The fall of man: God's view of good and evil vs. man's
I will call this Part 2. A brief survey of scripture to the unenlightened easily could lead to the conclusion that the Lord is very schizophrenic; paranoid; moody and cruel along with many other apparently contradictory actions and behaviors. Let us approach this subject for a moment from that skeptical viewpoint. I expect the readers at this point to say what??? why??
Okay; let's think for a moment. Those who believe; and rightly so that God's Word is inspired and is useful for all things as 2 Tim. 3:16 says are able to take a framework of promises to believers and basic moral commands such as the 10 Commandments and more or less gain a perspective to the general laws which mankind is expected to adhere to and through that come up with a beginning knowledge of the lawgiver Himself; hopefully praising God as with Psalm 119 for His commandments and statutes; loving God and realizing that it is only in Him that we are able to fulfill these commands.
Well and good. But to avoid a merely surface level or Parasitical mindset we need to understand that we can't comprehend certain hidden things of the Lord as Deuteronomy 29:29 indicates. There are other verses that suggest ( Proverbs 25:2) kings and priests search these mysteries out at least to some extent. Okay back to the Atheist or skeptic.
Why does God care so much about a bird's nest to preserve it ( Deut. 22:6; a mother is not to be taken with her young); but then the Lord says to destroy men women and children ( Deut. 20:14) just two chapters before? Why does the Lord say let me alone that I may destroy these people and start a new generation with Moses ( Exodus 32:9-14) and yet He "repents" or changes His mind after Moses intercedes? The same sort of seemingly conflicted behavior occurs with Edom in the book of Hosea 8:8-11 in terms there of Ephriam where He seems to be unwilling to carry out the judgments in surrounding verses.
Hi Nath Oga: I understand that this kind of thing is very strong in the culture of your country. But God is an all powerful God and He can never be overcome by these people practicing demonic curses on you. However, if you want God to help you, you must be truly born again. You must have repented of your sins to Christ and Christ alone and that He is the only one you pray to and accept as your Sovereign God. No other persons must be prayed to or adored or worshiped. God and God alone. If you are born again through repentance by the divine blood of Jesus Christ and worship Him and Him alone, then He will fight this battle for you. If these people are saying curses over you then read scripture over them, not only scriptures of the power of God but also scripture of love and forgiveness. This is what the verses in Proverbs 25: 21-22 mean when we heap coals of fire on our enemies head. Do you understand that God is much greater and more powerful then these witches and warlocks? With God they have no power at all. If you have the Spirit of God in your life as a true believer these foolish people shouldn't even bother you. They have no power over you if you belong to God. I could give you tons of verses from God's true word, the King James 1611 Bible, that tell you this is so. I will give you a couple but it would be best if you searched some out for yourself. 2 Timothy 2:15.
Rebuke these people as Jesus did when the devil tried to tempt him while He was in the wilderness. Mathew 4: 1-11. Stand up to them with scripture but, also showing them love and kindness; the unconditional love of Christ. You do need to belong to Jesus for this to work for you. If you have become a new creature in CHRIST and CHRIST alone and God your Father and Jesus your Savior are the only ones you pray to then, be brave, be strong and trust God with your whole heart, soul and mind and He will send these demonic people out of your life and they will leave you alone.
Christ's ultimate sacrifice: Primary purpose was to do God's will.
In studying Christ's death on the cross and the resulting salvation of our souls it is no small thing to focus attention and time on such a matter on a regular basis. At least from our perspective the meaning to us personally must be considered with all due reverence for how He took us from death to life. John 17:6-8 makes clear that God was the one who gave Christ all the ones who were to be saved. The following verses ask for unity among them all; and to be in the world but not of it (in general). These verses prayed during His agony in Gethsemane are the summation of much of the earlier chapters in John clearly showing that God was the one who predetermined (predestined) all those who would be saved and hear His voice as His sheep.
However you slice it; there are some who will and will not come to Christ. Also God knows ahead of time who these people are so therefore certainly could have designated ahead of time who would be sheep and who would be a goat; who would be wheat and who a tare; etc. In other words; it wasn't up to Christ to give out any information that could lead someone to the truth in a merely intellectual manner and therefore much of His ministry was spent teaching in parables. Compare Mark 4:12 with Luke 8:12. The lack of insight given so that people can be saved is clear from the first passage; but Satan is used as the agent to blind men's hearts in the second example in Luke of the seed by the wayside.
