For all those things hath Mine hand made and all those things have been , saith the LORD: but to this man , will I Look ,even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word .
Reminds me of the verse humble theyself before the Lord . And why not ? Gods greatnesses cannot be found out . Amen !
What is sin? The first thoughts that come to mind are the obvious outer symptoms through one's behaviors when something is manifest such as anger. The next level is the thoughts and intentions of the heart; which caused an outer veneer of obedience to the law with the Pharisees; but much deeper transgressions with religious exercised in such a way that they could still get what they want (for instance; when they would be covetous disregarding the needs of their families) shown in Mark 7:6-9 and other verses speaking of their greed. The same principle exists for evil thoughts that lead to actions such as lust; adultery; fornication etc. ( Matt. 15:19).
The significant factor often missing from these analogies is breaching of a covenant. This is why those; for instance, who have remarried without scriptural permission are very hypocritical focusing on others who are living together who weren't under such a covenant. But marriage today is viewed at the human level as a contract; rather than a covenant with the eternal God between one man and woman that is to be permanent for life; and which encompasses vows from each party (at least traditionally) implying the penalties should such a pact be broken. This is similar to God's covenant people in the nation of Israel; where God had called them out from bondage. Their knowledge being present while the miracles occurred and seeing God's providence after the Exodus in the desert made them more responsible when they fell into practices of the pagan nations.
But; as scripture states not all Israel was true Israel ( Romans 9:6-7). There are many verses where emphasis is placed on keeping vows in the O.T.
Finally; anything we know is right and fail to do is sin ( James 4:17-loosly translated). We should at all times keep our commitments unless it becomes impossible not to go against scriptural conduct in our lives. We need also to be careful to do things of obedience out of love of God not self promotion.
Hello my name is Randy. First let me say I love the commentary and discussion area. I have been a Christian a long time since 1978 and am reading and studying the Bible from the beginning again. I wonder about Gensis verses 26 and 27, It says "God said, let us make man in our image and let them" and in verse 27 " He created man male and Female". My question is in addition to Adam and Eve were there other men and women?
The "socially incorrect" Jesus. Anyone that passes off Christ as demonstrating what the world considers "humanitarianism" in love toward everyone and acceptance is in for a rude awakening; particularly when reading Luke 11. We start off with His careful explanation on a type and model of HOW to pray (apparently based on similar patterns by John the Baptist to HIS disciples (v. 1). This; of course is found elsewhere in slightly different form in the Gospels. Then; there is the explanation on perseverance in asking the giver of all things for good gifts (i.e. the Holy Spirit in v. 13). Christ almost gets through this account without any unpleasant statements until that last verse when he states that they are "evil." So much for putting the Disciples who were; BTW saints as ALL true believers were (minus Judas Iscariot) at some sanctimonious level above the rest of any sinners saved by grace.
At this point; all bets are off. Jesus has to deal with the hearts of Pharisees; with their thoughts; or comments about Him using the Devil's (Beelzebub) power to cast out demons; and to the crowd in general saying that they are an "evil generation" seeking a sign (v. 29); then warning about light being darkness in us (or Satan appearing as an angel of light).
Finally; in verse 38 we see what would be considered (to say the least) bad manners after an invite to a meal. A simple concept of lack of handwashing which seemed trivial ended up in a railing accusation to the hypocrisy within for Pharisees in general. Then; to add insult to injury after He was informed that the lawyers were insulted He went after them!
(I would imagine there was a lot of indigestion there at that time).
The concept of righteous indignation especially among "religious" folks today seems like an ancient artifact. If judgment begins at the house of God; who is sounding the trumpet today?
As I research the Bible and learn to read for understanding there are some very interesting results I find. I have been seeking reasoning behind verse 8 that tell us that "a new king arose who knew not Joseph".
This seems preposterous on its face as Joseph was the reason Egypt had its great wealth and had been saved from destruction from the famine that would have wiped out most of the known world at the time. Save for Joseph.
If there was any viability to their historical record keeping, and it was fairly vast there would be no reason that any king or Pharaoh consecutively reigning would not have had a grasp on the historical record of their own country.
Then in verse 10 the administration is discussing the possibility of a national security dilemma with the "foreign nationals" having grown to such a large number. They call for them to be "got them up and out of the land". But they set task masters over them thereby not removing them from the land but retaining them for slave labor.
