"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
The preceding verse gives us a context and it is the spirit of the anti-christ which,"and even now already is it in the world." So et us be vigilant. James in his epistle asks, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."(Jas.4:4). So first we shall settle 'what is greater in you." St John speaks, You are of God, and in the pluperfect tense our victory is already complete in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As promised he has also given us the indwelling Spirit. So what is our volume? "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Col.1:20) His fulness is our fulness and it how the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters before He decreed the day for his Son. So we are in the kingdom of his dear Son. We are a drop of water even as nations are compared to drop of water in a bucket.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Ro.8:10). We are to all intent and purpose in heavenly places and our lives are hid in him. Our fulness comes from God and from his word. God challenges Job with a question, "Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?"( Job 38:8) The sea with doors is like a web,- word wide web, it is to which the Parable of the Dragnet refers." Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:/Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away." It is for a believer to determine if he abodes with Christ or not.
Part three. Why did God die for my sins as his enemy?
In my last post I started to discuss Peter in particular; although at the time all the disciples were arguing about the anointing of Christ as being wasteful spending on the part of the woman who performed this act. I have brought up the sobering reality that I can't find one passage in the Gospels discussing any of the Disciples in prayer despite numerous references to Christ getting up before dawn and at times praying all night before momentous events such as picking His disciples. Let that sink in; even looking at the prophets of the Old Testament and their doubts fears and struggles we see much prayer. On one hand we see the unique situation of having our Lord in the flesh and the confidence of protection as the Master and teacher watched over His flock at the time. The flipside is they didn't have His back in regard to His everyday struggles and the constant understanding of His upcoming suffering on the cross which was ever approaching as His destiny. No doubt much of their attitude was also due to their expectations of the Kingdom of God to immediately come which culminated in the triumphal entry on the donkey and the praise of the masses one week before His crucifixion.
The Lord had to open the minds of the Jewish disciples to His role to reach the Gentiles eventually as was prophesied in Isaiah. This was demonstrated in the great faith of the Syrophonecian woman in Mark 7 as well as the Roman centurion. There was also the woman at the well who was half Jewish. It wasn't until later in the book of Acts when the Gospel was as a whole taken beyond Israel; and that was done by Peter and Paul around the same time. The people of Israel as a whole as prophesied would reject the Messiah and justify themselves as sons of Abraham in the flesh which was of no value.
As a believer today we can only see His holiness and compare it to our own hearts and praise Him for His atoning sacrifice.
Part two why did God love me enough as His enemy to die for my sins?
In previous posts I have brought up the idea that what is being widely accepted as preaching with love is either a defective view of Agape or downright deceptive. I introduced the idea that we are indeed enemies of God; and that there are times when the concept of enemies is necessary for a correct Gospel presentation. In short we could say that not only does unregenerate man have no way to really hate their sins but also that they have no capacity to love God. The litmus test; of course is the command to love our enemies which only a true born again believer can do ( Matt. 5:44). We must keep in mind that Jesus excoriated those considered the religious elite among Jews (Pharisees and lawyers in particular). He also rebuked His disciples and weeded out those who weren't wholeheartedly committed to giving up all for the sake of the Gospel. There was never from what I can tell in my years of study any individual who was pointed out in these scriptures; which allowed for those called and chosen to be duly warned and convicted. Whatever person or persons accused Beelzebub as being the source of Christ's power resulted in the warning of Mark 3:29 that such blasphemy was not to be forgiven in this llfe or the next.
In rebuking Peter very shortly after commending him for understanding that He was indeed the Son of God we see the war that was waging in Peter's heart that was the real issue. Only a saved individual could understand Christ's Divinity. The enemy however was working in Peter's mind when he didn't want to accept Christ's coming persecution. ( Matt. 16:23). One could also look at Judas Iscariot giving a plea that money would be used for feeding the poor ( Matt. 26:8-9). This passage was discussed at church by a missionary this week; and he astutely brought up the point that the woman anointing Christ was the only one aware of His burial to come. What she did was necessary.
Why did God love me as His enemy enough to die for my sins?
I may want to define sin and being God's enemy as a unit conceptually. As for sin; I have stated repeatedly that our external actions (fruits) are symptoms of the root cause that is s sin nature which stems from verses such as Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of the heart of man (not good). It would seem that being God's enemy is beyond even just that concept of our heart and actions.