There are as Deuteronomy 29:29 states some things in the Divine counsel which men are not privy to. Certain things can be searched out; however ( Proverbs 25:2). John 3:16 states that God so loved the world and sent His Son. We should keep in mind here that Christ came first and foremost to do the Father's will. All those called and chosen would be saved EXCEPT for the prophesied son of perdition (see Psalm 69:25; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 109).
It most definitely did, thank you so much.! How you explained the splinter/beam analogy was awesome. I had never heard it put that way, Amazing.! I knew about 1 Cor 2 yet obviously took it the wrong way and I will use this or yours, if I may, about being a 'fruit inspector'..lol. Yes, I've read we are to take any concern of wrong doing in an order by talking to said person (which rarely works) 1st then to the church. I learned Proverbs 25:8-9 first hand that "If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another's confidence, 10 or the one who hears it may shame you & the charge against you will stand". Because my daughters dad twisted everything. So now I can say first hand why Acts 5:29 says "We must obey God not man". The pain is far worse doing it mans way. I think it was 1 Cor 4:4 that gave me the idea we had the right to judge spiritually so obviously learned it wrong as well. Your a blessing, thank you Jesse. Was fixen to get back on here yet getting a job 3rd shift so may not. God bless & be w/you and yours.!
1 John 2:19Ephesians 4:14 these apostates took over the ministry of Christ, the Gifts, Ephesians 4:11 & has raise of a ministry & sanctuary that of this world, all saying here is Christ & there is Christ. All in the lust 1John 2:16 some more some less, but a little leaven, leavens the whole lump, there are over 45,000 different favors/sect's of Christianity world wide, is Christ divide?
The Church in is first pure innocent primitive state Acts 4:32 fulfilling Ephesians 4:12,13, & would have remain so, excepting for God in His infinite Wisdom choses otherwise, Rev 13:7
The work of the Ephesians 4:11 first is to point them to Christ within them, their Isa 9:6, then to become servants to His Body, the Church. John 13:13-16, then at the appointed time of the Father, proving themselves faithful to the ministry they have received, Act 6:2 God gave them an increase, in rewards to their faithfulness to Him. Read on there & see the increase they received multiplied.
Jesus said, Luke 17:21Ephesians 4:4-7 all pointing to God within them. All of this is not figuratively, but a spiritual reality to be lived, known & felt in the heart.
In Revelation we find the Spirit of the Lord is Crying out to His people Rev 18:4 connecting 2Cor 6:14-18, I ask you who will hear His Call & if required of them to sell all that he has to follow Jesus & to forsake all that he believes that's contrary to Holy Spirit teaching, Matt 7:14 For surely the teaching in Babylon is the same as the devil taught in Eden, Genesis 3, they too being evasive, twisting God's word to their own 2Pet 3:16
I suppose this post has been up; I didn't know my opinion was of interest-seems like Gigi did an extensive one; and "ontological" is beyond my "pay grade" in terms of scientific vocabulary.
I tried to start responding and as always my extra tabs wiped out the page. Anyway; it is somewhat heartening that you seem to know the Lord.
Starting off here; I'm too lazy to once again get all the exact quotes. Roughly speaking I was going to say that in Psalm 139 we are said to be "fearfully and wonderfully made." In Ecclesiastes 7:29 the "uprightness" of man is mentioned but that he goes astray for "many inventions". A big point many make is about the age of accountability. I can't see how anyone is lost forever in condemnation without understanding some basic things about sin and punishment which probably begins with child rearing. David's quote about the child that died seems to indicate a certainty that he will see him someday but not until he dies ( 2 Samuel 12:23).
Sin; death and decay (as brought up through the concept of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics) really can't be explained other than it happens; much like concepts like gravity. I would say simply the spirit of a man lives foreever; whether in restored (saved) condition or lost. Man would have lived forever in an "innocent" state if he hadn't sinned. This would not have enabled him to rule and reign with Christ as we can now; nor fulfilled His plans for free agents in the spirit realm to choose to rebel or remain with Him in their "proper estate". ( Jude 1:6). Whether we understand sin as we get older we see more and more of the effects. God has designed this world to unwind; and eventually be destroyed and replaced with a new heaven and earth. Things in the sovereignty of God ( Deut. 29:29) remain there at least this side of eternity. Proverbs 25:2 states that kings have some things revealed which may suggest as "kings and priests" in Him some understanding comes. We are not God who knows all.
