Reply to Richard's quote: If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for." (Charles Spurgeon)
I love that quote.
When I am challenged by unbelievers, in our conversation I always tell,
" You know what, you may not love God but he still loves you. I know this because he loved me before I found that out for myself. Praise the Lord, Hallelujah. Amen."
In many ways I agree with you that God is heaven (eternal life) and being in His presence is what we will be so happy to abide in in the life to come. Heaven as a place would not be desirable to believers if God is not preset there.
I also remember that Jesus told the apostles that He was going to prepare a place for them in His "Father's house".( John 14:2)
So, if Jesus was speaking literally, then there is a place called heaven. If He was speaking figuratively, then He is most likely indicating that this place is where ever Jesus is because in Him all the Godhead dwells bodily.
It is hard to truly imagine what heaven as a place would be like, but we can readily imagine what heaven as being in God's Presence may be like in some ways. The Bible tells us so much about who God is, so we can be assured that being "in" Christ for all eternity will be so very satisfying and wonderful.
Good to hear from you. I hope we can talk more often. God bless you this day. My first grandchild will be born sometime in the next 10 days or so. I am excited and feel honored to have been asked to attend and be my daughter-in-law's support person along with my son. Please pray for everything to go well with the labor and delivery. Thanks
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in prayer. How hard this must be for you. May God comfort and give you solace in a time that is heart-wrenching. May He uphold you in His love and strength. May He place people in your life to help you and be the best kind of friend to you.
It's as I said being in heaven is being in God's presence no matter how that looks and since Jesus and God are one He was on earth as Jesus. However, if you are someone who doesn't accept the Trinity then I can understand your comments. God Bless :)
Hello. I am not sure if answering these questions will create a lot more or not.
It seems you have two questions. The first is; unfortunately true as what I was saying at the time Christ was in the grave that God the Father was in heaven. Let me attempt to repharase it; as you bring up God's omnipresence. In God's mind the future is already in the past; hence all prophecy is a "done deal" as it were at least to what was clearly fulfilled by Christ. In the cross; Christ was brought to the earth in human form; thus had to have; more or less the limitations we all have as man in order to die in our place. So I suppose we could say that He came from a timeless dimension to one confined by time; as well as one that confined him in human flesh and necessitated His death at a certain place in a certain way to fulfill these prophecies. At this point to be more precise; once He said "it is finished" He would have sealed the victory and thus was back to an immortal existence. He had to preach to those who were disobedient in Sheol as well as those fallen angels imprisoned under the earth; then release the captive souls who until that time could not go directly into God's presence. His sacrifice therefore was fully efficacious for them; so that they could be atoned for. I can reference the verses in Peter and Jude etc.; I have done this before so feel it isn't necessary. The key factor here is that SIN (ours) is what forced Him for that brief time on the cross to be separated from the Father since God cannot look on sin (Habukkuk 1:13) He had to turn away from His Son as part of a predetermined plan (see Deut. 29:29).
As to heaven; I take the descriptions in Revelation 22 as literal; there are undoubtably other verses expressing these things such as Psalm 48. The earthly temple was a shadow of the real thing ( Heb. 8:5) thus parameters were very specific. I could do a study on this at some point.
God had to stay in heaven during Christ's time of humanity. Is that what you meant? If it is please explain why. Heaven isn't a "place " it's when our soul is in His presence; God is heaven. He is omnipresent so how can He not be somewhere and since Christ was God incarnet I guess He was there. God Bless :) Bye the way, anyone is welcome to post anytime on this site so you didn't crash anyone else's post, especially the one's who make numerous posts one after the other.
