Home » Discussion Area » Coffee Break » Bulletin Board
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6904 is a reply to message #6836] |
Tue, 02 March 2010 11:32   |
 james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.
And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth;
and some to honor, and some to dishonor.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor,
sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." ~II Tim.2:19-21
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6941 is a reply to message #6904] |
Sat, 06 March 2010 14:30 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Living a sober life...
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience." ~ Titus 2:1-2
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" ~ Titus 2:11-12
Paul is instructing Titus to set in order the things that are wanting in the lives of the Christians in the area of Crete. And there are several things that he is pointing out besides being sober minded,(temperate, sound in faith, grave, patient, discreet, chaste, gentle, meek, guarding of the tongue, and zealous).
Also he points out the things in their lives that was sin and needed to be repented of...greed, vain talking, deceptions, disobedience, foolish, serving divers lusts and pleasures, contentions, striving about the law, envious of one another, and having hate in their hearts towards each other.
Paul says that many of these sins were in many Christians lives before salvation, BUT, he says that after God saved them there was changes, no longer were they caught up in the ways of the world.
"But after that the kindness and the love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" ~ Titus 3:4-6
The transformation of our minds is not an over night happening, it takes disiplined study of The Word (II Tim.2:15); a yeilded and obedient heart; prayer time with The Lord; and time. There's a difference between living a sober minded life and being the life of the party type individual. Vain babblings, foolish gesting, scoffing, mocking, striving and critizing others, always casting doubts, these things ought not to be named amongest Christians.
This was written almost 2,000 years ago, yet the problem is as prevalent today as then. And how much closer are we to the return of Jesus than they were? It's a time to be sober minded, serious about the things of God, preparing for and focused on, the Kingdom of God...not this kingdom of man on earth.
"But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." ~ II Tim. 2:23-26
We see by these last scriptures that it is possible to receive repentance and to get out of the snare that Satan has caught people in...people who are 'opposing themselves'. How? Repent and start acknowledging/obeying/living the truth...which is?
LIVE SOBERLY...
[Updated on: Sat, 06 March 2010 18:12]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
| |
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6992 is a reply to message #6991] |
Mon, 22 March 2010 19:07 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
A promise from God, based on repentance...
After Solomon had finished building the temple he then consecrated and dedicated it unto The Lord with an offering, prayer, and a feast.(I Kings 8 and II Chronicles 6-7) Afterward The Lord appeared unto Solomon by night and gave him this promise.
"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:13-14
In I Kings 9 there is more scripture given where God was talking to Solomon and warning if Israel failed to obey and walk in the way God had commanded.
" But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:
Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people." I Kings 9:6-7
I believe these commandments and promises given by God to Israel are applicable to us today here in America. We as a nation, have forsaken God, including much of the religious system. Is there hope, has God grown tired of the rebellion and disobedience? I don't think so for America the nation, I believe this country's demise is eminent, but I believe as Christians we should continue to pray, and especially for 'the church'. God's will will be done, both in heaven as well as on earth, we're witnessing the unfolding of prophecies made thousands of years ago. And just as with Israel, who turned from God and paid the price, so has America turned. God knew Israel would rebel and turn their backs on Him, does He know that America will as well?
God offered them a promise, based on repentance, and they refused to turn...what will America do with that choice? Repent or receive the wrath of God.
Do we care enough to stand in the gap? Are our houses in order? Are we really overcomers? Do we really have the FAITH that God said He would be seeking when He returned? Are we the five wise virgins who are ever watching and ready with our lamps lite and extra oil in reserve? Or are we caught up in our day to day lives as were those in the days of Noah? The fire can be rekindled, but it will require us seeking Him with our whole hearts. Today if we hear His voice, may we not harden our hearts.
[Updated on: Mon, 22 March 2010 20:40]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
| |
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #6998 is a reply to message #4564] |
Sat, 27 March 2010 15:40 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Unity, or Deception?
It seems to me that today more and more professing Christians are crossing denominational lines(for lack of a better word).
I see many people partaking of Lent(non-Catholics), Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglicans, Episcopalians all have some form of 'self-denial' leading up to what they celebrate as Easter. It's odd, that if you talk with a person from these denominations, they'll denounce everything Catholic, yet they join in with them with these practices.
