Amos 9:8
“Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth; nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob, declares the Lord."
As a nation, the Israel of that time would NOT trust in Him. And so the nation would be destroyed. However, in the midst of destruction, we also see the mercy of God in this verse where it says: "I will not totally destroy" them.
He who said, "I will correct you in justice," also says, "I am with you... to save you" (Jeremiah 30:11). Therefore, TRUST in Him, for He is not only about judgment - "God is (also) love" (1 John 4:8). His judgment gets our attention, but His love sets us free.
The Truth
“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them will return; the destruction decreed shall overflow with righteousness.” (Isaiah 10:22)
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Thanksgiving History
(From the archives)
The original feast in 1621 occurred sometime between September 21 and November 11. Unlike our modern holiday, it was three days long. The event was based on English harvest festivals, which traditionally occurred around the 29th of September. After that first harvest was completed by the Plymouth colonists, Gov. William Bradford proclaimed a day of, "Thanksgiving and Prayer", shared by all the colonists and neighboring Indians.
During the American Revolution a yearly day of national Thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress. In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom, and by the middle of the 19th century many other states had done the same. Here is a exerpt from the state of New-Hampshire's Thanksgiving Proclamation.
"The congress in general assembly do here by command the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness."
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a day of Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November, which he may have correlated with the November 21, 1621, anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod. Since then, each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939. (approved by Congress in 1941)
As a nation our forefathers knew the value of thanking God for all His blessings. It is my prayer that our current and future generations of leaders will do the same.
The Truth
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
The original feast in 1621 occurred sometime between September 21 and November 11. Unlike our modern holiday, it was three days long. The event was based on English harvest festivals, which traditionally occurred around the 29th of September. After that first harvest was completed by the Plymouth colonists, Gov. William Bradford proclaimed a day of, "Thanksgiving and Prayer", shared by all the colonists and neighboring Indians.
During the American Revolution a yearly day of national Thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress. In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom, and by the middle of the 19th century many other states had done the same. Here is a exerpt from the state of New-Hampshire's Thanksgiving Proclamation.
"The congress in general assembly do here by command the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness."
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a day of Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November, which he may have correlated with the November 21, 1621, anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod. Since then, each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939. (approved by Congress in 1941)
As a nation our forefathers knew the value of thanking God for all His blessings. It is my prayer that our current and future generations of leaders will do the same.
The Truth
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Israel's Guilt
Amos 8:8
"Because of this will not the land quake and everyone who dwells in it mourn? Indeed, all of it will rise up like the Nile, and it will be tossed about and subside like the Nile of Egypt."
Because of; Trampling the needy, doing away with the humble, cheating customers, mocking the Sabbath, taking from the poor, forcing the poor into slavery to repay debts, selling spoiled wheat for profit, being filled with pride, greed and idolatry - Israel will recede, like the Nile river.
Just like the Israel of old, every one of us needs to be shaken out of our complacency, our pride. We are not as efficient or as good as we think we are.
The Truth
“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (Luke 16:22-23)
"Because of this will not the land quake and everyone who dwells in it mourn? Indeed, all of it will rise up like the Nile, and it will be tossed about and subside like the Nile of Egypt."
Because of; Trampling the needy, doing away with the humble, cheating customers, mocking the Sabbath, taking from the poor, forcing the poor into slavery to repay debts, selling spoiled wheat for profit, being filled with pride, greed and idolatry - Israel will recede, like the Nile river.
Just like the Israel of old, every one of us needs to be shaken out of our complacency, our pride. We are not as efficient or as good as we think we are.
The Truth
“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (Luke 16:22-23)
Monday, November 24, 2014
I Was No Prophet
Amos 7:14 “The Answer of Amos”
“Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit.”
Amos was a simple herdsman who obeyed the call of the LORD. Like Moses and David, who were both found watching over flocks of sheep when God call them, Amos was no different.
None of these men claimed to be intellectuals and yet all were used by God to minister to His people. Meaning, ability is not as important to God as availability.
May we all be available to do His will when He calls.
The Truth
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Be Authentic
Amos 6:8
“The LORD GOD hath sworn by Himself, saith the LORD GOD of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.”
Because the people were going through the motions of true worship, the place in which the Lord once delighted to dwell (Psalm 87:2) was now a place He abhorred and the city would be delivered up for judgment into the hands of the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:22-27).
So true in many today, going through the motions of Church and worship. May we be authentic and worship Him in Spirit and Truth. If not, it can have serious consequences.
The Truth
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
“The LORD GOD hath sworn by Himself, saith the LORD GOD of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.”
