It's also Not by command whereby we worship! It's produced by being attached the genuine vine and quickening spirit.
It is "shared love" whereby we worship. This is produced within and expressed outwardly.
This is done by a "NEW" heart!
Paul said in Philippians; "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:1-3.
You have two groups here.
One is trying to achieve something that has never been done before!
( Salvation and holiness by the work of their own hands.)
They try to live a Godly life but yet can find no rest!
They become fruitless.
This was Israel's problem and still is today.
Israel was to present to the world a true and living God that provides. (JEHOVAH-JIREH.)
However, they became a degenerate vine! Jeremiah 2:21.
This couldn't be done outwardly with a ungenerated fleshly heart.
Israel mission "unknowingly" Was to present to the world that they needed a savior. They presented the law which was our "Schoolmaster".
There are those today called Christians lack understanding in the New Covenant and make that same mistake today.
The other group rest in Christ, and is quickened by the Spirit and is Spirit driven!
They honor God's commands that "applies to them" by the power of the New Covenant. They are quickened by the life giving spirit.
So they found rest in the work performed on the cross. They perform their works by the operation of God and become fruitful.
This is the beginning of the Christ church, and the Gospel first went out to the Jews, Peter was talking to the local crowd. "ALL Jews" Acts 2:5 "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Also Acts 2:22 and Acts 2:36.
They were celebrating Shavuot-the Feast of Weeks-also known as Hag Ha Katzir, the Feast of Harvest, and known to most of us as the Feast of Pentecost. It is worthy to note that this feast was also one of three which was important for every able-bodied male to attend in Jerusalem.
Peter was letting them know that they crucified their king and Messiah.
Then in Acts 2:37 it's important to notice their reaction and what they asked; (Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO?)
In verse 38 Peter answers them; Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This repentance was to turn from Judaism and be Identified with Christ.
They were pricked in their hearts shows a stone lifted that they stumbled over. Their baptism was their profession of faith. They were baptized by the Holyspirit during this process.
John 10:7-10 you see the Lord is calling the Jews out of Judaism.
In John 15:1 Jesus says I am the TRUE vine or "Genuine" vine. This is contrary to Israel being the degenerate vine seen in Jeremiah 2:21. John the Baptist came to Prepare the way for Lord, John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. This transition period went on throughout the early church.
They were to turn from Judaism and believe on Christ as mentioned in John 6:29.
Peter and the rest of the disciples was told to go Jerusalem to wait on power from on high. When they received that power, they begun to do the work of God.
Tribulation: Purposes of the Seal Judgments as related to Israel's history.
The sword; famine and pestilence seen in judgments 2-4 in Revelation 6 fit in with a pattern set by God to judge Israel since most of their history was in a rebellious state despite being called to be an example to the nations ( Isaiah 49:6) and set apart ( Jeremiah 2:2-3). The pattern of sword; famine and pestilence can therefore be seen in Jeremiah 14:11-12 as well as other passages in the same book; and it found in Ezekiel 14:21; Deuteronomy 32:24; and other passages. Interestingly enough; Deuteronomy 4:30 mentions tribulation AND the last days; opening the door for repentance on man's part for God to turn back on some of these judgments (perhaps for individuals sealed by God or physically protected at that time and/or during the Trumpet judgments).
Therefore; this time before the Book is opened there appears to be room for repentance; although nothing said for the unregenerate where one quarter die at that time ( Rev. 6:8). It would appear since Hades is in Revelation 6:8 that everyone killed in this manner were unregenerate. The only question is if these are concentrated in a quarter of the earth or it involves one fouth of the world in general. We should also be soberly reminded here that many will not even physically survive to the point when the Beast is empowered and implements the mark ( Rev. 11:7) apparently after the martyrdom of the 2 Prophets and subsequent Resurrection at the 6th Trumpet ( Rev. 11:14).
The Antichrist at this time will rise to power ( Revelation 6:1-2) and begin to subdue and conquer nations. Daniel 8:9 shows how this "little horn" gains power; no doubt through superior intellect and intrigue ( Daniel 11:21). Nations no doubt are pitted so that they will through internal strife be conformed to the 10 nations ruled under the Beast after their sovereignty is destroyed.
I will delve into the fifth and sixth seal in my next sequel.
All three have an example in the history of Israel.
1) Broken Cisterns - Jeremiah complained about the apostasy of Judah by saying,
Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods?
but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:11-13
Today, Darwinian physical science has given the world something I call "Declaration over Exploration." Sadly, many Churches are promoting "Theistic Evolution" as a needless compromise with the disastrous result of the killing of God the Creator.
Freudian mental science has given the world an "escape from sin" where everyone is a victim. Here, too many in the Church promote these unbiblical ideas and thereby kill God the Judge.
Biblical "Higher Criticism" and "Lower Criticism" from the 19th-20th Centuries11 gave the world spiritual doubt. The result? The absence of personal discernment as the Church promotes its own self-criticism. All three of these secular practices are like the "broken cisterns" spoken of by Jeremiah.
2) Alliances of Weakness.
Hosea helps us draw a historical parallel here. He observes that "Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth [it] not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not."12 He was warning against the infiltration, integration, and influence of evil.
The best example of this kind of compromise is King Solomon himself. The writer of 1 Kings reminds us in 1 Kings 11:1-4.
Faith in the Lord is the difference between between Jeremiah 2:21-22. in which a fruitless degenerate plant exhibited and a tree planted by the waters and a people baring fruit.
This should remind us of Matthew 7:15-23.
We often use these verses and apply them to individuals which may apply but when careful studying these scriptures I believe it's speaking of A WAY, AND THOSE "OUTSIDE" THE STRAIGHT GATE.
