In Mark's gospel, after Jesus is done preaching the beatitudes, the original Greek bible says that the disciples got in the boat with Jesus and sailed across Galilee. The English translation says they took Jesus "as he is" and left.
I wonder about taking Jesus "as he is". How many historical difficulties happened because we don't take Jesus "as he is" rather, we take him as we think he should be.
It started early with the Apostle Paul: he dictated that while men could pray without a head cloth, women were required to cover their head, and that it was disgraceful for men to have long hair.
I wonder about taking Jesus "as he is". How many historical difficulties happened because we don't take Jesus "as he is" rather, we take him as we think he should be.
It started early with the Apostle Paul: he dictated that while men could pray without a head cloth, women were required to cover their head, and that it was disgraceful for men to have long hair.
(I recall arguing with my military father that my hair could be long because Jesus's was long. That did not end well) (1 Corinthians 11) I don't recall Jesus commenting on hair length, or head coverings.
And it goes on for 2000 years: all versions of Christianity are heavily laden with rules about how to be a good Christian.
How much better our days would be if we just took Jesus for who he is, the loving son of God who described with simplicity how to live on earth. Rule 1: love one another as He loved us. Rule 2: when in doubt about how any other rule meshes with Rule 1, see Rule 1.
This is taking Jesus as he is. Everything else is just rules WE created.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....
Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU
Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
And it goes on for 2000 years: all versions of Christianity are heavily laden with rules about how to be a good Christian.
How much better our days would be if we just took Jesus for who he is, the loving son of God who described with simplicity how to live on earth. Rule 1: love one another as He loved us. Rule 2: when in doubt about how any other rule meshes with Rule 1, see Rule 1.
This is taking Jesus as he is. Everything else is just rules WE created.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
- - - - - - - - -
I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....
Wesley's Ireland with optional London Extension
October 8-17, 2018
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#.WqHrI7puLIU
Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs
Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
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