One Line in the Bible They Need You to Ignore
There’s one particular line in the Bible that is conspicuously shunned. It sits openly in Luke’s gospel, but it is nearly always glossed over… mentioned briefly and grudgingly at best.
On one hand, I condemn this on grounds of intellectual honesty, but on the other, I can very well understand why people run away from it. Believing this line would turn anyone into a radical, and that could be dangerous… and indeed it has been dangerous.
Today I will be ill-mannered enough to address this line. But first, please understand that Luke records these words as coming from Jesus’ mouth. That’s a fact, and no amount of evasion will change it.
Here It Is
The verse I’m referring to is found in Luke 16:15 of the New Testament, and here’s how it reads in the King James translation:
… that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
For comparison’s sake, here’s how the more modern Revised Standard Version renders it:
… what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
I could go through other versions, but you get the idea: What is held highest among men is abomination to God.
It’s quite possible to roll right past this line, but only if you never ask, “What is most highly esteemed among men?” If we dare ask that question, we run into trouble – big, ugly, hairy trouble.
Shall We Be Brave?
We all enjoy looking brave and being thought brave, but are we ready to do the hard things that make bravery real? Most people find excuses to skate past such things; they’re scary and risky, after all. But so long as we do that, we’ll never be clear in our own minds that we are truly brave.
So, here’s your big opportunity, especially if you’re a believer of any sort. This is a chance to face ridicule and shame, and to defy it: to be brave.
Humans are great at avoiding these moments, by the way. They’re particularly brilliant when making up strings of excuses that nullify the whole subject.
But presuming you’re ready to do this, here’s what you need to determine:
What is most highly esteemed among men?
That’s it. And the answer, if we face it rather than dodge it, is astonishingly clear:
There is one type of entity on Earth – and one only – that enjoys this position:
- It takes a significant percentage of whatever humans in its vicinity earn, by threat and by force, and is held to be righteous while practicing this extortion.
- It decrees what people are allowed to do or not do.
- It pursues and punishes people who do not obey their decrees, then is held to be righteous while forcing their will on people.
- It orders millions of young people into fights to the death.
- It is held to be righteous while refusing to inform the about-to-kill-and-die young people of the reasons for their death and dismemberment.
- It is held to be righteous while making decisions that will affect the lives of millions, but without letting them know the reasons for those decisions.
We all know what class of entity fits this description, but we also hesitate to admit it… which only confirms its position.
There is no other entity on Earth that can come close to the position held by our “unmentionable” group. In the worst days of the medieval Catholic Church – even as imagined by those who hate it – they could not have made claims as grand as these.
And yet, our Unmentionables enjoy all this esteem and are reflexively defended on all sides. Without any question, they stand alone at the top. They are, very clearly, the “most esteemed among men.”
“But, But, But…”
So, it couldn’t mean that? Was Jesus confused that day? Was he playing a sick joke? Was he merely a crank?
If history is any guide, many of the responses to this article will have the precise goal of making this line go away. But examining its context, the line stands (Jesus was talking to people who sought status from men). And by linguistic analysis it stands; the word for “highly esteemed” is also found in both Matthew and Luke where Jesus is taken to a “high” mountain and offered all the kingdoms of the world.
So, who on Earth has more status and dominance than our Unmentionables? The answer is, “No one.”
We can pretend that Jesus was demented, or we can presume that he was a crazed radical, or we can assume other nasty things… but if we accept him as anything more than that, we have to take this line seriously… unless we willingly blind ourselves of course.
Jesus put himself at risk when he said this, Luke put himself at risk by writing it, and we face risk by championing it today. That sucks, but that’s the way the world is.
We can face this or not, but no one who evades it can honestly call him or herself a follower of Jesus.
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[Editor’s Note: Paul Rosenberg is the outside-the-Matrix author of FreemansPerspective.com, a site dedicated to economic freedom, personal independence and privacy. He is also the author of The Great Calendar, a report that breaks down our complex world into an easy-to-understand model. Click here to get your free copy.]
You can’t serve two masters.
I really don’t like it when a Jew comments on the NT … especially concerning something Jesus said … Jesus, whom they really don’t like very much.
Ms Freud needs the computer for the next hour or so.
I shall return to this thread later.
but, here’s a hint ……… CONTEXT!!!
I have a great idea stucky!! Let me state some Talmud to be fair and to reinforce what you said. No. No Jew should comment on the NT being its stated in the Talmud that no gentile should read it and is worthy of death. For the sake of argument from Brother Nathaniel’s site. .( I STRONGLY suggest you learn what is hidden from you at his site, it will change your life for good. . and terrify the shit out of you)
The “Satanic Verses” of the Talmud can be classified into 3 categories:
1) Jewish Supremacy.
2) Hatred Towards The “Goys” (Gentiles).
3) Blasphemies Against Jesus Christ, The Virgin Mary, & All Christians.
If a ‘goy’ (Gentile) hits a Jew he must be killed.” (Sanhedrin 58b)
* “If a Jew finds an object lost by a ‘goy’ it does not have to be returned.” (Baba Mezia 24a)
* “If a Jew murders a ‘goy’ there will be no death penalty.” (Sanhedrin 57a)
* What a Jew steals from a ‘goy’ he may keep.” (Sanhedrin 57a)
* “Jews may use subterfuges to circumvent a ‘goy.’” (Baba Kamma 113a)
* “All children of the ‘goyim’ (Gentiles) are animals.” (Yebamoth 98a)
* “Girls born of the ‘goyim’ are in a state of ‘niddah’ (menstrual uncleanness!) from birth.” (Abodah Zarah 36b)
Theres much more on the site. Credit BN.. guy is awesome . So you can now draw the conclusion
WHAT is being done to the gentile and this dead country ?? Its right there in broad daylight. But i warn you it will churn your dinner upside down. Remember theres nothing anti Semitic about speaking the truth and being a little pissed about a certain group being responsible for murdering more than 3k of your own citizens on a fine autumn day in 2001 .. See for yourself . Its up to you to nip this in the bud before it gets to you cause if you read.. IT WILL
9-11/Israel did it
https://wikispooks.com/wiki/9-11/Israel_did_it
if theres a double post here. oops. getting used to this new , very nice, format
Here’s a good one – also from Luke (6:24) “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” No wonder the Jews don’t like Him.
To quote the article: “If we dare ask that question, we run into trouble – big, ugly, hairy trouble.”
Big, ugly, hairy? Hillary’s muff.
A little context would be nice:
Methinks the matter is of duplicity of the heart and of principle, i.e. corruption/fraud/dishonesty.
Luke 16:
14. The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”
16. The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it. 17. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.
