“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven … A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4
“A time to weep (death, burial),
and a time to laugh (resurrection);
a time to mourn (death, burial),
and a time to dance (resurrection);”
Though we don’t initial or dictate those seasons, we do participate with the One who does, the LORD who is in control.
A breaking down followed by a building up is the rhythm of the cross in our lives – and as it was in the case of our LORD, it’s the cross which will always precede the resurrection victory (John 12:24; Hebrews 2:14-15, etc.).
We can be fully assured that as we lay down our life, Christ who is “the resurrection and the life,” will reciprocally raise it up for His glory (John 11:25; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
This is how we walk with the LORD and there’s no other way. Remember this as you scratch your head the next time you hear yet another cross-less sermon on coping, relegating the believer to a life of defeat. When we taste and see this cross life, we shall be blessed to see that as we die downward, that guarantees that Christ will raise us upward. With our brother Paul, we shall declare “but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
In his sufferings, which God allowed for His divine purposes, Paul discovered and said…
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“The condition of this strength is sour consciousness of our own utter weakness. We are too strong for God. Our self-confidence shuts Him out of our lives. We require to be taken down to Gideon’s brook, that we may be reduced to the minimum of our own energy, and be filled to the maximum of His. It was this that made Paul glory in his infirmities, where other men would have thought their infirmities debarred them from Christian usefulness. He accounted that they were the greater reason for anticipating success. Tell him that his words lacked eloquence, or that his appearance was unprepossessing, or that his thorn in the flesh made him a cripple in Christ’s army – he would have answered, ‘I rejoice in them all – nay, I glory in them. All hail, ye blessed arguments for self-abasement, and for reckoning more completely on the mighty power of Christ!” Joseph, F.B. Meyer, p. 140
In Christ, when we close our eyes in death, when we resign ourself to dying, we awake to the resurrection bliss of eternal joy.
MOURNING vs MIRTH
The 2 Houses: Which house are you spending the most time in?
So many professing Christians today run from, evade all messages on repentance, the cross, and laying down the life in this fleeting world. They are not following Jesus on HIS terms. No, they are living their best life now, having been coddled by the wolves who are using them (2 Timothy 4:2-4). It’s sad that so few of them are hearing and answering the call of God to come unto Jesus and serve Him on HIS terms, which always begins with true repentance and proving that repentance by bringing forth good fruit (Matthew 3:7-10). They have chosen a cheap counterfeit over the Son of God and are forfeiting the blessings of God in this life and the next.
MANY WANT THE COMFORT YET REFUSE THE CROSS
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves … Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” 2 Timothy 3:1, 4
WHEN we spend time in the house of mourning (the cross-death, burial), the house, the place of mirth (celebration, resurrection) follows, awaits us!!!!
“It is better to go to the house of mourning (lamentation, sadness, grief), than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth (Heb. celebration, glee, gladness, rejoicing, festival).” Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
This is an amazing revelation: Watch what King Solomon says here below. Foregoing self-serving gratification, feasting, celebration, always results in experiencing the death, the burial, and the resurrection joy and fulfillment that God alone can and desires to delight us with as we do things His way – the cross. The cross, the death and burial (house of mourning) always precedes “the house of mirth.”
“the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men” (v2): Pride was the root cause of the fall of Lucifer and a third of the angels of God in Heaven, and every civilization of mankind that came and went, destroyed in their rebellion. Perhaps Sodom and Gomorra are the most popular biblical example (Ezekiel 16:49-51). | The FORGOTTEN Sins of Sodom [podcast]
The Wise and the Foolish Contrasted
Notice: “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” (v4) When divine wisdom begins to take up more real estate in our hearts, we begin to realize that His wisdom teaches us to get down low, into the death and burial, while foolishness tempts us to seek out “the house of mirth,” to excessively indulge in celebration.
We shall never experience God on the mountain as we will in the valley.
When we “take it on the chin”, we get knocked down, humbled low and it puts us in the place of weakness and God in the place of strength, ruling in us with His divine might!!!