Someone I know has given up chocolate and Cokes for 40 days to 'show' Jesus that she wants to sacrifice like He did.....(and she ain't Catholic, and is quick to point out their faults such as praying to Mary and works salvation)
Also there seems to be a 'move' among many to identify with Israel by starting to celebrate the Jewish Feast as decribed in the OT. I see Yeshua used a lot more as well as Shalom in peoples conversations, people who aren't Jewish. A return to Levitical laws on what to eat and sacrifices...People who profess to have been set free of the Law by The shed Blood of Jesus Christ, being deceived into returning to the bondage of the Law.
Why do we see this going on in these end times? Is it the desire to serve God, or is it a desire for 'unity' and an unwillingness to stand firm in what God has shown in His Word. (btw: I'm not saying it's wrong at all to use the word Yeshua when speaking of Jesus, but why start using Hebrew and Greek when confering with English speaking brethren? It's almost like if a person says they serve 'Yeshua' rather than saying 'Jesus', it puts them on a higher spiritual plane.)
Even today I experienced a 'little spiritual jab' concerning the celebration of Easter, as well as an admonition about being negative concerning America(with hands on hips, I was informed how great this country is), I meekly replied that while I am thankful to live here, America is no longer <if ever> a 'great' country, that in fact America is an extremely evil country and that God is going to judge her <america>. Patriotism is a very strong spirit, with strongholds in many, many Christians lives.
Opps, that's being negative...What sayeth the scriptures? Prophesy unto us good things <tickle our ears>...OK, JESUS IS COMING SOON, He's coming for a bride that is ready, one without spot or blimish, one that has obeyed His commandment to come out from among the 'religious, institutional, traditional, false church' and be separate unto Him...a member of His Kingdom, not the kingdom of this earth. HE LOVES US...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7018 is a reply to message #6998] |
Fri, 02 April 2010 12:58 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom.5:8
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom.8:1
"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Psalms 103:1
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7020 is a reply to message #6998] |
Sat, 03 April 2010 12:53 |
sparkles
Messages: 246
Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
|
|
James said:
"It seems to me that today more and more professing Christians are crossing denominational lines(for lack of a better word).
I see many people partaking of Lent(non-Catholics), Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglicans, Episcopalians all have some form of 'self-denial' leading up to what they celebrate as Easter. It's odd, that if you talk with a person from these denominations, they'll denounce everything Catholic, yet they join in with them with these practices."
I sure do agree with your statement James. Too bad our politicians don't learn to do what the churches do, and reach across party lines to compromise the good of the country. But these things must happen with the division and strife so all will be in place for Anti-Christ to make his entrance.
Where I work there are also non catholics giving(at least trying) to give things up for Lent. Some of us went out to eat yesterday and there were a few Catholics that didn't go because it was "Good Friday" and they couldn't eat meat, and others that went just had the fish off the prime rib/pizza buffet. I wonder what they would think if they knew of the paganness of Easter?
It seems like there is so little discernment today in the churches, where it has become a country club atmosphere. The kids have their game rooms and big TV's and couches so they can hang out and play. The adults have their loud rock and roll music that they call "worship" music, and they also have their coffee shops in the church.
The false teaching of the Emergent Church seems to be growing daily, and people like Rick Warren have deceived multitudes.
We have books like "The Shack," "Velvet Elvis," "Forty Days of Purpose," books on the Emergent Church, false prophets writing books, false Apostles, seed faith teaching, karate in the churches, yoga being taught, and a multitude of other errors and deceptions that is doing nothing but desensitizing people to the Word of God and the way Jesus told us to walk. People are encouraged to get involved in social justice issues and politics, instead of being encouraged to be separate from this world and serve God and prepare for the soon return of Jesus.
And I suppose one of the saddest things is the way churches are not speaking out against heresy and deceptions, but embracing the Catholic Church, one of the biggest cults in the world, who have robbed untold multitudes of salvation in Christ. There is abuse in many churches because we will always have the wheats and tares together, and the devil is more than willing to plant someone to bring reproach on the name of Christ, but the sexual abuse we have heard about in the Catholic church is astounding. Could part of the problem be that they are commanding their people to not marry, which is in direct violation of scripture? A church my friend use to go to thanked God for the Pope when he died a few years ago, and thanked the Lord that the pope was in heaven. And then prayed that God would give us a charasmatic pope to replace the other one. What are these so called conservative churches thinking?
