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In Christian Philosophy there are many Disciples, Teachers and Prophets. Among them is Jesus of Nazareth and the Apostle Paul, once called Saul of Tarsus. Along with the Apostles,Paul teaches on what it means to be Christ like. To follow after Christ's likeness is the goal of a christian. Although Jesus did not write any works in which can be referred to today, he is the beginning of that faith. Although he has no written works, his teaching can be found in the Gospels. Paul who is believed to be called by God to change his ways and follow Christ's teachings wrote many letters and books that Christians study today.
The Christ
[edit]Jesus of Nazareth is also called Jesus the Christ. the term Christ is related to the Jewish Word Moshiach translated to Messiah. in in Jewish history there have been many Messiahs of different faiths and nations; all of which were kings, priests, profits or just ordinary men. the Jewish faith has many scriptures and writings speaking of a significant Messiah. "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this."[1]
Today the Christian faith believes this Messiah to be Jesus of Nazareth. The Jewish and Islamic faiths, which are also Abrahamic religions along with Christianity, do not believe that Jesus is this Messiah or even the son of God. However, they may believe that he was merely a Prophet. Since the Jewish people do not accept Jesus as their Messiah, they still await the first coming of the messiah; While the Christians await his second coming.
According to the Gospel of John, Jesus is the flesh carnation of The Word of God.
John's Gospel, chapter one tells us many things about Jesus; some of the more significant of those things are:
- . In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.[2]
- . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.[3]
this is evidence to the Christian that Jesus of Nazerath is the Messiah that the Jews have been waiting for. they believe that Jesus was before creation with God and that he was mad flesh to save the world of there sins.
Matthew 5
[edit]The Beatitudes
[edit]In Matthew 5, Jesus teaches the subject of The Beatitudes; these are some attitudes about the faith and the Christian's nature. The teaching is found in Matthew 5:1-16. the beatitudes are considered in some ways a promise that there will be compensation for specific characteristics and a compensation for some ways one might suffer for God's sake. The fifth chapter of Matthew is completed with verses 17-48 with the Anti-Theses. This is the Jesus' reflection and discussion on the Jewish Law. the passage translated reads:
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
the Antitheses
[edit]In the following verses Jesus reflects on the Jewish Law and how it relates to him, how he has come to fulfill the law, and how we fail to maintain righteousness.
17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The Fruits of The Spirit
[edit]The Apostle Paul wrote many works, among them is the letter to Galatia; also known as the Book of Galatians. in this book was written to correct the fickle Galatians from further Backsliding and following the legalization, Judaizing teachers from Judea; and to set them straight regarding the relation of Christians abiding of the New Covenant with the Jews of the Old Covenant. In this writing Paul teaches us many things about what it means to be Christ like. one thing that he wrote about is called the Fruit Of the Spirit. these are the qualities,characteristics, or virtues that a christian should desire to take from God. the passage written by Paul about the Fruit of the is found in Galatians 5: 22-23.
22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness,Faithfulness, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [4][5]
Paul uses the greek word Karpos for fruit. which means "fruit( as plucked)"[6] , inferring that these things are not given but taken from the vine of God .
- Love
- (Gr. Agape: a Divine Love. A strong, ardent, tender, compassionate, devotion to the well-being of another.)[7]
- Joy
- (Gr. Chara: the emotional excitement, gladness, delight over blessings received or expected for oneself or another.)[8]
- Peace
- (Gr. Eirene: The State of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order, and security in the midst of turmoil, strife, and temptations.)[9]
- Forbearance
- (Gr. Makrothumia: Patient endurance; to bear long with the frailties, offenses, injuries, and provocations of others, without murmuring, repining, or resenting.)[10]
- Kindness
- (Gr. Chrestotes: a disposition to be gentle, soft spoken, kind, even tempered, cultured, and refined in character and conduct.)[11] .
