When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
"But you," He asked them, "who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" (Matthew 16:13-16 HCSB)
I have met a lot of new people lately, and the introduction always goes the same way. "I am so and so. I work at boring blah blah blah. I am married to girl. We have three kids we call children."
I'm guilty of the same thing. So I have developed a new introduction for myself:
"Hi, I am Scott Northcutt. I am a saint, a missionary, and a warrior for the creator of the universe. I am washed in the blood of Christ. He is my king, comforter, and strong tower. I obey only Him. By the way I have a smokin hot wife Ladawn and 3 beautiful kids Gavin, jadyn and Courtney. I also work at John Deere in my spare time."
Which introduction would u remember?
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
He answered my prayers
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Monday, September 17, 2012
take one for the Kingdom
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012
This is not a sermon about "I feel good" and other crap like that.
Jeremiah 17
New International Version (NIV)
7 7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in Him.
8 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
whose confidence is in Him.
8 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
I have seen lately several people that struggle with self esteem. This is definately an epidemic in America between young and old alike. Maybe that's why the "I feel good" sermons are so popular right now. I'm so sick of hearing that stuff. I searched "self esteem" in my handy bible app on one of the newer translations and guess what? Not in there. Feel good was in there though, refering to intoxication. So it makes me wonder, where are the feel good preachers getting their material?
The above verse talks about confidence. Confidence in God. Self esteem is important. You know that. Wanna boost your self esteem? Stop listening to the "ooooh I feel good today" crap, get right in the middle of God's will, have confidence in the Lord, and you will be like that tree planted by water.
Friday, September 7, 2012
sold
26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What do we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh,” and they agreed. 28 When Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph to Egypt.
Genesis 37
There is no other way to say it, I had a bad week. Bad news, stressful confrontations with people, and other circumstances out of my control was the story. My week, however bad, compares nothing to Joseph.
Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers and narrowly escaped death. His brothers decided to sell him into slavery. The traders then took him to another country where he was sold again, as a slave.
It hurts badly when someone you love "sells" you. I know this pain personally friends. I've been sold before, more than once. Are you ready for the good news? I've been bought by the blood of Christ! He bought me out of slavery and took me to His house.
Who have you sold that you need to buy back?
Genesis 37
There is no other way to say it, I had a bad week. Bad news, stressful confrontations with people, and other circumstances out of my control was the story. My week, however bad, compares nothing to Joseph.
Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers and narrowly escaped death. His brothers decided to sell him into slavery. The traders then took him to another country where he was sold again, as a slave.
It hurts badly when someone you love "sells" you. I know this pain personally friends. I've been sold before, more than once. Are you ready for the good news? I've been bought by the blood of Christ! He bought me out of slavery and took me to His house.
Who have you sold that you need to buy back?
Sunday, September 2, 2012
dearth (the drought)
53 ¶And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
54 And the seven years of adearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and asold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
Genesis 41
For those of you that have been under a rock this year, the Midwest has seen the worst drought in 80 years. Crop production has been low, river channels are closed, and food prices going up. This will have a ripple affect on the global economy.
Imagine Joseph for a minute. In his day, the bible says there was 7 years of drought. Drought all over the face of the earth. In those days drought equalled famine. Could our modern world survive such a terrible natural disaster?
The only thing I know for sure is that only God could save you from that kind of devistation. I am not prepared for anything like that and neither are you. My friend, total reliance on God is the only answer to that question. Who do you rely on?
Monday, August 27, 2012
its been awhile
Mark 4:29
New International Version (NIV)
29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
So, it's been awhile, I've truly missed you. One of my many excuses is the harvest. When I talk to my customers about harvest the since of urgency is high. The window of opportunity is small to get the crop out of the field. There is too much risk to leave the bounty even a day longer. The phone call goes something like this: "Scotty, can you send someone out here in the next few minutes to get my combine going?"
Jesus has urgency in his voice during this parable. Do you know why? It's time for harvest of His people. It's time for you to tell that person the combine is coming. That person is a valuable crop and there is too much risk to leave them in the field even a day longer.
