Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.
(John 4:14)


(LIVING WATER)
ISSUE: #103

MEM

(Messianic Email Message)
Psalms 119:97 - 104
Seeking The Truth
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And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb
(Rev 22:1)

For His Glory!

Message

Redemption

Part I

In the beginning when Adam chose to disobey his creator, YHVH (The LORD) cast him out of His presence; out of the Kingdom of God. All of mankind was therefore subject to the influence of the adversary and became entangled in the penalty of sin which is death. Yet the Almighty’s plan was to restore man to his former relationship. Because sin and death are enemies of God a peace covenant between man and Elohim (God) was needed; made available by a redemption. Hence the gospel of the Kingdom of God is proclaimed to deliver man from the bondage of sin and death.

The Almighty did not abandon mankind; in Genesis 3:15 a Seed, from the woman, was to come and crush (NIV) the adversary’s head; that Seed would be our Redeemer.

What is redemption? Why is redemption needed for restoration? What is required to be Redeemed? What has a ransom to do with redemption? Who is the Redeemer? Is redemption a one time event? A careful study should leave you awed by our Awesome God; without redemption you are doomed to die - death is an enemy of YHVH because He is Life. His restoration plan of redemption offers you eternal life.

Is the redemption process clearly evident in Scripture?

Sown throughout Scripture is the basic theme of redemption. YHVH’s word to Israel (and His people today) is that He is their Redeemer; He gave them rules pertaining to the redemption of their kinsman and of the land as a picture of His Divine Redemption plan for man thru Yeshua (Jesus) the promised Seed and Redeemer.

When YHVH delivered Israel from Egypt (Egypt a type of bondage and sin) He took Egypt’s firstborn of man and beast as an atonement (ransom) for them; this is a picture of His divine plan. Therefore He told Israel all firstborn belonged to Him:

Num 3:13 "For all the first-born are Mine; on the day that I struck down all the first-born in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the first-born in Israel, from man to beast. They shall be Mine; I am the LORD." (all Scripture from the NAS unless indicated)

The firstborn of man was to be redeemed (a lesson redemption):

Num 18:15 "... nevertheless the first-born of man you shall surely redeem 16 "And as to their redemption price, from a month old you shall redeem them, by your valuation, five shekels in silver…

TSK (Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge): shalt thou redeem. Redemption of the firstborn is one of the rites which are still practiced among the Jews. According to Leo of Modena, it is performed in the following manner:--When the child is thirty days old, the father sends for one of the descendants of Aaron: several persons being assembled on the occasion, the father brings a cup, containing several pieces of gold and silver coin. The priest then takes the child into his arms, and addressing himself to the mother, he says, "Is this thy son?" Mother. "Yes." Priest. "Hast thou never had another child, male or female, a miscarriage, or untimely birth?" Mother. "No." Priest. "This being the case, this child, as firstborn, belongs to me." Then turning to the father, he says, "If it be thy desire to have this child, thou must redeem it." Father. "I present thee with this gold and silver for this purpose." Priest. "Thou dost wish, therefore, to redeem this child?" Father. "I do wish so to do." The priest then turning himself to the assembly, says, "Very well: this child, as first-born, is mine; as it is written in Bemidbar (Numbers), (ch. 18:16,) Thou shalt redeem the first-born of a month old for five shekels; but I shall content myself with this in exchange." He then takes two gold crowns, or thereabouts, and returns the child to his parents.

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Principle of the kinsman-redeemer [Yeshua (Jesus) is our kinsman redeemer]:

Lev 25:48 then he shall have redemption right after he has been sold. One of his brothers may redeem him, 49 or his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or one of his blood relatives from his family may redeem him…

This principle is found in the book of Ruth:

Ruth 4:6 And the closest relative said, (to Boaz) "I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption…"

Ruth 4:14 Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.

Man can redeem the physical but not the soul:

Ps 49:7 No man can by any means redeem his brother, Or give to God a ransom for him -- 8 For the redemption of his soul is costly, And he should cease trying forever -- 9 That he should live on eternally; That he should not undergo decay. ... 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol (death); For He will receive me. Selah.

Job understood a Redeemer was required:

Job 19:25 "And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. 26 "Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God;

Our spiritual Redeemer:

Luke 1:68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

1Pet 1:18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,

Who is The Redeemer?

