WATER A SYMBOL OF DIVINE GRACE. #SEEDTOSOW
ISAIAH 44;3-4 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
This analogy in the fullness of scripture is entitled to be viewed as something more than poetic imagery, and may properly be made the subject of serious thought. In what respects, we may ask, does the symbolism hold?
1. WATER IS COMMON, ABUNDANT, FREELY GIVEN TO MANKIND AT LARGE. So is it with Divine grace. Christ, the Light of the world, lighteth every man that cometh into it (John 1:9). What men call "the light of nature" is an illumination poured by God into the soul, and this light is common to all. It shows men the way that they should walk in; it enables them to discern between right and wrong; if they follow it, it would guide them to heaven. Nor does Divine grace stop at this point. To those who struggle to do right God's assisting grace is never wanting. His Spirit strives with all men (Genesis 6:3); his mercy is over all his works (Psalms 145:9); he is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34).
2. WATER IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO LIFE. Nothing living, whether animal or vegetable, can exist without water. No spiritual life can exist without grace. Without moisture, neither can the embryo be formed, nor will the seed germinate. Without grace there is no commencement of spiritual life. Water is needed for the sustenance of both plants and animals. Grace is needed for the sustenance of the quickened spirit.
3. WATER CLEANSES MEN'S BODIES FROM ALL FILTH AND POLLUTION. The pace of God cleanses their souls from the filthiness and impurity of sin. His grace is the "one fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness" (Zechariah 13:1); the precious influences of his Spirit can alone take away impurity, and make the soiled soul once more clean in his sight. Wonderful is the cleansing power of water; still more wonderful is the guilt-removing power of grace. Sins that were "as scarlet" are by grace made "white as snow;" iniquities that were "red as crimson" become "as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). It is not merely that the sins themselves are forgiven, but the "evil heart," from which they proceeded, is washed, sanctified, and cleansed, so as to retain no taint of evil.
4. WATER REFRESHES AND RENOVATES THOSE WHO ARE WEARY AND FAINT. There is no refreshment to the faint and weary soul comparable to the pouring out upon it of God's Spirit. When "the parched ground becomes a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water" (Isaiah 35:7), the result is a complete transformation of the whole appearance of things. "The wilderness and the solitary place" at once "are glad … the desert rejoices and blossoms like the rose. It blossoms abundantly … the glory of Lebanon is given to it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon'' (Isaiah 35:1, Isaiah 35:2). Similarly, when the dry and thirsty soul obtains a "time of refreshing from the Lord '' (Acts 3:19), its whole condition is suddenly changed. Gladness succeeds to gloom, happiness to despair, an almost ecstatic bliss to a dull, gnawing sense of misery. The soul puts forth blossoms—rejoices with joy and singing (see the Psalms, passim).
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
ISAIAH 44;3-4 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
This analogy in the fullness of scripture is entitled to be viewed as something more than poetic imagery, and may properly be made the subject of serious thought. In what respects, we may ask, does the symbolism hold?
1. WATER IS COMMON, ABUNDANT, FREELY GIVEN TO MANKIND AT LARGE. So is it with Divine grace. Christ, the Light of the world, lighteth every man that cometh into it (John 1:9). What men call "the light of nature" is an illumination poured by God into the soul, and this light is common to all. It shows men the way that they should walk in; it enables them to discern between right and wrong; if they follow it, it would guide them to heaven. Nor does Divine grace stop at this point. To those who struggle to do right God's assisting grace is never wanting. His Spirit strives with all men (Genesis 6:3); his mercy is over all his works (Psalms 145:9); he is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34).
2. WATER IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO LIFE. Nothing living, whether animal or vegetable, can exist without water. No spiritual life can exist without grace. Without moisture, neither can the embryo be formed, nor will the seed germinate. Without grace there is no commencement of spiritual life. Water is needed for the sustenance of both plants and animals. Grace is needed for the sustenance of the quickened spirit.
3. WATER CLEANSES MEN'S BODIES FROM ALL FILTH AND POLLUTION. The pace of God cleanses their souls from the filthiness and impurity of sin. His grace is the "one fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness" (Zechariah 13:1); the precious influences of his Spirit can alone take away impurity, and make the soiled soul once more clean in his sight. Wonderful is the cleansing power of water; still more wonderful is the guilt-removing power of grace. Sins that were "as scarlet" are by grace made "white as snow;" iniquities that were "red as crimson" become "as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). It is not merely that the sins themselves are forgiven, but the "evil heart," from which they proceeded, is washed, sanctified, and cleansed, so as to retain no taint of evil.
