UGH now I know it is the enemy not just my stupid computer this is my THIRD attempt to write about the danger of the flesh in comparison to our new nature. Somehow another window zapped out my post this time...
I was in my defense looking up a verse 2 Thessalonians 2:10 about those who don't LOVE the truth and hence in the next verse believe THE lie. So I will make that my introduction because I realize the importance of that statement. I was going to bring up the TRUST factor in our faith. IF WE DON'T TRUST God's truth above our emotions we can and WILL be deluded; that has to be paramount in reading scripture not just acquiescence of truth but faith that anything CONTRARY is a lie. Of course (I'll let the reader search for the verse so I am not wiped out again) those who love Christ will obey what He says. There has to be BOTH to demonstrate true faith. That separates those disingenuous professers of faith who have no desire to obey His statutes. That isn't legalism; but means we don't live in a lifestyle of anarchy as the alternative.
I will probably do a series here on the flesh as it is such an enemy; our greatest enemy most of the time no doubt. It is more than just self denial or mutilation that is scriptural; it is putting to death the deeds of the flesh. This separates those who have some martyr complex; i.e. suffering just for the sake of proving something about themselves as opposed to taking part in Christ's sufferings. We; of course can't suffer and die for other's sins as He did; but nonetheless the privilege of suffering is given to us ultimately as a blessing because we are tested as gold in the fire and can look forward to great reward.
It is hard to comprehend the sway that these prosperity preachers have until we understand as Jeremiah 17:9 states of the sickness and depravity of men's hearts (in this case covetousness). Each of us however in our own way have gone astray in like manner; just with different sins.
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
A quick overview of the entire chapter of Ezekiel 36 shows that the meaning is primarily in the exodus and eventual regathering of God's people. When we get into a couple chapters later we enter the Ezekiel 38 war which continues showing the fate of nations that fight against Israel. This verse also is used to demonstrate the change in each believer's state; as opposed to the condition mentioned in Jeremiah 17:9 on how deceitful and wicked man's unregenerate heart nature is.
The principle involved in the nation of Israel repenting is found in this verse: Romans 11:25
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
The Lord will therefore use the time of "Jacob's trouble" ( Jeremiah 30:7) to put the Jews through the fire; and at that time 2/3 will perish and 1/3 make it through ( Zechariah 13:8) which signifies the refining fire. Naturally this is preceded by the arrival of the false messiah who will be venerated by many until the time mentioned in Isaiah 10:20 which would be at the midpoint of the Tribulation.
The new covenant mentioned in Jeremiah 31:31 and the next several verses after also could be applied to that which Christ accomplished for those in the church (or church age). It's final fruition will finally reach Israel who rejected the first coming of their king because they didn't recognize Him as the suffering servant; and or assumed He would immediately overtake their enemies and start an earthly Kingdom.
In general I would state that every age or dispensation has a similar fate; a beginning and end. Israel had several Diasporas and in the last days the church in general will fall away.
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.
You've given some Scriptures here David0921, to which I will respond.
Romans 9:13-16. From Romans 9:1-23, the apostle is speaking about his kinsmen, the Jews; that God had selected Isaac through whom would come Jacob & all of Israel - as opposed to Esau (who was rejected), even though he was the firstborn. All this Paul rehearses before his readers to show that God's promises will be realized, according to His Word, that "In Isaac shall thy seed be called". God was not being partial to one & not the other, but in God's Knowledge & Plan, one was accepted to the rejection of the other.
Here then is God's selection process - not for salvation (since each person has to demonstrate faith & love to God regardless of which tribe or nation they belong to), but of election & receiving the Promises of God. And so Paul goes on in Romans 9:24-33, to show that those of Israel who have rejected the LORD, & not come by faith ( Romans 9:30-32), have been cut out of the olive tree, with the Gentiles being engrafted in (only if the Gentiles stand in faith, Romans 11:20). Why have I written all this? Only to show that the process of leading to salvation (which we're discussing now) is not revealed here, but of who are God's Elect - that the Gospel would now go to the Gentiles, the Jew having rejected it ( Acts 13:46-48).
Jeremiah 17:9. Fully agree as mentioned previously.
Joel 2:12-14. You might need to give your reason for mentioning this Scripture, as I'm unable to relate it to what we're discussing.
Ezekiel 36:24-28. I understand this passage is still in the future (probably during the Millennial rule of Christ), when Israel finally acknowledges their Messiah, receiving a new heart & new spirit. Btw, I do NOT subscribe to Replacement Theology, inasfar as Israel no longer being a part of prophetic fulfilment and the Church is now the new Israel.
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is NOT OF HIM THE WILLETH, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Jeremiah 17:9 The HEART is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Joel 2:12-14
12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with ALL YOUR HEART, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14 WHO KNOWETH if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Ezekiel 36:24-28
24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A NEW HEART also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Eph 2:1,8-10
1 And you hath he quickened, who were DEAD in trespasses and sins;
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Note the emphasis in these verses on "believing in the HEART""
Jeremiah 17:9,10
The HEART is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the HEART, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
And then there is Romans 3:10-18
There in lies the problem.
We cannot and will not "Believe in the heart" until God gives us a NEW HEART, that is a New Resurrected Soul.
Ezekiel 36:26
A NEW HEART also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
We must be Born Again as God applies His Salvation to those whom He saves BEFORE we can believe with our whole heart.
That is Salvation. And our Belief, our Faith is the RESULT of God applying salvation to one of His elect. And is not because we have "accepted" an offer of salvation.
Not sure if you are a man or woman; not that I need to know; it is hard of course as it was for my ex to listen to scriptures on women being submissive; etc.
I have stated before that counseling in churches before marriage is helpful but may be hard to find; I would think it would be more common in the Reformed church; or OPC where I got my counselling after separating from my wife (something I should have done a lot sooner). "Irreconcilable differences" I suppose was the wording in my divorce papers. In terms of "communication issues" it has been said that is a lame term; probably in part because there is enough yelling that the point should get across from either party in such matters but no one really has a heart to listen.
Of course we all need to consider Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of the heart. Also; of course the concept of a church being a family of sorts was something I am partially responsible for messing up as shortly after we were married we moved away from her home town and stopped being involved in church. Her support system was something that was never fully restored when we moved back again to Pittsburgh but I also was noncommittal and too wrapped up on eschatological issues since they were rather adamantly Post-Mil. As an immature believer at that time I made a lot of mistakes; so I do thank God that now I am able to have been more involved with evangelism; and made a true commitment as a church member; etc.
The fact is; with her working with this guy for nearly 12 years before the "crap hit the fan" or I finally became aware of her infidelity what happened may have been inevitable. Also in eternity it is worth following the Lord now and any sacrifices that need to be made. Overall; I have stated on this site at least one time if not more that there is a blessing to the covenant of marriage and on the flipside; I believe divorce started family decay which has led to the abyssmal state of society overall today.
Emotional healing: Prayers and communication with the Lord.
The Spirit of the Lord should be what guards our heart ( Prov. 4:23); keeps the reins of our heart in check ( Jeremiah 17:10); gives us the mind of Christ ( 1 Cor. 2:16) as well as communing with our soul ( Romans 8:16).
As ironic as it seems; it may be often best to focus on prayers for our enemies rather than friends. With any kind of healing; there is the tendency because of our own emotional connection to desperately ask for relief from pain and suffering of any sort for those we know and love. What we fail to see sometimes especially with those we are familiar with is that God often uses suffering as a form of chastisement to get someone's attention and turn to the Lord. Obviously we shouldn't be the arbitrators of what kind of test others should go through and deliberately hold ack on prayers either. As we study persevering in prayer; we should also learn to sense the course of events the Lord is directing in an individuals life over time and tweek the prayer appropriately.
