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lisa-in-FL

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If you ever have doubts about your faith or your understanding of the scripture, I recommend reading over the account of Jesus' resurrection in Luke 24.
Jesus had told the disciples that he would rise again but they didn't believe it even after they had seen Lazarus walk out of his tomb. They spent 3 years following him and watching him do what he said he would do, but they weren't waiting by the tomb. They were hiding out at home worried about the political fallout, except for the two women who were bring spices for Jesus' dead body. He told them he would rise again, but they expected to find a dead body.
Even when the women hear from angels that Christ is risen, the others think they are making up stories (v 11). Peter runs to see for himself but is just left wondering and not sure what to think.

Starting in v 17, risen Jesus comes to them and asks why they are sad and assuming he was a stranger they bring him up to speed on everything that happened to their friend Jesus, down to the "idle tales" of the women who found the empty tomb. Jesus responds with seeming frustration at their lack of belief and then "beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." In other words, he walked them through the old testament and pointed out all the passages that pointed to what he had just accomplished.
Later when he appears to the 11, he repeats the same process, recounting the verses that concern him and opening the scriptures to them.

Of all the 4 accounts, I believe this is my favorite for several reasons. One, because apparently resurrection works up an appetite (v 41), two, because even if you're walking with Jesus every day you might not understand everything until you're ready to see it and three, the disciples doubted but Christ didn't give up on them.

Luke 24 King James Version (KJV)
24 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
 
I think the problem is that for me,.. my heart always knows the truth. That Jesus loves me, He died for me, and He rose again three days later. However my brain has trouble in believing in things that I cannot see and that's where I start to doubt my faith and salvation. However since God judges what's in the heart and not what's on the mind,.. I think I'll still make it to Heaven and I have nothing to worry about. :) For God knows me better than I know myself and He knows His sheep and those who truly love Him.
 
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lisa-in-FL

Great lesson for all who doubt. It's hard to imagine how the disciples did not recognize Jesus that rose from the grave and walked and talked to them. You would have thought they would have recognized Him being with Him for over thirty three years. We know that some day we will see Him in His glorified body as every eye will see Him return with the clouds and we will be changed to look like Him as He is.
 
If you ever have doubts about your faith or your understanding of the scripture,

There is nothing to be ashamed about having doubts ot questions. They are an indication that one is thinking about what one believes.

What is wrong is to do nothing about finding answers to those doubts or questions, or to believe the devils lie that one must just have faith.

Christianity is based on historical Facts. It is reasonable and explainable.
A basic site to find answers is coldcasechristianity for more in depth answers try answersingenesis or reasonablefaith
 
Who Me - did you read the post all the way through?
Why is just having faith "the devil's lie"?

The point was that many of the disciples who actually walked in step with Jesus during his ministry had doubts and didn't understand that he would do what he said he would (die and rise again).
 
I think the problem is that for me,.. my heart always knows the truth. That Jesus loves me, He died for me, and He rose again three days later. However my brain has trouble in believing in things that I cannot see and that's where I start to doubt my faith and salvation. However since God judges what's in the heart and not what's on the mind,.. I think I'll still make it to Heaven and I have nothing to worry about. :) For God knows me better than I know myself and He knows His sheep and those who truly love Him.
Okay
Well your mind can also figure out that God isn't going to have a relationship with you that looks like one you will have with a normal person.
Especially if God is trying to "fly below the radar".
He leaves plenty of signs and wonders for those who are looking. And nothing tangible for those who aren't.
 
Christianity is based on historical Facts. It is reasonable and explainable.

I have to disagree with what you said here. Christianity is based on our belief and faith in Christ in whom He said He is, Matthew 16:13-18. We can search historical records with our carnal mind, but it takes the Holy Spirit to reveal to us who Jesus said He is as being "I Am". Carnal is carnal in logical reasoning, but it's through the Holy Spirit that teaches us all Spiritual things, John 14:26.
 
However my brain has trouble in believing in things that I cannot see and that's where I start to doubt my faith and salvation.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

None of us have ever seen Jesus as it takes faith, even the size of a mustard seed, in believing who He said He is as "I Am" meaning He is the Spirit of God come to earth to seek and save the lost. The Spirit of God in heaven is Father, Son Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God on earth is the Holy Spirit that indwells us, the water meaning the word of God and the blood of Christ that was shed for all.

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
 
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

None of us have ever seen Jesus as it takes faith, even the size of a mustard seed, in believing who He said He is as "I Am" meaning He is the Spirit of God come to earth to seek and save the lost. The Spirit of God in heaven is Father, Son Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God on earth is the Holy Spirit that indwells us, the water meaning the word of God and the blood of Christ that was shed for all.

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.






So basically even if my faith was as tiny as a mustard seed (which it's a lot bigger than that) I would still go to Heaven anyways for trusting in Christ. :) Btw, I agree with you on the fact that Christianity isn't historically accurate. Although it's been proved that Jesus was in fact a real person that lived and died, it can't be proven that He was the Son of God. We just have to trust in the fact that He is who He said He was because that's exactly what it means to have faith. :cross
 
So basically even if my faith was as tiny as a mustard seed (which it's a lot bigger than that)
Are you sure? Remember what Jesus said about faith being the size of a mustard seed? He said that if we had faith as much as a mustard seed we could speak to a mountain, tell it to move, and it would move. Are you saying you are able to do that and more?
 