This account is telling to the psychology of our humanity and an excellent study on sociology.
This fact runs through most of history where a tyrant arises and the citizenry becomes docile and allow for the terrible actions of a few people that ruin the lives of millions. When the fact remains the amount of people that are being placed under subjection are easily more than the oppressor. Sheer numbers warrant that no one should ever be able to contrive any form of oppression over a mass number of people. But yet it happens. Why? Because of no leadership? A very interesting thought and I continue to question why it is still happening today.
As I research the Bible and learn to read for understanding there are some very interesting results I find. I have been seeking reasoning behind verse 8 that tell us that "a new king arose who knew not Joseph".
This seems preposterous on its face as Joseph was the reason Egypt had its great wealth and had been saved from destruction from the drought that would have wiped out most of the known world at the time. Save for Joseph.
If there was any viability to there historical record keeping, and it was fairly vast there would be no reason that any king or Pharaoh consecutively reigning would not have had a grasp on the historical record of their own country.
Then in verse 10 the administration is discussing the possibility of a national security dilemma with the "foreign nationals" having grown to such a large number. They call for them to be "got them up and out of the land". But they set task masters over them thereby not removing them from the land but retaining them for slave labor.
This account is telling to the psychology of our humanity and an excellent study on sociology.
This fact runs through most of history where a tyrant arises and the citizenry becomes docile and allow for the terrible actions of a few people that ruin the lives of millions. When the fact remains the amount of people that are being placed under subjection are easily more than the oppressor. Sheer numbers warrant that no one should ever be able to contrive any form of oppression over a mass number of people. But yet it happens. Why? Because of no leadership? A very interesting thought and I continue to question why it is still happening today.
Hello, today i have decided to read through the bible starting from the beginning to the end, which I have never done before.
Naturally I have a few questions and I would like to think about them before moving on.
1: In Genesis 1:26 God said "let us create man in our image". Who are the "us" and "our" in this sentence? Then in Genesis 1:27 "he created male and female" I thought this was Adam and Eve, however in Genesis 2:7 it goes on to say that "on the seventh day that God rested. However it goes on to say that he created man from the dust of the ground". Further, it states in Genesis 2:22 that he then created woman. Were these different sets of people?
2: Genesis 4:5 Why did the Lord not have any respect for Cains' offering? The bible does not offer any explanation?
3: Genesis 4:15 What kind of mark did the lord place upon Cain after he slew his brother Abel?
4: Genesis 6 Who are the "sons of God" who took themselves daughters of men? And who were the giants mentioned in Genesis 6:4?
Thank you to anyone who is able to answer some or all of these questions for me. I am in no hurry to rush through all of the chapters and would just like to gain a better understanding before I proceed. Thank you and God bless.
Matthew when he wrote this, was writing the commandment from the Lord to be baptized. (In water - to be immersed).
In Acts 2:38, Peter was obeying this commandment by giving the prescription for salvation - "Repent and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.......and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost"......This promise is to you, your children and them that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call...."
Matthew was there when Peter gave this proclamation as were the other disciples. Peter knew that the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost was indeed the Lord Jesus Christ. (Father Son and Holy Ghost are the titles of the one true God - Jesus - God manifested in the flesh.
Acts 10:48 - And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
After this, Phillip also obeyed the commission given by Peter, who interpreted what Matthew said.
And this is I a significant command to be baptized by Paul...
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Can you explain something to me, please? Throughout scripture, I run across "son of man" a lot. I always thought that it was Jesus in the flesh but I find it in other places as well. For example, Ezekiel chapter 8:1-18, among many of the other scriptures. Can you help me understand where I've misunderstood the phrase "son of man" throughout the bible?
Can just anyone visit your congregation and say God sent them to be a watchman in your congregation and another in another county is this decent and decent order of God teach me I'm teachable correct me if I asked an disorderly question please ?
If you then , being evil , know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him ?
That was Jesus speaking .
Wow do you understand this ?
No need to take God at his word , just ask him in obedience, and trust him . Of course you desire to be led by the the Holy Spirit and not doing your own thing right ?
The word of God instructs us .
