Learning from Christ Himself- The Talents pt 2

[Jr Billionaire]

Mathew 25:14-30

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

From Jesus' stand point, His goal wasn't to teach about money, but about spiritual salvation. the Master was Himself while the servants were his people (us). At the time of this parable delivery, he had been in the holly town for a couple of days. This is a important point to realize as He knew he was 'leaving' for a while (ascending back to heaven) he wanted to prepare the people to spread his word, or "go and do his work" It also illustrated what would happen if we failed to do His work " For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" its simple in his eyes; when He returns he expects a good report just like any other boss would, and if you don't preform we will lose everything(in his case go to hell, or on earth loose your job)

Now this is profound knowledge. In order for us to have we have to try, its as simple as that. for if we try we will have, but if we don't... "from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath"

Working as hard as you can while you can is all that is required, "one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance" go try and you will have.


-JB

[darkw0rker]

At least, I believe, it would be much better to learn from someone who actually existed.

[Jr Billionaire]

really...

well most of our greatest moral stories come from fictional tales its shouldn't matter if YOU believe he it real or not ( I do) learning how to live from the stories (in the Bible) even if you don't believe couldn't hurt you.

-JB

[Akashic_Librarian]

Actually The Bible is a nasty, violent, incestuous, barbaric, criminal, xenophobic story made up to control thousands of people who were getting too smart for there own good.

There is NOTHING good about the stories in the Bible, except in that they show up the true evil that is Christianity.

[SonoranBob]

Originally Posted by Akashic_Librarian

Actually The Bible is a nasty, violent, incestuous, barbaric, criminal, xenophobic story made up to control thousands of people who were getting too smart for there own good.

There is NOTHING good about the stories in the Bible, except in that they show up the true evil that is Christianity.

Are you just yanking JM's chain or do you really believe this?

It's not like I don't have any axes to grind about God, the Bible and Christianity. Still, I'd say that the Bible is an admixture of the noble and the ignoble, and is not enough of a unified whole to describe it as "made up to control ... people". It has been twisted and misused on a regular basis, and somewhat less reliably, it has been taken in the spirit of love in which much of it was authored.

People who lived two millenia ago were products of their times. So is the Bible, which was more or less finished a little less than two millenia ago. You have to allow for that. I think it probably represents much of the best of what humanity had to offer two thousand years ago. Some of it holds up well to this day. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Use what works, ignore what doesn't.

It'd be so very handy if all the problems of humanity were focused in one book. We could burn it and solve all the world's problems. Alas, 'taint that simple.

--Bob

[dali]

Originally Posted by Akashic_Librarian

Actually The Bible is a nasty, violent, incestuous, barbaric, criminal, xenophobic story made up to control thousands of people who were getting too smart for there own good.

There is NOTHING good about the stories in the Bible, except in that they show up the true evil that is Christianity.

Bit of an issue in the Akashic Library then, eh?

[Akashic_Librarian]

The bible is most certainly NOT in the Akashic Library!

And yes, I am deadly serious. The Bible is a nasty piece of work.

Arguing for the use of the Bible because it was the best thing at the time is like arguing we should use medical guides from the 1700's, because they were written with love, and were the best available at the time.

Ironically Christ was against religion. And yet Millions of people worship him and his metaphorical - yes Jesus probably used God as a metaphor - God.

[dali]

Originally Posted by Akashic_Librarian

The bible is most certainly NOT in the Akashic Library!

And yes, I am deadly serious. The Bible is a nasty piece of work.

Arguing for the use of the Bible because it was the best thing at the time is like arguing we should use medical guides from the 1700's, because they were written with love, and were the best available at the time.

Ironically Christ was against religion. And yet Millions of people worship him and his metaphorical - yes Jesus probably used God as a metaphor - God.

Does that nasty piece of work not refer to The Akashik Library as The Book Of Life? That was the point I was making. Seems to me the Bible doesnt claim to be The Book of Life. I repect much of what you say and find it enlightening but because lots of people abuse the Bible and make of it what they want doesnt mean that more enlightened beings should react against the book per se.All scriptures are merely a finger pointing to the moon and as you no doubt know it is the fool who keeps his eye on the finger. The Akashik records although infinitely higher are even so still only a finger pointing to the moon.We do better to look at the moon, then we will not burn in favour of this book or that and might realise that we are all looking for the light.Criticising each others insights must block our own vision surely.It certainly is not a recommended method of encouraging others to join us in the journey.Some of us you know see the Bible as a finger pointing and thank God it does !We all need signposts. And we have to allow for travellers to get stuck. I hope you dont take this as an attack. Its not meant to be.