Mr. Rosenberg: I do not think anyone is running away from this verse, except those who are corrupt frauds and want us to believe they have dominion over others and ourselves.
Perhaps a more appropriate verse could have been selected:
1 Samuel 8:
10. So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who had asked of him a king. 11. He said, “This will be the procedure of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and place them for himself in his chariots and among his horsemen and they will run before his chariots. 12.“He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and some to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13. “He will also take your daughters for perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14. “He will take the best of your fields and your vineyards and your olive groves and give them to his servants. 15. “He will take a tenth of your seed and of your vineyards and give to his officers and to his servants. 16. “He will also take your male servants and your female servants and your best young men and your donkeys and use them for his work. 17. “He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants. 18. “Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.”
19. Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, 20. that we also may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
“You Asked For It (a king by any other name) You Got It” (Toyota).
If this is TMI, too bad, I guess that makes me a bible-thumper.
Ref: New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960…
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Damn, Stucky beat me to the “context” comment.
Good job you saved me the trouble and probably did a better job.
I have said this many time on this blog.
To follow, it was said, “God has not willed that you have a king, but if you so choose, you will have the king you deserve, If you are a good people, you will have a good king, but if you are a bad people, you will have a bad king.” The Israelites have had some of the best kings and some of the worst kings.
Based upon that, what would you say about our king, our people?
Shit ,this is an easy one even for Stucky. What did men highly esteem during the time of Christ? Same thing they do now.
Status , Wealth , Power , Frame , and the Material Things these four provide.
bb
I hope your surgery is a breeze for all involved. I will be praying for your speedy recovery.
THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. It buys all the stuff bb listed and fertilizes our evil selves.
I pray not as much as I should but consider it done. Looking forward to your comments to resume soon.
Stucky , I’m sick and tired of the silent treatment . I’m going under the knife tomorrow . This maybe the last chance you ever get to say something nice to me. Don’t want that to happen. Remember
Guilt is a Bitch . You could at least pray for my well being. You probably wondering if you do pray will I leave you alone ?…
NOPE!!!!!
bb
Silent treatment?? You got YOUR OWN question in Stucky’s Official Poll #1 !! You are on exceedingly high ground.
I don’t really pray.
However, I am asking that The Force be with you. That’s the best I can do. I hope your surgeon didn’t finish last in his class! Also, YOU’RE frame of mind plays a HUGE part in your recovery. So, you little idiot … KEEP ON KEEPING POSITIVE THOUGHTS.
I wish you the very best, and a most speedy recovery.
Keep us informed ….
Since you asked, I’ll pray.
Stucky, I guess that you haven’t reached that point of desperation in your life where all you have left is ‘to pray’. That may be upon us sooner than we expect.
Like Howard Storm, an avowed atheist, when all he had left was to pray and he didn’t know how, he said ‘grace’ and the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’.
Sucky, just say grace.
Funny!
Good luck bb.
I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow and hoping you come through with nary a snag.
Best wishes…bb
It would be better to read Luke 16 in its entirety than to take a single sentence from it and base a teaching on that alone.
The entire verse: Luke 16:15 Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people’s sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God’s sight. ” GNB
The scripture goes on to say in the next two verses Luk 16:16 -17 “The Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets were in effect up to the time of John the Baptist; since then the Good News about the Kingdom of God is being told, and everyone forces their way in.
But it is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest detail of the Law to be done away with. ”
Jesus then goes on to tell the parable of Lazarus and the Rich man to further teach the lesson contained in this chapter.
This goes back to the First Commandment about putting other things, other gods. ahead of God and his laws for man.
The things that are God.
It is said that a smile given to a homeless man or a word of encouragement of hope to one in despair, the whole of Heaven rejoices.
These are little thing, so easily given, but are reluctantly held back.
Does the smile to the homeless man who chooses to be homeless because he appreciates the freedom and easy money mean more to God than the smile to the rich man who wishes he were not rich because he hates the restrictions and easy money?
I don’t think Jesus was referring to man’s government in this passage. He was once again pointing out to the Pharisees that their concern with righteous public behavior (behaviors that were meant to impress others) hid hearts of pride and self-righteousness and condemnation. Those perspectives are an abomination to God and his rejection of them is a theme of the Bible in the Old Testament taken up more fully by the incarnate Jesus. He was far more concerned with the spiritual state of the individual than the machinations of governments.
A short while ago there was a huge Gay Pride celebration down in St. Petersburg, FL. There have been many more nationwide. The political left holds the LBGT crowd in high esteem it seems. They certainly exalt them. Does it follow that God finds them (the LBGT crowd) an abomination? The political left also seems to hold Islam in high esteem. What’s the Lord’s feelings on that?
The point is that I can think of very little that men and women agree they hold in high esteem. Money comes close, but not all men and women hold it high esteem. The one thing that comes closest – that most men hold in high esteem may be love. Is that thus an abomination in the eyes of the Lord?
I realize that I am taking the Lord’s words literally, but how else can they be taken in this case? Was he speaking only of material things? Don’t most of us hold security, friendship, happiness and love in high esteem? Granted, I am no Biblical scholar, but this “one line” has me scratching my head.
The idea of what you esteem is a personal acknowledgement of your preferences, which maybe different in every case. What one esteems is different, one from another. nkit, you’re nitpicking. What is meant, is what you esteem above God is an abomination to God. It is not that you are an abomination, but that you are choosing something before God and that choice is the abomination.
God comes first as in the two great commandment and the 10 commandments.
The God of your fathers and the God of all that is, shall not be relegated to second string or sitting on the bench. He’s the star quarterback in your life, get it!
Call it nitpicking, whatever. I get it. Always did. It is an open statement. It says nothing about what you exalt ABOVE God. If that is what Jesus meant, then perhaps He should have found a better scrivener of history than Luke . That is an inference that changes the game plan. As for your second paragraph…I got a pretty good quarterback and some veterans returning this year..We look pretty good..How your boys lookin’?
My favorite football team is the Lakers. I hope they do well.
“There’s one particular line in the Bible that is conspicuously shunned. It sits openly in Luke’s gospel, but it is nearly always glossed over… mentioned briefly and grudgingly at best.” ——–article
You see, that’s a load of horseshit!!! I have heard plenty of sermons about that parable, and that verse in particular.
This little Joo Boy is setting HIMSELF up as a hero and revelator. “See? Nobody, but nobody will tell you about this verse except ME … Paul Rosenjoo !!! … so take heed you ignorant peons. And, oh yeah, but my book while you’re at it!”
Asshole.
Stucky at his best!
So those who exalt God are an abomination to him? This guy stretches things all out of proportion sometimes, just like people who base their life philosophy on one verse from the Bible…
All you’ve revealed is your cognitive limitation.
Good luck with that.