Mental healing: This subject of course intersects with emotions and physiological factors; such as Dopamine levels. Actual brain damage may be involved as well as unknown factors. Overall; of course patterns of behavior will bring healing as one focuses their energies on study of the Word and living out a Godly and obedience life of service to the Lord and of course turns away from worldliness. Those too fixated on faith healing at the expense of anything else are missing out on even Paul's example of his thorn in the flesh. Many are able to sympathize with others who are down and out; and the transparency of our own strugles can be a real inspiration and valuable in evangelism. This is more than the boasting of how depraved we are; although incorporates an internal comprehension of our good deeds being filthy rags before conversion. What it DOES show is unconditional love and an open heart to ruined sinners.
Romans 5:12 says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
The fact is that we are all born with Adam's sin and hence at enmity with God. Our hearts are as Jeremiah 17:9 says "desperately wicked." No one does good ( Romans 3:10-12 and in Psalms); and we are estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). So the first issue is the thought that anyone is "good" which inevitably comes from comparing ourselves to another "worse" person like Hitler (unless we are that bad ourselves and we can't appeal to anyone worse; in that case we probably wouldn't want to concern ourselves with doing good deeds. Our deeds also; BTW are evil; even our best deeds as "filthy rags". ( Isaiah 64:6). This "grace Gospel" as it is known is obviously taken from Romans as a primary source but reflects many scripture verses. Or as someone once said "a hundred percent sinner needs a hundred percent savior" (can't seem to find this entire phrase quoted by anyone).
Now death; of course in the law comes in two ways; MURDER or justifiable killing whether to exact a punishment "a life for a life" (part of Deuteronomy 19:21). It also is involved with the wars and conquests of Israel with the admittedly hard verses about exterminating entire peoples including women and children in certain circumstances. The understandable aspect of this is when the descendents of the Nephilim (or angels with women producing giant hybrid offspring) were exterminated; being an aberrant being without and eternal soul perhaps the proper interpretation of Isaiah 26:14. That is a deep study; but no doubt this is easier than explaining extermination of human beings. Those nations which were conquered had common practices of child sacrifice with idol worship; therefore it could have saved the children from a worse death. Genesis 15:16 shows how God waits until iniquity is full before utter destruction.
"Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine." Genesis 20:7 KJV
(even in the midst of Abraham's deceit God intervened and protected both him and his wife Sarah)
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." Isaiah 54:17 KJV
(my learning from this is to trust God, as in the scriptures:)
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 KJV
"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Psalms 62:8 KJV
"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." Proverbs 28:26 KJV
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 KJV
Reading scripture concluding thoughts to introduction
The Bible as a whole; as is no surprise to anyone who examines it even briefly goes from earthly bliss to the rapid fall and judgment of the "Antidiluvian" age; to a few chosen individuals whose descendants are given covenant promises and eventually through hundreds of years are freed from bondage and enter into the Promised Land. After a short lived dominance in the world Israel spent long intervals of time in exile due to God's often direct judgments upon their sins; in particular of idolatry and specifically related to direct disobedience intermarrying and subsequently adopting people of pagan cultures and religions.
After Malachi was penned as the last Old Testament book several hundred years passed; without any prophets in the land then suddenly as that book stated Messiah appeared. Jesus came; ministered and was largely rejected by His own people; crucified; buried and risen from the grave; went back to heaven and after the "church age" will return to rule and reign for 1000 years until heaven comes down on earth and the final judgment occurs. At that time eternity comes for the wicked and righeous; forever sealed with the fate of their state; so to speak.
There are those who are staunch evolutionists who often don't consider that for any mahem in the animal kingdom there is nothing CLOSE to the killings of the fellow "species" like man does. Those who consider man basically good clearly have deliberately blinded themselves to the countless wars where HUNDREDS of millions have died and all the other wickedness on earth. The only logical explanation is Jeremiah 17:9 on the wickedness of the human heart; and the fact that Satan himself is the god of this world shouldn't be all too surprising as to who inspires and drives men to think they are going to find themselves following the lusts in their heart that never brings satisfaction. I will discuss next how NOT to read the Bible.
Idolaters: Definition.MIriam Webster defines it in 2 ways (idolotry)
: the worship of a physical object as a god
: immoderate attachment or devotion to something
This second part of the definition should certainly stand out today; in light of one particular young lady in the music industry today. This immoderate or inordinate affection leads to idolizing movie stars; musicians; politicians and in fact anyone we find physically attractive; or wish to emulate because of some quality we are enamored with.
Lest we consider this concept too foreign for devoted church members that make an effort not to entangle themselves in these worldly things; we have to look at how many megapastors are idolized today. Deceiving and being deceived are coexistent ( 2 Tim. 3:13). Someone of course can be an obvious cult leader and have control over the very lives of their clan; but even those of that persuasion find that getting people to think they are being idolized from their own free will establishes their stronghold much more effectively. That is what is used much of the time initially by Satan as well who convinces us that our own corrupted heart truly has found something worth fantasizing about and blinding men's eyes to verses such as Jeremiah 17:9 and others warning of our depraved nature. Anyone who is a TRUE prophet of God (however that exists today) or let us say His mouthpiece is going to be as the prophets of old: largely rejected; outcast; persecuted and ridiculed. Sadly many who spend countless hours prancing about in well rehearsed performances are like Shakespeare said full of sound and fury but signifying nothing (MacBeth). Also duly note it is a tale told by an idiot.
Idolizing self is basically a definition for narcissism. Idolizing others is a demented form of worship. We blame others for making us a victim of circumstance and take no responsibility for our own actions or are holding someone up to impossible standards doomed to fail.
When attempting to bring attention to man's deplorable state of heart Wh( Jeremiah 17:9) I have found in my own self examination that it is best to evaluate all that we consider what Phillipians 4:8 states and then look at our own heart and soul carefully.
When we seek all that men may say is kind; benevolent; compassionate; etc. and try to find pleasure in life apart from God of course we look to other religions and usually end up in a humanistic mentality. We ascribe to others as well who seem to portray such attributes as somehow "enlightened". I can only speak for myself as a man here; but how much of the flesh is appealed to in today's "Christian" music industry? If someone is young; thin and attractive does it move us as much as someone who is a bit overweight and unattractive who performs on stage? Do we favor those in our own social circles or families above others? What are our motives when we serve others?
Such logic of course often results in men not appreciating what God does provide such as a wife mentioned in Proverbs 18:22.
To find the "grass greener on the other side of the field" people think it worthwhile to get a new model and get rid of the spouse that they have been granted by covenant; something Malachi 2:15 says we should not do (also see Proverbs 15:18-20). Interestingly Proverbs 15:8 just before that talks about the sacrifice of the wicked being detestable as contrasted to prayers of the righteous.
Of course many hate God outright; at least being honest about their intentions; accusing God often of being a "killjoy" and sometimes being an admitted Satanist "do as thou wilt" mentality. Of course we have to look at men's obvious evil acts; so we have laws God has set forth to keep order. With all the self professed benefits of "freedom" we see the end result in the fruits of violence and discord in society that many possess or develop as the cultish mentality comes out. Mark 7:21 is the end result.
Romans 2:9 states: There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile..
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? ( Jeremiah 17:9).
I thought that I should be honest here as to the state of my own heart. When a woman the other day showed kindness to me at the store a few days ago I suddenly found myself thinking about how it made me feel and if there was something in the future there. Those situations are times when those not grounded in the Word can suddenly be swept away into something outside the will of God. Being a man; of course there are some women no doubt who would chalk that off to the stupidity of a man as opposed to their greater senses of judgment on such matters. Frankly I don't really care about that analysis; I have done much thinking about my actions and much scriptural analysis in recent years but have to admit that there are some real weaknesses here that the enemy could easily exploit if I am off guard.
Such madness of course in my own situation as many may know led to my wife excusing her own actions in getting involved with a long term friend at work (which probably commenced long before I realized it). My former Pastor had the wisdom when I was going through the separation to advise me NOT to be alone with a woman in a car or similar situation as I was still a married man but didn't seem to mind when the divorce was final. My belief holds firm about remarriage being wrong when a former spouse is alive but that isn't the focus here. Such vigilence that my former Pastor had is similar to what Billy Graham did not allowing himself to be in an elevator alone with a woman. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" ( Job 31:1).