May God open all our eyes to the deceptions out there, but even more, help us to walk in truth we have been given over the years, and all the truth contained in the Word of God.
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7022 is a reply to message #7020] |
Tue, 06 April 2010 14:46 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid them." Rom. 16:17
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7029 is a reply to message #7022] |
Thu, 08 April 2010 14:32 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Just a reminder, lest through the deceptions of the enemy we become lax and content, comparing ourselves to the worlds standard rather than Gods. We know it takes time for fruit to mature, but if through self-examination, we find a lack of godly fruit coming to maturity in our lives, maybe we aren't obeying God's Word that tells us to live and walk in the Spirit, to crucify the flesh, stop seeking vain glory, and don't provoke or envy one another.
If we can't guard our tongues and control our words, and find ourselves repeatedly injuring fellow Christians, to think we're followers of Christ could be a deception. Rather than blindly continuing down the same path that hasn't brought the desired results after 30 plus years, maybe it would be good to get alone with God and seek His wisdom and understanding on how to correct the problem.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." Galatians 5:22-26
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7032 is a reply to message #7029] |
Sat, 10 April 2010 15:02 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Praise, the precursor of victory...
Mark 14:26
"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."
I see in this passage that Jesus wanted to give His Father praise and worship through song before going to Gethsemane and then the cross. He already knew the outcome, yet He wanted His disciples(including us), to understand some things about praise. One thing about praise, if we have true faith in our hearts, we'll be giving praise and thanks without being told to, because we already know we have the petitions we desire. Another thing about praise shown throughout God's Word is that it comes before victory. In the OT how many times do we see the children of Israel instructed to praise and worship God before a major battle and how God delivered and gave them the victory through praise.
Jesus knew that His disciples would go to sleep on Him, forsake Him, deny Him, and leave Him to face death alone; yet He knew there was strenght and victory in praise. If we're focused on Jesus, and not our circumstances, then praise should come willingly. When we're looking at lying circumstances and allowing what we see to dictate our additude, we're not walking in faith. Faith will always see what God says, regardless of appears in the natural. And when there's faith present, praise will be unstoppable, because what's in our hearts will always come out.
And if God inhabits the praises of His people, victory has to follow the praise. So take a moment to give God praise...actually, let's praise Him for the rest of our lives.
Praise The Lord
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
| |
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7051 is a reply to message #7035] |
Tue, 20 April 2010 12:01 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Body Ministry...
The Holy Spirit spoke to me through these scriptures this morning and reminded me of what we're called unto. May God place within each of us the mindset of Christ, that we've been called to lay down our lives for the brethren. It's not all about us, it's about JESUS and us being conformed into His image; Who being King of Kings, and Lord of Lord, lay down His life for us.
"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
For whatsoever things were written foretime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." Romans 15:1-7
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7058 is a reply to message #7051] |
Fri, 23 April 2010 20:01 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
"...the word of their testimony."
"O Give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name:
make known his deeds among the people." ~Ps.105:1
There are times when I wrestle a bit in my mind with 'testimonies', as to what to share publicly and what to keep between me and The Lord, (especially concerning money). There's not many days that go by that I'm not made aware of the presence of The Lord and receive from Him things to be thankful for...in the physical, financial, as well as the spiritual realm.
I know, from reading what others write, that it's easy to come across on forums and blogs as bragging or appearing to be 'superspiritual', or that a person is blessed above others and thus cause people to stumble. But there are times when our testimonies can and should do two things, one give glory and honor to God for the blessings, and two, encourage our brethren in the faith.
So today I want to humbly 'make known His deeds among the people'... A person walked up to me today and asked me if I would be offended if they offered me a gift of money...(knowing a little about the person, very little, I thought they probably couldn't really afford to be giving away their money.) At first I responed by telling them that I am blessed above measure and God supplies all my needs, but The Holy Spirit checked me and spoke to me that I should allow the person to do what they had purposed in their heart to do. So I said, No, it wouldn't offend me if that's what you want to do, that I'd be grateful.
I'm not going into the amount except to say it was substantial... and I thankfully take it as a gift from The Lord, and give HIM the praise and honor...
