Isa 66:6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompense to his enemies.
The LORD speaks from His temple in Jerusalem; He will recompense, fully pay back his enemies for their sins.
Deu 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
When we stray from the LORD our path is slippery; we will soon fall. Yet, we must get up and by faith, continue in our walk with the LORD.
Isa 66:7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
Isa 66:8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.
The things of God are contrary to our ways. We seek God our way, but after years of struggling, we are broken with a sorrowful heart and suddenly the LORD sees us and we respond to his call, we are touched and changed. Through Jesus we become new creations.
Isa 66:9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.
I see in this that often God's people want things to happen before the time. They are impatient and when times of travail come, through much suffering, through much prayer, the LORD will deliver. We expect it to be quick and easy. When he comes, things Will move quickly. When Zion turns to the Lord with a whole heart there will be miraculous changes; the curses broken and freedom shall come, through Christ Jesus. Spiritual Jerusalem gives birth without pain:
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
There is a separation of time of 2000 years in this verse of promise. It seems like a long time to us, but as nothing to the LORD; by faith it is assured. Can you see Jesus at his return? Can you see by faith that Lucifer will be bound and cast into a bottomless pit for a thousand years? This will happen as shown in the Revelation. Suddenly the tempter is removed and we live under the perfect Word of God. The Word of God will be taught, lived and honored and we shall live in peace. We wait and wait, generation after generation, by faith in the promises of God. Suddenly the curses are reversed, we live in a righteous world and Jesus is our King. At last and it will be worth it all.
Isa 66:10 Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:
Isa 66:11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
The glory of Jerusalem shall be the presence of God's son. The time of the Gentile rule is over. Those Gentiles who receive the LORD shall be saved with the believing Jews.
Isa 66:12 For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.
Isa 66:13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
The Lord is our comfort, he has given us the comforter, the Holy Spirit, but when he returns he will also be our comfort. We shall see him as he is.
Isa 66:14 And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
We may suffer for a time, but it will be worth it. The Lord suffered much for us.
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He shall rule with an iron rod keeping the peace and He is our gentle shepherd.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Not Ashamed
Isa 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
This puts things into perspective. God is sovereign; can we limit God? Can we build him a dwelling place? Yet, he has chosen to make us His dwelling place; the God of omnipresence, who inhabits all creation, has given to us a special unction of the Holy Spirit. We didn't do it, he did this through His Son who shed his blood for our redemption, justification and sanctification. The heaven or heavens are His throne, all creation physical and spiritual. Earth is but a footstool, so what does that make us? In ourselves we are as ants, but he himself has lifted us up out of the dust, given us a new spiritual birth and made us the children of God. What a glorious salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.
Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Who will the God and creator of all pay attention to: Is it our wealth? Our Speaking ability? Our position of importance? Who will God look for? But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Poor of spirit, not full of self, challenging God. A contrite spirit, not full of self pride, but sorry for sins. You reverence and tremble at his word, instead of doing your own thing and calling "that book" as archaic and written by men. One sign of being born again, is reverence for His word and a desire to obey God.
The LORD speaks to the idol worshippers of Judah
Isa 66:3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
They did their own form of religion and their hearts were far from God. From the LORD's viewpoint; the sacrificing of an ox was as killing a man, from these disobedient worshippers. All they did was an abomination to him. Where were their hearts? Those who reject Christ have made their own distorted values, for example: a compulsion to save the whales combined with a mandatory granting of abortions, the killing of unborn babies for stem cell research and the policy makers denying of the elderly of health care, because they have no value. Another way of seeing this; their sacrifices were only adding to their sinful behavior. What good is a religious sacrifice if it is to a false god or from a sinful rebellious heart?
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Isa 66:4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
They would be cursed and follow after delusions instead of truth. We see this in the world today for those who have rejected God and Christ. They make up delusions of evolution, mother earth, green policies, global warming, and one world government. The Christians who trust God and his Word and follow His truth, are branded as the enemy, the intolerant ones, people of hate speech, because they oppose the sins of the world. Gay pride and their claim of love, cannot replace a humble and contrite spirit. Not only are they not sorry for their behavior, but they want to make it the law of the land. When I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear. This is the blindness of self made religion. They do not hear from God when he calls, but they hear false teachers and false spirits. They do not obey the true God, but they do evil before His eyes. He sees it all, without the slant of the world's news. Those who worship the God of Israel hear him and obey him, for he will avenge his elect.
Isa 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders and he spoke to them.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
If we fear God, we tremble for hunger of his word and speak his word as it is life and truth; then some religious people may break fellowship with you, but if you trust and obey the LORD, you shall be rewarded by him. Saul of Tarsus thought he was serving God when he rounded up Christians, but when he saw the light that was Christ Jesus, he became the greatest apostle. We are to continue to shine the light of Jesus in a sin darkened world.
