Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (Full Version)

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[Poll]

Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry?


Yes
  72% (13)
No
  22% (4)
Not sure
  5% (1)


Total Votes : 18
(last vote on : 7/20/2008 4:24:56 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )


Message


Little_1 -> Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 3:30:45 AM)

I terms of successful ministries as the world would view things today, do you believe Jesus had a successful EARTHLY ministry?

Please explain your reasons.

Appreciated.




earthless -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 8:19:49 AM)

In the way that the world views as in the heretical Word of Faith prosperity outlook?

Nope.

But then again some of them lie and say that Jesus was materially rich, had a mansion, designer clothes, etc..




DaveW -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 8:23:32 AM)

Absolutely. He had hundreds of followers, a very difficult thing to do in just a little over 3 years. Sure, He upset some important power brokers who killed Him (speaking in a natural sense) but His influence was so great that His followers numbered in the thousands in less than 6 months after His death. A few years later they were described as "... those who turned the world upside down."

Very successful.




phreddy -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 8:41:24 AM)

Two thousand years later and thousands of miles away from where he lived, his ministry reached me. So, I say a resounding YES!




Little_1 -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:09:40 AM)

I voted "No" because I was speaking about Jesus' earthly ministry. Jesus had many hundreds of followers whilst on earth but if you remember - when He went to the cross, very many of them (many more than remained faithful) fell away and turned their backs on Jesus!

It was only when Jesus went back to Heaven and the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost that many became Christians "not born of the flesh but born of the Spirit of God". More people became Christians after Jesus' death and resurrection than during his lifetime ministry on earth.

Also, in terms of what the 'world' terms sucessful - again I vote "No" because the world tends to consider wealth, position, the size of their armies, paypackets, bank accounts, homes, businesses, etc in terms of success. The world doesn't tend to think beyond the material whereas Jesus operates in the spritual and that is not something the world considers wealth or success.




mvic -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:20:48 AM)

I don't understand why you ask trick questions.

His EARTHLY ministry was led by God and the Holy Spirit. On His baptism the Holy Spirit appeared as a sign from God.

So to imply that His ministry faded away when He died and "very many of them (many more than remained faithful) fell away and turned their backs on Jesus!" is re-interpreting what really happened.

The fact is that His Word remained amongst us 2000 years later; despite the fact that He did not have the benefit of newspapers, TV, the internet and the sophisticated communications devices we have today.

Successful ministry? You bet!




URForgiven -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:27:35 AM)

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a Jewish peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village. He worked as a carpenter until He was 30, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held and office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled more then 200 miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.

While a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. He friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying – and that was His coat. When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has the One solitary life.

-Author Unknown




Little_1 -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:32:51 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mvic

I don't understand why you ask trick questions.

His EARTHLY ministry was led by God and the Holy Spirit. On His baptism the Holy Spirit appeared as a sign from God.

So to imply that His ministry faded away when He died and "very many of them (many more than remained faithful) fell away and turned their backs on Jesus!" is re-interpreting what really happened.

The fact is that His Word remained amongst us 2000 years later; despite the fact that He did not have the benefit of newspapers, TV, the internet and the sophisticated communications devices we have today.

Successful ministry? You bet!


I don't ask trick questions - just questions to make us think and get us into the Word of God.

I am definitely NOT suggesting or saying that Jesus' ministry faded away when He died - quite the opposite! Those who were following Jesus for perhaps the wrong reasons faded away (the sincere followers didn't though) but very many did! One day they are shouting "Hosanna" and the next they are shouting "crucify Him" - this is Biblical fact.

Jesus' ministry was even more successful when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and this happens to be after Jesus' death. Perhaps you misinterpret what I am trying to say? What I am trying to say is that Jesus' ministry brought more converts to Christianity after His death than during His earthly ministry via the Holy Spirit.




Little_1 -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:37:49 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: URForgiven

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a Jewish peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village. He worked as a carpenter until He was 30, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held and office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled more then 200 miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.

While a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. He friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying – and that was His coat. When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has the One solitary life. -Author Unknown


Very true but I would go one step further and say all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has the One solitary life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.




mvic -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:43:54 AM)

Little1,

Let's check I understood you correctly.

You say: "Jesus' ministry was even more successful when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and this happens to be after Jesus' death."

Does this mean there was NO Holy Spirit guiding Him before His death? Did the Trinity start after His death and resurrection? This is news to me.

You say: "What I am trying to say is that Jesus' ministry brought more converts to Christianity after His death than during His earthly ministry."

The reason for this: His ministry = 3 years. After His ministry = 2000 years.




Little_1 -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:48:15 AM)

Little1,

Let's check I understood you correctly.

You say: "Jesus' ministry was even more successful when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and this happens to be after Jesus' death."

[Yes]

Does this mean there was NO Holy Spirit guiding Him before His death? Did the Trinity start after His death and resurrection? This is news to me.

[No - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have always existed]

You say: "What I am trying to say is that Jesus' ministry brought more converts to Christianity after His death than during His earthly ministry."

[Yes]

The reason for this: His ministry = 3 years. After His ministry = 2000 years.