Context means understanding the words/teachings which surround the passage at hand — almost always “before”, and often “after”. But, it’s more than that; to WHOM is the verse addressed, how did THEY understand what was being said — which involves knowing something about their culture, belief systems, etc etc. Bottom line; it’s not an easy thing to do a full expository of any verse. Sadly, the author doesn’t even make an attempt to put anything in context.
At any rate, in the verse being discussed to whom is Jesus talking? Unlike the parable (which is the context for the verse) where Jesus talks to “his disciples”, Jesus now switches and addresses the Pharisees — the Power Elite of the day. And in terms of what people value which is detestable to God? Well, Jesus clearly gives that answer; 1) love of money in v.14 and 2) self-righteousness in v.15.
Truly, Stucky, at his best. Good comment.
This is a rather unorthodox parable from Jesus.
In most parables the protagonist is basically a good guy …. often representing either God the Father or, Christ. But, in this one ALL the characters are morally compromised; —the steward for screwing his master out of all the money owed, the master for complimenting the steward’s wickedness, and even the people — assuming they knew their actual debt, but being complicit with the steward’s evil plan to buy their loyalty.
Verse 9 can be confounding —— “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.”
Jesus says to MAKE FRIENDS …. with …. UNRIGHTEOUS WEALTH??? If there’s a verse in this section that has be glossed over, it’s THAT one!! And what the hell does unrighteous wealth have to do with “eternal dwellings”?? This is crazy talk right there.
It sure seems like Jesus is encouraging His followers to be generous with their wealth in this life … wealth which is unrighteous anyway … for it is subject to moths and rust …. and your true wealth must be in heaven anyway …….. for where your treasure is, so is your heart ….. so, show you love for God, and His people …. by GIVING YOUR MONEY AWAY. People believe Jesus/God believes in SAVING — and there are parables and verses which indicate this — but, the Bible is hardly ever clear cut about anything. This verse, imho, clearly advocates for NOT saving money.
I’ma 1+2=3 kinda guy. I think I just read 1+2=4.
You have to have a Metaphysical understanding to resolve seeming conflict in scripture. The bible has pretty much come down in history, intact, for such an old volume. Biblical scholars have a definite understanding far different from the laity, in many respects. Take what is said with a grain of salt. If it rings your chimes, good. If it doesn’t, so be it.
Metaphysically—What I am saying is, trying to under stand E=MC2, is difficult if your only judgement is based in music. I’m not saying it can’t be done, just that it’s difficult. Metaphysics expands your understanding. Secret knowledge is passed to the deserving, not the unwashed many, who would under appreciate the knowledge and wouldn’t use it in their lives. It could be harmful. Knowledge not used or used improperly is sin.
Stucky, you have to understand what Jesus was all about to understand the consistency in his work, not what other people reported what he said. Jesus never wrote a thing, except in the dirt. Like of old, Who is this man, Jesus and what are we to do with Him? Good questions needing answers.
I’m sorry, good sir, but Metaphysical interpretation is above my pay-grade. As are esoteric interpretations. As are Gnostic (hidden meaning) interpretations. As are the-Bible-as-allegory interpretations (i.e., Origen of Alexandria). For me, those interpretations can lead to literally … anywhere. And I don’t want to take part in that journey.
This is not a real word, but the interpretative style I favor the most is …. Originalist.
In other words, how did the people hearing the message, most likely understand the message? . This method is not without flaws. NO interpretive method is flawless. But, it makes the most sense to me.
For example, when Jesus talked about “heaping coals of fire on their heads”, the only way to understand that is from the perspective of; a first century Jew, almost certainly uneducated, most likely a peasant farmer, poor, and with an entirely unique set of customs and social mores. What good would it do to try to figure that out from a 21st century American perspective? None.
Now, that was an easy example. But, it works in areas not quite as obvious. For example, almost everyone misunderstands the finer nuances, and meanings, regarding the Parable Of the Prodigal Son … because not 1 in 20 will take the time to grasp the 1st century cultural and social norms replete in that story. Details that have great significance in correct (imho) interpretation.
Also, I’m not “married” to that method — meaning, it’s not the only one I’m interested in. When that method fails, I move on to some other way. Literalism is usually my second choice.
Sorry for babbling. As you know, this stuff is still of great interest to me … even though I’m a damned heathen headed straightaway for hellfire.
Thank you Stucky , made my day !!!!
YW !!!
”
“The one thing that comes closest – that most men hold in high esteem may be love. Is that thus an abomination in the eyes of the Lord?”
Ask Leviticus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.” ~Stucky
Yanno. I am gonna disagree here I dont think was being said was “Make friends of yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth…” Was an inspirational speech Stucko but a warning that hell awaits…
Then again the bibles full of parables and parallels as you say but I could be wrong or not. Heh.
#Lu 16:1-12
THE PARABLE OF THE SHREWD MANAGER
The passage we have now read is a difficult one. There are knots in it which perhaps will never be untied, until the Lord comes again. We might reasonably expect that a book written by inspiration, as the Bible is, would contain things hard to be understood. The fault lies not in the book, but in our own feeble understandings. If we learn nothing else from the passage before us, let us learn humility.
Let us beware, in the first place, that we do not draw from these verses lessons which they were never meant to teach.
The steward, whom our Lord describes, is not set before us as a pattern of morality. He is distinctly called the “unjust steward.” The Lord Jesus never meant to sanction dishonesty, and unfair dealing between man and man. This steward cheated his master, and broke the eighth commandment. His master was struck with his cunning and forethought, when he heard of it, and “commended” him, as a shrewd and far-seeing man. But there is no proof that his master was pleased with his conduct. Above all, there is not a word to show that the man was praised by Christ. In short, in his treatment of his master, the steward is a beacon to be avoided, and not a pattern to be followed.
The caution, now laid down, is very necessary. Commercial dishonesty is unhappily very common in these latter days. Fair dealing between man and man is increasingly rare. Men do things in the way of business, which will not stand the test of the Bible. In “making haste to be rich,” thousands are continually committing actions which are not strictly innocent. {#Pr 28:20 }
Sharpness and smartness, in bargaining, and buying, and selling, and pushing trade, are often covering over things that ought not to be. The generation of “the unjust steward” is still a very large one. Let us not forget this. Whenever we do to others what we would not like others to do to us, we may be sure, whatever the world may say, that we are wrong in the sight of Christ.
Let us observe, in the second place, that one principal lesson of the parable before us, is the wisdom of providing against coming evil.
The conduct of the unjust steward, when he received notice to give up his place, was undeniably skillful. Dishonest as he was in striking off from the bills of debtors anything that was due to his master, he certainly by so doing made for himself friends. Wicked as he was, he had an eye to the future. Disgraceful as his measures were, he provided well for himself. He did not sit still in idleness, and see himself reduced to poverty without a struggle. He schemed, and planned, and contrived, and boldly carried his plans into execution. And the result was that when he lost one home he secured another.
