God allows 'life pauses' where moments that we are stopped dead on our tracks while he accomplishes His will. It's not a comfortable place, but yet necessary. There are many examples of this in the Bible, but it is one that we do not enjoy. One key reason for this moment is God's expression of "tough love" (Prov. 3:11-12, Hebrews 12:4-11). The Divided Kingdom of Israel and Judah sinned against God and they went to the place of no return (Isaiah 28-33; 2 Kings 17:16-20). As a result, the Divided Kingdoms were shattered. The Northern Kingdom Israel was dispersed by the Assyrian in 722 B.C. and the Southern Kingdom Judah was exiled by the Babylonians in 587 B.C. In the midst of Israel's and Judah's life pause, God encourages three things: Come back to God and renew your relationships with him. Endure and thrive in the time of your exile. Look forward to the hope that is in Jesus. DIDISCUSSI...
Disciplined Christian Freedom Holding Back for the Sake of Others 1 Cor. 10:23-33 Paul’s principle in First Epistle to the Corinthians 10:23–33 reaches far beyond food. The issue is not merely “meat offered to idols,” but how believers exercise freedom in every sphere of influence. Here are additional categories that fall under Disciplined Liberty where believers can hold back for the glory of God and for the sake of others: Alcohol in Social Settings. A believer has freedom to drink, but chooses restraint or abstinence when discipling a younger Christian with a past of addiction, or when hosting unbelieving neighbors where clarity of witness matters. Entertainment & Media Choices. Not everything is sinful, but some content dulls spiritual appetite or confuses newer believers. A discipler curates choices publicly and privately to build, not blur, convictions. Social Media Engagement. Posting opinions may be “lawful,” but does it edify? Does it inflame consciences, fracture u...
Lessons from the Old Testament Survey Class. Today's lesson is about learning to understand that God has better plans for our lives. That sometimes, our plans, no matter how good they are, are no better than God's plan. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, Let's consider three eras in our study today. ERA # 1: Disoriented People This was during the days of judges when God raised deliverers or judges in order to save His people. The problem is that they kept on disobeying God and God was teaching them a lesson to trust Him. The cycle of sin and repentance were lessonsyou will find in the book of Judges. Another problem is that God's people were never content. They wanted a king like the rest of the world. This leads us to the next Era. ERA # 2: United Kingdom God granted Israel's request for a King despite His warning. There were three kings that ruled one after the other and their live...
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