I am of the firm belief that fornication and adultery are two chief ways that men will "drown in perdition" ( 1 Timothy 6:9). There are other sins related here such as covetousness; which I may go into more detail in the next post.
Romans 8:16 says: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"
Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Matthew 5:44-46 says
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.
Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.
The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.
My attempt at giving a scriptural response to same sex attraction.
Having personally lived with a brother that had such a lifestyle decades ago before coming to Christ has helped me gain further personal insight and experience on the subject. Such political incorrectness to those former associations and friendships in that community naturally denies those still in that lifestyle the benefit of hearing how God works to change the hearts ( Jeremiah 17:9) from wickedness to God's righteousness for those who have become true believers in Christ.
The church in general has had two responses to this issue; one which fits in increasingly with the gay community as well and the other which has some truth but has what seems to be a fundamental error. In terms of that second camp the preaching of homosexuality as a specific sin said to be an abomination instead is categorized as any other sin. Another problem is that of fitting in a life of celibacy as a whole with those who are "same sex attracted" and assuming that's enough rather than addressing the spiritual and other components that initiate such perverted desires in the first place. In tandem with that therefore we don't explain the alternative; which is a true Agape love among the brethren which is how we are to start to live the way we all are designed to do. Turning our affections on things above; of course is best implemented by seeing others do the same and once again those who used to live that way and are changed or detransitioned would be the best people who would be exemplary of that change and hence to follow. Therefore it involves not only redirecting our affections but allowing the Spirit to crucify the flesh which we all need to do as believers. The practical implications also need to be brought to light of those living deviant lifestyles as to the frequent rage and violence in such relationships; effects on children; etc. Suicide rates among the trans community is a prime example.
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."
The next verse describes how we were yet sinners; or what Colossians 1:21 states in even harsher terms as "enemies of God."
Next time you hear someone talking about how loving we all should be ask them if they would be willing to die for their enemies who hate them. We hear a lot of talk these days about the love of God; usually reduced to some mushy sentimentality and hardly differentiated from human passions. First off; it is only a half truth to go around talking about God's love only when it happens to coincide with pleasant or pleasurable circumstances for people on earth. Yes God loved us when we were yet sinners but provided provision through the Son as His ONLY method to reconcile the enmity between us and Him due to indwelling sin. God cannot look upon sinful man and love Him in the state he is in but DESPITE the fact that he is in a lost state with a heart that is; according to Jeremiah 17:9 "desperately wicked". God's METHOD is by having the Son; for we either have the Son and therefore know God or we know neither (see 1 John 23:24). This involves the Father and Son coming to "dwell within us" ( John 14:23 which also implies the Holy Spirit sealing us until the day of redemption ( Eph. 4:30).
Those who would view Jesus as someone that is primarily promoting some sort of sentimental affection either is Biblically illiterate or willfully deceived. He talked about being a sword to divide families ( Matthew 10:34-36); rebuked the Pharisees harshly a number of times; destroyed the Temple moneychanger market at least twice; and challenged those who would feign to be His disciples but whose heart wasn't in it. He even rebuked His own disciples. This is demonstrating that true love in His own life was obeying God; and we are called to do the same for Christ ( John 14:23).
I suppose a question thread isn't kosher with a sequel. Anyway; there are many scriptures that can be used to point out each part of the TULIP acronym; for instance T-Total Depravity We could quote Jeremiah 17:9; O-Unconditional Election ( Ephesians 1:4); L-Limited Atonement ( John 10:26-27); I-Irresistable Grace ( Acts 9:3-6 the "Damascus Road" experience) and finally P-Perseverance of the Saints ( Romans 8:30).
Many of these themes are interchangeable with the verses quoted. The terminology isn't the greatest; as people can indeed grieve the Spirit as scripture indicates. I believe limited atonement is also the hardest thing to prove; I would say that "Effectual grace" is a much better term.
I wrote what I did in the first posting on purpose as many tend to have a sort of pride about which Reformer is their favorite or obsess on the subject making a doctrine be above the author and finisher of our faith Christ Himself. We can't fit our theological premise neatly with all scriptures in human understanding. I take; for example the politically incorrect stance that free will doesn't intimidate God with His predestination plans. There are distinct advantages to understanding these doctrines however.
1. It explains why those in our families and others we are close to and hear the Gospel for years never become believers.
2. It shows how God draws His elect from before a confession of faith (preserves our lives until coming to salvation) for believers.
3. It allows us to "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith" ( 2 Cor. 13:5) so that we can indeed claim His promises as something we actually possess because of a saving faith rather than "decisional regeneration" a term where people make a confession but their hearts are not in it.
I mentioned on an old posting how a small group split because God grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25; etal). Some didn't want to preach the need to repent; although God grants the desire we must bear fruit and change our ways
Is worshipping God on any given day breaking the Sabbath?
Part 3.
WHAT MADE SABBATH "HOLY "
The essence of Sabbath-keeping was physical rest. In Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, the Sabbath command specifies rest from labor as the way to keep the day "holy." There is no mention of going to a worship service each Sabbath. Other passages in the Old Testament also define the Sabbath by rest, not by attendance at worship services. See Exodus 31:12-17, Numbers 15:32, Nehemiah 13:15-22 and Jeremiah 17:19-27. The latter two passages, though they refer to Jerusalem, do not mention anything about failure to attend worship services or "sacred assemblies," but only work on the Sabbath as a desecration of this day.
An interesting study is to look up the word "Sabbath" in a concordance, find all the Old Testament references and then read those passages to see how this day was kept "holy." The conclusion will be that rest from labor is what made the Sabbath sacred time, not attendance at a worship service. Most Israelites lived too far from the tabernacle to attend a worship service every Sabbath - and there is no evidence in the Old Testament that they did. And the law did not allow them to assemble anywhere else for worship. Nor do we find commands even for people near the Tabernacle that they had to gather for worship. The Sabbath was kept at home, by resting.
There is no mention in Old Testament passages that attending a worship service on the Sabbath is a way of keeping this day holy. The way the Sabbath was sanctified, made holy or set apart as sacred was through physical rest from labor. All the Old Testament references to Sabbath observance in Israel speak to this point. There is no Old Testament theology of weekly Sabbath holiness that centers around attendance at "holy convocations."
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
What is interesting is the next verse which contrasts this with good works that also become clear even if they start off being hidden.
The effects of sin are what is known as bad fruit. The cause of sin is of course from a corrupt and fallen nature (see Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of a human heart without saving grace).
James 3:6 states this:
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
This figurative expression no doubt will eventually lead to one's destruction in fire; as well as the destruction of the earth in like manner as we see stated in 2 Peter 3:10 and numerous other verses. God made everything good; but the fall of man led to death for all forms of life; as well as even the stars not being pure in His sight ( Job 25:5 seems to corroborate this with Job 15:15). He is going to create therefore a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells ( 2 Peter 3:13 and see Revelation 21 and 22.)
God had to bring a total cure for the total corruption in what was made originally pure in His sight (see Ecclesiastes 7:29). This brought Christ part of the Godhead to personally die as our atonement and also of course to restore all nature from the fall which consummates when He returns and eventually at the end of the Millennium when the last enemy death is destroyed ( 1 Cor. 15:26). Judgment comes to the angelic realm who fell after Lucifer's rebellion. Some have already been judged ( 1 Peter 3:19-20 also read book of Jude). The rest of mankind; of course lives on borrowed time and because God is patient to ensure all His elect come to Him people try to get away with all they can ( Ecclesiastes 8:11).
A spoonful of sugar won't help this medicine go down; God's love will
The following verse " Psalms 1:1-6 speaks volumes!
There's a lot of doctrine built around this.
Vs 3 "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.
(HIS LEAF SHALL NOT WITHER!
Forever being fruitful!)
