Men of God were not perfect. A look at some of them:
Adam disobeyed God. See Genesis 3 Cain Murdered his brother Abel. See Genesis 4 Noah Got drunk. See Genesis 6-9 Abraham lied. See Genesis 12 Isaac lied. See Genesis 25 Esau sold his birthright. See Genesis 25 Jacob lied, adultery. See Genesis 25,29-30 Saul turned his back on God See 1 Samuel 15 David murdered …. Adultery. See 2 Samuel 11,12
These are just a few. All mankind is guilty of Sin. Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; How then can we get right with God? Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: BUT, They had … FAITH in GOD!!! Read Hebrews 11. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Believe the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4…how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Believe and confess that Jesus is God. Romans 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The apostle Paul, writing to believing Jews tells them of what is BETTER … (and they apply to ALL believers!). Hebrews 1:4Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: Hebrews 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:27)
This beautiful phrase, “fountain of life,” is used several times in the Old Testament, serving as a metaphor to illuminate a number of important aspects of spiritual faith and experience. Our text stresses “the fear of the LORD” as providing deliverance from death to life, picturing this new life as flowing from a heavenly spring.
A very similar verse is Proverbs 13:14: “The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Thus, the fear of the Lord is somehow tantamount to “the law of the wise.” Those who are wise will fear the Lord and thus receive living water from “the fountain of life.”
King David penned the wonderful truth of Psalm 36:9: “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” “God is light” (1 John 1:5), so “the fountain of life” becomes the source also of all true light, whether physical or spiritual. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).
The same word is rendered as “well” in Proverbs 10:11: “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” When a believer has received life from the divine fountain, his testimony becomes a fountain of life.
The Lord Himself is the fountain of life in Jeremiah’s prophecy, but the supposed people of God have refused to drink. “For my people . . . have forsaken me the fountain of living waters” (Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13).
Nevertheless, this fountain is still there for all who will come. The Bible’s last promise has to do with this great fountain, which yields “a pure river of water of life, . . . proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. . . . And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:1, 17). Psalm 36:9For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
Proverbs 10:11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 13:14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Jeremiah 2:13For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 17:13O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
1 Corinthians 9:25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 10:33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
2 Corinthians 2:9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 2 Corinthians 6:4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 2 Corinthians 7:11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Corinthians 7:16I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Corinthians 11:6But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Colossians 3:22Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
1 Timothy 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Titus 2:9Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 13:18Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
1 Peter 4:11If 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.
Rings on the fingers, Rings in the nose, Rings in the Ear, and Rings on the Toes, Rings are worn everywhere, Even Rings in the hair. Piercing body parts everywhere. Necklaces, Watches, Bracelets and such, Are worn on necks, arms, legs, almost too Much. Although one might think this is new, A search of Scripture proves it untrue. Jewels – Jewelry have been popular and worn throughout the Ages. And we thought this was something new. WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURE? Abraham used Jewels to pay for Isaac’s wife: Genesis 24:53And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. As Israel departs slavery in Egypt : Exodus 3:22But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians. Exodus 11:2Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver and jewels of gold. Exodus 12:35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: When building the Tabernacle: Exodus 35:22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD. When returning from war: Numbers 31:50-51 We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD. And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels. When moving the Ark of the Lord: 1 Samuel 6:8And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go. 1 Samuel 6:15And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone: and the men of Bethshemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day unto the LORD. Judah gathers the spoils of War: 2 Chronicles 20:25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much. God has richly blessed Judah: 2 Chronicles 32:27 And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;
The Apostle Paul, in his epistles explains THE GOSPEL and the way of Salvation:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: He was the Apostle to the gentiles: Romans 11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, When we believe the Gospel and follow Romans 10:9-13 we experience SALVATION. But James, Peter, John and Jude writing to Jewish believers hardly mention these subjects, let alone put them together: DEATH: James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth indeath. 1 John 5:16-17 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. BURIAL: Never Mentioned RESURRECTION: 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: And what about the Cross? The Apostle Paul also has much to say about the cross: 1 Corinthians 1:17-18For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. Galatians 6:12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. Galatians 6:14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Ephesians 2:16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross , having slain the enmity thereby: Philippians 2:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross . Philippians 3:18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross , by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 2:14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross ; Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross , despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. But James, Peter, John and Jude writing to Jewish believers never mention the Cross.
Why take Communion? What does it mean? Is it a sacrifice to God? Is it a way of cleansing one from sin? Is it a way to be closer to God? Communion, a few facts: Only mentioned 4 times in Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 2 Corinthians 6:14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. Greek word – Koinonia means partnership, participation Communion is not a name, but an act, a celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper – a sacrament of the church. A reminder of His death. The Apostle Paul writes: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
In the Old Testament: 1 Kings 11:2Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these IN LOVE. Isaiah 38:17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast IN LOVE to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. The Apostle Paul writes: 1 Corinthians 4:21What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or IN LOVE, and [in] the spirit of meekness? Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him IN LOVE: Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded IN LOVE, Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another IN LOVE; Ephesians 4:15-16But speaking the truth IN LOVE, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself IN LOVE. Ephesians 5:2And walk IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together IN LOVE, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 1 Thessalonians 3:12And the Lord make you to increase and abound IN LOVE one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you: 1 Thessalonians 5:13And to esteem them very highly IN LOVE for their work’s sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. The Apostle John writes:1 John 4:16 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. 1 John 4:18 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.
God told Israel: Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Because Christ went to the Cross, suffered and died, Believers have forgiveness, and once saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-13) ever have to ask forgiveness for sin again. Read what the apostle writes: Romans 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Colossians 1:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Ephesians 4:32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Since believers are forgive, we should have forgiveness in our hearts: 2 Corinthians 2:7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 2 Corinthians 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 2 Corinthians 12:13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. As a Believer YOU have been forgiven of ALL your sins.
Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Psalm 119:105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
James 1:22-25But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfectlaw of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
The apostle Paul reminds believers that the word of God is MILK for the new believer and MEAT for the more mature. It will feed both. 1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
