If Jesus Were on Earth...

[CoreyD]

I thought this might be a fun exercise for everyone, to learn from, and question ourselves.
It's quite simple.

All you have to do, is think of something Jesus would be doing, or not doing; believing, or not believing...
State the particular thing. For example... If Jesus were on earth, he would ___________. Then, reference or quote the scriptures, that support the statement.

This gives posters an opportunity to respond, either in agreement, or disagreement, expand on, or just think about.
I have a few things in mind, but will likely post tomorrow.
Let's see what we can learn from Jesus.

 

[Hoping2]

I thought this might be a fun exercise for everyone, to learn from, and question ourselves.
It's quite simple.

All you have to do, is think of something Jesus would be doing, or not doing; believing, or not believing...
State the particular thing. For example... If Jesus were on earth, he would ___________. Then, reference or quote the scriptures, that support the statement.

This gives posters an opportunity to respond, either in agreement, or disagreement, expand on, or just think about.
I have a few things in mind, but will likely post tomorrow.
Let's see what we can learn from Jesus.

Interesting concept...
Would we be referring to the post-resurrection Lord ?
Or to the pre-resurrection Lord ?
The pre-r' Jesus dealt primarily with Israelites, while the post-r' Lord deals with all men.

 

[CoreyD]

If Jesus were on earth, he would be in your local supermarket, perhaps buying bottle water... no sugary drinks , and he would strike up a conversation with those on hand.
John 4:5-7

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.​

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”​

Read John 4:5-26

Hey @Hoping2, does that answer your question?
Remember, also, when Jesus healed the daughter of Jairus, a Roman army officer.
True, Jesus was first gathering the lost sheep of Israel, but his goal, and focus was to do the father's will. 1Timothy 2:3, 4, which included, all sorts of people, which differed from the Pharisees, who encouraged segregation and prejudice.

If Jesus were on earth, he would be at your doorstep at some point in time, telling you about the good news of God's kingdom, and you likely would invite him in for a refreshing glass of lemonade.
Luke 8:1

Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.​

Read Luke 9:6-10

You might offer him a meal, but he might politely refuse, and say to you, "only one thing is necessary. [You have] chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from [you]". Luke 10:42

You would meet him on the street, talking to crowds of people that stopped to listen to him. Matthew 5:1, 2; Matthew 7:28, 20
You might even be treated with a meal. Matthew 14:16-21

 

[The Liturgist]

I thought this might be a fun exercise for everyone, to learn from, and question ourselves.
It's quite simple.

All you have to do, is think of something Jesus would be doing, or not doing; believing, or not believing...
State the particular thing. For example... If Jesus were on earth, he would ___________. Then, reference or quote the scriptures, that support the statement.

This gives posters an opportunity to respond, either in agreement, or disagreement, expand on, or just think about.
I have a few things in mind, but will likely post tomorrow.
Let's see what we can learn from Jesus.

Just a reminder, please read the Traditional Theology Statement of Purpose before posting in this forum: Traditional Theology

 

[Hoping2]

If Jesus were on earth, he would be in your local supermarket, perhaps buying bottle water... no sugary drinks , and he would strike up a conversation with those on hand.
John 4:5-7

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.​

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”​

Read John 4:5-26

Hey @Hoping2, does that answer your question?
Remember, also, when Jesus healed the daughter of Jairus, a Roman army officer.
True, Jesus was first gathering the lost sheep of Israel, but his goal, and focus was to do the father's will. 1Timothy 2:3, 4, which included, all sorts of people, which differed from the Pharisees, who encouraged segregation and prejudice.

If Jesus were on earth, he would be at your doorstep at some point in time, telling you about the good news of God's kingdom, and you likely would invite him in for a refreshing glass of lemonade.
Luke 8:1

Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.​

Read Luke 9:6-10

You might offer him a meal, but he might politely refuse, and say to you, "only one thing is necessary. [You have] chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from [you]". Luke 10:42

You would meet him on the street, talking to crowds of people that stopped to listen to him. Matthew 5:1, 2; Matthew 7:28, 20
You might even be treated with a meal. Matthew 14:16-21

So it is the post-resurrection Jesus we are referring to...OK.
Jesus, having already died for our past sins, would only be back here for the earth's destruction.