Unbelief; it would seem is up there as one of the top evils along with pride. That is; of course defined as true unbelief as the Pharisees demonstrated around Christ when miracles could not be denied and they attributed them to Beelzebub ( Matt. 12:24).
This is not as some falsely claim not believing in what some say are miracles with unsubstantiated evidence.
Of course it is in some sense a greater thing to forgive sins which the Pharisees knew only God could do; hence accused Christ of blasphemy when he asked which was greater that or healing ( Matt. 9:8). Whether that or a physical healing with Christ something came from nothing; and in the case of men they need a heart of stone to be turned to a heart of flesh (Ez. 36:26).
We cannot ignore obvious resistance to God when the Gospel is presented; as well as with using His name in vain. Man's sins are exponentially more resistant with the affective opposition of the enemy and his minions. When seeking the Lord there are testimonies from those especially from backgrounds in the occult where the individual becomes aware of entities working through themselves as well as others. When reality dawns on these individuals their true nature is exposed; and often demons need to be cast out. I have stated previously that testimonies tend to be heavily skewed toward God giving freedom from this oppression at the expense of understanding our own wickedness and having a reverent fear of the Lord. Some seem to ignore the spiritual battle in giving testimony of being saved.
"Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing."
What nations count as characteristics of greatness in the eyes of God is vile. Their strength in numbers the Spirit of God has in a very telling manner characterised, in the Book of Daniel. It is of nations that the dream signifies, "Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." (Dan.2:35) In God's kingdom there is no place for them and much less for clay, indicating theocratic kingdoms. We found it was so if history of nations is to be an indicator. They are chaff because they make flesh their arm but nevertheless they accursed. (Je.17:5) The word of God makes it clear, "The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away." The same idea as in the Book of Daniel.
Perhaps this cultural trope you may not have heard. When a politician wants to energise the masses they use cultural context so a slogan like "blood and soil"is so charged in the 30s were heard in 2017 but in another continent and yet caused bloodshed. What was common is the culprit. Nations are lies and their tropes and memes are against God. Now when we hear the VP nominee uses "DIE hire" the trash will know what he meant. What David describes in Psalm 59 is much the same, with torch parades going round about the city howling likes dogs whether in Nuremberg or Charlottesville. "They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city./Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?/But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision."
No child of God can settle for the Word of God merely from his reason alone. Without faith it is impossible to please God or live a godly life without abiding in Christ.
"And 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." The tree is an emblem of every Christian who is blessed. He has volume as the tree planted by the river This river of time brings blessings of God, just as the fulness of Christ covers heaven, earth and the lower parts, so no one shall say where it actually would have come from. Fulness of the Son covers up and down and Across. The two visions of Ezekiel and St John teaches us this truth. The waters begun from above the firmament in Ge.1 brings us to the throne of God and of the Lamb. It is the river of pure water of life.(Re.22:1) The same living water in Ezekiel's vision moves across. " Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed."(Ez.47:8) It is how God secures His saints who have put their trust in him. Physical death only means that they shall continue with Christ in the glorious bodies forever. "For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."(v.6)
"And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
"And 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."
"Blessed is he" The first verse primes us and the warning is strong enough that it can never be on any man who compromises with the world. Law givers set the policy that nations shall have to live with,- and societal collapse and vanishing middle class are stark warning how the ungodly have set themselves in positions to demolish your prospects in live and it is all indirect and with an invisible you are dealing with, so it is gospel truth that whosoever shall live a godly life has an uphill battle. Secondly sinners who prosper in their ways, the very fellows you went to school with while you still require public transport to get around for your daily needs. Thirdly we have the scornful which in this instant gratification is what mass media throws at you. Their commercials are to make your sober lifestyle and limited means as a thing of shame, and it is all an invisible enemy that you have to fight. Even your own family may consider it as an embarrassment at the poor finances. Yes we are off-scourings and fools before the wannabes and wannahaves in this world. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."(2 Ti.3:12). Rejoice that you have been singled out even before the worlds began to suffer if need be for a while till God establish you for His kingdom. The church you attend may be actively supporting nationalism is not serving God or your interest but the invisible enemy that is the spirit of the times. The enemy that sowed tares in the field of God is Satan.
