2 Chronicles 6:18
18 “But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
God is ‘big’ and glorious. Even the highest heaven cannot contain Him. But David and Solomon wanted to build a place for God to dwell on earth. God has to ‘bend down’ in order to dwell in Solomon’s Temple. I can see that God was responsive to David and Solomon’s wish. In fact, if God is not love, He will not allow them to build Him a temple as even the greatest temple cannot contain Him. The way I see it is that God is love. He is eager to have a relationship with man. So, in order to suit the ‘thinking’ of man, He allowed David and Solomon to build Him a temple to dwell in, just to provide a ‘humanly’ way for man to approach Him.
Closely related to this, our hearts are also a temple of God. Do we pay the same respect of David and Solomon to ‘decorate’ our hearts for God? Do we treasure the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts?
Frederick
====== Jane:
Proverbs 19:25b means what? I thought you would elaborated on that!
There is no condemnation in those who are in Jesus Christ. Seems we condrmn Ourselves!! We carry around slot if guilt trying to live up to expectation the world and God and the bible has for us. It’s a difficult thing being a Christian! Not easy, because we will never measure up. God loves us unconditionally!
Greetings
1 Chronicles 7:11+12
11 When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace, 12 the Lord appeared to him at night and said:
“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices
The very fact that, God himself, shows up AT NIGHT to Solomon. In a very personal way and tells him He’s heard his prayer. It makes me think about how Solomon had the visual example in his dad David. First hand on how to have a tangible relationship with God. David knew God intimately. It shows in Solomon…
Peace
Imja
====== Dee:
Reading the comme tary up there and seeing the author’s and Neopolitan’s artwork..do you think those pinks and Browns and cream is where they got the ice cream flavor from 😆 🤣 just a thought. I love seeing Solomon building the temple and all the different Jon’s and helpers that went into it. It’s neat.
Romans..th thing I want to do I don’t and what I don’t want to do I do..carnal sin and trying to avoid temptation and being played is the hardest thing and surprisingly two little letters N-O is just as hard to say to people..that is something I have to get better at
David sang this out to God protecting me from my enemies..death stared at me but didn’t defeat me. God saved and protected Mr.
It’s sad to be so slothful to not even feed yourself because of laziness. I have been so tired sleep called me over food but yes it’s important to take care of this vessel the lord gave amen
Dee
====== John
Romans 7
If there is a choice, I would rather you read Bob Deffingbaugh’s commentary on this section than anything I write. If you do not have much time – at least read the Conclusions. It is a powerful commentary.
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=2304
Paul has talked about Christians not going back to obey the Law – “shackles” to a saved soul. And that the Law is good, it is sin that is evil and our “flesh” that is weak.
Romans 7:14-25
Struggling With Sin (The War within a Saved Soul)
Boy, this chapter has been tough. It has been hard to focus, and did not want to write – because of this section.
Earlier Paul talked about Salvation, and how when saved we are no longer at war with God. But one war seems to have been exchanged for another. Now within the Christian is a war with sin.
The “I DO” Verses
So tough to read. I can understand each sentence individually, but when read in toto (vs. 14-20), I find it hard to maintain the thread of thought. (Plan on re-reading it each day for awhile, until it flows.) Paul (and we as Christians) want to do good, but keep(s) on sinning. Huh? I thought we had the “new man”. What is Paul talking about?
Nestled in the middle of the paragraph, are the two truths that devastate me. I knew of one, then just realized the second tonight.
Vs. 18
“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” NIV
1) There is no good in my old nature (“flesh”).
2) There is no power in my new nature.
I knew the first, sin has a “base of operations” in my “flesh” (old nature), and it is working overtime. Satan would like nothing better than to discredit a Christian. He may have lost that soul, but by discrediting the Christian, he believes he can stop the geometric spread of Christianity. Sin is Satan’s WMD.
Andrew B.- the second reminded me of your question awhile back. We have the new nature – the “new mind”, but why isn’t Paul experiancing the “abundant blessings of the Holy Spirit? Why all this failure? At this point, it seems it is because of the “I”‘s.
“..but I cannot carry it out”
I (you) cannot do it. The “new man” is like a bomb, it has to be “armed” before it can be utilized. The “believer” is not qualified to do this, it must be “armed” by another. We can sit there all day long atop an “inert bomb” and we will be trampled by sin. We are not only not qualified to “arm” it, we are not qualified to “utilize” the bomb. We must depend on another.
“Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (sin and the old nature).
[“When Paul describes this body of death, some commentators see a reference to ancient kings who tormented their prisoners by shackling them to decomposing corpses. Paul longs to be cut free from the wretched body of death clinging to him.” – David Guzik]
The answer: “Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
and on to the next chapter….. 🙂
John
====== John:
Romans 8:1-8
The Power of the Holy Spirit
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
“God’s work is never accomplished by human effort but only by divine enablement. It has always been this way.” – Bob Deffingbaugh
======================================================
One of the Great Truths
vs. 1a
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,..” NIV
“Since the Father does not condemn Jesus, neither can He condemn those are in Him. They are not condemned, they will not be condemned, and they cannot be condemned.” – David Guzik
Jesus’s death on the cross meant that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met “in us”.
[Paul was very careful, not “by us” – as we can do nothing to become righteous on our own. But “in us” – requirements fulfilled through Christ.]