My first admittedly challenging part of analysis dealt with presenting the Gospel and demonstrated a typical initial response as well as challenged our own boldness in sharing. A second point I felt was necessary here is that as a corporate Body of believers such a message of preservation of our souls in heaven as opposed to the rest of the wicked as a whole is something that also; no doubt brings overall hatred of the church. However there needs to be a comprehension here of that aspect of the Word. This helps to demonstrate my point from the other day about there being no emphasis on a particular individual being saved at least in prayer. Jesus would; at least when speaking to anyone besides one on one encounters give an overall call; often spoken in parables; or what we call the Sermon on the Mount. To the unregenerate mind; of course such a speech sounds like general "do good" practices that they feel they can; more or less accomplish. We can turn to Christ's warnings of hell; which were usually focused on the Pharisees and hypocritical religious leaders at the time. We learn from the Bible that there are two types of sorrow; one leading to repentance and salvation (Peter) and that leading to death (worldly sorrow with Judas Iscariot as the prime example). The truly frightening thing is that it seems many haven't even gone this far in their salvation experiences; that is genuine sorrow that is truly heartfelt. Of course we all have different expressions of emotion and experiences. But in the end His Holiness is something we must desire and as Romans 11:14 shows; we should provoke others toward jealousy. What draws sinners is despite their resistance that it cannot be denied that they are wicked and the Lord is righeous. That incorporates a TRUE understanding of how individual believers and the whole true church are exalted and blessed; and is augmented with their persecution and hatred ( Matt. 5:11-13).
"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for." (Charles Spurgeon)
I couldn't find from the source online which particular sermon this was from or writing.
This study is going to be hearder than I thought in light of the next Psalm; Psalm 2.
Further thoughts on Psalm 1 and practical applications
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
This is going to be another painful exercise here; as to the topic discussed. A nonbeliever seeing either these verses or an affirmation from those calling themselves believers to such scripture and a lot of others besides no doubt will be offended.
From their perspective; who dares to tell me that they are righteous in God's eyes and they are not; that in fact they are hellbound without Christ. Before examining the offense of the cross ( 1 Cor. 1:18) it is important that we look at ourselves as well as speak the "oracles of God" so to speak. ( 1 Peter 4:11). Do we love others enough to tell them the hard truth if indeed it has turned us to worshipping the living God from our dead works? Can we be real about the fact that life is as a vapor; and the enemy is going to waste no time in destroying the soul of a man-anything the Lord allows him to do will be done. Are we as faithful ourselves as Satan is with the time available to us?
Another issue with ourselves is to accept that the most loving person; especially those we are close to is still in dire jeopardy and can by no means justify an exception from a righteous judge as anyone else. Let us do as Charles Spurgeon stated (no room here read my next post) UGH
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
This Psalm is what I would call wisdom; much like we find in Proverbs. We could say "like father like son" in regard to the similar writing here. This Psalm certainly can't be defined as a prayer per se; and really isn't a praise primarily. It is; however an attestation to God's character revisiting a theme we find throughout the scriptures; particularly with Deuteronomy where blessings and curses were found in chapter 28 and 29 (I think I have the right 2 chapters). David would use this theme in other Psalms where he would remind the Lord; perhaps of His covenant promises; and use these concepts to request protection from his enemies who were pursuing him.
Verse 2 reminds us of the entire Psalm 119 which has the longest number of verses (172 I believe) focused entirely on the law and in an acrostic sort of poetic pattern when we see the first letter of each sequential one in the Hebrew alphabet beginning each "stanza". Again; we are reminded that these Psalms were to be sung.
The type of prosperity of verse 3 when considered focuses more on eternal treasures rather than earthly ones; which Solomon sadly succumbed to and nearly destroyed his life. David with his sins never seemed to allow that issue to control him.
Futher insights on prayer in regard to spiritual warfare.
INTERCESSORY prayer is something which frankly I haven't really studied in the Old Testament; but is also an important if not necessary act of spiritual warfare as Ephesians 6 in particular emphasizes. Perhaps it could best be compared to the wars of conquest of Israel for several reasons. First of all; it identifies the enemy and in no uncertain terms. The Lord would call for destruction of Israel's neighbors at the time because of their sinful religious practices; which included child sacrifice and in the case of at least one king; killing babies in the womb ( 1 Samuel 15:33 in regard to killing king Agag). The enemy of our souls comes to "steal; kill and destroy". ( John 10:10). We are called to love our enemies in regard to the sinner; but not the sin. Satan and his hordes are unredeemable and constantly coming against God's people and blinding the unregenerate. Just WHY believers seem so tepid in confronting this menacing enemy is a real conundrum in my mind; and sadly I can't help think it is because their walk is so compromised that they dare not face such a foe and find it easier to put it in the back of their minds as a lesser threat for some reason.