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
So many clueless parents today are destroying their own children by filling them with sugary desserts when the child hasn’t even eaten the meat and vegetables. In the same way, false leaders today are spiritually, eternally assassinating their gullible, biblically illiterate audiences by feeding them the cotton candy “best life now” gospel instead of teaching them the cross of the original Gospel of Jesus (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Our LORD Jesus suffered greatly in “the house of mourning.” The divine resurrection followed the mourning, the great suffering of our Savior.
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:3-12
Jesus warns us of the dangers, the eternal danger of soul, associated with “the house of mirth” when He says:
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36
The lifestyle, the sin of over indulgence will always lead to eternal damnation. As is at times used in Scripture, wine in the title of this message merely speaks of celebration, not drunkenness, which is misuse and sin (Psalms 10:15; Proverbs 3:10; Ecclesiastes 9:7; 10:19; John 2; Ephesians 5:18, etc.).
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus is now again reigning as supreme LORD at the right hand of the Father, having accomplished the cross, redemption through His death.
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” Philippians 2:8-9
Based on His earthly sufferings, He is rightly called “the suffering Servant.” (Isaiah 53, etc.) Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and raised again from the dead. He calls us to also suffer the death of self that He might exalt us in His resurrection power, for His glory.
“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2
Suffering is also part of the life of the true disciple, every disciple, namely the suffering of the death of self so that Christ reigns (2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.).
Suffering our own death so that Christ is reigning (resurrection), is the Gospel in action in our personal lives. Laying down our lives as Christ raises them up is the Gospel reenacted daily in our lives – death, burial, resurrection.
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Philippians 1:29
When Israel was in rebellion, the LORD warned that He was going to remove the mirth from them …..
“Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.” (Jeremiah 7:34) Jesus is going to judge all men and eternally remove all “mirth”, that is, all joy, bliss, and celebration from the wicked – those who refuse to mourn.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Those who mourn in this life are already experiencing a foretaste of glory divine – comfort from the “God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:2-5).
The counterfeit is characterized by his selfishness. He’s only in it for himself. He could care less about the God he falsely claims to be his savior – because it’s all about him, not the LORD. Therefore he wants no part with repenting, laying down his life in this world, denying self, taking up the cross, and following Jesus. He just wants the crown while refusing the cross. He wants instant gratification and hates waiting and this is why his handlers have to keep pumping him up with false hope – stringing him along, milking his money (2 Peter 2:1-3).
In the divine economy, there is much value in the seasons of suffering.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. … 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:2-4
Serendipity: You really don’t begin to enjoy your life in this world until you lay it down – until you do it God’s way and not your own (Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33). Every true disciple can testify to this – because every true disciple, by biblical definition, has truly repented, has laid down his life in this world and is daily denying self, taking up the cross and following Jesus. And, the result is resurrection grace and joy!
No, in this observation of the great joy that fills the heart of the true saint, I didn’t say or hint of loving this world – but rather in loving the LORD, truly (1 John 2:15). Yet, having a clear conscience and deep inner peace granted by God Himself, is essential to the fulfillment that glorifies Christ (Psalms 23).
Those in Christ will suffer and mourn and weep in this life and yet, in the end
“Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:20
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms 30:5
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
In Christ’s kingdom, there’s the need to “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.” Here’s the passage:
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10
There are death, burials, and resurrections in our lives. There can’t be the resurrection (mirth) till there’s first the death, and burial (the mourning). The following passage from 2 Corinthians 4 gives us the rhythm of the cross life in the divine economy. Pouring prayerfully over these divinely-inspired words is sure to be instrumental in bringing about God’s will in our lives.
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
Only through the cross lifestyle can the disciple experience practically the riches of Christ.
Let us “taste and see that the LORD is good” as we forego on our own idea of feasting, excessive celebration in the things of this world, and get down low in worshipful humility, allowing God to bring us upward into His lavish chambers of fruitful delight, a foretaste of glory divine!
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalms 34:8
In Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon is in no way saying that celebration is wrong and yet, allowing God to fill our hearts with the joy and occasions of celebration is infinitely sweeter than perpetually avoiding pain and mourning in order to seek out celebration.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11
Throughout Israel’s history, they rebelled and suffered greatly. The celebration of the people of God followed great suffering, as God liberated them. When the LORD set Israel free, releasing them from the bondage of enemy nations, from Babylon, they “were like them that dream”, and instructed by Him to be fruitful to His glory.
