Smallest Seed

jeremiahgraves.wordpress.com UNSEEN GOSPEL "I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" [John 3.12] Being born of water and spirit was something out of this world to Nicodemus, but it was still basic,  earthly teaching as far as Jesus was concerned.  Nicodemus was "Israel's teacher," very knowledgeable in sound bible-based human theology and doctrines. He was an expert actually, probably holding a doctorate degree---and yet he found Jesus' earthly teachings confusing. What more Jesus' heavenly teachings? One good thing about Nicodemus---he wanted to believe, so much so that he risked his life and career when he visited Jesus personally. It was an evil thing for the Sanhedrin to be associated with Jesus. But when he heard a sampling from Jesus, Nicodemus couldn't figure it out: "How can this be?" And it was merely earthly teaching. Why d

retipster.com UNSEEN GOSPEL. When Jesus taught the people, it wasn't like how the religious leaders did it. He taught differently. He taught new things and it was with authority. All the religious leaders had was their old, musty and ineffective human theology and doctrines. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law...What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him. [Mark 1. 22 and 27] It wasn't just that his teachings were sound and bible (Old Testament) based. First and foremost, his teachings were new . Yes, it was solidly Old-Testament based, but it was in tune to the minute developments in the Kingdom of God. Freshly Kingdomly. Second, it had power. It wasn't just inspiring or motivational, as most preaching styles today are---amusing and entertaining but powerless. Modern, seminary-inspired speaking styles intrigue the mi