- Goodness
- ( Gr. Agathosune: the state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and God-like in life and conduct.)[12]
- Faithfulness
- (Gr. Pistis: the living, divinely implanted. acquired, and created principle of inward and wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all he says.)[13]
- Gentleness
- (Gr. Praotes: the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even-balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge.)[14]
- Temperance
- (Gr. Enkrateia: Self-Control; a moderation in the indulgence of the appetites and passions.)[15]
Paul then rights at the end of this passage there is none, who poses these fruits, that the law can condemn. this of course is reffering to the Law of Moses which condemns the sinner.[16]
Faith
[edit]Jesus says much about Faith. he implies that it is influential for supernatural healing. this is shown in the Gospel with several stories. like the story of the centurion, who had such great faith in Jesus that his servant was healed.[17] he also tells us that with faith anything is possible, and that the faith will give Christians the power to do might things[18] he also said that faith in him will save their souls and bring them salvation. this is shown with a story of sinful woman being saved from her sins because of her faith [19]
Christians believe it is important to have faith in God. this involves the belief in the Father, the Son, and and the Holy Spirit. the Christians have faith, along with other religions, that God is the creator of the universe and that every truth comes from him. they rely on him for all needs and they thank him for all blessings. based on this faith they believe that Jesus is the Son of God and is one with God.[20] it is believed that the faith to a christian, is a self feeding cycle. it fuels itself by continual practice and sharing of the faith.[21]
Love
[edit]Love[22] is one of the most important qualities a christian should poses. In the Gospels Jesus teaches to love all. in Matthew 5,Jesus tells us us to Love our enemies, and to bless those who would curse us. [23] Jesus also teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Two of the most important things that Jesus taught us about love was to love others as he loved us. [24] Jesus also said that no man has a greater love then when he is willing to lay down his life for his friends. [25] Paul agreed with Christ that love is without a doubt the most important of all things along with faith and hope. in Paul's book, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13 he describes the qualities of love.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.[26]
there are nine parts to Divine Love. the first is Patience, Love Passive: that is in no hurry, that suffers long, that bears, believes and hopes and endures all tings.[27] there is Kindness, Love in Action: it never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up or proud.[28] also we find Generosity, love in competition: which is not envious or jealous.[29] Humility, Love in Hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires[30] love has Courtesy, Love in Society: does not behave unseemly; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous.[31] Unselfishness, love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge.[32] Love has a Good Temper, Love in disposition: never irritated; never recentful.[33] Love is Righteousness, love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring.[34] finally love has Sincerity, Love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust, always present.[35]
References
[edit]- ^ Isaiah 9:7-8
- ^ The NIV Bible, John 1:1-2
- ^ The NIV Bible, John 1: 14
- ^ The King James Bible, Galatians.5,22-23
- ^ http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=fruit_of_the_spirit
- ^ Strong, James, LL.D.,S.T.D. "The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible"Nashville,Atlanta,London, Vancouver: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1995. print
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c1
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c2
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c3
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c4
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c5
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c6
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c7
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c8
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *c9
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( Galatians 5, note *d
- ^ The King James Bible, Matthew 8:8-13
- ^ The King James Bible, Luke 17:6
- ^ the King James Bible, Luke 18:36-48
- ^ Suprenant, Leon J.Jr.,"The Theological Virtue of Faith",http://www.cuf.org.http://www.cuf.org/FileDownloads/theologicalvirtuefaith.pdf
- ^ http://www.satodayscatholic.com/gomez_082908.aspx
- ^ http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/love.html
- ^ The King James Bible, Matthew 5:22. 5
- ^ The King James Bible, Matthew 22:39. 5
- ^ The King James Bible, John 15:13. 5
- ^ The King James Bible, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13. 5
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g1
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g2
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g3
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g4
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g5
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g6
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g7
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g8
- ^ Dake, Finis Jennings. "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible". Lawrence-ville:Dake Publishing Inc.,2007. print( 1 Corinthians 13, note g9
- ^ http://www.legionofmarytidewater.com/news/news07/april/divinemysteries.htm
- ^ Blanchard and Hodkins, Phil. " Lead Like Jesus".New York: MjF Books,2005. print
- ^ White, Jerry. "Honesty,Morality and Conscience". Colorado Springs:Navipress,1978. print