Psalm 126
“A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion (set them free), we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
“Turned – Brought the captive Israelites out of Babylon into their own land. Dream – We were so surprised and astonished.” John Wesley
God’s people would later become unthankful, unholy, and overly indulge in “the house of mirth.” They were therefore allowed to be led back into the slavery, under the bondage the enemy.
Those whom Jesus saves are required by Him to “deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)
The believer is to live an abiding life with Christ, bearing the fruit that testifies to such (John 15). The Bible is full of warnings concerning falling away (Luke 8:13). If falling away were not possible, no such warnings would exist in Holy Writ.
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape (eternal judgment), if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” Hebrews 2:1-3
On a personal note: In the past, I could never and have never been possessed by the deep satisfaction and fulfillment that now fills my life as I choose to do things GOD’s way, and not my own. The cross is God’s way. Every disciple reading this, who is learning that cross truth, can certainly concur!
“Better is the end (resurrection) of a thing than the beginning thereof (death and burial): and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8
Surely the resurrection is better, more pleasurable than the death and burial, the dying, and yet the resurrection cannot occur without the death and burial first happening.
Adam Clarke on Ecclesiastes 7:2:
“It is better to go to the house of mourning – Birthdays were generally kept with great festivity, and to these the wise man most probably refers; but according to his maxim, the miseries of life were so many and so oppressive that the day of a man’s death was to be preferred to the day of his birth. But, in dependently of the allusion, it is much more profitable to visit the house of mourning for the dead than the house of festivity. In the former we find occasion for serious and deeply edifying thoughts and reflections; from the latter we seldom return with one profitable thought or one solid impression.” Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke on Ecclesiastes 7:4:
“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning – A wise man loves those occasions from which he can derive spiritual advantage; and therefore prefers visiting the sick, and sympathizing with those who have suffered privations by death. But the fool – the gay, thoughtless, and giddy – prefers places and times of diversion and amusement. Here he is prevented from seriously considering either himself or his latter end. The grand fault and misfortune of youth.” Adam Clarke
“I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way.
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say
I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And not a word said she;
But oh, the things I learned from her
When sorrow walked with me”
by Robert Browning Hamilton
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:20-26
Beloved of God, may we no longer run from the pain associated with the dying to self. Instead, let us embrace it, for therein in our own demise is the supreme reign of Christ.
Concerning our dying and the resulting heavenly treasure, one writer notes:
“In the cross there’s:
. . . freedom from self comes forth.
. . . new creation comes forth.
. . . new perspective comes forth.
. . . transformation by a renewed mind comes forth.
. . . glory (or “weight of glory”) is realized.
. . . immunity to (or resurrection immunity to) pain is realized.
The only real way to escape pain is to embrace it. It only gets worse when one uses human ways to numb it or escape it, pass it on or put it off on someone else.”
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” Joel 2:12
Sodom and Gomorrah | The Cross Life | Joy Comes After the Mourning
Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Bridegroom is Calling His Bride | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]
Abiding
“Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]
Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear [podcast]
Fear Stifles and Stains our Lives – “Fear hath Torment”
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4
Fear, hides, it lurks, and it controls us until it is dealt with. It seems to me that we have little knowledge yet of how fear has controlled us the whole of our lives. Today is the day of salvation, deliverance from the evil of fear.
“How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.” Florence Nightingale
Fear stifles and robs.
One study Bible note says:
“Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Each of us has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another – fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But we can conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the Lord who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember with the psalmist that “the Lord is my light and my salvation.”
“Fear hath torment.” The quality of life God intends you to enjoy with Him is spoiled by fear. “fear hath torment.” Did He provide the solution in Christ? Yes. His “perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.” Notice below is this golden passage of Holy Writ that oneness with the LORD who “is love” is when all fear is vanquished from our lives (John 17). This disciple would like to invite and to encourage you to pour over this passage prayerfully and to make it part of your life from today forward. You will want to share it with others also.