Of course there is no reason to hate sin and not the author of confusion; or vice versa. We can't put all the blame on Satan but not using our one offensive weapon the sword of the Spirit is both; well stupid and detrimental to the mutual well being of the saints. This may be the only time I would use such an offensive approach in terms of a general rebuke; and of course I have to face my own myopic prayer life when saying this to others. David had a sling and a stone to use as his armor was untested; a criminal would have only perhaps a file to whittle at his prison cell bars; we have only one offensive weapon in the Ephesians 6 inventory; that of the sword of the Spirit. NEVER go after Satan in your own strength that is also dumb.
First we shall focus on the genuine Lamb wh is worthy in the sight of God. " seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." The Number Seven is the blessedness of man who has entered according to the everlasting covenant, (Ge.2:1-3). The Lamb slain has a testimony from heaven. " for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;/ And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (Re.5:9-10)His power and wisdom (seven horns and seven eyes) is from God. The book with seven seals attest to it. He was in the mind of God as the Lamb slain) He was the Lamb of God composite image of Spirit and body made to appear so faith gave him a mind which for obedience ears him a name above every other name. So the composite image of Lamb and God has a throne also composite, The Throne of God and of the Lamb. He is the same.(He.13:8)
What does the two horns of the anti-christ indicates. He "had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." State and religion and we can narrow it down further: Christian nationalism. He has culture wars to butt in whenever the beast gives him the eye. He has also his cloth and vestments and a congregation to which he can expound Hermeneutics in literal terms so the beast has an image, like that of the golden calf made by Aaron." And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast,"(Re.13:14). Their worship is God literally explained a cut and paste job, so divinity of God is photoShopped, AI may yet help his cause, "the name of the beast, or the number of his name" is thus becomes the official religion. His end is however in the lake of fire and for everlasting burnings.
The lamb comes out of nations representing ecclesiastical wing of the state: Israel as well as spokesman for the imposter church. They belong to the earth while New heaven and new earth are being prepared in heaven.
Just one point: Re.13 "The beast and the false prophet"
"And upon his heads the name of blasphemy," seven as a number renders the heads representing every heresies of which we may mention Divine rights of kings, Calvin's city of God, Workers paradise where holiness of God is bandied and dragged through muds. Not to mention the Papal infallibility which covers inquisition to sex abuse of the clergy. Calvin's city tainted with his horrible murder of Michael Servetus. Luther's role in the manner gave a handle to the Nazi regime should not be forgotten. In Re.11:7 we have the beast coming out of the outer darkness associated with lower parts of the earth. " the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." The two witnesses are a label for God's testimony . What is unnamed by the Spirit shall be left alone. The beast is son of perdition whose body spirit and soul giv him a compound number 666.
I lost my husband this past Easter Sunday. I am having a hard time dealing with the loss. And I am now living with my son & his wife whom I don't think are saved. It's not easy. Please hold me up in prayer. Thank you.
Malachi 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
Mark 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
1 John 2:22-23 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Luke 18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
Three examples where the Spirit uses the adjective 'dry"
1. "O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord."(Ez.37:4) Dry bone can hear the word
2."For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground"(Is.53:2) Dryness associated with dry ground.
3."When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places,"(Matt.12:43)
Unclean spirits belong to Satan and spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ep.6:12)
Taken together Ezekiel's vision leads to the creation of man. "And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord." Ezekiel is annotating Ge.2:7. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Dry ground in the second instance refers to God planting the Garden where the tree of life is implied.
Third instance refers to the unclean spirit and the prince of the power of the air.
I may have touched on specific examples of prayers that I have seen answered. The clear teaching from James is that we shouldn't focus on things to satisfy our own "lusts" ( James 4:3). Another specific prayer that we need to be cautious with is praying for any individual to be saved. This is likely to elicit a hotbed of controversy in regard to those who are called; chosen and predestined. But it shows PRESUMPTION; that our desire for someone's spiritual fate must line up with God's plans. Whether we follow this viewpoint or not; we simply do not know whether someone is going to respond to the message of salvation or not.
