B. Mills
We have all known, probably many times, wished that we could start over. We often know exactly where we got off the track, but, unfortunately, what has been done is history and there is no way that we can change it.
However, God has made a way that we can start life over again. The Bible calls it being born again. Jesus told Nicodemus, a religious leader of the Jews, John 3:5; also John 3:6-7, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” This must have been a shock to Nicodemus, who was a leader among his own people. He was confident, as are many today, that he was right with God, but in reality, he did not even know about the Holy Spirit, and he had never been immersed in water for the forgiveness of his sins. His parallel, would be a minister today who quotes John 3:16, another part of the same conversation a few verses further on. The “believes,” there means to believe with action. We are told elsewhere that even the demons believe, and they tremble, but they do not repent, and do not obey the command of Jesus to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,” (Matthew 28:19). Their destination is to be cast into Hell. Hell is God’s way of dealing with Satan and his demons, fallen angels. Mankind is a higher creation than angels, and heaven is made for people to be with God for ever. If, they do not go there is because of neglect and disobedience to Christ, to whom was given “All power in Heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18.
Paul assures us that God, who loves his creation, man, has made a way through Jesus for our preparation to live with Him. The answer is to be “in Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (King James Version)
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (Romans 16:7, John 3:3, Romans 6:4, Galatians 6:15, Isaiah 43:18+, Isaiah 65:17, Ephesians 4:24, Revelation 21:4+)
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (1 Corinthians 11:12, Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 3:5)
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (Colossians 2:9, Romans 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:5)
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (Malachi 2:7, Ephesians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 6:1, Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:20)
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (Acts 3:14, Hebrews 4:15)
God provided this means of access to Himself through Jesus Christ. His love is that great, but, as he pointed out to Nicodemus, we must be born again of water and the Spirit. Our faith must result in an obedient response.
Let us give praise to God. We can start over, we can be born again and make a complete change in our lives. That is God’s purpose for His church. It began with Peter preaching a salvation sermon answering their question, :”Men and brethren, what shall we do?” with Acts 2:38-39, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Saturday, February 6, 2010
SPREAD THE WORD
B. Mills
This letter was probably the last letter written by Paul. He is doing what I did when I knew that it was out of my hands, it was time to retire. He was thinking of the church and its future leadership. Various of the others had forsaken him. Timothy needed encouragement, not teaching further. In a sense, we are in the same position of this young, probably in his thirties preacher of the gospel.
Time is running out for us, and perhaps for the whole church as we know it. Paul “charges” us, a military command term, before both God and His Son Jesus Christ, to spread the word. A picture comes to mind, my being of a farm origin, a great pile of fertilizer is stacked in one corner of the barnyard, fresh from the stalls. It is too strong to just dump on the garden and truck patch, but it needs to be spread over them and allowed to leach until time to plow the field and prepare them for planting. Paul says to Timothy, I command you before God and Christ who will reward you accordingly, along with the living and the deceased, when He returns, Preach the word. This particular message is to Timothy, but it applies equally to all Believers. We are all under the command of Jesus Christ in whom rests all power, both in heaven and on earth, and who commands, “As you go, teach.”
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (King James Version)
1 I charge ( 1 Timothy 1:18, 1 Timothy 5:21) thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Corinthians 2:17) who shall judge (John 5:22) the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; ( 1Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 2:14, Acts 10:42, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:8)
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. ( Galatians 6:6, Colossians 4:3, 1 Timothy 1:6, 1 Timothy 5:20, Titus 1:13, Titus 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:10)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Timothy 3:1, 1 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 1:13)
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Thessalonians 2:11, Titus 1:14, 1 Timothy 1:4)
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (1 Peter 1:13, 2 Timothy 1:8, Acts 21:8, Ephesians 4:12, Colossians 4:17)
Verse two calls to our attention that there are no good and bad times; we are always on duty, depending on the case at hand we are to be ready to share the word. What is the word? John calls Christ, ’the Word,” (John 1:1-) And Phillip was ready to start where he was and teach the Ethiopian, Christ. (Acts 8:35) Without question, he took that prophecy he had been puzzling over, and show by the prophets and the Lord that this Jesus Christ was the Messiah. There is undeniable evidence in the Bible that God sent His Son to redeem lost souls, and that we who believe that, repent of our sins, and are obedient to His command to be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, are saved and He adds us to His church. (Acts 2:38)
That is not be end; it is the beginning. In the likeness of His death, burial and resurrection, we too have died to sin, been buried in baptism, and arise, a new person, born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5-6)
This letter was probably the last letter written by Paul. He is doing what I did when I knew that it was out of my hands, it was time to retire. He was thinking of the church and its future leadership. Various of the others had forsaken him. Timothy needed encouragement, not teaching further. In a sense, we are in the same position of this young, probably in his thirties preacher of the gospel.