Psa 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psa 34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
Psa 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psa 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
From the beginning, man has had to make choices. Will you follow the voices of the world, or hear and follow the voice of the LORD? The world is seeking an earthly paradise their way; through their own thoughts and reasoning and actions. They reject God and Christ Jesus and will be cast out. Those who are of a poor and contrite spirit, who tremble at his word, he will receive in Christ Jesus.
Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
The way to paradise is through the cross of Jesus and his blood spilled to make us clean of sins. The world is becoming more and more evil, but we are not of the world. We must shine as the light of Christ, even if this may result in persecution while saving some from the fire.
2 Tim 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2 Tim 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2 Tim 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,...
We please God, not man.
This puts things into perspective. God is sovereign; can we limit God? Can we build him a dwelling place? Yet, he has chosen to make us His dwelling place; the God of omnipresence, who inhabits all creation, has given to us a special unction of the Holy Spirit. We didn't do it, he did this through His Son who shed his blood for our redemption, justification and sanctification. The heaven or heavens are His throne, all creation physical and spiritual. Earth is but a footstool, so what does that make us? In ourselves we are as ants, but he himself has lifted us up out of the dust, given us a new spiritual birth and made us the children of God. What a glorious salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.
Isa 66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Who will the God and creator of all pay attention to: Is it our wealth? Our Speaking ability? Our position of importance? Who will God look for? But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Poor of spirit, not full of self, challenging God. A contrite spirit, not full of self pride, but sorry for sins. You reverence and tremble at his word, instead of doing your own thing and calling "that book" as archaic and written by men. One sign of being born again, is reverence for His word and a desire to obey God.
The LORD speaks to the idol worshippers of Judah
Isa 66:3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
They did their own form of religion and their hearts were far from God. From the LORD's viewpoint; the sacrificing of an ox was as killing a man, from these disobedient worshippers. All they did was an abomination to him. Where were their hearts? Those who reject Christ have made their own distorted values, for example: a compulsion to save the whales combined with a mandatory granting of abortions, the killing of unborn babies for stem cell research and the policy makers denying of the elderly of health care, because they have no value. Another way of seeing this; their sacrifices were only adding to their sinful behavior. What good is a religious sacrifice if it is to a false god or from a sinful rebellious heart?
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Isa 66:4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
They would be cursed and follow after delusions instead of truth. We see this in the world today for those who have rejected God and Christ. They make up delusions of evolution, mother earth, green policies, global warming, and one world government. The Christians who trust God and his Word and follow His truth, are branded as the enemy, the intolerant ones, people of hate speech, because they oppose the sins of the world. Gay pride and their claim of love, cannot replace a humble and contrite spirit. Not only are they not sorry for their behavior, but they want to make it the law of the land. When I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear. This is the blindness of self made religion. They do not hear from God when he calls, but they hear false teachers and false spirits. They do not obey the true God, but they do evil before His eyes. He sees it all, without the slant of the world's news. Those who worship the God of Israel hear him and obey him, for he will avenge his elect.
Isa 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders and he spoke to them.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
If we fear God, we tremble for hunger of his word and speak his word as it is life and truth; then some religious people may break fellowship with you, but if you trust and obey the LORD, you shall be rewarded by him. Saul of Tarsus thought he was serving God when he rounded up Christians, but when he saw the light that was Christ Jesus, he became the greatest apostle. We are to continue to shine the light of Jesus in a sin darkened world.
Psa 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psa 34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
Psa 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psa 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
From the beginning, man has had to make choices. Will you follow the voices of the world, or hear and follow the voice of the LORD? The world is seeking an earthly paradise their way; through their own thoughts and reasoning and actions. They reject God and Christ Jesus and will be cast out. Those who are of a poor and contrite spirit, who tremble at his word, he will receive in Christ Jesus.
Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
The way to paradise is through the cross of Jesus and his blood spilled to make us clean of sins. The world is becoming more and more evil, but we are not of the world. We must shine as the light of Christ, even if this may result in persecution while saving some from the fire.
2 Tim 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2 Tim 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2 Tim 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,...
We please God, not man.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
End Time Things
Isa 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
No memories of the past evil, will be something to thank God for. Peter also warned the Christians of a coming destruction of this earth; new heavens and a new earth, warning them to seek righteousness and holiness.
2 Pet 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
It would same to refer to a nuclear holocaust.
2 Pet 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
The Millennial kingdom first, then the new heavens and the new earth. There will be no sin or flesh in the new earth.
