Discuss John 1 Page 34

OSEAS,

( John 1:14) Jesus, the "Word made flesh" who "dwelt among us".

JOHNATHAN Taylor

Greetings in Christ JESUS,

THE WORD IS GOD. If the expression "beginning" in the GOD's Plan of restoration of all things- Acts 3:v.18to26 combined with Genesis 1- is a mere ''verb", it would be an insignificant detail, but if we saay "In JESUS God created heavens and the earth" , this revelation bring us a wonderful vision about our Lord JESUS Christ as is revealed to John 1:v.1-3 and Hebrews 1:v.1-4 and 10-13:

Hebrews 1:1 to 3

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son - JESUS - , whom He -GOD the Father- hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

By the way, in my vision, GOD could not revealed the name of JESUS before the fourth Day when the Word would be made flesh, but in fact JESUS was the beginning of all things, so Moses wrote "in the beginning" instead in JESUS God created heavens (four heavens) and earth-the clay-the dry land. Great GOD mysteries - Colossians 2:v.1-3: - 1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 - That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 - In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The Scriptures about the Godhead. Sometimes called "Let Us..." in some passages. These scriptures are evidence of all 3 persons of the Godhead speaking to each other.

Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:7

Isaiah 6:8

Romans 1:20

Colossians 2:9

Acts 17:27-30

1 John 5:7

John 10:30

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD so that they are without excuse:"

Genesis 1:1

The Father purposes

The Word (Jesus) speaks. ( John 1:1)

The Spirit (Holy Spirit) executes the spoken word. Action.

May I suggest you scribble those down on the back pages of your Bible? It comes up a lot.

There may be more...

To be saved, we must believe that Jesus is Lord and believe that He died for our sins. This confession acknowledges before God that we are unable to attain righteousness on our own and that we accept His plan for our lives.

"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:31

"Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" Luke 5:32

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

There's a link on the red page: "Become A Christian", that explains the whole process.

For me: Jesus submitted to be baptized in water by John the Baptist. He was fulfilling a prophesy.

Baptism is simply us following Jesus as his disciple in a simple act of obedience.

It never occurred to me to dispute water baptism. It truly was desiring to leave my old life and rise up in the new life.

What is in John 3 is what Jesus told Nicodemus: you must be born again.

Receive the Holy Spirit.

There's a link on the red page that says: Become A Christian, that is useful to understand the whole process

Baptism by water does not get you to heaven. Jesus Christ himself was baptised, But he was and still is the son of God.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. This means that you Believe and confess that you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that Jesus died on the cross, shed his own blood for the forgiveness of our sins, always and forever.

While hanging on the cross, Jesus said "It it finished". He was saying this has been done for you. so that you may have eternal life with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Heaven. Water doesnt save, but Jesus blood has and did.

thanks and God bless.

Do people really believe baptism gets them into heaven?

We hereby understand that Joseph was the adopted Father of Jesus in the same manner as we are being adopted by God the Father, through Jesus Christ.

By revelation we see Mary, a living word in the realm of the Spirit was impregnated by the Word of Life, to bring forth the Son of Man, without sin. John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory; the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

We also understand that in the realm of the Spirit that, He the Son of Man, who was born of the Word of God was also God the Word. John 1:1: In the beginning The Word, and The Word with God and The Word God.

So by revelation we also understand, that spiritual birth of us, the sons of sinful men by the Lord Christ Jesus is similar to the role of Mary. When we accepted Jesus the Son of Man, He being God the Word was impregnated with us, and when we received Christ the Son of God, He being God the Spirit is or the Holy Spirit delivered us from the womb to become the Sons of God the Father of Eternal Life.

In order for us to become a Child of God the Lord Christ Jesus must give birth to us, by the Word and Spirit. John 3: 1 - 8.

Mary a living soul or word had to be impregnated by the Word in order to bring forth the vessel, the Son of Man, God the Word of Life.

Hi Wesley.

Please be a little more specific.

If only God can open and close doors,

after you walk through the threshold how are YOU going to close it?

Please elaborate a little more.

Thanks.

It's said that God closes doors no man can open and opens doors no man can close.

The question I propose is this. When you are given an open door and you go through, after you cross the threshold is it your responsibility to close that door behind you?

PRAISE THE LORD

JESUS IS ALIVE

REJOICE ALWAYS

Good day.