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18
Did you note in this passage above that the eradication of fear is God’s will not only for now but also for all eternity? | Why We Need not Fear Death
You can’t conjure up boldness, conviction, valiancy. It must come out of the cross life, the crucified life with Christ – from which all fear is vanquished (Romans 6; 1 John 4:16-18). Then we know that “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)
Someone has rightly stated: “Fear is the currency of control.”
“O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction…” Jeremiah 16:19
The struggles and fallen sinful nature of this world should lay us at the feet of Christ. There are many things that can cause us to fear and yet, we run to our LORD who is our refuge and our fortress and we don’t run to the world for a mood drug or psychobabble, etc.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Notice in the verse above that the God fearing man does not run to the world, to a mood drug, to a “fix” that mere sinful man offers, but rather He runs to the LORD!
We we are experiencing worrying, anxiety, and fear, that simply means that we need to repent and draw nigh to our God and He will draw nigh to us and all fear will be vanquished. Beware of the coping mechanisms beloved!
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
It’s one thing to know this verse above and yet another to truly, diligently, daily be seeking the face of the LORD. Memorizing and meditating upon and declaring this one below has helped this lowly disciple immensely!
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
When a man truly fears the LORD, that man doesn’t run to the world to find a coping mechanism because that man seeks the LORD continually and is continually filled with His Holy Spirit and the corresponding fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23).
Why do we fear?
“People fear because their faith is in self, not in God. Therefore they try and meet their own needs. Matt. 6:33 says when we make God’s kingdom and His righteousness a priority He will meet our needs.” Karen Cochran
Read Psalm 1 every day this week! Pray before you begin beloved of the LORD …. and realize that He loves you more than you can possibly fathom!
The only way to know true love is to know God via the Son of His love – Jesus Christ – who in the greatest act of love ever, came and died for us, sinners.
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39
Here are 2 more passages that clearly reveal that the LORD loves His people immensely:
“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” Psalms 139:17-18
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:1-2
MESSAGE:
“Can you guys pray for my anxiety, it’s amped up at the moment. Thank you so much.”
REPLY:
Who’s battling anxiety, fear? Divine prescription: Memorize Proverbs 1:33 and meditate on it. King James Bible as always. Also pour prayerfully over 1 John 4:16-18 and worship Him afresh beloved!!!! Jesus Christ is LORD. Write out Proverbs 1:33 (KJB) on an index card. Begin pouring over it, reading it prayerfully. Memorize it. Meditate upon it. As the song says, “ALL fear is gone”!
As the Hymn Says “ALL Fear is Gone”
Deliverance from all fear happens from the inside out according to 1 John 4:16-18 and Proverbs 1:33 etc.
ARE YOU bound by fear? What’s the source? Not God because “God hath NOT give us the spirit of fear.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Denounce the fear verbally and ask God to make you one with Him (John 17), to fill you with His love which eradicates all fear 1 John 4:18 …. Also, in prayer, denounce all fear and never say “I am a worry wart” ever again. Memorize Proverbs 1:33 and 2 Timothy 1:7. Search, meditate upon, and speak God’s Word (Joshua 1:8).
Internalize Proverbs 1:33 today. God is going to change your life forever. Especially by memorizing Proverbs 1:33 !!!!
Love this:
“Fear hath torment” ….
Take, ingest these 2 GosPills: Proverbs 1:33; 1 John 4:18 all fear vanquished.
As we read in 1 John 4:16-18, we see that intimacy with the LORD is the only answer to man’s fear and such is available exclusively and only to the children of God. May we learn to kiss the waves of fear which slam us against the Rock of ages who alone can and will vanquish them!
IF I am not truly seeking the face of the LORD, engaging daily in the life-giving abiding relationship He desires, I am simply going through religious motions, have a hardened heart, and a mere “form of godliness.” (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10; 2 Timothy 3:5) | Seeking God
“The chains of love are stronger than the chains of fear.” William Gurnall
Fear’s only cure is the love of God – us being made one with Him (John 17; 1 John 4:16-18). Pouring prayerfully over John 17 and 1 John 4:16-18 is a life-changer! Thank YOU Jesus! Asking the LORD to make you ONE with Him goes to the center of why Jesus came! (John 17:3).