Jeremiah 17:7-8 is another one that picks up on this.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, NEITHER SHALL CEASE FROM YIELDING FRUIT.
Jesus uses this idiom in John 7:37-39 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Also see John 4:10.
THANK GOD FOR HIS HOLYSPIRIT THAT SEALS AND GUIDES US!
Psalms 1:1-6.
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO: but are like the CHAFF which the wind driveth away.
THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT,
(They will have their own Judgment)
NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
(THE CHAFF IS NOT BINDING TO THE TREE AND HAS NO ROOTS AND NO FRUIT.)
More on the chaff. Matthew 3:11-12
Praise the Lord!
This is why Psalms 1:1 says "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.
Hello Bmccaugh58. The answers to your questions are actually found throughout the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation), because the Bible essentially shows us how far mankind has fallen away from his Creator (because of sin), the repercussions we face from living in such a sinful state, & what God has done to offer correction & help, or else, judgement. So, one merely has to read through the Bible (even in your daily devotions/readings) & will see how people, yes all of us, have done wrong towards God & man & what subsequently entails from that. Some will learn & be corrected & then restored - others will persist in their evil ways & face God's Judgement.
So, here are some passages to start you off, but in your reading of the Bible, God's Spirit will alert you to what you seek or even where some action needs to be taken in your own life.
These are just a very few Scriptures, reminding us that there will always be consequences for our actions, not just in our dealings with each other, but more importantly, as we stand before God. But this God of Love always gives sinful wayward man an escape route, from a life of sin to a life of holiness & love - and His Name is Jesus.
God is angry with the nations as well as individuals. Revelation 11:18 begins a discussion of God's wrath and it is accomplished when the winepress is trod alone by Christ ( Isaiah 63:3) which mirrors Armageddon as described in Revelation 19; but also the campaign of the Exekiel 38 war and the nations God destroys in the process.
In such a topic; of course we see other attributes of God balancing things such as wrath and anger with patience and longsuffering of the Lord; for instance. In all this discussion it is important to see how a balanced picture of our Lord brings a better focus as to who He is. We can't just focus on anger or there is no hope for His love; but the same holds true for those who only want to hear "encouraging" verses in scripture. As famously stated we either have all of Christ or we have in reality none of Him. We must take the whole counsel of the Word of God rather than cherry picking what we want as context gets thrown out the window at best with that mindset; and at worst whole doctrinal truths are cast aside. Such is the action of such deists as Benjamin Franklin apparently. The flesh really doesn't even comprehend God's love; for human love and its vicissitudes clearly can't be trusted ( Jeremiah 17:9) as our heart is desperately wicked and who can know it? God judges impartially and is not a "respecter of persons" ( Romans 2:11-16; Acts 10:34). He is entirely righteous and no one can argue with Him once judgment comes. As Psalm 2 states we should "kiss the Son" while He is in the way so that His anger doesn't make us perish (verse 12; loosely translated). God's terms are having Christ as our mediator and High Priest because He can't look upon sin ( Heb. 9:15; Habakkuk 1:13). God will thankfully bring His own people to completion and hence the new heaven and earth will have nations of righteous people serving God; both the survivors of the Tribulation and Resurrected/Raptured saints.
You seem a new enthusiastic believer in Christ. I am contemplating doing a series on emotions vs the Word of God and the tactics of the enemy based on Jeremiah 17:9. I thought I'd run by a few ideas based on what I feel the Lord has shown me and the temptations the enemy has been trying to ensnare me in; largely in my subconscious mind.
First of all music is basically more of a spiritual thing (whether good or bad) than anything else; no wonder with Lucifer's ministry as stated in Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28. God has used music to repel armies and send angelic hosts of protection through the songs in Psalms and other scriptures. I have put forth the concept of how ANY music that is secular CAN have a demonic attachment; the obvious being things that sound evil which of course set forth men on violent outbursts and perhaps the more dangerous being things that have hypnotic sounds; and/or cause feelings of love; suicide and other self destructive behavior. The allurement of humanism; and some sense that our affections apart from Christ are inherently good is something unregenerate man is drawn into and hence ensnared and powerful enough to drown men in perdition if they are not in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Our relationships of course manifest what seems right to a man (which of course leads to death). I had a dream that I want to incorporate into this concept. I believe that we can do no good and man is inherently evil but don't feel that I need to push it for God will reveal it to His own. The enemy; of course wants us to think we are missing out on something but always has some poison in with his temptations. What is truly sad is that God's pure and perfect love is dulled out in our minds when we chase these carrots. SOMETHING IS WRONG IN US if His presence isn't overwhelming our soul whenever we seek Him. Sadly that is my own experience.
Hope it was ok sharing some of this stuff. Be Ephesians 6 prepared this battlefield isn't child's play.
To GIGI and anyone else praying for me; I just was released after admitting myself for Appendicitis Aug 11 today. The intense spiritual stuff going on in my subconscious and real life as well certainly made prayers appreciated.
I thought it would be prudent here to mention that many have indeed great caution with any medical establishments such as my friend that left the same hospital after he got some special treatment for COVID and after they told him he wouldn't survive it.
Certain places indeed have been so bad with either getting the wrong patient with ID mixed up and other terrible standards that I can see the reason for skepticism. Clearly in my case I needed the treatment I got; mainly afterwards to clear out the blocked colon. There were a few things I think were somewhat improperly done; but overall I have a newfound respect for the nurses in particular who have to juggle between many patients and remember all the details of the job; as well as must be there all hours to fill in; etc. Several individuals were Christians where I was; between one of the young medical student trainees who was willing to walk me as well as one patient and someone else who I asked sensing that they were a godly woman.
Mercifully my insurance covers enough so that I can get through payment (my parents will help). I am asking in prayer that my workplace can accommodate a few weeks without heavy lifting; not exactly sure deadline but one doctor said 6 weeks; when the surgeon has a follow up appointment he will discuss those things; that is my only restraint. I am sadly going to take a respite from by 2 Bible Studies for a month as well; the groups are quite small but people have great interest.
Looks like one or two folks have done some extended studies on this site when I was gone. Primarily understanding my own selfish nature after being hooked up to tubes and IV lines I realize that Christ alone is good in me. ( Jeremiah 17:9).
Continuing with the thought on deliverance; there are verses which state we are not to be hasty in laying on of hands with someone ( 1 Tim. 5:22). Obviously; the extended conversations with demons that are almost always on camera are not needed most of the time based on how Christ operated. It is often obvious this is for entertainment value; and certainly isn't helpful if someone is in need of deliverance to toy with the demons in them or keep them waiting. It is rare but not unheard of to see a person who is going through great grief be prayed for that is NOT possessed; or perhaps just oppressed.
If we look at the example of the parable of the seed and sower in Matthew 13:20 we see immediate joy at the Word without a root. Nonetheless we are to confess with our mouth AND believe in our heart that Christ is Lord; both mind and soul are involved. ( Romans 10:9). Since our heart is deceitful ( Jeremiah 17:9) above all things and desperately wicked; we need a new heart as Ezekiel 36:26 states. I have pointed out before that unless we realize that we are being delivered from an enmity with God we aren't going to be drawn toward Christ; we are going to shrink back and eventually fall away. ( Romans 8:7 as well as in many other passages!) BUT; as with anything else joy is the second attribute of good fruit that the Spirit MUST begin to place in our souls after love as the first ( Gal. 5:22). Note that the THIRD attribute is peace; so if we are truly saved we start to overcome fear; on the other hand there is no peace for the wicked. ( Isaiah 48:22; and other parts of Isaiah and Psalms; etc.)
Part of maturity in Christ is knowing the difference between spiritual fruit and our emotions. Seeing Paul's example of joy in extreme suffering certainly is a good example of this as well as Christ's love for us that He would suffer as He did to fulfill the Father's will.
Fellowship should balance mind and heart worship rightly
1 Timothy 2:5,
Hebrews 12:24,
Proverbs 3:5 kjv.