The everlasting covenant has called you,"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." Ungodly sinners and scornful are the triadic motives of Satan
I am not offended at all. For me, learning more and more about God's character, nature, and glory is one study I can do again and again. He is so great and worthy of our worship, allegiance, and obedience. The more I learn about him the more I love Him and look forward to the next life!
yet will I not make a full end." (4:27) This remnant is what figures in the Zechariah quote. Isaiah also refers to the wrath of the Lamb. "In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;/To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth." Israel shall be wrung through a great tribulation while the throne of the Lamb is established on the holy mountain.
Compare the line of flax and the reed, "a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed," which refers to Israel and other nations. Among priestly garments God stipulated linen,"fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." and "And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen," for Israel.(Ex.28) The reed of 6 cubits signify nations. The golden reed for faith is what made the single measurement.(Re.21:17)
Prophet Zechariah refers to in that day' to the day of regeneration where the apostles shall judge the 12 tribes. The throne of glory is set in relation to his 'footstool', "when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Matt.19:28) This judgement we shall see in the measurement the angel uses, "a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit"(Ez.40:5) The same measure applies to the idol of the nations."Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits."(Dan.2:5). On the other hand in the case of St John it was a single measurement man-angel where the man and his angel in Christ served as one unit. "and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day."(Is.2:11)."Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers."(Is.2:8-11)
North indicates judgement. Jeremiah also refers to 'in that day' which is different from what Prophet Zechariah predicted. It is not to cleanse them but to make a distinction between what is holy and what is not. The holy city of God is holy and the footstool is not. "And it shall come to pass at that day,"and "I will give my sentence against them".(Je.4:9-12) "At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,/Even a full wind from those places shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them."
The term 'idols" we need see as a tag overarching from Mount Sinai to the end times. The golden calf was in the hearts of nations,- and Israel like Rachel had by stealth carried it along. (Ge.31:34) Jeremiah continues, " For thus hath the Lord said, The whole land shall be desolate;
"Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house." (Ez.47:1)
We have in the preceding chapters on laws and ordinances regarding the house of God in eternity different from the temple polluted by the apostate Israel. vv.2-5 we have "the man that had the line" proceeding with measuring. What does 4x1000 tell us? Compare with John's vision where the golden reed shows 12x100 furlongs. "The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."(21:16) Ezekiel according to his Jewish sensitivities gives us the decalogue as base unit. The Word is tagged by command number Four.
In 44:5 we read thus, "And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord."From thereon we have we have various ordinances which are not relevant at the moment.
The Spirit uses Afterward with direct reference to the measuring of the holy city of God.(Re.21:15-16) We need look at this vision from the tree of life being positioned on this side of the river where the throne of God and of the Lamb is situated. (Re.22:1). This water which flows from the threshold "And, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward" requires explanation. Threshold is set as the line connecting the two thrones" so the pure water of life ("a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb"), is implied here.
Further down in Ez.47 we are shown the living waters in its mighty course, "Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed."(47:8) There shall be a revival for them. Prophet Zechariah refers to in that day' to the day of regeneration where the apostles shall judge the 12 tribes.
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
Spirit of the times is spirit of doctrines which have a form of godliness but denying the power of God. Man having the gift of the gab gathers a following and such a one was Theudas was a populist leader, one who would have taken a bullet for democracy and he did gather a party. "For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught."(Ac.5:36) Judas followed and Acts of the Apostles tells, "After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed." Seducing spirits whip up doctrines and man shall take up to sow mischief and garner public support. The Spirit is still that of the devil. Nationalism is such. Jesus would have none of it. "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."( John 18:36) Yet what makes the churches still pursue it? They do not want to know word of God and the spiritual demand on their lives, it is a total surrender. Instead what does the spirit of times teach these Christians? "Never surrender." What do they care abou walking in faith and not by sight? What conspiracy theories they swallow and yet call themselves Christians. This is what makes worst specimens of human race pass for their champions, so they wage a cultural war for them. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:/That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
Hi Gigi , I just realised that my comment about the attributes of God being a popular thing to do , might be misinterpreted as a dig at you , I promise you that's not what I intended . I'm sorry if I made you feel that way .