4. WATER REFRESHES AND RENOVATES THOSE WHO ARE WEARY AND FAINT. There is no refreshment to the faint and weary soul comparable to the pouring out upon it of God's Spirit. When "the parched ground becomes a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water" (Isaiah 35:7), the result is a complete transformation of the whole appearance of things. "The wilderness and the solitary place" at once "are glad … the desert rejoices and blossoms like the rose. It blossoms abundantly … the glory of Lebanon is given to it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon'' (Isaiah 35:1, Isaiah 35:2). Similarly, when the dry and thirsty soul obtains a "time of refreshing from the Lord '' (Acts 3:19), its whole condition is suddenly changed. Gladness succeeds to gloom, happiness to despair, an almost ecstatic bliss to a dull, gnawing sense of misery. The soul puts forth blossoms—rejoices with joy and singing (see the Psalms, passim).
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
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This should read as follows: 'Allah' is the word in Arabic used for the title of God in Judaism and Christianity who speak Arabic. Only Muslims refer to God as Allah, Jews and Christians know God and refer to him as YHWH not Allah. Don't let Muslims twist it... https://t.me/ChristIS/109
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Lock)
THE HISTORICAL TEST TO THE NEW TESTAMENTS RELIABLITIY. #Truth #WordFromTheLord
Number 1 - Eye-Witness reports. “We do not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16)
Number 2 - Testimony of many different witnesses. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the 12. After that, he appeared to more than 5000 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom were living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and at last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Cor. 15:3–8)
Number 3 - Archaeological Evidence. There is too much evidence to mention here. Just look at the book of Acts. Luke’s history has been proven by archaeology. There are 84 facts mentioned by historian Colin Hemer on just part of the book of Acts which are worth looking into.
Number 4 - Secular Witnesses. Historians, Tacitus, Suetonius, Josephus confirm the history of the New Testament.
Number 5 - Truthfulness of Biblical accounts. Why would anyone make up a story that could potentially get you killed. They had very little to gain, and much to lose. The truth brings with it, persecution. The Bible is time-tested, exposing human nature, and many prophecies from the Bible have already come to pass.
Number 6 - Manuscripts in Abundance. We do not have the original N.T. Documents but we do have around 6000 manuscripts from which we can easily reconstruct an accurate copy of the original. Some fragments date back to within 25 years of the actual events of the New Testament.
Number 7 - The Character of the Witnesses. The first century church leaders knew the deliverance that comes through the cross. They gave their lives completely over to God. The truth came out from them rather easily.
Nothing, not anything written or spoke has been more authenticated than the Bible. Books have been written which dive into every aspect of this topic. This is actually old news. The next generation must know the Word of God is reliable. You want evidence, there are mountains of evidence, much more than is written here. The believer can rest assured the Bible is completely reliable, trustworthy. and powerful. Life-changing!
1 John 1:1-4 KJV — That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Number 1 - Eye-Witness reports. “We do not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16)
Number 2 - Testimony of many different witnesses. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the 12. After that, he appeared to more than 5000 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom were living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and at last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Cor. 15:3–8)
Number 3 - Archaeological Evidence. There is too much evidence to mention here. Just look at the book of Acts. Luke’s history has been proven by archaeology. There are 84 facts mentioned by historian Colin Hemer on just part of the book of Acts which are worth looking into.
Number 4 - Secular Witnesses. Historians, Tacitus, Suetonius, Josephus confirm the history of the New Testament.
Number 5 - Truthfulness of Biblical accounts. Why would anyone make up a story that could potentially get you killed. They had very little to gain, and much to lose. The truth brings with it, persecution. The Bible is time-tested, exposing human nature, and many prophecies from the Bible have already come to pass.
Number 6 - Manuscripts in Abundance. We do not have the original N.T. Documents but we do have around 6000 manuscripts from which we can easily reconstruct an accurate copy of the original. Some fragments date back to within 25 years of the actual events of the New Testament.
Number 7 - The Character of the Witnesses. The first century church leaders knew the deliverance that comes through the cross. They gave their lives completely over to God. The truth came out from them rather easily.
Nothing, not anything written or spoke has been more authenticated than the Bible. Books have been written which dive into every aspect of this topic. This is actually old news. The next generation must know the Word of God is reliable. You want evidence, there are mountains of evidence, much more than is written here. The believer can rest assured the Bible is completely reliable, trustworthy. and powerful. Life-changing!