When you are blessed by the Holy Spirit in any measure you will know it , love , joy , peace are fruits of the spirit . So do not settle for a dead word only . God and his Holy Spirit are life changers . Amen ?
Thanks Giannis for responding to the 1 Corinthians 15:29 dilemma, though I wasn't particularly soliciting a response - just giving an example to Ronnette on some Scriptures that are clear to some & other Scriptures that are unclear, as the 1 Corinthians example might show.
I do fully agree with you that this verse speaks of water baptism & specifically concerning the resurrection of Jesus (as this chapter is all about that). When I read of your understanding of that verse (v 29), I note that you apply the "baptism for the dead" to refer to 'baptism unto Jesus Who died but never arose from the grave'.
You might also be aware of other interpretations of that verse. Such as, 'Paul referring to a practise of baptizing new believers who take the place of those departed (the dead)'. Or, 'being baptized vicariously for another to assure that person has a place in Heaven' (this is heresy, I believe). Or, 'those baptized because of & through the testimony of those who had died' (again, a bad understanding I feel).
Your understanding has merit, except that when I read that verse with that thought in mind, I ask, 'why would Paul describe baptism "for the dead" is such terms, when he could have easily have stated (& in line with his earlier verses), using Jesus' Name?' It seems very peculiar for Paul to write it like that, and then say that 'people are being baptized for the dead (plural)'. Even though the plural may not be in the Greek (you could clarify this), the sentence construction appears to indicate that it is those who have died, & not just one person being referred to.
There are some churches that still read a fair amount of scripture today. You may be in the statistically few that preach of a real hell and judgment of the wicked. It is rarer still to really hear the Gospels being preached as they are. Usually; if not almost always it is the basic message of belief in Christ; and salvation and sometimes a proper emphasis on the subject of Predistination as heavily emphasized in the Book of John (i.e. the "grace gospel"). For some reason Christ's love seems to be seen as the overturning of the tables being the only exception to his annoyance. This misnomer is counterindicated by numerous references; and often toward the Disciples about their unbelief. They were said many times to "harden their hearts"; and as the more well known rebuke to Peter where Christ said "get thee behind me Satan" ( Matt. 16:23 and again in Mark); we also need to see that Peter was rebuking Him. On top of this was family members saying that He was out of His mind; disciples trying to tell Him how to be a King; arguing who was the greatest (of which He gave an amazingly merciful response) and other situations. He was angry with the Pharisees; and also with the Disciples not getting what the meaning of unclean hearts are as contrasted with outward ceremonial law or just traditions of men. There is of course a difference in chastising His own and His warnings about say; blasphemy of the Spirit. Another seemingly overlooked passage is that when the Pharisees rebuked Him for healing or doing the "work" of eating grains on the Sabbath Day. He certainly wasn't inhibited in such activities; at the very least He recognized work as the Father Himself is always working. He is just following suit. When we look at passages like all the Disciples deserting Him; the best thing we can do is ask "help us with our unbelief". Many are tares; others will have to recieve severe rebuke to get them back on the right path.
Concept of "Master". Over and over in the Gospels; Christ is addressed as "Master". We hear of God's love and salvation; less frequently with an emphasis on Him being Lord of our lives; rarely master. I had one friend of mine from a couple years back frequently start his prayers with that term. We can argue about the slave mentality of the ancient cultures; but how often do we think of ourselves as "unworthy servants" just doing what is required? (See Luke 17:7-10). It is sobering also to think that the scriptures show the absurdity of many today who think that somehow they will treat the servants any better than their "Master" (see John 15:20). As adopted children; we have certain rights and privileges that the "hired hands" don't have. Nonetheless since we are Temples of the Holy Spirit we are to honor God's presence and not grieve the Spirit. We are His possession and are to be fit for His use as He sees fit.
Of course; this all fits in with the fear of the Lord ( Prov. 1:7 etal). It seems like backward logic; at least to the world; who consider themselves free but in reality are slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20 and many other like verses). If we love Him; we obey His commandments. ( 1 John 5:2-3). Love and obedience are NOT mutually exclusive concepts; nor can either survive on their own. Now His saints are free to choose to serve God or to sin; a concept many who correctly believe what's known as the "Grace Gospel" seem to have trouble with. Before we are saved; we are only able to sin. The truth is hidden; as it were like the Parables are to the lost. This ties into His Diety as God in the flesh; hence no earthly saints are to be given special titles such as "Father" ( Matt. 23:9). Let us strive therefore so that we can avoid unnecessary discipline through sins. The way the world views punishment now; His chastisements may seem unduly harsh. It is better than ultimate judgment in hell; and for our own good.
