Knowledge holds unparalleled importance. Yet, history is replete with fierce opposition to the advent of new knowledge. A review of historical texts reveals a pattern of established authorities resisting discoveries. The backlash against Galileo’s telescopic revelations stands as a prime example among countless instances of such resistance. It is the perseverance of the discoverers that allows their findings to endure and ultimately supplant the established norms.
Humans often seem more comfortable preserving tradition than embracing new ideas. Knowledge entails becoming aware of previously unknown facts. In medicine, for instance, it was commonly believed that blood circulation was due to uncontrolled “tides” in the blood. No one bothered to raise questions of how that could sustain life.
In the realm of medicine, a Greek physician named Galen (129 – 216 AD) posited that the liver converted food into blood, which then flowed through the body uncontrolled. This theory, lacking further scientific explanation, was widely accepted due to Galen’s authority in medical circles. The true function of the heart in blood circulation was not discovered until the time of English physician William Harvey (1578-1657).
Harvey’s discovery met initial resistance because it contradicted Galen, who had previously been a respected authority in medicine. Instead of embracing new discoveries, humans often resist change. The general populace tends to accept authoritarian teachings on any subject without critically assessing their truthfulness.
The synoptic gospels suggest that Jesus’ crucifixion was due to His radical teachings about the nature of God. Jesus boldly challenged the misinterpretation of Scriptural references. The authorities, anticipating the Messiah, expected Him to conform to their expectations. Jesus was executed for His profound understanding of God, which conflicted with the established Pharisaic authorities in Jerusalem. They felt threatened by Jesus’ teachings, which challenged their authority and the status quo.
The inertia of tradition often prevents the swift acceptance and celebration of new ideas. Humans, bound to the physical realm, are not readily adaptable to fresh insights. Typically, it is the subsequent generation that embraces what would have been fiercely opposed. Falsehoods can quickly become viral, only to eventually dissipate and be forgotten. In contrast, truthful information often endures a slow acceptance process before it is acknowledged indefinitely.
This website claims to have revealed groundbreaking information on Biblical subjects, which should have stirred the world. The historical pattern of suppressing such revelations is well-documented. The site’s assertions of presenting truthful interpretations of Jesus’ teachings should not be seen as self-promotion but as a confident projection of understanding. The persistent denial of truth over the ages is attributed to ignorance and an unwillingness to explore humanity’s origins.
The Bible explicitly states that humans were created in the image of God, yet human nature struggles to grasp this concept. The scriptures recount how Jesus was rejected in His own hometown, where His profound knowledge was seen as a threat. His contemporaries would have been more receptive if such insights had explicitly come from an extraterrestrial being, rather than one they deemed insignificant. This point is crucial for those seeking to comprehend human behaviour.
“Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” So they were offended by Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own country and in his own house.” Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:55-59 NKJV)
Jesus ceased performing miracles in their vicinity due to their lack of faith. What led to their disbelief? Dismissing their behaviour, without fully understanding the reasons for their scepticism can be risky. This question remains crucial, but unchanging, even as observed amidst astonishing technological advancements. Elon Musk’s educational background may not seem as impressive as one might expect from someone at his level of current business success.
The world seems to overlook a critical connection. How long will people be judged based on class and background? The fundamental issue is the disbelief in the notion that all humans were created in God’s image. Whether it’s someone walking down the street appearing downtrodden or a notorious criminal, their societal status and racial appearance are irrelevant; they too were created in God’s image. Anyone assuming to be better than such people, ought to be aware of bearing the responsibility to change their lives for the better.
How could the son of a carpenter be linked to knowledge that eclipsed that of esteemed theological scholars? This very question hinders the capacity to analyze information and embrace what is correct. It was this consideration that led the erudite Pharisaic scholars to dismiss Christ, despite being unable to refute His teachings. The joyful revelations of God arrive in forms that astonish the world. Jesus proclaimed that His mission was to open the eyes of the blind.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshipped Him. And Jesus said, “For judgment, I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains” (John 9:36-41 NKJV).
