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From Dispersed To Exile

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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...
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From Disoriented to United to Divided

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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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Biblical Perspectives on Rebuke and Guidelines for Practicing It

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Every believer needs someone to guide them.  At times, they need someone to remind them and yes! to rebuke them.   Rebuking plays an important role in the life of a believer, particularly in maintaining spiritual health and integrity within the Christian community. The Bible makes clear that rebuke (or correction) is necessary for growth, correction of wrongdoing, and restoration. However, it also outlines important guidelines for how to go about it properly, ensuring it is done with love, humility, and the goal of restoration rather than punishment. Here’s an overview of the biblical perspective on rebuke and the guidelines for practicing it: 1. Rebuke with the Goal of Restoration Purpose: The goal of a rebuke should always be restoration, correction, and healing rather than condemnation. Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:1 — “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or ...
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