I believe that the first Christians suffered a huge amount of persecution , especially those who converted from Judaism and of course the Romans were vile to the first Christians . I think that is why Paul urges Christians to pray to have sympathetic leaders in power , in order to minimise the troubles that the first Christians had to endure . That's just my opinion .
Yes , I sometimes forget that other sites are available , I've found a few interesting ones but I have noticed that even though they sound authorative , they often contradict each other , which is frustrating to me , so I just end up confused a lot of the time and I give up and just stick to reading the Bible mostly . I've noticed that there are quite a lot of sites that contain the attributes of God alphabetically . It seems like something that a lot of people do .
Dear Travis , reading the word of God is not a race . You can't and won't appreciate it all immediately and you certainly won't understand it all immediately .
Through the Bible , the Word of God , you are learning about God and drawing closer to Him . This is not going to happen overnight , the transformation of you into someone who is acceptable takes your whole life because the Bible , no matter how many times you read it or for how many years you read it , it always always always , has something new to show you . If you started reading it when you were ten and read it every day for the rest of your life and you were still alive at age 90 , it would still be showing you and teaching you something new . The Word of God is alive . Jesus says : let these Words sink down into your ears .
Don't treat it as if you were on your lunch break and it's a burger that you have to eat within a set time , before your lunch break is over . It's a life long banquet . You will be feeding off of it for the rest of your life . Take your time and savour it and when you have read the entire Bible through once , start again , and then...again , for the rest of your life . Get that seed planted firmly in your heart and then keep feeding it ! May God bless your efforts and may He grant you the patience you need to appreciate His Word , for the rest of your life .
No problems Momsage , it's easy to misunderstand and to be misunderstood on here , one of the perils of the internet . Hope you have a good day today .
"Thus saith the LordGod; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions."
While we study of inheritance as mentioned in the Vision of Ezekiel strangers are also entitled to their portion. "And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel./And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the LordGod. (vv.22-23)
"The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: My reins also instruct me in the night seasons." (Ps.16:5-8) Here David is extolling the blessings of being hid in Christ. This heritage is in the light. In short God as my inheritance is different from the lot that is given to the mingled race in the vision.
Gill's exposition on this verse gives us this info. "Joseph shall have two "portions" for his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and in virtue of the birthright which fell to him on the forfeiture of it by Reuben; he was an eminent type of Christ, with whom the saints are joint heirs; and who has two portions, one for himself as Mediator, and another for them." Joseph is set as the double for Jesus Christ is counted as a heir above. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:/Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." The dream of Joseph already indicated the role of his parents and his brethren in particular. (Ge.37:7-11)
Firstly we shall consider the single measurement with which the holy city of God is measured. The volume of 144 is made up by abiding in Christ where Gospel has a tag of 12. 144,000 refers to eternity. The measurement as used in the vision of Ezekiel refers to the world of the flesh with Israel in particular so New Jerusalem is heavenly as distinct from Jerusalem on the earth. The angel tells Ezekiel and the wording is very significant. "And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel."(Ez.40:4) How well did the children of Israel pay attention it? "(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day." (Ps.11:8) "Unto this day" is relevant for us upon whom the ends of the world has come. Is it not shame to declare"I have seen the light Hallelujah and yet turn to fleshpots of Egypt. It is thus imposter church serves the politicians. "because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:/Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."(2 Th.2:13-14). Instead the stupor surrounding the Evangelicals to look to some fraud pretending to be their saviour is all the more shameful. The foundation of God stands sure and God knows who are his.
"And the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there."
The city that Ezekiel refers is to Zion ,"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
"(Ps.50:2). This is with particular reference to the day which the the Spirit has freely made use to give context to the fullness of God in Jesus Christ. Unto this day is one example with which heaven declares the birth of Jesus. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." ( Luke 2:11). Of the city of David angels testify as in the case of Ezekiel, "The Lord is there." We shall consider another example, and it relates to the servants of Isaac finding water. "We have found water./And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day." (Ge.26:32-33). These cities from where God hath shined are another name for Zion, with the restricted sense of blessings. Zion is the holy habitation of God "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth,ismount Zion,onthe sides of the north, the city of the great King." This is set in heaven.(Ps.48:2)
From that day refers to the day decreed for the Son. Decree is concerning the everlasting covenant the Psalm speaks "I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." Begotten in the sense the Word which was God endows among his inheritance, "and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."(2.6-8). What we read in the last line of the Book of Ezekiel is to that day signifying Jesus Christ has two aspects of beginning and the ending. Blessings of man in his Son sets him beyond his body formed of dust from the ground to the heavenly places to which Zion is pre-eminent.