God's deeds are good...and I declare His wondrous works. Amen.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
| |
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7072 is a reply to message #7059] |
Thu, 29 April 2010 15:52 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
God's Offer...Salvation to all those who will Believe.
"But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven?(that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the Word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." ~Romans 10:6-13
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7074 is a reply to message #7072] |
Sat, 01 May 2010 13:35 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Our responsibility...walk out our salvation.
"He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.
He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." ~1 John 2:4-6
"For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee.
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,
if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." ~Romans 11:21-22
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7076 is a reply to message #7074] |
Mon, 03 May 2010 20:53 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Trials promised...Deliverance promised.
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:" ~Isaiah 43:1-3
Notice God didn't say "if" we go through trials; He said "when"...He also didn't say "you're on your own" when they come; He said "I will be with you".
What should our additude be when we go through trials? James 1:2
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;"
Why? Because trials test our faith and teaches us patience, and we know that this is how we're perfected.(v3-4 James 1)
But we have many promises of deliverance...
"...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7077 is a reply to message #7076] |
Fri, 07 May 2010 11:45 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Pleasures...
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." ~Psalms 16:11
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." ~Phil.2:13
Is serving God a pleasure or a chore? Is obeying Him freedom or bondage? Is there a struggle between the flesh and the spirit as to which pleasures we seek after?
"He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich." ~Proverbs 21:17
"And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection." ~Luke 8:14
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7082 is a reply to message #7077] |
Sun, 09 May 2010 16:44 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
The Word...has it taken hold ?
Zechariah 1:1-6
"In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
The Lord hath been sore displeased with your fathers.
Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.
Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord.
Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers?..."
Here's a scripture that can be the answer to the question of why things haven't worked out for some former FA camp folks, maybe the Word taught them never took 'hold' in their lives. There are many things that can cause the Word to be taken away, one that I believe I see a lot is doubts creeping in. Many are going back and 'questioning' what they were taught, wavering between what was presented and received with joy and gladness, then; and what is being offered today. One thing is for sure, God has always known what was and is, in our hearts; and just as we were faithfilly warned would happen, those 'words and statutes', which God commanded would one day be either our deliverance...or judgment.
We may have fooled others, but God can not be fooled. What's in our hearts must be revealed. It's not by anything except JESUS that we enter in...it don't matter how many children people had without doctors; or how many years they attended Faith Assembly; how many tapes we have of Hobart Freeman or how many times we've listened to them; it's not how many times we've read the Bible or what we write on a computer...it's The Word IN us, transforming us into the image of Christ....IT won't do that unless we allow it to 'take hold'...obeying, yeilding, hungering, desiring.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7086 is a reply to message #7082] |
Wed, 12 May 2010 16:42 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
The ROCK...another name for God
Many places in scripture God is called 'The Rock', and Deuteronomy 32 is one of the places.
Verse 3: "Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God."
V 4: "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."
btw: we used to sing a song with this scripture used in it.
But futher in the chapter we see described what happens when people take their eyes off 'The Rock'(God).
Verse 15: "But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxed fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation."
Does anyone see a paralel between what is described here and what has happened in America today? Let's read futher:
V 16: "They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger."
V 17: "They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not."
V 18: "Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee."
And you can read the judgments of God as the chapter continues,(and I encourage the reading of the whole chapter) including Moses', who couldn't enter Canaan because of disobedience and had to die only being able to 'see' it from afar.
God judges sin; He judged Israel and He'll judge America...He offered them oportunity to repent and they refused. He's been offering America time and opprtunity for years, and this nation has waxed worse and worse. He is a God of mercy, Amen; but He's also a God of justice and requires obedience, unless America turns and repents, the time is soon approaching where God's wrath and judgment will fall upon this land...just as it did with Israel and all other nations that refused to walk in obedience.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7090 is a reply to message #7086] |
Sun, 16 May 2010 02:18 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Inspiration from God's Word...
"And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing." ~I Peter 3:13-17
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7094 is a reply to message #7086] |
Thu, 20 May 2010 17:19 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Words are so restrictive and inadequate when trying to describe who God is and what all He does, yet that's all we have. He is all these and SO MUCH MORE...