In other words those who travel the wide gate. This is what Israel as a nation did and what is being taught today in a works based salvation in today's congregation.
The context is in the previous verses
7:13-14. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:15-23.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
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.
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?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
I don't believe a tree is speaking of individuals but rather a people's movement.
In part 1 you gave me Luke 1:17 and stated, "This means that another part of John's ministry was to teach Hebrews to clean their heart by preaching them to obey God's commandments. I would have to disagree with you on that.
No one could keep the law therefore it couldn't make you clean. Acts 15:5-10. Romans 8:3. Galatians 3:10-14.
You also referred me to Luke 3:7-18. Notice vs 9) "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. They couldn't bare fruit! Israel was a degenerate vine.
Jeremiah 2:20-21. Matthew 21:42-44. In contrast to that Jesus is the genuine vine. John 15:1-2.
John was preparing the way for someone to do what the Law couldn't do. and that's Christ.
John's baptism was to turn the Jews "The lost sheep of Israel" to Christ and yet he says there comes one who will give a baptism that exceeds his that brings us to Jesus.
Now John says he must decrease, and Jesus must Increase. Now we have the beginning of Jesus ministry in which he came for the lost sheep of Israel. Due to blindness, they denied there king so as Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles. That brings us to Pentecost. Here's a predominantly mostly if not all Jewish beginning of the Church. Here is where baptism of the Holyspirit begins and this is where the Spirit of God baptize Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ and water baptism is a ritual way for you to display what the Spirit of God has already done once you TRULY believed.
So, the obedience is for you to show by display who and what you believe in. It's the faith of Christ that initiates your belief which leads to Salvation.
I think we have seen a partial collapse of society in the last 3 years. A huge amount of lies and deception around the virus and lots of financial incentives for people to capitalize on it. Some were intentionally profiting off death, even killing people for money. Hiding of evidence, tampering with statistics and graphs to make things seem different than they are. People trusted their leaders and were deceived. People are more divided than ever and hate their governments, which have become more controlling and more communist than ever.
It does seem like these are precursors to the end times. Wars and rumors of wars. US congressmen are pushing war so hard, they are almost lusting for war with Russia. It's absolutely sickening. The war would have been over long ago if it weren't for the US giving Ukraine billions in weapons. Tax dollars are being used to murder people. That is evil. We have never been closer to WW3 than right now and they act like they badly want that. They are willing to spend your money in order to send your kids into battle to die, so they can fulfil their religious vendetta against their bogey man Russia. A lot of the news propaganda hides how evil and corrupt Ukraine is and how the current administration has private business dealings over there they may be giving them money to help cover up. The corruption and evil is deep and sadly I think nearly everything on TV news is a lie these days.
Melody Williams, It has been 3 years since you asked your question if we think this virus is a plague. I can tell you after living through it for 3 years that yes, it is. We are living in the end times and Jesus will be returning soon. These are the times of Noah and Christians are being persecuted very strongly! These are times to get your heart right with God and pray for forgiveness for all your sins. Peace be with you and God bless
I would like to add one more thought comes to mind along with what Myself and Brother Jesse has shared.
Fruit is what's produced inward and expressed outward, the cleansing is internally and the action outwardly is caused by this cleansing.
This is what the natural man can not do.
This is what Jesus is telling the Pharisees in Matthew 23:25-26 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
This is what Israel could not produce. ( Jeremiah 2:21.)
There was no heart change in the working/covenant of the law.
I believe this is why Jesus says in John 15:1. I AM THE TRUE VINE, and my Father is the husbandman.
This production comes by the new birth or " Born from above" being connected to the life giver.
We are branches baring what the vine produces, being that we're LIVE and attached.
You see the outward result in being a live branch in baptism or "Identified" with Christ mentioned in Romans 6.
Chris. The answer is signs miracles and wonders follow what's known as
Right doctrine. What's amazing to me is how many delivered people I know
That simply believe certain scripture and God healed them. You don't have
To have a ton of knowledge it's what do you really believe determines outcome.
The problem today is too many so called belief systems like you said
Reminds me of Jeremiah 2:13 the church has not followed that which Jesus Christ gave to Paul in the Epistles to the Church Of God. This needs no response.
Jesus says in John 15:1-2 "my Father is the husbandman." Vine dresser"
This emphasizes fruit barring is a work of the Holyspirirt, not of you.
Let's consider that for a moment, FRUIT IS NOT GIFTS AND IT'S NOT SERVING AND IT'S NOT BY COMMAND.
So, when we come across these scriptures John 13:34-35. Mattthew 7:20. 1 John 2:11. 1 John 4:20. these are the marks of a Christian and is the ONLY way they are identified! And if you cannot be Identified by this you have John 15:6 to deal with.
Your faithfulness, intelligence, commitment, being noble, teaching, serving is all good but you're not identified as a Christian by none of these and can be told I "NEVER" knew you! Matthew 7:22-23.
Let's be clear on the recipient of this love that validates our position.
We are to love everyone, but our validation is specifically towards the Brothern.
The passages in 1 John speaks expressly about HATING you Brother.
God is truth, God is light, and God is Love. We are to worship God in truth and in Spirit. When the truth is spoken it shines light on darkness, and those in darkness hates the light and they will hate you!
HUMILITY.
Another fruit with great virtue. Woks of the law couldn't bring this either. It brought pride!
Being connect to the genuine vine brings humility. Look at what the Lord tells the Pharisees in Matthew 21:33-44. Right away you see the contrast of the two vines. Israel was to be a vine, but they became a degenerate vine. Jeremiah 2:9.