[Yes - but isn't this great because Jesus is in Heaven now and yet His life, death and resurrection are still having an effect on mankind today (even though Jesus is not on earth physically) and all because the Holy Spirit came in fullness at Pentecost in His place]

I could ask another question - "WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF GOD DID NOT SEND THE HOLY SPRIT AT PENTECOST?" IT DOESN'T BARE THINKING ABOUT [:o]




mvic -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:48:32 AM)

URForgiven,

I tried to find that quote and post it but couldn't find it.

Thanx for doing so. I've now cut and pasted it.

Are you sure it is "Author Unknown"? as I'd like to use it on my website.

Thanx.




bluestone -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 10:50:41 AM)

Not as successful as Benny Hinn, but Jesus did not have a tv show, either.




rabstark -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 11:28:28 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mvic

URForgiven,
I tried to find that quote and post it but couldn't find it.
Thanx for doing so. I've now cut and pasted it.
Are you sure it is "Author Unknown"? as I'd like to use it on my website.
Thanx.


The poem is usually attributed to a fellow by the name of Dr. James Allen Francis, a pastor around the turn of the last century. The original version, which presumably came from a sermon, is considerably less poetic than the common version. When I googled it, I couldn't find anyone who seemed to know when it was edited to its more common form or by whom. The link is to a site with the original version... One Solitary Life - original version




Godddy -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 11:40:02 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mvic

URForgiven,

I tried to find that quote and post it but couldn't find it.

Thanx for doing so. I've now cut and pasted it.

Are you sure it is "Author Unknown"? as I'd like to use it on my website.

Thanx.

Yes that piece is from the unknown author.
I would like to remind you brothers and sisters, Jesus was famous before He was born, Was he not prophecied, about in the O.T. Born in the N.T.
The Holy Spirit inspired people to write the O.T. as well as the N.T.
The Holy Spirit, was hovering over His creation in Gen:1-1
So the Holy Spirit has always been.




DaveW -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 11:42:51 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: bluestone

Not as successful as Benny Hinn, but Jesus did not have a tv show, either.
Reminds me of a lyric:

Every time I look at you
I don't understand
Why you let the things you did
Get so out of hand
You'd have managed better
If you'd had it planned
Now why'd you choose such a backward time
And such a strange land?
If you'd come today
You could have reached the whole nation
Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication


From JC Superstar title song.

http://www.lyricsdepot.com/jesus-christ-superstar/superstar.html




kernsfamily -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 12:01:29 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: bluestone
Not as successful as Benny Hinn, but Jesus did not have a tv show, either.


then again, in 2000 years, well after Benny Hinn is gone, don't ya think people will ask, "Benny who?"....
I doubt it would take more than a few years before all his "followers" go their own way, and forget about him.

not so with Jesus.




JimboFletch -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 12:17:46 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
then again, in 2000 years, well after Benny Hinn is gone, don't ya think people will ask, "Benny who?"....
I doubt it would take more than a few years before all his "followers" go their own way, and forget about him.

not so with Jesus.

I used to use people like Jim Jones, David Koresh, Jim Bakker, and Jimmy Swaggert to make certain points. But these once infamous men are unknown to many today.

As you said, not so with Jesus!




URForgiven -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 12:22:22 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mvic

URForgiven,

I tried to find that quote and post it but couldn't find it.

Thanx for doing so. I've now cut and pasted it.

Are you sure it is "Author Unknown"? as I'd like to use it on my website.

Thanx.


As far as I know it is unknown to us...I am sure there is One who does know though. [;)]

Peace




URForgiven -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 12:29:53 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Little_1

Very true but I would go one step further and say all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has the One solitary life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.


I agree with you Little_1. Christ's complete ministry was His life, death and resurrection. He gave Himself for us, in order to give Himself to us, so that He could live His life through us.

Peace




Roberta_ -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 12:33:33 PM)

define successful.




Little_1 -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 12:34:03 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: URForgiven

He gave Himself for us, in order to give Himself to us, so that He could live His life through us.

Peace


I like that.

Here's another:

- God commended His love towards us;
- Christ demonstrated God’s love towards us and
- the Holy Spirit illuminated the love of God towards us.




mvic -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/15/2008 12:41:27 PM)

Thanx Rabstark for the link. Much appreciated.

Thanx URForgiven.

God bless.




armydude -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/16/2008 7:21:21 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Little_1

I terms of successful ministries as the world would view things today, do you believe Jesus had a successful EARTHLY ministry?

Please explain your reasons.

Appreciated.
Why would it matter if Jesus had a successful ministry as the world would view things? Jesus was successful because He overcame the world. And in Him, we can too.




Little_1 -> RE: Did Jesus have a successful EARTHLY ministry? (7/16/2008 12:48:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: armydude

quote:

ORIGINAL: Little_1

I terms of successful ministries as the world would view things today, do you believe Jesus had a successful EARTHLY ministry?

Please explain your reasons.

Appreciated.
Why would it matter if Jesus had a successful ministry as the world would view things? Jesus was successful because He overcame the world. And in Him, we can too.


You know - it really doesn't matter at all! However, from what I can see on this thread, one person has gained info useful for their website (which I'm pleased about) and others of us have gleaned some useful quotations. [:D]

Also, the Lord blessed my heart when I seen that at least a little good came out of it and I believe that's because He knew my heart intention. [;)]




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