Lion of Judah...Rock of Ages...Prince of Peace...Omnipotent King...Lord God Almighty...King of Kings...Lord of Lords...
He is our...Provider...Protector...Ruling Lord...Reigning King...Helper...Healer...Deliverer...Saviour...
He is ...Alpha and Omega...Creator...First and Last...Father...Friend...Faithful...
God is...HOLY, HOLY, HOLY... God is LOVE...MERCY...GRACE
AND SO MUCH MORE...
The question that should be asked is, is He this to ME?
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| The Righteous and the Wicked: promises for both [message #7103 is a reply to message #7094] |
Tue, 01 June 2010 11:41 |
sparkles
Messages: 246
Registered: March 2008 |
Senior Member |
|
|
Ps 37:1 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Ps 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Ps 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Ps 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Ps 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Ps 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Ps 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Ps 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Ps 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
Ps 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
Ps 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Ps 37:12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
Ps 37:13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
Ps 37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
Ps 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
Ps 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
Ps 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
Ps 37:18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Ps 37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Ps 37:20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
Ps 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.
Ps 37:22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Ps 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Ps 37:26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Ps 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Ps 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
Ps 37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Ps 37:30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
Ps 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
Ps 37:32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
Ps 37:33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
Ps 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Ps 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Ps 37:36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Ps 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
Ps 37:38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
Ps 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
Ps 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Look at all the promises to us as christian, those who walk with Jesus.
And look at all the promises to the wicked. We are seeing more persecution coming at the christian and the scriptures being fulfilled about the end of time. We have seen those who were once professing christians rising up and persecuting christians, but then, wasn't that what Jesus said would happen?
As we walk with our Lord look to word of God and trust that as hatred for the true believers in Jesus will increase, our God has promised to preserve us and in the end we will receive a crown and spend eternity in heaven. Not so for the wicked.
|
|
|
| Bulletin Board [message #7109 is a reply to message #7103] |
Tue, 15 June 2010 15:22 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
My Goal...to know Him
"That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you. " ~ Philippians 3:10-15
A-men
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7114 is a reply to message #7109] |
Wed, 16 June 2010 15:31 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Household Salvation...
The Bible teaches that God honors faith, even to the point of extending salvation unto family members of those who will walk in faith. It's shown in the OT where The Lord said unto Noah,
Genesis 7:1 "Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation."
The children of Israel had to apply the blood on the door post in order for their household to escape God's judgment.(It took faith to obey God, and in doing this, their households were exempt from the execution of God's judgment upon the land of Egypt) We see that by the faithful obedience of a few, many were saved.(also see Romans 5:19)
Exodus 12:13 "...and when I see the blood, I will pass over you..."
And in the NT Peter and Paul, under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit, proclaimed the wonderful news that if a man would believe, not only would he be saved, but God would use their faith to bring salvation to their household.
Acts 11:14 "Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved."
Acts 16:31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
This is just a reminder of God's promise, with man things often look impossible(some of us have family that 'seem' to be hopelessly lost, and enjoying it.) yet God says with Him ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE...our responsibility? Just BELIEVE, stand in faith, speak and believe what The Word of God says, not what circumstances reflect, and trust The Holy Spirit to bring it into manifestation.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7119 is a reply to message #7114] |
Sat, 19 June 2010 14:43 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Who's footsteps are you following?...
I Peter 2:21
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"
What are those examples that we should follow that reflect we're walking in His steps?
Verse 22: "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth"
V 23: "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously"
Is this a high standard? Absolutely, it's the highest standard to measures oneself against there is...but this is our calling; to be followers of Christ...it entails much more than words, it requires actions; actions that will results in the death of our 'self lives'(v-24,"...that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:")
We can't follow in His steps and live unto righteousness until we make the decision to do as He did and yeild unto the cross.
btw: This in no way negates God's Grace by which we're saved; salvation isn't earned or bought by our actions, but once we're saved we're called to walk as He walked.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7148 is a reply to message #7119] |
Sun, 27 June 2010 12:00 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Paul's concern...
