Pharaoh was a proud man, a god unto himself and to his people in Egypt where God’s own people had been turned into slaves. And what does God think of that? “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you”. Pharaoh was followed by an entire nation. His word was law. He would not hear the truth about God’s people when it was finally revealed to him in God’s timing through His servant Moses. He had effectively hardened his own heart as a free will agent. One who as scripture makes clear had been given as has every man a measure of faith according to Paul in the book of Romans .
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12:3
Pharaoh did not need God’s blessing. He stood against truth, against the God of Israel who is truth. This happened over, and over, and over; and finally God Himself, the Great I Am permanently hardened his heart, and there was no turning back. He was lost in a reprobate mindset without sight and without hearing. Pharaoh had chosen his path.
Soon after, and ongoing for many years this same Israel, who witnessed these things, underwent this same happening. First to its people then to its priests, elders and kings — the Sanhedrin receiving the final hardening blow from God, blinded that they would not see, deafened that they would not hear; otherwise they would turn and be healed.
Will this possibly happen to the stubborn of a mostly Gentile Church, who refuse to hear, just before Christ returns — will this happen just as it happened unto all but the remnant in Israel? — Not all Israel was lost mind you. There were some priests; and an elder or two members of the Sanhedrin; there were thousands among the people. Some fishermen, some tax collectors, some merchants and farmers, who heard and saw The Truth and turned to follow Him —- Yeshua.
But those who were previously resistant in Israel, God hardened. They were proud men. They claimed to be of service to the God of Abraham, they were His representatives to the people, and the people heard and followed. They had the word, but had continuously rejected many of its truths. Is there a parallel here to our day? A day when a break out of revival is desperately needed among not only the sin sick of this world, but also within the church itself. When and if revival comes will it leave behind a hardened leadership of, and a people with itching ears? Will those very people who think that they stand today as in that day long ago find themselves lost in an unbelieving mind set; and unable to see or hear truth so that they could turn and be healed? Will this happen to them because they have refused God’s truth today?
Why is Truth important to us and to God. You shall know the truth and it shall set you free. Thy word is truth oh God. Jesus said”I am the Truth”.
If one ceases believing the truth or picks up an untruth not based on the word and makes it foundational to his/her belief system; then one becomes hardened to the truth of God’s word. If he continues in that state of unbelief even when God sends His servants to inform him, then won’t that heart further be harden. And if one continues to believe a lie, God Himself will harden that heart with no turning back. Then they will be as a branch in danger of being cut from the Olive tree to be burned. All this will again happen because of unbelief in the very words of God contained in the very Scriptures that they profess to believe. Why did you say this would happen Paul?
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Romans 11:20-21 KJV
Who are the high minded? Are they those who stubbornly deny the revealed Truth in unbelief?
Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. These things, my brothers, should not be this way [for we have a moral obligation to speak in a manner that reflects our fear of God and profound respect for His precepts]. James 3:10 AMP
Those of us who are led to blog concerning the things of our Lord need a profound respect for His precepts. I see this respect every day among many of those I follow. And I let them know. But I also see those who are not teachable who refuse to accept all of God’s word. If we are to be children who respect His precepts we must examine ourselves lest we be found unteachable by His Holy Spirit who resides within. Grieve not His Spirit.
Men who tout the types and shadows contained in the Old Testament often overlook one very important lesson. That lesson is Israel herself and her falling away from God’s True presented in their Messiah. They missed Him — the Truth, The Word contained in their own Scriptures. But before they missed Him, they were already missing the other Truths of God’s word. Paul says:
Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11 AMP
Many today have lost all connection to their Jewish roots, and by so doing they build their foundation on sand rather than on the rock. They completely segregate themselves from Israel and even though Paul says what he says here not to cause us to doubt our faith in Israel’s Messiah, but to cause us not to follow in her stubborn ways; still they do as she did, Peter warns in one place they do it to their own possible destruction, as they twist the words that the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul, and ignore the truths he teaches.