Through Jesus’ ressurection we receive new life (new man) and the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Vs.8
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” NIV
“Paul gives an easy way for us to determine if we walk in the Spirit or walk in the flesh – to simply see where our mind is set. The mind is the strategic battleground where the flesh and the Spirit fight.” – David Guzik
The mind controlled by the Spirit is “life and peace”. Sounds good! Much better than last chapter.
John
====== Vance:
This comment is in response to this question:
“ Will you pray to accept Jesus as your savior today and allow him to free you from you bondage to sin? ”
The part…”allow Him to free you from sin” is not a ONE-TIME event. We are certainly MADE FREE FROM SIN by what Jesus did on the Cross… yet, do we live in freedom from bondage of sin?
We have to ALWAYS CHOOSE to trust God.. not ourselves.
I know we have not come to Romans 8 yet – but I can’t wait !
Realize the provision of GLORY God / Jesus has placed within us! As I meditate on these verses to come in Romans 8, I think of what I read this morning in “Shemos – Jewish Torah name for Exodus” in reference to Exodus 16 where the glory of God appeared to Moses, Aaron, and the people. This is where Yahweh provided quail and manna for the people.
In “Shemos – Exodus”, this is how Exodus 16:9 reads in that translation:
“…the glory of HASHEM appeared in a cloud.”
HASHEM is the word the
Torah uses for “the God of
Mercy”—the quintessential
name for God.
The definition of glory in the cloud– in the “Shemos” is excellent:
“the dwelling place of the Presence”.
ROMANS 8
1
THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.(A)
2
For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.
3
For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [[a]the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [[b]subdued, overcame, [c]deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],(B)
==> Romans 8, Verse 2
The law of the Spirit of Life is the law of our new being – created by the Lord Himself through Jesus on the cross.
This makes me think of I John 3:9 (Amplified) which reads:
No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and [h]habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him
Yet, we have to CHOOSE to walk—to yield to—what God has placed within me. WOW!
==> Romans 8, Verse 3
God sent His own Son in the disguise of sinful man—yet as a TRUE MAN – who overcame
As the TRUEST MAN, Jesus was TRULY human. This means he also was dependent on the Father and the Spirit just as we are. AS SUCH,
He overcame the temptations which Adam and Eve failed when they were tempted by the devil. When they sinned and chose to yield to him, they gave their authority over earth to the evil one. Thus, the devil became “the god of this world.”
Jesus had to come as a man, and as a man He came to take back authority over earth—and give it back to redeemed men and women who trust in Jesus. Thus, we can live LIKE JESUS on this earth – and can obey the Lord to spread the Gospel over the earth. That is WHY we are here.
EPHESIANS 1 (Amplified)
22
And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],(A)
23
Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
==> Romans 8, Verse 3
Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] … [[b]subdued, overcame, [c]deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],(B)
So..
In our weakness, is His strength. Yet, we must CONTINUALLY choose Him. Jesus’ IRON PILLARED DETERMINATION to trust God and the Father’s power are demonstrated in His victory over the world, flesh, and devil.
And His IRON-PILLARED WILL AND DETERMINATION are inside of US… who trust in Jesus!
Vance
====== Vance:
2 Chronicles 6 (NKJV)
14
and he said: “LORD God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.
15
You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.
18
“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple [LITERALLY HOUSE] which I have built!
19
Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O LORD my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your servant is praying before You:
20
THAT YOUR EYES MAY BE OPEN TOWARD THIS TEMPLE [Literally House] DAY AND NIGHT, TOWARD THE PLACE WHERE YOU SAID YOU WOULD PUT YOUR NAME, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place.
30
THEN HEAR FROM HEAVEN YOUR DWELLING PLACE, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men),
NOTE:
How matchless is the only true and living God!
I echo the question that the Holy Spirit spoke through Solomon: “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth?”
Will God—who is the Most High and above all—indeed dwell with men on earth?
Note that God’s dwelling place is in heaven, yet He has put His Name in the Temple (literally HOUSE) that Solomon built.
The Temple (literally HOUSE) of God was the first step in preparing you and I for the truth that the Holy Spirit later revealed through the Lord Jesus:
man’s spirit and being is designed to be the “house” of the Spirit of the Most High through GRACE.
First, Jesus came in John 1 (Amplified Bible)
14
And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and TABERNACLED (FIXED HIS TENT OF FLESH, LIVED AWHILE) AMONG US; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.
Then, later through the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus—we can now become the houses of God.
Romans 8 (Amplified Bible)
10
But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].
~~~
May I—and may we—really ponder and meditate on the wonder of the Presence of God within us.
Once we really come to grasp and know clearly and with certainty the reality of God’s Presence in us as the Spirit teaches and convinces us—then our lives will never be the same.
We will bring glory to the One who honors us with His very Presence!
2 Chronicles 7 (NKJV)
3
When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever.” [Compare Psalm 106:1]
6
And the priests attended to their services; the Levites also with instruments of the music of the LORD, which King David had made to praise the LORD, saying, “For His mercy endures forever,” [Compare Psalm 106:1] whenever David offered praise by their ministry. The priests sounded trumpets opposite them, while all Israel stood.
NOTE:
It is obvious from the first three (3) verses in 2 Chronicles 7 how eager God is to demonstrate the Glory of His Presence and His Love to man.