Time is running out for us, and perhaps for the whole church as we know it. Paul “charges” us, a military command term, before both God and His Son Jesus Christ, to spread the word. A picture comes to mind, my being of a farm origin, a great pile of fertilizer is stacked in one corner of the barnyard, fresh from the stalls. It is too strong to just dump on the garden and truck patch, but it needs to be spread over them and allowed to leach until time to plow the field and prepare them for planting. Paul says to Timothy, I command you before God and Christ who will reward you accordingly, along with the living and the deceased, when He returns, Preach the word. This particular message is to Timothy, but it applies equally to all Believers. We are all under the command of Jesus Christ in whom rests all power, both in heaven and on earth, and who commands, “As you go, teach.”
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (King James Version)
1 I charge ( 1 Timothy 1:18, 1 Timothy 5:21) thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Corinthians 2:17) who shall judge (John 5:22) the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; ( 1Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 2:14, Acts 10:42, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:8)
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. ( Galatians 6:6, Colossians 4:3, 1 Timothy 1:6, 1 Timothy 5:20, Titus 1:13, Titus 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:10)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Timothy 3:1, 1 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 1:13)
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Thessalonians 2:11, Titus 1:14, 1 Timothy 1:4)
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (1 Peter 1:13, 2 Timothy 1:8, Acts 21:8, Ephesians 4:12, Colossians 4:17)
Verse two calls to our attention that there are no good and bad times; we are always on duty, depending on the case at hand we are to be ready to share the word. What is the word? John calls Christ, ’the Word,” (John 1:1-) And Phillip was ready to start where he was and teach the Ethiopian, Christ. (Acts 8:35) Without question, he took that prophecy he had been puzzling over, and show by the prophets and the Lord that this Jesus Christ was the Messiah. There is undeniable evidence in the Bible that God sent His Son to redeem lost souls, and that we who believe that, repent of our sins, and are obedient to His command to be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, are saved and He adds us to His church. (Acts 2:38)
That is not be end; it is the beginning. In the likeness of His death, burial and resurrection, we too have died to sin, been buried in baptism, and arise, a new person, born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5-6)
EXPECT PERILOUS TIMES AHEAD
B. Mills
Our Lord warned that even as people rejected him, they will also reject those who believe in him and follow him. However, that rejection and persecution for his sake, will not go unnoticed by the Lord. Those who have lost their lives for his sake will have the front row, box seats of honor in his kingdom, at the very foot of the throne. (Revelation 6:9-10)
We are even now in the “last days” that period of time known as the “Church Age,” between the establishment of the church until Christ’s second coming. That means that we are living in the “last days,” perhaps even nearing the time of his return.
Interestingly, note that the same word that is translated “perilous” here is used in Matthew 8:28 to describe the demoniac who was possessed of many demons. The same demons which Jesus permitted to enter the herd of swine, which then ran into the sea and were destroyed. The description of mankind described by Paul picture a world rapidly becoming so polarized that it is no longer possible for the church to survive in it. That was the world just before the great flood which destroyed all that was not safe in the ark. Noah’s ark is a symbol of the church. As the ark saved Noah’s family, the church will save God’s family. Remember, it is often the darkest just before dawn, but shortly the light of the sun drives all that darkness away. When the world becomes totally uninhabitable by God’s people, He will put them in the place that he has prepared for them.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 (King James Version)
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (1 Timothy 4:1)
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (Philippians 2:21, Luke 16:14, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 6:10, Romans 1:30, 2 Peter 2:10-12, Luke 6:35, 1 Timothy 1:9)
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (Romans 1:311 Timothy 3:11, Titus 1:8)
4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (Acts 7:52, Acts 19:36, 1 Timothy 3:6, Philippians 3:19)
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 5:8, Matthew 7:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:6)
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (Jude 4, 1 Timothy 5:6, Titus 3:3)
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:25)
Make particular note that the church by that time still has a “form of godliness,” but that it denies the ”power” of God. That would be the deity of God and His Son, the natural conclusion of the theory of evolution and materialism. Verse six is therefore to be anticipated.
And verse seven clearly describes most modern day churches. Ever learning, many studies, but not the Word. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness and their word will eat as doth canker:” (2 Timothy 2:15-17a)
Our Lord warned that even as people rejected him, they will also reject those who believe in him and follow him. However, that rejection and persecution for his sake, will not go unnoticed by the Lord. Those who have lost their lives for his sake will have the front row, box seats of honor in his kingdom, at the very foot of the throne. (Revelation 6:9-10)
We are even now in the “last days” that period of time known as the “Church Age,” between the establishment of the church until Christ’s second coming. That means that we are living in the “last days,” perhaps even nearing the time of his return.