You may be referring to Proverbs 25:20-21 "As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that sings songs to an heavy heart," "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty give him water to drink:" Proverbs 25:22 "For thou shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and LORD shall reward thee."
Also James 2:15-17 "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." + James 2:18-20 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one GOD; Thou doest well: The devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
Chris and Duncan gave great answers but I felt led to add these. Sometimes actions can lead to joy more than words.
Let us start this commentary on verse 14. We are reminded here of the verse in Deuteronomy 29:29 about the secret things of the Lord that we are NOT to know. There are other verses that state what is seemingly the opposite (namely; Proverbs 25:2) which states that it is the honor of kings for such matters to be revealed. Since we are "kings and priests" in the Lord; therefore we are given some comprehension of such mysteries. ( Rev. 5:10).
Two major themes here relate to the fear of the Lord (in the verses 12-14) and not harboring sins (verses 1-7). Meek individuals (verse 8) remind us of the verse in the Gospels stating that the "meek shall inherit the earth" ( Matthew 5:5). Verse 10 also brings up the concept of those keeping His covenant (not stated which covenant) as well as those who keep "his testimonies." Obviously; the word of our testimony ( Rev. 12:11) is vital which involves confessing with our mouth as well as our heart. Trust is also a theme here of importance (verse 2 as well as verse 20). The last verse talks of Israel as a whole; which in context could refer to David's descendants or the eventual plan at the end of the age where it is restored to the position originally intended.
Finally; patience in waiting on God is noted in verses 5 and 21. There are numerous references in scripture on that subject as a fruit; as one type of crown being given as a reward for those who wait patiently for the coming of the Lord ( James 5:7; etal). When we see such great wickedness around today such as was in the time of Lot and Noah we need to keep in focus the big picture.
Romans 12:20 comes from Proverbs 25:21-22. Romans 12:9-21 should be taken together and this section has to do with participation in our interaction with others. It gives us 13 precepts of love. The principle is given to us in Romans 12:9 which says, let love be without dissimulation. What in the world is that?
First of all, notice that the word "Let" is in italics. So we can scratch that. There's no command here. And the word dissimulation is the old English word for hypocrisy. There are only three words here, Love without hypocrisy. That's all it says. It's a statement of fact. Love is without hypocrisy.
And the Greek word for hypocrisy (HUPOCRISIS) is a word for an actor who is speaking according to the script. So, love doesn't have hypocrisy in it at all. There's no acting in love. You're either the real thing or you're not. You either have Christ in you or you don't. Love, (Agape love) is without hypocrisy. There's no acting. It's the real thing!
So when you get down to Romans 12:20, it says, "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."
Have you ever had an enemy, someone that just hated you, maybe in school? And every time they needed something, can you imagine what their reaction would be when every time they needed something, you helped them out! They say, "Yeah, but I can't stand you and I treat you terrible every time I see you." But you say, That's okay! Do you need some water?" You can just see the steam from the coals!
Interestingly in Michigan the Northern winds blow, it feels like bitter coldness inside, freezing your nose inside like icicles, even through your clothing layers. In Southern California when the " Santa Ana winds" dry & hot, dusty, both very district & unpleasant. The winds that blow East from the Pacific Ocean even summertime bring cool, unpleasant chills as early evening approaches. Etc. (In some personal observation of distinct winds.)
Praying For The Blessing on This Nation - 2 years ago
Amos 4:7
And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained NOT WITHERED.
Isaiah 5:6
And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.
Job 38:34
Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? [Read whole chapter]
Psalms 105:32
He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.
Proverbs 25:23
The north wind driveth away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Job 24:19
Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so does the grave, those which have sinned.
Job 37:6
For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but water the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Proverbs 30:4
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is HIS name, and what is his SON'S name, if thou canst tell?
2 Chronicles 7:14
IF MY PEOPLE, which are called by my name, SHALL HUMBLE themselves, and pray, and seek MY FACE (not my hand), and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
NOTE: our nation is in severe drought.
One rogue lightning storm can set dry forests on fire. Pray every day for refreshing to come again.
No rain, no harvests, less food, even higher food prices at the store.