It is also obvious that God’s Name is His Presence! His Presence is Glorious!
May these truths be lodged deep within you and I as we meditate on Colossians 1:27
“Christ in you—Who is the certain, guaranteed hope of Glory!”
May God’s manifest Glory be demonstrated more and more in our lives as we pray, meditate, surrender, and have deep and intimate fellowship with the Lord. Then, the will of the Lord Jesus will be fulfilled:
John 7 (NKJV)
38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, OUT OF HIS HEART WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER.”
John 14 (NKJV)
21
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. AND HE WHO LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER, AND I WILL LOVE HIM AND MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.”
~~~
Romans 7 (NKJV)
20
Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21
I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.
22
For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.
23
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
NOTE:
I like these jewels of truth – my paraphrase:
a. Because I do what I do not want to do, I no longer sin—but SIN DWELLING IN ME
b. I do not mean I am not responsible for sin I commit
c. I see two (2) unchanging laws within me at the same time:
* Law of God’s Overcoming Righteousness:
I am righteous in my inner man and delight to do God’s will.
* Law of sin and death in my members
I am called to the process of surrender and doing God’s will, so my whole being and all my members are trained in righteousness through Holy Spirit
Yes… we have to practice righteousness, and yes we have to choose to participate in being set apart and sanctified. Yes, we always have to resist sin in the power of the Spirit.
Yet, may we never forget WHO WE ALREADY ARE in Christ. We are not “helpless victims” as we resist sin and the sin in our members.
We are already spiritual victors through Christ, and He—only by His matchless grace—has imparted to us His victory!
I thoroughly enjoy these rich verses in Romans 8 (Amplified).
1
THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.
2
For THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE [which is] in Christ Jesus
** [THE LAW OF OUR NEW BEING]
Has Freed Me From The Law Of Sin And Of Death.
3
For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. SENDING HIS OWN SON IN THE GUISE OF SINFUL FLESH AND AS AN OFFERING FOR SIN, [GOD] CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH
** [Subdued, Overcame, Deprived It Of Its Power Over All Who Accept That Sacrifice],
4
So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh BUT IN THE WAYS OF THE SPIRIT [OUR LIVES GOVERNED NOT BY THE STANDARDS AND ACCORDING TO THE DICTATES OF THE FLESH,
** But Controlled By The Holy Spirit].
~~~
May we really realize who we already ARE in Christ! Did you catch that the Law of the Spirit of Life IS THE LAW OF OUR NEW BEING!
We are alive in our spirits because of God’s righteousness! So before Satan deliberately focuses attacks on us through sin in our members, MAY WE DELIBERATELY SET OUR MINDS on Christ and His Overcoming Life.
Then, we will be prepared! Prepared not just to “survive”, but prepared to OVERCOME and to win many for the Lord Jesus!
So, may we put our highest priority on fellowship and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. His Life is in us!
We are in Christ and Christ is in us!
Then, may we take the next stept and fulfill the Holy Spirit’s joy of unity TOGETHER as expressions of the Body of Christ all over the world:
Philippians 2 (NKJV)
2
fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
THEN, as we do that, then the victory of Christ—we are in Christ and He is in us—will be MORE manifest so all people in the world WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MISS THE REALITY, PRESENCE, AND GLORY OF JESUS in us!
This is the will of Jesus:
John 17 (NKJV)
21
that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22
And The Glory Which You Gave Me I Have Given Them, That They May Be One Just As We Are One:
23
I IN THEM, AND YOU IN ME; THAT THEY MAY BE MADE PERFECT IN ONE, AND THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME, AND HAVE LOVED THEM AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME.
~~~
Proverbs 19 (NKJV)
24
A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl,
[Septuagint and Syriac read bosom; Targum and Vulgate read ARMPIT] and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.
NOTE:
Please notice the note in the New King James Version I have included after the phrase “A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl”. One possible alternate meaning of “bowl” is “armpit”.
Then a comical picture came to mind: I chuckled to myself when I read this. I thought of a lazy man who had one hand in his armpit (I HOPE HE SHOWERED!!)—while he was sucking the thumb of his other hand!
~~~
Proverbs 19: 24 really speaks volumes. But, in one way, this verse appears to have nothing to do with American society, as Americans are moving at a faster and frenzied pace than ever.
Yet, in another way, verse 24 precisely speaks to our fast paced and frenzied American culture. For, though we are busy and very active, the business of “busy-ness” can be a huge distraction to keep us from doing what we are called to do.
So, we can be extremely busy at the wrong thing, and yet be lazy at doing the right thing.
Mike had written this as one of his comments on Proverbs
“So – thankfully – as we know from our recent Romans readings, we can be free from our lazy ways! Being in relationship with Jesus has literally cured me of my laziness.”
My question is this? Mike mentioned: “as we know from our recent Romans readings, we can be free from our lazy ways!”
Which recent Romans readings pertain to laziness? Maybe I was so lazy, I missed it! (Ha!)
I am extremely glad that being in relationship with the Lord Jesus has cured Mike of laziness. In Jesus’ Matchless Name—I receive some of that zeal with wisdom!
I pray for “zeal with wisdom” for I find myself going fast—but sometimes I feel like a laboratory rat continually running around in an enclosed maze in the laboratory. I do not just want to be “doing” things—I want to be wise and find out what the Lord’s will is—and do that.