1 John 1:1-4 KJV — That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
Forwarded from The Fountain Of Life Gospel Ministry (Evangelist Samson Segun Bello)
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LET'S PRAY
FEMINISM IN ISLAMIC TRADITIONS PART THREE
LYING TO AND CHEATING ON YOUR WIFE IS PERMITTED.
Below is another installment into the heart of Allah towards the women of Islam, as seen through the eyes of Muslims for 1400 years as ordained by Allah thee Holy and Just god of Islam. 🤔
SAHIH BUKHARI 7:6:715 - Humaid b. 'Abd al-Rahman b. 'Auf reported that his mother Umm Kulthum daughter of 'Uqba b. Abu Mu'ait, and she was one amongst the first emigrants who pledged allegiance to Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him), as saying that she heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: A liar is not one who tries to bring reconciliation amongst people and speaks good (in order to avert dispute), or he conveys good. Ibn Shihab said he did not hear that *exemption was granted in anything what the people speak as lie but in three cases: in battle, for bringing reconciliation amongst persons and the narration of the words of the husband to his wife,* and the narration of the words of a wife to her husband (in a twisted form in order to bring reconciliation between them).
Lying to and cheating on your wife is permitted, is it a yes or a no?
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
LYING TO AND CHEATING ON YOUR WIFE IS PERMITTED.
Below is another installment into the heart of Allah towards the women of Islam, as seen through the eyes of Muslims for 1400 years as ordained by Allah thee Holy and Just god of Islam. 🤔
SAHIH BUKHARI 7:6:715 - Humaid b. 'Abd al-Rahman b. 'Auf reported that his mother Umm Kulthum daughter of 'Uqba b. Abu Mu'ait, and she was one amongst the first emigrants who pledged allegiance to Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him), as saying that she heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: A liar is not one who tries to bring reconciliation amongst people and speaks good (in order to avert dispute), or he conveys good. Ibn Shihab said he did not hear that *exemption was granted in anything what the people speak as lie but in three cases: in battle, for bringing reconciliation amongst persons and the narration of the words of the husband to his wife,* and the narration of the words of a wife to her husband (in a twisted form in order to bring reconciliation between them).
Lying to and cheating on your wife is permitted, is it a yes or a no?
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16.
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Forwarded from The Fountain Of Life Gospel Ministry (Evangelist Samson Segun Bello)
LET THE WILL OF GOD PREVAIL OVER YOUR DESIRES
Let's endeavor to always remain submissive to God and embrace His divine will in any given situation we find ourselves, for by doing this we will surely be blessed with divine peace and eternal salvation in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER: Dear LORD Abba Father, thank you for the divine call of salvation, please continue to strengthen our faith and will for your service, that we may continue to live for your glory in Christ Jesus amen.
https://thefountainoflifegospelministry.blogspot.com/2022/06/let-will-of-god-prevail-over-your.html
Let's endeavor to always remain submissive to God and embrace His divine will in any given situation we find ourselves, for by doing this we will surely be blessed with divine peace and eternal salvation in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER: Dear LORD Abba Father, thank you for the divine call of salvation, please continue to strengthen our faith and will for your service, that we may continue to live for your glory in Christ Jesus amen.
https://thefountainoflifegospelministry.blogspot.com/2022/06/let-will-of-god-prevail-over-your.html
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Forwarded from Pedro Penner
Dear brothers and sisters and friends, today I have a Bible verse for you with a prayer request: Then he said to his disciples: The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Matthew 9:37. Please pray that God will send out workers for His ministry, there is a large field of work but few workers, dear brothers and sisters and friends, pray without ceasing.
Matthew 9:37. Please pray that God will send out workers for His ministry, there is a large field of work but few workers, dear brothers and sisters and friends, pray without ceasing.
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Forwarded from NEW LIFE 4 YOU
Whatever situation you are in, you are definitely in God’s plan.Our God is an omniscient God and He knows about you and about your future.Therefore, you have no reason to worry. Make yourself available to the Lord so that He can carry out His mighty plans through you.Stay encouraged. God is with you and He has chosen you to accomplish great things.
God Bless You Abundantly.
God Bless You Abundantly.