Now, place your attention on vs 43. Therefore, say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (The Church) Peter calls the Church a Holy nation in 1 Peter 2:9.
Humility cast out pride doesn't it. We tend to want to place our spirituality on things we do, putting ourselves on display and pointing people towards us instead of Christ.
Jeremiah 48:13 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence.
Psalms 25:3 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Jeremiah 2:36 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
Psalms 6:10 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Psalms 31:17 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Mark 8:38 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Jeremiah 2:26 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,
Luke 9:26 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
Jeremiah 8:12 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
Exodus 23:7, Deuteronomy 19:10, Deuteronomy 19:13, Deuteronomy 21:9 "So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord." 2Kings 24:4,
Deuteronomy 27:25 "cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person; and all the people shall say, Amen"
Psalms 10:4,8, Psalms 106:33-48,
Proverbs 6:16-17 "These sixe things doeth the Lord hate; yea seven are an abomination unto him: A proud looke, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood" .._
In the past I've used that analogy of the puzzle pieces. The Gospel paints a picture starting from Genesis.
The problem often comes when one have a picture in mind and try to fit pieces of the puzzles together that don't belong so they have to reshape the surrounding pieces to there liking, usually by spritualizing all the pieces/scripture, or they take one piece of a puzzle/scripture that represents their picture and try to fit it in a 1000 piece puzzle that it doesn't belong to, so they reshape the 1000 pieces by spritualizing.
Here's an example.
Who's the writer referring to here?
"Therefore my people" are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Isaiah 5:13.
I've heard it taught that this was all of creation. ( A piece of puzzle that don't even fit the chapter or anywhere else in the 66 books. )
But if they would let the scripture say what it is saying you would find the answer throughout the chapter, especially verse 7.
"For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry"
Isaiah 5:7.
Here's just a few of many other puzzle pieces.
Exodus 3:10.
Exodus 5:1.
Exodus 8:23.
Leviticus 26:12.
1 Samuel 2:28-29.
1 Kings 6:12-13.
Isaiah 1:3.
Isaiah 10:24.
Isaiah 14:25.
Jeremiah 1:16.
Jeremiah 2:11.
Ezekiel 11:20.
Ect...
There's hundreds that reference Isaiah 5:13. to Israel!!
And Hosea 2:23 suggests God's not done with them. Also Romans 11:1.
God is in the generation of the righteous. Psalms 14:5.
We become his people by seeking him, not everyone will do this.
Zachariah gives a distinction between between the heathen nations and God's people. Zachariah 8:7.
Another distinction.
Mathew 7:21-23. You can't be his people and he not know you.
There is a lot here in this portion of scripture, for one you will see there is two groups here, Us/The Church and Israel.
Take notice of what we are being grafted into! Is it Israel? No, Israel is a branch broken off because of unbelief.
You see the concept in John and Mathews. I am the vine true/genuine vine in John 15:1-12. and Mathews 7:13-23. opposed to Israel in Jeremiah 2:21.
Notice Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Again, salvation wasn't to come by the law where the Gentiles were foreigners, the law was to show the world they needed a savior that's what God promised Abraham.
Genesis 22:18.
SO, WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW?
Galatians 3:18-29.
This puts the verse you gave, " Galatians 3:29." in its proper perspective.
More References:
Romans 7:4-7.
Romans 7:8-13.
2 Corinthians 3:6-11.
You mentioned Romans 2:29. Let's look at it.
You should take it from Romans 2:11-29. to put it in its context.
Romans 2:11-16.
Notice Paul says, "FOR WHEN THE GENTILES, WHICH HAVE NOT THE LAW, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:" Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Even before the law was given, we had light in the world that bared witness of right and wrong! (The law put a death sentence on us. Romans 7:8-10.)
Continuing.
Romans 2:17-24.
Context: vs 17. "Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,"
This portion of scripture seems to label you as a hypocrite and blasphemer when you put your trust in being able to keep the law.
Jesus the Son of GOD, Matthew 26:62-64, THE MESSIAH our SAVIOUR, Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, John 19, "The Way" died & arose from the grave, 1 Samuel 2:6, Revelation 2:8, Deuteronomy 32:39, John 3:15-16,
* Luke 20:38,
I serve GOD ALMIGHTY, Jeremiah 10:10, Revelation 1, Revelation 21, Rev 22, The Alpha & Omega Revelation 1:8, Genesis 1, Psalms 103:17, Mark 12:27, Matthew 22:32, Psalms 42:4, Psalms 90:2, Hebrews 10:31, 1 Timothy 4:10,
I would like to add one or two more things that I believe is to be very important. Whether by water baptism or baptism by the Holyspirit, is it evident in your life that spiritual baptism has taken place.
You will run into 2 major groups engage on this topic. One group is those who believe you are saved by confessing Jesus and keeping the commandments. Some of this group believe you can lose your salvation. This group is bond to a work base religion.
The other group believes "for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Even the faith you are being saved through is not your faith! it is a gift of God!
You have nothing to offer God in terms of salvation! I hold this view.
True baptism when you "GENUINELY" accept Christ as your savior there is production in your life that begins. You can't produce it or keep it from producing as you feed on the word.
I will share a few by verses below and hopefully others can expand on them or add to.
Notice Paul' he didn't have much to say about water baptism, but he had a lot to say about baptism by the Holyspirit.
Romans 6:4.
Romans 6:6-8.
Romans 6:11.
It does well to study all of Romans 6 to expand a little on "the production' of spiritual baptism.
