Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Isaiah 24 - Wrath and Glory

Wrath and Glory

Isa 24:17 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.
Isa 24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

The inhabitants of the earth, are those who would not receive Jesus as savior. These are the unredeemed. They will not be able to escape the judgment of God. Those in Christ are with him in heavenly places.

Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Isa 24:19 The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.
Isa 24:20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.
Isa 24:21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
Isa 24:22 And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.

Rev 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Rev 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Rev 6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The hosts of the high ones that are on high, refers to the fallen angels. They will be locked in the bottomless pit with satan for a thousand years, at the coming of the King; the Lord Jesus Christ. God's good angels will return with the saints. They shall destroy the unrighteous and gather the children of faith.

Isa 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

The powers on earth will be replaced with the power of God. The saints will rule and reign with the Lord.

2 Pet 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2 Pet 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2 Pet 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
2 Pet 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Jesus will reign and restore the earth to it's original design. As Adam and Eve lived almost a thousand years, we shall see the earth in it's restored beauty for a thousand years, before the New Jerusalem comes down. We live by faith and hope for his soon return. It is my hope that the Church will be caught up to meet Jesus before these times of tribulation come upon the earth. We shall miss the wrath of God and return with Jesus to a beautiful earth and then a glorious heaven. No time for self pity, we have too much to praise God for. Glorify him now exalt the Lord of Glory!

 

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Genesis 19 - Lessons from Lot

Lessons from Lot

Gen 19:23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

Biblical Zoar was located southeast of the dead sea. Lot, his wife and three daughters entered the city of Zoar as the sun was risen upon the earth. The thing about Zoar was that Lot was still telling God that he would choose, and that God was to bless his choice. Instead of obeying God and putting him first.

Gen 19:24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Some explain this fire as a volcano arising from the earth. There were oil pits in this area that would burn readily. The Bible says the fire came down from heaven. It was the judgment of the LORD God.

Gen 19:25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

Sudden destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah behind them. They were told to not look back, also they were told to escape to the mountain, further away. There was a reason for this. Imagine a nuclear blast and you are in a small city not far away? You soon would wish that you were way up on the mountain instead.

Gen 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

Gen 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Lot's wife was disobedient and looked back, for her heart was in that city. She loved the things of this life, more than the obeying of God. She was turned into a pillar of salt. Jesus would refer to her disobedience in reference to the last days. Where will people's hearts be? Will they look to Jesus or desire the evil things of this world. Where is our focus? Jesus speaks to us today, for we are in the last days.

Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
Luke 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Luke 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
Luke 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.


Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.
Luke 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

She loved the things of the world, more than God. No looking back. Jesus was speaking to his closest disciples, not the world. He is speaking to us today. What do we seek in this life? Are we like Lot busy making choices, our way and asking God to bless our choices. It takes more than a good companion, prosperity and privilege to be saved. Are we like Lot's wife, seeking health and prosperity in this world, thinking by being blessed with things that we are where God wants us?

It is all a mistake. It is an entire delusion. It requires something more than privileges to save souls. Joab was David's captain; Gehazi was Elisha's servant; Demas was Paul's companion; Judas Iscariot was Christ's disciple; and Lot had a worldly, unbelieving wife. These all died in their sins. They went down to the pit in spite of knowledge, warnings, and opportunities; and they all teach us that it is not privileges alone that men need. They need the grace of the Holy Ghost. (Ryle)

They need to walk by faith, not sight; it is a strait and narrow path.

Luke 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Gen 19:27 And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:
Gen 19:28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
Gen 19:29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

It was the close fellowship of Abraham with God each morning at his altar, that brought deliverance to Lot. God remembered the intercession of Abraham for his nephew, Lot.

Gen 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Now Lot went out of Zoar into the mountain, where God originally told him to go. They dwelt in a cave; Lot and his two virgin daughters.

Gen 19:31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:
Gen 19:32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

Foolish women, trying to do things in the flesh. Concerned that no son was born, she comes up with their solution. Reminding me of Sara and Hagar. Sara's decision resulted in the Arab nations and Islam, the enemies of Israel.