As I read God's word, and He points out Babylon the great, and how sudden destruction will come upon her.
"Babylon the great has fallen has fallen.." Rev. 18:2. In fact, the whole of chapter 18 appears to describe the United States!
I pray people will wake up, and take His word as it is written. As I talk with many "born again" Christian's, I find that many are thinking they do not have to worry about what's coming upon the earth, because God is going to "rapture" them out of harms way. That is NOT what God's word says! 2 Timothy says, " Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution".
What makes us so special that God is going to snatch us up and away from trouble? Did he not protect Daniel while in the lions den. His word shows us that He'll protect us as we go through tribulations. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Many Christians are saying that God is "doing a new thing. Really .? God's word doesn't change to fit one's own narrative. Look what's happening in our country. The Biden democrat/Marxist party is destroying everything good about our nation, and filling influential positions with godless people who hate our country, while at the same time claiming to be good Christians. I correct myself such that Biden and Pelosi claim to be good Catholics, which opens up another ungodly can of worms. I pray God gives us eyes to see and ears to hear during these corrupt and evil times. Thanks you for reading this post.
Did you know what it was pope Gregory that came up with the calendar that has Sunday on . He did that in 1582 . You can Google that. So how many verses support the first day of week as holy .Is there in the Bible ( the Bible GOD opinion ) What does Gen : chapter 2 say man started and keeped the first Sabbath or does it say that God the Father and The Word keeped it.
For all those things hath Mine hand made and all those things have been , saith the LORD: but to this man , will I Look ,even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word .
Reminds me of the verse humble theyself before the Lord . And why not ? Gods greatnesses cannot be found out . Amen !
The significant factor often missing from these analogies is breaching of a covenant. This is why those; for instance, who have remarried without scriptural permission are very hypocritical focusing on others who are living together who weren't under such a covenant. But marriage today is viewed at the human level as a contract; rather than a covenant with the eternal God between one man and woman that is to be permanent for life; and which encompasses vows from each party (at least traditionally) implying the penalties should such a pact be broken. This is similar to God's covenant people in the nation of Israel; where God had called them out from bondage. Their knowledge being present while the miracles occurred and seeing God's providence after the Exodus in the desert made them more responsible when they fell into practices of the pagan nations.
But; as scripture states not all Israel was true Israel ( Romans 9:6-7). There are many verses where emphasis is placed on keeping vows in the O.T.
Finally; anything we know is right and fail to do is sin ( James 4:17-loosly translated). We should at all times keep our commitments unless it becomes impossible not to go against scriptural conduct in our lives. We need also to be careful to do things of obedience out of love of God not self promotion.
At this point; all bets are off. Jesus has to deal with the hearts of Pharisees; with their thoughts; or comments about Him using the Devil's (Beelzebub) power to cast out demons; and to the crowd in general saying that they are an "evil generation" seeking a sign (v. 29); then warning about light being darkness in us (or Satan appearing as an angel of light).
Finally; in verse 38 we see what would be considered (to say the least) bad manners after an invite to a meal. A simple concept of lack of handwashing which seemed trivial ended up in a railing accusation to the hypocrisy within for Pharisees in general. Then; to add insult to injury after He was informed that the lawyers were insulted He went after them!
(I would imagine there was a lot of indigestion there at that time).
The concept of righteous indignation especially among "religious" folks today seems like an ancient artifact. If judgment begins at the house of God; who is sounding the trumpet today?
This seems preposterous on its face as Joseph was the reason Egypt had its great wealth and had been saved from destruction from the famine that would have wiped out most of the known world at the time. Save for Joseph.
If there was any viability to their historical record keeping, and it was fairly vast there would be no reason that any king or Pharaoh consecutively reigning would not have had a grasp on the historical record of their own country.
Then in verse 10 the administration is discussing the possibility of a national security dilemma with the "foreign nationals" having grown to such a large number. They call for them to be "got them up and out of the land". But they set task masters over them thereby not removing them from the land but retaining them for slave labor.