2 Pet 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
In Revelation this is repeated, in the time frame after the Great White Throne judgement. So the new heaven and the new earth refers to a time after the Millennium.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Isa 65:18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
Isa 65:19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
In New Jerusalem; only the glorified saints of God will be there, with the angels. God will be the light with his Son, the Lamb of God. There will be joy and no more sorrows; no more tears and memories of the past.
However, in the Millennium, people of earth will still be living, with their memories of the past. Prophecy often does not come in time order. Isaiah now speaks of the Millennial reign of Christ Jesus.
Isa 65:20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
A hundred year old child, no early deaths due to disease or affliction; but the sinner being a hundred years old, shall be accursed. Sinners live along with the redeemed; the redeemed are the blessed of God, they will go on to live forever in New Jerusalem. The sinner will be accursed and be separated in a place of torment. The first signs of the end time Millennial kingdom began with the gathering of God's elect people. This began when Israel again became a nation in 1948.
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mat 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Mat 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
In 1949 two evangelists, Billy Graham and Oral Roberts began to warn people of the coming kingdom and to bring them in through faith in Jesus Christ. In the Millennial Kingdom on earth, salvation is still by faith in Jesus Christ. Children born to the elect in the kingdom, still inherit the nature of Adam. All humans have the sin nature. If a child is one hundred years old, perhaps an adult will be as in the time of Adam? Jesus will bring the creation back to the beauty of the time of the Garden of Eden. Adam lived to be almost a thousand years old.
Gen 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
Isa 65:21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
Isa 65:22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
Psa 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
With satan bound for a thousand years, there will be peace on earth. There will never be peace on earth, so long as satan entices men to sin. Pride, self glory, power and lusts fill the minds of humans because of satan. That is why we must be diligent to renew our minds in God's word. It is not enough to claim we are saved, we must keep ourselves in the will of God.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Put on the spiritual things that God has provided through Jesus Christ, given in Ephesians 6; the whole armor of God. Which of these can you do without? salvation, righteousness, truth, the gospel of peace, faith, and the word of God. We need all of these to serve our Lord.
Isa 65:23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
Isa 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psa 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psa 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Earth being restored, will bring back the beauty and peace of the Garden of Eden.
Isa 65:25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Earlier, Isaiah gave a similar prophecy. Things repeated are established and important.
Isa 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
Isa 11:7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
Isa 11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
Isa 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
All creation groans waiting for the renewal.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
The angel Gabriel spoke of the future to the virgin Mary
Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luke 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Jesus will reign in Jerusalem for a thousand years, then shall come a New Jerusalem.
Mat 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
Mat 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Some teach that there is a coming kingdom on earth; they say that is all there is. Well, if they are alive when Jesus returns, they may make it to the Millennial kingdom. However, by faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, we shall continue and be with him in the New Jerusalem. We can know we will live forever now. Do not let anyone try to destroy your faith. Faith In Jesus is the entrance to heaven. We become his spiritual people of God, abiding with Him forever. Hail to the King of Glory!
No memories of the past evil, will be something to thank God for. Peter also warned the Christians of a coming destruction of this earth; new heavens and a new earth, warning them to seek righteousness and holiness.
2 Pet 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
It would same to refer to a nuclear holocaust.
2 Pet 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
The Millennial kingdom first, then the new heavens and the new earth. There will be no sin or flesh in the new earth.
2 Pet 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
In Revelation this is repeated, in the time frame after the Great White Throne judgement. So the new heaven and the new earth refers to a time after the Millennium.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Isa 65:18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
Isa 65:19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
In New Jerusalem; only the glorified saints of God will be there, with the angels. God will be the light with his Son, the Lamb of God. There will be joy and no more sorrows; no more tears and memories of the past.
However, in the Millennium, people of earth will still be living, with their memories of the past. Prophecy often does not come in time order. Isaiah now speaks of the Millennial reign of Christ Jesus.
Isa 65:20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
A hundred year old child, no early deaths due to disease or affliction; but the sinner being a hundred years old, shall be accursed. Sinners live along with the redeemed; the redeemed are the blessed of God, they will go on to live forever in New Jerusalem. The sinner will be accursed and be separated in a place of torment. The first signs of the end time Millennial kingdom began with the gathering of God's elect people. This began when Israel again became a nation in 1948.
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mat 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Mat 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
In 1949 two evangelists, Billy Graham and Oral Roberts began to warn people of the coming kingdom and to bring them in through faith in Jesus Christ. In the Millennial Kingdom on earth, salvation is still by faith in Jesus Christ. Children born to the elect in the kingdom, still inherit the nature of Adam. All humans have the sin nature. If a child is one hundred years old, perhaps an adult will be as in the time of Adam? Jesus will bring the creation back to the beauty of the time of the Garden of Eden. Adam lived to be almost a thousand years old.