Are you sure? Remember what Jesus said about faith being the size of a mustard seed? He said that if we had faith as much as a mustard seed we could speak to a mountain, tell it to move, and it would move. Are you saying you are able to do that and more?


Uh no, I think you misunderstood me and I do believe that Jesus was speak metaphorically.
 
Uh no, I think you misunderstood me and I do believe that Jesus was speak metaphorically.
Why do you believe He was speaking metaphorically? I believe He was speaking literally. Consider the fig tree when Jesus condemned it and it died. That was a small example. Other examples include feeding the thousands with just a few fish and loaves of bread, calming the wind and seas, restoring deformities, bringing dead back to life, and so forth.
 
Why do you believe He was speaking metaphorically? I believe He was speaking literally. Consider the fig tree when Jesus condemned it and it died. That was a small example. Other examples include feeding the thousands with just a few fish and loaves of bread, calming the wind and seas, restoring deformities, bringing dead back to life, and so forth.



Because all the faith in the world can't move a mountain. Nobody on earth here is that strong. Only God is.
 
Because all the faith in the world can't move a mountain. Nobody on earth here is that strong. Only God is.
Do you believe Jesus had enough faith to move mountains? I do. I agree that there is not enough faith in the world today that can move mountains. That does not mean it is not possible for someone with the faith of a mustard seed to do it. What you're basically saying is that because nobody on earth has enough faith, it can't happen. I don't believe that because Jesus said it was possible with even the faith of a mustard seed.
 
Do you believe Jesus had enough faith to move mountains? I do. I agree that there is not enough faith in the world today that can move mountains. That does not mean it is not possible for someone with the faith of a mustard seed to do it. What you're basically saying is that because nobody on earth has enough faith, it can't happen. I don't believe that because Jesus said it was possible with even the faith of a mustard seed.


Jesus counts as God even though He was in human flesh but hey if I believe He was speaking metamorphically and you believe that He was speaking literally, with either belief that doesn't change or go against scripture.
 
Jesus counts as God even though He was in human flesh but hey if I believe He was speaking metamorphically and you believe that He was speaking literally, with either belief that doesn't change or go against scripture.
Maybe I missed something. Can you point me to the Scripture that suggests that Jesus was speaking metaphorically and not literally? Peter was not God in human flesh and yet Peter walked on water. When he sank what did Jesus give for the reason? It was his lack of faith. He had it but then began to doubt.
 
Maybe I missed something. Can you point me to the Scripture that suggests that Jesus was speaking metaphorically and not literally? Peter was not God in human flesh and yet Peter walked on water. When he sank what did Jesus give for the reason? It was his lack of faith. He had it but then began to doubt.



I hate when somebody makes me eat my own words. :wall Still, nobody in their right mind is going to try moving a mountain, and if they try walking on water they would probably drown. I think it made a difference due to the fact that Jesus was with them in person which made those things more probable.
 
I hate when somebody makes me eat my own words. :wall Still, nobody in their right mind is going to try moving a mountain, and if they try walking on water they would probably drown. I think it made a difference due to the fact that Jesus was with them in person which made those things more probable.
I wasn't trying to make you eat any words. Just discussing various details and points of view. It's how we grow in faith, no pun intended.

In light of what you posted above, let's now consider some other things. Do you recall that Peter healed a lame man? Jesus was not physically with him but through Peter's faith in Christ he was able to heal the man by calling on His name. This is found in Acts 3.

Also, Paul was recorded to be used by God to heal the sick (Acts 19 and Acts 28) and restore the dead to life (Acts 20). Of course, this all happened after Jesus had arisen and ascended.

They had great faith and I dare say more than me.
 
Because all the faith in the world can't move a mountain. Nobody on earth here is that strong. Only God is.

All God has to do is command a mountain to move and it moves. God used Elijah to call fire down from heaven and Moses to part the Red sea for a couple of examples of how God works through us who have faith so why wouldn't God use you to do that which He commands.

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

There is so much faith contained in a size of a mustard seed as when faith is planted and watered it grows to maturity. This means when we submit all of our self to the Lord we grow in faith through the Holy Spirit who nurtures us in the word of God that equips us to move mountains, but if we doubt and hold unforgiveness in our heart then faith can not grow as our sins will not be forgiven.
 
I wasn't trying to make you eat any words. Just discussing various details and points of view. It's how we grow in faith, no pun intended.

In light of what you posted above, let's now consider some other things. Do you recall that Peter healed a lame man? Jesus was not physically with him but through Peter's faith in Christ he was able to heal the man by calling on His name. This is found in Acts 3.

Also, Paul was recorded to be used by God to heal the sick (Acts 19 and Acts 28) and restore the dead to life (Acts 20). Of course, this all happened after Jesus had arisen and ascended.

They had great faith and I dare say more than me.


So then, are you trying to say if I called on the name of Jesus and believed I could, then I could push Mount Everest a crossed the country? Cause that seems quite unimangineable and laughable to me.
 
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