Biggest Problem With Accepting Christianity

[Danmark]

I suggest that one of the major reasons people do not accept Christianity is that Christians do not accept the teachings of Christ.

While many are eager to call homosexuality a sin because they believe Jesus preached that (even tho' it is unclear that he did);
And even tho' many are adamant that husbands should rule over their wives because Paul said so;

Jesus preached very clearly that if you want to be perfect you should sell all you have, give it to the poor, and follow Him. Here is one of the clearest and most unequivocal teachings of Jesus, yet virtually NO Christian even attempts to follow this command.

And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?�
. . . . “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.�
Matthew 19:16-21

Most if not all give the same response Jesus heard 2000 years ago:

When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

How can people call themselves 'Christian' when they fail to follow this central teaching of Jesus?

[Divine Insight]

Are you saying that it's impossible to follow Jesus today since nobody knows where he is?

I just think it may be difficult, if one doesn’t know where Jesus is. Do you think this is something that is not meant to be taken literally? Or that it is not about every person in every point of time?

I have no problem with this being taken metaphorically. But even in that case how would that change the problem? If the person in the parable only had to follow Jesus metaphorically in principle it appears that he was already doing that. Jesus taught that a person must keep God's commandments. In this story it is confirmed that this man has done that. Therefore this man has followed Jesus in principle. We'd have to now believe that Jesus is the one who didn't realize this metaphorical reality.

[1213]

... Therefore this man has followed Jesus in principle. We'd have to now believe that Jesus is the one who didn't realize this metaphorical reality.

Maybe so, but after Jesus said what is good, the question went to, what could the person do to be perfect. And to be perfect was too much for that person as it may be for many others also. But I don’t really see that it is actually demand for all to be perfect. It is just something that is recommended.

But obviously, it is a problem, if for disciples of Jesus money becomes like god. Jesus speaks about it also in this:

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.
Matt. 6:24

I think many things can be forgiven, but it would be good, if disciples of Jesus have right order of values.

Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:33-34

[Peds nurse]

[Replying to post 2 by Divine Insight]

Hi DI, you offer a thoughtful interpretation. I personally, don't agree with that specific line of thinking. I don't think Jesus was asking the guy to give up everything to become homeless. Jesus, asked him to give it up because He knew it ruled over Him. As long as the man had a lot of money, his possessions took priority over following what God would ask him to do. Remember, the guy kept every other command...but money was too hard to give up. The lesson isn't to become poor financially, but rather to not let anything in our lives hinder our growth in God. Money isn't bad, but the love of it is.

Hope you are just doing peachy!!

No offense of course Peds (because you're wonderful), but you sound just like my pastors explaining how this story is about loving your money, right before they pass the offering bucket.

My very favorite clown!! I appreciate your reply more than you can imagine!!

I have never heard this particular verse being associated with tithing. Sorry to drudge up some memories. I personally, don't think it is about tithing, but rather to not let money rule over us. The first command is that God should be first in our life. We are to put nothing before Him, and this means money. As a Christian, my trust cannot be in my bank account, but rather in God.

Best wishes for a spectacular day!

[Clownboat]

[Replying to post 2 by Divine Insight]

Hi DI, you offer a thoughtful interpretation. I personally, don't agree with that specific line of thinking. I don't think Jesus was asking the guy to give up everything to become homeless. Jesus, asked him to give it up because He knew it ruled over Him. As long as the man had a lot of money, his possessions took priority over following what God would ask him to do. Remember, the guy kept every other command...but money was too hard to give up. The lesson isn't to become poor financially, but rather to not let anything in our lives hinder our growth in God. Money isn't bad, but the love of it is.

Hope you are just doing peachy!!

No offense of course Peds (because you're wonderful), but you sound just like my pastors explaining how this story is about loving your money, right before they pass the offering bucket.

My very favorite clown!! I appreciate your reply more than you can imagine!!

I have never heard this particular verse being associated with tithing. Sorry to drudge up some memories. I personally, don't think it is about tithing, but rather to not let money rule over us. The first command is that God should be first in our life. We are to put nothing before Him, and this means money. As a Christian, my trust cannot be in my bank account, but rather in God.

Best wishes for a spectacular day!

I agree that this verse is not meant to be about tithing. However, my pastors would often refer to this story during the tithes and offerings sermon.

Very convenient to refer to a story about how we should not 'love our money', and then ask us for 10% and more of our money.

'Don't let your money control you and don't let it become more important than God'. 'Now give me 10%, actually preferably more then 10% of your income because you don't want to be like the rich man who loved his money'. 'My private jet will not pay for itself after all'.

(To be honest, he didn't mention his private jet during these sermons that I can recall, but he sure was able to afford one).

[rikuoamero]

[Replying to post 63 by Peds nurse]

The first command is that God should be first in our life. We are to put nothing before Him, and this means money. As a Christian, my trust cannot be in my bank account, but rather in God.

As I write these words, I'm hungry for some food. Thing is, I don't have anything in the house. Should I pray and ask God, and trust in God, to somehow ensure a hot steaming Dominos pizza arrives at my door...or should I whip out my credit card and trust that instead?
In all my years, I've used my bank card lots of times, and it has come through for me. God? A grand total of zip.