Gen 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
Isa 65:21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
Isa 65:22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
Psa 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
With satan bound for a thousand years, there will be peace on earth. There will never be peace on earth, so long as satan entices men to sin. Pride, self glory, power and lusts fill the minds of humans because of satan. That is why we must be diligent to renew our minds in God's word. It is not enough to claim we are saved, we must keep ourselves in the will of God.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Put on the spiritual things that God has provided through Jesus Christ, given in Ephesians 6; the whole armor of God. Which of these can you do without? salvation, righteousness, truth, the gospel of peace, faith, and the word of God. We need all of these to serve our Lord.
Isa 65:23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
Isa 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psa 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psa 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Earth being restored, will bring back the beauty and peace of the Garden of Eden.
Isa 65:25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Earlier, Isaiah gave a similar prophecy. Things repeated are established and important.
Isa 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
Isa 11:7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
Isa 11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
Isa 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
All creation groans waiting for the renewal.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
The angel Gabriel spoke of the future to the virgin Mary
Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luke 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Jesus will reign in Jerusalem for a thousand years, then shall come a New Jerusalem.
Mat 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
Mat 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Some teach that there is a coming kingdom on earth; they say that is all there is. Well, if they are alive when Jesus returns, they may make it to the Millennial kingdom. However, by faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, we shall continue and be with him in the New Jerusalem. We can know we will live forever now. Do not let anyone try to destroy your faith. Faith In Jesus is the entrance to heaven. We become his spiritual people of God, abiding with Him forever. Hail to the King of Glory!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Blessed and the Cursed
The Blessed Remnant
Isa 65:8 Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.
Isa 1:9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.
The LORD sees a remnant of Judah that serve him and he will not destroy them. They are as a cluster of grapes saved from the crushing; the blood bath of the winepress. We are in Christ a cluster of grapes; the fruit of the Holy Spirit, in those saved from a people that will be under the wrath of God.
Isa 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
Jesus spoke of a last days remnant; the elect of God.
Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Isa 65:10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Those who seek God and stay close to him are blessed. In times of trouble, God's people find green pastures and rest. He is our rest and peace.
Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
The Cursed Rebellious
Isa 65:11 But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.
That "troop," gad, refers to the worship of a pagan god, that supposedly would disribute good fortune. They forget God's covenant place of worship, on the holy mountain of Jerusalem and instead worshipped the idols of the nations. America is an example of a rebellious people, troubled on every side, bad news every day, but many still serve false gods, many having exchanged the true faith for a lie. There were and are many who refuse to believe in and to come near the LORD who is our peace.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Isa 65:12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
Prov 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
Prov 1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
Prov 1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
Prov 1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
Prov 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Prov 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
Prov 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
Prov 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Prov 1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
Prov 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Isa 65:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
Isa 65:14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
Oh how sad it is to meet those who cannot come to the LORD. They are a cursed people, having hardened their hearts, they are given over to their evil ways. May the Lord have mercy on all who call upon his name. His own servants he blesses. The rebellious do not receive good things of the LORD. The LORD promises to meet our needs, He gives us joy of heart; the rebellious have sorrow, confusion and unrest.
Isa 65:15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
The rebellious leave behind a cursed name : Cain, Esau, Ahab, Judas, they all have perished, but the Lord has a remnant that serve him. They shall have a new name; we today are named as Christians, the faithful, the chosen of God.
Isa 65:16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
The blessed shall bless himself in the God of truth. All things are from God; all blessings, all power, and all good things. In Christ we are given his authority and power. This is available when we are in his will, as he directs by his Holy Spirit.
Mat 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
There are Hebrews under the old covenant and there are Christians under the new covenant. Out of these who are called the children of God, there is a faithful remnant. A chosen few who serve the LORD and are close to him. They will continue into eternal life.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Salvation is by faith and by their works and their fruit you shall know them. We know that salvation is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who shed his blood as payment for our sins. No man can make his own way, we must believe the promises of God. Are you part of the faithful remnant?
Isa 65:8 Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.
Isa 1:9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.
The LORD sees a remnant of Judah that serve him and he will not destroy them. They are as a cluster of grapes saved from the crushing; the blood bath of the winepress. We are in Christ a cluster of grapes; the fruit of the Holy Spirit, in those saved from a people that will be under the wrath of God.
Isa 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
Jesus spoke of a last days remnant; the elect of God.
Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Isa 65:10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Those who seek God and stay close to him are blessed. In times of trouble, God's people find green pastures and rest. He is our rest and peace.
Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
The Cursed Rebellious
Isa 65:11 But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.
That "troop," gad, refers to the worship of a pagan god, that supposedly would disribute good fortune. They forget God's covenant place of worship, on the holy mountain of Jerusalem and instead worshipped the idols of the nations. America is an example of a rebellious people, troubled on every side, bad news every day, but many still serve false gods, many having exchanged the true faith for a lie. There were and are many who refuse to believe in and to come near the LORD who is our peace.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Isa 65:12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
Prov 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
Prov 1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
Prov 1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
Prov 1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
Prov 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Prov 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
Prov 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
Prov 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Prov 1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
Prov 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Isa 65:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
Isa 65:14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
Oh how sad it is to meet those who cannot come to the LORD. They are a cursed people, having hardened their hearts, they are given over to their evil ways. May the Lord have mercy on all who call upon his name. His own servants he blesses. The rebellious do not receive good things of the LORD. The LORD promises to meet our needs, He gives us joy of heart; the rebellious have sorrow, confusion and unrest.
Isa 65:15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
The rebellious leave behind a cursed name : Cain, Esau, Ahab, Judas, they all have perished, but the Lord has a remnant that serve him. They shall have a new name; we today are named as Christians, the faithful, the chosen of God.
Isa 65:16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
The blessed shall bless himself in the God of truth. All things are from God; all blessings, all power, and all good things. In Christ we are given his authority and power. This is available when we are in his will, as he directs by his Holy Spirit.
Mat 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
There are Hebrews under the old covenant and there are Christians under the new covenant. Out of these who are called the children of God, there is a faithful remnant. A chosen few who serve the LORD and are close to him. They will continue into eternal life.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Salvation is by faith and by their works and their fruit you shall know them. We know that salvation is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who shed his blood as payment for our sins. No man can make his own way, we must believe the promises of God. Are you part of the faithful remnant?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Behold Me, Behold Me
Isa 65:1 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
Grace was given to the Gentiles , who believed the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The first thing that comes to mind is Isa 53.
Isa 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Who has believed? Let's go on a quick tour through the scriptures to see who has believed.
Righteous Abraham
Gen 15:6 And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
A reluctant prophet and the power of God
Jonah 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
The religious leaders had no faith, but the tax collectors and harlots believed the true report
Mat 21:32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Only one way of salvation: faith in Jesus
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Believe and become disciples
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Believe and love God most of all
John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Believe the testimonies
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
The Gentiles believed
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Not by the law, but by faith are ye saved
Acts 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Acts 15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Acts 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
James the head of the Jerusalem church regarding the Gentile Christians, gave them four things to abstain from: Idolatry, fornication, things strangled and blood. These all were practiced and accepted by Gentiles in their former way of worship, but were an offence to the Jewish believers. Man made idols of gods were to be put away as well as the eating of meat sacrificed to the gods. This was addresses by Paul in 1 Cor 8.
1 Cor 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
1 Cor 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
1 Cor 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
1 Cor 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
This was an offence to the Jews. Fornication involved temple prostitutes, widely accepted among the Gentiles, but not God's way. Things strangled were to be avoided for life is in the blood. The blood was to be spilled, a type of Christ's blood spilled, also a practice of the Jews. The blood was not to be eaten or drank, which was a common practice among the Gentiles.
Ask yourself, do you follow the abominable things of the world? Or do you come out of the world to please the LORD. Fornication, is common now in the world. They do not say anything about living together apart from marriage anymore. Things are so bad in the world that it is unlawful to speak against homosexuality. Values of the world are becoming opposite of those of God in his Holy Bible. The world lives in and values the things that God has told us not to do.
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
1 Pet 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1 Pet 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Isa 65:2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
A disciple does the will of God, not his own will. How many of us give God our choices, rather than accepting his will? The rebellious walk in a way according to their own thoughts, to trust in their own wisdom, their own judgment, their own thinking, instead of obeying the LORD.
Isa 65:3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
Idol worship was common. This is why the LORD allowed Israel to be taken captive. What things do we put ahead of our love of God?
Isa 65:4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
These things were unclean, against the law of Moses and an abomination to God. Do we willfully disobey God? More important than laws, is the authority behind them. If we disobey and treat God as if he were not real; where is the fear of God? If we love him and fear him, how can we do what he hates? How can we ignor the one we love and obey? Where is our hearts desire and what do we obey?
Isa 65:5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
I can see this attitude in many of the denominations and especially the pseudo Christian cults. We are the only true believers they say. But they are arrogant and rebellious. They speak with pride: "Our way is the true way, all others are wrong." Jesus is the way. This separates many religious people who add works to their form of religion as the only "true" way.