These two days of Salvation and of Regeneration are set apart by two measurements for the world of the Spirit and for the world of the flesh respectively.
Yesterday I had my abdominal ultrasound. I will receive the results when the radiologists looks at the scans. Please pray that th organs examined are all healthy: liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys. Thank you so much.
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
The preceding verse gives us a context and it is the spirit of the anti-christ which,"and even now already is it in the world." So et us be vigilant. James in his epistle asks, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."(Jas.4:4). So first we shall settle 'what is greater in you." St John speaks, You are of God, and in the pluperfect tense our victory is already complete in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As promised he has also given us the indwelling Spirit. So what is our volume? "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Col.1:20) His fulness is our fulness and it how the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters before He decreed the day for his Son. So we are in the kingdom of his dear Son. We are a drop of water even as nations are compared to drop of water in a bucket.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Ro.8:10). We are to all intent and purpose in heavenly places and our lives are hid in him. Our fulness comes from God and from his word. God challenges Job with a question, "Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?"( Job 38:8) The sea with doors is like a web,- word wide web, it is to which the Parable of the Dragnet refers." Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:/Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away." It is for a believer to determine if he abodes with Christ or not.
In my last post I started to discuss Peter in particular; although at the time all the disciples were arguing about the anointing of Christ as being wasteful spending on the part of the woman who performed this act. I have brought up the sobering reality that I can't find one passage in the Gospels discussing any of the Disciples in prayer despite numerous references to Christ getting up before dawn and at times praying all night before momentous events such as picking His disciples. Let that sink in; even looking at the prophets of the Old Testament and their doubts fears and struggles we see much prayer. On one hand we see the unique situation of having our Lord in the flesh and the confidence of protection as the Master and teacher watched over His flock at the time. The flipside is they didn't have His back in regard to His everyday struggles and the constant understanding of His upcoming suffering on the cross which was ever approaching as His destiny. No doubt much of their attitude was also due to their expectations of the Kingdom of God to immediately come which culminated in the triumphal entry on the donkey and the praise of the masses one week before His crucifixion.
The Lord had to open the minds of the Jewish disciples to His role to reach the Gentiles eventually as was prophesied in Isaiah. This was demonstrated in the great faith of the Syrophonecian woman in Mark 7 as well as the Roman centurion. There was also the woman at the well who was half Jewish. It wasn't until later in the book of Acts when the Gospel was as a whole taken beyond Israel; and that was done by Peter and Paul around the same time. The people of Israel as a whole as prophesied would reject the Messiah and justify themselves as sons of Abraham in the flesh which was of no value.
As a believer today we can only see His holiness and compare it to our own hearts and praise Him for His atoning sacrifice.
In previous posts I have brought up the idea that what is being widely accepted as preaching with love is either a defective view of Agape or downright deceptive. I introduced the idea that we are indeed enemies of God; and that there are times when the concept of enemies is necessary for a correct Gospel presentation. In short we could say that not only does unregenerate man have no way to really hate their sins but also that they have no capacity to love God. The litmus test; of course is the command to love our enemies which only a true born again believer can do ( Matt. 5:44). We must keep in mind that Jesus excoriated those considered the religious elite among Jews (Pharisees and lawyers in particular). He also rebuked His disciples and weeded out those who weren't wholeheartedly committed to giving up all for the sake of the Gospel. There was never from what I can tell in my years of study any individual who was pointed out in these scriptures; which allowed for those called and chosen to be duly warned and convicted. Whatever person or persons accused Beelzebub as being the source of Christ's power resulted in the warning of Mark 3:29 that such blasphemy was not to be forgiven in this llfe or the next.
In rebuking Peter very shortly after commending him for understanding that He was indeed the Son of God we see the war that was waging in Peter's heart that was the real issue. Only a saved individual could understand Christ's Divinity. The enemy however was working in Peter's mind when he didn't want to accept Christ's coming persecution. ( Matt. 16:23). One could also look at Judas Iscariot giving a plea that money would be used for feeding the poor ( Matt. 26:8-9). This passage was discussed at church by a missionary this week; and he astutely brought up the point that the woman anointing Christ was the only one aware of His burial to come. What she did was necessary.