What a striking contrast between the steward’s conduct about his earthly prospects, and the conduct of most men about their souls! In this general point of view, and in this only, the steward sets us all an example which we should do well to follow. Like him, we should look far forward to things to come. Like him, we should provide against the day when we shall have to leave our present habitation. Like him, we should secure “a house in heaven,” which may be our home, when we put off our earthly tabernacle of the body. {#2Co 5:1 } Like him we should use all means to provide for ourselves everlasting habitations.
The parable, in this point of view, is deeply instructive. It may well raise within us great searchings of heart. The diligence of worldly men about the things of time, should put to shame the coldness of professing Christians about the things of eternity. The zeal and pertinacity of men of business in compassing sea and land to get earthly treasures, may well reprove the slackness and indolence of believers about treasures in heaven. The words of our Lord are indeed weighty and solemn, “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” May these words sink into our hearts and bear fruit in our lives!
Let us notice, lastly, in this passage, the remarkable expressions which our Lord uses about little things, in close connection with the parable of the unjust steward. We read that He said, “He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much — and he that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.”
Our Lord here teaches us the great importance of strict faithfulness about “little things.” He guards us against supposing that such conduct about money as that of the unjust steward, ought ever to be considered a light and trifling thing among Christians. He would have us know that “little things” are the best test of character — and that unfaithfulness about “little things” is the symptom of a bad state of heart. He did not mean, of course, that honesty about money can justify our souls, or put away sin. But He did mean that dishonesty about money is a sure sign of a heart not being “right in the sight of God.” The man who is not dealing honestly with the gold and silver of this world, can never be one who has true riches in heaven. “If you have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?”
The doctrine laid down by our Lord in this place, deserves most serious consideration in the present day. An idea appears to prevail in some men’s minds, that true religion may be separated from common honesty, and that soundness about matters of doctrine may cover over swindling and cheating in matters of practice! Against this wretched idea our Lord’s words were a plain protest. Against this idea let us watch and be on our guard. Let us contend earnestly for the glorious doctrines of salvation by grace, and justification by faith. But let us never allow ourselves to suppose that true religion sanctions any trifling with the second table of the law. Let us never forget for a moment, that true faith will always be known by its fruits. We may be very sure that where there is no honesty, there is no grace.
Well fiddle. Not being a God person, I probably shouldn’t make a comment on this thread at all. But temptation overcomes me.
I remember at a slightly younger age, my object of highest esteem was a pretty lady that would put out for me. Then, I moved into the “pretty lady that would put out for me and put up with me at the same time”. Then I found my sweetie of 59 years who met all the requirements that I held in the very highest esteem, married her and have been happy as a clam ever since.
I really don’t give a flying fuck what “god” thinks about it and if such a union is “abomination in the eyes of the Lord” then I’m really glad I’m not a “god” person.
All the rest of you can argue about it all you want but being a good, moral, loving and kind inhabitant of this world does not require “god” to be a part of the equation. In fact, it would appear that there are an awful lot of “god” people who blow themselves up with the idea of killing as many other humans as possible as an esteemed goal. I call bullshit on the whole batch of them..
Muck
Church is a good place to scope out hot women.
Thank you Wip .Come in handy. I’m a pussy when it comes to pain.
Thank You to Gayle
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
I think it’s pretty clear that Mr. Rosenberg is both showing his ignorance of Christianity, and his hatred for God while attempting to advertise his book. Good luck with that!
The answer to your question is a major theme throughout the Bible so I don’t really understand why you think it’s such a stumbling block. In Matthew we read:
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
It is the love of the world which is most highly esteemed among (most) men. Worldly love is the opposite of the commandments and thus is an abomination to God. Worldly love can be the love of money, fame, sexual conquests, power, you name it.
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
The non-saints are an abomination to God and will ultimately be destroyed. Is that so difficult to understand?
HIGHLY ESTEEMED BY MEN …HMM SOUNDS LIKE BABYLON THE GREAT!!!!LETS MAKE AMERICA MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT AGAIN,1. Babylon would be an END TIME GREAT NATION (Rev 17,18; Isa 13:6).
