Quote (Ghot @ Mar 9 2018 11:11am)
I wonder if you think that harassing people with your views of god, etc., is appreciated by... god?
Matthew 28:16-20
Quote (Thor123422 @ Mar 9 2018 11:13am)
The story of Jesus wilting the fig tree is nonsense if you take it from a literal perspective.
It's intended as a symbolic story.
It definitely had symbolic meaning, the fig tree represented the spiritual deadness of Israel, who appeared religious outwardly but were spiritually barren because of their sins.
By cursing the fig tree, Jesus was pronouncing His coming judgement of Israel and demonstrating his power to carry it out.
We also learn that religious profession and observance are not enough to get into Heaven, unless there is the fruit of the spirit evident in that person. The book of James teaches us that faith apart from works is dead and Paul writes to the Galatians that the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Finally, John 15:5-8 - “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
That is the symbolic meaning of it, if you claim to be a follower of Christ then your actions should reflect that.