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,
so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." ~ II Corinthians 11:3-4
"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus...or if ye receive another spirit...or another gospel... "
The message of the Gospel is simple, Paul presented it in simple, plain, easy to be understood terms. Yet he was fearful that believers minds would be corrupted from the simple Gospel he had preached. And he used the words, 'lest by any means'; Satan will use ANY means available unto him to deceive and beguile Christians. The first thing mentioned is another Jesus, do we see that happening today? Another spirit, how about that, do all professing Christians have the same spirit? Another gospel, is christianity united in the common belief of the gospel?
The obivious answer is YES, there are taught in today's religion that there are various ways to eternal life and for a person to insist that Jesus is the ONLY way, is being narrow-minded and causing division, and lacking 'love'. Another spirit? Just look at some of the manifestations in these 'so-called' revivals and charismatic meetings...uncontrolable laughter, falling around and down claiming to be 'drunk' in the spirit(not like as the early believers at Pentecost were charged with being drunk), barking and imitating animals, professing to be prophets and apostles without God's calling, and on and on. Another gospel? Give to get, the false prosperity gospel, Jesus died spiritually and the church was birthed in the pit of hell, God is our mother, Jesus is in the bread and wine, praying to Mary, obeying the OT law and works salvation, shepherdship, Jesus Only(oneness doctrine),and 200+ denominations with each one having their own interpretation of the gospel.
So would it be fair to say that Paul had reason to be concerned? Has Satan beguiled the church, through ANY mean? Not only 'any mean' but by MANY means. Are we bullet proof, do we have to be ever diligent, can we falter? If he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour,(AND HE DOES), shouldn't we be giving earnest heed to these warnings?
May we be found faithful at His coming... Trust and Obey, keep it simple.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7158 is a reply to message #7148] |
Wed, 30 June 2010 17:30 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Wisdom, what a treasure...
If man was given the opportunity to ask for and have given unto him anything possibe, how many would put wisdom at the top of their list? How many times in scripture do we find God instructing us to seek wisdom, yet how many have made it a priority? Godly wisdom can't be gotten without spending time with the source of the wisdom, God. And the revelation of that wisdom is mostly found through the searching of scripture, desiring and allowing The Holy Spirit to place that wisdom from the written Word onto our hearts and minds.
How much time do we spend searching for silver and gold(money, jobs, making a living), when God has told us which is most important.(of course we're to work and provide for ourselves and families, this isn't about neglecting our responsibilities) How much time do we spend in 'down time' or unwinding, or leisure time, entertainment, watching sports, or playing games? When we could be growing in wisdom and understanding of The Lord.
Ecclesiastes says that Solomon gave himself to figuring out everything, he tried it all, and found in the end that all that wasn't from God was folly.
chapter 2 verse 13: "Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness." He's saying that there's not even a comparison between God's Wisdom and all other achievements of man.
This is just a reminder, to encourage us to keep our priorities in order...it's not how big a 401K plan we have, how much money we have in the bank, or how big a house we own, or even the cars we drive...the most important goal we as Christians should have is, seeking the mind of The Lord, to KNOW Him, to allow Him to transform our minds and impart unto us His Wisdom...He knows we have physical needs, and He promises to meet them, when we seek first the things of God; and we can't confidently make any decisions without knowing His will and understanding it...
Wisdom, what an overlooked treasure in today's world, offered freely and desperately needed, yet not sought by many.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7164 is a reply to message #7158] |
Sun, 04 July 2010 13:11 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
He is worthy of our praise...
"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee:
and let such as love thy salvation say continually,
Let God be magnified."
Psalms 70:4
Praise Jesus
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7176 is a reply to message #7164] |
Fri, 09 July 2010 19:16 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Ya just never know...
We're told in I Peter 3:15 "...and be ready ALWAYS to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you..."
In the past few weeks The Lord has had me do a limited study on universal salvation/ultimate reconcilation as well as grace vs works(Galatians study). I had stumbled (from my perspective then, obviously now I see God's hand in it, so I'd have the scriptures and different viewpoints fresh in mind ) upon a discussion about this and just wanted to refresh my understanding of the teaching error/false doctrine.
Anyway, while at the pool (99 degrees) a person asked if they could get my take on some things in the Bible and I said I'd be happy to share what I knew. Well first question was, did I believe if ALL men would be saved and what did I believe the Bible said about it(I thought right then, OK Lord, take these words and let them bear fruit, I know You're behind this so lead on...) I got to share about the truths concerning predestination and election; salvation by grace alone; baptismal regeneration; the sermon on the mount(nonresistance); divorce and remarriage...and not just to the person who asked(we were in the water and people were all around either floating in the pool or sitting in lounge chairs near the pool reading) so I noticed there were several who had taken an interest in our conversation and were listening, behind their sunglasses<grin>.