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THE DEATH OF MOHAMMED AND WHAT IT REVEALS ABOUT ISLAM AND IN-DEPTH LOOK WITH BOB THE BUILDER AND REASONED ANSWERS. 👍
A MUST WATCH!!!
https://youtu.be/rFKTV3zpbdg
A MUST WATCH!!!
https://youtu.be/rFKTV3zpbdg
YouTube
The death of Muhammad - and what it reveals about Islam with Reasoned Answers
To contact Bob directly: Btbsoco@gmail.com (responses may be slow)
Join me on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Btbsoco/
or
My blog (support me here): https://www.soldierofchrist.online/
Join me on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Btbsoco/
or
My blog (support me here): https://www.soldierofchrist.online/
Forwarded from Shimra
Hope you will read this important concerning you..👇
Romans Road.
Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans10:9-13
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God :
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
1st Corinthians 15:1-4
1 MOREOVER, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein you stand.
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto unto you first of all that which also I received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
You must realize that you are a sinner and need a Saviour because you can't save yourself. Jesus is the only Saviour. He died on the cross to pay for your sins. He was buried and rose again after 3 days. He is alive today. Will you trust Him to save you today? Dont wait, we are not promised tomorrow, or even the next second. 2 Corinthians 6:2 tells us that NOW is the accepted time for salvation.
Romans Road.
Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans10:9-13
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God :
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
1st Corinthians 15:1-4
1 MOREOVER, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein you stand.
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto unto you first of all that which also I received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
You must realize that you are a sinner and need a Saviour because you can't save yourself. Jesus is the only Saviour. He died on the cross to pay for your sins. He was buried and rose again after 3 days. He is alive today. Will you trust Him to save you today? Dont wait, we are not promised tomorrow, or even the next second. 2 Corinthians 6:2 tells us that NOW is the accepted time for salvation.
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DOES HABAKKUK 3:3 PREDICT THE COMING OF MOHAMMED? #OBJECTIONS. #WordFromTheLord. #ISLAMDEBUNKED.
“God comes from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran Selah His splendor covers the heavens, and the earth is full of His praise," (Hab. 3:3).
Some Muslims argue that this passage refers to Muhammad coming from Paran (Arabia) in light of Deuteronomy 33:2 (https://t.me/ChristIS/6259)
A number of serious problems with arguing that Muhammad fulfills this “prophecy” in Deuteronomy 34:10.
First, Paran is not near Mecca where Muhammad came from but is hundreds of miles away.
Second, the text is speaking of God coming, not Muhammad who denied being God.
Third, the “praise” does not refer to Muhammad (whose name means “the praised one”), since the subject of “praise” and “glory” is God (“His”).
Even Muslims would agree that Muhammad should not be praised as God. Therefore, it is unreasonable to believe that this passage is referring to Muhammad.
WORD FROM THE LORD. (https://t.me/ChristIS/2177)
Reading Psalms last I noticed something amazing. The musical term SELAH in numerous verses and places. So, for any Muslim who still wishes to place Mohammed as the Holy One in the book of Habakkuk 3:3 OT it's not here and you will need to find another place, as I originally said SELAH is a musical term and proven as scripture interprets scripture to the Truth of His Word.
Psalm 3:1-8 KJV — A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Please see Psalms 4 and 9 for the same word, plus have a word search as theirs many other places too.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
“God comes from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran Selah His splendor covers the heavens, and the earth is full of His praise," (Hab. 3:3).
Some Muslims argue that this passage refers to Muhammad coming from Paran (Arabia) in light of Deuteronomy 33:2 (https://t.me/ChristIS/6259)
A number of serious problems with arguing that Muhammad fulfills this “prophecy” in Deuteronomy 34:10.
First, Paran is not near Mecca where Muhammad came from but is hundreds of miles away.
Second, the text is speaking of God coming, not Muhammad who denied being God.
Third, the “praise” does not refer to Muhammad (whose name means “the praised one”), since the subject of “praise” and “glory” is God (“His”).
Even Muslims would agree that Muhammad should not be praised as God. Therefore, it is unreasonable to believe that this passage is referring to Muhammad.
WORD FROM THE LORD. (https://t.me/ChristIS/2177)
Reading Psalms last I noticed something amazing. The musical term SELAH in numerous verses and places. So, for any Muslim who still wishes to place Mohammed as the Holy One in the book of Habakkuk 3:3 OT it's not here and you will need to find another place, as I originally said SELAH is a musical term and proven as scripture interprets scripture to the Truth of His Word.
Psalm 3:1-8 KJV — A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Please see Psalms 4 and 9 for the same word, plus have a word search as theirs many other places too.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life. John 3:16
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Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow
DOES DEUTERONOMY 33:2 PREDICT THE COMING OF MOHAMMED? #OBJECTIONS. #WordFromTheLord. #ISLAMDEBUNKED.