Wrong beliefs will lead many into destruction at the end of this age? Mans unmet expectations are often the root cause of a deep seated anger toward God. If God does not perform as men expect concerning the coming Tribulation what will be the response? perhaps a great falling away as prophesied by both Messiah and the Apostle Paul. Be not deceived. God is not mocked. His word is the road map and the warning to mankind of all that is to come. We are to follow Him and by so doing His Holy Spirit leads us.
put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand in the evil day. Truth is one important part of that Armor. Jesus is Truth; God’s Word is Truth. Jesus is the Word made flesh.
When Tribulation comes, God’s word tells us that mankind who has rejected His Christ, His Word, His Truth; will be given over to a reprobate mind just as he had done with Pharaoh.
Hi Jerry 😀
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Hi Jerry, I’m not going to ask for you to reveal any names, but are you comfortable revealing any scenarios that is the basis for your article.
I find it very interesting.
And I also agree with the premise of your article by the way.
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Actually, Lee I find that we all have this tendency to avoid stuff that we don’t understand in scripture, but I truly believe that God’s promise to lead us into all truth means that when faced with these disturbing seeming (in your face) contradictions that this should excite us; knowing that God is going to show us how the puzzle fits if we preserver.
I do see men and women harden against those truths offered them usually those who are in big ministries with much to lose if they actually find that they are wrong. If you want a good example go back to the comments section of my article titled “Is Prophecy a Cardinal Doctrine?” And read the comments section. You had commented there, but what happened after you commented I think you will find very interesting. I’ll let you decide if that is not a good example of what we are talking about here.
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Ok, I went and read those comments that you referenced.
Boy that’s an unpleasant situation ain’t it?
Don’t let it fester buddy, just move on and keep proclaiming what God is teaching you.
Just remember that I love you, and more importantly, Jesus loves you Jerry.
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Thanks Lee, I’m letting it rest. God has His purpose for everything. I appreciate you brother.
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And I appreciate you too my brother. 😀
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Hi Jerry. I do believe that the Church is in a hardened state. Hence, the judgment of God is fast approaching. Thank you for this informative post.
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I tend to agree, but am hopeful that when the times worsen there will be an awakening. Thanks for commenting. Always enjoy your input.
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I hope so as well. God bless you my brother.
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You as well Sister Beverley
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It’s a darn good thing you’ve figured it all out and made a point of pontificating to the world wide web? How thankful are you that all you shared with us, does not apply to you? Your humility and meakness is really something.
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Not sure that I shared all that much with you Steven, I was just making observation about your comment and the way it was framed. Having just read the Brick wall post, I just didn’t understand where you were coming from. Was seeking clarification over your seemingly confusing, at least to me, statement. Maybe others didn’t see it that way. I felt that you should know the way you were appearing to come across. You still seem to have a chip on your shoulder. But again that is just the way I’m perceiving it. I could be wrong since I really don’t know you.
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No chip on my shoulder. A profound love for Jesus Christ. I’m not sure why you’re confused about the fact Jesus Christ is sovereign? The odd part is, you think I’m confused.
I trust my wife will never cheat on me. I believe this with all my heart, but wether my wife cheats on me or not is not based on my trust, it’s her choice.
Much like Jesus Christ, I trust all receive the grace of God, but the grace of God is not subject to my trust in Him
Unlike your comment on Bruces’ blog, my trust is sure, as I trust IN Jesus Christ and His sovereignty. I trust that no matter what happens to me, it’s His decision and quoting Him bible verses and standing on promises recorded in the bible will in no way change His mind.
People love the bible cause it’s easy to manipulate, even worse, it’s a good tool to manipulate people with. You can go to Bruces’ blog and see how people use it to try and manipulate me.
Jesus Christ on the other hand, that being the right hand, He can not be manipulated. We will all stand before Him and learn this lesson.