Interestingly, note that the same word that is translated “perilous” here is used in Matthew 8:28 to describe the demoniac who was possessed of many demons. The same demons which Jesus permitted to enter the herd of swine, which then ran into the sea and were destroyed. The description of mankind described by Paul picture a world rapidly becoming so polarized that it is no longer possible for the church to survive in it. That was the world just before the great flood which destroyed all that was not safe in the ark. Noah’s ark is a symbol of the church. As the ark saved Noah’s family, the church will save God’s family. Remember, it is often the darkest just before dawn, but shortly the light of the sun drives all that darkness away. When the world becomes totally uninhabitable by God’s people, He will put them in the place that he has prepared for them.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 (King James Version)
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (1 Timothy 4:1)
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (Philippians 2:21, Luke 16:14, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 6:10, Romans 1:30, 2 Peter 2:10-12, Luke 6:35, 1 Timothy 1:9)
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (Romans 1:311 Timothy 3:11, Titus 1:8)
4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (Acts 7:52, Acts 19:36, 1 Timothy 3:6, Philippians 3:19)
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 5:8, Matthew 7:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:6)
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (Jude 4, 1 Timothy 5:6, Titus 3:3)
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:25)
Make particular note that the church by that time still has a “form of godliness,” but that it denies the ”power” of God. That would be the deity of God and His Son, the natural conclusion of the theory of evolution and materialism. Verse six is therefore to be anticipated.
And verse seven clearly describes most modern day churches. Ever learning, many studies, but not the Word. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness and their word will eat as doth canker:” (2 Timothy 2:15-17a)
THE MEMORIAL COMMUNION SERVICE
B. MILLS
It does not really make any difference to us, as we accept the entire Bible to be of God through the pens of inspired men, but some think that 1 Corinthians was written before any of the four Gospels. If that is true, then this account of its institution is probably the first to be committed to writing, and either way, it is in the very words of the Lord on the very day of his arrest leading to his crucifixion and death. This makes it an “Ordinance” of God. There are two, and possibly three, ordinances or commands of the Lord for the Church era. They are Baptism, the Communion service, and possibly the Lord’s Day, which we call Sunday and is a day set aside for Him. The Sabbath was a day of rest, and happened to be the seventh day, the day on which God rested after the creation of all things. That was made a day of worship under the Law of Moses and continued until that law was fulfilled and the era of the church began.
Unfortunately, the church in Corinth had linked it to their weekly Love Feast , mentioned in Jude 12,which took place at the close of their worship. Jesus had used the emblems of the Passover feast, the bread and the wine. The Corinthian wealthy had taken those, added gluttony, selfishness, and drunken revelries misusing them. Paul spares no words in expressing his horror at what they were doing in the first portion of the text.
1 Corinthians 11:17-26 (King James Version)
17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. (1 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Corinthians 11:22)
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. (1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 1:33)
19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (Matthew 18:7, Luke 17:1, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 2:19, Deuteronomy 13:3)
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
21 For in eating every one takes before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. (Jude 12)
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. (1 Corinthians 10:32, James 2:6, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Corinthians 11:17)
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: (1 Corinthians 15:3, Galatians 1:12, Colossians 3:24, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16)
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, quoting directly the Lord’s words reminding them of it’s institution. Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 10:16, Exodus 24:6-8, Luke 22:20, 2 Corinthians 3:6)
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he comes. (John 21:22, 1 Corinthians 4:5)
The frequency if this observance is not directly referred to here, though many assume that the ”breaking of bread“ in Acts 2:42. That is used in connection with “steadfastly.” A far more explicit reference linked with the Lord’s Day is given in Acts 20:7. They came together to “break bread.” This was their custom, and Paul waited five days knowing they would gather for this time of worship on the first day of the week.
It does not really make any difference to us, as we accept the entire Bible to be of God through the pens of inspired men, but some think that 1 Corinthians was written before any of the four Gospels. If that is true, then this account of its institution is probably the first to be committed to writing, and either way, it is in the very words of the Lord on the very day of his arrest leading to his crucifixion and death. This makes it an “Ordinance” of God. There are two, and possibly three, ordinances or commands of the Lord for the Church era. They are Baptism, the Communion service, and possibly the Lord’s Day, which we call Sunday and is a day set aside for Him. The Sabbath was a day of rest, and happened to be the seventh day, the day on which God rested after the creation of all things. That was made a day of worship under the Law of Moses and continued until that law was fulfilled and the era of the church began.