Surah 7:157 must be the biggest pain in all Islamic polemics; it's amazing to me how many verses Muslims will often try and use to fulfil this false claim…
Surah 7:157 must be the biggest pain in all Islamic polemics; it's amazing to me how many verses Muslims will often try and use to fulfil this false claim…
THE NON-CONTRADICTIONS OF THE BIBLE. PART THREE.
#ObjectionDebunked.#WordFromTheLord.
Unbelievers will say God incited David to conduct the census of his people, or is it Satan?
2 Samuel 24:1 - Again the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”
1 Chronicles 21:1 - And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
SHORT ANSWER - The reader misunderstands how God works in history.
IN-DEPTH ANSWER - This seems an apparent discrepancy unless of course both statements are true. It was towards the end of David’s reign, and David was looking back over his brilliant conquests, which had brought the Canaanite, Syrian, and Phoenician kingdoms into a state of vassalage and dependency on Israel. He had an attitude of pride and self-admiration for his achievements and was thinking more in terms of armaments and troops than in terms of the mercies of God.
The Lord therefore decided that it was time that David be brought to his knees, where he would once again be cast back onto the mercy of God. So, he let him go ahead with his census, to find out just how much good it would do him, as the only thing this census would accomplish would be to inflate the national ego (intimated in Joab’s warning against carrying out the census in 1 Chronicles 21:3). As soon as the numbering was completed, God intended to chasten the nation with a disastrous plague which would bring about an enormous loss of life (in fact the lives of 70,000 Israelites according to 2 Samuel 24:15).
What about Satan? Why would he get himself involved in this affair (according to 1 Chronicles 21:1) if God had already prompted David to commit the folly he had in mind? It seems his reasons were entirely malicious, knowing that a census would displease the Lord (1 Chronicles 21:7-8), and so he also incited David to carry it through.
Yet this is nothing new, for there are several other occurrences in the Bible where both the Lord and Satan were involved in soul-searching testing and trials:
A - In the book of Job, chapters one and two we find a challenge to Satan from God allowing Satan to bring upon Job his calamities. God’s purpose was to purify Job’s faith, and to strengthen his character by means of discipline through adversity, whereas Satan’s purpose was purely malicious, wishing Job as much harm as possible so that he would recant his faith in his God.
B - Similarly both God and Satan are involved in the sufferings of persecuted Christians according to 1 Peter 4:19 and 5:8. God’s purpose is to strengthen their faith and to enable them to share in the sufferings of Christ in this life, that they may rejoice with Him in the glories of heaven to come (1 Peter 4:13-14), whereas Satan’s purpose is to ‘devour’ them (1 Peter 5:8), or rather to draw them into self-pity and bitterness, and down to his level.
C - Both God and Satan allowed Jesus the three temptations during his ministry on earth. God’s purpose for these temptations was for him to triumph completely over the very tempter who had lured the first Adam to his fall, whereas Satan’s purpose was to deflect the saviour from his messianic mission.
PART ONE OF TWO
#ObjectionDebunked.#WordFromTheLord.
Unbelievers will say God incited David to conduct the census of his people, or is it Satan?
2 Samuel 24:1 - Again the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”
1 Chronicles 21:1 - And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
SHORT ANSWER - The reader misunderstands how God works in history.
IN-DEPTH ANSWER - This seems an apparent discrepancy unless of course both statements are true. It was towards the end of David’s reign, and David was looking back over his brilliant conquests, which had brought the Canaanite, Syrian, and Phoenician kingdoms into a state of vassalage and dependency on Israel. He had an attitude of pride and self-admiration for his achievements and was thinking more in terms of armaments and troops than in terms of the mercies of God.
The Lord therefore decided that it was time that David be brought to his knees, where he would once again be cast back onto the mercy of God. So, he let him go ahead with his census, to find out just how much good it would do him, as the only thing this census would accomplish would be to inflate the national ego (intimated in Joab’s warning against carrying out the census in 1 Chronicles 21:3). As soon as the numbering was completed, God intended to chasten the nation with a disastrous plague which would bring about an enormous loss of life (in fact the lives of 70,000 Israelites according to 2 Samuel 24:15).
What about Satan? Why would he get himself involved in this affair (according to 1 Chronicles 21:1) if God had already prompted David to commit the folly he had in mind? It seems his reasons were entirely malicious, knowing that a census would displease the Lord (1 Chronicles 21:7-8), and so he also incited David to carry it through.