So, it's been awhile, I've truly missed you. One of my many excuses is the harvest. When I talk to my customers about harvest the since of urgency is high. The window of opportunity is small to get the crop out of the field. There is too much risk to leave the bounty even a day longer. The phone call goes something like this: "Scotty, can you send someone out here in the next few minutes to get my combine going?"
Jesus has urgency in his voice during this parable. Do you know why? It's time for harvest of His people. It's time for you to tell that person the combine is coming. That person is a valuable crop and there is too much risk to leave them in the field even a day longer.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
It's not often that I quote a bible verse 2 days in a row, then hear it preached in the sermon Sunday. Somebody tryin to tell me something or what? When I was young I always wanted a sibling. I always swore that my children would never be "onlys" too. Since that time i have learned that the bible is always right on. I seldom see brothers or sisters that are close but I see friends that will give anything for each other. Friends call each other all the time, go to dinner, sometimes live together, and always share their burdens. Frindships don't collapse when there is a death in the family, they grow stronger. Many sibling relationships end when the matriarch or patriarch of the family passes which is sad. As for me... I have been so blessed with many solid friendships. Friends from all walks of life that will stand by me no matter what. Many are reading this article. To you my friend... I love you and appreciate you. I will stand by you as you have for me. Now, who do you need to tell?
It's not often that I quote a bible verse 2 days in a row, then hear it preached in the sermon Sunday. Somebody tryin to tell me something or what? When I was young I always wanted a sibling. I always swore that my children would never be "onlys" too. Since that time i have learned that the bible is always right on. I seldom see brothers or sisters that are close but I see friends that will give anything for each other. Friends call each other all the time, go to dinner, sometimes live together, and always share their burdens. Frindships don't collapse when there is a death in the family, they grow stronger. Many sibling relationships end when the matriarch or patriarch of the family passes which is sad. As for me... I have been so blessed with many solid friendships. Friends from all walks of life that will stand by me no matter what. Many are reading this article. To you my friend... I love you and appreciate you. I will stand by you as you have for me. Now, who do you need to tell?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
wither
18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21
We often hear about "faith the size of a mustard seed." But, what about this passage on faith? There are several good lessons here:
1) Jesus went to the tree to harvest its fruit. The fruit wasn't there. So he cursed the tree and it died instantly. Sound familiar? He's going to to the same thing when he returns to earth in the end times. Remember though, it's not a tree he will look for fruit on it's you and me. Will you wither?
2) Faith and do not doubt? Really? I can tell the mountain to get up and be thrown into the sea??
Yes. Today I saw amazing footage of a tornado in the Dallas area. The funnel cloud was picking up tractor trailers and tossing them around like leaves in the wind. I cannot wrap my simple mind around moving a moutain? Or can I? Jesus said it and it's true! The bible gives several examples of ordinary people doing extrordinary things with God's power. It may not be a moutain literally in your life but remember God's power and love are infinate, and both are available to you.
20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21
We often hear about "faith the size of a mustard seed." But, what about this passage on faith? There are several good lessons here:
1) Jesus went to the tree to harvest its fruit. The fruit wasn't there. So he cursed the tree and it died instantly. Sound familiar? He's going to to the same thing when he returns to earth in the end times. Remember though, it's not a tree he will look for fruit on it's you and me. Will you wither?
2) Faith and do not doubt? Really? I can tell the mountain to get up and be thrown into the sea??
Yes. Today I saw amazing footage of a tornado in the Dallas area. The funnel cloud was picking up tractor trailers and tossing them around like leaves in the wind. I cannot wrap my simple mind around moving a moutain? Or can I? Jesus said it and it's true! The bible gives several examples of ordinary people doing extrordinary things with God's power. It may not be a moutain literally in your life but remember God's power and love are infinate, and both are available to you.