What we CAN do in this case is ask for God to show favor so that a person is able to hear about the Gospel from other individuals; as well as have circumstances come up that force them to think on spiritual things. Another problem is that short term we tend to be impatient rather than waiting on God's timing; allowing difficult trials to do their work; or thinking we have to be the ones to be used by God to convert someone. If we obsess too much on those we know and love; of course we can be ignoring those who in the flesh we either wouldn't consider or we find repulsive; not thinking in terms of how God would transform someone and they would become part of our family in Christ as adopted sons or daughters.
Anyway; back to general prayers. Many pray for the "peace of Israel" ( Psalm 122:6) but without realizing the prophetic plans God has in the time of Jacob's trouble ( Jeremiah 30:7) we can only see a temporary fix with such a prayer. When we pray for everyone to be healed we surely can't ignore scriptures even in the time of Paul the Apostle which indicated that indeed people would become ill. And in terms of a general praise and such; it is a prelude to prayer in order to demonstrate how we are getting to know Christ and vice verse and alone isn't a prayer per se.
An overview of Psalms and David's prayers (and those of others).
In a chronological overview of David's life; I have briefly touched His life in the first stage from when he was a young shephard boy until he was crowned king and all the struggles he had dealing with Saul. The next stage of his life could be listed as early kingship and would involve the initial debacle with Bathsheba and then further military campaigns. It would then focus on the struggle with Absalom and Amnon; his other major infraction taking the census; and finally his later years when he focused attention on preparations to build the Temple and transition power to Solomon.
Looking at the Psalms; it not only is out of sequence with 1 and 2 Samuel; for instance and the other O.T. books describing this series of events in order; but also makes many prayers unclear as to what they specifically were referring to as to a particular struggle David was having. Psalm 3; for instance refers to the struggles David was having with Absolom; specifically when he had to flee when his son was attempting to usurp the throne.
I am not a scholar; so perhaps some insight and discussion is in order as to what exactly denotes a prayer. Psalm 1 as an example is a very general sort of wisdom as to those who are deeply rooted and as with much of scripture; contrasts the righteous with the wicked. Such a general statement is more like Proverbs than a prayer; but it raises the question just how general a scope of prayer should be. I think it behooves us to be just as cautious with a general prayer as with a specific one. There are differences as to the reasons for this; as I would say that a general prayer can be said that contradicts scripture perhaps more clearly than a specific one. In either case; of course reverence toward the Lord is required if indeed He is to intercede and answer in heavenly places. Let me continue this thought in the next post.
hey Oseas, since the waters represent nations, tongues, basically a "populated" area.. I have understood the beast coming out of the "earth" as being a sparsely populated place. I don't see the "Israel" connection in that. Would be glad to see your input on that, in the interest of edification mind you, I'm not "arguing" the point, it's just, the "Israel" symbol seems out of place here.
Your comments are of course; well thought out and-if I wanted to corner you on an issue it would be next to impossible (not that I'd want to do that).
As to creating anything in God's image; that I think speaks to your original point in that God has uniqueness in His essense that can't be properly duplicated. It also would be inferior any image man makes of Him. Such is the case perhaps with the Shroud of Turin; which is another "can of worms" so to speak. My point is that even if we get a fair comprehension of what Jesus actually looked like we need to see Him as Peter did when inspired by the Spirit He said that Jesus was the Son of God; and of course "doubting Thomas" also believed without actually having to touch Jesus after his request Post Resurrection. (He said "my Lord and my God") To worship Jesus as a great prophet or sage even when on earth was dangerous and without recognizing who He really was through the Spirit resulted in eternal separation from God. I would use John 16:8 once again here in examining the role of the Holy Spirit to show us who Christ truly was. Without the Spirit and such knowledge man is reduced to his own concept of who Christ was; the essense of what he taught (as a bunch of "do good" moral statements such as would be interpreted with the Sermon on the Mount or perhaps the 10 Commandments. Man also would do as some I won't mention by name and attempt to separate the God of the Old Testament and His ways from what the New Covenant represents.