I praise The Lord for the opportunity and am believing for even more chances to share what God has so graciously given us. I was thinking to myself after the person had left the pool(we probably talked for an hour or more), it's a good thing my soapbox is made of wood and can float... 
Like I said, 'ya just never know'... when The Holy Spirit will lead someone to you for spiritual truths...it was a good lesson and reminder to be sure, reguardless of where we are, to be ready.
[Updated on: Sat, 10 July 2010 03:34]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7178 is a reply to message #7176] |
Sat, 10 July 2010 02:22 |
David Coleman
Messages: 319
Registered: October 2009 |
Senior Member |
|
|
That is a blessing testimony. I praise God for using you to share and witness. Those are exciting moments when we capture people who want to ask many questions. It also blesses us to see the seeds planted in us just pop out of our mind and mouth.
Sometimes it seems quiet at times , we can pray for God to send hungry hearts our way. We are bursting to just overflowing with good news to pass on. When it seems quiet for a period of time remember that God loves to hear his word quoted back to him in worship.
Today opportunity came to share a little with a lady. She acted excited about it. She was a nice lady in her social atitude. God bless all these hungry souls we pray to come to us and receive the light and love of Jesus.
faith-- forsake all I trust him. Baal-- believe apostacy all lost. bible-- believe in bible life eternal.
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7183 is a reply to message #7178] |
Wed, 14 July 2010 12:07 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
| brodav9 wrote on Fri, 09 July 2010 21:22 |
Sometimes it seems quiet at times
|
It really concerns me and is a burden in my heart how those of us here who claim to be Christian, filled with The Holy Spirit, 'overcomers', people who've been given such revelation and light from God...seem to have so little to say, share, testify to. We, who are supposed to be filled with the joy of The Lord, walking in the truth and daily experiencing His wonderful presence...seem to have so little time or willingness to encourage, edify, share, discuss with others the things of God.but we have time for TV, sports, vacations, and all our other self-centered things
I truly hope and pray that it's not a reflection of the state of our hearts, that we've become lukewarm and stale in our walk with The Lord, that the cares of this life has taken priority over what was once a zeal and love for Jesus...as in the days of Noah...
I hope I'm wrong and everyone is on fire for The Lord and just don't view the forum as something important in their lives, if that's the case then praise The Lord. For some of us(maybe only me?) we don't have fellow believers of like faith to fellowship with or share and find the forum likening to an spiritual oasis. But then I ask myself, why do I sense such a burden for my brothers and sisters in this area? I know that I haven't arrived at a place of perfection yet, but with the state of 'the church' today and the warnings given in scripture concerning the last days, and seeing the signs everywhere amongest Christians of lukewarmness and being caught up in the world and it's affairs...I better understand why Jeremiah was know as the weeping prophet.
Let's not let the Laodicean additude find root in our hearts, if we recognize any symptoms, may we be zealous to purge ourselves from them and return to our first Love, Jesus.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7185 is a reply to message #7183] |
Fri, 16 July 2010 08:11 |
 |
william
Messages: 1464
Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member
Administrator |
|
|
I know what you mean James. The closeness we experience when we fellowship
together cannot be understated.
Of all the things that we know the Church is supposed to be involved in it
is interesting that Luke mentions "breaking bread" first in this passage
in the book of Acts:
Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came
together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the
morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
He didn't say they came together to evangelize (although an important part
of any group of Christians); he didn't mention they came together to
worship (again, another important part of our gathering together); he
didn't say that they came together to hear the good Word Paul preached
(which of course they got a good dose of it!); he says that they came
together-- "to break bread".
Now we all know that coming together just to eat is not the primary focus
here; it is the coming together for fellowship (koinonia) that results
from a common meal that seems to be central purpose of these early
disciples.
When a family comes together at mealtime there is a dynamic at work that
makes the experience one that has no parallels. It brings us closer than
could be achieved by any other experience.
So natural, so common, yet there isn't anything more special, more
uplifting, than the koinonia we have at these times.