[Akashic_Librarian]

I understand what you are saying Dali, and I agree.

The bible however contains many stories that are culturally and temporally irrelevant to us.

Stoning, raping, genocide, child killing, slavery.

These things are not useful to us. Nor are the metaphors they carry.

We shouldn't be so quick to praise something simply because it is old. We should try and discover our own reasons and morals and not let them be dictated by book that has been abused for over 2 millennia.

[dali]

Originally Posted by Akashic_Librarian

I understand what you are saying Dali, and I agree.

The bible however contains many stories that are culturally and temporally irrelevant to us.

Stoning, raping, genocide, child killing, slavery.

These things are not useful to us. Nor are the metaphors they carry.

We shouldn't be so quick to praise something simply because it is old. We should try and discover our own reasons and morals and not let them be dictated by book that has been abused for over 2 millennia.

Absolutely! There are some cracking good things in there though which I suspect are recorded in the Book of Life too. Great to be on the road with you. Keep it up!

[Akashic_Librarian]

Yes. I feel however that any perceived moral value the Bible holds, it is outweighed and overshadowed by the evil of it all, and plus one can come to these conclusions without the Bible, so it hardly and necessary read.

But I will say - its beats the crap outta Lord of The Rings in terms of a good fantasy novel...

[dali]

thats all we need to do to keep a good heart. one thought thats good about anything/anyone we have difficulty with! Withholding generosity damages only us and teaches our hearts how to stay shut.Its called curse energy and boomerangs tenfold on the sender Ive been told.The LOR!! law of rejection!!!









The hobbits had cute big feet dont you think?

[Jr Billionaire]

Its funny cause, I too don't believe in religion. I prefer to believe that a personal relationship with the one above all( I used the marvel comics term to further my point) the universe, God, Allah, or who ever at the end of the day... truth be told they all represent the same entity- the one you call God and your willingness to be his friend and know him is all that matters in the end


-JB

[Cantando]

Originally Posted by dali

thats all we need to do to keep a good heart. one thought thats good about anything/anyone we have difficulty with! Withholding generosity damages only us and teaches our hearts how to stay shut.Its called curse energy and boomerangs tenfold on the sender Ive been told.The LOR!! law of rejection!!!

Talk about synchronicity, Dali, or what! I couldn’t believe it when I read your term, LoR – the Law of Rejection. Just the night before when I was pondering LoA and other equally viable belief systems/methods/techniques, that term actually kept coming to mind. I was playing with that concept and another ones, such as the Law of Reaction and the Law of Negation!!

The general trend of New Age thought, tracing its roots back to Hinduism and Pantheism is that the Universe (capital U) is a loving, beneficial energy source, full of some kind of mental, energy stuff called ‘prana’. I bought heavily into this for a number of years.

Eastern thought states that we breathe in this prana, which is everywhere and that it gives us life. What we now know of course, through science, is that we actually breathe in something called ‘air’, which contains oxygen, and it is that which keeps our body cells alive.

The other thing I find puzzling is that many New Age proponents who deny the existence of God, as a person, still ascribe a sort of personhood to the universe (by giving it a capital U) and saying it is good and benevolent and wishes us to have anything we desire.

In this respect, I totally agree with atheists and scientists that the physical universe is a cold, heartless, mindless place, in which living organisms struggle for survival. Anything we wish for or desire is immediately met with incredible resistance from the universe itself, not from ourselves.

It takes a lot of mental effort, will power and action just to stay alive in this world and we are subject to the vicissitudes of natural (and man made) occurrences which could wipe us all off the face of the planet in a microsecond.

However, that does not bother me one bit as I know God exists and that he loves us all. And that makes me very joyful and optimistic.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Cantando

Eastern thought states that we breathe in this prana, which is everywhere and that it gives us life. What we now know of course, through science, is that we actually breathe in something called ‘air’, which contains oxygen, and it is that which keeps our body cells alive.