Unfortunately, the church in Corinth had linked it to their weekly Love Feast , mentioned in Jude 12,which took place at the close of their worship. Jesus had used the emblems of the Passover feast, the bread and the wine. The Corinthian wealthy had taken those, added gluttony, selfishness, and drunken revelries misusing them. Paul spares no words in expressing his horror at what they were doing in the first portion of the text.
1 Corinthians 11:17-26 (King James Version)
17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. (1 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Corinthians 11:22)
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. (1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 1:33)
19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (Matthew 18:7, Luke 17:1, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 2:19, Deuteronomy 13:3)
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
21 For in eating every one takes before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. (Jude 12)
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. (1 Corinthians 10:32, James 2:6, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Corinthians 11:17)
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: (1 Corinthians 15:3, Galatians 1:12, Colossians 3:24, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16)
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, quoting directly the Lord’s words reminding them of it’s institution. Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 10:16, Exodus 24:6-8, Luke 22:20, 2 Corinthians 3:6)
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he comes. (John 21:22, 1 Corinthians 4:5)
The frequency if this observance is not directly referred to here, though many assume that the ”breaking of bread“ in Acts 2:42. That is used in connection with “steadfastly.” A far more explicit reference linked with the Lord’s Day is given in Acts 20:7. They came together to “break bread.” This was their custom, and Paul waited five days knowing they would gather for this time of worship on the first day of the week.
THE MAN GOD CALLS WISE
B Mills
The church in the city of Corinth was made up largely of men and women who had once been worshippers in the pagan rituals of the temple at the heart of that city. Consequentially, Paul’s letter is to appeal to them that they not be drawn back into former habits. We face the same temptations today in the modern church. No, we are probably not tempted to bow down to lifeless idols, but we face the same temptation to return to the old ways of the world with the friends we had before. His first words calls them “wise men.” It is indeed a wise man who seeks the word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit when such temptations come, and they are certain to come. Scripture points out, “The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.” The book of Proverbs, has many such guides, if we just read them. Many are from the words of Solomon.
1 Corinthians 10:15-22 (King James Version)
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
What is he talking about when he speaks of “the cup of blessing?” That is the name of the third cup used at the Passover feast, and would also be the cup that Jesus used when he instituted the memorial Feast that he instructed we were to observe until he returns. Paul speaks further of this later in this letter, (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), so I will also leave that for a later study. The blessing now refers to the blessing all Christians receive through his death on the cross and the shedding of his blood in the final blood sacrifice for the sins of all. Verse 16 likens the bread to his broken body and the fruit of the vine to his shed blood through which we commune with him. Because of this, this avenue of worship is called the “Communion Service,“ and it is the heart of, and the reason for, our assembly together to worship him every Sunday.
Paul, because of the problem of believers turning back to their old ways, points out that the sacrifices in the pagan temples were actually sacrifices to devils, and that Christians can not worship both God and devils. That same fact is true today. Satan has all who do not accept and follow God. Because they have sinned and the fact that sin and God are incompatible, they are lost. Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved. He assured us, “I am the way, No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The church in the city of Corinth was made up largely of men and women who had once been worshippers in the pagan rituals of the temple at the heart of that city. Consequentially, Paul’s letter is to appeal to them that they not be drawn back into former habits. We face the same temptations today in the modern church. No, we are probably not tempted to bow down to lifeless idols, but we face the same temptation to return to the old ways of the world with the friends we had before. His first words calls them “wise men.” It is indeed a wise man who seeks the word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit when such temptations come, and they are certain to come. Scripture points out, “The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.” The book of Proverbs, has many such guides, if we just read them. Many are from the words of Solomon.
1 Corinthians 10:15-22 (King James Version)
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
What is he talking about when he speaks of “the cup of blessing?” That is the name of the third cup used at the Passover feast, and would also be the cup that Jesus used when he instituted the memorial Feast that he instructed we were to observe until he returns. Paul speaks further of this later in this letter, (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), so I will also leave that for a later study. The blessing now refers to the blessing all Christians receive through his death on the cross and the shedding of his blood in the final blood sacrifice for the sins of all. Verse 16 likens the bread to his broken body and the fruit of the vine to his shed blood through which we commune with him. Because of this, this avenue of worship is called the “Communion Service,“ and it is the heart of, and the reason for, our assembly together to worship him every Sunday.