Monday, March 12, 2012
equip
Hebrews 13:20-21
New International Version (NIV)
Benediction and Final Greetings
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Equip... I love that word. Short, simple, and important. God has equipped me very well to do His work. He has given me wisdom to discern right from wrong, a hard heart when evil confronts my emotions, a soft heart when compassion for my brothers and sisters is needed, broad, strong shoulders when I need to carry a burden for another, a soft shoulder so you can lean on me and cry, hands like iron that are skilled to work all day all and night, a strong backbone to confront evil and not back down, a sharp tounge to lash wrong with the Word, a soft tounge for encouragement and praise, fast legs to flee from immorality, He has equipped me with love which might me the most most important thing to be equipped with, love. I love you, and God has equipped you too. (see above list)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I've got ears
21 Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear:22 Should you not fear me?" declares the LORD. Jeremiah 5:21-22
The verse explains itself but it reminds me of this morning. My wife wakes up and calls me to ask, "Did you not hear that noise in the living room?" Me- what noise? Her-that annoying buzzing humming noise. Me-no. Her-its driving me crazy! So I drive 20 miles and was late to work to check the mystery noise in fear that something might catch on fire. I still can't hear it. Too many years of heavy equipment, gunshots, loud music has left me tone deaf.
Tonight we came home and the kids said, "What's that noise Dad." Me-idk but find it before Ladawn goes completely over the edge! After much searching they found and old battery power clock that was buzzing, buried in a sack, in the living room!
Its like that with God sometimes. We have ears and can hear but can't always hear what really needs to be heard. Sometimes we need those extra set of ears to help us discern. What have you not been hearing? If you are bold enough, ask someone.
The verse explains itself but it reminds me of this morning. My wife wakes up and calls me to ask, "Did you not hear that noise in the living room?" Me- what noise? Her-that annoying buzzing humming noise. Me-no. Her-its driving me crazy! So I drive 20 miles and was late to work to check the mystery noise in fear that something might catch on fire. I still can't hear it. Too many years of heavy equipment, gunshots, loud music has left me tone deaf.
Tonight we came home and the kids said, "What's that noise Dad." Me-idk but find it before Ladawn goes completely over the edge! After much searching they found and old battery power clock that was buzzing, buried in a sack, in the living room!
Its like that with God sometimes. We have ears and can hear but can't always hear what really needs to be heard. Sometimes we need those extra set of ears to help us discern. What have you not been hearing? If you are bold enough, ask someone.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
John 8:32
New International Version (NIV)
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
This verse is quoted alot in our society. Who said it? Well, it should be in red letters because Jesus said it. And no, He's not talking about honesty. He's talking about the truth of Himself, the Christ. He will set you free from the bondage of sin. Have you heard the truth lately? Or more importantly, because I think most of my readers are Christians, have you told the truth lately to someone that needs to hear it?
Sunday, February 19, 2012
just say yes
29 With You I can attack a barrier,[f]
and with my God I can leap over a wall. Psalm 18:29
David is talking about how God sustains him. Let's visit that for a minute. Not only is He the Creator of the universe, or the Alpha, or the Omega, look at what God does through oridinary people. People that just say yes to Him. Moses, led the Isralites out of slavery. Joseph, saved many from the famine. Daniel, lived through the lion's den. Gideon, defeated 120,000 Philistines with only 300 men. I could go on and on. What do they all have in common? They said yes to God. God showed his power through them. They could never do it without Him. They were mere men but they performed great tasks through God's hand. What could God do through you if you only said yes to Him?
and with my God I can leap over a wall. Psalm 18:29
David is talking about how God sustains him. Let's visit that for a minute. Not only is He the Creator of the universe, or the Alpha, or the Omega, look at what God does through oridinary people. People that just say yes to Him. Moses, led the Isralites out of slavery. Joseph, saved many from the famine. Daniel, lived through the lion's den. Gideon, defeated 120,000 Philistines with only 300 men. I could go on and on. What do they all have in common? They said yes to God. God showed his power through them. They could never do it without Him. They were mere men but they performed great tasks through God's hand. What could God do through you if you only said yes to Him?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
dear agony
"Dear Agony"
I have nothing left to give
I have found the perfect end
You were made to make it hurt
Disappear into the dirt
Carry me to heaven's arms
Light the way and let me go
Take the time to take my breath
I will end where I began
And I will find the enemy within
Because I can feel it crawl beneath my skin
Dear Agony
Just let go of me
Suffer slowly
Is this the way it's got to be?
Dear Agony
Breaking Benjamin
I have found the perfect end
You were made to make it hurt
Disappear into the dirt
Carry me to heaven's arms
Light the way and let me go
Take the time to take my breath
I will end where I began
And I will find the enemy within
Because I can feel it crawl beneath my skin
Dear Agony
Just let go of me
Suffer slowly
Is this the way it's got to be?