 

[The Liturgist]

So it is the post-resurrection Jesus we are referring to...OK.
Guess what.

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son and Word of God, who became incarnate for our Salvation, is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow, according to Scripture. Insofar as He glorified our Humanity through His Passion and Resurrection, this does not change His identity to the point where it is correct to speak of the pre-resurrection Jesus or the post-resurrection Jesus as though they were different people.

Also please read the Traditional Theology Statement of Purpose before posting in this forum: Traditional Theology

 

[Hoping2]

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son and Word of God, who became incarnate for our Salvation, is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow, according to Scripture. Insofar as He glorified our Humanity through His Passion and Resurrection, this does not change His identity to the point where it is correct to speak of the pre-resurrection Jesus or the post-resurrection Jesus as though they were different people.

Also please read the Traditional Theology Statement of Purpose before posting in this forum: Traditional Theology

I understand, and thanks.
But is the poster's hypothetical idea "traditional" ?

 

[CoreyD]

Just a reminder, please read the Traditional Theology Statement of Purpose before posting in this forum: Traditional Theology

I did take the time to do so.
Did I do something wrong?

 

[CoreyD]

I understand, and thanks.
But is the poster's hypothetical idea "traditional" ?

I am thinking that the first century traditions are the most "traditional".

 

[CoreyD]

So it is the post-resurrection Jesus we are referring to...OK.
Jesus, having already died for our past sins, would only be back here for the earth's destruction.

No quarrel with that... Except, I read it's not the earth's destruction, but the world's destruction. 1 John 2:15-17; Revelation 11:18

 

[Hoping2]

I am thinking that the first century traditions are the most "traditional".

I agree.
That being the case, Jesus would be doing what the apostles were doing during the first hundred years after Jesus' death and resurrection.

 

[Hoping2]

No quarrel with that... Except, I read it's not the earth's destruction, but the world's destruction. 1 John 2:15-17; Revelation 11:18

I feel the earth is the world.
Peter writes "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Peter 3:13)

 

[CoreyD]

I agree.
That being the case, Jesus would be doing what the apostles were doing during the first hundred years after Jesus' death and resurrection.

Why only the first hundred years?
Since Jesus is the forerunner - the one who started the work Luke 8:1; gave the instructions, for his followers to carry it out Luke 9:1-6; commanded it be done Matthew 28:18, 19; prophesied its scope, purpose, and success Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8; and promised his support right down to the end of the world Matthew 28:20, then is it not a work that is continuous, right up to the point when he says, "Okay. The time and hour has arrived"?

It reminds me of when God told Noah and family to enter the ark, and God shut the door. That was it.
God knew when the time for Noah's preaching was up, and a witness was given to his satisfaction. 2 Peter 2:5
He did say, the circumstances of his arrival would be similar. Luke 17:26-30

So, if Jesus were on earth today, he would be doing exactly what he started, and is seeing to a completion.
Would that not be correct?

I feel the earth is the world.
Peter writes "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Peter 3:13)

Many persons feel the same way, but giving it careful thought, might lead to another conclusion.
Since I think a discussion on this topic... which is a very interesting one, is outside the scope of the thread, and sub-forum, it would be best if we discuss this in another thread.

Here is a link to a thread where it is appropriate to discuss this subject if you would like.
Since, there are responses to persons who believe as you do, I compiled them into one, so that it would be easier for you to respond to those points.

 

[Hoping2]

Why only the first hundred years?

We have the record of the apostles' lives to illustrate how we, or Jesus, would behave after Jesus' ascension to heaven.