Paul, because of the problem of believers turning back to their old ways, points out that the sacrifices in the pagan temples were actually sacrifices to devils, and that Christians can not worship both God and devils. That same fact is true today. Satan has all who do not accept and follow God. Because they have sinned and the fact that sin and God are incompatible, they are lost. Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved. He assured us, “I am the way, No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Friday, November 6, 2009
AANGENAME ONS ANGRY GOD
Afrikaans
Robert Mills
Reg vanaf die eerste vers, Esegiël vertel ons, in God se eie woorde, dat, selfs al is hulle gerig was om sy uitverkore volk, met wie hy lief duur, en deur wie hy later sou gestuur Sy eniggebore Seun, het hulle gesondig het en sou gestraf word .(Johannes 3:16-17) Die straf vir die sonde was, van die begin af, die dood, dit is "skeiding van God." Adam en Eva sou geleef het vir ewig moes hulle geëet van die boom van die lewe, in plaas van die verbode boom van die kennis van goed en kwaad, 'n pragtige boom wat gegroei het in die middel van Eden. (Genesis 3:2) As gevolg van hulle sonde, het hulle verban is uit Eden, en die "Boom van die lewe," wat sal floreer in die nuwe Jerusalem. (Openbaring 21:2)
In die tyd van Noag het God kwaad was op die sonde van die hele mensdom en vernietig alles behalwe 'n gesin in die groot vloed. In hul woestyn omzwervingen, Israel gesondig het, herhaaldelik en al die generasie wat het van Egipte nie, maar 'n paar, het nooit geleef het om selfs sien die beloofde land. Dat die nuwe generasie grievously weer gesondig het, en God het deur Esegiël hierdie woorde aan sy woede te kenne gee en wat sou gebeur as gevolg van dat. God en sonde is heeltemal in stryd. So, Hy het Sy Seun gestuur het om 'n finale opoffering om voor te berei' n volk wat kan hemel betree en te wees met Hom vir ewig.
As gevolg van Golgota, die Apostel Petrus in staat was om te antwoord die sondaar se huil, op die besef van hulle skuld, "Broeders, wat moet ons doen?" (Handelinge 2:37) Die antwoord op daardie vraag vir almal sondaars is nog steeds dieselfde Petrus gegee het. "Bekeer julle en word gedoop, elkeen van julle in die naam van Jesus Christus tot vergewing van sondes, en julle sal die gawe van die Heilige Gees."(Handelinge 2:38) En ons vertel word in Handelinge2:47, "die Here bygevoeg word aan die kerk daagliks, soos moet gestoor word. 'N Beter vertaling lui, was "gered word."
Esegiël 7: 1-27 (King James Version)
1 Verder het die woord van die HERE tot my gekom en gesê:
2 Ook, Seun van die mens, so sê die Here HERE tot die land van Israel; 'n einde, die einde het gekom oor die vier hoeke van die land.
3 Nou is die einde oor jou kom, en ek sal stuur my toorn op jou, en sal jou oordeel volgens jou weë, en sal vergelde op jou is al jou gruwels.
4 En mine eye shall not spare thee, of sal ek jammer, maar Ek sal jou weë oor jou beloning, en jou gruwels sal in jou midde, en julle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is.
5 So sê die Here HERE, An evil, an only evil, behold, gekom het.
6 'n einde het gekom, die einde kom, is: dit watcheth vir jou;, behold, it is come.
7 Die oggend is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in die land: die tyd kom, die dag van die nood is naby, en nie die klinkende weer van die berge.
8 Nou sal Ek binnekort my grimmigheid uitgiet op jou, en vervul my toorn teen jou, en Ek sal jou oordeel volgens jou weë, en sal jou beloon vir al jou gruwels.
9 En my oog sal nie spaar, of sal ek jammer: ek sal jou beloon volgens jou weë, en jou gruwels wat in die midde van jou is, en julle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is wat slaan.
10 Kyk, die dag, kyk, dit kom, is: die oggend is 'uitgegaan, die roede het geblom, trots het hoof knoppie.
11 Geweld is opgestaan het in 'n roede van goddeloosheid: nie een van hulle sal bly, of van hulle menigte of van enige van hulle se: nie, en sal daar geween wees vir hulle.
12 Die tyd het gekom, die dag draweth naby: laat die koper nie bly wees, en ook nie die verkoper mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.
13 Want die verkoper sal terugkeer na wat verkoop word nie, hoewel hulle was nog in die lewe: vir die visie is die hele skare daarvan, wat sal nie terug te raak; nie, en sal enige versterk homself in die ongeregtigheid van sy lewe.
14 Hulle het die ramshoring geblaas, selfs al maak alles klaar, maar niemand gaan hy na die geveg, want my toorn is op die hele menigte daarvan.