As Jesus said, “I only do those things I see my Father doing.” May we emulate the best example in the world, that of the Lord Jesus—the Perfect Man Who always resisted sin and distraction—as He prayed and then followed His Father.
Vance
II Chronicles 21:1-23:21
“There is no success without a successor.” If that statement is true then both Israel and Judah were not successful kingdoms. Today’s reading, no all the readings of the Books of the Bible that are known as History, 1 Samuel through II Chronicles, show the failure of each king, including David and Solomon to rule sin free and to reign in total and perfect righteousness. But in the horizon waited the King of kings standing ready to awaiting His entrance in the fullness of time. And that King is Jesus. No matter how good an earthly king was, the missteps made by each one, no matter how many or few, brought upon themselves and the people they ruled consequences they were unable to bear.
But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
(Gal 4:4-7 KJV)
Johoshaphat left no heir waiting in the wings upon his death. He left his oldest son to take his place but age nor was birth order ever used by God to call or appoint someone to a leadership role. David was the youngest of Jessie’s sons, yet he was the one God picked to be king over Israel after having rejected Saul. Jacob, the younger brother, was chosen by God to rule over Esau, the older. God looks at the heart, man looks at the appearance and the customs of the day to pick leaders who can’t lead.
The last part of verse nine in the twenty-second just floored me, “None of the surviving members of Ahaziah’s family were capable of ruling the kingdom”
I believe this sad state of affairs can only come abut when we focus our attention on the immediacy of the now and fail to understand we owe the future generations a continuity of right living, right thinking and right believing. We cannot just tell them to do as I say and not as I do; it does not work. Our behaviors speak so loudly that our words are drowned out by our actions.
Romans 11:13-36
Jew or Greek (non-Jew), it doesn’t matter all our made righteousness not by works or linage, but by the root of the tree of righteousness and the root is the, God and His Son, Jesus. There is nothing we can give to God, there is nothing we can do to earn or inherit righteousness and favor with God. God shows mercy on whom He desires to show mercy.
Psalm 22:1-18
8
“Is this the one who relies on the LORD?
Then let the LORD save him!
If the LORD loves him so much,
let the LORD rescue him!”
These word were not only spoken by the crowd as they watched Jesus hang on the cross, but these words are spoken about every person who calls on the Name of Jesus. Ever here some people talk about someone behind their back who is in some kind of trouble who they know is a Christian,? I have heard conversations laced with vitriol as I rode home from work on the train talking about people who found themselves in trouble who happed to be believers. And if you’re a Christian there are folks talking about you.
Proverbs 20:7
Did not realize this Proverb would apply to what I wrote about today’s reading in Chronicles.
The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed (happy, fortunate, enviable) are his children after him.
(Pro 20:7 AMP)
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====== Colleen:
I know this is the 2nd time reading through the Psalms, but this is the first time I realized the similarity of Jesus’ cruxifiction…eerie because I didn’t read it as “David” at all this time..Almost as if David was providing the script for what would happen later. Left me with a bit to think about today.
Colleen
====== Stuart:
Again and again I puzzle over the failure of OT leaders to worship God and not false gods. Even now, in the 21st century the world continues to fall.
May God help us.
Amen
Stuart
====== John:
Stuart,
It is more appealing to worship false gods. You can design a god that you approve of and that you can get along with in life. If you worship the treue God you have to submit to His authority and allow Him to run your life. People bridle at that because of – PRIDE. It was true then, and it is true today.
Worshipping the True God really only works consistently when you turn back to God and seek Him, and have your heart changed. Or have your heart changed and go seek Him. Depending on your theology 🙂 From that comes repenting and belief and an endwelling of the Holy Spirit of all believers.
John
====== Teriann:
Yesterday, we read 2Ch.20:33, “The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.” Then today we read of three generations of royal sons being wiped out save one. It made me wonder how the descendants of good king Jehoshaphat could sink so low. I think it starts with justifying the small infractions of God’s law. Just like the weeds in my garden, if they are not uprooted early, they grow at an alarming rate! It seems like a big leap to go from burning incense to God in an unauthorized place to killing all your brothers, but I’ll bet you Jehoram felt perfectly justified in doing it; as did his wife in killing all her grandsons. I think this can be seen when she yelled, “treason! treason!” Somehow she had gotten to the place of thinking that she had the right to the throne. Isn’t that the nature of sin? The minute we justify even the smallest sin as not that bad compared to what we see others doing is when the deception begins.
Teriann
======Marianne:
Athaliah has to be one of the most wicked women in the Bible. Any grandmother who would kill her grandchildren (or any hier) is wicked to the core. Children are a blessing from the Lord, but grandchildren are the abundant blessing. I love my children, but grandchildren remind me of the unconditional love of God. The wonder of God often greets me through one of my ten grandchildren.
Marianne
====== Gladys:
This is great inspiration.
Challenged to walk in integrity.
Gladys
====== Dee:
Sad that Jehosaphat, Jahoida and all the kings that did not follow in the godly steps were giving consequences..sad but true when we forget to seek the Lord..it brings death or intestines rottening..our sin is like filthy stinky rags..