I was in my defense looking up a verse 2 Thessalonians 2:10 about those who don't LOVE the truth and hence in the next verse believe THE lie. So I will make that my introduction because I realize the importance of that statement. I was going to bring up the TRUST factor in our faith. IF WE DON'T TRUST God's truth above our emotions we can and WILL be deluded; that has to be paramount in reading scripture not just acquiescence of truth but faith that anything CONTRARY is a lie. Of course (I'll let the reader search for the verse so I am not wiped out again) those who love Christ will obey what He says. There has to be BOTH to demonstrate true faith. That separates those disingenuous professers of faith who have no desire to obey His statutes. That isn't legalism; but means we don't live in a lifestyle of anarchy as the alternative.
I will probably do a series here on the flesh as it is such an enemy; our greatest enemy most of the time no doubt. It is more than just self denial or mutilation that is scriptural; it is putting to death the deeds of the flesh. This separates those who have some martyr complex; i.e. suffering just for the sake of proving something about themselves as opposed to taking part in Christ's sufferings. We; of course can't suffer and die for other's sins as He did; but nonetheless the privilege of suffering is given to us ultimately as a blessing because we are tested as gold in the fire and can look forward to great reward.
It is hard to comprehend the sway that these prosperity preachers have until we understand as Jeremiah 17:9 states of the sickness and depravity of men's hearts (in this case covetousness). Each of us however in our own way have gone astray in like manner; just with different sins.
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
A quick overview of the entire chapter of Ezekiel 36 shows that the meaning is primarily in the exodus and eventual regathering of God's people. When we get into a couple chapters later we enter the Ezekiel 38 war which continues showing the fate of nations that fight against Israel. This verse also is used to demonstrate the change in each believer's state; as opposed to the condition mentioned in Jeremiah 17:9 on how deceitful and wicked man's unregenerate heart nature is.
The principle involved in the nation of Israel repenting is found in this verse: Romans 11:25
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
The Lord will therefore use the time of "Jacob's trouble" ( Jeremiah 30:7) to put the Jews through the fire; and at that time 2/3 will perish and 1/3 make it through ( Zechariah 13:8) which signifies the refining fire. Naturally this is preceded by the arrival of the false messiah who will be venerated by many until the time mentioned in Isaiah 10:20 which would be at the midpoint of the Tribulation.
The new covenant mentioned in Jeremiah 31:31 and the next several verses after also could be applied to that which Christ accomplished for those in the church (or church age). It's final fruition will finally reach Israel who rejected the first coming of their king because they didn't recognize Him as the suffering servant; and or assumed He would immediately overtake their enemies and start an earthly Kingdom.
In general I would state that every age or dispensation has a similar fate; a beginning and end. Israel had several Diasporas and in the last days the church in general will fall away.
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.
You've given some Scriptures here David0921, to which I will respond.
Romans 9:13-16. From Romans 9:1-23, the apostle is speaking about his kinsmen, the Jews; that God had selected Isaac through whom would come Jacob & all of Israel - as opposed to Esau (who was rejected), even though he was the firstborn. All this Paul rehearses before his readers to show that God's promises will be realized, according to His Word, that "In Isaac shall thy seed be called". God was not being partial to one & not the other, but in God's Knowledge & Plan, one was accepted to the rejection of the other.
Here then is God's selection process - not for salvation (since each person has to demonstrate faith & love to God regardless of which tribe or nation they belong to), but of election & receiving the Promises of God. And so Paul goes on in Romans 9:24-33, to show that those of Israel who have rejected the LORD, & not come by faith ( Romans 9:30-32), have been cut out of the olive tree, with the Gentiles being engrafted in (only if the Gentiles stand in faith, Romans 11:20). Why have I written all this? Only to show that the process of leading to salvation (which we're discussing now) is not revealed here, but of who are God's Elect - that the Gospel would now go to the Gentiles, the Jew having rejected it ( Acts 13:46-48).
Jeremiah 17:9. Fully agree as mentioned previously.
Joel 2:12-14. You might need to give your reason for mentioning this Scripture, as I'm unable to relate it to what we're discussing.
Ezekiel 36:24-28. I understand this passage is still in the future (probably during the Millennial rule of Christ), when Israel finally acknowledges their Messiah, receiving a new heart & new spirit. Btw, I do NOT subscribe to Replacement Theology, inasfar as Israel no longer being a part of prophetic fulfilment and the Church is now the new Israel.
To Page 2.
Romans 9:13-16
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is NOT OF HIM THE WILLETH, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Jeremiah 17:9 The HEART is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Joel 2:12-14
12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with ALL YOUR HEART, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14 WHO KNOWETH if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Ezekiel 36:24-28
24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A NEW HEART also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Eph 2:1,8-10
1 And you hath he quickened, who were DEAD in trespasses and sins;
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
You quoted Romans 10-8-10.
Note the emphasis in these verses on "believing in the HEART""
Jeremiah 17:9,10
The HEART is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the HEART, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
And then there is Romans 3:10-18
There in lies the problem.
We cannot and will not "Believe in the heart" until God gives us a NEW HEART, that is a New Resurrected Soul.
Ezekiel 36:26
A NEW HEART also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
We must be Born Again as God applies His Salvation to those whom He saves BEFORE we can believe with our whole heart.
That is Salvation. And our Belief, our Faith is the RESULT of God applying salvation to one of His elect. And is not because we have "accepted" an offer of salvation.
I have stated before that counseling in churches before marriage is helpful but may be hard to find; I would think it would be more common in the Reformed church; or OPC where I got my counselling after separating from my wife (something I should have done a lot sooner). "Irreconcilable differences" I suppose was the wording in my divorce papers. In terms of "communication issues" it has been said that is a lame term; probably in part because there is enough yelling that the point should get across from either party in such matters but no one really has a heart to listen.
Of course we all need to consider Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of the heart. Also; of course the concept of a church being a family of sorts was something I am partially responsible for messing up as shortly after we were married we moved away from her home town and stopped being involved in church. Her support system was something that was never fully restored when we moved back again to Pittsburgh but I also was noncommittal and too wrapped up on eschatological issues since they were rather adamantly Post-Mil. As an immature believer at that time I made a lot of mistakes; so I do thank God that now I am able to have been more involved with evangelism; and made a true commitment as a church member; etc.
The fact is; with her working with this guy for nearly 12 years before the "crap hit the fan" or I finally became aware of her infidelity what happened may have been inevitable. Also in eternity it is worth following the Lord now and any sacrifices that need to be made. Overall; I have stated on this site at least one time if not more that there is a blessing to the covenant of marriage and on the flipside; I believe divorce started family decay which has led to the abyssmal state of society overall today.
Agape. Rich P
The Spirit of the Lord should be what guards our heart ( Prov. 4:23); keeps the reins of our heart in check ( Jeremiah 17:10); gives us the mind of Christ ( 1 Cor. 2:16) as well as communing with our soul ( Romans 8:16).
As ironic as it seems; it may be often best to focus on prayers for our enemies rather than friends. With any kind of healing; there is the tendency because of our own emotional connection to desperately ask for relief from pain and suffering of any sort for those we know and love. What we fail to see sometimes especially with those we are familiar with is that God often uses suffering as a form of chastisement to get someone's attention and turn to the Lord. Obviously we shouldn't be the arbitrators of what kind of test others should go through and deliberately hold ack on prayers either. As we study persevering in prayer; we should also learn to sense the course of events the Lord is directing in an individuals life over time and tweek the prayer appropriately.
Mental healing: This subject of course intersects with emotions and physiological factors; such as Dopamine levels. Actual brain damage may be involved as well as unknown factors. Overall; of course patterns of behavior will bring healing as one focuses their energies on study of the Word and living out a Godly and obedience life of service to the Lord and of course turns away from worldliness. Those too fixated on faith healing at the expense of anything else are missing out on even Paul's example of his thorn in the flesh. Many are able to sympathize with others who are down and out; and the transparency of our own strugles can be a real inspiration and valuable in evangelism. This is more than the boasting of how depraved we are; although incorporates an internal comprehension of our good deeds being filthy rags before conversion. What it DOES show is unconditional love and an open heart to ruined sinners.