This likely feeds into this lukewarm; feel good Jesus who of course was loved by all and never said anything divisive.
Back to the main idea. I would suggest that man's best attempt to make an image or portrait of Christ would likely instead draw Satan himself. The fact is without spiritual discernment we cannot differentiate between the shining one (Lucifer) or his angels and God and His angels. Perhaps this is beyond what you intended with this subject..so carry on.
Hebrews 4:16, Exodus 14:14, Exodus 33:14.
Psalms 116:1&2
I love the Lord because.
I love that quote.
When I am challenged by unbelievers, in our conversation I always tell,
" You know what, you may not love God but he still loves you. I know this because he loved me before I found that out for myself. Praise the Lord, Hallelujah. Amen."
Some of them think they are "beyond redemption."
Thank you for opening that up !!!
In many ways I agree with you that God is heaven (eternal life) and being in His presence is what we will be so happy to abide in in the life to come. Heaven as a place would not be desirable to believers if God is not preset there.
I also remember that Jesus told the apostles that He was going to prepare a place for them in His "Father's house".( John 14:2)
So, if Jesus was speaking literally, then there is a place called heaven. If He was speaking figuratively, then He is most likely indicating that this place is where ever Jesus is because in Him all the Godhead dwells bodily.
It is hard to truly imagine what heaven as a place would be like, but we can readily imagine what heaven as being in God's Presence may be like in some ways. The Bible tells us so much about who God is, so we can be assured that being "in" Christ for all eternity will be so very satisfying and wonderful.
Good to hear from you. I hope we can talk more often. God bless you this day. My first grandchild will be born sometime in the next 10 days or so. I am excited and feel honored to have been asked to attend and be my daughter-in-law's support person along with my son. Please pray for everything to go well with the labor and delivery. Thanks
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in prayer. How hard this must be for you. May God comfort and give you solace in a time that is heart-wrenching. May He uphold you in His love and strength. May He place people in your life to help you and be the best kind of friend to you.
Sorry for your loss.
I certainly will join you in prayer along with others here on this site.
God bless you.
It seems you have two questions. The first is; unfortunately true as what I was saying at the time Christ was in the grave that God the Father was in heaven. Let me attempt to repharase it; as you bring up God's omnipresence. In God's mind the future is already in the past; hence all prophecy is a "done deal" as it were at least to what was clearly fulfilled by Christ. In the cross; Christ was brought to the earth in human form; thus had to have; more or less the limitations we all have as man in order to die in our place. So I suppose we could say that He came from a timeless dimension to one confined by time; as well as one that confined him in human flesh and necessitated His death at a certain place in a certain way to fulfill these prophecies. At this point to be more precise; once He said "it is finished" He would have sealed the victory and thus was back to an immortal existence. He had to preach to those who were disobedient in Sheol as well as those fallen angels imprisoned under the earth; then release the captive souls who until that time could not go directly into God's presence. His sacrifice therefore was fully efficacious for them; so that they could be atoned for. I can reference the verses in Peter and Jude etc.; I have done this before so feel it isn't necessary. The key factor here is that SIN (ours) is what forced Him for that brief time on the cross to be separated from the Father since God cannot look on sin (Habukkuk 1:13) He had to turn away from His Son as part of a predetermined plan (see Deut. 29:29).
As to heaven; I take the descriptions in Revelation 22 as literal; there are undoubtably other verses expressing these things such as Psalm 48. The earthly temple was a shadow of the real thing ( Heb. 8:5) thus parameters were very specific. I could do a study on this at some point.
Anyway; keep reading the Word. Agape.