This account is telling to the psychology of our humanity and an excellent study on sociology.
This fact runs through most of history where a tyrant arises and the citizenry becomes docile and allow for the terrible actions of a few people that ruin the lives of millions. When the fact remains the amount of people that are being placed under subjection are easily more than the oppressor. Sheer numbers warrant that no one should ever be able to contrive any form of oppression over a mass number of people. But yet it happens. Why? Because of no leadership? A very interesting thought and I continue to question why it is still happening today.
This seems preposterous on its face as Joseph was the reason Egypt had its great wealth and had been saved from destruction from the drought that would have wiped out most of the known world at the time. Save for Joseph.
If there was any viability to there historical record keeping, and it was fairly vast there would be no reason that any king or Pharaoh consecutively reigning would not have had a grasp on the historical record of their own country.
Then in verse 10 the administration is discussing the possibility of a national security dilemma with the "foreign nationals" having grown to such a large number. They call for them to be "got them up and out of the land". But they set task masters over them thereby not removing them from the land but retaining them for slave labor.
This account is telling to the psychology of our humanity and an excellent study on sociology.
This fact runs through most of history where a tyrant arises and the citizenry becomes docile and allow for the terrible actions of a few people that ruin the lives of millions. When the fact remains the amount of people that are being placed under subjection are easily more than the oppressor. Sheer numbers warrant that no one should ever be able to contrive any form of oppression over a mass number of people. But yet it happens. Why? Because of no leadership? A very interesting thought and I continue to question why it is still happening today.
Naturally I have a few questions and I would like to think about them before moving on.
1: In Genesis 1:26 God said "let us create man in our image". Who are the "us" and "our" in this sentence? Then in Genesis 1:27 "he created male and female" I thought this was Adam and Eve, however in Genesis 2:7 it goes on to say that "on the seventh day that God rested. However it goes on to say that he created man from the dust of the ground". Further, it states in Genesis 2:22 that he then created woman. Were these different sets of people?
2: Genesis 4:5 Why did the Lord not have any respect for Cains' offering? The bible does not offer any explanation?
3: Genesis 4:15 What kind of mark did the lord place upon Cain after he slew his brother Abel?
4: Genesis 6 Who are the "sons of God" who took themselves daughters of men? And who were the giants mentioned in Genesis 6:4?
Thank you to anyone who is able to answer some or all of these questions for me. I am in no hurry to rush through all of the chapters and would just like to gain a better understanding before I proceed. Thank you and God bless.
Matthew when he wrote this, was writing the commandment from the Lord to be baptized. (In water - to be immersed).
In Acts 2:38, Peter was obeying this commandment by giving the prescription for salvation - "Repent and be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.......and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost"......This promise is to you, your children and them that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call...."
Matthew was there when Peter gave this proclamation as were the other disciples. Peter knew that the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost was indeed the Lord Jesus Christ. (Father Son and Holy Ghost are the titles of the one true God - Jesus - God manifested in the flesh.
Acts 10:48 - And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
After this, Phillip also obeyed the commission given by Peter, who interpreted what Matthew said.
And this is I a significant command to be baptized by Paul...
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7And all the men were about twelve.
Amen.
Thank you and God Bless you.
If you then , being evil , know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him ?
That was Jesus speaking .
Wow do you understand this ?
No need to take God at his word , just ask him in obedience, and trust him . Of course you desire to be led by the the Holy Spirit and not doing your own thing right ?
The word of God instructs us .
When you are blessed by the Holy Spirit in any measure you will know it , love , joy , peace are fruits of the spirit . So do not settle for a dead word only . God and his Holy Spirit are life changers . Amen ?
Page 1.
Thanks Giannis for responding to the 1 Corinthians 15:29 dilemma, though I wasn't particularly soliciting a response - just giving an example to Ronnette on some Scriptures that are clear to some & other Scriptures that are unclear, as the 1 Corinthians example might show.
I do fully agree with you that this verse speaks of water baptism & specifically concerning the resurrection of Jesus (as this chapter is all about that). When I read of your understanding of that verse (v 29), I note that you apply the "baptism for the dead" to refer to 'baptism unto Jesus Who died but never arose from the grave'.