Chastening does not always come as punishment for sins. Job was not being punished for sins when he endured great trials and suffering. Chastening is for correction, for rebuke, for correction, and for instruction. The Lord breaks all born-again believers as part of the growth process.
John 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
As Christians grow and begin to bear fruit the Lord purges us so that we may bring forth more fruit.
Once we begin to gain more victory over besetting sins after we are saved then we become prepared for the next step of Christian growth, which is the refiner's fire.
Proverbs 25:4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
Daniel, thank u !! You are absolutely right! I just loveJesus so much I may get over zealous sometime, I am working on proficiency, & I believe Jesus has opened a door that no man can shut! I appreciate your time very muchAll Praises To The Most High Jesus The Holy Spirit
Ty, thank u!!! Yes they were screenshots! I was showing occult symbols like the ones Freemasons are associated with, how the occult uses non verbal communication. I've been posting about the Anti christ & how the whole world (all religions) are looking for a savior & all this "order out of chaos" & war will come the man of perdition to bring " peace & safety" ( which will be a lie) I take screenshots then put scriptures on them Ty, I appreciate your time! All Praises To The Most High JesusThe Holy Spirit
Christians have been persecuted anywhere in which the Gospel is preached. Now, there are two things to take into consideration:
1. Is Social Media a healthy environment/platform for Christians?
Answer (which is an opinion): Social media is one of the most toxic environments Christians can immerse themselves in. In times past, other generations warned of some of the secular programming on TV. The same came when internet became more widely available. The same should be said of social media. Not everyone who claim to be saved on social media is and by disclosing your private life to the public; it allows the wicked on social media to use your own person against you without knowing you. The best platform for evangelizing or exercising any form of the great commission would be to meet with a physical local group of Christians to reach the lost.
2. If used (Social Media) , have you tried creating a private group and filtering those who join & limiting posts to be previewed before posting? These are options to take into consideration. You can create a group but you'd need to become a page monitor to filter out people/posts which would cause conflict or lack of fellowship.
3. Censorship in Social Media?
Christ says we're not of the world and the world hates us (paraphrased). That said, social media was designed to glamorize the flesh and seek virtue signaling for favor and self indulgence ("likes" for praise). Now, Facebook operates by what the secular world also deems as politically correct. Therefore, any multitude of Bible verses or entire chapters would offend unbelievers or lukewarm "christians." For example, can you imagine what a secular Facebook moderator would do if they read Romans chapter 1? Social media belongs to the world and they'll censor anything that goes against the new corrupt views of the world. If you're banned...maybe it's time to reconsider where you outreach to Christians.
Hello brothers and sisters, I just wanted to share with you, as of now, Instagram is blocking & removing my content. I posts scripture from this site, the KJV, daily, & they will not allow me to do so anymore. I only have 18 followers lol . Anyways, stand firm til the end! We are going back home! All Praises to The Most HighJesus The Holy Spirit
2 Samuel 9, 2 Samuel 9:3, established honesty, trust & had already served King Saul. Vrs 9-12 established obedience & service to King David & even his own "all that dwelt in his house" became servant to whom King David told him to serve.
2 Samuel 16:1-4, it was Ziba who met King David while David was in exile with gifts of provision during such a humbling moment ( 2Samuel 15,) 2 Samuel 19:17, 2 Samuel 19:24-30,
He divided what was Saul's originally 2 Samuel 9:9-10,
Hopefully this is helpful in your study. Proverbs 25:2
This may actually be the differences in calendar years. I have recently been learning the differences in calendars. Todays USA calendar is different from the Jewish calendar, & even the Jewish calendar is different than originally. Hopefully that's helpful.
I will call this Part 2. A brief survey of scripture to the unenlightened easily could lead to the conclusion that the Lord is very schizophrenic; paranoid; moody and cruel along with many other apparently contradictory actions and behaviors. Let us approach this subject for a moment from that skeptical viewpoint. I expect the readers at this point to say what??? why??
Okay; let's think for a moment. Those who believe; and rightly so that God's Word is inspired and is useful for all things as 2 Tim. 3:16 says are able to take a framework of promises to believers and basic moral commands such as the 10 Commandments and more or less gain a perspective to the general laws which mankind is expected to adhere to and through that come up with a beginning knowledge of the lawgiver Himself; hopefully praising God as with Psalm 119 for His commandments and statutes; loving God and realizing that it is only in Him that we are able to fulfill these commands.