Romans 5:12 says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
The fact is that we are all born with Adam's sin and hence at enmity with God. Our hearts are as Jeremiah 17:9 says "desperately wicked." No one does good ( Romans 3:10-12 and in Psalms); and we are estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). So the first issue is the thought that anyone is "good" which inevitably comes from comparing ourselves to another "worse" person like Hitler (unless we are that bad ourselves and we can't appeal to anyone worse; in that case we probably wouldn't want to concern ourselves with doing good deeds. Our deeds also; BTW are evil; even our best deeds as "filthy rags". ( Isaiah 64:6). This "grace Gospel" as it is known is obviously taken from Romans as a primary source but reflects many scripture verses. Or as someone once said "a hundred percent sinner needs a hundred percent savior" (can't seem to find this entire phrase quoted by anyone).
Now death; of course in the law comes in two ways; MURDER or justifiable killing whether to exact a punishment "a life for a life" (part of Deuteronomy 19:21). It also is involved with the wars and conquests of Israel with the admittedly hard verses about exterminating entire peoples including women and children in certain circumstances. The understandable aspect of this is when the descendents of the Nephilim (or angels with women producing giant hybrid offspring) were exterminated; being an aberrant being without and eternal soul perhaps the proper interpretation of Isaiah 26:14. That is a deep study; but no doubt this is easier than explaining extermination of human beings. Those nations which were conquered had common practices of child sacrifice with idol worship; therefore it could have saved the children from a worse death. Genesis 15:16 shows how God waits until iniquity is full before utter destruction.
"Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine." Genesis 20:7 KJV
(even in the midst of Abraham's deceit God intervened and protected both him and his wife Sarah)
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." Isaiah 54:17 KJV
(my learning from this is to trust God, as in the scriptures:)
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 KJV
"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Psalms 62:8 KJV
"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." Proverbs 28:26 KJV
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 KJV
The Bible as a whole; as is no surprise to anyone who examines it even briefly goes from earthly bliss to the rapid fall and judgment of the "Antidiluvian" age; to a few chosen individuals whose descendants are given covenant promises and eventually through hundreds of years are freed from bondage and enter into the Promised Land. After a short lived dominance in the world Israel spent long intervals of time in exile due to God's often direct judgments upon their sins; in particular of idolatry and specifically related to direct disobedience intermarrying and subsequently adopting people of pagan cultures and religions.
After Malachi was penned as the last Old Testament book several hundred years passed; without any prophets in the land then suddenly as that book stated Messiah appeared. Jesus came; ministered and was largely rejected by His own people; crucified; buried and risen from the grave; went back to heaven and after the "church age" will return to rule and reign for 1000 years until heaven comes down on earth and the final judgment occurs. At that time eternity comes for the wicked and righeous; forever sealed with the fate of their state; so to speak.
There are those who are staunch evolutionists who often don't consider that for any mahem in the animal kingdom there is nothing CLOSE to the killings of the fellow "species" like man does. Those who consider man basically good clearly have deliberately blinded themselves to the countless wars where HUNDREDS of millions have died and all the other wickedness on earth. The only logical explanation is Jeremiah 17:9 on the wickedness of the human heart; and the fact that Satan himself is the god of this world shouldn't be all too surprising as to who inspires and drives men to think they are going to find themselves following the lusts in their heart that never brings satisfaction. I will discuss next how NOT to read the Bible.
: the worship of a physical object as a god
: immoderate attachment or devotion to something
This second part of the definition should certainly stand out today; in light of one particular young lady in the music industry today. This immoderate or inordinate affection leads to idolizing movie stars; musicians; politicians and in fact anyone we find physically attractive; or wish to emulate because of some quality we are enamored with.
Lest we consider this concept too foreign for devoted church members that make an effort not to entangle themselves in these worldly things; we have to look at how many megapastors are idolized today. Deceiving and being deceived are coexistent ( 2 Tim. 3:13). Someone of course can be an obvious cult leader and have control over the very lives of their clan; but even those of that persuasion find that getting people to think they are being idolized from their own free will establishes their stronghold much more effectively. That is what is used much of the time initially by Satan as well who convinces us that our own corrupted heart truly has found something worth fantasizing about and blinding men's eyes to verses such as Jeremiah 17:9 and others warning of our depraved nature. Anyone who is a TRUE prophet of God (however that exists today) or let us say His mouthpiece is going to be as the prophets of old: largely rejected; outcast; persecuted and ridiculed. Sadly many who spend countless hours prancing about in well rehearsed performances are like Shakespeare said full of sound and fury but signifying nothing (MacBeth). Also duly note it is a tale told by an idiot.
Idolizing self is basically a definition for narcissism. Idolizing others is a demented form of worship. We blame others for making us a victim of circumstance and take no responsibility for our own actions or are holding someone up to impossible standards doomed to fail.
When attempting to bring attention to man's deplorable state of heart Wh( Jeremiah 17:9) I have found in my own self examination that it is best to evaluate all that we consider what Phillipians 4:8 states and then look at our own heart and soul carefully.
When we seek all that men may say is kind; benevolent; compassionate; etc. and try to find pleasure in life apart from God of course we look to other religions and usually end up in a humanistic mentality. We ascribe to others as well who seem to portray such attributes as somehow "enlightened". I can only speak for myself as a man here; but how much of the flesh is appealed to in today's "Christian" music industry? If someone is young; thin and attractive does it move us as much as someone who is a bit overweight and unattractive who performs on stage? Do we favor those in our own social circles or families above others? What are our motives when we serve others?
Such logic of course often results in men not appreciating what God does provide such as a wife mentioned in Proverbs 18:22.
To find the "grass greener on the other side of the field" people think it worthwhile to get a new model and get rid of the spouse that they have been granted by covenant; something Malachi 2:15 says we should not do (also see Proverbs 15:18-20). Interestingly Proverbs 15:8 just before that talks about the sacrifice of the wicked being detestable as contrasted to prayers of the righteous.
Of course many hate God outright; at least being honest about their intentions; accusing God often of being a "killjoy" and sometimes being an admitted Satanist "do as thou wilt" mentality. Of course we have to look at men's obvious evil acts; so we have laws God has set forth to keep order. With all the self professed benefits of "freedom" we see the end result in the fruits of violence and discord in society that many possess or develop as the cultish mentality comes out. Mark 7:21 is the end result.
(NIV); but says tribulation and anguish in the KJV. There is another verse stating that judgment begins at the house of God. ( 1 Peter 4:17).
Just as not all Israel is Israel ( Romans 9:6); not all the "professing" church is the possessing church; that is possessing the Holy Spirit and true salvation. Jesus made that perfectly clear to those who thought because they were the physical descendants of Abraham that gave them some sort of benefit were sadly mistaken ( John 8:39-44). Those who had seen Christ; knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet rejected Him would in fact be worse off than Sodom and Gomorrah in their punishment. ( Matt. 11:21-24). We see similar warnings for those who have knowledge of the truth and become reprobate; in that it would be better not to have known it in the first place ( 2 Peter 2:21).
Testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith is sadly lacking today among professing believers; or we would see a reality check in the fruits of many lives. ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We can glibly see this example as a carnal bunch of people and think that being steeped in our own religious training or theology that we are automatically exempt from this test. I have said before that there are dangers in any extreme that is lacking the balancing attribute; such as with loving people and warning them of judgment to come ( John 16:8). We see in the Ephesian church everything being done properly but their first love somehow becoming distant in their hearts. Look at 1 Corinthians 13:6; love rejoices in the truth. The basic fact that man's heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9) and that our sin makes us enemies of God ( James 4:4) means that there is a wall between opposing parties and yes God is angry with the wicked (i.e. us) every day. ( Psalm 7:11). Having our heads in the sand doesn't help anyone.
