus did not say "some of My teachings". Following and obeying Jesus' teachings will help a person be free of religious doctrines. Unfortunately, manmade Christian religious doctrines results in clueless people who "WILL LISTEN AND LISTEN, BUT NOT UNDERSTAND; THEY WILL LOOK AND LOOK, BUT NOT SEE". It is amazing how people filter what Jesus says through their doctrines which they accept as fact and will read what Jesus says and then interpret it with a doctrinal understanding or with affirmation of their doctrines, ending up with something different than Jesus said. Example: there was a teaching one time stating that "Jesus does not lie" when He simply said, "I AM THE SON OF GOD". A man responded stating "You don't believe the … doctrine". A woman responded with comments about how she agreed with what Jesus said and then stated "Jesus is part of the …". Both people appear to be referring to the same manmade doctrine instead of simply reading what Jesus said; apparently some interpreted the statement as an opinion or doctrinal belief of the person quoting the words of Jesus. How do we know if a doctrine is manmade? Simply compare it with what Jesus or God teach and if it is different in any way or not compatible, then the doctrine is manmade and false. Satan definitely uses manmade doctrines to serve his purposes. If a person follows a false doctrine, the person will not meet God's requirement of "BELIEVES IN HIM" which results in eternal life. Jesus says that only a "FEW" find the way to eternal life and doctrines definitely cause people to not be part of the few including people who consider themselves Christians. 1
Historically, mankind started making up Christian religious doctrines shortly after Jesus physically left the earth. Initially for many centuries Christians had a very effective way of getting agreement with their manmade doctrines by killing those who disagreed, often by burning them alive. It is better to die by being burned alive at a stake than to spend eternity in "HELL, WHERE THE FIRE NEVER GOES OUT". Today some Christians destroy their lives by the desires of the flesh and people love to gossip about it. Also today millions of followers of Christian religions destroy their lives by beliefs that are different than Jesus' beliefs and people are unaware they are headed for "ETERNAL PUNISHMENT" because their manmade religious doctrines convince them they are going to "ETERNAL LIFE". Unless you are fortunate enough to have never been exposed to any religion, most of us need God's help to be free of doctrines that have us bound, hindering us from being free by obeying Jesus' teachings. Pray and ask God to free you of all doctrines so you can have the simplicity of a "LITTLE CHILD" as God reveals His "TRUTH" to you that He "ENTRUSTED" to His son, Jesus. 2
1. Jn 3:16; 8:31-32; Mt 13:14; Jn 10:36; Mt 7:14 (GN)
2. Mk 9:43 (NI); Mt 25:46 (NI); Mt 11:25-27 (TL)
note: click here for bible verse and translation abbreviations
A Psalm for reflection "Listen, My people, to My teaching, and pay attention to what I say." Ps 78:1 (GN)
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Understanding the Teaching: What I share in the teaching is what I believe God wants me to share. All the direct quotes from God are highlighted in royal purple. Of course the words of Jesus are in red. Rather than follow some made up doctrine, remember that Jesus said that every thing He said (Jn 12:49) and everything He did (Jn 14:31) comes from God. All teachings and all opinions should be supported by what we learn from God or Jesus (see the scripture referred to in the footnote).
MARRIAGE WORKSHOP MOMENT
Last week we talked about how events can trigger issues resulting in an argument. For example if money is an issue and the event of a bill coming might trigger an argument. There are also hidden issues. Many years ago I knew a man who grossed over a million dollars a year and yet had money issues with his spouse, including taking her credit cards away. There could have been a hidden issue of controlling. Wanting to control the money or control his spouse. Hidden issues can be powerful issues that partners are unaware of, unable to talk about, or unwilling to talk about. Spinning your wheels in a conversation, avoidance and trivial triggers can reflect hidden issues. Hidden Issues often respond best to open, safe, and clear communication as found by using the Speaker Listener Technique. As a spouse, being sensitive to possible hidden issues such as controlling, caring, acceptance, integrity, commitment, recognition, etc. can help you in your relationship. For example, if acceptance/rejection is a possible hidden issue, you can be careful not to say anything that might trigger this hidden issue, like threaten divorce.
The Better Half "When your partner won't support your efforts to make your marriage better" Without your spouse's support to improve your marriage, you can still pray daily for God's will to be done in each of your lives and your marriage ("all things are possible with God", Mk 10:27 NI). Although in this situation, with hidden issues, communication is difficult, as a spouse, being sensitive to possible hidden issues such as controlling, caring, acceptance, integrity, commitment, recognition, etc. can help you in your relationship. . For example, if acceptance/rejection is a possible hidden issue, you can be careful not to say anything that might trigger this hidden issue, like threaten divorce. If you aware of a possible hidden issue like acceptance/ rejection in your relationship pray for God to guide you what to say that might make your spouse feel more accepted. Also you may pray for God to guide you regarding any hidden issues in your life and help you overcome them.
When a spouse calls "time out", it is an opportunity for a couple to calm down before continuing the conversation at a later time (anywhere from an hour to no later than the next day) using the Speaker Listener Technique. Initially after calling time out it is an opportunity to take authority over the enemy and pray for the marriage. Example:
"In the name of Jesus I command you demons to shut up and leave our marriage and not return"
"Thank you God for helping our marriage be in Your will and guiding us in our relationship, in Jesus name, amen."
When a spouse will not cooperate, you can still take authority over the enemy and pray for your marriage.
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