Dear Agony
Breaking Benjamin
These are the first few lines and the chorus from one of my favorite songs "Dear Agony." You might be thinking how dark and depressing the lyrics are... I guess that depends on your perspective. As for myself, having the big picture perspective, I find it somewhat inspirational. What you may not know is the singer/songwriter Benjamin Burnley has admitted that this album is the first one he has written sober. It's definately their most successful album. Having personal experience with addiction, I can relate. The bible calls us to be "sober minded." When you are not sober you do not make good decisions period. As for the lyrics in general I could see them as a cry for help. I personally know people like this (even Christians) and I know you do too. They believe they "have nothing left to give." They believe it's time for God to "carry me to heavens' arms." I just want to shout it's not over! If you are still breathing then God still has a plan for you! Keep fighting, preaching, teaching, ministering, and mentoring till the end, the real end! Your last breath!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Did you not understand what I said?
1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
“Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them. Proverbs 4
This whole chapter is filled with good advice for parenting and just living in general. The passage above is just a small taste of the good stuff. Listening is probably one of the biggest challenges for most. Last week my employers sent several of us managers to a seminar on listening, communication, and coaching. It was very informative and interesting to learn that the average person does not hear or understand 63% of what a person says in a normal conversation. 63% of the words that come out of your mouth are ignored, not heard, or misunderstood. Yeah 37% of your words are heard and comprehended. Make your words few and important, strong and powerful, short and sweet.
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
“Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them. Proverbs 4
This whole chapter is filled with good advice for parenting and just living in general. The passage above is just a small taste of the good stuff. Listening is probably one of the biggest challenges for most. Last week my employers sent several of us managers to a seminar on listening, communication, and coaching. It was very informative and interesting to learn that the average person does not hear or understand 63% of what a person says in a normal conversation. 63% of the words that come out of your mouth are ignored, not heard, or misunderstood. Yeah 37% of your words are heard and comprehended. Make your words few and important, strong and powerful, short and sweet.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I gave him away
"Take your son," He said, "your only [son] Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." (Genesis 22:2 HCSB)
As I sit in this Dr. waiting room I can't help but think about about the command God gave Abraham. I am sitting here at the mercy of the physician about Gavin's knee. There is absolutely nothing I can do for his pain or emotions. I sit here helplessly. This passage reminds me that I gave my only son as a sacrifice to God. Several years ago I committed mine and my family's life solely to God. My children are His, my life is His, all that I have is His. I will continue to train, teach, and disciple them but we are living for the Lord's purpose. I know you are thinking no way but yes, I did, give them away.
As I sit in this Dr. waiting room I can't help but think about about the command God gave Abraham. I am sitting here at the mercy of the physician about Gavin's knee. There is absolutely nothing I can do for his pain or emotions. I sit here helplessly. This passage reminds me that I gave my only son as a sacrifice to God. Several years ago I committed mine and my family's life solely to God. My children are His, my life is His, all that I have is His. I will continue to train, teach, and disciple them but we are living for the Lord's purpose. I know you are thinking no way but yes, I did, give them away.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
d now 2012- something greater than yourself
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart
from it. Proverbs 22:6
Disciple Now Dexter 2012- Adults assisting young adults to lead, teach, and train students. I absolutely love this concept and this weekend. It is a pleasure and a blessing to serve in this ministry. Every person walks away changed for the better. 160 students and countless adults were impacted this weekend. Glen Johnson made a tough challenge to mentor several young men that have questions. I pray for the men that stood up and accepted. I know, cause I've been there. Look at Glen, he would not be the man he is today without those mentors that were used by God to change his life. God is so great! Aren't you ready to be part of something bigger than yourself? Train that child and watch them grow. Never tell them their dream is to big or that they can't. You will watch your investment grow larger than wall street ever could.