2. Babylon would have a huge seaport city within its borders (Rev 18:17).
3. The Great City Babylon is the home of a world government attempt (Rev 17:18).
4. The Great City Babylon would be the economic nerve center of the world (Rev 18:3).
5. Babylon would be the center of a one world Luciferian religious movement (Jer 51:44).
6. Babylon would be the center for the move to a global economic order (Rev 13:16).
BABYLON THE NATION
1. Babylon would be the youngest and greatest of the end time nations (Jer 50:12).
2. Babylon would the QUEEN AMONG THE NATIONS (Isa 47:5,7; Rev 18:7).
3. Babylon would be the most powerful nation in the world (Isa 47, Jer 50, 51, Rev 18).
4. Babylon would be the HAMMER OF THE WHOLE EARTH (Jer 50:23; Rev 18:23).
5. Babylon is called a lady, and has the symbol of the Lady (Isa 47:7-9).
6. Babylon would be the praise of the WHOLE EARTH (Jer 51:41).
7. Babylon is center of world trade (Jer 51:44; Rev 17:18; 18:19).
8. Babylon would grow to be the richest nation in the world (Rev 18:3, 7, 19, 23).
9. All nations that traded with Babylon would grow rich (Rev 18:3).
10. The merchants of Babylon were the GREAT MEN OF THE EARTH (Rev 18:23).
11. Babylon is a huge nation, with lands, cities, and great wealth (implied throughout).
12. Babylon is nation “peeled”, or timbered, a land of open fields (Isa 18:2).
13. Babylon is land quartered by mighty rivers (Isa 18:2).
14. Babylon is a land that is measured out, and populated throughout (Isa 18:2).
15. Babylon destroys her own land, with pollution and waste (Isa 14:20, 18:2, 7).
16. Babylon is a land rich in mineral wealth (Jer 51:13).
17. Babylon is a the leading agricultural nation of the world (Jer 50, 51; Rev 18).
18. Babylon is the leading exporting nation in the world (Jer 51:13; Rev 18).
19. Babylon is the leading importing nation of the entire world.(Jer 50, 51; Rev 18).
20. Babylon is a nation filled with warehouses and granaries (Jer 50:26).
21. Babylon is the leading INDUSTRIAL NATION OF THE WORLD (Isa 13, 47, Jer 50, 51; Rev 18).
22. Babylon is noted for her horses (Jer 50:37).
23. Babylon is noted for her cattle, sheep and other livestock (Jer 50:26, 27; Rev 18:13).
24. Babylon is noted for her fine flour and mill operations (Rev 18:13).
25. Babylon is a nation of farmers and harvests huge crops (Jer 50:16, 26, 27).
26. Babylon is a huge exporter of MUSIC (Rev 18:22).
27. Babylon’s musicians are known around the world (Rev 18:22)
28. Babylon has a huge aviation program (Isa 14:13-14; Jer 51:53; Hab 1:6-10).
29. Babylon’s skies are filled with the whisper of aircraft wings (Isa 18:1; Jer 51:53).
30. Babylon has a huge space industry, has “mounted up to the heavens” (Jer 51:53).
31. Babylon fortifies her skies with a huge military aviation program (Jer 51:53).
32. Babylon is portrayed as a leading in high tech weapons and abilities (Jer 51:53; Hab 1:6-10; implied throughout).
33. Babylon is a nation filled with warm water seaports (Rev 18:17-19).
34. Babylon is a coastal nation and sits upon MANY WATERS (Jer 51:13).
35. Babylon trades with all who have ships in the sea year round (Rev 18:17-18).
36. Babylon is nation filled with a “mingled” people (Jer 50:37).
37. Babylon is a SINGULAR NATION founded upon OUT OF MANY, ONE (Isa 13, 47, Jer 50, 51, Hab 1).
38. Babylon is a REPUBLIC or a DEMOCRACY, it is ruled by many counsels (Isa 47:13).
39. Babylon’s governmental system breaks down (Isa 47:13).
40. Babylon is bogged down with deliberations and cannot govern properly (Isa 47:13).
41. Babylon’s leaders use astrology, seers and mystics for guidance (Isa 47:13; Rev 18:2).
42. Babylon labored in the occult from her very inception (Isa 47:12).
43. Babylon falls to the occult just before her end by nuclear fire (Rev 18:2)
44. Babylon was born as a CHRISTIAN NATION (Jer 50:12).
45. Babylon turns upon its heritage and destroys it all in the end (Jer 50:11).
46. Babylon’s Christian leaders lead their flock astray in prophecy and salvation (Jer 50:6; implied Rev 18:2).
47. Babylon’s Christian leaders are “strangers” in the Lord Houses of Worship (Jer 51:51).
48. The people of Babylon are deep into astrology and spiritism (Isa 47:12; Rev 18:2).
49. Babylon becomes the home of all antichrist religions in the world (Rev 18:2).
50. Babylon is a nation of religious confusion (Isa 47:12-13).
51. Babylon turns upon its own people and imprisons and slays them by millions (Jer 50:7,33; 51:35; 39; Dan 7:25; Rev 13:7; 17:6; 18:24).
52. Babylon sets of detention centers for Jews and Christians and rounds them up for extermination (Jer 50:7, 33; 51:35, 49; Rev 17:6; 18:24).
53. Babylon has a mother nation that remains in existence from her birth to death (Jer 50: 12).
54. The mother of Babylon has the symbol of the LION (Dan7:4; Eze 38:13; Jer 51:38; Psalms 17:12).
55. The mother of Babylon will rule over her daughter her entire life (Dan 7:4; Jer 50:12).
56. The mother of Babylon will be a state of major decline as the end nears (Jer 50:12).
57. Babylon is considered to be a lion’s whelp (Eze 38:13; Jer 51:38).
58. Babylon will have the symbol of the EAGLE and builds her nest in the stars (Dan 7:4 EAGLE WINGS; Isa 14:13-14; Jer 51:53).
59. Babylon turns totally antichrist and is the leading antichrist power at the end (Rev 18:2; Isa 14:4-6).
60. THE KING OF BABYLON is called LUCIFER, the ANTICHRIST (Isa 14:4-6).
61. The King of Babylon will rule from THE GREAT CITY BABYLON (Isa 14:4-6; Rev 17: 18).
62. A world government entity will rise up to rule the world from BABYLON THE CITY (Isa 14; Hab 2, Rev 13, 17, 18).
63. This world entity will be a diverse entity, different than all other ruling bodies of the world (Dan 7:7, 23).
64. This entity will be a TREATY POWER ENTITY (Dan 7:7, 23 DIVERSE).
65. This entity will rise up and use the military power of Babylon the nation to RULE THE WORLD (Isa 14:4-6; Hab 1 & 2, Rev 13, 17).
66. Babylon is a huge producer and exporter of automobiles (Jer 50:37; Rev 18:13).
67. Babylon is a nation of CRAFTSMEN, experts in their trade (Jer 50, 51, Rev 18:22).
68. Babylon is noted for her jewelry of gold and silver (Rev 18:22).
69. Babylon is a huge importer and exporter of spices (Rev 18:13).
70. Babylon is a huge exporter of fine marble products (Rev 18:22).
71. Babylon is noted for her iron and steel production (Rev 18:12).
72. Babylon has huge corporations that have bases around the world (Rev 18:23, implied throughout)
73. Babylon is a nation of higher education and learning (Isa 47:10, implied throughout).
74. Babylon is a nation with a GREAT VOICE in world affairs (Jer 51:55)
75. Babylon is a VIRGIN NATION, untouched by major war (Isa 47:1).
76. Babylon has a vast military machine (Jer 50:36; 51:30; Hab 1 & 2, Rev 13:4).
77. Babylon will be instrumental in the setting up of Israel in the Middle East, and is the home of God’s people (Jer 50:47; 51:45).
78. Babylon will have a major enemy to her north (Jer 50:3, 9, 41).
79. Babylon’s enemy will lie on the opposite side of the world, over the poles (Isa 13:5)
80. The enemy of Babylon will be a FEDERAL OF NATIONS (Jer 50:9).
81. The enemy of Babylon will be largely Moslem in make-up (Jer 50:17; Rev 17:16; Psalms 83:5-12).
82. The enemy of Babylon will have nuclear missiles capable of reaching Babylon (Jer 50:9, 14,; Rev 18:8, 18).
83. The enemy of Babylon will be noted for her cruelty (Isa 13, 14, Jer 50, 51, Rev 17, 18).
84. The enemy of Babylon will also have a huge aviation military machine (Jer 50:9, 14, Rev 18:8, 18 implied throughout).
85. The enemy of Babylon will come into Babylon unnoticed (Isa 47:11, Jer 50:24; 51:2, 14).
86. Babylon will be filled with her enemies brought in under the guise of peace (Dan 11:21).
87. Babylon will have all of her borders cut off, and there will be no way of
escape (Jer 50:28; 51:32).