Yet this is nothing new, for there are several other occurrences in the Bible where both the Lord and Satan were involved in soul-searching testing and trials:
A - In the book of Job, chapters one and two we find a challenge to Satan from God allowing Satan to bring upon Job his calamities. God’s purpose was to purify Job’s faith, and to strengthen his character by means of discipline through adversity, whereas Satan’s purpose was purely malicious, wishing Job as much harm as possible so that he would recant his faith in his God.
B - Similarly both God and Satan are involved in the sufferings of persecuted Christians according to 1 Peter 4:19 and 5:8. God’s purpose is to strengthen their faith and to enable them to share in the sufferings of Christ in this life, that they may rejoice with Him in the glories of heaven to come (1 Peter 4:13-14), whereas Satan’s purpose is to ‘devour’ them (1 Peter 5:8), or rather to draw them into self-pity and bitterness, and down to his level.
C - Both God and Satan allowed Jesus the three temptations during his ministry on earth. God’s purpose for these temptations was for him to triumph completely over the very tempter who had lured the first Adam to his fall, whereas Satan’s purpose was to deflect the saviour from his messianic mission.
PART ONE OF TWO
Forwarded from Christ is Life - Seeds to Sow (Mark Lock)
PART TWO OF TWO.
D - In the case of Peter’s three denials of Jesus in the court of the high priest, it was Jesus himself who points out the purposes of both parties' involvement when he says in Luke 22:31-32, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.“
E - And finally, the crucifixion itself bears out yet another example where both God and Satan are involved. Satan exposed his purpose when he had the heart of Judas filled with treachery and hate (John 13:27), causing him to betray Jesus. The Lord’s reasoning behind the crucifixion, however, was that Jesus, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world should give his life as a ransom for many, so that once again sinful man could relish in the relationship lost at the very beginning, in the garden of Eden, and thereby enter a relationship which is now eternal.
We see above five other examples where both the Lord and Satan were involved together though with entirely different motives. Satan’s motive in all these examples, including the census by David, was driven by malicious intent, while the Lord in all these cases showed an entirely different motive. His was a benevolent motive with a view to eventual victory, while simultaneously increasing the usefulness of the person tested. In every case Satan’s success was limited and transient, while in the end God’s purpose was well served furthering His cause substantially.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life - John 3:16.
D - In the case of Peter’s three denials of Jesus in the court of the high priest, it was Jesus himself who points out the purposes of both parties' involvement when he says in Luke 22:31-32, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.“
E - And finally, the crucifixion itself bears out yet another example where both God and Satan are involved. Satan exposed his purpose when he had the heart of Judas filled with treachery and hate (John 13:27), causing him to betray Jesus. The Lord’s reasoning behind the crucifixion, however, was that Jesus, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world should give his life as a ransom for many, so that once again sinful man could relish in the relationship lost at the very beginning, in the garden of Eden, and thereby enter a relationship which is now eternal.
We see above five other examples where both the Lord and Satan were involved together though with entirely different motives. Satan’s motive in all these examples, including the census by David, was driven by malicious intent, while the Lord in all these cases showed an entirely different motive. His was a benevolent motive with a view to eventual victory, while simultaneously increasing the usefulness of the person tested. In every case Satan’s success was limited and transient, while in the end God’s purpose was well served furthering His cause substantially.
May the peace of Christ be with you all.
Christ is Life - John 3:16.
Forwarded from The Fountain Of Life Gospel Ministry (Evangelist Samson Segun Bello)
WATCH AND PRAY
Be spiritually vigilant and always pray without season, that you may remain strengthened, having all it takes to overcome the weakness of the flesh and stand triumphantly victorious over every trial or temptation that comes your way.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father thank you for the zeal you've bestowed upon us for your service, please continue to strengthen us, that we may always overcome every weakness of the flesh that stands as a barrier against our faithfulness to you in Jesus Christ name amen.
https://thefountainoflifegospelministry.blogspot.com/2022/06/watch-and-pray.html
Be spiritually vigilant and always pray without season, that you may remain strengthened, having all it takes to overcome the weakness of the flesh and stand triumphantly victorious over every trial or temptation that comes your way.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father thank you for the zeal you've bestowed upon us for your service, please continue to strengthen us, that we may always overcome every weakness of the flesh that stands as a barrier against our faithfulness to you in Jesus Christ name amen.
https://thefountainoflifegospelministry.blogspot.com/2022/06/watch-and-pray.html
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WATCH AND PRAY
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