Jesus in Context

Many people like to quote verses like, "I have not come to abolish the Law but the fulfill it..." (Found in Matthew) or "It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law."

They use them to say, "See, we need to be preaching the 10 Commandments." But when you look at the context it isn't so.

"The Law and Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law." (Luke 16:16-17)

Let's ask a question right here...

Why is everyone forcing their way into the kingdom?

Look at the context. The Law is stiff. It does not bend. When people understand how difficult it is to keep the law they will gladly choose the alternative: The Gospel. The Good News.

Why did Jesus say that the Law and Prophets were no longer proclaimed?

Because he came to fulfill the Law. When something is fulfilled, ("It is finished.") there is no need to strive to complete it.

Finally, right before Jesus ascends to heaven, he reiterates this point. "...repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his (Jesus) name to all nations..." (Luke 24:47)

Don't you think Jesus would have said, "Oh yea, start proclaiming the Law with that too," if he wanted us to proclaim the Law? He didn't, though. Preaching the Law is back-tracking. Paul backs this up again in 2 Corinthians 3 (Summarized) "Everytime Moses (Old Covenant Law) is read, a veil covers the hearts of those listening."

He is saying when the Law is read as a means of self-righteousness and is cheapened, people are blinded to the simple truth of the Gospel: God has chosen to forgive and forget our sins through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 8:12)

When people finally do hear this simple but powerful truth, it will be the best news they will ever hear. And you will see them run to the King - Jesus.

Reigning in life to bring the Father glory

"...how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17

I have heard people say that they received an illness or affliction from God (or God allowed it) so that they could suffer and it would bring them closer to God. In fact, I just read an article in a Christian magazine about a young man who wasn't sure if he should pray for healing for his cancer-stricken body because he was not sure if it was a gift from God and did not want to go against God's will. People think that they receive these "gifts" in order to barely struggle through so that they can "encourage" people who are going through the same things.

How sick is that? We can't even understand our own "loving" God. Wasn't it Jesus who said, "I have come to give life, but not just life, life to the full." Didn't he also say, when accused of driving out demons by the power of another demon, "A kingdom divided cannot stand." Don't you think that this applies to God's kingdom too?

You see, Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit are one. The same. So you can say that God came to give life to the full or abundantly.

Show me the verse where Jesus says, "I'm not going to heal you right now but don't worry, you will eventually get better after a couple years of struggling through. Then you can encourage others that are suffering that this is my will and that ultimately I love them but they don't need to be healed because it is my will."

I am not trying to put condemnation on anyone who is sick or hasn't experienced healing. I am wanting to show that God wants you well! I am not trying to be mean or rude but this mentality has to leave the church. Aren't you tired of being poor, sick, and unproductive? We are preaching poverty and sickness to a dying world!

What did Jesus die for? For you to die too?

No! I will live and not die and proclaim what the Lord has done! Psalm 118:17

We are called to reign in this life! Look in John 14:12 -

"Anyone who has faith in me will do the same things I have been doing and even greater things."

He continues, "I will do anything you ask in my name, so that the son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it."

1. God gets glory when miracles happen or when Jesus gives us gifts.

2. He tells us to ask for anything in his name.

The problem is that people don't accept God's free gift of righteousness and the abundant provision of his grace as a gift. They read verses like Romans 5:17 and don't fully grasp the promises made.

Righteousness is a free gift from God. Your forgiveness is totally given by Jesus Christ and not earned by what you do. Rest in that. Grace (God's ability and favor) comes to you abundantly so that you can reign in all areas of this life. He doesn't give you this so that you can soon die after. He wants you to live and proclaim what the He has done for you and what he can do for other people! And it all comes through one person (who isn't you). Jesus.

So I am saying today to change your thinking! Change how you view God! He is good.