We hear the warnings; can we see?
2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2 Tim 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2 Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Isa 65:6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
Isa 65:7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Pay day is coming; the day of reckoning. Will we join with the world and hide among the rocks at his appearance?
Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Will we only fear God at that time? Fear God now and do his will. He has given us much freedom and grace. Let's use it to advance his name and his kingdom. Do we continue to hear his voice calling us? Do we hear and turn to him when he cries Behold me? Or are we too busy doing our own will? Sometimes we are too busy doing religious things; too busy to hear Jesus when he desires to lead us.
God the Father made it clear
Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Take note and make adjustments in your life. Put God first and hear His Son. Hear him as he calls "Behold Me," and follow him. Lead us Holy Spirit in the will of God, not our own thoughts. Amen
Grace was given to the Gentiles , who believed the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The first thing that comes to mind is Isa 53.
Isa 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Who has believed? Let's go on a quick tour through the scriptures to see who has believed.
Righteous Abraham
Gen 15:6 And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
A reluctant prophet and the power of God
Jonah 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
The religious leaders had no faith, but the tax collectors and harlots believed the true report
Mat 21:32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Only one way of salvation: faith in Jesus
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Believe and become disciples
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Believe and love God most of all
John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Believe the testimonies
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
The Gentiles believed
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Not by the law, but by faith are ye saved
Acts 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Acts 15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Acts 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
James the head of the Jerusalem church regarding the Gentile Christians, gave them four things to abstain from: Idolatry, fornication, things strangled and blood. These all were practiced and accepted by Gentiles in their former way of worship, but were an offence to the Jewish believers. Man made idols of gods were to be put away as well as the eating of meat sacrificed to the gods. This was addresses by Paul in 1 Cor 8.
1 Cor 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
1 Cor 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
1 Cor 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
1 Cor 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
This was an offence to the Jews. Fornication involved temple prostitutes, widely accepted among the Gentiles, but not God's way. Things strangled were to be avoided for life is in the blood. The blood was to be spilled, a type of Christ's blood spilled, also a practice of the Jews. The blood was not to be eaten or drank, which was a common practice among the Gentiles.
Ask yourself, do you follow the abominable things of the world? Or do you come out of the world to please the LORD. Fornication, is common now in the world. They do not say anything about living together apart from marriage anymore. Things are so bad in the world that it is unlawful to speak against homosexuality. Values of the world are becoming opposite of those of God in his Holy Bible. The world lives in and values the things that God has told us not to do.
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
1 Pet 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1 Pet 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Isa 65:2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
A disciple does the will of God, not his own will. How many of us give God our choices, rather than accepting his will? The rebellious walk in a way according to their own thoughts, to trust in their own wisdom, their own judgment, their own thinking, instead of obeying the LORD.
Isa 65:3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
Idol worship was common. This is why the LORD allowed Israel to be taken captive. What things do we put ahead of our love of God?
Isa 65:4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
These things were unclean, against the law of Moses and an abomination to God. Do we willfully disobey God? More important than laws, is the authority behind them. If we disobey and treat God as if he were not real; where is the fear of God? If we love him and fear him, how can we do what he hates? How can we ignor the one we love and obey? Where is our hearts desire and what do we obey?
Isa 65:5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
I can see this attitude in many of the denominations and especially the pseudo Christian cults. We are the only true believers they say. But they are arrogant and rebellious. They speak with pride: "Our way is the true way, all others are wrong." Jesus is the way. This separates many religious people who add works to their form of religion as the only "true" way.
We hear the warnings; can we see?
2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2 Tim 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2 Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Isa 65:6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
Isa 65:7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Pay day is coming; the day of reckoning. Will we join with the world and hide among the rocks at his appearance?
Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Will we only fear God at that time? Fear God now and do his will. He has given us much freedom and grace. Let's use it to advance his name and his kingdom. Do we continue to hear his voice calling us? Do we hear and turn to him when he cries Behold me? Or are we too busy doing our own will? Sometimes we are too busy doing religious things; too busy to hear Jesus when he desires to lead us.
God the Father made it clear
Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Take note and make adjustments in your life. Put God first and hear His Son. Hear him as he calls "Behold Me," and follow him. Lead us Holy Spirit in the will of God, not our own thoughts. Amen
Monday, June 15, 2009
A New Mind
1 Cor 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
These represent two ways of thinking by the natural mind. The Greeks seek wisdom, which could be good because wisdom is from God, but if they seek wisdom only to debate and argue, then it is wrong thinking. The Jews seek a sign. Recognizing a sign or miracle from God is good, but following them can lead them astray to false spirits and teachings.
