Jesus spoke His truth to disciples and other persons of His era. He targeted certain people and groups during a definite period in human history. Responsible Bible study takes into account the realities of historical context and background.
Nevertheless: Much of what Jesus spoke 2000 years ago is just as relevant to our society---and to Christians of our era---as when His words were first uttered.
What Jesus says to His people even in our time is markedly different from the worldly perspectives we hear over and over again.
Consider these few examples---
The world says: "You only go around once in life. You've got to grab what you can!."
Jesus says: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"---Matt.16:26
The world says: "You've got to make a name for yourself."
Jesus says: "Therefore, pray: 'Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name...' ---Matt.6:9
The world says: "You've got to make something of yourself."
Jesus says: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow Me."---Matt.16:24
The world says: "Don't get mad. Get even."
Jesus says: "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." ---Luke 17:3-4
The world says: "Jesus was a good teacher, but so were Buddha and Confucius."
Jesus says: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."---John 8:31-32
The world says: "If you love Jesus, fine. If another person loves Allah, that's fine, too."
Jesus says: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except though me."---John 14:6
The world says: "You've got to make big sacrifices, put in long hours and keep pushing yourself if you want to get ahead and stay ahead."
Jesus says: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."---Matt.11:28
Nevertheless: Much of what Jesus spoke 2000 years ago is just as relevant to our society---and to Christians of our era---as when His words were first uttered.
What Jesus says to His people even in our time is markedly different from the worldly perspectives we hear over and over again.
Consider these few examples---
The world says: "You only go around once in life. You've got to grab what you can!."
Jesus says: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"---Matt.16:26
The world says: "You've got to make a name for yourself."
Jesus says: "Therefore, pray: 'Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name...' ---Matt.6:9
The world says: "You've got to make something of yourself."
Jesus says: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow Me."---Matt.16:24
The world says: "Don't get mad. Get even."
Jesus says: "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." ---Luke 17:3-4
The world says: "Jesus was a good teacher, but so were Buddha and Confucius."
Jesus says: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."---John 8:31-32
The world says: "If you love Jesus, fine. If another person loves Allah, that's fine, too."
Jesus says: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except though me."---John 14:6
The world says: "You've got to make big sacrifices, put in long hours and keep pushing yourself if you want to get ahead and stay ahead."
Jesus says: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."---Matt.11:28