15 Die swaard is sonder, en die pes en die hongersnood binne: hy wat in die veld sterwe, met die swaard, en hy het dit is in die stad, hongersnood en pes sal hom verteer;.
16 Maar hulle dat van hulle ontsnap sal ontsnap, en dit word op die berge soos duiwe van die dale, almal van hulle rou elkeen vir sy ongeregtigheid.
17 Al die hande sal slap word, en al die knieë sal swak wees soos water.
18 Hulle sal ook gord hulleself met 'n roukleed, en verskrikking sal hulle oordek; en skaamte sal op al die gesigte, en kaalheid op al hulle hoofde.
19 Hulle sal cast hulle silwer in die strate, en hulle goud sal verwyder word: hulle silwer en hul goud sal nie in staat wees om hulle te verlos in die dag van die toorn van die HERE: hulle sal hulle siele te voldoen nie, en vul hul ingewande : want dit is die struikelblok van hulle ongeregtigheid.
20 Soos vir die skoonheid van sy sieraad, hy het dit neergesit in die majesteit, maar hulle het die beelde van hul gruwels en het hul verfoeisels daarin: therefore have I set it far from them.
21 En Ek sal dit in die hande van die vreemdelinge vir 'n prooi, en aan die goddelose van die aarde vir' n buit, en hulle sal besoedel nie.
22 my gesig sal ek sy beurt ook van hulle, en hulle sal my geheime plek besoedel, want die rowers tree in dit, en dit verontreinig.
23 Maak 'n ketting, want die land is vol van bloedige misdade, en die stad is vol geweld.
24 Daarom sal Ek bring die ergste van die nasies, en hulle sal hul huise in besit: "Ek sal ook die praal van die sterk te maak om op te hou, en hulle heilige plekke, word verontreinig.
25 Destruction cometh; en hulle sal soek na vrede, en daar sal wees nie.
26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, en gerug op gerug word, dan sal hulle 'n visie van die profeet te soek nie, maar die wet sal omkom van die priester, en die raad van die oudstes.
27 Die koning sal rou, en die vors sal met verwoesting beklee word, en die hande van die mense van die land sal nie ontsteld word nie, sal ek vir hulle nadat hulle weg, en volgens hulle woestyne, sal Ek oordeel hulle, en hulle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is.
Ons het gekom volle siklus. Die toestand van die wêreld van vandag is terug vir die staat wat gevra het Noag, en die profete van oud tot hulle baie lewens uitroep God se waarskuwings te gee. Ons het dieselfde boodskap vandag. Ons Here, Here van die Here, het gesê: "En kyk, Ek kom gou, en my loon is by My, om elkeen te vergeld soos sy werk sal wees. Ek is die Alfa en die Oméga, die begin en die einde, die eerste en die laaste."(Openbaring 22:12: 13) In die sluitingsdatum, het hy bygevoeg," Ek kom gou." (Openbaring 22:20) Mei al Sy kinders antwoord die gebed, "Amen, ja kom, Here Jesus."(Openbaring 22:20)
Bob
*Computer Translated
Robert Mills
Reg vanaf die eerste vers, Esegiël vertel ons, in God se eie woorde, dat, selfs al is hulle gerig was om sy uitverkore volk, met wie hy lief duur, en deur wie hy later sou gestuur Sy eniggebore Seun, het hulle gesondig het en sou gestraf word .(Johannes 3:16-17) Die straf vir die sonde was, van die begin af, die dood, dit is "skeiding van God." Adam en Eva sou geleef het vir ewig moes hulle geëet van die boom van die lewe, in plaas van die verbode boom van die kennis van goed en kwaad, 'n pragtige boom wat gegroei het in die middel van Eden. (Genesis 3:2) As gevolg van hulle sonde, het hulle verban is uit Eden, en die "Boom van die lewe," wat sal floreer in die nuwe Jerusalem. (Openbaring 21:2)
In die tyd van Noag het God kwaad was op die sonde van die hele mensdom en vernietig alles behalwe 'n gesin in die groot vloed. In hul woestyn omzwervingen, Israel gesondig het, herhaaldelik en al die generasie wat het van Egipte nie, maar 'n paar, het nooit geleef het om selfs sien die beloofde land. Dat die nuwe generasie grievously weer gesondig het, en God het deur Esegiël hierdie woorde aan sy woede te kenne gee en wat sou gebeur as gevolg van dat. God en sonde is heeltemal in stryd. So, Hy het Sy Seun gestuur het om 'n finale opoffering om voor te berei' n volk wat kan hemel betree en te wees met Hom vir ewig.