Isa 44:24 Thus says the LORD (YHVH), your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, "I, the LORD, am the maker of all things…

Restoration - Being made right by the Redemption in Messiah:

Rom 3:24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;

1Cor 1:30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,

What does redemption do for us?

Ps 103:4 Who redeems your life from the pit (death); Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;

Col 1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Gal 4:5 in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law (Barnes: those who had violated the law, and who were exposed to its dread penalty.), that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

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Consider Webster’s understanding of the redemption process back in 1828:

Then liken it unto your understanding according to Scripture and bless YHVH.

Webster (1828)

REDEMP'TION, n. [L. redemptio.] (edited for length)

1. Repurchase of captured goods or prisoners; the act of procuring the deliverance of persons or things from the possession and power of captors by the payment of an equivalent; ransom; release …

2. Deliverance from bondage, distress, or from liability to any evil or forfeiture…

3. Repurchase, as of lands alienated. Lev 25. Jer 32.

4. The liberation of an estate from a mortgage… also, the right of redeeming and re-entering.

5. Repurchase of notes, bills or other evidence of debt by paying their value in specie to their holders.

6. In theology, … the ransom or deliverance of sinners from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God's violated law by the atonement of Christ. In whom we have redemption through his blood. Eph 1, Col 1

REDEE'MER, n.

1. One who redeems or ransoms.

2. The Savior of the world, JESUS CHRIST.

RAN'SOMED, pp. Redeemed or rescued from captivity, bondage or punishment by the payment of an equivalent.

REDEE'M, v.t. [L. redimo; red, re, and emo, to obtain or purchase.]

1. To purchase back; to ransom; to liberate or rescue from captivity or bondage, or from any obligation or liability to suffer or to be forfeited, by paying an equivalent; as, to redeem prisoners or captured goods; to redeem a pledge.

2. To repurchase what has been sold... by repaying the value of it to the possessor.

3. To rescue; to recover; to deliver from.

4. To compensate; to make amends for.

5. To free by making atonement.

6. To pay the penalty of.

7. To save.

8. To perform what has been promised... He has redeemed his pledge or promise.

10. In theology, to rescue and deliver from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God's violated law, by obedience and suffering in the place of the sinner...

REDEE'MED, pp. Ransomed; delivered from bondage, distress, penalty, liability, or from the possession of another, by paying an equivalent.

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Redemption is a process:

It begins for each individual when we recognize our need for deliverance (redemption) from our sinful nature - a nature that is in slavery to sin, sickness, sorrow, and death. The Redeemer (Yeshua) has already provided the ransom price; we can accept this new way (freedom from sin and death) by being born again - being set on a new course "…zealous for good deeds", until the fullness of our redemption comes.

The Fullness of Redemption is yet to Come:

Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Rom 8:23 waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.

Redemption is ongoing - a process:

Exod 15:13 "In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed...

2Sam 4:9 David answered ... "As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,

Jer 15:21 "So I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, And I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent."

Prayer to our Redeemer:

Ps 26:11 ... Redeem me, and be gracious to me.

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Isa 63:16 ...Thou, O LORD, art our Father, Our Redeemer from of old is Thy name.

Our Redeemer is our Advocate:

Jer 50:34 "Their Redeemer is strong, the LORD of hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead their case, So that He may bring rest to the earth...

Lam 3:58 O Lord, Thou didst plead my soul's cause; Thou hast redeemed my life.

Prov 23:11 For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case ...

YHVH’s Lovingkindness Redeems (delivers) those that trust Him:

Ps 34:22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants; And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Isa 44:22 "I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, And your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you."

Proclaim Your Redemption:

Isa 62:12 And they will call them, "The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD"...

Ps 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary,

A Warning:

Hos 7:13 Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction is theirs, for they have rebelled against Me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against Me.

Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

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It is extremely difficult to define redemption in one simple statement because it is so weighty; the theme is embedded in the whole of Scripture. It is the basis of YHVH’s restoration plan found in His instructions regarding the land, near of kin, the whole assembly (church), the earth and all of mankind.

Luke 21:28 "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemptionG629 is drawing near."