Studies reveal that the vast majority of things we fear never come to pass.
After promising specifically that He is always going to provide the necessities for His children, protect them, and nourish them, Jesus says:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34
The Holy Spirit inspired the prophet Isaiah to pen these wonderful words:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
Fear is not of God but rather comes by an evil spirit – “the spirit of fear.“
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“We have to move out of our spiritual boxes and abandon the doubt, the guilt, and the fear that constrict our souls. There’s a wideness in GOD’S mercy.” Liza Young
WHO to Fear and Who not to Fear
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“If you fear God, you really need fear nothing else.” Zac Poonen
Memory truth:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
Prayer is communing with the LORD which causes all fear to be vanquished.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“I’m not afraid of the devil. He can’t handle the One to whom I’m joined.” AW Tozer
Are you facing fear today? Perhaps you are afraid of losing your job, of developing cancer or being left by your spouse. At times all of us experience fear. But don’t allow fear to keep you from being used by God. He has kept you thus far; trust Him for the rest of the way.” Woodrow Kroll
“Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.” Corrie Ten Boom
“Fear is something that we’ve all struggled with at some point in our lives. Whether it’s the fear that comes with a bad report from a doctor or a low bank account, or a more nameless fear of people and life in general, it can steal our joy and life. But it’s not supposed to be that way! God wants us to “fear not.” If you’re trying to overcome fear in your life, I pray that these quotes and verses will give you encouragement, faith, and renewed strength!” unknown
God wants His children “quiet from fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:33) Memorizing Proverbs 1:33 today from the King James Bible is a life changer.
The fear of evil is vanquished as we draw nigh to God in faith, truly trusting Him …
“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33
“We shall be quiet from the fear of evil, for no threatenings of evil shall penetrate into the high tower of God.” Hannah Whitall Smith
Seeking the LORD is always the answer. Getting delivered from “ALL” fear:
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4
Notice here that one must seek the LORD for deliverance from fear.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come now to You in the name of Jesus Christ my Master, King, and Savior. LORD, please forgive my sin of unbelief and for not seeking Your holy face continually. Here and now I turn to You afresh, openly admitting my own sin in repentance LORD. I now confess my sin of self-idolatry, asking You to forgive and wash me afresh in Thy blood LORD Jesus. Please establish my life in You, grounded in the faith of Your beautiful Gospel and identify and remove all fear from my life other than the fear of You. I ask You to make me one with You LORD, allowing me to dwell in an ever-deepening oneness with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Abiding
Jacob’s Ladder: What Does it Mean to Us? [podcast]
Jacob’s Ladder: What Does it Mean to Us?
Jacob’s ladder was a prophetic prefiguring of how God was going to open up access to His throne of saving, divinely enabling grace by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Jacob means supplanter, deceiver. To supplant means to displace another from what is theirs. It’s when someone or something takes the place of another, as through usurping force, scheming, strategy, or the like.
The sin, the work of the flesh called “emulations” in the New Testament Scriptures seems to best fit Jacob’s nature of striving to excel at the expense of others (Galatians 5:19-21). This is exactly what Jacob did to his brother Esau who as the elder brother, and as such, was supposed to receive the blessing of the firstborn son from their father (Isaac). Jacob cheated his older brother Esau out of the birthright which was due to the firstborn son, Esau (Genesis 27:36). Like Jacob, every born again believer has iniquitous tendencies that God graciously deals with and delivers us from, yet only as the saint continues, remains and abides in Christ (John 15).
Genesis 28:10-22
10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran (parched).
11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed (here God confirms the promise of Abraham, the Abrahamic covenant);
14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not (confirmation).
17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
21 So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:
22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Notice, “the LORD stood above it.” (v13) This speaks of Christ and how He is Creator and rules and reigns over all the earth and this is prophetic as to Heaven’s King coming to the earth to redeem mankind, paying the ransom price in full, redeeming the world, bridging the gap, as only He could do. No one else qualified because sinners can’t save or forgive sinners.
