And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their GOD, and served Baalim and the groves. Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. (Jdg 3:4-8)
The nations which GOD left in the land of Promise, whether because of treaties, the disobedience of the previous generations, or because of His plans, were now here as a test of the faithfulness of GOD's people. The Children of Israel were called and commanded to be holy, separate, and to shine as a light to the Gentiles while glorifying GOD. Each generation would face tests and the temptations of this world. The generation which came after Joshua would now face life under the direction of their GOD but without a central leader like before. When they failed to keep His Commandments and follow GOD with all of their heart and with all of their soul, GOD gave them into the hands of their neighbours and enemies to bring them back to Him.
We are all tested, as GOD brings us closer to Himself, being conformed to the image of His Son. Those of us who know Him, by repentance of our sins and faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, are called as His people to be holy because He is Holy, separate from the world, and to shine as His lights in this broken and dying world of darkness for His glory. We are not to be friends with the world, nor are we to conform to its ways, but through His Word we are to be transformed in our thinking, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
He will bring us through whatever He has willed for us, if we rely on Him, for He is our Lord; our Saviour, our Creator, and soon coming King. We are His servants, to accomplish His will and do His work in this world, not to earn or keep what He has given us by His grace, but because of our love for Him who made us, who hath redeemed us from sin, and who rules and directs us for His glory. We are not to serve ourselves, or to serve sin any more, but to be salt and light those who are without, who need healing and rescue in this lost and dying world.
We serve as ambassadors of His Kingdom, to meet the needs of those around us, with the Word of reconciliation, who are hurting and in need. We serve as the members of His body, to equip, encourage, and enable one another in love and disciple one another in the Word of GOD until we all grow up into the full measure of Him who is our Head. We serve as His witnesses, giving testimony of Him and the Salvation that He brings to those who hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believe the Good News of reconciliation with the Father that they might repent and have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
We are all tested, as GOD brings us closer to Himself, being conformed to the image of His Son. Those of us who know Him, by repentance of our sins and faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, are called as His people to be holy because He is Holy, separate from the world, and to shine as His lights in this broken and dying world of darkness for His glory. We are not to be friends with the world, nor are we to conform to its ways, but through His Word we are to be transformed in our thinking, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
He will bring us through whatever He has willed for us, if we rely on Him, for He is our Lord; our Saviour, our Creator, and soon coming King. We are His servants, to accomplish His will and do His work in this world, not to earn or keep what He has given us by His grace, but because of our love for Him who made us, who hath redeemed us from sin, and who rules and directs us for His glory. We are not to serve ourselves, or to serve sin any more, but to be salt and light those who are without, who need healing and rescue in this lost and dying world.
We serve as ambassadors of His Kingdom, to meet the needs of those around us, with the Word of reconciliation, who are hurting and in need. We serve as the members of His body, to equip, encourage, and enable one another in love and disciple one another in the Word of GOD until we all grow up into the full measure of Him who is our Head. We serve as His witnesses, giving testimony of Him and the Salvation that He brings to those who hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believe the Good News of reconciliation with the Father that they might repent and have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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