RIch P
My first admittedly challenging part of analysis dealt with presenting the Gospel and demonstrated a typical initial response as well as challenged our own boldness in sharing. A second point I felt was necessary here is that as a corporate Body of believers such a message of preservation of our souls in heaven as opposed to the rest of the wicked as a whole is something that also; no doubt brings overall hatred of the church. However there needs to be a comprehension here of that aspect of the Word. This helps to demonstrate my point from the other day about there being no emphasis on a particular individual being saved at least in prayer. Jesus would; at least when speaking to anyone besides one on one encounters give an overall call; often spoken in parables; or what we call the Sermon on the Mount. To the unregenerate mind; of course such a speech sounds like general "do good" practices that they feel they can; more or less accomplish. We can turn to Christ's warnings of hell; which were usually focused on the Pharisees and hypocritical religious leaders at the time. We learn from the Bible that there are two types of sorrow; one leading to repentance and salvation (Peter) and that leading to death (worldly sorrow with Judas Iscariot as the prime example). The truly frightening thing is that it seems many haven't even gone this far in their salvation experiences; that is genuine sorrow that is truly heartfelt. Of course we all have different expressions of emotion and experiences. But in the end His Holiness is something we must desire and as Romans 11:14 shows; we should provoke others toward jealousy. What draws sinners is despite their resistance that it cannot be denied that they are wicked and the Lord is righeous. That incorporates a TRUE understanding of how individual believers and the whole true church are exalted and blessed; and is augmented with their persecution and hatred ( Matt. 5:11-13).
Agape. RP
I couldn't find from the source online which particular sermon this was from or writing.
This study is going to be hearder than I thought in light of the next Psalm; Psalm 2.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
This is going to be another painful exercise here; as to the topic discussed. A nonbeliever seeing either these verses or an affirmation from those calling themselves believers to such scripture and a lot of others besides no doubt will be offended.
From their perspective; who dares to tell me that they are righteous in God's eyes and they are not; that in fact they are hellbound without Christ. Before examining the offense of the cross ( 1 Cor. 1:18) it is important that we look at ourselves as well as speak the "oracles of God" so to speak. ( 1 Peter 4:11). Do we love others enough to tell them the hard truth if indeed it has turned us to worshipping the living God from our dead works? Can we be real about the fact that life is as a vapor; and the enemy is going to waste no time in destroying the soul of a man-anything the Lord allows him to do will be done. Are we as faithful ourselves as Satan is with the time available to us?
Another issue with ourselves is to accept that the most loving person; especially those we are close to is still in dire jeopardy and can by no means justify an exception from a righteous judge as anyone else. Let us do as Charles Spurgeon stated (no room here read my next post) UGH
Psalm 1 reads:
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
This Psalm is what I would call wisdom; much like we find in Proverbs. We could say "like father like son" in regard to the similar writing here. This Psalm certainly can't be defined as a prayer per se; and really isn't a praise primarily. It is; however an attestation to God's character revisiting a theme we find throughout the scriptures; particularly with Deuteronomy where blessings and curses were found in chapter 28 and 29 (I think I have the right 2 chapters). David would use this theme in other Psalms where he would remind the Lord; perhaps of His covenant promises; and use these concepts to request protection from his enemies who were pursuing him.
Verse 2 reminds us of the entire Psalm 119 which has the longest number of verses (172 I believe) focused entirely on the law and in an acrostic sort of poetic pattern when we see the first letter of each sequential one in the Hebrew alphabet beginning each "stanza". Again; we are reminded that these Psalms were to be sung.
The type of prosperity of verse 3 when considered focuses more on eternal treasures rather than earthly ones; which Solomon sadly succumbed to and nearly destroyed his life. David with his sins never seemed to allow that issue to control him.
INTERCESSORY prayer is something which frankly I haven't really studied in the Old Testament; but is also an important if not necessary act of spiritual warfare as Ephesians 6 in particular emphasizes. Perhaps it could best be compared to the wars of conquest of Israel for several reasons. First of all; it identifies the enemy and in no uncertain terms. The Lord would call for destruction of Israel's neighbors at the time because of their sinful religious practices; which included child sacrifice and in the case of at least one king; killing babies in the womb ( 1 Samuel 15:33 in regard to killing king Agag). The enemy of our souls comes to "steal; kill and destroy". ( John 10:10). We are called to love our enemies in regard to the sinner; but not the sin. Satan and his hordes are unredeemable and constantly coming against God's people and blinding the unregenerate. Just WHY believers seem so tepid in confronting this menacing enemy is a real conundrum in my mind; and sadly I can't help think it is because their walk is so compromised that they dare not face such a foe and find it easier to put it in the back of their minds as a lesser threat for some reason.