As gevolg van Golgota, die Apostel Petrus in staat was om te antwoord die sondaar se huil, op die besef van hulle skuld, "Broeders, wat moet ons doen?" (Handelinge 2:37) Die antwoord op daardie vraag vir almal sondaars is nog steeds dieselfde Petrus gegee het. "Bekeer julle en word gedoop, elkeen van julle in die naam van Jesus Christus tot vergewing van sondes, en julle sal die gawe van die Heilige Gees."(Handelinge 2:38) En ons vertel word in Handelinge2:47, "die Here bygevoeg word aan die kerk daagliks, soos moet gestoor word. 'N Beter vertaling lui, was "gered word."
Esegiël 7: 1-27 (King James Version)
1 Verder het die woord van die HERE tot my gekom en gesê:
2 Ook, Seun van die mens, so sê die Here HERE tot die land van Israel; 'n einde, die einde het gekom oor die vier hoeke van die land.
3 Nou is die einde oor jou kom, en ek sal stuur my toorn op jou, en sal jou oordeel volgens jou weë, en sal vergelde op jou is al jou gruwels.
4 En mine eye shall not spare thee, of sal ek jammer, maar Ek sal jou weë oor jou beloning, en jou gruwels sal in jou midde, en julle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is.
5 So sê die Here HERE, An evil, an only evil, behold, gekom het.
6 'n einde het gekom, die einde kom, is: dit watcheth vir jou;, behold, it is come.
7 Die oggend is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in die land: die tyd kom, die dag van die nood is naby, en nie die klinkende weer van die berge.
8 Nou sal Ek binnekort my grimmigheid uitgiet op jou, en vervul my toorn teen jou, en Ek sal jou oordeel volgens jou weë, en sal jou beloon vir al jou gruwels.
9 En my oog sal nie spaar, of sal ek jammer: ek sal jou beloon volgens jou weë, en jou gruwels wat in die midde van jou is, en julle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is wat slaan.
10 Kyk, die dag, kyk, dit kom, is: die oggend is 'uitgegaan, die roede het geblom, trots het hoof knoppie.
11 Geweld is opgestaan het in 'n roede van goddeloosheid: nie een van hulle sal bly, of van hulle menigte of van enige van hulle se: nie, en sal daar geween wees vir hulle.
12 Die tyd het gekom, die dag draweth naby: laat die koper nie bly wees, en ook nie die verkoper mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.
13 Want die verkoper sal terugkeer na wat verkoop word nie, hoewel hulle was nog in die lewe: vir die visie is die hele skare daarvan, wat sal nie terug te raak; nie, en sal enige versterk homself in die ongeregtigheid van sy lewe.
14 Hulle het die ramshoring geblaas, selfs al maak alles klaar, maar niemand gaan hy na die geveg, want my toorn is op die hele menigte daarvan.
15 Die swaard is sonder, en die pes en die hongersnood binne: hy wat in die veld sterwe, met die swaard, en hy het dit is in die stad, hongersnood en pes sal hom verteer;.
16 Maar hulle dat van hulle ontsnap sal ontsnap, en dit word op die berge soos duiwe van die dale, almal van hulle rou elkeen vir sy ongeregtigheid.
17 Al die hande sal slap word, en al die knieë sal swak wees soos water.
18 Hulle sal ook gord hulleself met 'n roukleed, en verskrikking sal hulle oordek; en skaamte sal op al die gesigte, en kaalheid op al hulle hoofde.
19 Hulle sal cast hulle silwer in die strate, en hulle goud sal verwyder word: hulle silwer en hul goud sal nie in staat wees om hulle te verlos in die dag van die toorn van die HERE: hulle sal hulle siele te voldoen nie, en vul hul ingewande : want dit is die struikelblok van hulle ongeregtigheid.
20 Soos vir die skoonheid van sy sieraad, hy het dit neergesit in die majesteit, maar hulle het die beelde van hul gruwels en het hul verfoeisels daarin: therefore have I set it far from them.
21 En Ek sal dit in die hande van die vreemdelinge vir 'n prooi, en aan die goddelose van die aarde vir' n buit, en hulle sal besoedel nie.
22 my gesig sal ek sy beurt ook van hulle, en hulle sal my geheime plek besoedel, want die rowers tree in dit, en dit verontreinig.
23 Maak 'n ketting, want die land is vol van bloedige misdade, en die stad is vol geweld.
24 Daarom sal Ek bring die ergste van die nasies, en hulle sal hul huise in besit: "Ek sal ook die praal van die sterk te maak om op te hou, en hulle heilige plekke, word verontreinig.
