MrGprdon,
you say,
These miracles served their purpose by demonstrating God's favor had shifted from the Jewish nation to Jesus followers.
The bible clearly says that this is simply NOT the case.
God doesn't favor "Jesus followers"
Jesus clearly said,
Matthew 7 21 23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Here Jesus is clearly saying that there are "Jesus followers" who will NOT enter the kingdom of heaven
and Isaiah 56 5 7
5To them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial, And a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which will not be cut off.
6"Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, To minister to Him, and to love the name of the LORD, To be His servants, every one who keeps from profaning the sabbath And holds fast My covenant;
7Even those I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."…
MrGordon,
it's clear that God favours those who "love Him and keep His commandments" and if a "stranger" that is, a "non-Israelite" keeps God's sabbath, then they will have a better name than the Israelites.
1 John 5 3
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
anyone who teaches that simply being a follower of Jesus, and not actually teaching that to be a follower of Jesus, you have to keep all the commandments of God,
they will be ones that Jesus says to,
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