Gen 19:33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
Gen 19:34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
Gen 19:35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

Another commentary was kind concerning Lot's daughters

Consider the awesome and powerful events that Lot's family experienced in a relatively short time. They witnessed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah totally destroyed by fire and brimstone rained down from heaven by God. Then Lot's wife is turned into a pillar of salt because of her disobedience. The family is eventually forced, out of fear, to live in a cave. Given the situation wouldn't you be a bit distressed and afraid of what might happen next? Lot's daughters must have thought it was the end of civilization and that they were some of the only people then living. They were obviously greatly concerned about the future of their family (and possibly the human race). This concern led them to do what they did.(R&E Beltz)

My thoughts were not so kind. I see Lot's daughters, with no names given; as foolish and sinful women, brought up in a wicked society, never learning godly counsel.

2 Tim 3:6 ... silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2 Tim 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

The results of their sin produced two nations who would oppose Israel and who would be cursed by God.

Gen 19:36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.
Gen 19:37 And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day.

The Moabites tried to get the prophet, Balaam to curse the people of Israel who were coming into the land.

Gen 19:38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

The two nations from these sons, would be cursed by God.

Deu 23:3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
Deu 23:4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
Deu 23:5 Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.
Deu 23:6 Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.

Solomon was rich and very wise, and yet he fell.

1 Ki 11:1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
1 Ki 11:2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
1 Ki 11:3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
1 Ki 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
1 Ki 11:5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

The wisest man before Jesus, had all possessions and fell because he lusted after the Moabite and Ammonite women and their gods. Are we wiser than Solomon? Sexual immorality and following pleasures and idols are the sins of these last days. To follow Jesus and to be saved, we must be born again and have the mind of Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must follow Jesus and not look back.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Genesis 19 - Angels come to Sodom

Angels come to Sodom

Gen 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Two angels; the third, the LORD went his way in Chapter 18. Lot was sitting at the gate, a term for a place of authority. Was he as judge and the mayor of Sodom, welcoming guests and settling disputes?

Gen 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
Gen 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

He showed the men hospitality.

Gen 19:4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
Gen 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

Some homosexuals on the Internet say that the sin of Sodom was lack of hospitality. How foolish, they were all homosexuals from the young to the old men, in Sodom. This is why the angels were sent to destroy the city. Lot showed the two men hospitality, he did not invite the city to terrorize his two guests, he protected them.

The Bible speaks of this sin.

Rom 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Lev 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Lev 20:13 If a man alsolie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

God will never allow this behavior and it is a sick society that makes laws favoring this choice of behavior.

Homosexuals also have an interest in defining themselves as "gay," a word that used to mean "happy" or "carefree," but it is a poor description of a lifestyle that has such a high rate of death, disease, and suicide.

Gen 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,
Gen 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
Gen 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

Unbelievable, how much of Sodom's ways had entered Lot. But, in our time parents with evil hearts have sold their young daughters for money. Lot is described as righteous, but how far he had fallen.

Gen 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

Lot may have thought that he would influence or save some in the city. They mocked him and called him a stranger. Who made him our judge? They despised this worldly man who claimed to be of God. They were crushing Lot against the door as he attempted to protect the two strangers. Lot did not know that they were angels.

Gen 19:10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.
Gen 19:11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

The angels blinded the spiritually blind men who were so overcome with lust. The worst kind of blindness is spiritual; those unable to see and understand the word's of God.

John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
John 9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Gen 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:

Where are the people of faith who you have reached to believe in God? There were not even ten. Remember in Genesis 13.

Gen 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
Gen 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
Gen 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Lot wanted the beautiful land as a possession, thinking it would prosper him; but in doing so he set his tent towards Sodom , with wicked people. How often do people make decisions because of financial gain, putting finances ahead of their Spiritual walk? Then they rationalize it saying that they will be the light? Lot was not the light he wanted to be, but blended in with the people and the people had contempt or made fun of his faith.

2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Cor 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2 Cor 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Gen 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

God had destroyed evil earlier and he would do it again and again.

Gen 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Gen 18:32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

Gen 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

Lot had no moral authority and his words were as mocking to the spiritually dead son in laws. Apparently they were married, but in a time of engagement not having been together as man and wife. Either that or they were homosexuals, because the daughters were virgins.

Gen 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man;...

Gen 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

Only Lot's immediate family were to be rescued. They were sanctified because of Lot. The city would soon be destroyed.

1 Cor 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

Gen 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

Lot lingered, his heart was in the city and his things. All these would be burned. The angels grabbed the hand of each of them and pulled them outside of the city.