Well and good. But to avoid a merely surface level or Parasitical mindset we need to understand that we can't comprehend certain hidden things of the Lord as Deuteronomy 29:29 indicates. There are other verses that suggest ( Proverbs 25:2) kings and priests search these mysteries out at least to some extent. Okay back to the Atheist or skeptic.
Why does God care so much about a bird's nest to preserve it ( Deut. 22:6; a mother is not to be taken with her young); but then the Lord says to destroy men women and children ( Deut. 20:14) just two chapters before? Why does the Lord say let me alone that I may destroy these people and start a new generation with Moses ( Exodus 32:9-14) and yet He "repents" or changes His mind after Moses intercedes? The same sort of seemingly conflicted behavior occurs with Edom in the book of Hosea 8:8-11 in terms there of Ephriam where He seems to be unwilling to carry out the judgments in surrounding verses.
Rebuke these people as Jesus did when the devil tried to tempt him while He was in the wilderness. Mathew 4: 1-11. Stand up to them with scripture but, also showing them love and kindness; the unconditional love of Christ. You do need to belong to Jesus for this to work for you. If you have become a new creature in CHRIST and CHRIST alone and God your Father and Jesus your Savior are the only ones you pray to then, be brave, be strong and trust God with your whole heart, soul and mind and He will send these demonic people out of your life and they will leave you alone.
Luke 26:69/ Exodus 3:14.
In studying Christ's death on the cross and the resulting salvation of our souls it is no small thing to focus attention and time on such a matter on a regular basis. At least from our perspective the meaning to us personally must be considered with all due reverence for how He took us from death to life. John 17:6-8 makes clear that God was the one who gave Christ all the ones who were to be saved. The following verses ask for unity among them all; and to be in the world but not of it (in general). These verses prayed during His agony in Gethsemane are the summation of much of the earlier chapters in John clearly showing that God was the one who predetermined (predestined) all those who would be saved and hear His voice as His sheep.
However you slice it; there are some who will and will not come to Christ. Also God knows ahead of time who these people are so therefore certainly could have designated ahead of time who would be sheep and who would be a goat; who would be wheat and who a tare; etc. In other words; it wasn't up to Christ to give out any information that could lead someone to the truth in a merely intellectual manner and therefore much of His ministry was spent teaching in parables. Compare Mark 4:12 with Luke 8:12. The lack of insight given so that people can be saved is clear from the first passage; but Satan is used as the agent to blind men's hearts in the second example in Luke of the seed by the wayside.
There are as Deuteronomy 29:29 states some things in the Divine counsel which men are not privy to. Certain things can be searched out; however ( Proverbs 25:2). John 3:16 states that God so loved the world and sent His Son. We should keep in mind here that Christ came first and foremost to do the Father's will. All those called and chosen would be saved EXCEPT for the prophesied son of perdition (see Psalm 69:25; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 109).
1 John 2:19 Ephesians 4:14 these apostates took over the ministry of Christ, the Gifts, Ephesians 4:11 & has raise of a ministry & sanctuary that of this world, all saying here is Christ & there is Christ. All in the lust 1John 2:16 some more some less, but a little leaven, leavens the whole lump, there are over 45,000 different favors/sect's of Christianity world wide, is Christ divide?
The Church in is first pure innocent primitive state Acts 4:32 fulfilling Ephesians 4:12,13, & would have remain so, excepting for God in His infinite Wisdom choses otherwise, Rev 13:7
The work of the Ephesians 4:11 first is to point them to Christ within them, their Isa 9:6, then to become servants to His Body, the Church. John 13:13-16, then at the appointed time of the Father, proving themselves faithful to the ministry they have received, Act 6:2 God gave them an increase, in rewards to their faithfulness to Him. Read on there & see the increase they received multiplied.
Jesus said, Luke 17:21 Ephesians 4:4-7 all pointing to God within them. All of this is not figuratively, but a spiritual reality to be lived, known & felt in the heart.