88. Babylon will be destroyed by nuclear fire (Implied throughout)
89. Babylon is land vast land with huge cities, towns and villages throughout (Implied throughout).
90. Babylon will have been a huge missionary nation for Jesus Christ (Jer 50:11; 51:7).
91. Babylon would be a home to multitudes of Jews who leave (Jer 50:4-6, 8; 51:6, 45)
92. The people of Babylon would not know their true identity (Jer 50:6, implied throughout).
93. The people of Babylon would think they are God’s elect and eternal (Isa 47:7-8, Rev 18:7).
94. The people of Babylon would enjoy the highest standard of living in the world (Rev 18:7).
95. The people of Babylon would grow mad upon their idols (Jer 50:2, 38; Hab 2:18).
96. The people of Babylon would go into deep sins of all kinds (Rev 18:5).
97. The nation Babylon dwells carelessly before the Lord (Isa 47:8).
98. Babylon becomes proud, haughty, and does not consider her end (Isa 47:7-8).
99. Babylon deals in the occult, in sorceries and drugs (Isa 47:9, 12; Rev 18:23)
These are but a few of the many parameters listed to help us identify this last great nation that the Lord calls BABYLON THE GREAT. America does now, or is in the process of fulfilling each and every one of them. No other nation upon the face of the earth can fulfill these parameters. AMERICA IS BABYLON THE GREAT. There would likewise be a series of SIGNS that would would begin to emerge that would give BIRTH TO, and WATCH THE RISE OF, as well as THE FALL OF AMERICA-BABYLON.1. Babylon would be an END TIME GREAT NATION (Rev 17,18; Isa 13:6).
2. Babylon would have a huge seaport city within its borders (Rev 18:17).
3. The Great City Babylon is the home of a world government attempt (Rev 17:18).
4. The Great City Babylon would be the economic nerve center of the world (Rev 18:3).
5. Babylon would be the center of a one world Luciferian religious movement (Jer 51:44).
6. Babylon would be the center for the move to a global economic order (Rev 13:16).
BABYLON THE NATION
1. Babylon would be the youngest and greatest of the end time nations (Jer 50:12).
2. Babylon would the QUEEN AMONG THE NATIONS (Isa 47:5,7; Rev 18:7).
3. Babylon would be the most powerful nation in the world (Isa 47, Jer 50, 51, Rev 18).
4. Babylon would be the HAMMER OF THE WHOLE EARTH (Jer 50:23; Rev 18:23).
5. Babylon is called a lady, and has the symbol of the Lady (Isa 47:7-9).
6. Babylon would be the praise of the WHOLE EARTH (Jer 51:41).
7. Babylon is center of world trade (Jer 51:44; Rev 17:18; 18:19).
8. Babylon would grow to be the richest nation in the world (Rev 18:3, 7, 19, 23).
9. All nations that traded with Babylon would grow rich (Rev 18:3).
10. The merchants of Babylon were the GREAT MEN OF THE EARTH (Rev 18:23).
11. Babylon is a huge nation, with lands, cities, and great wealth (implied throughout).
12. Babylon is nation “peeled”, or timbered, a land of open fields (Isa 18:2).
13. Babylon is land quartered by mighty rivers (Isa 18:2).
14. Babylon is a land that is measured out, and populated throughout (Isa 18:2).
15. Babylon destroys her own land, with pollution and waste (Isa 14:20, 18:2, 7).
16. Babylon is a land rich in mineral wealth (Jer 51:13).
17. Babylon is a the leading agricultural nation of the world (Jer 50, 51; Rev 18).
18. Babylon is the leading exporting nation in the world (Jer 51:13; Rev 18).
19. Babylon is the leading importing nation of the entire world.(Jer 50, 51; Rev 18).
20. Babylon is a nation filled with warehouses and granaries (Jer 50:26).
21. Babylon is the leading INDUSTRIAL NATION OF THE WORLD (Isa 13, 47, Jer 50, 51; Rev 18).
22. Babylon is noted for her horses (Jer 50:37).
23. Babylon is noted for her cattle, sheep and other livestock (Jer 50:26, 27; Rev 18:13).
24. Babylon is noted for her fine flour and mill operations (Rev 18:13).
25. Babylon is a nation of farmers and harvests huge crops (Jer 50:16, 26, 27).
26. Babylon is a huge exporter of MUSIC (Rev 18:22).
27. Babylon’s musicians are known around the world (Rev 18:22)
28. Babylon has a huge aviation program (Isa 14:13-14; Jer 51:53; Hab 1:6-10).
29. Babylon’s skies are filled with the whisper of aircraft wings (Isa 18:1; Jer 51:53).
30. Babylon has a huge space industry, has “mounted up to the heavens” (Jer 51:53).
31. Babylon fortifies her skies with a huge military aviation program (Jer 51:53).
32. Babylon is portrayed as a leading in high tech weapons and abilities (Jer 51:53; Hab 1:6-10; implied throughout).
33. Babylon is a nation filled with warm water seaports (Rev 18:17-19).
34. Babylon is a coastal nation and sits upon MANY WATERS (Jer 51:13).
35. Babylon trades with all who have ships in the sea year round (Rev 18:17-18).
36. Babylon is nation filled with a “mingled” people (Jer 50:37).
37. Babylon is a SINGULAR NATION founded upon OUT OF MANY, ONE (Isa 13, 47, Jer 50, 51, Hab 1).
38. Babylon is a REPUBLIC or a DEMOCRACY, it is ruled by many counsels (Isa 47:13).
39. Babylon’s governmental system breaks down (Isa 47:13).
40. Babylon is bogged down with deliberations and cannot govern properly (Isa 47:13).
41. Babylon’s leaders use astrology, seers and mystics for guidance (Isa 47:13; Rev 18:2).
42. Babylon labored in the occult from her very inception (Isa 47:12).
43. Babylon falls to the occult just before her end by nuclear fire (Rev 18:2)
44. Babylon was born as a CHRISTIAN NATION (Jer 50:12).
45. Babylon turns upon its heritage and destroys it all in the end (Jer 50:11).
46. Babylon’s Christian leaders lead their flock astray in prophecy and salvation (Jer 50:6; implied Rev 18:2).
47. Babylon’s Christian leaders are “strangers” in the Lord Houses of Worship (Jer 51:51).
48. The people of Babylon are deep into astrology and spiritism (Isa 47:12; Rev 18:2).
49. Babylon becomes the home of all antichrist religions in the world (Rev 18:2).
50. Babylon is a nation of religious confusion (Isa 47:12-13).
51. Babylon turns upon its own people and imprisons and slays them by millions (Jer 50:7,33; 51:35; 39; Dan 7:25; Rev 13:7; 17:6; 18:24).
52. Babylon sets of detention centers for Jews and Christians and rounds them up for extermination (Jer 50:7, 33; 51:35, 49; Rev 17:6; 18:24).