You might also be aware of other interpretations of that verse. Such as, 'Paul referring to a practise of baptizing new believers who take the place of those departed (the dead)'. Or, 'being baptized vicariously for another to assure that person has a place in Heaven' (this is heresy, I believe). Or, 'those baptized because of & through the testimony of those who had died' (again, a bad understanding I feel).
Your understanding has merit, except that when I read that verse with that thought in mind, I ask, 'why would Paul describe baptism "for the dead" is such terms, when he could have easily have stated (& in line with his earlier verses), using Jesus' Name?' It seems very peculiar for Paul to write it like that, and then say that 'people are being baptized for the dead (plural)'. Even though the plural may not be in the Greek (you could clarify this), the sentence construction appears to indicate that it is those who have died, & not just one person being referred to.
There are some churches that still read a fair amount of scripture today. You may be in the statistically few that preach of a real hell and judgment of the wicked. It is rarer still to really hear the Gospels being preached as they are. Usually; if not almost always it is the basic message of belief in Christ; and salvation and sometimes a proper emphasis on the subject of Predistination as heavily emphasized in the Book of John (i.e. the "grace gospel"). For some reason Christ's love seems to be seen as the overturning of the tables being the only exception to his annoyance. This misnomer is counterindicated by numerous references; and often toward the Disciples about their unbelief. They were said many times to "harden their hearts"; and as the more well known rebuke to Peter where Christ said "get thee behind me Satan" ( Matt. 16:23 and again in Mark); we also need to see that Peter was rebuking Him. On top of this was family members saying that He was out of His mind; disciples trying to tell Him how to be a King; arguing who was the greatest (of which He gave an amazingly merciful response) and other situations. He was angry with the Pharisees; and also with the Disciples not getting what the meaning of unclean hearts are as contrasted with outward ceremonial law or just traditions of men. There is of course a difference in chastising His own and His warnings about say; blasphemy of the Spirit. Another seemingly overlooked passage is that when the Pharisees rebuked Him for healing or doing the "work" of eating grains on the Sabbath Day. He certainly wasn't inhibited in such activities; at the very least He recognized work as the Father Himself is always working. He is just following suit. When we look at passages like all the Disciples deserting Him; the best thing we can do is ask "help us with our unbelief". Many are tares; others will have to recieve severe rebuke to get them back on the right path.
Of course; this all fits in with the fear of the Lord ( Prov. 1:7 etal). It seems like backward logic; at least to the world; who consider themselves free but in reality are slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20 and many other like verses). If we love Him; we obey His commandments. ( 1 John 5:2-3). Love and obedience are NOT mutually exclusive concepts; nor can either survive on their own. Now His saints are free to choose to serve God or to sin; a concept many who correctly believe what's known as the "Grace Gospel" seem to have trouble with. Before we are saved; we are only able to sin. The truth is hidden; as it were like the Parables are to the lost. This ties into His Diety as God in the flesh; hence no earthly saints are to be given special titles such as "Father" ( Matt. 23:9). Let us strive therefore so that we can avoid unnecessary discipline through sins. The way the world views punishment now; His chastisements may seem unduly harsh. It is better than ultimate judgment in hell; and for our own good.
Agape.
"Babylon the great has fallen has fallen.." Rev. 18:2. In fact, the whole of chapter 18 appears to describe the United States!
I pray people will wake up, and take His word as it is written. As I talk with many "born again" Christian's, I find that many are thinking they do not have to worry about what's coming upon the earth, because God is going to "rapture" them out of harms way. That is NOT what God's word says! 2 Timothy says, " Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution".
What makes us so special that God is going to snatch us up and away from trouble? Did he not protect Daniel while in the lions den. His word shows us that He'll protect us as we go through tribulations. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Many Christians are saying that God is "doing a new thing. Really .? God's word doesn't change to fit one's own narrative. Look what's happening in our country. The Biden democrat/Marxist party is destroying everything good about our nation, and filling influential positions with godless people who hate our country, while at the same time claiming to be good Christians. I correct myself such that Biden and Pelosi claim to be good Catholics, which opens up another ungodly can of worms. I pray God gives us eyes to see and ears to hear during these corrupt and evil times. Thanks you for reading this post.
Is this correct?