Luke could have said any number of things we would deem important as to
the reason they came together on the first day of the week... he
specifically chooses the phrase "to break bread". Isn't that interesting?
Blessings,
William
|
|
| |
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7212 is a reply to message #7187] |
Fri, 23 July 2010 11:14 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Choices...
We know that God is going to use Christians who have overcome to reign and rule the world with Jesus, and many confess this desire, but David said something recorded in Psalms 84 v10 that showed a humble heart, though he was king of Israel. Not that we're to strive for anything less, but David draws the comparison between being 'in' or 'out'...He said he's rather be a doorkeeper in God's kingdom than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." Psalms 84:10-12
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7220 is a reply to message #7212] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 19:11 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Calvary...
Luke 23:33
"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him..."
Each person who enters into heaven must first have had 'come to the place' called Calvary and met Him.
And if Jesus hadn't(come to the place), then we'd be without hope, for it's only by His shed Blood then, there, that we can have life now.
The Lord put this 'old' hymn on my heart today and it came alive, may it minister to your hearts as well.(hope everyone knows the tune)
At Calvary
by: William R. Newell
Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
At Calvary.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary.
By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the Law I'd spurned;
Till my guilty soul imploring turn
To Calvary.
Oh, the love that draws salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary.
Thank You Lord, thank You...
[Updated on: Mon, 26 July 2010 19:33]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7237 is a reply to message #7220] |
Mon, 02 August 2010 18:45 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
God's response to a king...
but really it's a response to people getting their hearts right before God and seeking Him in FAITH.
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, was told that the Moabites and the Ammonites where coming to war against them (Judah). Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all the land of Judah, and set himself to seek The Lord. And Jehoshaphat reminded God of the sanctuary they'd build for His Name and the understanding they had that ...
"IF, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in Thy presence,(for Thy Name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our afflection, then thou wilt hear and help." II Chronicles 20:9
So after all Judah expectantly came together before The Lord in fastings and King Jehoshaphat had sought Him, The Spirit of The Lord came upon Jahaziel and spoke through him unto the congregation saying...
II Chronicles 20:15&17 "...Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith The Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not your's, but God's."
"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of The Lord with you..."
How many times do we see in the OT where God responded to Israel favorably after they had rebelled and hardened their hearts time after time. He responded to their cries when they repented and sought Him, why? Because He had promised Solomon that He would back when Solomon had build and dedicated 'the house of God' unto God....In II Chronicles 7 and verse 13 He said:
"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;"
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; THEN will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
I see a wonderful lesson concerning GRACE and MERCY here; How God responds to those who will humble themselves, pray, repent, fast, and believe Him (faith). He puts the past sins behind and remembers them no more, and restores the humble and shows Himself strong on their behalf.
I love the rest that comes when we 'GET IT', to learn to "set yourselves, stand still..." rest in Him... "Be not afraid nor dismayed"..."and SEE the salvation of The Lord."
Thank You, Lord. May The Holy Spirit minister His Truths to our hearts.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7242 is a reply to message #7237] |
Fri, 06 August 2010 15:36 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
|
|
Grace...unmerited favor
Example of grace, or God's favor (salvation) unto man.
Romans 4:3-8 "What saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
V4 "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of GRACE, but of debt."
David wrote in Psalms 32:2 and Paul quoted him in V7
"Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."
Who is a man to whom God will not impute sin? Any man that will believe...Believe what? John 3:16 And that will repent and receive JESUS CHRIST as his Lord and Saviour.
Why would God do that for me...or YOU?
Grace... "For God SO loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
It's not by our works, prior live, civic charities, church attendance, religious activities, or ANY thing else...it's by HIS Grace.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
|
|
|
| Re: Bulletin Board [message #7243 is a reply to message #7242] |
Sat, 07 August 2010 12:45 |
grandom
Messages: 404
Registered: October 2007 |
Senior Member |
|
|
Prov 29:11
NLT
Fools vent their anger,
but the wise quietly hold it back.
[Updated on: Mon, 09 August 2010 11:20]
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Fri Nov 15 08:58:02 UTC 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.02211 seconds
|
Members
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
E-mail to friend 
, PRAISE HIM ALWAYS!!! 
It always works! I just needed to be reminded.......again. 