1 Cor 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1 Cor 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
1 Cor 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1 Cor 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Lot put things before God and lost it all. He did not put God first in his life.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Gen 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
Gen 19:18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:
Gen 19:19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast showed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:
Gen 19:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

Lot still wants his way. He is motivated by fear, he must be where there is a city and it's provisions. Would God not provide, having spared his life? How many of us do not trust God to care for us where he sends us? Many decide what they want and then ask God to bless. This was the way of Lot.

Gen 19:21 And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.
Gen 19:22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

The angels agreed to give Lot his request, for they could not destroy the evil cities until he was delivered. God's wrath does not abide on the just and Lot was considered a righteous man, by faith. Zoar means insignificant.

1 Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1 Pet 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

1 Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Isaiah 24 - Sing Majesty

Sing Majesty

Isa 24:14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.
Isa 24:15 Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.

Those who have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and have received forgiveness of sins shall lift up their voice, and sing for the glory and majesty of the LORD. "Majesty, worship His Majesty, unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise." We sing this now, but I believe the church will be remove before the tribulation. There will be people saved during the tribulation, because of the witness of the 144,000 anointed from Israel. The LORD would choose these witnesses and anoint their minds by the Holy Spirit and the word of grace. They will be singing praises in the midst of tribulation.

Rev 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

The sea, is used metaphorically, as the sea of humanity; they shall cry aloud, from the sea, and it can mean the Islands of the sea.

Isa 24:16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.

The LORD will be glorified by His people throughout the world, but the antichrist Beast, will persecute them. They will not be able to buy or sell and they would be hunted and killed. Many martyrs would come out of the tribulation.

Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Suffering and persecution has always spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we in good times be faithful to him and witness to others.

1 Cor 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 Cor 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.



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Saturday, August 11, 2007

Genesis 18 - Abraham Intervenes

Abraham Intervenes

Gen 18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

Lot had pitched his tent towards Sodom and now he was in Sodom. Abraham accompanies the three men to a place overlooking the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The ruins of these cities are now under the Dead Sea at the end of the Jordan River.

Gen 18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
Gen 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

The LORD said, shall I hide from Abraham what I plan to do? For he shall become a great and mighty nation, a nation of faith, and all nations shall be blessed by him, through Jesus.

The LORD reminded Abraham of his covenant promises to him. We, as Christians are under the blood, the covenant promises of the new covenant.

John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Gen 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

He knew Abraham to be a faithful man, who would command his children to follow God's commands. The LORD will keep his promises to him. The LORD does not keep his people in darkness, he reveals his plans and his promises. We must follow him and by his revealed will we may come to him in prayer.

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Gen 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
Gen 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

God heard the cry, the sin, the foul living, now he tells Abraham he is going to examine them personally.

Gen 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
Gen 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Gen 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
Gen 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Gen 18:26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.

Abraham inquires of the LORD, if he will destroy them. Will the LORD destroy the righteous too? He was concerned for his nephew, Lot. Abraham grew close to the LORD, to hear and to speak to him. He was an intercessor.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Surely He would not destroy the righteous with the ungodly? Abraham reminds God of his justice. We may intercede for those under the blood of Christ in this way, appealing to God's justice. We are to pray according to God's nature and will. Reminding him of His word, His justice, His healing, etc.

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Gen 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Gen 18:28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

Abraham humbles himself before God; nothing but dust and ashes.

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

God gives grace to the humble. Abraham prays specific requests.

1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 Cor 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

Gen 18:29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.
Gen 18:30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
Gen 18:31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.
Gen 18:32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

He would not destroy the city for even ten righteous. There were many children in Sodom, were they condemned with their parents? The people were idoloters and fornicators.

Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Exo 20:6 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

A righteous parent is important to a child.

1 Cor 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

Gen 18:33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

The LORD left and Abraham returned to his place and two angels walked towards Sodom to bring out righteous Lot, from the cities that were to be destroyed.

How does Abraham compare to the prophet Jonah?

3:4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
Jonah 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

Jonah 4:10 Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:
Jonah 4:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Abraham was a willing intercessor; Jonah was reluctant, it is God who wills and accomplishes his will.

How about Elijah in the cave?

1 Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
1 Ki 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
1 Ki 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1 Ki 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

1 Ki 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Elijah thought he was the last man of faith, but God had 7000 others. Do not lose faith, keep going and together we make a difference.What can we learn from Abraham in this story?

Abraham shows us that a person of faith in the Lord's promises may know the will of God and intercede for those that God places on his heart. The Holy Spirit will show us who to pray for.