In Revelation we find the Spirit of the Lord is Crying out to His people Rev 18:4 connecting 2Cor 6:14-18, I ask you who will hear His Call & if required of them to sell all that he has to follow Jesus & to forsake all that he believes that's contrary to Holy Spirit teaching, Matt 7:14 For surely the teaching in Babylon is the same as the devil taught in Eden, Genesis 3, they too being evasive, twisting God's word to their own 2Pet 3:16
Consider these things, Proverbs 25:2
James 1:5, Proverbs 25:2,
Hopefully these are helpful
I tried to start responding and as always my extra tabs wiped out the page. Anyway; it is somewhat heartening that you seem to know the Lord.
Starting off here; I'm too lazy to once again get all the exact quotes. Roughly speaking I was going to say that in Psalm 139 we are said to be "fearfully and wonderfully made." In Ecclesiastes 7:29 the "uprightness" of man is mentioned but that he goes astray for "many inventions". A big point many make is about the age of accountability. I can't see how anyone is lost forever in condemnation without understanding some basic things about sin and punishment which probably begins with child rearing. David's quote about the child that died seems to indicate a certainty that he will see him someday but not until he dies ( 2 Samuel 12:23).
Sin; death and decay (as brought up through the concept of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics) really can't be explained other than it happens; much like concepts like gravity. I would say simply the spirit of a man lives foreever; whether in restored (saved) condition or lost. Man would have lived forever in an "innocent" state if he hadn't sinned. This would not have enabled him to rule and reign with Christ as we can now; nor fulfilled His plans for free agents in the spirit realm to choose to rebel or remain with Him in their "proper estate". ( Jude 1:6). Whether we understand sin as we get older we see more and more of the effects. God has designed this world to unwind; and eventually be destroyed and replaced with a new heaven and earth. Things in the sovereignty of God ( Deut. 29:29) remain there at least this side of eternity. Proverbs 25:2 states that kings have some things revealed which may suggest as "kings and priests" in Him some understanding comes. We are not God who knows all.
Also James 2:15-17 "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." + James 2:18-20 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one GOD; Thou doest well: The devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
Chris and Duncan gave great answers but I felt led to add these. Sometimes actions can lead to joy more than words.
Let us start this commentary on verse 14. We are reminded here of the verse in Deuteronomy 29:29 about the secret things of the Lord that we are NOT to know. There are other verses that state what is seemingly the opposite (namely; Proverbs 25:2) which states that it is the honor of kings for such matters to be revealed. Since we are "kings and priests" in the Lord; therefore we are given some comprehension of such mysteries. ( Rev. 5:10).
Two major themes here relate to the fear of the Lord (in the verses 12-14) and not harboring sins (verses 1-7). Meek individuals (verse 8) remind us of the verse in the Gospels stating that the "meek shall inherit the earth" ( Matthew 5:5). Verse 10 also brings up the concept of those keeping His covenant (not stated which covenant) as well as those who keep "his testimonies." Obviously; the word of our testimony ( Rev. 12:11) is vital which involves confessing with our mouth as well as our heart. Trust is also a theme here of importance (verse 2 as well as verse 20). The last verse talks of Israel as a whole; which in context could refer to David's descendants or the eventual plan at the end of the age where it is restored to the position originally intended.
Finally; patience in waiting on God is noted in verses 5 and 21. There are numerous references in scripture on that subject as a fruit; as one type of crown being given as a reward for those who wait patiently for the coming of the Lord ( James 5:7; etal). When we see such great wickedness around today such as was in the time of Lot and Noah we need to keep in focus the big picture.
Romans 12:20 comes from Proverbs 25:21-22. Romans 12:9-21 should be taken together and this section has to do with participation in our interaction with others. It gives us 13 precepts of love. The principle is given to us in Romans 12:9 which says, let love be without dissimulation. What in the world is that?
First of all, notice that the word "Let" is in italics. So we can scratch that. There's no command here. And the word dissimulation is the old English word for hypocrisy. There are only three words here, Love without hypocrisy. That's all it says. It's a statement of fact. Love is without hypocrisy.
And the Greek word for hypocrisy (HUPOCRISIS) is a word for an actor who is speaking according to the script. So, love doesn't have hypocrisy in it at all. There's no acting in love. You're either the real thing or you're not. You either have Christ in you or you don't. Love, (Agape love) is without hypocrisy. There's no acting. It's the real thing!
So when you get down to Romans 12:20, it says, "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."