AND OF HIS FULNESS HAVE ALL WE RECEIVED, GRACE

FOR GRACE. John 1:16 KJV

May I propose according to King James Version, which is one of the original, oldest, most widely used version of the bible, that 'grace FOR grace' is meaning GOD imparting His grace for us to have the grace to witness Christ and offer the plan of salvation we have learned, that we through GOD's grace give others the grace to be saved. Thank you. Mrs. Welz

Hi GIGI.

I believe a way to put us are WE covered by the blood of Christ as the children of Israel was covered by the Lambs blood on the door post in Egypt. WE CAN'T COME INTO THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IN THIS FALLEN STATE WE'RE IN. ( A Sinner).

There may be different sin that brings different results, like fornication ( sin against the body) ect. but all sinners that don't come to Christ will suffer the same fate.

A unbeliever is already dead under the penalty of sin, Christ came to pay the ransom and take that charge off us by way of the cross.

NOTICE THE SINGLE PENALTY AND CHARGE THAT IS MENTIONED BELOW.

Romans 5:11-12. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Wherefore, as by ONE MAN SIN ENTERED into the world, AND DEATH BY SIN; ( and so death passed upon all men, ) for that all have sinned:

John 1:29. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the "SIN" of the world.

NOW CONTINUING TO REJECT TRUTH OR REBEL AGAINST TRUTH OR CORRECTION BY MEANS OF THE LIGHT OF SCRIPTURE CAN BE DANGEROUS.

I think God Judge the heart of every individual and his tolerance may vary but he will not pardon the guilty.

Here's a couple of examples in regards to a few countries.

Matthew 11:21-24. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

ALL SIN IS DEALT WITH BY CHRIST OR YOU.

GOD BLESS.

As soon as you have received salvation you are ready for baptism. Those who accepted his message were baptized that day ( Acts 2:41).

While baptism is not essential to salvation, the mandate of baptism is essential to Obedience.

Being baptized is a command from God, it is not an option. It is an act that God requires of every believer. Among Jesus' last recorded words on earth were, He that believes and is baptized shall be saved ( Mark 16:16).

Sprinkling infants with water does not baptize them. Being baptized requires an understanding and commitment that an infant has no capacity to undertake. There is no record of infant baptisms in the Bible.

There are examples of baby dedication ( 1 Samuel 1:11, Luke 2:22). Baby dedication is where the baby is blessed as a public statement by the parents that they will train their children in the Christian faith and seek to instill that faith in them.

Christians who do not follow Jesus in water baptism have a much higher rate of backsliding than those who do. If a person's walk with God does not start with the most basic act of obedience, they are not likely to be obedient in other areas of their walk.

If you have never been baptized, now is the perfect time to obey the Lord.

I think John the Baptist was born to proclaim Jesus, Baptize Jesus and Preach The Word of God, who is, Jesus Christ. John 1:1 (my thoughts)

You don't have to do it if you don't want to; clearly shown in the New Testament mentions through Paul and others.

Most people know about Baptism. Some churches offer it; others don't. As a street minister, we baptized those that asked for it; in a friends swimming pool or the College fountain. There's no LAW on this.

Jesus gave us 2 new commandments. Let's do that.

M.

Benon,

Even though we become sons and daughters through spiritual re-birth, we are not called the begotten of God. Jesus Christ is the only begotten of the Father. The word begotten in the Greek text means unique. Jesus Christ is the only unique one from the Father.

John 1:18 is quite a statement. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, and again the word begotten means unique. The only one who is in human form that represents God, the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

It is the relationship of the Word to the representative of God to man. First of all, nobody has ever seen God at any time. Nobody! The only one, the only unique one who has come from God, who is in the Father's bosom, another word of equality, He and the Father are one which He says John 10:31.

He, that is Jesus Christ, He has declared God. The word for declared is EXEGESITO. That is where we get our word exegesis from. An exegete is somebody who takes something apart and declares in detail the facts about a subject.

So there are the three principles concerning Jesus Christ: in existence, in equality, and in essence.

The only begotten Son (Existed) in the bosom of the Father.

(Equality) - bosom of the Father means that He is one with him.

And thirdly, (Essence) - God in human form.

In other words, if anybody wants to know about God, they go to Jesus Christ. He is not just a prophet. He's not just a rabbi. In the Christian faith and Biblical Christianity, He is God in the flesh, 100% God, 100% man!

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I have got a question, am not asking out of carnality,but to be edified.

QN: The bible says in the famous scripture of John 3:16 that Jesus is the only begotten son of God.It is repeated also in John 1:18 and 1 John 4:9.I agree that Jesus is the begotten son of God,but at the same time even us who have believed in Him we have been begotten of God and we are sons ( John 1:12).So, is Jesus the only begotten son of God?