Because the people were going through the motions of true worship, the place in which the Lord once delighted to dwell (Psalm 87:2) was now a place He abhorred and the city would be delivered up for judgment into the hands of the Assyrians (Ezekiel 23:22-27).
So true in many today, going through the motions of Church and worship. May we be authentic and worship Him in Spirit and Truth. If not, it can have serious consequences.
The Truth
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Seek Me And Live
Amos 5:4
“For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: Seek Me and Live”
The short-term promise of this verse is directed to the nation Israel. If they, as a nation simply turned to God with everything they had, God would spare them. It was (and is) His promise to individuals and groups everywhere: "Seek Me that you may live."
Seek Him today. You'll find the Lord and His safety - forever!
The Truth
"You will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29).
“For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: Seek Me and Live”
The short-term promise of this verse is directed to the nation Israel. If they, as a nation simply turned to God with everything they had, God would spare them. It was (and is) His promise to individuals and groups everywhere: "Seek Me that you may live."
Seek Him today. You'll find the Lord and His safety - forever!
The Truth
"You will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29).
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Prepare To Meet Your God
Amos 4:12
“Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.”
Here God declares because all previous judgments have been in vain, He will send upon them (Israel) something even more terrible still. He leaves the nature of the coming chastisement a mystery that the very suspense may work fear and repentance – that they might turn to him with a changed heart, if perchance He may forgive and withdraw his heavy hand.
How would you prepare to meet God, who is coming to contend with you? What armor would you put on? What weapon would you forge? What courage could you muster? Alas! It would all be futile.
Wisdom suggests we humble ourselves before this God, prepare to meet Him, and give all diligence to make Him our God, REPENT, for happy are the people whose God He is, who have all this power engaged for them.
The Truth
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5)
“Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.”
Here God declares because all previous judgments have been in vain, He will send upon them (Israel) something even more terrible still. He leaves the nature of the coming chastisement a mystery that the very suspense may work fear and repentance – that they might turn to him with a changed heart, if perchance He may forgive and withdraw his heavy hand.
How would you prepare to meet God, who is coming to contend with you? What armor would you put on? What weapon would you forge? What courage could you muster? Alas! It would all be futile.
Wisdom suggests we humble ourselves before this God, prepare to meet Him, and give all diligence to make Him our God, REPENT, for happy are the people whose God He is, who have all this power engaged for them.
The Truth
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5)
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Israel's Punishment
Amos 3:2
"You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."
God said to Israel through Moses, "You are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth." (Deut.7:6)
He chose them, gave them a special calling and a tremendous blessing, even made them His family. But, like any father worth his salt, The Lord is not letting His children go unpunished for their wrong doings. “Whom The Lord loves He also chastens.” (Hebrews 12:6)
Therefore they were punished, because their sins dishonored Him, affronted Him, and grieved Him, more than the sins of others, and because it is necessary that God should vindicate His own honor by demonstrating that He hates sin and hates it most in those that are nearest to Him.
The church should be warned by this, where much is given (by God to a nation or other people) much is expected in return.
No matter who we are: Israel, the church, nations or simply individuals - we have a choice. We can either walk with God or not, serve Him or not, love Him or choose not to. He will never take away our free will but all men will be held accountable for their choice – so choose well.
The Truth
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Deut. 6:13, 10:20, Matt.4:10)
"You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."
God said to Israel through Moses, "You are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth." (Deut.7:6)
He chose them, gave them a special calling and a tremendous blessing, even made them His family. But, like any father worth his salt, The Lord is not letting His children go unpunished for their wrong doings. “Whom The Lord loves He also chastens.” (Hebrews 12:6)
Therefore they were punished, because their sins dishonored Him, affronted Him, and grieved Him, more than the sins of others, and because it is necessary that God should vindicate His own honor by demonstrating that He hates sin and hates it most in those that are nearest to Him.
The church should be warned by this, where much is given (by God to a nation or other people) much is expected in return.
No matter who we are: Israel, the church, nations or simply individuals - we have a choice. We can either walk with God or not, serve Him or not, love Him or choose not to. He will never take away our free will but all men will be held accountable for their choice – so choose well.
The Truth
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Deut. 6:13, 10:20, Matt.4:10)
Monday, November 17, 2014
Thus Says The LORD
Amos 2:1
“Thus said the LORD;” (Jehovah the God of Israel).
The nations that; despised the law of the Lord, twisted God’s Law to their own economic advantage, disrespected His protection and provision, caused the Priests to stumble with wine and closed the mouths of the prophets – were held accountable to Him as their Judge.
These nations allowed sin to rise to such a height, that God would not turn away His punishment. Though He had granted them a long reprieve, and had often turned away their punishment, He would not turn it away any longer, justice had to take its course.
