A short, simple and clear message to the Israelites before they settled in their promised land! It was a message often stressed and repeated. We have looked at many different verses so far, and most of them qualify this simple verse, usually repeating the same message.
What a thing that is to think about and look forward to. Exciting times are ahead for all of us who believe and follow Jesus. This whole chapter is an encouragement to live holy lives, to be rid of the old habits and attitudes and follow the example of Jesus.
Throughout the Bible, we read of the same problem recurring generation after generation. Satan has never given up! As he tempted Eve, and as Adam forgot what God had said, so he tempts all of us at some point in our lives. For many, sadly, that is a recurring experience.
A simple command from Paul to the Corinthian church. Something that many of us could say to our earthly friends and family today, if we were brave enough! Many of us are not bold enough to tell someone we know, that their lifestyle is guaranteeing their place in Hell!
Those who practice magic arts are looking for a way to control others by their demonic powers. The sexually immoral are also going after their own desires, and making idols of their own bodies, often using them for financial gain.
This prophet had a good reputation, because he heard directly from the Lord, and on this occasion, God spoke to him before the queen arrived at his door. God even told the prophet that the wife of the king would pretend to be someone else (verse 5)!
Most of the cities across the world today have small communities of the people Paul was thinking about when he wrote this letter, and his passion was to see them put right with God, Does the church have the same passion today?
This verse is guaranteed to bring conflict in almost any conversation with non-believers today, and sadly many people who are believers too. The same sentiment is expressed at the beginning of the letter to the Romans, written by Paul. We will look at that tomorrow.
There are many people today who can share stories of God providing their land or their house, school or church. He is still in the business of providing for His people and helping us make the right decisions about every aspect of life.
These are strong words from Paul, a committed and enthusiastic Jew who had been proud of himself and his knowledge of the Old Testament and Jewish law in particular. So much so that he was there to witness the stoning of Stephen the first Christian martyr