The imperatives of Christ
I’m looking at doing a quarterly study for Bible school in SJCampos on “The imperatives of Christ.” Or call it “The commands of Jesus.” A restricted list, obviously. Maybe with an introductory lesson on the nature of the imperative in the gospel, necessity of obedience, something along those lines.
There’s no attempt here to make Christ’s words weightier than his words through the apostles and prophets, no two-tiered canon, no red-letter Bible ideas. Though his actions and teachings, since he is our Lord and Savior, while he was on the earth, do hold a special interest for the disciple, don’t you think?
I’m making my list of commands. So here’s my question: What imperatives or commands of Christ would be of special interest to study in a congregation, for Christians today?
andrewphallenbeck 5:31 pm on September 30, 2011 Permalink |
In my view, Randal, there is a misconception concerning what the Lord taught regarding prayer. Often some teach vigorously a view based upon, not Scripture, but rather what they have been taught. Thanks for your commitment to our Lord!
Ruth Atnip 5:39 pm on September 30, 2011 Permalink |
God’s commands on marriage, how to be what God wants men and women to be as husbands and wives. The total message, beginning with what Jesus says about marriage and divorce. Helping Christians to see that marriage is FOR LIFE, and the God Himself does the binding! Nothing short of ‘breaking those vows’ to God and your spouse is even to be thought of as a reason for divorce, not even an abusive husband or wife. Christ tell us that if we live godly in Christ Jesus we will suffer persecution, so any abuse from a husband or wife must be viewed in that light. Also making sure that God does say we can ‘part’ if that abuse gets too severe, but not divorce, but come back together and try to make the marriage a better one. However, it should be pointed out that sometimes during that period of separation, spouses will find that there has been a reason for the abuse. Much to the hurt of a spouse, they may find that they have been being treated abusively because of another man or woman in the picture. All of this needs to be brought out, so that faithfulness can be stressed, to make marriages work, and not fail., This is a huge problem in the church today, even among preachers and elders, and involves also with homosexuality. All about sexual sins is what the church needs most today, in my opinion. The world has gotten almost like Sodom and Gomorrah, and is surrounding the church with much influence coming in with new members. This is why were needs to be a ‘nursery’ – if you will – to immediately ‘feed’ those new ones with the truth of God’s Word IN LOVE, to keep them from slipping right back out into Satan’s grasp again! Make sure ‘evil’ is ‘evil’ int their sight, and ‘good’ is ‘good’ – according to that Word of God, which will feed them from the ‘milk’ stage to the ‘meat’ stage. These are some of the thoughts I had when you presented the question about what to teach a congregation. There should be classes for the different ‘ages’ IN CHRIST – just as where are classes which take into account physical ages. The elders need to drop the ‘title’ ‘feeling’ and ‘adopt’ the ‘work’ —–
J. Randal Matheny 5:42 pm on September 30, 2011 Permalink |
Thanks for the comments. I need specific passages and commands, in view of what I’m looking at doing.
Butch Adams 7:44 pm on September 30, 2011 Permalink |
Matt 4:17 – Repent for the Kingdom is at hand. Matt 7:12 – Golden rule. Matt 18:3- become as children.
J. Randal Matheny 7:52 pm on September 30, 2011 Permalink |
Butch, we’re thinking alike. Mt 4.17 is on the list. Actually, I taught the whole chapter last night in our home reading group. Golden rule, too, though I had Luke’s version in mind. Will look at Mt 18.3. Thanks for these good suggestions. Not counting the Introduction, I have seven lessons/commandments chosen already, after just a quick thought. Need more though. Thanks again.
John Henson 8:07 pm on September 30, 2011 Permalink |
Matthew 22:37; Mark12:30; Luke 10:27: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
J. Randal Matheny 8:18 pm on September 30, 2011 Permalink |
My heart says to go with this one, even though he’s quoting OT.
Ron 5:21 am on October 1, 2011 Permalink |
I think John’s reference is good because it transcends covenants. The first one that came to my mind is John 15:12, which fits nicely with Matthew 22:37. Also, I think John 3:3-5 is tremendously important. Emphasis needs to be on conversion, not baptism.
J. Randal Matheny 6:37 am on October 1, 2011 Permalink |
Thanks, Ron, I’ll look at those. You’re right about emphasis needed on conversion. Although this will be for Christians. Last night I added John 13.15.
Everything Is New 100411 « Mennonite Preacher 1:16 am on October 4, 2011 Permalink |
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