25 Destruction cometh; en hulle sal soek na vrede, en daar sal wees nie.
26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, en gerug op gerug word, dan sal hulle 'n visie van die profeet te soek nie, maar die wet sal omkom van die priester, en die raad van die oudstes.
27 Die koning sal rou, en die vors sal met verwoesting beklee word, en die hande van die mense van die land sal nie ontsteld word nie, sal ek vir hulle nadat hulle weg, en volgens hulle woestyne, sal Ek oordeel hulle, en hulle sal weet dat Ek die HERE is.
Ons het gekom volle siklus. Die toestand van die wêreld van vandag is terug vir die staat wat gevra het Noag, en die profete van oud tot hulle baie lewens uitroep God se waarskuwings te gee. Ons het dieselfde boodskap vandag. Ons Here, Here van die Here, het gesê: "En kyk, Ek kom gou, en my loon is by My, om elkeen te vergeld soos sy werk sal wees. Ek is die Alfa en die Oméga, die begin en die einde, die eerste en die laaste."(Openbaring 22:12: 13) In die sluitingsdatum, het hy bygevoeg," Ek kom gou." (Openbaring 22:20) Mei al Sy kinders antwoord die gebed, "Amen, ja kom, Here Jesus."(Openbaring 22:20)
Bob
*Computer Translated
PLEASING OUR ANGRY GOD
Right from the first verse, Ezekiel tells us, in God’s own words, that even though they were directed to his chosen people, whom he loved dearly, and through whom he would later sent His only begotten Son, they had sinned and would be punished. (John 3:16-17) The punishment for sin has been, from the beginning, death, that is “separation from God.” Adam and Eve would have lived for ever had they eaten of the tree of Life, instead of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil, a beautiful tree that grew in the midst of Eden. (Genesis 3:2) Because of their sin, they were banished from Eden, and the “Tree of Life,” which shall flourish in the new Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:2)
At the time of Noah, God was angered at the sin of all mankind and destroyed all but one family in the great flood. In their wilderness wanderings, Israel sinned repeatedly and all the generation that departed from Egypt, but a few, never lived to even see the promised land. That new generation grievously sinned again, and God spoke through Ezekiel these words to express His anger and what would happen because of that. God and sin are totally incompatible. Thus, He sent His Son to become a final sacrifice to prepare a people who could enter Heaven and be with Him for ever.
Because of Calvary, the Apostle Peter was able to answer the sinner‘s cry, on realizing their guilt, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) The answer to that question for all sinners is still the same Peter gave. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) And, we are told in Acts 2:47, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. A better translation reads, “were being saved.”
Ezekiel 7: 1-27 (King James Version)
1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.
3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.
4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.
6 An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.
7 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.
8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.
9 And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.
10 Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.
11 Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of their's: neither shall there be wailing for them.
12 The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.
13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.
14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.
15 The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.
16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.
17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water.
18 They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads.
19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
20 As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.
21 And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.
22 My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it.
23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.
24 Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled.
25 Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.
26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.
27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
We have come full cycle. The condition of world today is back to the state that prompted Noah, and the prophets of old to give their very lives crying out God’s warnings. We have the same message today. Our Lord, Lord of Lords, has said, “And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:12:13) In closing, he added, “Surely I come quickly.” (Revelation 22:20) May all His children reply the prayer, “Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)
Bob
At the time of Noah, God was angered at the sin of all mankind and destroyed all but one family in the great flood. In their wilderness wanderings, Israel sinned repeatedly and all the generation that departed from Egypt, but a few, never lived to even see the promised land. That new generation grievously sinned again, and God spoke through Ezekiel these words to express His anger and what would happen because of that. God and sin are totally incompatible. Thus, He sent His Son to become a final sacrifice to prepare a people who could enter Heaven and be with Him for ever.
Because of Calvary, the Apostle Peter was able to answer the sinner‘s cry, on realizing their guilt, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) The answer to that question for all sinners is still the same Peter gave. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) And, we are told in Acts 2:47, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. A better translation reads, “were being saved.”
Ezekiel 7: 1-27 (King James Version)
1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.
3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.
4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.
6 An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.
7 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.
8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.
9 And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.
10 Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.
11 Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of their's: neither shall there be wailing for them.
12 The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.
13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.
14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.
15 The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.
16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.
17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water.
18 They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads.
19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
20 As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.
21 And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.
22 My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it.
23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.
24 Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled.
25 Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.
26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.
27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
We have come full cycle. The condition of world today is back to the state that prompted Noah, and the prophets of old to give their very lives crying out God’s warnings. We have the same message today. Our Lord, Lord of Lords, has said, “And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:12:13) In closing, he added, “Surely I come quickly.” (Revelation 22:20) May all His children reply the prayer, “Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)
Bob
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