I may want to define sin and being God's enemy as a unit conceptually. As for sin; I have stated repeatedly that our external actions (fruits) are symptoms of the root cause that is s sin nature which stems from verses such as Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of the heart of man (not good). It would seem that being God's enemy is beyond even just that concept of our heart and actions.
Unbelief; it would seem is up there as one of the top evils along with pride. That is; of course defined as true unbelief as the Pharisees demonstrated around Christ when miracles could not be denied and they attributed them to Beelzebub ( Matt. 12:24).
This is not as some falsely claim not believing in what some say are miracles with unsubstantiated evidence.
Of course it is in some sense a greater thing to forgive sins which the Pharisees knew only God could do; hence accused Christ of blasphemy when he asked which was greater that or healing ( Matt. 9:8). Whether that or a physical healing with Christ something came from nothing; and in the case of men they need a heart of stone to be turned to a heart of flesh (Ez. 36:26).
We cannot ignore obvious resistance to God when the Gospel is presented; as well as with using His name in vain. Man's sins are exponentially more resistant with the affective opposition of the enemy and his minions. When seeking the Lord there are testimonies from those especially from backgrounds in the occult where the individual becomes aware of entities working through themselves as well as others. When reality dawns on these individuals their true nature is exposed; and often demons need to be cast out. I have stated previously that testimonies tend to be heavily skewed toward God giving freedom from this oppression at the expense of understanding our own wickedness and having a reverent fear of the Lord. Some seem to ignore the spiritual battle in giving testimony of being saved.
"Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing."
What nations count as characteristics of greatness in the eyes of God is vile. Their strength in numbers the Spirit of God has in a very telling manner characterised, in the Book of Daniel. It is of nations that the dream signifies, "Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." (Dan.2:35) In God's kingdom there is no place for them and much less for clay, indicating theocratic kingdoms. We found it was so if history of nations is to be an indicator. They are chaff because they make flesh their arm but nevertheless they accursed. (Je.17:5) The word of God makes it clear, "The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away." The same idea as in the Book of Daniel.
Perhaps this cultural trope you may not have heard. When a politician wants to energise the masses they use cultural context so a slogan like "blood and soil"is so charged in the 30s were heard in 2017 but in another continent and yet caused bloodshed. What was common is the culprit. Nations are lies and their tropes and memes are against God. Now when we hear the VP nominee uses "DIE hire" the trash will know what he meant. What David describes in Psalm 59 is much the same, with torch parades going round about the city howling likes dogs whether in Nuremberg or Charlottesville. "They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city./Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?/But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision."
No child of God can settle for the Word of God merely from his reason alone. Without faith it is impossible to please God or live a godly life without abiding in Christ.
"And 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." The tree is an emblem of every Christian who is blessed. He has volume as the tree planted by the river This river of time brings blessings of God, just as the fulness of Christ covers heaven, earth and the lower parts, so no one shall say where it actually would have come from. Fulness of the Son covers up and down and Across. The two visions of Ezekiel and St John teaches us this truth. The waters begun from above the firmament in Ge.1 brings us to the throne of God and of the Lamb. It is the river of pure water of life.(Re.22:1) The same living water in Ezekiel's vision moves across. " Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed."(Ez.47:8) It is how God secures His saints who have put their trust in him. Physical death only means that they shall continue with Christ in the glorious bodies forever. "For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."(v.6)
"And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
"And 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."
"Blessed is he" The first verse primes us and the warning is strong enough that it can never be on any man who compromises with the world. Law givers set the policy that nations shall have to live with,- and societal collapse and vanishing middle class are stark warning how the ungodly have set themselves in positions to demolish your prospects in live and it is all indirect and with an invisible you are dealing with, so it is gospel truth that whosoever shall live a godly life has an uphill battle. Secondly sinners who prosper in their ways, the very fellows you went to school with while you still require public transport to get around for your daily needs. Thirdly we have the scornful which in this instant gratification is what mass media throws at you. Their commercials are to make your sober lifestyle and limited means as a thing of shame, and it is all an invisible enemy that you have to fight. Even your own family may consider it as an embarrassment at the poor finances. Yes we are off-scourings and fools before the wannabes and wannahaves in this world. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."(2 Ti.3:12). Rejoice that you have been singled out even before the worlds began to suffer if need be for a while till God establish you for His kingdom. The church you attend may be actively supporting nationalism is not serving God or your interest but the invisible enemy that is the spirit of the times. The enemy that sowed tares in the field of God is Satan.