Of course there is no reason to hate sin and not the author of confusion; or vice versa. We can't put all the blame on Satan but not using our one offensive weapon the sword of the Spirit is both; well stupid and detrimental to the mutual well being of the saints. This may be the only time I would use such an offensive approach in terms of a general rebuke; and of course I have to face my own myopic prayer life when saying this to others. David had a sling and a stone to use as his armor was untested; a criminal would have only perhaps a file to whittle at his prison cell bars; we have only one offensive weapon in the Ephesians 6 inventory; that of the sword of the Spirit. NEVER go after Satan in your own strength that is also dumb.
First we shall focus on the genuine Lamb wh is worthy in the sight of God. " seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." The Number Seven is the blessedness of man who has entered according to the everlasting covenant, (Ge.2:1-3). The Lamb slain has a testimony from heaven. " for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;/ And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (Re.5:9-10)His power and wisdom (seven horns and seven eyes) is from God. The book with seven seals attest to it. He was in the mind of God as the Lamb slain) He was the Lamb of God composite image of Spirit and body made to appear so faith gave him a mind which for obedience ears him a name above every other name. So the composite image of Lamb and God has a throne also composite, The Throne of God and of the Lamb. He is the same.(He.13:8)
What does the two horns of the anti-christ indicates. He "had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." State and religion and we can narrow it down further: Christian nationalism. He has culture wars to butt in whenever the beast gives him the eye. He has also his cloth and vestments and a congregation to which he can expound Hermeneutics in literal terms so the beast has an image, like that of the golden calf made by Aaron." And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast,"(Re.13:14). Their worship is God literally explained a cut and paste job, so divinity of God is photoShopped, AI may yet help his cause, "the name of the beast, or the number of his name" is thus becomes the official religion. His end is however in the lake of fire and for everlasting burnings.
The lamb comes out of nations representing ecclesiastical wing of the state: Israel as well as spokesman for the imposter church. They belong to the earth while New heaven and new earth are being prepared in heaven.
"And upon his heads the name of blasphemy," seven as a number renders the heads representing every heresies of which we may mention Divine rights of kings, Calvin's city of God, Workers paradise where holiness of God is bandied and dragged through muds. Not to mention the Papal infallibility which covers inquisition to sex abuse of the clergy. Calvin's city tainted with his horrible murder of Michael Servetus. Luther's role in the manner gave a handle to the Nazi regime should not be forgotten. In Re.11:7 we have the beast coming out of the outer darkness associated with lower parts of the earth. " the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." The two witnesses are a label for God's testimony . What is unnamed by the Spirit shall be left alone. The beast is son of perdition whose body spirit and soul giv him a compound number 666.
The false prophet represent nations .
Malachi 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
Mark 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
1 John 2:22-23 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Luke 18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
God bless,
RLW
Three examples where the Spirit uses the adjective 'dry"
1. "O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord."(Ez.37:4) Dry bone can hear the word
2."For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground"(Is.53:2) Dryness associated with dry ground.
3."When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places,"(Matt.12:43)
Unclean spirits belong to Satan and spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ep.6:12)
Taken together Ezekiel's vision leads to the creation of man. "And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord." Ezekiel is annotating Ge.2:7. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Dry ground in the second instance refers to God planting the Garden where the tree of life is implied.
Third instance refers to the unclean spirit and the prince of the power of the air.
I may have touched on specific examples of prayers that I have seen answered. The clear teaching from James is that we shouldn't focus on things to satisfy our own "lusts" ( James 4:3). Another specific prayer that we need to be cautious with is praying for any individual to be saved. This is likely to elicit a hotbed of controversy in regard to those who are called; chosen and predestined. But it shows PRESUMPTION; that our desire for someone's spiritual fate must line up with God's plans. Whether we follow this viewpoint or not; we simply do not know whether someone is going to respond to the message of salvation or not.