Will be grateful to hear from you.

Again, I am not challenging the gospel, I am just a believer who needs to be edified.

Benon.

I'd estimate that 90% of all differences of opinion here stems from "cherry picking" scripture.

1. Person A says 'I believe in scripture A'.

2. Person B says 'yah, but what about scripture B?!'

3. Person A says 'yah, but what about scripture A?!'

What is needed is ALL the verses in context: A+B+C+D+E... to all be considered for a full understanding + seeking God through prayer and asking for understanding.

Example:

Does the Bible says believe and you're saved. Yes. Is that ALL it says? No. Do these contradict? No. Genuinely believing assumes action is associated with such a belief- otherwise, it suggests lack of belief.

James 2:18-19 - Even demons believe. Ok, so maybe we should do just the "bare minimum" more than believe, but no more, because then it would be "legalism" (some actually believe this). Satan believed too and was cast out of heaven. Hitler probably believed then later murdered 6 million Jews.

Person A is yah, just FAITH only

Person B is yah, but WORKS too!

Person A is no, just FAITH!

James 2:18 says it's BOTH! A genuine Christian does both, because a genuine Christian will bear fruit and do good works. Good works is GOOD, not bad as some falsely assume. Love your neighbor as yourself is 2nd greatest commandment and showing love is a good work. It also says we need to confess. We can call that scripture C in this case. 1 John 1:9. We'll find more relevant scripture too if we keep reading the Word.

Link

Thank you for your reply, Denise. I enjoyed your comment. For me the subject is not so superficial, but very profound and linked to the invisible GOD, creator of the heavens (four heavens), and of the earth. Honestly, I like to decipher GOD's enigmas. (riddles)

First, the Word is GOD. As you know, GOD-the Word-is Light- 1John 1:v.5. GOD said: Let there be light: and there was light-Gen.1:v.3. GOD has 7 Spirits- Revelation 5:v.6. By the way, there is a RAINBOW round about His throne-Rev.4:v.3. Again: The Word is GOD. Now see: God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good-Gen.1:v.11-12.

That said: the colours you (or science) see in the terrestrial nature is a reflex of the 7 Spirits of GOD, for the Word is the Creator. The Word said: Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, ... and it was so. The Word is the Power, the Omniscient, and Omnipresent, and Ominipotent GOD. The King David knew GOD sos well. David said: "For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast- Psalm 33:v.9. Dearest Denise, the Word is the source of the true Science and of the Wisdom.

The great MYSTERY revealed is the Word made flesh and was born JESUS, "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge"- Colossians 2:v.3. Paul Apostle said to the church of Colosse: I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the MYSTERY of God - Christ. Colossians 2:1-2.Amen.

Honestly, I like to decipher GOD's enigmas.God blesses

Hello, developing character and becoming more Christlike is a process, a journey through intentional effort over time. It doesn't magically happen, but takes regular practice.

Christianity is an action to actively follow (pursue) Christ and try to emulate Him and obey His teachings. It takes a lot of effort. Paul struggled himself and likened it to him running a race to win the prize. The prize is not won yet- that happens after this life when we are first judged and by following Christ we have hope for everlasting life with Him in heaven. I personally do not believe anyone is saved until after God judges us.

1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:"

1 John 2:4 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

Matt 5:22 "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."

In I John 1:1, what is the difference in the Greek between, "which we have seen with our eyes" and "which we have looked upon" OR is John just repeating himself for emphasis???

The"Day" in Genesis 1:5(1:4+1:5)[14th Day and 15thDay of Passover] is capitalized.The word "Day",is a noun.When a noun is capitalized,it becomes a personalized noun.This"Day" is an Personalized Day.This is God's Personalized Day.It is "that Day".It is The Day of The Lord. Genesis 1:3 is not talking about day (as in sunlight),but,rather,the commission of the Gospel,to be sent("there"[Let there(the waters Rev.17:15)be light.The evening and the morning of the Day of the Lord is bumped up into every day of our lives(2cor.6:2[selfsame day]),that we may "know therefore this day(Day),and consider it in our heart".It's really ALL about JESUS!!!!!!+!See these verses(from KJV study bible). [ Gen 1:2;IS 40:13; Rom 11:34; Jer 23:18; Jer 23:22; Jer 25:5;IS 55:6; 2Cor 6:2]Also,[ Gen 1:1; John 1:1; 1John 5:20; John 17:3; 1Cor 11:4; Deut 4:35; Deut 4:39]Would you like to know more?