The LORD reminded Abraham of his covenant promises to him; so we should be reminded of our covenant promises and who we are in Jesus Christ. We pray to the LORD based on his character and his promises in the Bible. If we have a concern we should pray about it. Avoid broad prayers, for example: save all the people in the world. We should know that is not going to happen. Pray for those we know about that God places in your heart.

It is the presence of righteous people in a nation that keeps God from destroying the nation. He may remove the righteous before destroying the nation. This doesn't mean that good people will always escape persecution and death from the enemy. We should be over comers in our response to problems, in our faith and in our prayers of intercession. Be faithful and obey God, you are not alone. Pray and God will accomplish his will.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Isaiah 24 - No escaping from the Judgement

No escaping from the Judgement

Isa 24:7 The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

In the coming tribulation, there will be no escaping into lusts and pleasures.

Isa 24:8 The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.
Isa 24:9 They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.

No joy in rock and roll or any music of the world, there shall be no escaping into strong drink or drugs, they will no longer help; there is no escape.

Isa 24:10 The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.
Isa 24:11 There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

The city of confusion; we know confusion is of the devil, the lack of receiving truth. They cry for wine, but there is no escape. In the judgement all are aware of the awful empty pain and despair. We must be awake now, not later. We must seek the Lord to escape the coming judgement.

Isa 24:12 In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.
Isa 24:13 When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.

All will be desolation as with a nuclear attack, all contaminated, all that brought hope and blessing of the world is gone. This may not be too far away.

Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,...

This was before the tribulation. The days of ease and pleasure are gone for those of the world, those who escape into pleasures and have no desire for pleasing God, those who hide in the pleasures of the flesh will have nothing but sorrows. Where are the voices warning the people now? What are God's people doing? What will we do until he comes for us?

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Genesis 18 - Believing God

Believing God

Gen 18:1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

The LORD Jehovah appeared to him. This was a place of oak trees. Mamre meant strength. Abraham had God's strength and favor.

Gen 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

He saw three men, one may have been Jesus, the other two were angels. (Gen 19)

Gen 18:3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
Gen 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
Gen 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

Hospitality was the custom and Abraham was a good host. Was it because Abraham himself had been a stranger in a foreign land? (Gen 23:4)

Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

No man can look upon God and live, for he is a consuming fire. Jesus came in flesh and blood.

John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

Gen 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.

Three measures and three portions for the three guests. Jesus came as God, before he was born, with two angels and all three would enjoy a meal, a way of fellowship with righteous Abraham. How much Abraham was loved and Abraham was gracious unto them with hospitality.

Gen 18:7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
Gen 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

Hospitality shown to the three.

Gen 18:9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Gen 18:10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.

I shall return, the voice of God, probably Jesus. The Lord repeats the promise of Sarah bearing a child and it being born a year hence.

Gen 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Gen 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

At my age, am I to have pleasure in physical intimacy?

Sarah spoke in sarcasm and unbelief which was questioning God's word. To do so is to call God a liar. This is serious, for God cannot lie. One thing Sarah said, God would commend in later scriptures. She called her husband " lord" out of respect.

1 Pet 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Pet 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1 Pet 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1 Pet 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Gen 18:13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

The Lord asked Abraham, for he was the head of the wife, just as Adam was responsible for the actions of Eve. Both were to be protectors of their wives and priests, or spiritual leaders of their homes. This is God ordained. The wife is to be the help meet; (Gen 2:18) even if the wife considers herself to be more "spiritual", she is not to be the head.

Gen 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Is anything too hard for the LORD?

No, the LORD is faithful to do his will. Our problem is we want him to do our will. He is Lord, we are his children. If we obey him and believe, he will do as he promises.

Faith is required

Mat 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mat 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

God works miracles

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

The son would be a miracle for both Abraham and Sarah. God would come to them , both at the time of conception, as with Mary, the mother of Jesus. He would also come at the birth of the son.

Why did you not believe me? Is anything too hard for the LORD? Sarah shall have a son.

Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Rom 3:5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
Rom 3:6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

Gen 18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Don't deny the truth, are you saying God is a liar? You did laugh. Was Sarah counted as a sinner for this unbelief? No, she was counted as a woman of faith, from this time on and was included in the people of faith listing of Hebrews 11.

Heb 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
Heb 11:12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

Through faith, believing the promises of God, a son would be born to faithful Abraham and Sarah. What is impossible with man is possible with God. The true miracles come by believing God's word, not by our thoughts, but his thoughts. His word is truth and faith releases his power in our lives.