Roman’s..none are made righteous..no not one..only the blessed name of Jesus makes us whole. What can wash us white as snow? Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Psalm..is awesome..I love to remember this one but it’s 😔 too. ..it is a 📸 of Jesus, love ❤️ 😍
Proverbs..lineage for our children..love as well!
Be blessed,,
Dee
====== Dee:
I ponder on how Kings of Israel are and were so bad and Kings of Judah followed more in the Lord. However today the King of Judah didn’t get the news or blessing he wanted at all. Every action has a reaction and actions have consequences.
Also I ponder on Paul and how incredible it was to want to emulate Christ to save more of us! Isn’t that neat. Non Jews..weren’t considered that special back then yet he knew God had a heart for all.
This Psalm almost sounds like a Shakespeare sonnet or from Romeo Romeo. Maybe Shakespeare gained insight from the Father, our Lord. Who knows.
We glean from our fathers and learn from his ways. It’s sad the number of homes are without a male, a dad in the home..makes me sad for that.
Dee
====== John:
Romans 11:13-24
After Paul talks about the hardening of hearts of the nation of Israel, he says that because of Israels transgression it led to riches (or abundance) for the world and Gentiles.
Paul although he continues talking about Israel, speaks directly to the Gentiles.
Regarding Israel – vs. 15
“For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” NIV
Bob Deffingbaugh offered some insights to this verse, but I would like to offer anohter one. Paul is using Jesus, the cross, and ressurection as a “type” to talk about Israels future.
Reconciliation happened at the cross – it was great – and he is comparing this to Gentile inclusion in God’s plan. The ressurection brought “eternal life” it was the apex of the three day event. That is what Israel’s return to God will be like – the apex of God’s plan regarding salvation.
vs.16
“If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.” NIV
The idea of “holy” here being “set apart”.
======================================================
Ingrafted Branches
Before I was saved – I was trying to disprove the Bible by looking for “contradictions”. These verses of the “ingrafted branches” are a favorite of Bible skeptics. They claim Paul talked about security of salvation (never separated from God) earlier in Romans, and now says the Gentiles can be set aside (separated) like Israel, or worse “cut off” from God. [Note: Skeptics are not trying to figure out what God is saying, they just look for contradictions in print. It is funny – skeptics will take things literally when it suits their purpose.]
Bob touched on it, but I think this is important in case you run into a Bible skeptic in your Christian walk. It is important to know what the (trunk) good olive tree represents.
What the (trunk) good olive tree is NOT:
1) It is not Salvation. The roots of tree are either patriarchs, or God’s covenants and promises to the nation of Israel. Either way the tree cannot be Salvation rooted in either of these two things. Salvation is rooted in God.
2) It is not the nation of Israel. It can be symbolically used as Israel, and certainly the nation of Israel is rooted in Patriarchs/covenants. The unbelieving branches of Israel could be seen as separated from the nation via different dispersements of the Jews. However, the Nation has rejected Christ – so then (the Nation) the trunk is not rooted in the belief of Moses, Abraham, and David. Morever, Gentiles WERE NOT grafted (brought) into the Nation of Israel.
So what is the trunk of the good olive tree?
I believe like Bob says, that it is the priveleges, blessings and kindness of God that is rooted in the patriarchs/covenants toward Israel. Unlike Bob I do not see Salvation as part of these graces. Salvation is a work of God – brought about by grace and mercy.
John 5:29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
The tree trunk is like the vine Jesus talks about in John 15. Jesus talks to believers about abiding in the vine (grace) of God. I think Paul is talking about the same thing here in Romans 11. The tree provides sap (grace) so that the branches – natural (Jews) and grafted (Gentiles) will bear fruit (riches and abundance) to the glory of God.
[Note: Greek words of Wild Olive tree and olive tree are two different words. Wild – oleaster or wild olive tree. Olive tree – domesticated for fruit bearing.]
If this is all true, then Paul is saying to the Gentiles:
1)Do not boast over other branches. All branches share the same sap (graces) from God, which is rooted in Israel (patriarchs/covenants). All branches are on good olive tree by the same belief in God. You (Gentiles) did nothing to earn your way onto the tree.
2)Don’t be arrogant about the branches that were cut off from God’s Priveleges, Blessings, and Grace. For if you exhibit pride and arrogance in this, you too may be treated like the cut off branches who also were full of pride and arrogance instead of humility to the Lord.
3)Regard the sternness and kindness of God. Ancestry does not mean one will stay in God’s graces regardless of belief, but if you stay in your belief and abide in Him, you will keep experiancing God’s graces and bear much fruit (riches/abundance). Again – the idea of John 15 and the Vine.
And afterall, if the Jewish nation comes to believe, it will also be grafted back in. It can happen, because it will be more natural than the grafting of the Gentiles.
John
====== John:
Romans 11:24-36
All Israel will be Saved
Paul has said why Israel is blinded, don’t jump on their collective unbelieving backs in derision, because salvation is coming to the (collective) Nation of Israel.
When?
Vs. 25b
“..Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.”
“Full number” here is Gk. “pleroma” with the idea of a ship inasmuch as it is filled (i.e. manned) with sailors, rowers, and soldiers. (When the ship is fully manned we can take on the Jewish people and set sail.- ME)
Jews have been disobediant; just like you were before Salvation. Just like you they will receive God’s mercy based on His word and the Prophets. Is that so hard to believe?