Disciple Now Dexter 2012- Adults assisting young adults to lead, teach, and train students. I absolutely love this concept and this weekend. It is a pleasure and a blessing to serve in this ministry. Every person walks away changed for the better. 160 students and countless adults were impacted this weekend. Glen Johnson made a tough challenge to mentor several young men that have questions. I pray for the men that stood up and accepted. I know, cause I've been there. Look at Glen, he would not be the man he is today without those mentors that were used by God to change his life. God is so great! Aren't you ready to be part of something bigger than yourself? Train that child and watch them grow. Never tell them their dream is to big or that they can't. You will watch your investment grow larger than wall street ever could.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
I appreciate you
Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as much as himself. (1 Samuel 18:3 HCSB)
David is prolly my favorite character from the bible (except God of course.) David and Jonathan are true BFF. They actually made a covenant with other which is much more serious than even the blood brother ritual! They stuck together through war and disasters. There is no love like that of a true friend. Who did you make a covenant with that needs your love and friendship that you have been slacking on?
David is prolly my favorite character from the bible (except God of course.) David and Jonathan are true BFF. They actually made a covenant with other which is much more serious than even the blood brother ritual! They stuck together through war and disasters. There is no love like that of a true friend. Who did you make a covenant with that needs your love and friendship that you have been slacking on?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Shut their mouths
My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths. They haven't hurt me, for I was found innocent before Him. Also, I have not committed a crime against you my king." (Daniel 6:22 HCSB)
Daniel was spared by God because of his faith, his obedience, and God's plan. As I walk through this wicked world, I find myself wondering how many times God has saved me from the "lions." I do not consider myself anywhere near the level of Daniel but I know God has saved me many times. There are too many times when I was in the wrong place on the wrong side of town. Also, those other times when danger was all around but I was unaware. Take a minute to thank Him for not letting you be "devoured" by the evil things in this world.
Daniel was spared by God because of his faith, his obedience, and God's plan. As I walk through this wicked world, I find myself wondering how many times God has saved me from the "lions." I do not consider myself anywhere near the level of Daniel but I know God has saved me many times. There are too many times when I was in the wrong place on the wrong side of town. Also, those other times when danger was all around but I was unaware. Take a minute to thank Him for not letting you be "devoured" by the evil things in this world.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Teaching
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 HCSB).
In Paul's letter to Timothy, Paul speaks of teaching and training using the bible. Be aware also that alot of verses you see posted here and there are taken out of context. If you see a verse you like I encourage you to at least look it up and read the whole chapter ( which is usually a paragraph ) in order to get better perspective what is being said. You may be surprised at what you find out.
In Paul's letter to Timothy, Paul speaks of teaching and training using the bible. Be aware also that alot of verses you see posted here and there are taken out of context. If you see a verse you like I encourage you to at least look it up and read the whole chapter ( which is usually a paragraph ) in order to get better perspective what is being said. You may be surprised at what you find out.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Few words
For many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God. (Ecclesiastes 5:7 HCSB)
The author is speaking about how too many words for God can be dangerous. That's a good point. I also believe that too many words for people can be a burden too. Sometimes "please forgive me" is the exact right amount of words you should say.
The author is speaking about how too many words for God can be dangerous. That's a good point. I also believe that too many words for people can be a burden too. Sometimes "please forgive me" is the exact right amount of words you should say.
Friday, January 27, 2012
the greatest command
Most of you that know me will agree that I am simple, blunt, and opinionated. Maybe that's why I love Mark 12:28-31! Talk about simplistic, straight forward, and to the point! Here it is...
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
As a society we sometimes over complicate things and that can be just as dangerous as over simplfying. With that being said, let's break down what just happened. Wise dude walks up to Jesus. Asks him what is the most important rule in life. Jesus sums it up "love God," then "love your neighbor." I can imagine the look on the guys face. I'm sure the guy thought about all the other Jewish laws of the time, which were many, and had an "aaha"moment.
Let's keep it simple guys, "love God" and "love your neighbor." Don't ignore the other commands, but focus primarily on these two and the rest should fall into place.
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
As a society we sometimes over complicate things and that can be just as dangerous as over simplfying. With that being said, let's break down what just happened. Wise dude walks up to Jesus. Asks him what is the most important rule in life. Jesus sums it up "love God," then "love your neighbor." I can imagine the look on the guys face. I'm sure the guy thought about all the other Jewish laws of the time, which were many, and had an "aaha"moment.
Let's keep it simple guys, "love God" and "love your neighbor." Don't ignore the other commands, but focus primarily on these two and the rest should fall into place.
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