The God of Israel is the God of the whole earth, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. (Revelation 22:13) His Spirit will not always strive with man. He will judge, not just the nations of the pasted but all men. In that day, every eye shall see, every tongue will confess, Jesus as LORD.
The Truth
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Revelation 21:12)
“Thus said the LORD;” (Jehovah the God of Israel).
The nations that; despised the law of the Lord, twisted God’s Law to their own economic advantage, disrespected His protection and provision, caused the Priests to stumble with wine and closed the mouths of the prophets – were held accountable to Him as their Judge.
These nations allowed sin to rise to such a height, that God would not turn away His punishment. Though He had granted them a long reprieve, and had often turned away their punishment, He would not turn it away any longer, justice had to take its course.
The God of Israel is the God of the whole earth, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. (Revelation 22:13) His Spirit will not always strive with man. He will judge, not just the nations of the pasted but all men. In that day, every eye shall see, every tongue will confess, Jesus as LORD.
The Truth
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Revelation 21:12)
Friday, November 14, 2014
Judgment Against Ammon
Amos 1:13 “Judgment Against Ammon”
Thus says the Lord: "I will not turn away it’s (Ammon) punishment, because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead, that they might enlarge their territory.”
The Ammonites were fierce and brutal in war. They often fought the armies of Israel, in attempts to extend their own borders westward. In our text, God reasonably agrees that to rip open pregnant women is a terrible thing to do, and He indicates in these verses He would judge that crime.
The purpose of killing the unborn was to eliminate a future army in 20-years, after those babies had turned into men. Our own society would do well to look at it’s practices of destroying life. God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” (Romans 12:19)
The Truth
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 19:9)
Thus says the Lord: "I will not turn away it’s (Ammon) punishment, because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead, that they might enlarge their territory.”
The Ammonites were fierce and brutal in war. They often fought the armies of Israel, in attempts to extend their own borders westward. In our text, God reasonably agrees that to rip open pregnant women is a terrible thing to do, and He indicates in these verses He would judge that crime.
The purpose of killing the unborn was to eliminate a future army in 20-years, after those babies had turned into men. Our own society would do well to look at it’s practices of destroying life. God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” (Romans 12:19)
The Truth
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 19:9)
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Bear One Another's Burdens
Galatians 6:2
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"
The Law of Christ is the Law of love. Christ gave us no other law than this law of mutual love: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another." (John 13:34) Jesus also directed us to, “Love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as our selves.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
To love, in these examples, means to bear another's burdens. Christians must have strong shoulders to bear the burdens of their fellow Christians - to be able to minister in love to those who are hurting. Those who fail to do so, expose their lack of understanding of the law of Christ. Love, according to Paul, "believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7) – meaning, I’m with you no matter what.
Christian love then does not allow us to bail when the going gets tough or give lip service to a brother/sister in need. We are called to help our brothers/sisters by; taking up their load, sustaining them by our counsel, our exhortations, our prayers and restoring them to strength and back into their position in the body.
The Truth
"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the week, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1)
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"
The Law of Christ is the Law of love. Christ gave us no other law than this law of mutual love: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another." (John 13:34) Jesus also directed us to, “Love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as our selves.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
To love, in these examples, means to bear another's burdens. Christians must have strong shoulders to bear the burdens of their fellow Christians - to be able to minister in love to those who are hurting. Those who fail to do so, expose their lack of understanding of the law of Christ. Love, according to Paul, "believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7) – meaning, I’m with you no matter what.
Christian love then does not allow us to bail when the going gets tough or give lip service to a brother/sister in need. We are called to help our brothers/sisters by; taking up their load, sustaining them by our counsel, our exhortations, our prayers and restoring them to strength and back into their position in the body.
The Truth
"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the week, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1)
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
True Freedom
Galatians 5:1
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
Here Paul once again is making reference to the rules and regulations of Judaism. That the, “yoke of bondage” to the law is no longer necessary because, Jesus Christ died to free us from it.
His purpose in dying for us, is that we might be set free from sin and death. We were slaves but did not understand our slavery at the time. There are no chains on our hands, but sin is a slavery of the soul – more subtle but very real.
Jesus has broken the chains of guilt and shame around our hearts and set us free from the bondage of the law. We only need to say “yes” to Him to experience true freedom and the joy, peace and love that come with His forgiveness.
The Truth
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
Here Paul once again is making reference to the rules and regulations of Judaism. That the, “yoke of bondage” to the law is no longer necessary because, Jesus Christ died to free us from it.