“The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable: This is another reason why God hasn’t given up on national and ethnic Israel. This principle, stated by Paul, comforts us far beyond its direct relevance to Israel. It means that God will not give up on us, and He leaves the path to restoration open.” – David Guzik
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Doxology
Who can know, who can advise, who can lend to God.
No one, because –
36For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
It is about God’s Glory.
John
======= John:
2 Chronicles 21-23:21
21 VERSES 8-11
1. The result of Jehoram’s actions, that is leading the people away from the Lord, was that God brought judgment upon the nation. He did this by causing various nations to rise up against them and I don’t believe it was because God was vindictive, but because He wanted to awaken them from their spiritual sleep and draw them back to Him. The sad thing here is Jehoram did not repent of his sins and turn to God, but continued down that road away from God and straight to hell. But he was not alone in his actions, for he is leading the nation down that same path. As Jesus said in Matthew 15:14 “…They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
VERSE 12a
1. Now some have difficulty with this because they say Elijah was taken up to be with the Lord prior to this event, so he could not have written this letter of coming judgment. First of all Elijah was a prophet of God and God could have had him write this letter in advance. There are many examples of this but one that sticks out in my mind is found in the book of Isaiah where we see hundreds of years before Cyrus, king of Persia was even born, God called him by name. He not only spoke of his name but explained how they were going to destroy the Babylonians and enter this fortified city through its gates. (Isaiah 45). So it can be simply explained for God knows the things that are coming to pass before they happen, and He used the prophets to speak to the people, not only speaking forth the words of God, but also speaking of future events that will come to pass.
22 VERSES 1-2
1. In II Kings 8:26 we are told that Ahaziah was 22 years old when he became king and not 42 years old as is stated here in II Chronicles. It seems we have a copyist error here in II Chronicles, which is easy to do with numbers.
2. Because of that many try and say that the Bible is not reliable and is filled with many discrepancies, especially the Old Testament. The earliest manuscripts of the Old Testament was from 916 AD until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls which date around 125 BC. The Scroll of Isaiah is some 24 feet long and 10 inches high. In comparing it with the text of more than 1,000 years earlier, from 916 AD, we find that it is 95% accurate and the 5% variation consisted chiefly of variations in spelling and in not one case did it change the meaning or the intent of the Scripture. No doctrine was changed. William Green said “It may safely be said that no other work of antiquity has been so accurately transmitted.” The original text of the Scriptures were without error and the entire Old Testament of today has only 1/2 of 1% error, that again does not change one doctrine. So the Scriptures are accurate, for they have been one of the most highly analyzed books of antiquity. In fact there is more evidence for the reliability of the New Testament than any 10 pieces of classical literature put together. In fact, if anyone says that the New Testament is not reliable, they will have to throw out all literature of antiquity. Today we have between 14 to 15,000 manuscripts to work from, the number 2 book is the Iliad and it only has 643 manuscripts.”
http://www.ccmanitowoc.org/Library/Guglielmo-Joe/Studies/TH/14-2CH/TH1063.HTM
23 VERSES 3-7
1. This kid had more body guards than our president. Wherever he went he was protected. And if anyone got to close to him, they were to be put to death. Extreme measures it seems to protect this young child.
2. Why would they use such extreme measures to protect Joash? Because Joash was the last remaining descendant of David who could be king. And if you remember, it was through the lineage of David that the Messiah was to come. Thus, if you destroyed the lineage of David you would prevent the Messiah from coming. Yes Athaliah was wicked and responsible for her actions, but behind the scenes you can see the demonic influence going on. Satan was trying to prevent the seed of the woman from being born, the Messiah, who would give him a mortal wound. Thus, in Genesis we see him go to work and influence Cain, who killed Abel. But the Messiah was not to come through Cain or Abel, but through another son, Seth. And every time the Messianic lineage is more defined, Satan comes after it. anti-Semitism has Demonic roots and you can trace this throughout the Old Testament, for every time you see mass murder, check and see if that is where the Messiah was to come from, chances are it was. And in the New Testament, we see Herod being used by Satan to destroy all the children from the age of 2 and under, why? Because the Messiah was born and he was trying to destroy Him. Herod did not want anyone to usurp his throne, and Satan did not want the Messiah to destroy him! Athaliah was following suit, and so Joash had to be protected.”
http://www.ccmanitowoc.org/Library/Guglielmo-Joe/Studies/TH/14-2CH/TH1063.HTM
John
====== Vance:
ROMANS 11
OUR GIVING – GOD’S RESPONSE OF LOVE
35
And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back?
When God accepts our giving and multiplies it back for His use and our benefit, it is ONLY because of His mercy and Love !
Jesus said, “Give, and it SHALL be given back to you—GOOD measure, PRESSED down, SHAKEN together, and STILL RUNNING over! For according to the measure you give, shall it be given to you.” Luke 6:38
(Also see 2 Corinthians 9:1-10 on sowing and reaping)
GOD’S GLORY
36
For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen.
THE MESSAGE
36
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
I like the thoughts given earlier:
Will you let those
un- glorious aspects of
your life go? Will you
walk fully into the light
of God’s glory?
Walking fully in the light of God’s glory…..
This reminds me of Exodus 33 (Amplified Bible)….