What we CAN do in this case is ask for God to show favor so that a person is able to hear about the Gospel from other individuals; as well as have circumstances come up that force them to think on spiritual things. Another problem is that short term we tend to be impatient rather than waiting on God's timing; allowing difficult trials to do their work; or thinking we have to be the ones to be used by God to convert someone. If we obsess too much on those we know and love; of course we can be ignoring those who in the flesh we either wouldn't consider or we find repulsive; not thinking in terms of how God would transform someone and they would become part of our family in Christ as adopted sons or daughters.
Anyway; back to general prayers. Many pray for the "peace of Israel" ( Psalm 122:6) but without realizing the prophetic plans God has in the time of Jacob's trouble ( Jeremiah 30:7) we can only see a temporary fix with such a prayer. When we pray for everyone to be healed we surely can't ignore scriptures even in the time of Paul the Apostle which indicated that indeed people would become ill. And in terms of a general praise and such; it is a prelude to prayer in order to demonstrate how we are getting to know Christ and vice verse and alone isn't a prayer per se.
They can go to God instead of the World. In Jesus Christ Name I Pray. Amen.
In a chronological overview of David's life; I have briefly touched His life in the first stage from when he was a young shephard boy until he was crowned king and all the struggles he had dealing with Saul. The next stage of his life could be listed as early kingship and would involve the initial debacle with Bathsheba and then further military campaigns. It would then focus on the struggle with Absalom and Amnon; his other major infraction taking the census; and finally his later years when he focused attention on preparations to build the Temple and transition power to Solomon.
Looking at the Psalms; it not only is out of sequence with 1 and 2 Samuel; for instance and the other O.T. books describing this series of events in order; but also makes many prayers unclear as to what they specifically were referring to as to a particular struggle David was having. Psalm 3; for instance refers to the struggles David was having with Absolom; specifically when he had to flee when his son was attempting to usurp the throne.
I am not a scholar; so perhaps some insight and discussion is in order as to what exactly denotes a prayer. Psalm 1 as an example is a very general sort of wisdom as to those who are deeply rooted and as with much of scripture; contrasts the righteous with the wicked. Such a general statement is more like Proverbs than a prayer; but it raises the question just how general a scope of prayer should be. I think it behooves us to be just as cautious with a general prayer as with a specific one. There are differences as to the reasons for this; as I would say that a general prayer can be said that contradicts scripture perhaps more clearly than a specific one. In either case; of course reverence toward the Lord is required if indeed He is to intercede and answer in heavenly places. Let me continue this thought in the next post.
As to creating anything in God's image; that I think speaks to your original point in that God has uniqueness in His essense that can't be properly duplicated. It also would be inferior any image man makes of Him. Such is the case perhaps with the Shroud of Turin; which is another "can of worms" so to speak. My point is that even if we get a fair comprehension of what Jesus actually looked like we need to see Him as Peter did when inspired by the Spirit He said that Jesus was the Son of God; and of course "doubting Thomas" also believed without actually having to touch Jesus after his request Post Resurrection. (He said "my Lord and my God") To worship Jesus as a great prophet or sage even when on earth was dangerous and without recognizing who He really was through the Spirit resulted in eternal separation from God. I would use John 16:8 once again here in examining the role of the Holy Spirit to show us who Christ truly was. Without the Spirit and such knowledge man is reduced to his own concept of who Christ was; the essense of what he taught (as a bunch of "do good" moral statements such as would be interpreted with the Sermon on the Mount or perhaps the 10 Commandments. Man also would do as some I won't mention by name and attempt to separate the God of the Old Testament and His ways from what the New Covenant represents.
This likely feeds into this lukewarm; feel good Jesus who of course was loved by all and never said anything divisive.
Back to the main idea. I would suggest that man's best attempt to make an image or portrait of Christ would likely instead draw Satan himself. The fact is without spiritual discernment we cannot differentiate between the shining one (Lucifer) or his angels and God and His angels. Perhaps this is beyond what you intended with this subject..so carry on.