JOHNS BAPTISM.
you can see a picture of this transition for the Jews drawn out for you by Paul in Romans 7:1-2. Read all.
Now read Mathew 3:10-11.
Israel was a natural branch that didn't bear fruit. Jeremiah 2:21. "Nor could it"
Also read Mathew 21:42-44. and John 15:1-7.
Now let's get back to our 2 groups.
You have the 1st group I mentioned that put themselves in bondage as did Israel and despising the truth.
believing in baptism outwardly but unbaptized inwardly.
Who is this mighty God You shared a great statement in Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters[ John 4:9-14] and have hewed them out cisterns broken cisterns that can hold no water elevated vain thoughts against the knowledge of Gods Word Romans 1: [imaginations contrary to it is written] in verse 19 it says there own wickedness not anything that God did. When we turn to the Living God that is what he gives Life. His works and His Word are indeed great and we who believe are made up of both.
Hi Gigi I like you am very leary of these statements made by any individual, you don't boast it as we know by there fruits we shall know them. I was invited to a [charismatic assembly] where the pastor after a bunch of stuff occurred loud and out of order came out to the pulpit picked up a phone receiver and then hung up and told the people that God was telling him what to teach on. When everything was said and done the guy who invited my wife and I said so what do you think i simply replied we never got into the scripture and were never taught anything out of Gods Word and there was no order, so whats the profit. Like I said the examples as to what scripture state are way out of line, it reminds me of Jeremiah 2:13 MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED BECAUSE OF A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
I do not know what you are going through, you did not give a lot of detail and that's ok, but may I just speak the plain truth. If you are truly being called back in the fold, the road back may not be short or easy. We cannot just say a prayer or two and everything will be hunky-dory again. Please do not compare what you are dealing with to Job, our words can come to be if you know what I mean.
We must all work out our path of salvation, Ezekiel 18:20Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Read Luke 15:11-32 Are you there yet? The word of God is our only defense against the principalities and powers of evil and believe me, they do not let go easily and they can be quite vicious. Spend every spare minute in His word and prayer, truly repenting, not holding on to anything, if it is any kind of obstacle let it go, even if you lose it all. Revelation 2:5
We must truly admit and understand what we have done. Jeremiah 2:19 We must know it may take time and not at all be easy. Hosea 5:15 When we truly have repented without any doubt, He will return Jeremiah 3:22 2 Hosea 14:4
Jonah was a great man of God, but he backslid from the will of God and went in his direction, not Gods. Look what God sent him to get his attention and change his direction. You can do it but do not get discouraged if things get worse and the temptations, not from God, but from the adversaries trying to hold you back. Turn adversity into strength, for what we lose in this life is nothing to what we will lose in the life to come. Mark 35:8 that's not just our physical life, it is the life we choose to live.
My prayer is for you to have the strength you will need.
Islands or Isles of the Sea - In Reply - 2 years ago
Islands of the Sea
Wesley's Notes for Isaiah 41:1
41:1 Keep silence - Attend diligently to my plea. Islands - By islands he means countries remote from Judea, inhabited by the idolatrous Gentiles. Renew - Strengthen themselves to maintain their cause against me; let them unite all their strength together. Near - Unto me that we may stand together, and plead our cause, and I will give them free liberty to say what they can on their own behalf.
[you can use the search (box) engine to read all of the "islands of the sea" or "isles" scriptures]
This is what I was taught: that these islands are actually other continents bordered by water (seas or oceans). Presumably Gentile. No where near the Mideast regions.
The Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea are mentioned a number of times in both the Old and New Testaments. Each the the three bodies of water serves as geographical boundary markers in Numbers 34:1-12.
Ezekiel 26:15-18 (sounds like NYC)
Jeremiah 2:10-11,
Jeremiah 31:10, Isaiah 60:9,
Isaiah 42:10, 11:11, 24:25, 66:19, Daniel 11:18
The USA is bordered on 3 sides by water and would be considered an island.
Great question, I believe the only way to Live like Christ is to be led by Christ, and that is the Holyspirit. We can't do that by effort, As Paul said in Romans 7:18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
We are his disciples, ( which means to follow someones teachings) We don't follow Him with observation, We follow him because we HEAR HIS VOICE!! This is with our inner ear and spiritually opened eyes. This is the NEW CREATURE WE HAVE BECOME IN CHRIST.
That is the difference between being under the law and being filled with the Spirit. Israel did not bare fruit under the law because the law could not produce fruit. This is why they was called a degenerate vine in Jeremiah 2:21.
This is why Jesus said I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
John 15:1.
And also: John 15:5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for ( WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.)
This is why Jesus told his disciples to tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Amen Ronald!
I hope you enjoyed your holidays.
I certainly did.
It's not a location or a day whereby we worship!
It's also Not by command whereby we worship! It's produced by being attached the genuine vine and quickening spirit.
It is "shared love" whereby we worship. This is produced within and expressed outwardly.
This is done by a "NEW" heart!
Paul said in Philippians; "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:1-3.
You have two groups here.
One is trying to achieve something that has never been done before!
( Salvation and holiness by the work of their own hands.)
They try to live a Godly life but yet can find no rest!
They become fruitless.
This was Israel's problem and still is today.
Israel was to present to the world a true and living God that provides. (JEHOVAH-JIREH.)
However, they became a degenerate vine! Jeremiah 2:21.
This couldn't be done outwardly with a ungenerated fleshly heart.
Israel mission "unknowingly" Was to present to the world that they needed a savior. They presented the law which was our "Schoolmaster".
There are those today called Christians lack understanding in the New Covenant and make that same mistake today.
The other group rest in Christ, and is quickened by the Spirit and is Spirit driven!