His purpose in dying for us, is that we might be set free from sin and death. We were slaves but did not understand our slavery at the time. There are no chains on our hands, but sin is a slavery of the soul – more subtle but very real.
Jesus has broken the chains of guilt and shame around our hearts and set us free from the bondage of the law. We only need to say “yes” to Him to experience true freedom and the joy, peace and love that come with His forgiveness.
The Truth
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Our Adoption As Sons
Galatians 4:5
“But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His son, made of a women, under the law, to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
At just the right time, Jesus Christ was sent to purchase us who were under the law. Trying hard to obey it, but, powerless to do so, He took our position on the cross that we might take the position as sons of God through adoption.
Adoption speaks of our privilege and position within God’s family. The moment we are born again, we are placed in an adopted state as heirs, as sons of God.
Because we are adopted sons, we have the Spirit of the only begotten Son in our hearts. Therefore we can call God, “Abba”, Father – and like all fathers, He will hear the voice of His children.
The Truth
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,” (Romans 8:16-17)
“But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His son, made of a women, under the law, to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
At just the right time, Jesus Christ was sent to purchase us who were under the law. Trying hard to obey it, but, powerless to do so, He took our position on the cross that we might take the position as sons of God through adoption.
Adoption speaks of our privilege and position within God’s family. The moment we are born again, we are placed in an adopted state as heirs, as sons of God.
Because we are adopted sons, we have the Spirit of the only begotten Son in our hearts. Therefore we can call God, “Abba”, Father – and like all fathers, He will hear the voice of His children.
The Truth
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,” (Romans 8:16-17)
Monday, November 10, 2014
Redeemed From The Law
Galatians 3:13
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)
Paul is not saying that the law is a curse, but that the law has a curse—death. Christ paid the penalty for our sins and so as long as we remain in the relationship with Him, we do not have to fear the eternal death that is the normal penalty for sin.
Even though the law can guide a person in the right way to live, and even though it describes the character of God, it also condemns and brings us guilty before God through an awareness of sin. However, it does not possess the power to forgive, to justify, or give life. It can do nothing to reverse the condemnation – the curse – once it is incurred through sin.
But, Christ who took the curse upon Himself so that we would not have to bear our own punishment redeemed us from the law. And the Father, in His mercy, forgives us and justifies us through faith in His Son.
The Truth
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)
Paul is not saying that the law is a curse, but that the law has a curse—death. Christ paid the penalty for our sins and so as long as we remain in the relationship with Him, we do not have to fear the eternal death that is the normal penalty for sin.
Even though the law can guide a person in the right way to live, and even though it describes the character of God, it also condemns and brings us guilty before God through an awareness of sin. However, it does not possess the power to forgive, to justify, or give life. It can do nothing to reverse the condemnation – the curse – once it is incurred through sin.
But, Christ who took the curse upon Himself so that we would not have to bear our own punishment redeemed us from the law. And the Father, in His mercy, forgives us and justifies us through faith in His Son.
The Truth
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Saved By Faith
Galatians 2:16a
“knowing that man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.”
Good deeds will not save us, through they are marks of a mature Christian, only faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone will justify us before the Almighty.
The Truth
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“knowing that man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.”
Good deeds will not save us, through they are marks of a mature Christian, only faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone will justify us before the Almighty.
The Truth
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Restore With Meekness
Galatians 1:6-7
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ"
Here, the apostle endeavors to impress upon these Galatians a sense of their guilt in forsaking the gospel way of justification; and yet at the same time, he tempers his reproof with mildness and tenderness towards them.
He represents them as being drawn away (to a different gospel) rather than coming to it of their own accord. Though this does not excuse them, it allows for grace to work, as it can be viewed as not entirely of their own volition.
This teaches us that, in reproving others, as we should be faithful, gentle, and endeavor to restore others in the spirit of meekness.
The Truth
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in ant trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ"
Here, the apostle endeavors to impress upon these Galatians a sense of their guilt in forsaking the gospel way of justification; and yet at the same time, he tempers his reproof with mildness and tenderness towards them.
He represents them as being drawn away (to a different gospel) rather than coming to it of their own accord. Though this does not excuse them, it allows for grace to work, as it can be viewed as not entirely of their own volition.
This teaches us that, in reproving others, as we should be faithful, gentle, and endeavor to restore others in the spirit of meekness.
The Truth
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in ant trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Cleansed and Forgiven
Joel Ch.3:20-21
“But Juda shall dwell forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion.”
In that day (the day of the Lord) God’s people will look at Jesus – the one they had pierced – and they will at last realize what He did for them (Zechariah 12:9-10). They will mourn over the fact that they rejected Him.