Vine:

Redemption (Edited for length)

[B-2,Noun,G629, apolutrosis ]

"a releasing, for (i.e., on payment of) a ransom." It is used of:

(a) "deliverance" from physical torture, Heb 11:35;

(b) the deliverance of the people of God at the coming of Christ with His glorified saints, …Luke 21:28;

(c) forgiveness and justification, "redemption" as the result of expiation, deliverance from the guilt of sins, Rom 3:24, "through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;" Eph 1:7, …" indicating both the liberation from the guilt and doom of sin and the introduction into a life of liberty, "newness of life" (Rom 6:4);

(d) the deliverance of the believer from the presence and power of sin, and of his body from bondage to corruption, at the coming (the Parousia in its inception) of the Lord Jesus, Rom 8:23; 1Cor 1:30; Eph 1:14; Eph 4:30.

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This Redemptive process is pictured throughout Scripture.

ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) [edited for length]:

re-dem'-er, re-demp'-shun (paraq, "to tear loose," "to rescue," padhah, ga'al; agorazo, referring to purchase, lutroumai, from lutron, "a ransom"):

The idea of redemption in the Old Testament takes its start from the thought of property (Lev 25:26; Ruth 4:4). Money is paid according to law to buy back something which must be delivered or rescued (Num 3:51; Neh 5:8). From this start the word "redemption" throughout the Old Testament is used in the general sense of deliverance. God is the Redeemer of Israel in the sense that He is the Deliverer of Israel (Deut 9:26; 2Sam 7:23; 1Chr 17:21; Isa 52:3). The idea of deliverance includes deliverance from all forms of evil lot, from national misfortune (Isa 52:9; Isa 63:9; compare Lu 2:38), or from plague (Ps 78:35; Ps 78:52), or from calamity of any sort (Gen 48:16; Num 25:4; Num 25:9). Of course, the general thought of the relation of Israel to God was that God had both a claim upon Israel (De 15:15) and an obligation toward Israel (1Chr 17:21; Ps 25:22). Israel belonged to Him, and it was by His own right that He could move into the life of Israel so as to redeem Israel. On the other hand, obligation was upon Him to redeem Israel.

In the New Testament the idea of redemption has more a suggestion of ransom. Men are held under the curse of the law (Gal 3:13), or of sin itself (Ro 7:23). The Redeemer purchases their deliverance by offering Himself as payment for their redemption (Eph 1:7; 1Pet 1:18).

1Pet 1:18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,

1. Gradual Moralizing of Idea of Redemption:

… Starting with the idea of redemption price, conceived almost in material terms, religious thought has advanced to conceptions entirely moral and spiritual. … In the beginning God is the Redeemer from distresses of all kinds. He redeems from calamity and from sorrows. … but the Scriptural emphasis moves more and more to deliverance from sin. …

2. Redemption as Life in the Individual:

In trying to discern the meaning of redemption from sin, … keep in mind the Master's words that He came that men might have life and might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). … The man redeemed by money payment comes out of the prison to the light of day, or he comes out of slavery into freedom, or he is restored to his home and friends. … the Biblical emphasis is always upon deliverance from sin as the essential in redemption, but this deliverance is so essential that the life cannot progress in any of its normal activities until it is redeemed from evil. The man who seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness finds all other things added unto him (Mt 6:33). … The aim of redemption, to beget in men's hearts the will to do right, once fulfilled, leads men to seek successfully along all possible avenues for life. …the redeemed life is delivered from every form of selfishness. In the unselfish seeking of life for others the redeemed life finds its own greatest achievement and happiness (Mt 16:25).

3. Redemption as Social:

Just as the idea of redemption concerned itself chiefly with the inner spirit; so also it concerns itself with the individual as the object of redemption. But as the redemption of the inner spirit leads to freedom in all realms of life, so also the redemption of the individual leads to large social transformations. … The object of redemption is rather men set in relation to each other as members of a family. … (1Co 12:12-27).

4. Redemption as Process:

the aim of redemption is to make men like Christ (Ro 8:9). We can say then that the aim of redemption is to beget in men life like that in Christ.