They honor God's commands that "applies to them" by the power of the New Covenant. They are quickened by the life giving spirit.
So they found rest in the work performed on the cross. They perform their works by the operation of God and become fruitful.
God bless.
Part 4.
PENTECOST.
This is the beginning of the Christ church, and the Gospel first went out to the Jews, Peter was talking to the local crowd. "ALL Jews" Acts 2:5 "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Also Acts 2:22 and Acts 2:36.
They were celebrating Shavuot-the Feast of Weeks-also known as Hag Ha Katzir, the Feast of Harvest, and known to most of us as the Feast of Pentecost. It is worthy to note that this feast was also one of three which was important for every able-bodied male to attend in Jerusalem.
Peter was letting them know that they crucified their king and Messiah.
Then in Acts 2:37 it's important to notice their reaction and what they asked; (Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO?)
In verse 38 Peter answers them; Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This repentance was to turn from Judaism and be Identified with Christ.
They were pricked in their hearts shows a stone lifted that they stumbled over. Their baptism was their profession of faith. They were baptized by the Holyspirit during this process.
John 10:7-10 you see the Lord is calling the Jews out of Judaism.
In John 15:1 Jesus says I am the TRUE vine or "Genuine" vine. This is contrary to Israel being the degenerate vine seen in Jeremiah 2:21. John the Baptist came to Prepare the way for Lord, John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. This transition period went on throughout the early church.
They were to turn from Judaism and believe on Christ as mentioned in John 6:29.
Peter and the rest of the disciples was told to go Jerusalem to wait on power from on high. When they received that power, they begun to do the work of God.
See Part 5.
The sword; famine and pestilence seen in judgments 2-4 in Revelation 6 fit in with a pattern set by God to judge Israel since most of their history was in a rebellious state despite being called to be an example to the nations ( Isaiah 49:6) and set apart ( Jeremiah 2:2-3). The pattern of sword; famine and pestilence can therefore be seen in Jeremiah 14:11-12 as well as other passages in the same book; and it found in Ezekiel 14:21; Deuteronomy 32:24; and other passages. Interestingly enough; Deuteronomy 4:30 mentions tribulation AND the last days; opening the door for repentance on man's part for God to turn back on some of these judgments (perhaps for individuals sealed by God or physically protected at that time and/or during the Trumpet judgments).
Therefore; this time before the Book is opened there appears to be room for repentance; although nothing said for the unregenerate where one quarter die at that time ( Rev. 6:8). It would appear since Hades is in Revelation 6:8 that everyone killed in this manner were unregenerate. The only question is if these are concentrated in a quarter of the earth or it involves one fouth of the world in general. We should also be soberly reminded here that many will not even physically survive to the point when the Beast is empowered and implements the mark ( Rev. 11:7) apparently after the martyrdom of the 2 Prophets and subsequent Resurrection at the 6th Trumpet ( Rev. 11:14).
The Antichrist at this time will rise to power ( Revelation 6:1-2) and begin to subdue and conquer nations. Daniel 8:9 shows how this "little horn" gains power; no doubt through superior intellect and intrigue ( Daniel 11:21). Nations no doubt are pitted so that they will through internal strife be conformed to the 10 nations ruled under the Beast after their sovereignty is destroyed.
I will delve into the fifth and sixth seal in my next sequel.
Agape. RICH P
Part 1.
Examining three causes of Apostasy,
All three have an example in the history of Israel.
1) Broken Cisterns - Jeremiah complained about the apostasy of Judah by saying,
Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods?
but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:11-13
Today, Darwinian physical science has given the world something I call "Declaration over Exploration." Sadly, many Churches are promoting "Theistic Evolution" as a needless compromise with the disastrous result of the killing of God the Creator.
Freudian mental science has given the world an "escape from sin" where everyone is a victim. Here, too many in the Church promote these unbiblical ideas and thereby kill God the Judge.
Biblical "Higher Criticism" and "Lower Criticism" from the 19th-20th Centuries11 gave the world spiritual doubt. The result? The absence of personal discernment as the Church promotes its own self-criticism. All three of these secular practices are like the "broken cisterns" spoken of by Jeremiah.
2) Alliances of Weakness.
Hosea helps us draw a historical parallel here. He observes that "Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth [it] not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not."12 He was warning against the infiltration, integration, and influence of evil.
The best example of this kind of compromise is King Solomon himself. The writer of 1 Kings reminds us in 1 Kings 11:1-4.
See part 2.
Faith in the Lord is the difference between between Jeremiah 2:21-22. in which a fruitless degenerate plant exhibited and a tree planted by the waters and a people baring fruit.
This should remind us of Matthew 7:15-23.
We often use these verses and apply them to individuals which may apply but when careful studying these scriptures I believe it's speaking of A WAY, AND THOSE "OUTSIDE" THE STRAIGHT GATE.
In other words those who travel the wide gate. This is what Israel as a nation did and what is being taught today in a works based salvation in today's congregation.
The context is in the previous verses
7:13-14. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:15-23.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
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.
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?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
I don't believe a tree is speaking of individuals but rather a people's movement.
One group is spirit led the other group is not.
See Matthew 13:31-32.
God bless.
Part 1
In part 1 you gave me Luke 1:17 and stated, "This means that another part of John's ministry was to teach Hebrews to clean their heart by preaching them to obey God's commandments. I would have to disagree with you on that.
No one could keep the law therefore it couldn't make you clean. Acts 15:5-10. Romans 8:3. Galatians 3:10-14.
You also referred me to Luke 3:7-18. Notice vs 9) "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. They couldn't bare fruit! Israel was a degenerate vine.