Dear Vance,

That is a good question to ask. It seems a kind of balance needs to be made, because all have sinned and fall short. Yet, deliberate sinning while claiming to be a Christian following Jesus is incongruent (1 John 1:6). And deliberate sinning that is apparent within the church is especially toxic to the church body.

Paul in the Bible dealt with this when he wrote letters to the churches. He seemed frustrated with them to a degree. Paul admitted his own struggles with the flesh as well.

How should sin in the church be handled? It probably depends on the circumstance. I would recommend searching the internet for "How should sin in the church be handled?" and clicking on the Got Questions website. I believe they have solid Bible-based answers that might be helpful.

And of course most importantly, pray to God. Ask for wisdom and discernment on how best to minister to your church body. Also, it shouldn't all fall upon you. You need deacons and helpers so this doesn't all fall on you. I believe there is a higher standard for leaders in the church body and no one should serve as a leader who is being immoral. 1 Timothy 3:8-13

God bless you and your church!

I too believe that scripture plainly says Jesus is God in John 1:1. However, we are expressing our opinions and if that was banned then our opinions would be silenced also. Usually when someone wants censorship they usually just mean the opinions they disagree with, and don't want to be silenced themselves.

God wants to be sought. This involves effort. I think some things are meant to not be clear or understood immediately, and some things never. In Job, he questioned God why He did that to him, and instead of a direct answer he got an earful of how He was God and Job wasn't. The way I interpret it is like: how dare you question me with your tiny limited brain.

There are other places basically suggesting our capacity to comprehend everything is currently limited. There are mysteries and maybe more will be revealed in the afterlife.

Hebrews 11:3

Mark 4:11

Matt 13:11

Matt 6:33

Isaiah 40:4-5 - glory of the Lord will be revealed (in the future)

1 Tim 3:16

2 Thessalonians 2:11-13 - a 'strong delusion' will be sent. Judging by all the lies in the media it seems a delusion is happening now.

I really hope you people who openly write your opinions STOP!! Because yes in fact JESUS is saying before Abraham I AM , the same I AM that told Moses in the Old Testament. Isaiah 9:6 says it best who JESUS is and if you need New Testament to back up who HE is 1st Timothy 3:16 but this one clearly nails it John 1:10,11 He was in the world and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and his own received Him not.)HALLELUJAH GLORY BE TO GOD, JESUS is GOD Manifested in the flesh as 1st Timothy 3:16 and ISAIAH 9:6 so clearly and plainly put it!! Why do you think we are to be baptized in His Name ? ACTS 2:38 , because JESUS himself was Water baptized as an example to us as to what HE expects EVERYONE who WANTS SALVATION to do as HE Stated to Nicodemus in JOHN3:5 Verily, verily, I say unto thee .Except a man be born of the Water and of the Spirit , he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ( Peter Preached on the day of Pentecost in the book of ACTS 2:38 to Repent and be baptized in Jesus Name filled with the Holy Ghost. EPHESIANS 4:5 says One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism . ( John 1:1 through 5) in the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God , and the Word was God . The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ( Same as some people today ) In Jesus Name I Bid you Peace

Hello,

If you believe the Bible where it says the "three are one" then, the answer is yes.

1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

Here's other supporting scripture too:

Genesis 1:26

John 11:6-7

John 10:30

John 8:19

John 1:1

Philippians 2:5 - 2:8

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 1:3

1 John 5:7

Matthew 28:19

1 Peter 1:2

2 Corinthians 13:14

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 14:10

John 20:28

1 John 5:8

1 John 2:22-24

Link

Beware of creative people who will try to either disregard or 'reinterpret' all the above scripture in attempt to get it to mean something else. In searching our conscience, deep down we already know what "the father and I are one" and the "three are one" means. We should all ask God directly for wisdom in understanding the scriptures and to reveal and confirm His truths to us, so we aren't deceived or mislead by false teachers. James 1:5. 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

Page 1.

Hello Ron. I believe that Adam has provided you an excellent response, to which I fully concur. And that's why I feel compelled to add to it as well, having spent a few years in Pakistan working (in ministry) amongst both Muslims & Christians. And yes, I too have read the Quran in its entirety & find many Truths therein, especially on the Greatness, Mercy & Glory of God. Yet, in the midst of that, there lies much that is in contradiction to the Bible & essentially based on perceived revelations given to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel.