Since Jesus is the forerunner - the one who started the work Luke 8:1; gave the instructions, for his followers to carry it out Luke 9:1-6; commanded it be done Matthew 28:18, 19; prophesied its scope, purpose, and success Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8; and promised his support right down to the end of the world Matthew 28:20, then is it not a work that is continuous, right up to the point when he says, "Okay. The time and hour has arrived"?

Yes, it is.

It reminds me of when God told Noah and family to enter the ark, and God shut the door. That was it.
God knew when the time for Noah's preaching was up, and a witness was given to his satisfaction. 2 Peter 2:5
He did say, the circumstances of his arrival would be similar. Luke 17:26-30
So, if Jesus were on earth today, he would be doing exactly what he started, and is seeing to a completion.
Would that not be correct?

I don't think so, as His primary mission before His death was to spread the gospel of the kingdom of God.
Since it's arrival, the message has changed from prophetic to realized.

Many persons feel the same way, but giving it careful thought, might lead to another conclusion.
Since I think a discussion on this topic... which is a very interesting one, is outside the scope of the thread, and sub-forum, it would be best if we discuss this in another thread.

Here is a link to a thread where it is appropriate to discuss this subject if you would like.
Since, there are responses to persons who believe as you do, I compiled them into one, so that it would be easier for you to respond to those points.

Sounds like another of "the context drives the interpretation" events.
But I'll go look at the site...thanks.
Having perused it, my mind hasn't been changed .

 

[linux.poet]

MOD HAT ON​

This thread has been moved from Traditional Theology to Bible and Book Games. ​

MOD HAT OFF​

 

[CoreyD]

We have the record of the apostles' lives to illustrate how we, or Jesus, would behave after Jesus' ascension to heaven.

Yes, it is.

I don't think so, as His primary mission before His death was to spread the gospel of the kingdom of God.
Since it's arrival, the message has changed from prophetic to realized.

Oh, I see. The end has come then. Matthew 24:14
I wasn't aware. Why is the world worst than before, and not better... and aren't you supposed to be in heaven?

Sounds like another of "the context drives the interpretation" events.
But I'll go look at the site...thanks.
Having perused it, my mind hasn't been changed .

Okay.

 

[Hoping2]

Oh, I see. The end has come then. Matthew 24:14

It's on it's way.

I wasn't aware. Why is the world worst than before, and not better

Is it really worse ?
I actually think it is better, now that God's children are here manifesting Father's will and grace.

... and aren't you supposed to be in heaven?

Why would you think that ?

 

[CoreyD]

It's on it's way.

So the good news of the kingdom is still being preached as a testimony to all nations.
In what way has it changed, and when did that happen? What scriptures can you share for your answer?

Is it really worse ?
I actually think it is better, now that God's children are here manifesting Father's will and grace.

Perhaps the media has it wrong, then.

According to recent data, there has been a significant increase in violence worldwide. In 2022, the number of political violence events escalated, with Ukraine experiencing a 373% increase in events compared to 2021, primarily due to explosions and remote violence involving Russian forces. 1 Additionally, Syria saw an 11% increase in political violence events, while Myanmar and Brazil also reported increases. 1​

​

The global homicide rate has also risen, with an estimated 563,000 lives lost to homicide in one recent year, surpassing the number of deaths from war and suicide. 5 Furthermore, the number of attacks carried out by actors with far-right, white nationalist, or anti-Muslim beliefs has increased substantially in Western Europe and North America, from three incidents in 2002 to 59 in 2017, with social media playing a significant role in the dissemination of xenophobic speech and incitement to violence. 4​

​

Violence against women is another critical issue, with nearly one-third of women worldwide experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. 3 This violence is exacerbated during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where isolation and restricted movement have increased the risk of exposure to violence for women and their children. 7​

​

These trends indicate a concerning global increase in various forms of violence, affecting both individuals and communities. 4 5 7​

Or you did. It looks like you got it all wrong.
You wouldn't happen to think that Jesus and Paul were mistaken? Matthew 24:13; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13

Why would you think that ?

I know that most who identify as Christian, believe they will be raptured to heaven before the end comes.
Are you of a different view?

