Blog Posts containing "rational understanding"

Pentecost XVII Mark 9:30-37

Mark 9:30-37. “They argued with one another over who was the greatest.” The question to ask is, why every time Jesus told the disciples of His impending death, they argued who would be the greatest? That is, who is going to lead this band after He goes?  Read more


Pentecost XI John 6:24-35

This scripture is a good example of the difference between rational and spiritual understanding. The rational could not understand how Jesus could be the Bread of life. For them, "bread" meant the "manna" that God gave during the Exodus. How could a person be bread? Jesus makes the compare and contrast difference.  Read more


EASTER VII John 15:6-19

Only Spiritual understanding can explain what Jesus meant when He prayed to the Father that He had given His words to the Apostles and they received or kept them. This does not mean they memorized them as the "Q" source would contend. It means they received them in their heart. Spiritual understanding is that Jesus put His words in the Apostles hearts, as well as in ours. This is why He never wrote down any of His words. Jesus is the Word of God.  Read more


EASTER VI John 15:9-17

Jesus is the Word of God. He is our authority. We do what He commands us to do. Some see a two Commandments dilemma. He gives us a new Commandment to Love others as He has loved us. He already has given us the two Great Commandments to Love God and to love others as we love ourselves. These two great Commandments cover all of the Scripture both New and Old. It is what we are called to do. No matter what the Law or others say or write, if it is not the loving thing to do, do not do it. Now, how do we follow what Jesus calls us to do?  Read more


Epiphany 7 Mark 9:2-9. “Only Jesus”

Spiritual understanding does not need sites, or exercises or pilgrimages to find the Joy of the Presence. Suddenly a cloud covered them all. When the cloud was gone there was only Jesus. That is all we need! That is all we have! His Presence is the unconditional and inclusive grace of God.  Read more


Epiphany VI Mark 1:40-45. "If you choose, you can make me whole."

Our God is not a loveless power, nor a powerless love. Our God is the Power that is in Love. God loves us too much to leave us where we are.  Read more


EPIPHANY V Mark 1:29-39. "Jesus prayed"

Rational understanding acts on its feelings about what happens. Spiritual understanding acts on how it feels in what happens.  Read more


EPIPHANY IV Mark 1:21-28 Is this a new Teaching? The Authority of grace.

Rational understanding attempts to love others so God will love us. Spiritual understanding knows Jesus loved us by being in the Fathers Love. We must be in the Love of God before we try to love others. Do you understand the difference between trying to love someone to be loved and being loved in order to love someone?  Read more


EPIPHANY III Mark 1:14-20 "Immediately"

Why did the disciples respond immediately when Jesus called them? Rational understanding would say Peter, Andrew, John and James all knew Jesus. It was as if they had grown up together, played in the sand, and worked in the carpenter's shop. Spiritual understanding would say, give me a break! They did not live that close to each other. They may have seen Him afar. But you cannot tell me they immediately left their nets to follow him because they were the "best of friends". Come off of it! There was something else going on there.  Read more


EPIPHANY II John 1:43-51 "You believe because I said I saw you under the fig tree. I will show you greater things than these."

Sometimes we get deeper insights when we treat the scripture in CIA fashion. We check out the usual suspects, examine the evidence rationally and then look for the clues consciously. Today's scripture calls for such an investigation.  Read more


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