Why Christ said we have to go Beyond the Law

[Frankj]

James makes the statement because a good tree will bear fruit. That doesn't make it a tree...it's still a tree. It's just a fruitful tree because of God's will that it produce.

This reflects the Talmud (probably actually a Midrash) saying: Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, "Grow, grow."

This would indicate that both the good trees and the bad trees, the weeds and the crops, are under the command of God, that he controls the nature of both.

But what of the words of Jesus?

I think discussions should center on these words rather than those said about what he said, otherwise we end up practicing a religion about Jesus than of Jesus which over time becomes a religion acceptable to man rather than God (as much of today's church seems intent on demonstrating).

 

[Lamb]

This reflects the Talmud (probably actually a Midrash) saying: Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, "Grow, grow."

This would indicate that both the good trees and the bad trees, the weeds and the crops, are under the command of God, that he controls the nature of both.

But what of the words of Jesus?

I think discussions should center on these words rather than those said about what he said, otherwise we end up practicing a religion about Jesus than of Jesus which over time becomes a religion acceptable to man rather than God (as much of today's church seems intent on demonstrating).

The entire bible is that of God. Rejecting is why you reject the Jesus as the one who saves you and you keep thinking you have to do something more. Please repent.

 

[Lamb]

I believe we are in danger of accepting "easy believism" and "cheap grace"
Some verses to consider

From James ch.2"
v21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;

Jesus wants disciples,ie. learners and followers
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

From the Ampl.:
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me](Luke 9:23)
Dietrich Bonhöfer quoted this verse often

So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].(Philippians 2:12)

A lot to think about

Easy believism? I have no idea what kind of nonsense that is. The Lord wants us to trust in Him to save us. Our works reflect our trust in Him.