5. Moral Implications in the Scriptural Idea of Redeemer:

Moreover, redemption must not be conceived of in such fashion as to do away with the need of response upon the part of the individual will. … The dreadfulness of sin is largely in the love of sinning which sinning begets. A man who himself hates sin may not stop to realize that some other men love sin. Redemption, to mean anything, must touch this inner attitude of will. We cannot then hold to any idea of redemption which brings men under a cleansing process without the assent of their own wills. … The redemption must be conceived of as respecting the moral choices of men.

6. Uniqueness of the Son of God as Redeemer:

If Christ is just a prophet giving us His teaching we rejoice in the teaching, but we are confronted with the problem as to how to make the teaching effective. …the appreciation of Shakespeare does not make the ordinary man like Shakespeare; the appreciation of Christ has not proved successful in itself in making men like unto Christ.

The aim of the redemption in Christ then is to lift men out of death toward life. The mind is to be quickened by the revelation of the true ideals of human life. The conscience is to be reinforced by the revelation of the moral God who carries on all things in the interests of righteousness. … The cross is the revelation of the length to which God is willing to go in redemption rather than set aside one jot or tittle of His moral law. He will not redeem men except on terms which leave them men. He will not overwhelm them in any such manner as to do away with their power of free choice. …men call to Him for forgiveness and that forgiveness men find forever available.

It remains to add one further item of Scriptural teaching, namely that redemption is a continuous process. … the aim of redemption is to make men progressively alive

… the chief force in the redemption of men is the revelation of holy love in Jesus Christ. If any man hath not the spirit of Christ he does not belong to Christ (Ro 8:9). The aim of redemption is to beget this spirit, and this spirit is life.

Francis J. McConnell

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What can we say? Yeshua our Savior has ransomed us from our lawless ways that would lead to death and called us to freedom, to eternal life and peace in Him. He provides the power to live the way that leads to the Kingdom of God. He alone is our Advocate - He desires us to worship Him by obeying His commands with a heart of love. "If you love Me keep my commandments."

Romans 3:24 (ESV) and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Titus 2:14 (ESV) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1 Peter 1:18 (ESV) knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

Hebrews 9:12 (ESV) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Revelation 5:9 (ESV) And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you …and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
Revelation 14:4 (ESV) …It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb,

Blessed be the Name of YHVH for all that He has done for the sons and daughters of man.

Next time we will continue the theme of Redemption, the Redeemer and the Redeemed.

Thy Kingdom come… Amen


Proverbs

Proverbs 23:10 Do not move the ancient boundary, Or go into the fields of the fatherless; 11 For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you.

Along with the positive results of our redemption and restoration comes the stern warnings of Scripture that we must fear YHVH and care for our fellowman as Yeshua did for us. Here in Proverbs we see encroaching upon an inheritance of others (or the fatherless) we are exposing ourselves to the mortal danger of an avenging redeemer (kinsman).

Almighty YHVH - You have redeemed us to be like our Redeemer.


Saying (s)

"I am a big believer in the ‘mirror test’. All that matters is if you can look in the mirror and honestly tell the person you see there, that you have done your best."

John McKay NFL Coach

Two words are key in this statement - honestly and mirror. Each of us after being redeemed by Yeshua need to be honest in all things. The next is ‘Mirror’ which is the Word of Elohim (God).

James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.

2Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

May we honestly examine our lives and motives to comply with YHVH’s perfect law of liberty.


Bible Quiz
  1. How many boats full of fish did Peter and the fishermen catch?
  2. What was Luke’s profession?
  3. What was the name of the garden where God put man?
  4. What were the disciples also called?
  5. Why did Moses flee from Egypt?
  6. Which king of Judah was punished with leprosy?
  7. Who said, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch"?

Humility

In our pursuit of humility:

(Lessons from humility and holiness.)

"Jesus the Holy One is the humble One: the holiest will always be the humblest. There is none holy but God: we have as much holiness as we have God. And according to what we have of God will be our real humility, because humility is nothing but the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all. " Andrew Murray

In the restoration process (being restored to the state before the fall) is our redemption. This requires us to see ourselves as we really are and our absolute need for holiness; our need to be like our Redeemer. He gave up everything to do the will of the Father and become our servant and our Savior. We must give up self to do the will of the Father and Yeshua.

1Cor 3:17 …for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

1Pet 1:15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

Humbly we ask for the vision to see You as our everything; Yeshua be the center of our life.