LOL, no. Prana moves with breath, and can be manipulated by the breath, but is most certainly not breath itself.

Prana (Indian) is chi (Chinese), and for the Chinese, manipulating chi is the basis of acupuncture; and also the basis of their traditional martial arts; and some other stuff.

While both the Indians and Chinese discovered the same thing, they took it in different directions. Fascinating example of one direction that the Chinese took it in:

YouTube - Qigong master (Realy cool Must see! )

[Cantando]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

LOL, no. Prana moves with breath, and can be manipulated by the breath, but is most certainly not breath itself.

Prana (Indian) is chi (Chinese), and for the Chinese, manipulating chi is the basis of acupuncture; and also the basis of their traditional martial arts; and some other stuff.

Prana is Sanskrit for breath. In Ancient times, breath/spirit/inspiration were all more or less equivalent, but they had not discovered what air actually was.

New Thought ideas (e.g. Wallace Wattles in 'The Science of Getting Rich' - the inspiration for The Secret) talk about thoughts as actually being composed of this all-pervasive mental stuff. I am rather skeptical about it.

There is a still an active, global debate going on as to whether this mental energy stuff does actually exist.

The belief in it gives rise to all sorts of psychic, occult and magical practices, which I do find interesting, and I still have an open mind about it.

ALG, you have sometimes stated your interest in 'magick' and I picture you as a sort of latter day alchemist, still trying to crack the mystery of turning base metal into gold. Maybe it's possible and I wish you every success in your endeavours!

[bellemeadows]

Originally Posted by Jr Billionaire

Mathew 25:14-30For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

From Jesus' stand point, His goal wasn't to teach about money, but about spiritual salvation. the Master was Himself while the servants were his people (us). At the time of this parable delivery, he had been in the holly town for a couple of days. This is a important point to realize as He knew he was 'leaving' for a while (ascending back to heaven) he wanted to prepare the people to spread his word, or "go and do his work" It also illustrated what would happen if we failed to do His work " For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" its simple in his eyes; when He returns he expects a good report just like any other boss would, and if you don't preform we will lose everything(in his case go to hell, or on earth loose your job)

Now this is profound knowledge. In order for us to have we have to try, its as simple as that. for if we try we will have, but if we don't... "from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath"

Working as hard as you can while you can is all that is required, "one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance" go try and you will have.


-JB

IMHO, here is what Jesus is teaching

• We either live our lives believing we are separate from God, in need of all things material in the prodigal son state. This is the "from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath" state. Or,
• We live our lives knowing (experiencing) what we are, one with God, and therefore, one with all that is, and in need of nothing. This is the "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance" state

Consider the lillies of the field, they do nothing, yet Soloman in all is glory is not dressed as beautifully (modern paraphrasing).

The human mind does not understand what Jesus was teaching, and so turns his stories into reasons to support churches, or particular beliefs and activities. This is exactly why Jesus spoke in parables. Those who have ears to hear, hear his words. Those who listen to their mind's interpretation, well they hear their mind's interpretation.

The experience of Jesus is available today, as it has been since he visited us on earth. I would suggest folks who want to understand his teachings and ministry, sit in meditative silence and ask Jesus to speak to them. If you are sincere in your request, and you quiet the din of your mind, you will begin to experience his presence. When you commune with Jesus, his words begin to leap off the page to you, and the meaning becomes clear in a sort of knowing or experiencing.

Jesus has not left us; he ministers to anyone who asks, even now.

Blessings from Belle,

[torilink]

My interpretation is similar to Belle's.

If I believe I have something, I project that belief out and then perceive it in my awareness, so if i have more is given.

If I believe I lack something, I project lack outside myself and perceive that in my awareness, so More is taken.

[Judge]

It pays to also consider the difference between something seemingly easy to manifest and something hard. All physicality is one thing, so the difference between a million dollars (a common desire) and a teacup must be perception.

Wanting is resistance to what is already here.

You can't manifest what you want........only what you already have.

God said........Pray and believe and it shall be yours.

Pray (choose) and believe (perceive) and it will rendered into your reality.

Judge