89 chapter project: Matthew

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paradox3 said:
So the Bible as manipulation is your take on this one?
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It's bloody convenient for Christianity, isn't it?

If good fortune falls in your lap, it's because you believed. If it doesn't, that's because you doubted.

It's an impressive scam, designed around taking credit for the good and making you feel guilty for the bad.
 
Jae said:
He didn't have epilepsy. He was demon-possessed.
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Just so we are clear here. The NKJ and the NRSV both tell us the boy was "epileptic". Is this different from "having epilepsy"?

I would have said they are the same thing. But that's just me.

I understand that you don't like to see epilepsy equated with demon possession.
 
chansen said:
It's bloody convenient for Christianity, isn't it?

If good fortune falls in your lap, it's because you believed. If it doesn't, that's because you doubted.

It's an impressive scam, designed around taking credit for the good and making you feel guilty for the bad.
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Sounds like the health and wealth gospel which, afaik, no one here subscribes to.
 
paradox3 said:
Just so we are clear here. The NKJ and the NRSV both tell us the boy was "epileptic". Is this different from "having epilepsy"?

I would have said they are the same thing. But that's just me.

I understand that you don't like to see epilepsy equated with demon possession.
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Is there a reason you're citing those two versions among many here p3? A good many other versions say that the boy was demon-possessed. Are you seeking to continue the old myth that epilepsy = demon-possession?
 
Jae said:
Is there a reason you're citing those two versions among many here p3? A good many other versions say that the boy was demon-possessed. Are you seeking to continue the old myth that epilepsy = demon-possession?
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The demon is not happy.
 
Jae said:
Is there a reason you're citing those two versions among many here p3?
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Yes, there is a reason I am citing these two versions among many. I have them both in hard copy and use them for reading and reflection. Occasionally I refer to the NEV or The Message.

I believe I said earlier that my 89 chapter threads would be based primarily on the NKJ and the NRSV.
 
Back to the fish with the coin in its mouth. Not worrying about practical considerations has been a theme in previous chapters. We are not to worry because the lilies of the field are clad in beautiful raiment and God takes care of the sparrows. When the disciples are sent out they take nothing with them. They can expect to receive food for their labor and the people in the towns will provide accommodation.

Have been wondering how this can be justified with the poverty in the world in Jesus' day. Not everyone was provided for and surely this did not escape His notice.
 
Does it all come down to faith? God will provide for those who trust in God? This, too, is a problematic notion if you ask me.
 
paradox3 ----your quote ----- Do you believe them to be literally and historically true? Are they myth, metaphor or faith testimony? Does the nature of these stories really matter?


unsafe says ------this is what God say about His word ------

John 17:17 (AMP)
17 Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.

unsafe says ---
Jesus is truth and Jesus is the word made flesh ---so Jesus inwardly and outwardly is truth what he speaks is truth ----so all the word is truth -------the word gives us Spiritual truths ------we are to believe the word by and through the right kind of Faith ----The Holy Spirit is the only one who can reveal to us the spiritual Truth behind the word of truth ------

unsafe says -----
The nature of these stories do matter to those of us who have the Holy Spirit and who gain the real spiritual truth -----the fish who produced the coin has a spiritual truth lesson -----

The Temple tax was paid by Israel for the upkeep of the Temple which belonged to God ----so Jesus didn't have to pay any tax and anyone connected to Jesus is known as a son or daughter and they did not pay tax ------So Jesus didn't want stir up trouble and allow others to stumble and fall into sin by not abiding with the rules of the state -----He went along with the paying of Taxes -----Now the coin in the Fishes mouth was the right amount to pay the taxes for Jesus and Peter -----this shows that Jesus received Peter as one of His own as all true Christians are received into God's Family now by and through adoption ------

Jesus didn't want to offend so he paid the taxes ---this shows that the Greatness in the Kingdom is Serving and humility ------

unsafe says -----
So there is a lot of Spiritual in the coin in the Fishes mouth -------it doesn't matter how the coin got here or how Jesus brought the fish to Peter ---it is the Spiritual lesson that is important -------


772a2e06cbadbceb05e98f2a208ee20f--art-google-mouths.jpg
 
paradox3 said:
Reflection: Matthew 17: 1 - 27

What to make of these stories? The transfiguration and the visit from Moses and Elijah? And the fish with the money in its mouth?


I am not sure what to make of the fish who provides the means to pay taxes.
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Not sure myself but I wonder if we are focusing too much on the coin rather than the fish? The fish was a strong symbol in early christianity (ICHTHYS) which translated into Jesus Christ Son Of God Savior. Fish were used in many examples..eg first meal after resurrection, the sign of Jonas, fish used to feed the multitude...etc.....
Maybe even Ceasars owe their existence to God and we are to be reminded of that?
 
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