I thought that I should be honest here as to the state of my own heart. When a woman the other day showed kindness to me at the store a few days ago I suddenly found myself thinking about how it made me feel and if there was something in the future there. Those situations are times when those not grounded in the Word can suddenly be swept away into something outside the will of God. Being a man; of course there are some women no doubt who would chalk that off to the stupidity of a man as opposed to their greater senses of judgment on such matters. Frankly I don't really care about that analysis; I have done much thinking about my actions and much scriptural analysis in recent years but have to admit that there are some real weaknesses here that the enemy could easily exploit if I am off guard.
Such madness of course in my own situation as many may know led to my wife excusing her own actions in getting involved with a long term friend at work (which probably commenced long before I realized it). My former Pastor had the wisdom when I was going through the separation to advise me NOT to be alone with a woman in a car or similar situation as I was still a married man but didn't seem to mind when the divorce was final. My belief holds firm about remarriage being wrong when a former spouse is alive but that isn't the focus here. Such vigilence that my former Pastor had is similar to what Billy Graham did not allowing himself to be in an elevator alone with a woman. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" ( Job 31:1).
I am of the firm belief that fornication and adultery are two chief ways that men will "drown in perdition" ( 1 Timothy 6:9). There are other sins related here such as covetousness; which I may go into more detail in the next post.
When temptation calls; flee.
Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Matthew 5:44-46 says
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.
Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.
The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.
Having personally lived with a brother that had such a lifestyle decades ago before coming to Christ has helped me gain further personal insight and experience on the subject. Such political incorrectness to those former associations and friendships in that community naturally denies those still in that lifestyle the benefit of hearing how God works to change the hearts ( Jeremiah 17:9) from wickedness to God's righteousness for those who have become true believers in Christ.
The church in general has had two responses to this issue; one which fits in increasingly with the gay community as well and the other which has some truth but has what seems to be a fundamental error. In terms of that second camp the preaching of homosexuality as a specific sin said to be an abomination instead is categorized as any other sin. Another problem is that of fitting in a life of celibacy as a whole with those who are "same sex attracted" and assuming that's enough rather than addressing the spiritual and other components that initiate such perverted desires in the first place. In tandem with that therefore we don't explain the alternative; which is a true Agape love among the brethren which is how we are to start to live the way we all are designed to do. Turning our affections on things above; of course is best implemented by seeing others do the same and once again those who used to live that way and are changed or detransitioned would be the best people who would be exemplary of that change and hence to follow. Therefore it involves not only redirecting our affections but allowing the Spirit to crucify the flesh which we all need to do as believers. The practical implications also need to be brought to light of those living deviant lifestyles as to the frequent rage and violence in such relationships; effects on children; etc. Suicide rates among the trans community is a prime example.
Romans 8:7 states:
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."
The next verse describes how we were yet sinners; or what Colossians 1:21 states in even harsher terms as "enemies of God."
Next time you hear someone talking about how loving we all should be ask them if they would be willing to die for their enemies who hate them. We hear a lot of talk these days about the love of God; usually reduced to some mushy sentimentality and hardly differentiated from human passions. First off; it is only a half truth to go around talking about God's love only when it happens to coincide with pleasant or pleasurable circumstances for people on earth. Yes God loved us when we were yet sinners but provided provision through the Son as His ONLY method to reconcile the enmity between us and Him due to indwelling sin. God cannot look upon sinful man and love Him in the state he is in but DESPITE the fact that he is in a lost state with a heart that is; according to Jeremiah 17:9 "desperately wicked". God's METHOD is by having the Son; for we either have the Son and therefore know God or we know neither (see 1 John 23:24). This involves the Father and Son coming to "dwell within us" ( John 14:23 which also implies the Holy Spirit sealing us until the day of redemption ( Eph. 4:30).
Those who would view Jesus as someone that is primarily promoting some sort of sentimental affection either is Biblically illiterate or willfully deceived. He talked about being a sword to divide families ( Matthew 10:34-36); rebuked the Pharisees harshly a number of times; destroyed the Temple moneychanger market at least twice; and challenged those who would feign to be His disciples but whose heart wasn't in it. He even rebuked His own disciples. This is demonstrating that true love in His own life was obeying God; and we are called to do the same for Christ ( John 14:23).
Many of these themes are interchangeable with the verses quoted. The terminology isn't the greatest; as people can indeed grieve the Spirit as scripture indicates. I believe limited atonement is also the hardest thing to prove; I would say that "Effectual grace" is a much better term.
I wrote what I did in the first posting on purpose as many tend to have a sort of pride about which Reformer is their favorite or obsess on the subject making a doctrine be above the author and finisher of our faith Christ Himself. We can't fit our theological premise neatly with all scriptures in human understanding. I take; for example the politically incorrect stance that free will doesn't intimidate God with His predestination plans. There are distinct advantages to understanding these doctrines however.
1. It explains why those in our families and others we are close to and hear the Gospel for years never become believers.
2. It shows how God draws His elect from before a confession of faith (preserves our lives until coming to salvation) for believers.
3. It allows us to "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith" ( 2 Cor. 13:5) so that we can indeed claim His promises as something we actually possess because of a saving faith rather than "decisional regeneration" a term where people make a confession but their hearts are not in it.
I mentioned on an old posting how a small group split because God grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25; etal). Some didn't want to preach the need to repent; although God grants the desire we must bear fruit and change our ways
Part 3.
WHAT MADE SABBATH "HOLY "
The essence of Sabbath-keeping was physical rest. In Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, the Sabbath command specifies rest from labor as the way to keep the day "holy." There is no mention of going to a worship service each Sabbath. Other passages in the Old Testament also define the Sabbath by rest, not by attendance at worship services. See Exodus 31:12-17, Numbers 15:32, Nehemiah 13:15-22 and Jeremiah 17:19-27. The latter two passages, though they refer to Jerusalem, do not mention anything about failure to attend worship services or "sacred assemblies," but only work on the Sabbath as a desecration of this day.
An interesting study is to look up the word "Sabbath" in a concordance, find all the Old Testament references and then read those passages to see how this day was kept "holy." The conclusion will be that rest from labor is what made the Sabbath sacred time, not attendance at a worship service. Most Israelites lived too far from the tabernacle to attend a worship service every Sabbath - and there is no evidence in the Old Testament that they did. And the law did not allow them to assemble anywhere else for worship. Nor do we find commands even for people near the Tabernacle that they had to gather for worship. The Sabbath was kept at home, by resting.
There is no mention in Old Testament passages that attending a worship service on the Sabbath is a way of keeping this day holy. The way the Sabbath was sanctified, made holy or set apart as sacred was through physical rest from labor. All the Old Testament references to Sabbath observance in Israel speak to this point. There is no Old Testament theology of weekly Sabbath holiness that centers around attendance at "holy convocations."
See Part 4.
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
First Timothy 5:24 states:
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
What is interesting is the next verse which contrasts this with good works that also become clear even if they start off being hidden.
The effects of sin are what is known as bad fruit. The cause of sin is of course from a corrupt and fallen nature (see Jeremiah 17:9 on the state of a human heart without saving grace).
James 3:6 states this:
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
This figurative expression no doubt will eventually lead to one's destruction in fire; as well as the destruction of the earth in like manner as we see stated in 2 Peter 3:10 and numerous other verses. God made everything good; but the fall of man led to death for all forms of life; as well as even the stars not being pure in His sight ( Job 25:5 seems to corroborate this with Job 15:15). He is going to create therefore a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells ( 2 Peter 3:13 and see Revelation 21 and 22.)
God had to bring a total cure for the total corruption in what was made originally pure in His sight (see Ecclesiastes 7:29). This brought Christ part of the Godhead to personally die as our atonement and also of course to restore all nature from the fall which consummates when He returns and eventually at the end of the Millennium when the last enemy death is destroyed ( 1 Cor. 15:26). Judgment comes to the angelic realm who fell after Lucifer's rebellion. Some have already been judged ( 1 Peter 3:19-20 also read book of Jude). The rest of mankind; of course lives on borrowed time and because God is patient to ensure all His elect come to Him people try to get away with all they can ( Ecclesiastes 8:11).