Insights into God’s
Glorious Presence
The people of Israel had just poked God “in the face” so to speak by deliberately rejecting Him and making their own golden calf idol to worship.
Amazingly, they proclaimed in Exodus 32:4 (Amplified):
4
And he received the gold at their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it a molten calf; and they said, These are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt!
This is the Father’s response to them in chapter
chapter 33
1
THE LORD said to Moses, Depart, go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought from the land of Egypt, to the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, To your descendants I will give it.
2
I will send an [a]Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite.(A)
3
Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, for you are a stiff-necked people, lest I destroy you on the way.
4
When the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned and no man put on his ornaments.
Notice verse 3: “I will not go up among you…lest I destroy you on the way.”
Some people have interpreted that as part of a false dichotomy between the “God of the Old Testament – who is always angry and vengeful” and the “God of the New Testament – who is always loving.”
Nothing could be further from the truth! God is the same. “I the Lord do not change. Therefore, you are not consumed,” is what the Lord said in Malachi 3:6. And, of course, “Jesus is the same – yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Rather, this is simply a statement of the excellence and brightness of God’s very Glorious Presence will destroy us!
And… of course, God was displeased with them.
Thank God that when we have sinned, God’s full Presence does not simply manifest Himself—we would not survive the experience !
Note that Moses sets up a tent where God’s Presence is more obviously manifested:
7
Now Moses used to take [his own] tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting [of God with His own people]. And everyone who sought the Lord went out to [that temporary] tent of meeting which was outside the camp.
8
When Moses went out to the tent of meeting, all the people rose and stood, every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses until he had gone into the tent.
9
When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the door of the tent, and the Lord would talk with Moses.
10
And all the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the tent door, and all the people rose up and worshiped, every man at his tent door.
It is interesting that Moses would take HIS OWN tent and pitch it outside the camp, and he called his personal tent the “tent of meeting of God with His people.
This speaks volumes of
our ongoing PERSONAL
relationship with the
Lord. This speaks of the
need to “pray without
ceasing” throughout the
day…AND of the need to
set aside what Pastor
David Wilkerson calls
the “trysting place”—the
regular place to go to
seek the Lord.
Then notice in verse 7: “And everyone who sought the Lord went out to that temporary tent – Moses’ personal tent – of meeting outside the camp.”
Moses was welcome. And in all times – all are welcome in God’s Presence, too! Even in time of severe discipline for sin.
Moses’ prayer should be ours:
14
And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.
15
And Moses said to the Lord, If Your Presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here!
It is true that it is not ONLY our discipline or devotion that are the keys. After all, there are very devout Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, etc.
“It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you sincerely and wholeheartedly believe it”… IS NOT TRUE !
(The terrorists have wholeheartedly belief too!)
Rather, it is GOD MANIFESTING HIS GLORY IN OUR LIVES…
Notice Moses’ continuing prayer:
18
And Moses said, I beseech You, show me Your glory.
19
And God said, I will make
ALL MY GOODNESS
pass before you, and I will
PROCLAIM MY NAME, THE LORD,
before you;
for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness.(C)
Then it HIT ME: how is God’s glory and Name injected into our lives and revealed through our lives?
THROUGH HIS WORD ! Of course, yielding ourselves and praying are part of this.
2 PETER 1
3
For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[d]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
4
By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
NOTE:
(verse 4) By means of His Glory and Goodness, the Father has given us His precious and exceedingly great promises.
When we meditate on His Word, yielding to His Word and His Presence—this releases the glory and goodness of God CONTAINED IN THE PROMISES… into our lives!
ISN’T THAT GREAT !
(verse 4)
…and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
GOD IS SO GOOD
Vance
====== Vance:
2 Chronicles 21-23:21 (NKJV)
NOTE: For me a very good quick summary of these verses can be found in Ezekiel 18, as below. Even though Jehoshaphat was faithful to serve the Lord, his sons were not.
Ezekiel 18 (NKJV)
19
“Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?’ Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live. 20
The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
~~~
These verses can be a source of great comfort and wisdom for godly parents who have tried their very best to raise children in love and to fear and love the Lord.
Yet, for some reason their children rebel against what the parents taught. IT IS NOT THE PARENTS FAULT that their children are not following after God and the Lord Jesus.
Yes, it is painful, and I am sure that it is easy for parents who love the Lord to feel guilty when they see their children not following the Lord. Humanly and emotionally, I am sure it is easy for them to feel “It was not a good parent, and that is why my children are not following after God.”
True, no human is without sin, and no parent is totally pure in the sight of God because we are all sinners.
Yet, God will not forget the labor of love, worship, and faith of parents (after repenting and following the Lord for themselves with all of their hearts) who have taught their children in love to follow after the Lord.
“The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son.”
~~~
2 Chronicles 22 (NKJV)
7
His going to Joram was God’s occasion for Ahaziah’s downfall; for when he arrived, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.
8
And it happened, when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah and the sons of Ahaziah’s brothers who served Ahaziah, that he killed them.
NOTE:
Yet, consider the effect of chosen rebellion and sin on children when a parent does choose to disobey. David—called by God Himself to be “a man after God’s own heart” sinned, and look at the consequences that had on his children.
Notice the last part of verse 7 above: “…Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.”
God had appointed Jehu to cut off the house of Ahab because of his persistent wickedness.