In that day, they will see Him and embrace Him. They will be cleansed and forgiven, and all of Israel will be saved.
The Truth
“And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “the deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27)
“But Juda shall dwell forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion.”
In that day (the day of the Lord) God’s people will look at Jesus – the one they had pierced – and they will at last realize what He did for them (Zechariah 12:9-10). They will mourn over the fact that they rejected Him.
In that day, they will see Him and embrace Him. They will be cleansed and forgiven, and all of Israel will be saved.
The Truth
“And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “the deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27)
Sunday, November 2, 2014
The Day Of The Lord
Joel 1:15
“Alas the day. For the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as destruction from the almighty.”
There are three major days or eras spoken of in Scripture; the day of man, the day of Christ and the day of the Lord.
We are presently in the day of man (1 Corinthians 4:3), where mankind is having his own way. This world, for the most part, has rejected the Lord and is suffering the consequences.
The day of Christ, spoken of in 1 Corinthians 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 1:14 and Philippians 1:6, is synonymous with the Rapture of the Church – when the church is taken up into heaven and will spend 7 years with Christ before returning with Him to rule and reign on the earth.
The third day spoken of in the Scriptures (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6 Ezekiel 30:3) is the day of the Lord. It is a time immediately following the rapture when God intervenes directly in the affairs of humanity. This begins a period of time known as the great tribulation – the seven-year period seen in Revelation 6-19, when God finally gets the attention of a world that isn’t listening. This continues into the event directly following the tribulation – the Millennium, 1000 years of peace when Jesus rules and reigns from Jerusalem.
While two of these eras are yet future, we need to be living our lives with the expectation of His eminent return, that we might be counted worthy to escape the things which are to come.
The Truth
“Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, every man’s heart will melt, and they will be afraid.” (Isaiah 13:6-7)
“Alas the day. For the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as destruction from the almighty.”
There are three major days or eras spoken of in Scripture; the day of man, the day of Christ and the day of the Lord.
We are presently in the day of man (1 Corinthians 4:3), where mankind is having his own way. This world, for the most part, has rejected the Lord and is suffering the consequences.
The day of Christ, spoken of in 1 Corinthians 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 1:14 and Philippians 1:6, is synonymous with the Rapture of the Church – when the church is taken up into heaven and will spend 7 years with Christ before returning with Him to rule and reign on the earth.
The third day spoken of in the Scriptures (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6 Ezekiel 30:3) is the day of the Lord. It is a time immediately following the rapture when God intervenes directly in the affairs of humanity. This begins a period of time known as the great tribulation – the seven-year period seen in Revelation 6-19, when God finally gets the attention of a world that isn’t listening. This continues into the event directly following the tribulation – the Millennium, 1000 years of peace when Jesus rules and reigns from Jerusalem.
While two of these eras are yet future, we need to be living our lives with the expectation of His eminent return, that we might be counted worthy to escape the things which are to come.
The Truth
“Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, every man’s heart will melt, and they will be afraid.” (Isaiah 13:6-7)
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Cry To The Lord
Joel 1:14
“Sanctify you a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry to the LORD”
The plague of locusts that had so devastated Israel’s crops, carried an important lesson. Sin is not just an individual matter--it's a corporate one as well. Therefore, the nation was feeling the divine discipline of God.
In our text we see the prophet Joel calling on God’s people to; fast, gather together, cry unto the Lord with tears of repentance and seek God’s forgiveness for their sin as a nation.
America is in the same boat, a nation in need of repentance. We are so far from our Christian Roots that I shutter to think of the judgment we have in store for us at the end of His grace and mercy unless, we “cry to the Lord”, repent and turn from our present course.
Although the Lord is longsuffering towards us (and not willing that any should perish but, that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9) there will come a time when He will no longer hold back His divine judgment.
The Truth
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God who will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)
“Sanctify you a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry to the LORD”
The plague of locusts that had so devastated Israel’s crops, carried an important lesson. Sin is not just an individual matter--it's a corporate one as well. Therefore, the nation was feeling the divine discipline of God.
In our text we see the prophet Joel calling on God’s people to; fast, gather together, cry unto the Lord with tears of repentance and seek God’s forgiveness for their sin as a nation.
America is in the same boat, a nation in need of repentance. We are so far from our Christian Roots that I shutter to think of the judgment we have in store for us at the end of His grace and mercy unless, we “cry to the Lord”, repent and turn from our present course.
Although the Lord is longsuffering towards us (and not willing that any should perish but, that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9) there will come a time when He will no longer hold back His divine judgment.
The Truth
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God who will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)