To prevent this becoming too long an exercise, I would highlight just two important features that distinguish between the two books, hence the two belief systems.

Firstly, the matter on the Sonship of Jesus. It is clear that Muslims, as also Jews, will refute with all vehemence, this Divine connection (what they interpret as 'biological'). Since God can only be One God & there are no other gods bar Him or anything associated with Him, it becomes heresy to believe otherwise. And as you know, Christians also believe this. And according to them, since Jesus was just a Prophet, albeit highly elevated amongst the prophets, the question of being God's Son or of His death for sins becomes absurd. Whereas, their own book in Surah 4:171 says, "O People of the Book, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His WORD which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him." In Arabic, Jesus is also called 'Kalimatullah' = Word from/of God, which resonates with us in John 1:1. So if nothing can be associated with God, there seems to be an exception with God's Word: it being sent out to Mary & who will be God's Message to her & all of us. No other prophet, even Mohammed, was given this title, even as he purportedly brought God's message.

1 Corinthians 6:12

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the POWERS of any.

1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things EDIFY not.

John 1:3

ALL THINGS were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

GENESIS speaks on plants, herbs, things for food, tea, coffee, seasoning, etc. God blessed all of it.

We know because of history, man has used various things to make alcoholic beverages.

Paul told Timothy to take a little wine for his jittery stomach.

Our conscious is alive to God. We know when we're over-stepping the line of the permissive Will of God. Don't blame him for DWI's, manslaughter etc. TEMPERANCE is the key word here. It's a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

If Satan is accusing you ( JOB 1), Jesus is your Advocate ( 1 John 2:1); he's your defense Attorney.

Medical Marijuana is legal now. It's just a matter of having your doctor give permission for you to use it.

I only say that because for a long time it was illegal. People prosecuted for it may still be in prison?

Maybe some other comments from others will be or, not be helpful. I think you're being accused by the devil. To get his case Dismissed, all you need to do is to confess the entire case in front of the Judge. You wouldn't be here if you were not sorrowful over past years.

Satan has a very weak case. God made marijuana to serve as an herb. Problems happen because of how people want everything free. No regulation. As long as Governments and Cartels are dealing in it. It's going to have problems.

Repent and go the legalized route. Problem solved. It's much better than ingesting chemical opioids. Chemicals are dangerous and alter brain chemistry. Stops natural hormone production.

(ok guys, don't email me. I'll read your comments in here ok? :) Mishael

Jesus is that true light, and it is he who causes the innocence of every young child when it comes into the world. Little children do not start out hitting each other. They do that because the see someone do it, or it is done to them by an older kid or something. It is learned behavior.

Everytime they learn a new evil, that light gets a little dimmer. By the time they become accountable for sin, there may be little or no light left. At this point, the person isn't "coming into the world", he (or she) is already IN the world.

This is why we must become as humble as a little child and be born again -- to fill us with light again by the receiving of the Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of Christ without whom we "are none of his." Again, at this point we aren't "coming into the world". We are IN the world but leaving it and "coming into" the kingdom of God.

I don't see any confusion to be had, I believe the bible lays out the Trinity (diety of God) quite plain, also as in 2 Peter it also plainly states, 2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Mark 10:15 "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."

1 John 5:7-8 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." 8 "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

amen hallelujah praise the lord god is good all the time

This passage is often used to provoke us to witness but in fact it's a sad declaration to the Jews (& specifically to those around Jesus at meal-time). The message of Luke 14:16-24 was an indictment against the Jews about their rejection of God's Message & Provision of salvation. One said in verse 15, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God", believing in the special position that only the Jews enjoyed & to be in God's Kingdom. Jesus then went about to show him that that position was now untenable because of their rejection of the Messiah of God.

So, in the parable, the invited guests represent the Jewish people. The Kingdom was prepared for them & Jesus came preaching that the Kingdom of Heaven was near ( Matthew 4:17), but they had rejected Him & His Messiahship ( John 1:11). And of course, all types of excuses were given to discount Jesus' claim & works.

Thus the invitation (of God) went out to those whom the Jews considered as outcasts & unclean (the Gentiles), that we in our miserable state of ignorance of God's Holy Demands, would be given the opportunity to salvation which the Jews despised. As Hosea 2:23 says, "I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God".

Even as Paul declared in Acts 13:46,47, "It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." We may not all be missionaries in our calling, or standing on street corners warning every man, but we are called to be witnesses of God's Grace reaching out to those who have never heard. In the most part, we as Christians, have failed to be God's Light & Hope in this dark & desperate world.