The everlasting covenant has called you,"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." Ungodly sinners and scornful are the triadic motives of Satan
I am not offended at all. For me, learning more and more about God's character, nature, and glory is one study I can do again and again. He is so great and worthy of our worship, allegiance, and obedience. The more I learn about him the more I love Him and look forward to the next life!
yet will I not make a full end." (4:27) This remnant is what figures in the Zechariah quote. Isaiah also refers to the wrath of the Lamb. "In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;/To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth." Israel shall be wrung through a great tribulation while the throne of the Lamb is established on the holy mountain.
Compare the line of flax and the reed, "a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed," which refers to Israel and other nations. Among priestly garments God stipulated linen,"fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." and "And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen," for Israel.(Ex.28) The reed of 6 cubits signify nations. The golden reed for faith is what made the single measurement.(Re.21:17)
Prophet Zechariah refers to in that day' to the day of regeneration where the apostles shall judge the 12 tribes. The throne of glory is set in relation to his 'footstool', "when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Matt.19:28) This judgement we shall see in the measurement the angel uses, "a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit"(Ez.40:5) The same measure applies to the idol of the nations."Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits."(Dan.2:5). On the other hand in the case of St John it was a single measurement man-angel where the man and his angel in Christ served as one unit. "and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day."(Is.2:11)."Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers."(Is.2:8-11)
North indicates judgement. Jeremiah also refers to 'in that day' which is different from what Prophet Zechariah predicted. It is not to cleanse them but to make a distinction between what is holy and what is not. The holy city of God is holy and the footstool is not. "And it shall come to pass at that day,"and "I will give my sentence against them".(Je.4:9-12) "At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,/Even a full wind from those places shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them."
The term 'idols" we need see as a tag overarching from Mount Sinai to the end times. The golden calf was in the hearts of nations,- and Israel like Rachel had by stealth carried it along. (Ge.31:34) Jeremiah continues, " For thus hath the Lord said, The whole land shall be desolate;
"Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house." (Ez.47:1)
We have in the preceding chapters on laws and ordinances regarding the house of God in eternity different from the temple polluted by the apostate Israel. vv.2-5 we have "the man that had the line" proceeding with measuring. What does 4x1000 tell us? Compare with John's vision where the golden reed shows 12x100 furlongs. "The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."(21:16) Ezekiel according to his Jewish sensitivities gives us the decalogue as base unit. The Word is tagged by command number Four.
In 44:5 we read thus, "And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord."From thereon we have we have various ordinances which are not relevant at the moment.
The Spirit uses Afterward with direct reference to the measuring of the holy city of God.(Re.21:15-16) We need look at this vision from the tree of life being positioned on this side of the river where the throne of God and of the Lamb is situated. (Re.22:1). This water which flows from the threshold "And, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward" requires explanation. Threshold is set as the line connecting the two thrones" so the pure water of life ("a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb"), is implied here.
Further down in Ez.47 we are shown the living waters in its mighty course, "Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed."(47:8) There shall be a revival for them. Prophet Zechariah refers to in that day' to the day of regeneration where the apostles shall judge the 12 tribes.
I hope you're having a blessed day as well.
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
Spirit of the times is spirit of doctrines which have a form of godliness but denying the power of God. Man having the gift of the gab gathers a following and such a one was Theudas was a populist leader, one who would have taken a bullet for democracy and he did gather a party. "For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught."(Ac.5:36) Judas followed and Acts of the Apostles tells, "After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed." Seducing spirits whip up doctrines and man shall take up to sow mischief and garner public support. The Spirit is still that of the devil. Nationalism is such. Jesus would have none of it. "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."( John 18:36) Yet what makes the churches still pursue it? They do not want to know word of God and the spiritual demand on their lives, it is a total surrender. Instead what does the spirit of times teach these Christians? "Never surrender." What do they care abou walking in faith and not by sight? What conspiracy theories they swallow and yet call themselves Christians. This is what makes worst specimens of human race pass for their champions, so they wage a cultural war for them. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:/That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
Through the Bible , the Word of God , you are learning about God and drawing closer to Him . This is not going to happen overnight , the transformation of you into someone who is acceptable takes your whole life because the Bible , no matter how many times you read it or for how many years you read it , it always always always , has something new to show you . If you started reading it when you were ten and read it every day for the rest of your life and you were still alive at age 90 , it would still be showing you and teaching you something new . The Word of God is alive . Jesus says : let these Words sink down into your ears .