53. Babylon has a mother nation that remains in existence from her birth to death (Jer 50: 12).
54. The mother of Babylon has the symbol of the LION (Dan7:4; Eze 38:13; Jer 51:38; Psalms 17:12).
55. The mother of Babylon will rule over her daughter her entire life (Dan 7:4; Jer 50:12).
56. The mother of Babylon will be a state of major decline as the end nears (Jer 50:12).
57. Babylon is considered to be a lion’s whelp (Eze 38:13; Jer 51:38).
58. Babylon will have the symbol of the EAGLE and builds her nest in the stars (Dan 7:4 EAGLE WINGS; Isa 14:13-14; Jer 51:53).
59. Babylon turns totally antichrist and is the leading antichrist power at the end (Rev 18:2; Isa 14:4-6).
60. THE KING OF BABYLON is called LUCIFER, the ANTICHRIST (Isa 14:4-6).
61. The King of Babylon will rule from THE GREAT CITY BABYLON (Isa 14:4-6; Rev 17: 18).
62. A world government entity will rise up to rule the world from BABYLON THE CITY (Isa 14; Hab 2, Rev 13, 17, 18).
63. This world entity will be a diverse entity, different than all other ruling bodies of the world (Dan 7:7, 23).
64. This entity will be a TREATY POWER ENTITY (Dan 7:7, 23 DIVERSE).
65. This entity will rise up and use the military power of Babylon the nation to RULE THE WORLD (Isa 14:4-6; Hab 1 & 2, Rev 13, 17).
66. Babylon is a huge producer and exporter of automobiles (Jer 50:37; Rev 18:13).
67. Babylon is a nation of CRAFTSMEN, experts in their trade (Jer 50, 51, Rev 18:22).
68. Babylon is noted for her jewelry of gold and silver (Rev 18:22).
69. Babylon is a huge importer and exporter of spices (Rev 18:13).
70. Babylon is a huge exporter of fine marble products (Rev 18:22).
71. Babylon is noted for her iron and steel production (Rev 18:12).
72. Babylon has huge corporations that have bases around the world (Rev 18:23, implied throughout)
73. Babylon is a nation of higher education and learning (Isa 47:10, implied throughout).
74. Babylon is a nation with a GREAT VOICE in world affairs (Jer 51:55)
75. Babylon is a VIRGIN NATION, untouched by major war (Isa 47:1).
76. Babylon has a vast military machine (Jer 50:36; 51:30; Hab 1 & 2, Rev 13:4).
77. Babylon will be instrumental in the setting up of Israel in the Middle East, and is the home of God’s people (Jer 50:47; 51:45).
78. Babylon will have a major enemy to her north (Jer 50:3, 9, 41).
79. Babylon’s enemy will lie on the opposite side of the world, over the poles (Isa 13:5)
80. The enemy of Babylon will be a FEDERAL OF NATIONS (Jer 50:9).
81. The enemy of Babylon will be largely Moslem in make-up (Jer 50:17; Rev 17:16; Psalms 83:5-12).
82. The enemy of Babylon will have nuclear missiles capable of reaching Babylon (Jer 50:9, 14,; Rev 18:8, 18).
83. The enemy of Babylon will be noted for her cruelty (Isa 13, 14, Jer 50, 51, Rev 17, 18).
84. The enemy of Babylon will also have a huge aviation military machine (Jer 50:9, 14, Rev 18:8, 18 implied throughout).
85. The enemy of Babylon will come into Babylon unnoticed (Isa 47:11, Jer 50:24; 51:2, 14).
86. Babylon will be filled with her enemies brought in under the guise of peace (Dan 11:21).
87. Babylon will have all of her borders cut off, and there will be no way of
escape (Jer 50:28; 51:32).
88. Babylon will be destroyed by nuclear fire (Implied throughout)
89. Babylon is land vast land with huge cities, towns and villages throughout (Implied throughout).
90. Babylon will have been a huge missionary nation for Jesus Christ (Jer 50:11; 51:7).
91. Babylon would be a home to multitudes of Jews who leave (Jer 50:4-6, 8; 51:6, 45)
92. The people of Babylon would not know their true identity (Jer 50:6, implied throughout).
93. The people of Babylon would think they are God’s elect and eternal (Isa 47:7-8, Rev 18:7).
94. The people of Babylon would enjoy the highest standard of living in the world (Rev 18:7).
95. The people of Babylon would grow mad upon their idols (Jer 50:2, 38; Hab 2:18).
96. The people of Babylon would go into deep sins of all kinds (Rev 18:5).
97. The nation Babylon dwells carelessly before the Lord (Isa 47:8).
98. Babylon becomes proud, haughty, and does not consider her end (Isa 47:7-8).
99. Babylon deals in the occult, in sorceries and drugs (Isa 47:9, 12; Rev 18:23)
These are but a few of the many parameters listed to help us identify this last great nation that the Lord calls BABYLON THE GREAT. America does now, or is in the process of fulfilling each and every one of them. No other nation upon the face of the earth can fulfill these parameters. AMERICA IS BABYLON THE GREAT. There would likewise be a series of SIGNS that would would begin to emerge that would give BIRTH TO, and WATCH THE RISE OF, as well as THE FALL OF AMERICA-BABYLON.
WE ARE NUCLEAR TOAST
Smash
I have thought for a long time that the end-times Babylon could only be the United States. Thanks for the comprehensive list of OT prophecies that tie in. Reading Jeremiah’s prophecies about Babylon are chilling.
When Babylon falls, it may be the climax of he world’s final fourth turning.
Got Brevity?
You’re close but you’ve missed the mark “…For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication”. No, America is not the Babylon of the Bible. Babylon is Rome. Specifically the Roman Catholic Machine. Rev 13:1 “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” That is Babylon, that is Rome.
No, the USA is to be found in Rev. 13:11 “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
And, then, who is the antichrist, the son of perdition? The Papacy, of course, just like ALL the reformers of the 16th-17th centuries knew of and spoke of and wrote about.
The idea that the antichrist will be revealed in the future was a Jesuit lie, brilliantly concocted, because (nearly) the entire Protestant world now preaches an unknown antichrist who will reveal himself in the future.
Where Is the Enemy? (1 minute 43 seconds)
Stucky, old bud- You seem to make a lot of assumptions about things you can’t possibly know.
Must be your training in theology.
I take no offense in Rosenberg’s interpretation of a verse, written by a man, which is allegedly the word of God.
The fucking book is named Luke, you dolt. More than likely it was written several generations after Jesus’ death, AND it’s also more than likely that Jesus only existed in the minds of moral men (like Luke) who have subsequently had their words twisted and used by the clergy for nefarious purposes.