The sin that Jesus referred to stemmed from the presumption of knowing the unknown. Adam’s sin was a blend of good and evil, in need of separation. The inability to discern the known from the unknown indicates blindness. Although it is currently misunderstood, this distinction elucidates the true versus false Christians. This website is recognized for three expositions that, despite being dismissed by many, will endure over time.
These may not be groundbreaking insights, but they are not advocated by the world’s famous preachers. Any passionate person can claim to be truthful as long as their beliefs remain unchallenged. I may be regarded as such a person, yet I remain to be what was created in the likeness of God—a truth that no reasonable person can contest.
Even a wanderer, unable to explicitly justify his existence, is created in God’s image. This raises the question: who bears responsibility for the plight of such individuals? God’s love is impartial, yet in the face of such disparities, it may appear otherwise. The Biblical responses to these questions are detailed in the following expositions, which are to be thoroughly debated, perhaps even posthumously.
The initial exposition asserts that humanity defies categorization by class, race, or background. Viewing individuals through the lens of class or background is an unfounded and malevolent perspective. The biblical account of Cain’s murder of Abel serves as an early example of humanity’s destructive potential. Cain, feeling menaced by the divine praise bestowed upon Abel’s offering, failed to recognize the divine likeness in his brother, instead perceiving a threat from a contemptible sibling. It was pride that spurred him on.
Our world operates on the dynamics of promotional allure, suggesting that some humans are superior or inferior to others. This notion lacks any basis in truth. It is inconceivable that one person, created in the image of God, could be superior to another, also created in the same divine image. The ethos of being one’s brother’s keeper suggests that the plight of a less fortunate brother necessitates the intervention of one who is perceived as more fortunate. Jesus espoused the philosophy of universal equality:
“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:8-12 NKJV).
Did Jesus intend for all His followers to have equal gifts? Paul addressed this by likening the Church to a human body’s limbs, illustrating that it would be nonsensical to favour one limb over another. If Jesus’ teachings appear incomprehensible, it is only to those who opt to stay blind while feigning sight. Jesus’ teachings were not meant to be convoluted.
The second point is that Jesus is not different from those He called His brothers. This contradicts the claim that the Trinity is the fundamental doctrine of Christianity. The idea that Christians are no different from Jesus is often deemed heretical, despite Jesus’ own words in Matthew 25:40, and Paul’s reinforcement in his letter to the Romans.
“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:9-15 NKJV).
The apparent disregard for Jesus’ teachings should not be seen as intentional. Those who overlook such Scriptures believe they are correct. They may be genuine and unassuming, yet deeply resistant to alternative teachings. Often, this reflects individuals seeking admiration from others, feeling threatened when compared to those they consider inferior.
The third and final point addresses giving within the Church, complicated by the desire for God’s blessings. It’s common for people to give generously in hopes of divine favour and, notably, to gain recognition from Church leaders. The influence of contributions on Church leadership appointments, often more than spiritual discernment, is undeniable. Typically, those in church roles, other than pastors, earn those positions in consideration of their monetary contributions.
Verses from the Old Testament are often quoted to promote generous giving, which may sometimes eclipse Jesus’ teachings. Jesus did not instruct His disciples to refrain from tithing or contributing to the Church. In His teachings within the Synagogues, He did not dissuade anyone from giving liberally. However, in His seminal sermon recorded in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, Jesus encapsulated the essence of giving, as follows:
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV).
To grasp the importance of this Scripture, it’s essential to understand that Jesus’ mission was to eradicate humanity’s fundamental sin. All human sins stem from pride, but this doesn’t necessitate self-denial. While a truthful person should be assertive about their beliefs, it doesn’t justify arrogance or a refusal to accept correction. When one gives generously within a church organization, it can lead to an undeserved sense of superiority. To avoid this, Jesus advocated for anonymous donations.
Monetary gifts do not elevate someone above those struggling to afford daily meals. Jesus’ teachings aimed to shield believers from falling into the snare of vanity. In the eyes of God, no one stands above another in the church. Each person has to serve with all their might. Therefore, Jesus directed His followers to dedicate themselves to service, with the understanding that the greatest among them would adopt a servant’s heart.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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