“The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.” Matthew 9:6
The ladder Jacob was shown in his dream speaks of the beautiful “access” to the Father and Son made possible via the perfect sacrifice, redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It reveals the work of Heaven, the work of God and His holy angels in the earth among men – to bring to Himself every “willing and obedient” soul “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” (Isaiah 1:19-20; John 1:12-13; Romans 11:25)
Christ Gave Us “Access”
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2
“For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:18
“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” Ephesians 3:12
Only Jesus Qualified to Stand in the Gap – to Bridge the Gap Sin had Caused, our Separation from God
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30
This ladder that was shown to Jacob, set up and extending from the earth to Heaven, Christ Himself peering over the top, expresses the “access” to Heaven’s saving grace and all that He died to purchase for His people! (Hebrews 4:14-16, etc.) Jesus Christ was the only One in history who qualified to pay the perfect price for the sins of the whole world – to bring us back to the Father! (Ezekiel 22:30; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:1-2, etc.).
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
William MacDonald on Jacob’s dream and ladder:
“At Bethel, Jacob had a wonderful dream in which he saw a ladder or staircase extending from earth to heaven. This suggested ‘the fact of a real, uninterrupted, and close communion between heaven and earth, and in particular between God in His glory and man in his solitude.’ … Believers even now can enjoy moment-by-moment fellowship with the Lord. At this time when Jacob’s heart was probably filled with regret for the past, loneliness in the present, and uncertainty about the future, God graciously made a covenant with him as He had with Abraham and Isaac. ‘I am with thee’; safety; I ‘will keep thee in all places whither thou goest’; guidance; ‘will bring thee again into this land’; personal guarantee; ‘I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.’” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p 64
As they were with God’s provisionary work in Jacob’s life, so angels are busy ministers of God in the lives of His New Testament saints. The words “angel” and “angels” appear 180 times in the New Testament. Here’s but a sampling:
“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:13-14
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2
Adam Clarke on Jacob’s Ladder
“Genesis 28:12
He dreamed, and behold a ladder – A multitude of fanciful things have been spoken of Jacob’s vision of the ladder, and its signification. It might have several designs, as God chooses to accomplish the greatest number of ends by the fewest and simplest means possible. 1. It is very likely that its primary design was to point out the providence of God, by which he watches over and regulates all terrestrial things; for nothing is left to merely natural causes; a heavenly agency pervades, actuates, and directs all. In his present circumstances it was highly necessary that Jacob should have a clear and distinct view of this subject, that he might be the better prepared to meet all occurrences with the conviction that all was working together for his good. 2. It might be intended also to point out the intercourse between heaven and earth, and the connection of both worlds by the means of angelic ministry. That this is fact we learn from many histories in the Old Testament; and it is a doctrine that is unequivocally taught in the New: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? 3. It was probably a type of Christ, in whom both worlds meet, and in whom the Divine and human nature are conjoined. The Ladder was set up on the Earth, and the Top of it reached to Heaven; for God was manifested in the Flesh, and in him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Nothing could be a more expressive emblem of the incarnation and its effects; Jesus Christ is the grand connecting medium between heaven and earth, and between God and man. By him God comes down to man; through him man ascends to God. It appears that our Lord applies the vision in this way himself, first, In that remarkable speech to Nathanael, Hereafter ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man, John 1:51. Secondly, in his speech to Thomas, John 14:6: I am the Way, and the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”
Think about how Heaven was opened to fallen mankind when Jesus died on that cross, declaring that “It is finished” or the price for man’s sin was paid in full (John 19:30). The veil that separated man from a holy God was ripped in half, was parted, signifying that God had accomplished redemption in His Son and now has come out to meet each man on a personal basis for fellowship and communion. That’s the stated reason for the creation of mankind and why Jesus came to the earth (Exodus 25:8; John 17:3).
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
The veil that separated God and man was removed when Jesus died on the cross.
“And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” Mark 15:38
Jesus’ blood satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem, to buy back to Himself fallen mankind from sin.