A spoonful of sugar won't help this medicine go down; God's love will
The following verse " Psalms 1:1-6 speaks volumes!
There's a lot of doctrine built around this.
Vs 3 "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.
(HIS LEAF SHALL NOT WITHER!
Forever being fruitful!)
Jeremiah 17:7-8 is another one that picks up on this.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, NEITHER SHALL CEASE FROM YIELDING FRUIT.
Jesus uses this idiom in John 7:37-39 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Also see John 4:10.
THANK GOD FOR HIS HOLYSPIRIT THAT SEALS AND GUIDES US!
Psalms 1:1-6.
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO: but are like the CHAFF which the wind driveth away.
THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT,
(They will have their own Judgment)
NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
(THE CHAFF IS NOT BINDING TO THE TREE AND HAS NO ROOTS AND NO FRUIT.)
More on the chaff. Matthew 3:11-12
Praise the Lord!
This is why Psalms 1:1 says "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.
God bless.
So, here are some passages to start you off, but in your reading of the Bible, God's Spirit will alert you to what you seek or even where some action needs to be taken in your own life.
For "Consequences", see: Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:16-19; Deuteronomy 28:1,2,15; 1 Kings 11:9-11; Job 4:8,9; Isaiah 59:2; Jeremiah 17:9,10; Matthew 27:3-5; Romans 6:23; Romans 13:4; Galatians 6:7,8; 1 Timothy 5:8; James 2:10; Revelation 20:12-15.
For "Correction", see: Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 29:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 12:5-11; Revelation 3:19.
These are just a very few Scriptures, reminding us that there will always be consequences for our actions, not just in our dealings with each other, but more importantly, as we stand before God. But this God of Love always gives sinful wayward man an escape route, from a life of sin to a life of holiness & love - and His Name is Jesus.
God is angry with the nations as well as individuals. Revelation 11:18 begins a discussion of God's wrath and it is accomplished when the winepress is trod alone by Christ ( Isaiah 63:3) which mirrors Armageddon as described in Revelation 19; but also the campaign of the Exekiel 38 war and the nations God destroys in the process.
In such a topic; of course we see other attributes of God balancing things such as wrath and anger with patience and longsuffering of the Lord; for instance. In all this discussion it is important to see how a balanced picture of our Lord brings a better focus as to who He is. We can't just focus on anger or there is no hope for His love; but the same holds true for those who only want to hear "encouraging" verses in scripture. As famously stated we either have all of Christ or we have in reality none of Him. We must take the whole counsel of the Word of God rather than cherry picking what we want as context gets thrown out the window at best with that mindset; and at worst whole doctrinal truths are cast aside. Such is the action of such deists as Benjamin Franklin apparently. The flesh really doesn't even comprehend God's love; for human love and its vicissitudes clearly can't be trusted ( Jeremiah 17:9) as our heart is desperately wicked and who can know it? God judges impartially and is not a "respecter of persons" ( Romans 2:11-16; Acts 10:34). He is entirely righteous and no one can argue with Him once judgment comes. As Psalm 2 states we should "kiss the Son" while He is in the way so that His anger doesn't make us perish (verse 12; loosely translated). God's terms are having Christ as our mediator and High Priest because He can't look upon sin ( Heb. 9:15; Habakkuk 1:13). God will thankfully bring His own people to completion and hence the new heaven and earth will have nations of righteous people serving God; both the survivors of the Tribulation and Resurrected/Raptured saints.
First of all music is basically more of a spiritual thing (whether good or bad) than anything else; no wonder with Lucifer's ministry as stated in Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28. God has used music to repel armies and send angelic hosts of protection through the songs in Psalms and other scriptures. I have put forth the concept of how ANY music that is secular CAN have a demonic attachment; the obvious being things that sound evil which of course set forth men on violent outbursts and perhaps the more dangerous being things that have hypnotic sounds; and/or cause feelings of love; suicide and other self destructive behavior. The allurement of humanism; and some sense that our affections apart from Christ are inherently good is something unregenerate man is drawn into and hence ensnared and powerful enough to drown men in perdition if they are not in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Our relationships of course manifest what seems right to a man (which of course leads to death). I had a dream that I want to incorporate into this concept. I believe that we can do no good and man is inherently evil but don't feel that I need to push it for God will reveal it to His own. The enemy; of course wants us to think we are missing out on something but always has some poison in with his temptations. What is truly sad is that God's pure and perfect love is dulled out in our minds when we chase these carrots. SOMETHING IS WRONG IN US if His presence isn't overwhelming our soul whenever we seek Him. Sadly that is my own experience.
Hope it was ok sharing some of this stuff. Be Ephesians 6 prepared this battlefield isn't child's play.
Agape.
To GIGI and anyone else praying for me; I just was released after admitting myself for Appendicitis Aug 11 today. The intense spiritual stuff going on in my subconscious and real life as well certainly made prayers appreciated.
I thought it would be prudent here to mention that many have indeed great caution with any medical establishments such as my friend that left the same hospital after he got some special treatment for COVID and after they told him he wouldn't survive it.
Certain places indeed have been so bad with either getting the wrong patient with ID mixed up and other terrible standards that I can see the reason for skepticism. Clearly in my case I needed the treatment I got; mainly afterwards to clear out the blocked colon. There were a few things I think were somewhat improperly done; but overall I have a newfound respect for the nurses in particular who have to juggle between many patients and remember all the details of the job; as well as must be there all hours to fill in; etc. Several individuals were Christians where I was; between one of the young medical student trainees who was willing to walk me as well as one patient and someone else who I asked sensing that they were a godly woman.
Mercifully my insurance covers enough so that I can get through payment (my parents will help). I am asking in prayer that my workplace can accommodate a few weeks without heavy lifting; not exactly sure deadline but one doctor said 6 weeks; when the surgeon has a follow up appointment he will discuss those things; that is my only restraint. I am sadly going to take a respite from by 2 Bible Studies for a month as well; the groups are quite small but people have great interest.
Looks like one or two folks have done some extended studies on this site when I was gone. Primarily understanding my own selfish nature after being hooked up to tubes and IV lines I realize that Christ alone is good in me. ( Jeremiah 17:9).
Continuing with the thought on deliverance; there are verses which state we are not to be hasty in laying on of hands with someone ( 1 Tim. 5:22). Obviously; the extended conversations with demons that are almost always on camera are not needed most of the time based on how Christ operated. It is often obvious this is for entertainment value; and certainly isn't helpful if someone is in need of deliverance to toy with the demons in them or keep them waiting. It is rare but not unheard of to see a person who is going through great grief be prayed for that is NOT possessed; or perhaps just oppressed.
If we look at the example of the parable of the seed and sower in Matthew 13:20 we see immediate joy at the Word without a root. Nonetheless we are to confess with our mouth AND believe in our heart that Christ is Lord; both mind and soul are involved. ( Romans 10:9). Since our heart is deceitful ( Jeremiah 17:9) above all things and desperately wicked; we need a new heart as Ezekiel 36:26 states. I have pointed out before that unless we realize that we are being delivered from an enmity with God we aren't going to be drawn toward Christ; we are going to shrink back and eventually fall away. ( Romans 8:7 as well as in many other passages!) BUT; as with anything else joy is the second attribute of good fruit that the Spirit MUST begin to place in our souls after love as the first ( Gal. 5:22). Note that the THIRD attribute is peace; so if we are truly saved we start to overcome fear; on the other hand there is no peace for the wicked. ( Isaiah 48:22; and other parts of Isaiah and Psalms; etc.)
Part of maturity in Christ is knowing the difference between spiritual fruit and our emotions. Seeing Paul's example of joy in extreme suffering certainly is a good example of this as well as Christ's love for us that He would suffer as He did to fulfill the Father's will.
Fellowship should balance mind and heart worship rightly