Have you ever had an enemy, someone that just hated you, maybe in school? And every time they needed something, can you imagine what their reaction would be when every time they needed something, you helped them out! They say, "Yeah, but I can't stand you and I treat you terrible every time I see you." But you say, That's okay! Do you need some water?" You can just see the steam from the coals!
North, South East & West, examples: Ezekiel 37:9, Revelation 7:1, Job 37:9,
East Wind; Genesis 41:6,23,27, Exodus 10:13, Exodus 14:21, Psalms 48:7, Isaiah 27:8, Jeremiah 18:17, Ezekiel 17:10, Ezekiel 19:12, Hosea 13:15,
West Wind; Exodus 10:19,
North Wind; Proverbs 25:23,
South Wind, Job 37:17, Luke 12:55, Acts 27:13,
Psalms 78:26, Ecclesiastes 1:6, Jeremiah 10:13, Jeremiah 51:16, Amos 4:13,
Interestingly in Michigan the Northern winds blow, it feels like bitter coldness inside, freezing your nose inside like icicles, even through your clothing layers. In Southern California when the " Santa Ana winds" dry & hot, dusty, both very district & unpleasant. The winds that blow East from the Pacific Ocean even summertime bring cool, unpleasant chills as early evening approaches. Etc. (In some personal observation of distinct winds.)
Hopefully these are helpful
And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained NOT WITHERED.
Isaiah 5:6
And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.
Job 38:34
Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? [Read whole chapter]
Psalms 105:32
He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.
Proverbs 25:23
The north wind driveth away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Job 24:19
Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so does the grave, those which have sinned.
Job 37:6
For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but water the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Proverbs 30:4
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is HIS name, and what is his SON'S name, if thou canst tell?
2 Chronicles 7:14
IF MY PEOPLE, which are called by my name, SHALL HUMBLE themselves, and pray, and seek MY FACE (not my hand), and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
NOTE: our nation is in severe drought.
One rogue lightning storm can set dry forests on fire. Pray every day for refreshing to come again.
No rain, no harvests, less food, even higher food prices at the store.
Streetpreacher
John 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
As Christians grow and begin to bear fruit the Lord purges us so that we may bring forth more fruit.
Once we begin to gain more victory over besetting sins after we are saved then we become prepared for the next step of Christian growth, which is the refiner's fire.
Proverbs 25:4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
Christians have been persecuted anywhere in which the Gospel is preached. Now, there are two things to take into consideration:
1. Is Social Media a healthy environment/platform for Christians?
Answer (which is an opinion): Social media is one of the most toxic environments Christians can immerse themselves in. In times past, other generations warned of some of the secular programming on TV. The same came when internet became more widely available. The same should be said of social media. Not everyone who claim to be saved on social media is and by disclosing your private life to the public; it allows the wicked on social media to use your own person against you without knowing you. The best platform for evangelizing or exercising any form of the great commission would be to meet with a physical local group of Christians to reach the lost.
2. If used (Social Media) , have you tried creating a private group and filtering those who join & limiting posts to be previewed before posting? These are options to take into consideration. You can create a group but you'd need to become a page monitor to filter out people/posts which would cause conflict or lack of fellowship.
3. Censorship in Social Media?
Christ says we're not of the world and the world hates us (paraphrased). That said, social media was designed to glamorize the flesh and seek virtue signaling for favor and self indulgence ("likes" for praise). Now, Facebook operates by what the secular world also deems as politically correct. Therefore, any multitude of Bible verses or entire chapters would offend unbelievers or lukewarm "christians." For example, can you imagine what a secular Facebook moderator would do if they read Romans chapter 1? Social media belongs to the world and they'll censor anything that goes against the new corrupt views of the world. If you're banned...maybe it's time to reconsider where you outreach to Christians.
Did you post screenshots? If so, do they contain the website address as seen at the top of your screen? If so, it could be this simple.
Otherwise, someone would have reported you, to which you can respond and request a review of your account. Hope this helps!
Don't give in that easy!
Ty
Praying Proverbs 25:11
2 Samuel 16:1-4, it was Ziba who met King David while David was in exile with gifts of provision during such a humbling moment ( 2Samuel 15,) 2 Samuel 19:17, 2 Samuel 19:24-30,
He divided what was Saul's originally 2 Samuel 9:9-10,
Hopefully this is helpful in your study. Proverbs 25:2
Proverbs 25:2
Proverbs 2:4
Matthew 13:11