Don't treat it as if you were on your lunch break and it's a burger that you have to eat within a set time , before your lunch break is over . It's a life long banquet . You will be feeding off of it for the rest of your life . Take your time and savour it and when you have read the entire Bible through once , start again , and then...again , for the rest of your life . Get that seed planted firmly in your heart and then keep feeding it ! May God bless your efforts and may He grant you the patience you need to appreciate His Word , for the rest of your life .
"Thus saith the LordGod; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions."
While we study of inheritance as mentioned in the Vision of Ezekiel strangers are also entitled to their portion. "And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel./And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the LordGod. (vv.22-23)
"The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; Yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: My reins also instruct me in the night seasons." (Ps.16:5-8) Here David is extolling the blessings of being hid in Christ. This heritage is in the light. In short God as my inheritance is different from the lot that is given to the mingled race in the vision.
Gill's exposition on this verse gives us this info. "Joseph shall have two "portions" for his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and in virtue of the birthright which fell to him on the forfeiture of it by Reuben; he was an eminent type of Christ, with whom the saints are joint heirs; and who has two portions, one for himself as Mediator, and another for them." Joseph is set as the double for Jesus Christ is counted as a heir above. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:/Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." The dream of Joseph already indicated the role of his parents and his brethren in particular. (Ge.37:7-11)
Firstly we shall consider the single measurement with which the holy city of God is measured. The volume of 144 is made up by abiding in Christ where Gospel has a tag of 12. 144,000 refers to eternity. The measurement as used in the vision of Ezekiel refers to the world of the flesh with Israel in particular so New Jerusalem is heavenly as distinct from Jerusalem on the earth. The angel tells Ezekiel and the wording is very significant. "And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel."(Ez.40:4) How well did the children of Israel pay attention it? "(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day." (Ps.11:8) "Unto this day" is relevant for us upon whom the ends of the world has come. Is it not shame to declare"I have seen the light Hallelujah and yet turn to fleshpots of Egypt. It is thus imposter church serves the politicians. "because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:/Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."(2 Th.2:13-14). Instead the stupor surrounding the Evangelicals to look to some fraud pretending to be their saviour is all the more shameful. The foundation of God stands sure and God knows who are his.
"And the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there."
The city that Ezekiel refers is to Zion ,"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
"(Ps.50:2). This is with particular reference to the day which the the Spirit has freely made use to give context to the fullness of God in Jesus Christ. Unto this day is one example with which heaven declares the birth of Jesus. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." ( Luke 2:11). Of the city of David angels testify as in the case of Ezekiel, "The Lord is there." We shall consider another example, and it relates to the servants of Isaac finding water. "We have found water./And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day." (Ge.26:32-33). These cities from where God hath shined are another name for Zion, with the restricted sense of blessings. Zion is the holy habitation of God "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth,ismount Zion,onthe sides of the north, the city of the great King." This is set in heaven.(Ps.48:2)
From that day refers to the day decreed for the Son. Decree is concerning the everlasting covenant the Psalm speaks "I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." Begotten in the sense the Word which was God endows among his inheritance, "and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."(2.6-8). What we read in the last line of the Book of Ezekiel is to that day signifying Jesus Christ has two aspects of beginning and the ending. Blessings of man in his Son sets him beyond his body formed of dust from the ground to the heavenly places to which Zion is pre-eminent.
These two days of Salvation and of Regeneration are set apart by two measurements for the world of the Spirit and for the world of the flesh respectively.
in this chapter
saith the Lord
and Not a God, far off..
Yesterday I had my abdominal ultrasound. I will receive the results when the radiologists looks at the scans. Please pray that th organs examined are all healthy: liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys. Thank you so much.
I appreciate your support and insight into that verse.