Jesus was a Socialist Jew – The Early Church

Greetings Dear Reader,

In the early church we see Luke report that those following Christ were in harmony:

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”

This is a form of socialism that works.  It rises from those following Christ being convinced that those in need would have their needs met.  It proceeds from an understanding that people are more important than possession.  It flows from love of ones we are traveling with over comfort on the journey.

If anything we see that those who knew Christ personally understood that the social welfare of others was more important than personal possessions.  The vital nature of this must not be missed.  The church has abdicated its role in assuring that the needs of others are met.  Why is it hard for us to embrace the idea that “if anyone ask\s you for something give it to him”? 

We immediately rationalize this not to mean our new coat.  We instantly put qualifiers on it.  Jesus is clear that when our enemy asks for something we are to give it to him.  We are to be generous and not possessive.  We are to lend with no hope of repayment.  We are to love and give without condition or clause. 

Once again Dear Reader I ask you to consider this without clause or quid pro quo.   I ask you to ponder a church where Jesus is our only possession.  I still have more than I need.  I still need to need less.   Jesus taught us to pursue the common welfare.  He taught us to follow him in laying down every single thing out of love.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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I’m a Soul Man – Constitutional Issues

Greetings Dear Reader,

It occurs to me that no matter what belief system one adopts if that system focuses on the soul and it eternal nature it also focuses on peace and kindness.  It is common that the eternal view leads to long term thinking about our lives, the world, and our actions.

The problem is a constitutional one.  We are a soul.  We are eternal and the choices we make have an eternal impact.  If we deny that then we are not seeing our constitution accurately.  When we put the body above the soul then we tend to care for our wants over what is best for us.

Some people manage to care for their soul without faith.  Many do not.  The accountability factor is important.  It is more important to see that there is something beyond ourselves.  The journey is not just the brief voyage of the body from cradle to grave.  It is the transmigration of the soul during that time that is eternal.

We neglect the soul and then over-indulge the body.  We live for what we want instead of what we need.  It does not matter if we simply embrace a non-eternal view or dive into the greater vices.  It impacts us and how we treat others.

The solution to the so many problems is admitting that I have a problem.  My soul must be invested in the eternal.  I must see everyone as eternal.  I do my best to do that.  Every life matters both soul and body.  If I hope to follow Christ then I will live as if everyone is eternal.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)