“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. 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. 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.” 2 Corinthians 5:19, 21
FB Meyer on Jacob’s Ladder
“Genesis 28:10-22
JACOB’S VISION AT BETHEL
This is the Ladder chapter, in which a wayward, weak man is seen holding fellowship with the Eternal God, who loves us, notwithstanding our unworthiness, and desire to lead us into a life of power and blessedness. It is all wonderful! Notice the four Beholds! Gen_28:12-15. Sunset. Overtaken on a moor by the swift fall of the Oriental night, Jacob had no alternative than to sleep in the open. But he slept to see! Night. There is an open way between heaven and earth for each of us. The movement of the tide and circulation of the blood are not more regular than the inter-communication between heaven and earth. Jacob may have thought that God was local: now he found Him to be omnipresent. Every lonely spot was His house, filled with angels. Morning. Worship, consecration, the vows of God. Put down thy foot on God’s promises. He will do more than He has said. Thou shalt come to thy Father’s house in peace.”
In the night, in the darkest hour of his life, Jacob wrestled with the angel of the LORD and was subdued, was brought down to nothing, dead and buried (Genesis 32). This was the cross that preceded and must precede the resurrection.
Like Jacob, the man who is broken by God will walk with a limp of dependency for the remainder of his days on earth!
“One sign you’ve encountered God is you walk with a limp, not a strut.” unknown
Read Genesis 32.
“I would rather limp into to Heaven than walk into HELL!” Charles Pray
Christ is depicted here in this ladder from the earth to Heaven. Jesus Christ alone bridged the gap between Heaven and earth, the chasm caused by sin, at the fall of mankind in the Garden.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
Jacob’s ladder depicted here connecting Heaven and earth is not to be viewed as something we climb in order to merit or earn the favor, grace, mercy, salvation, and blessings of God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7). No, it seems to speak of the activity, the busy, active involvement of Heaven in the work of redemption concerning the operations of Christ’s kingdom on earth. This is what Jesus was speaking of when He spoke to Nathaniel:
“And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” John 1:51
When Jesus said these words it concerned Him and His ministry and mission on earth the first time He came. Thereafter it pertains to making good on His perfect salvation plan for mankind where now having accomplished redemption, He now reigns again in glory at His Father’s right hand, ever living to provide what He died to purchase! Books of Hebrews.
In this illustrative ladder from Heaven vision, God is saying that He will and is providing everything needed for everyone who desires to be His, straight from His holy throne in Heaven. The redemption that is Christ, the Word, the Holy Spirit, and His holy angels come to mind as agents of the redemption of Heaven working in the earth today.
As glory’s Great Intercessor, Jesus lives to provide what He died to purchase for His beloved people.
“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:24-26
Jacob’s ladder, Heaven opened to fallen mankind, is a type of Christ who is man’s only “way” to God, the only “Mediator” between God and man and to God, who is in Heaven.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5
Christ alone accomplished such blessed reconciliation for us and every blessing from God comes through our LORD Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20). So Jacob’s ladder is a type of Christ who is man’s only “way” to God, the only “Mediator between God and men” who is now in Heaven intercedoing for us on the right hand of His Father (Hebrews 7:24-26).
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
John Wesley on Jacob’s Ladder:
“Behold a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached heaven, the angels ascending and descending on it, and the Lord stood above it – This might represent The providence of God, by which there is a constant correspondence kept up between heaven and earth. The counsels of heaven are executed on earth, and the affairs of this earth are all known in heaven. Providence doth his work gradually and by steps; angels are employed as ministering spirits to serve all the designs of providence, and the wisdom of God is at the upper end of the ladder, directing all the motions of second causes to his glory. The angels are active spirits, continually ascending and descending; they rest not day nor night. They ascend to give account of what they have done, and to receive orders; and descend to execute the orders they have received. This vision gave seasonable comfort to Jacob, letting him know that he had both a good guide and good guard; that though he was to wander from his father’s house, yet he was the care of Providence, and the charge of the holy angels. The mediation of Christ. He is this ladder: the foot on earth in his human nature, the top in heaven in his divine nature; or the former is his humiliation, the latter is his exaltation. All the intercourse between heaven and earth since the fall is by this ladder. Christ is the way: all God’s favours come to us, and all our services come to him, by Christ. If God dwell with us, and we with him, it is by Christ: we have no way of getting to heaven but by this ladder; for the kind offices the angels do us, are all owing to Christ, who hath reconciled things on earth and things in heaven, Col_1:20.”