Prayer

Understanding the precepts of prayer.

1Sam 8:6 But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD.

Samuel a judge and prophet of Israel is an example of righteousness. When the people rejected him as their Judge and ask for a king they rejected not only Samuel but YHVH. First of all Samuel took his hurt to YHVH; is that how we respond when rejected by others? Or are we like the rebellious Israelites and ask only for our own desires? Consider the words of our prayers then consider the results of their asking for a king.

1Sam 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. 8 -- so they are doing to you also. 9 Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall solemnly warn them and tell them of the procedure of the king who will reign over them."

Consider the consequences of asking outside YHVH’s will:

1Sam 8:10 So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who had asked of him a king. 11 And he said, "This will be the procedure of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and place them for himself in his chariots and among his horsemen and they will run before his chariots. 12 "And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and some to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 "He will also take your daughters for perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 And he will take the best of your fields and your vineyards and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. 15 And he will take a tenth of your seed and of your vineyards, and give to his officers and to his servants. 16 He will also take your male servants and your female servants and your best young men and your donkeys, and use them for his work. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants.

When we are redeemed (as Israel was from Egypt [bondage]) we are free but not to do our own will - we are free to work within God’s Word and His desire for each of our lives - He gives us gifts, wisdom, and His Spirit to serve Him, to build up others and not be self-centered.

Else we may end up as Israel:

1Sam 8:18 "Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day."

Have we cried out to our government to be our provider instead of crying out to the Almighty?

Yeshua (Jesus), forgive us for being unfaithful to You in humility; not my will but Yours be done.


Heart of God

How does God feel about issues we face today?

The Idol of "Food"

Exod 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me.

1John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Food is so important - it is likely the biggest thing we occupy our time with in a day besides sleep. How many hours a day do we engage in eating, preparing, Thinking about, buying and desiring food? More than we think about God? Food is an idol that we are consumed with. That many treat as much more important than God. This He does not like. Him first - after this, everything else will be easy. There is nothing wrong with eating something - it in itself is not a sin. It is when we cannot control it, are driven by it, dominated with thoughts about it and consumed with how we are going to get it that it is wrong.

Matt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What will we eat? Or, What will we drink? Or, With what will we be clothed?

Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things will be added to you.

Editor’s note: (Eph 5:5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Rom 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.)

Material in this section is based on various prayer diaries.


Did you know:

When we are Redeemed others should begin to see a change - for the good - some thoughts.

Things to Throw out:

  1. Magazines more than three months old. They are fire hazards.
  2. Old receipts clogging the kitchen drawer. You know the drawer.
  3. Keys that seem to have no locks. Haven’t had for years. Maybe decades.
  4. The belief that you are alone.
  5. Twisty ties, random paper clips and safety pins.
  6. Loose change. (Recycle!)
  7. Trying to please everyone.
  8. Containers of partially used grooming products untouched for six months.
  9. Makeup shades you no longer wear or can’t be found in nature.
  10. List your insecurities - and toss 75% of them.
  11. Putting yourself down.
  12. The need for everyone to like you.
  13. Old athletic shoes with worn treads. (Recycle!)
  14. Medicines for conditions you no longer have. (A pharmacy can dispose of them.)
  15. Jumping to negative conclusions before you know the real deal.
  16. Mismatched silverware or dishes.
  17. Banged-up pots.
  18. Stale spices and ingredients.
  19. Thinking you are always right.
  20. Training wheels. (Your son is 38 right?)

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Some of the material contained in this section is for informational purposes only and has not been verified by us.


Lighter Side

I need a small favor... if it's not too much trouble.

I am going away on vacation and I need a friend to come over to water my plants while I am gone.

In the hot weather they'll probably need water twice a day.

Thanks a lot. I'll send you a postcard.

I've attached a photo for your reference.

THE LADDER IS IN THE GARAGE

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Comical church signs:

If you don’t like the way you were born… try being born again

Get off of face book and into my book….  God

Can’t sleep? Counting sheep?  Talk to the shepherd!

There are some questions that can’t be answered by Google.

Don’t give up… Moses was once a basket case.

Be as good a person as your pet believes you are.

Choose the bread of life or you are toast.