 

[Hoping2]

So the good news of the kingdom is still being preached as a testimony to all nations.

In a manner of speaking...yes.
But in the past tense.

In what way has it changed, and when did that happen? What scriptures can you share for your answer?

The OT was all about the coming of the Lord. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)
He came and provided all we need to enter into His kingdom. "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Rom 5:9) (Col 1:20,Heb 9:12)

Perhaps the media has it wrong, then.

When have they ever reported things according to God ?

According to recent data, there has been a significant increase in violence worldwide. In 2022, the number of political violence events escalated, with Ukraine experiencing a 373% increase in events compared to 2021, primarily due to explosions and remote violence involving Russian forces. 1 Additionally, Syria saw an 11% increase in political violence events, while Myanmar and Brazil also reported increases. 1

​

The global homicide rate has also risen, with an estimated 563,000 lives lost to homicide in one recent year, surpassing the number of deaths from war and suicide. 5 Furthermore, the number of attacks carried out by actors with far-right, white nationalist, or anti-Muslim beliefs has increased substantially in Western Europe and North America, from three incidents in 2002 to 59 in 2017, with social media playing a significant role in the dissemination of xenophobic speech and incitement to violence. 4​

​

Violence against women is another critical issue, with nearly one-third of women worldwide experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. 3 This violence is exacerbated during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where isolation and restricted movement have increased the risk of exposure to violence for women and their children. 7​

​

These trends indicate a concerning global increase in various forms of violence, affecting both individuals and communities. 4 5 7​

Or you did. It looks like you got it all wrong.
You wouldn't happen to think that Jesus and Paul were mistaken? Matthew 24:13; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13

As before Jesus there were no good, perfectly holy, folks on earth, I would opine that with the addition of just a couple hundred faithful believers, a shift has been made.

I know that most who identify as Christian, believe they will be raptured to heaven before the end comes.
Are you of a different view?

Self-identifications can be hazardous to one's health.
I am of a different view.

 

[CoreyD]

In a manner of speaking...yes.

I'm not sure what you mean.
Jesus said, the good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth, as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

You said, "as His primary mission before His death was to spread the gospel of the kingdom of God.
Since it's arrival, the message has changed from prophetic to realized."
Now you say, "in a manner of speaking" the good news of the kingdom is still being preached as a testimony to all nations.

If you say yes, then you must agree "the good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth, as a testimony to all nations".
That's the only manner of speaking there is, isn't there.
What other manner of speaking would be important to the Christian

But in the past tense.

I'm reading... And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Am I missing something?

I'm guessing you are suggesting that the gospel of the kingdom has already been preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, but the end hasn't come, because you don't think Jesus is saying the end will come when a testimony has been given to all nations, to God's satisfaction.
Is my guess accurate?

When I consider the purpose of this good news being preached in all the world. Mark 13:10; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4, I don't see that the door has been closed, but I see the potential for millions more to be saved, by having a witness given to them.

So, while some think that people all over the world have internet, radio, etc., and they hear preachers from all sorts of denominations, with different and conflicting messages, and so, they have had a testimony, what the Bible says, is quite different.

However, back to what Jesus would be doing... Are you saying, you believe if Jesus was on earth, he would not be preaching the good news of the kingdom, but would be preaching a different message... and what message would that be?
Scriptural support required.

The OT was all about the coming of the Lord. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)
He came and provided all we need to enter into His kingdom. "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Rom 5:9) (Col 1:20,Heb 9:12)

Certainly, you are not saying that this - Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8 - was, and is not necessary, after Jesus left.
So, what are you saying (Focus being the preaching of the good news of the kingdom)?

When have they ever reported things according to God ?

The media reports world events.
When we listen to the truth they present, it is "according to God", since it's fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Jesus said, at Matthew 24:6-8, 33
6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!

So, it is good to pay attention to reports that come from reliable sources, rather than claims from people on internet forums, because they seldom say anything according to God.
Would you not agree?

Did you disagree with the report? If so, why?