John 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
John 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
John 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
Both the Greek wisdom seekers and the Jewish sign seekers need discernment, Spiritual discernment.
1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Cor 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
If you are born again of His Spirit, you have access to the mind of Christ. We must replace our natural thinking with God's thinking. We need the mind of Christ and that only comes through careful study and reading of the Bible. The Bible is a spiritual book, requiring the Holy Spirit to discern what is read and to deposit this into our minds and hearts.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Our mind is renewed first by forsaking the thinking of the world and the natural mind, and then seeking the transforming power of God searching his thoughts and making them our own. We receive by grace the anointed word of God and that through faith. Grace and faith work together to transform us into the children of God. Without faith, we would not believe nor seek the things of God, With faith, comes a new creation through Jesus Christ, the object of our faith. We must discern what is of God and what is of another spirit. We need Spiritual discernment that only comes from reading the word of God. Some do not have discipline to sit down and read the word. They cannot be disciples, if they have no discipline. The Spirit works in you to discern the word of truth. If no time is spent in the word, then we only have the natural man's thoughts. Study the word, read it, eat it so that it is part of you. This is the way to receive the transformed and renewed mind. It requires effort to be transformed and renewed, with submission to the mind of Christ which comes by the Holy Spirit. Where are we getting our thoughts? The mind is a battleground, the worlds news is never good news. Take time to refresh and cleanse your mind through reading the Bible. Put off the old mind and put on the mind of Christ.
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Also study 1 Cor 1:10 - 3:11
These represent two ways of thinking by the natural mind. The Greeks seek wisdom, which could be good because wisdom is from God, but if they seek wisdom only to debate and argue, then it is wrong thinking. The Jews seek a sign. Recognizing a sign or miracle from God is good, but following them can lead them astray to false spirits and teachings.
John 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
John 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
John 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
Both the Greek wisdom seekers and the Jewish sign seekers need discernment, Spiritual discernment.
1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Cor 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
If you are born again of His Spirit, you have access to the mind of Christ. We must replace our natural thinking with God's thinking. We need the mind of Christ and that only comes through careful study and reading of the Bible. The Bible is a spiritual book, requiring the Holy Spirit to discern what is read and to deposit this into our minds and hearts.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Our mind is renewed first by forsaking the thinking of the world and the natural mind, and then seeking the transforming power of God searching his thoughts and making them our own. We receive by grace the anointed word of God and that through faith. Grace and faith work together to transform us into the children of God. Without faith, we would not believe nor seek the things of God, With faith, comes a new creation through Jesus Christ, the object of our faith. We must discern what is of God and what is of another spirit. We need Spiritual discernment that only comes from reading the word of God. Some do not have discipline to sit down and read the word. They cannot be disciples, if they have no discipline. The Spirit works in you to discern the word of truth. If no time is spent in the word, then we only have the natural man's thoughts. Study the word, read it, eat it so that it is part of you. This is the way to receive the transformed and renewed mind. It requires effort to be transformed and renewed, with submission to the mind of Christ which comes by the Holy Spirit. Where are we getting our thoughts? The mind is a battleground, the worlds news is never good news. Take time to refresh and cleanse your mind through reading the Bible. Put off the old mind and put on the mind of Christ.
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Also study 1 Cor 1:10 - 3:11
Friday, June 12, 2009
Sovereign God
Isa 64:1 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence.
Isa 64:2 As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!
As the volcano flows as a melting fire making the sea to steam and boil, it is as a reminder of the power and judgement of God. We would all perish if it were not for his mercy. Isaiah speaks of the Lord coming with vengeance and a show of great power. Micah speaks similar words from the LORD.
Micah 1:3 For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.
Micah 1:4 And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.
Isa 64:3 When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.
Exo 34:10 And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.
Terrible things or fearful, awesome and terrifying things.
Heb 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
It is fearful to fall into the hands of God for those not seeking him, but a time of joy for his covenant people of faith.
Isa 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
I always saw this as a great reward for us who await his return; yet if we look at this from the viewpoint of the unsaved, the things coming, the wrath of God, will be greater than anything yet seen or experienced on earth. Those who put off salvation would have waited too long. Those who are saved and are watching and waiting for his return shall be rewarded.
Isa 64:5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
We are sinners and God is angry at sin. The prophet speaks: how can we who continue to sin be saved?
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
We are all unclean, our own righteousness are as under garments: we do fade as a leaf, soon to wither and die in our sins (apart from Jesus Christ); and our iniquities, our thoughts and desires are to do evil. As a dry leaf in a wind, we are taken away and will perish in our sins, if God doesn't help us.