David W. Dyer on Jacob’s ladder:
“JACOB’S DREAM: While Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau, he spent a night in the wilderness. There he used a stone for a pillow. While he slept, he dreamed a wonderful dream. In the dream he saw “…a ladder set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Gen 28:12). When he woke up, he realized that this was a special place. He named it “Bethel” which means “the house of God.” You see, when we are truly being God’s house, when we are fulfilling the requirements of being in the Spirit and led by our Head, in that place and at that time the heavens are opened. The presence of God becomes real to us. We actually experience being the “house” or habitation of God in a corporate way – the “Bethel” of today. At these times there is truly an open heaven. The presence of God is very real. His authority or “throne” is known to us. Revelation, enlightenment, and spiritual understanding is occurring. Further, the ministering spirits, the angels, are coming and going – “ascending and descending” – bringing messages from the throne and perhaps “carrying” the praises and petitions of the members back with them. Of course we are describing something spiritual here with earthly words. Perhaps exact details of this angelic traffic cannot be known exactly. Yet, in such heavenly situations, the proximity of ministering angels is very real. Perhaps we are not very aware of it, but it is occurring. We, God’s people have the wonderful privilege of entering into His presence together. When we meet, we can enjoy an “open heaven” where the invisible things of His kingdom become real to us. As we enter into the Spirit together, the unimaginable wonders of Jesus and His will for us are available for us to possess. We, insignificant human beings, can enjoy the reality of being the habitation of the Most High God. May we never be satisfied with anything less!” Let My People God!
PRAYER: Father, we come to You now, in the name of Jesus Christ, our sole, our only access, ladder, way to You. Please teach us Your ways. Let us be truly crucified with Christ as we enjoy all the benefits You provided to us through Him. May our communion and fellowship with You and Your people be sweet, blessed, and fruitful to Your eternal glory as we eagerly look for Your soon return LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Abiding
“If God be For Us Who can be Against Us?” [podcast]
WHO is God truly “with”?
“And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and IF YE SEEK HIM, he will be found of you; but IF ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2
What happens when one of His children deny Him?
“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Those who reject Him shall be rejected by Him. OSAS/eternal security is a fairy tale espoused by the moral cowards who refuse to serve God on HIS stated terms – repentance, faith, true worship, obedience, holiness, the crucified life, etc.
“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew 10:14-15
Persecution and the Disciple of Jesus
1 Peter 4
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
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?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”
Romans 8
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
God’s Everlasting Love
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“Romans 8:29: For whom he did foreknow, etc. – “In this and the following verse the apostle shows how our calling is an argument that all things work together to advance our eternal happiness, by showing the several steps which the wisdom and goodness of God have settled, in order to complete our salvation. In order to this he first gives us, in this verse, the foundation and finishing, or the beginning and end, of the scheme of our redemption: For whom God did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. To foreknow, here signifies to design before, or at the first forming of the scheme; to bestow the favor and privilege of being God’s people upon any set of men, Rom_11:2. This is the foundation or first step of our salvation; namely, the purpose and grace of God, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began, 2Ti_1:9. Then, he knew or favored us; for in this sense the word to know is taken in a great variety of places, both in the Old and New Testaments. And as he knew the Gentiles then, when the scheme was laid, and before any part of it was executed, consequently, in reference to the execution of this scheme, he foreknew us. This is the first step of our salvation, and the end or finishing of it is our conformity to the Son of God in eternal glory, Rom_8:17, which includes and supposes our moral conformity to him. When God knew us, at the forming of the Gospel scheme; or, when he intended to bestow on us the privilege of being his people; he then destinated or designed us to be conformed to the image of his Son; and, as he destinated or determined us then to this very high honor and happiness, he pre-destinated, fore-ordained, or pre-determined us to it. Thus we are to understand the foundation and finishing of the scheme of our salvation. The foundation is the foreknowledge, or gracious purpose of God; the finishing is our being joint heirs with Christ. Now, our calling or invitation (see on Rom_8:28 (note)) stands in connection with both these.” Adam Clarke
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