Though children do not bear the guilt of the parents’ sins, when parents do choose to persist in deliberately chosen sin—those sins do open a door for the influence and consequences of sin on their family.
When we sin—though no one is responsible but us for our sin—the effect of our sin extends to our families. No one sins in a vacuum.
The idea that “it is my life and I can sin if I want to for it will hurt no one by me” is a lie.
~~~
Romans 11 (NKJV)
19
You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.”
20
Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.
21
For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.
22
Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness [of God], if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
NOTE:
No one is saved by works. Period.
Yet, if Christians choose to persistently disobey (which makes no sense) and do not want to turn from sin—the question must be asked: Are they really Christians?
Though God’s grace will never fail any man, a true Christian choosing to disobey can still choose to walk away from God’s grace. Again, the effects of that harmful and foolish decision are very destructive and dangerous.
“Grace” that does not create a desire to obey is not grace – it is deception.
Psalm 22 (NKJV)
7
All those who see Me ridicule Me; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8
“He trusted in [hoped in or praised] the LORD , let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”
NOTE: There is much that could be said about this very excellent and rich passage of Scripture. Yet, I liked the quote below. Even though the quote is about Romans 11, I thought it really fit
I really liked this excellent quote below:
source: The Kindness and Severity of God (Romans 11:13-24) By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.
“Faith required Abraham to obey, trusting in God rather to live by appearances.”
“God calls upon us to give up our lives in order to gain them, to take up our cross in order to serve Him. OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD BY FAITH MAY OFTEN SEEM INCONSISTENT WITH WHAT HE HAS PROMISED TO ACCOMPLISH, BUT GOD’S WAYS ARE OFTEN ACCOMPLISHED BY THE MOST UNLIKELY MEANS.”
~~~
Very few, if any, of the Jews expected the Messiah to be crucified. After all, God would not treat His Chosen Servant that way.
And for us—yes it is true that God has chosen all who trust in Christ that we are to be “blessed in order to be a blessing”. Of course, the primary and key blessing is spiritual—we are made right with God.
Yet, God has also promised to provide blessings for us on earth so we can use those resources to further the Kingdom –
as seen in Psalm 67 (NKJV):
1
God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah
2
That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.
~~~
OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD BY FAITH MAY OFTEN SEEM INCONSISTENT WITH WHAT HE HAS PROMISED TO ACCOMPLISH. Yet, God’s promises and His Word will never fail.
If we die for the Lord as Jesus died for us according to God’s plan—then we are blessed indeed.
If God allows us to have a lot of material blessings and have a lot of money so we can pray and give millions to support missions and God’s Word in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus—then we are blessed indeed.
Our blessings are in Christ. May we use all of our lives and all of God’s blessings for His purposes—otherwise we will held to account.
CONCLUSION:
Christianity is NOT a religion. I hate religion.
It is a RELATIONSHIP with God through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The core of the living Christian faith IS THE CROSS.
For each one of us, regardless of our financial station in life, is called to the Cross.
Jesus Himself said, in Luke 14 (NKJV)
26
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
33
So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
~~~
There is no second thought or no wavering in Jesus’ words.
All people called by the Matchless Name of Christ are called to:
“cleave steadfastly to Christ, conform wholly to Christ’s example in living and, if need by, by dying also.”
(Luke 9:23 – AMPLIFIED BIBLE notes]
Does that mean we are all called to hate money and our families and live in a cave, depending only on the Lord to take care of us.
Certainly not. The Scripture says, “He does not work, let him not eat” in 2 Thessalonians.
Note what the Holy Spirit speaks through Paul in Ephesians 4 (NKJV):
28
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
~~~
Some may be called to literally lay down their lives in physical death for the sake of the Gospel.
ALL OF US ARE CALLED TO DIE TO THE LOWER SELF, and to sin.
Matthew 10 (Amplified Bible)
38
And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me.
39
Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].
~~~
But for those NOT called to literally physicially die for Jesus, how are we to live, to use our money, to use our time?
I really like and am challenged by what John Wesley had to say about this.
SOURCE: Wikipedia,
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/John_Wesley
John Wesley in his sermon titled, “The Use of Money” said this:
“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
“Statement known as ‘John Wesley’s Rule’:
Do all the good you can,
in all the ways you can,
to all the souls you can,
in every place you can,
at all the times you can,
with all the zeal you can,
as long as ever you can.”
~~~
As I reflect on what this means for my life, I ask myself these questions:
* Do I trust Jesus as Savior?
* Do I find Jesus to my loving Lord?
* Do I treasure Jesus?
I am challenged in my being about really LAYING DOWN my life for Jesus in modern America.
I have been moved to volunteer at a ministry which ministers to the homeless through giving food, hope, and the Gospel.
I believe I will follow up and become that volunteer and lay my life down for others in that way.
I will learn, by grace, to lay my life down for my wife and to love her as Jesus has loved me.
C.T. Studd was moved to give up his wealth of money.
He said, “If Christ be God and died for me, then there is nothing too great that I can do for Him.”
WE ARE CALLED TO BE LIKE JESUS – to die to self and to follow Jesus in serving others for the Gospel.
If we do not do that, we are going to be severely disciplined by our loving Lord.
I Peter 4 (NKJV)
17
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18
Now “ If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” [Proverbs 11:31]
19
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Vance