Isa 64:7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.
The knowledge of our sinful condition should cause us to cry out to God. The prophet continues to say that none call upon his name, nor are moved within to take hold of God in prayer. For you have hid your face from us, who are sinners without repentance, your vengeance will consume us, because of our iniquities. Who is he speaking of? Judah,? us,? perhaps all humans who are sinners and without hope? Where is hope? In the promised savior, who was not yet revealed. We know that it is the Lord Jesus Christ. How were people saved before Jesus came? Always salvation is by faith in God and his promises. He provides our salvation. Jesus came and when he went to the cross He descended to tell the old testament saints that he had come and that they are soon to be delivered up.
Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
This verse shows that God is sovereign, our father, our Creator, as the potter shapes the clay for his purpose. He is the designer and the former of individuals, nations and events.
Isa 29:16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?
A familiar hymn speaks of God as the potter and we as the clay in his hands. Clay is only wet dust, but God makes us useful, giving us a soul and His Spirit through Jesus our savior. We are made vessels for his use.
Isa 64:9 Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.
Be not be very angry with us LORD, do not hold them against us forever for we are your covenant people. God's justice requires payment for sins. Blood was shed, the blood of Jesus, to remove our sins from our father's memory.
Psa 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psa 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Psa 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
Isa 64:10 Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.
Isa 64:11 Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.
Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed at the time of the Babylonian captivity. It would be destroyed again after the coming of Christ Jesus, at 70 A.D. by the Romans. The world hates the chosen of God. We are not to set our affections on this world and it's things, but we are of a higher calling..
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Isa 64:12 Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?
Will you be silent LORD? Are you going to punish us? He will not forsake those who trust in him.
Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isa 41:11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
Isa 64:2 As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!
As the volcano flows as a melting fire making the sea to steam and boil, it is as a reminder of the power and judgement of God. We would all perish if it were not for his mercy. Isaiah speaks of the Lord coming with vengeance and a show of great power. Micah speaks similar words from the LORD.
Micah 1:3 For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.
Micah 1:4 And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.
Isa 64:3 When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.
Exo 34:10 And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.
Terrible things or fearful, awesome and terrifying things.
Heb 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
It is fearful to fall into the hands of God for those not seeking him, but a time of joy for his covenant people of faith.
Isa 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
I always saw this as a great reward for us who await his return; yet if we look at this from the viewpoint of the unsaved, the things coming, the wrath of God, will be greater than anything yet seen or experienced on earth. Those who put off salvation would have waited too long. Those who are saved and are watching and waiting for his return shall be rewarded.
Isa 64:5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
We are sinners and God is angry at sin. The prophet speaks: how can we who continue to sin be saved?
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
We are all unclean, our own righteousness are as under garments: we do fade as a leaf, soon to wither and die in our sins (apart from Jesus Christ); and our iniquities, our thoughts and desires are to do evil. As a dry leaf in a wind, we are taken away and will perish in our sins, if God doesn't help us.
Isa 64:7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.
The knowledge of our sinful condition should cause us to cry out to God. The prophet continues to say that none call upon his name, nor are moved within to take hold of God in prayer. For you have hid your face from us, who are sinners without repentance, your vengeance will consume us, because of our iniquities. Who is he speaking of? Judah,? us,? perhaps all humans who are sinners and without hope? Where is hope? In the promised savior, who was not yet revealed. We know that it is the Lord Jesus Christ. How were people saved before Jesus came? Always salvation is by faith in God and his promises. He provides our salvation. Jesus came and when he went to the cross He descended to tell the old testament saints that he had come and that they are soon to be delivered up.
Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
This verse shows that God is sovereign, our father, our Creator, as the potter shapes the clay for his purpose. He is the designer and the former of individuals, nations and events.
Isa 29:16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?
A familiar hymn speaks of God as the potter and we as the clay in his hands. Clay is only wet dust, but God makes us useful, giving us a soul and His Spirit through Jesus our savior. We are made vessels for his use.
Isa 64:9 Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.
Be not be very angry with us LORD, do not hold them against us forever for we are your covenant people. God's justice requires payment for sins. Blood was shed, the blood of Jesus, to remove our sins from our father's memory.
Psa 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psa 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Psa 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
Isa 64:10 Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.
Isa 64:11 Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.
Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed at the time of the Babylonian captivity. It would be destroyed again after the coming of Christ Jesus, at 70 A.D. by the Romans. The world hates the chosen of God. We are not to set our affections on this world and it's things, but we are of a higher calling..
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Isa 64:12 Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?
Will you be silent LORD? Are you going to punish us? He will not forsake those who trust in him.
Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isa 41:11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
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