To be almost saved is to be totally lost.

Why pay for GPS… Jesus gives directions for free.

Tomorrow’s forecasts... God reigns and the Son shines.

Try Jesus… If you don’t like Him the devil will take you back.

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Have a good day!


The Modern Church

95 Theses to the Modern Evangelical Church

by Greg Gordon - (founder of SermonIndex.net)

26. Many elders and pastors of the "church" sadly are fleecing the flock to supply their own wants. (John 10:12-13; 1Pt 5:2-3; Rev 2:15)

27. The qualities most in demand in today’s pastorate are frequently foreign to the Scriptures. (1Tim 3:2-3; 1Tim 3:5; 1Tim 1:5-7)

28. The professionalization of the pastorate is a sin and needs to be repented of. (2Cor 11:13; Gal 3:1; Gal 2:6)


Cause and Effect

Scribbles

(By Michael Boldea Jr.)

The State of the Church!

Preaching greed from the pulpit, making money a substitute god, associating pride with righteousness, boasting of one’s accomplishments, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof, all these are new phenomenon only in relation to the church.

2Timothy 3:1-5 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

Throughout the Bible we are forewarned that the last days will be perilous, stressful, full of deception, the Word will be mocked, Jesus will be rejected, the believers persecuted, the love of many will grow cold.

2Peter 3:3-4 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation."

1John 2:18-19 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

Jude 17-19 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, "In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts." These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.

Why would God, in His all knowing wisdom include such passages in the Word if they did not apply to the believer, if we were not to take them as a warning that we might prepare, cling to Jesus, increase our faith and strengthen ourselves?

The reality of the times is sobering to say the least. Not only is the Church under attack from without, but also from within, by men who readily deny the preeminence of Jesus, the need for Jesus, and the fact that He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Whatever one might call them, from emergent, to progressive, the reality of these men is that they walk according to their own lusts, and imaginings, denying the Christ, and forging new paths, which although lead to nowhere are made to seem like the shortcut to heaven.

True godliness is both beautiful and necessary in the life of a true believer, but a form of godliness is ugly and dangerous. True godliness leads to life, fulfillment, sanctification, peace and joy, while a form of godliness leads to death and despair. A form of godliness is more dangerous than no godliness at all, because the form deceives souls into believing they are fine, thereby keeping them for seeking true godliness.

In its essence true godliness is being wholly surrendered to God, and perpetually submitting to His will, allowing Him to mold us and chisel us. - True godliness presupposes a life of prayer, a life of sanctification, a life of continual mortification of the flesh. True godliness is not flashy, it is not entertaining, and it is a walk of constant humility and obedience.

When we associate with those possessing a form of godliness, the temptation is always there to sacrifice our intimate time with God, and go witness the train wrecks that have become our charismatic congregations.

True godliness is clothed in humility and obedience, while the form of godliness is clothed garments that sparkle and attract the eye. One gives you true power, true faith, true strength, true peace, while the other offers nothing more than an illusion placing a flawed, impotent, and vain self upon the throne of the heart that ought to be reserved for Christ and Christ alone.


Consider

Courage and perseverance often cause difficulties to disappear.

You should not pray for rain if it causes you to complain about the mud.

There is no point in burying the hatchet is you are going to put up a marker on the site.

Life is like a coin…you can spend it any way you wish, but you can spend it only once.

A home is the most popular and most enduring of all earthly establishments.

Behind the veil of each night is a smiling dawn.


Psalm Promise

Psalm 18:2-3

The Joy of Redemption

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.

When we know YHVH we have a relationship that gives us the freedom of coming to Him for deliverance from all our enemies. The number one enemy is self, and our pride, that keeps us from humbly acknowledging our total need for YHVH’s redemptive salvation.

Ps 78:35 And they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.

Ps 111:9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name.

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Blessed be YHVH (Genesis 14:20 And blessed be God Most High…)


Quiz Answers

1. Two - Luke 5:7

2. Physician - Colossians 4:14

3. Eden - Genesis 2:8

4. Apostles - Luke 6:13

5. It was known that he killed an Egyptian - Exodus 2:11-15

6. Uzziah - 2Chronicles 26:16-21

7. Yeshua (Jesus) - Luke 5:4



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