Jeremiah 2:20-21. Matthew 21:42-44. In contrast to that Jesus is the genuine vine. John 15:1-2.
John was preparing the way for someone to do what the Law couldn't do. and that's Christ.
John's baptism was to turn the Jews "The lost sheep of Israel" to Christ and yet he says there comes one who will give a baptism that exceeds his that brings us to Jesus.
Now John says he must decrease, and Jesus must Increase. Now we have the beginning of Jesus ministry in which he came for the lost sheep of Israel. Due to blindness, they denied there king so as Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles. That brings us to Pentecost. Here's a predominantly mostly if not all Jewish beginning of the Church. Here is where baptism of the Holyspirit begins and this is where the Spirit of God baptize Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ and water baptism is a ritual way for you to display what the Spirit of God has already done once you TRULY believed.
So, the obedience is for you to show by display who and what you believe in. It's the faith of Christ that initiates your belief which leads to Salvation.
See part 2.
It does seem like these are precursors to the end times. Wars and rumors of wars. US congressmen are pushing war so hard, they are almost lusting for war with Russia. It's absolutely sickening. The war would have been over long ago if it weren't for the US giving Ukraine billions in weapons. Tax dollars are being used to murder people. That is evil. We have never been closer to WW3 than right now and they act like they badly want that. They are willing to spend your money in order to send your kids into battle to die, so they can fulfil their religious vendetta against their bogey man Russia. A lot of the news propaganda hides how evil and corrupt Ukraine is and how the current administration has private business dealings over there they may be giving them money to help cover up. The corruption and evil is deep and sadly I think nearly everything on TV news is a lie these days.
"Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed."
I would like to add one more thought comes to mind along with what Myself and Brother Jesse has shared.
Fruit is what's produced inward and expressed outward, the cleansing is internally and the action outwardly is caused by this cleansing.
This is what the natural man can not do.
This is what Jesus is telling the Pharisees in Matthew 23:25-26 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
This is what Israel could not produce. ( Jeremiah 2:21.)
There was no heart change in the working/covenant of the law.
I believe this is why Jesus says in John 15:1. I AM THE TRUE VINE, and my Father is the husbandman.
This production comes by the new birth or " Born from above" being connected to the life giver.
We are branches baring what the vine produces, being that we're LIVE and attached.
You see the outward result in being a live branch in baptism or "Identified" with Christ mentioned in Romans 6.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
Proverbs 15:25,= Jeremiah 39:10, Jeremiah 52:16, Proverbs 21:13,
Deuteronomy 15:9, = Jeremiah 34:8-22,
Hopefully these are helpful
Right doctrine. What's amazing to me is how many delivered people I know
That simply believe certain scripture and God healed them. You don't have
To have a ton of knowledge it's what do you really believe determines outcome.
The problem today is too many so called belief systems like you said
Reminds me of Jeremiah 2:13 the church has not followed that which Jesus Christ gave to Paul in the Epistles to the Church Of God. This needs no response.
of grace even being written to israel or the jewish people in captivity. The evils are forsaking the fountain of living
waters God who supplies all need but also we try to figure out better ways the flesh of by not walking by the spirit
and that is what seperates believers because of different belief systems outside of whats written which goes against
Ephesians 4:1-6 also in Phillipians the main topic is like minded in christ I.E. DOCTRINE. What seperated Jesus Christ
from the other leaders was not what he said His doctrine was with power and authority, the same with the first century
church they not only talked the walk but walked the talk and manifested the power given them. The same is available
inour day and time God hasn't and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday to day and forever. God Bless.
Jesus says in John 15:1-2 "my Father is the husbandman." Vine dresser"
This emphasizes fruit barring is a work of the Holyspirirt, not of you.
Let's consider that for a moment, FRUIT IS NOT GIFTS AND IT'S NOT SERVING AND IT'S NOT BY COMMAND.
So, when we come across these scriptures John 13:34-35. Mattthew 7:20. 1 John 2:11. 1 John 4:20. these are the marks of a Christian and is the ONLY way they are identified! And if you cannot be Identified by this you have John 15:6 to deal with.
Your faithfulness, intelligence, commitment, being noble, teaching, serving is all good but you're not identified as a Christian by none of these and can be told I "NEVER" knew you! Matthew 7:22-23.
Let's be clear on the recipient of this love that validates our position.
We are to love everyone, but our validation is specifically towards the Brothern.
The passages in 1 John speaks expressly about HATING you Brother.
God is truth, God is light, and God is Love. We are to worship God in truth and in Spirit. When the truth is spoken it shines light on darkness, and those in darkness hates the light and they will hate you!
HUMILITY.
Another fruit with great virtue. Woks of the law couldn't bring this either. It brought pride!
Being connect to the genuine vine brings humility. Look at what the Lord tells the Pharisees in Matthew 21:33-44. Right away you see the contrast of the two vines. Israel was to be a vine, but they became a degenerate vine. Jeremiah 2:9.
Now, place your attention on vs 43. Therefore, say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (The Church) Peter calls the Church a Holy nation in 1 Peter 2:9.
Humility cast out pride doesn't it. We tend to want to place our spirituality on things we do, putting ourselves on display and pointing people towards us instead of Christ.
more to come.
Its Christ faith were saved by not ours!
See part 9.
And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence.
Psalms 25:3 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Jeremiah 2:36 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.