God don’t care what you think. God simply IS.
#Lu 16:13-18
SERVING TWO MASTERS
These verses teach us, firstly, the uselessness of attempting to serve God with a divided heart. Our Lord Jesus Christ says, “No servant can serve two masters — for either he will hate the one and love the other — or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
The truth here propounded by our Lord appears, at first sight, too obvious to admit of being disputed. And yet the very attempt which is here declared to be useless is constantly being made by many in the matter of their souls. Thousands on every side are continually trying to do the thing which Christ pronounces impossible. They are endeavoring to be friends of the world and friends of God at the same time. Their consciences are so far enlightened, that they feel they must have some religion. But their affections are so chained down to earthly things, that they never come up to the mark of being true Christians. And hence they live in a state of constant discomfort. They have too much religion to be happy in the world, and they have too much of the world in their hearts to be happy in their religion. In short, they waste their time in laboring to do that which cannot be done. They are striving to “serve God and mammon.”
He that desires to be a happy Christian, will do well to ponder our Lord’s sayings in this verse. There is perhaps no point on which the experience of all God’s saints is more uniform than this, that decision is the secret of comfort in Christ’s service. It is the half-hearted Christian who brings up an evil report of the good land. The more thoroughly we give ourselves to Christ, the more sensibly shall we feel within “the peace of God which passes all understanding.” {#Php 4:7 } The more entirely we live, not to ourselves, but to Him who died for us, the more powerfully shall we realize what it is to have “joy and peace in believing.” {#Ro 15:13 } If it is worthwhile to serve Christ at all, let us serve Him with all our heart, and soul, and mind and strength. Life, eternal life, after all, is the matter at stake, no less than happiness. If we cannot make up our minds to give up everything for Christ’s sake, we must not expect Christ to own us at the last day. He will have all our hearts or none. “Whoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” {#Jas 4:4 } The end of undecided and half-hearted Christians will be to be cast out forever.
These verses teach us, secondly, how widely different is the estimate set on things by man from that which is set on things by God. Our Lord Jesus Christ declares this in a severe rebuke which he addresses to the covetous Pharisees who derided Him. He says, “You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knows your hearts — for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
The truth of this solemn saying appears on every side of us. We have only to look round the world and mark the things on which most men set their affections, in order to see it proved in a hundred ways. Riches, and honors, and rank, and pleasure, are the chief objects for which the greater part of mankind are living. Yet these are the very things which God declares to be “vanity,” and of the love of which He warns us to beware! Praying, and Bible-reading, and holy living, and repentance, and faith, and grace, and communion with God, are things for which few care at all. Yet these are the very things which God in His Bible is ever urging on our attention! The disagreement is glaring, painful, and appalling. What God calls good, that man calls evil! What God calls evil, that man calls good!
Whose words, after all, are true? Whose estimate is correct? Whose judgment will stand at the last day? By whose standard will all be tried, before they receive their eternal sentence? Before whose bar will the current opinions of the world be tested and weighed at last? These are the only questions which ought to influence our conduct; and to these questions the Bible returns a plain answer. The counsel of the Lord, it alone shall stand forever. The word of Christ, it alone shall judge man at the last day. By that word let us live. By that word let us measure everything, and every person in this evil world. It matters nothing what man thinks. “What says the Lord?” — It matters nothing what it is fashionable or customary to think. “Let God be true, and every man a liar.” {#Ro 3:4 } The more entirely we are of one mind with God, the better we are prepared for the judgment day. To love what God loves, to hate what God hates, and to approve what God approves, is the highest style of Christianity. The moment we find ourselves honoring anything which in the sight of God is lightly esteemed, we may be sure there is something wrong in our souls.
These verses teach us, lastly, the dignity and sanctity of the law of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ declares that “it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than for one tittle of the law to fail.”
The honor of God’s holy law was frequently defended by Christ during the time of His ministry on earth. Sometimes we find Him defending it against man-made additions, as in the case of the fourth commandment. Sometimes we find Him defending it against those who would lower the standard of its requirements, and allow it to be transgressed, as in the case of the law of marriage. But never do we find Him speaking of the law in any terms but those of respect. He always “magnified the law and made it honorable.” {#Isa 43:21 } Its ‘ceremonial’ part was a type of His own gospel, and was to be fulfilled to the last letter. Its ‘moral’ part was a revelation of God’s eternal mind, and was to be perpetually binding on Christians.
The honor of God’s holy law needs continually defending in the present day. On few subjects does ignorance prevail so widely among professing Christians. Some appear to think that Christians have nothing to do with the law — that its moral and ceremonial parts were both of only temporary obligation — and that the daily sacrifice and the ten commandments were both alike put aside by the gospel. Some on the other hand think that the law is still binding on us, and that we are to be saved by obedience to it, but that its requirements are lowered by the gospel, and can be met by our imperfect obedience. Both these views are erroneous and unscriptural. Against both let us be on our guard.
Let us settle it in our minds that “the law is good if man uses it lawfully.” {#1Ti 1:8 } It is intended to show us God’s holiness and our sinfulness — to convince us of sin and to lead us to Christ — to show us how to live after we have come to Christ, and to teach us what to follow and what to avoid. He that so uses the law will find it a true friend to his soul. The establishes Christian will always say, “I delight in the law of God after the inward man.” {#Ro 7:22 }
If there were any chance I might purchase any of Rosenberg’s books that slim likelihood is now zero. What a dolt.
This jewish man, who most likely has never sat in a pew on Sunday’s and listened to a Christian pastor teach from the New Testament, start his absurd premise with the assumption that this is some arcane passage that has never been discussed.
Even the old Hollywood movies had Jesus quoting, “man cannot serve 2 masters, man cannot serve both God and mammon”—this is the “revealing” of the parable’s meaning.
We must live in this world, but we are not to be “of this world”–Matt 6:33 tells us clearly, “seek ye first the kingdom of God..” Loving God first with all of our hearts, minds and souls is the ultimate instruction. We are to be heavenly-minded and not earthly minded…..to do unto other as we would have done for ourselves….. when we do well for the least, then we have done it for God and have placed love of self and mammon secondary.
This is a common parable I have been taught many times. The cherry-picking of a partial verse without context by a non-Christian is an all to familiar occurance now-a-days ( usually to try and mock our faith like Obama always does).
For those like Stucky who do not pray, you may not be aware of what many humble Christians practice. Most often before entering or studying the Word of God, we take some time to pray for the Holy Spirit to bless us with wisdom and understanding. This helps us to guard and keep God’s word in our hearts, but also that we may have clearness of thought and self-honesty to accept what is taught without our own earthly interpretations.
It’s tough living in this world with stuff and people end up putting this ahead of what is important.
God.