Psalms 6:10 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Psalms 31:17 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Mark 8:38 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Jeremiah 2:26 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,
Luke 9:26 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
Jeremiah 8:12 | View whole chapter | See verse in context
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
Deuteronomy 27:25 "cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person; and all the people shall say, Amen"
Psalms 10:4,8, Psalms 106:33-48,
Proverbs 6:16-17 "These sixe things doeth the Lord hate; yea seven are an abomination unto him: A proud looke, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood" .._
Jeremiah 22:3, Jeremiah 2:34, Jeremiah 19:5,
Joel 3:19,
Hopefully these help.
In the past I've used that analogy of the puzzle pieces. The Gospel paints a picture starting from Genesis.
The problem often comes when one have a picture in mind and try to fit pieces of the puzzles together that don't belong so they have to reshape the surrounding pieces to there liking, usually by spritualizing all the pieces/scripture, or they take one piece of a puzzle/scripture that represents their picture and try to fit it in a 1000 piece puzzle that it doesn't belong to, so they reshape the 1000 pieces by spritualizing.
Here's an example.
Who's the writer referring to here?
"Therefore my people" are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Isaiah 5:13.
I've heard it taught that this was all of creation. ( A piece of puzzle that don't even fit the chapter or anywhere else in the 66 books. )
But if they would let the scripture say what it is saying you would find the answer throughout the chapter, especially verse 7.
"For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry"
Isaiah 5:7.
Here's just a few of many other puzzle pieces.
Exodus 3:10.
Exodus 5:1.
Exodus 8:23.
Leviticus 26:12.
1 Samuel 2:28-29.
1 Kings 6:12-13.
Isaiah 1:3.
Isaiah 10:24.
Isaiah 14:25.
Jeremiah 1:16.
Jeremiah 2:11.
Ezekiel 11:20.
Ect...
There's hundreds that reference Isaiah 5:13. to Israel!!
And Hosea 2:23 suggests God's not done with them. Also Romans 11:1.
God is in the generation of the righteous. Psalms 14:5.
We become his people by seeking him, not everyone will do this.
Zachariah gives a distinction between between the heathen nations and God's people. Zachariah 8:7.
Another distinction.
Mathew 7:21-23. You can't be his people and he not know you.
Heresies are built this way.
God bless.
Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?
Part 2.
Romans 11:10-32.
There is a lot here in this portion of scripture, for one you will see there is two groups here, Us/The Church and Israel.
Take notice of what we are being grafted into! Is it Israel? No, Israel is a branch broken off because of unbelief.
You see the concept in John and Mathews. I am the vine true/genuine vine in John 15:1-12. and Mathews 7:13-23. opposed to Israel in Jeremiah 2:21.
Notice Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Again, salvation wasn't to come by the law where the Gentiles were foreigners, the law was to show the world they needed a savior that's what God promised Abraham.
Genesis 22:18.
SO, WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW?
Galatians 3:18-29.
This puts the verse you gave, " Galatians 3:29." in its proper perspective.
More References:
Romans 7:4-7.
Romans 7:8-13.
2 Corinthians 3:6-11.
You mentioned Romans 2:29. Let's look at it.
You should take it from Romans 2:11-29. to put it in its context.
Romans 2:11-16.
Notice Paul says, "FOR WHEN THE GENTILES, WHICH HAVE NOT THE LAW, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:" Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Even before the law was given, we had light in the world that bared witness of right and wrong! (The law put a death sentence on us. Romans 7:8-10.)
Continuing.
Romans 2:17-24.
Context: vs 17. "Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,"
This portion of scripture seems to label you as a hypocrite and blasphemer when you put your trust in being able to keep the law.
See verses 24-29 in Part 3.
Judges 10, Jeremiah 16, Deuteronomy 6, Exodus 20:23, Jeremiah 2:11,
1 Corinthians 8:1-6, John 10:34-38,
Acts 14, man shouldn't be worshipped.
Jesus the Son of GOD, Matthew 26:62-64, THE MESSIAH our SAVIOUR, Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, John 19, "The Way" died & arose from the grave, 1 Samuel 2:6, Revelation 2:8, Deuteronomy 32:39, John 3:15-16,
* Luke 20:38,
I serve GOD ALMIGHTY, Jeremiah 10:10, Revelation 1, Revelation 21, Rev 22, The Alpha & Omega Revelation 1:8, Genesis 1, Psalms 103:17, Mark 12:27, Matthew 22:32, Psalms 42:4, Psalms 90:2, Hebrews 10:31, 1 Timothy 4:10,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study.
Jeremiah 2: 11-13 states the actual one and only problem when a nation or people serve or bow down to
other gods, and that is because they have chosen to do so. Therefore they leave themselves open to the
destructive nature of the god of this world 2 Corinthians 4:4, in our day and time when believers stand and
endeavor to walk via the spirit I.E. Christ [2 Corinthians10:4+5 we are the frontlines spiritually wrestling to
bring those who choose to believe and building up others in the Church. The witness is still walking agapeo
and the lord adds to the body of Christ we plant and water but God gives the increase those who choose to believe.
Mathew 3:10-11.
I would like to add one or two more things that I believe is to be very important. Whether by water baptism or baptism by the Holyspirit, is it evident in your life that spiritual baptism has taken place.
You will run into 2 major groups engage on this topic. One group is those who believe you are saved by confessing Jesus and keeping the commandments. Some of this group believe you can lose your salvation. This group is bond to a work base religion.
The other group believes "for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Even the faith you are being saved through is not your faith! it is a gift of God!
You have nothing to offer God in terms of salvation! I hold this view.
True baptism when you "GENUINELY" accept Christ as your savior there is production in your life that begins. You can't produce it or keep it from producing as you feed on the word.
I will share a few by verses below and hopefully others can expand on them or add to.
Notice Paul' he didn't have much to say about water baptism, but he had a lot to say about baptism by the Holyspirit.
Romans 6:4.
Romans 6:6-8.
Romans 6:11.
It does well to study all of Romans 6 to expand a little on "the production' of spiritual baptism.
JOHNS BAPTISM.
you can see a picture of this transition for the Jews drawn out for you by Paul in Romans 7:1-2. Read all.
Now read Mathew 3:10-11.
Israel was a natural branch that didn't bear fruit. Jeremiah 2:21. "Nor could it"
Also read Mathew 21:42-44. and John 15:1-7.
Now let's get back to our 2 groups.
You have the 1st group I mentioned that put themselves in bondage as did Israel and despising the truth.
believing in baptism outwardly but unbaptized inwardly.
EXAMPLE: Romans 2:25-29.
The 2nd group
Philippians 3:3.
Galatians 3:13.
John 8:36.
The outcome.
1John 2:3.
1 John 4:21.
This Love cannot be produced by self.
God bless.
world run by the adversary are corrupt which can include so called christians. In some of what you stated
a verse in 1 Timothy 6:12 came to mind the love of Money is the root of all evil. Also this country is running on
I'm taking care of me, or self worship which is why it will go down if there is not a big change of Heart toward
God and His Word. The money says in God we trust but in their hearts they are far from Him, the warnings have
been given and not many are heeding. Jeremiah 2:13. I didn't write the book!
and their we=as a group of people their who had these signs [Get smart get Saved] its was catchy. When I
walked up and asked what they mean't no one could give me a clear understanding of what it mean't to get
born again which now reminds me of Jeremiah 2:13 that being said it was a few years after that my prayer
was answered because I wanted to believe but no one could instruct correctly. That I see is still a problem.
other gods in defiance of His Word. This country is headed unfortunately in the same direction, even so called
churches and leaders are condoning lifestyles that are in absolute defiance of what the True God says not to be
partakers of. When the wicked rule the people perish. You cannot compromise on the word without paying the
consequences whether your an individual or nation. Jeremiah 2:13 Notice Godis talking to His people they have
Him the fountain of Living waters how because they have made their own beliefs and exalted them above IT IS
WRITTEN. We are at the point of Joshua 24:14-27 and christians need to get Honest in their actions and
lifestyles or Gods Hands are tied. God is no respecter of persons but conditions, He always backs up His Word
when carried out His Way. We need to pray for people to stop elevating vain imaginations above THE TRUTH
Romans 1.
I do not know what you are going through, you did not give a lot of detail and that's ok, but may I just speak the plain truth. If you are truly being called back in the fold, the road back may not be short or easy. We cannot just say a prayer or two and everything will be hunky-dory again. Please do not compare what you are dealing with to Job, our words can come to be if you know what I mean.
We must all work out our path of salvation, Ezekiel 18:20 Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Read Luke 15:11-32 Are you there yet? The word of God is our only defense against the principalities and powers of evil and believe me, they do not let go easily and they can be quite vicious. Spend every spare minute in His word and prayer, truly repenting, not holding on to anything, if it is any kind of obstacle let it go, even if you lose it all. Revelation 2:5
We must truly admit and understand what we have done. Jeremiah 2:19 We must know it may take time and not at all be easy. Hosea 5:15 When we truly have repented without any doubt, He will return Jeremiah 3:22 2 Hosea 14:4
Jonah was a great man of God, but he backslid from the will of God and went in his direction, not Gods. Look what God sent him to get his attention and change his direction. You can do it but do not get discouraged if things get worse and the temptations, not from God, but from the adversaries trying to hold you back. Turn adversity into strength, for what we lose in this life is nothing to what we will lose in the life to come. Mark 35:8 that's not just our physical life, it is the life we choose to live.
My prayer is for you to have the strength you will need.
RLW
Wesley's Notes for Isaiah 41:1
41:1 Keep silence - Attend diligently to my plea. Islands - By islands he means countries remote from Judea, inhabited by the idolatrous Gentiles. Renew - Strengthen themselves to maintain their cause against me; let them unite all their strength together. Near - Unto me that we may stand together, and plead our cause, and I will give them free liberty to say what they can on their own behalf.
[you can use the search (box) engine to read all of the "islands of the sea" or "isles" scriptures]
This is what I was taught: that these islands are actually other continents bordered by water (seas or oceans). Presumably Gentile. No where near the Mideast regions.
The Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea are mentioned a number of times in both the Old and New Testaments. Each the the three bodies of water serves as geographical boundary markers in Numbers 34:1-12.
Ezekiel 26:15-18 (sounds like NYC)
Jeremiah 2:10-11,
Jeremiah 31:10, Isaiah 60:9,
Isaiah 42:10, 11:11, 24:25, 66:19, Daniel 11:18
The USA is bordered on 3 sides by water and would be considered an island.
Mishael
Great question, I believe the only way to Live like Christ is to be led by Christ, and that is the Holyspirit. We can't do that by effort, As Paul said in Romans 7:18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
We are his disciples, ( which means to follow someones teachings) We don't follow Him with observation, We follow him because we HEAR HIS VOICE!! This is with our inner ear and spiritually opened eyes. This is the NEW CREATURE WE HAVE BECOME IN CHRIST.
That is the difference between being under the law and being filled with the Spirit. Israel did not bare fruit under the law because the law could not produce fruit. This is why they was called a degenerate vine in Jeremiah 2:21.
This is why Jesus said I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
John 15:1.
And also: John 15:5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for ( WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.)
This is why Jesus told his disciples to tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
I hope this helps.
God bless.