Bruce was quick to quote Matthew 5:22 to me after I made a comment on another post, in my comment I mentioned religious foolishness and so Bruce took it upon himself to condemn me. But one of his followers called me a fool and instead of quoting her Matthew 5:22 , he agreed with her comment.
Anyways, I do like Bruce, I just don’t agree with him sometimes.
I can see why you and him get along. You’re association is the bible. You’re both biblical literalists . And anyone that disagrees with you is a fool and on their way to hell according to your beliefs.
I’m very thankful I won’t be judged according to your beliefs but according to what The Word of God, Jesus Christ says.
Wright or wrong, I look forward to kneeling before Him that I may be in the presence of the Truth and no longer in world full of religious and political charlatans.
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I certainly find no fault with what you relate your position to be with regard to the person of Christ. And I also understand that scripture is the source of both truth and error. Satan used it in an attempt to manipulate our Lord, but the Lord also spoke truth from it to oppose him.
Is it not realistic for both of us to expect the Holy Spirit within us to lead us into truth using the Bible? Now I know that not everyone let’s this happen, some people don’t want to hear or see, and I am not referring to you when I say this, but some don’t.
But I assume you are not a literalist, I’m not always a literalist. There are scriptures that we just can’t take literally. I don’t cut off my hand when I sin with it. My heart is where sin originated, and I can’t change it only Jesus and His gift of the new covenant can do that.
So what then is your basis for truth? Is scripture at all useful to you in that regard. Jesus is the truth. That’s scripture right?
It’s not my place to make enemies, so let’s start over.
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Stephen, I think that you may really like Brian Troxel’s blog — A Word in Season. Look him up.
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I can assure you, I don’t consider you my enemy.
The bible contains some scripture that is inspired of God, contains some of Gods’ words and the testimonies, thoughts and experiences of brothers and sisters before us.
Scripture does testify that Jesus IS the Truth. But that’s too simple. Some think it’s His title, for most it’s just a cliche or platitude, but all truth is contained within Jesus Christ, ALL TRUTH, it’s who Jesus IS. If a person wants Truth, they must go to Jesus Christ.
But better yet, Jesus IS alive and active , not some far away, pie in the sky character, He is right here right now. So when you ask me “What then is your basis for truth” I must respond that He IS Jesus Christ.
Much like yourself, I do pick and choose what is literal, inspired and Truth contained in the bible. All must be filtered through The Spirit of God, but the Spirit of God doesn’t need the scriptures to teach anyone anything. If He so chooses, Jesus will engraft His Truth in any measure He sees fit, into anyone He so desires quicker than the quickest super computer can download data.
The god of religion can’t do that, he’s puny and weak and needs books and other people
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You may be surprised, but I agree with everything you have stated here. I do have a question concerning this statement: “but the Spirit of God doesn’t need the scriptures to teach anyone anything.” Of course you are right in one sense. Because the Word was present at creation and nothing was written down, and though He needed nothing but Being God could create everything that was needed, still He had certain things recorded for our benefit. Paul actually approved of checking out what he himself was teaching against the word. Of course the word at that time wasn’t everything we have today. So my question is — do you never seek from or read from the scriptures? You see I believe the scriptures themselves are living and that when I study them, God speaks. Sometimes I have to say but Lord I don’t understand, please help me to understand. Does this apply or have any place in your relationship with Jesus?
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I have read the bible start to finish 5 times and listened to it in audio form as many times as I’ve read it.
I know that the bible is not living, it is an inanimate object.
What the bible is helpful with for me is comparing my walk with those who were before me that I may see if my relationship with Jesus is like theirs. And also, if I’m to reach religious people, I need to speak their language. The language of religious people is the bible, so I must know it, in this I agree with Paul. But I don’t follow Paul, for he is not Christ. And second of all I don’t follow Paul as he is hypocrite.
That’s not to say that he didn’t share some profound Truths, but I’ve heard homeless addicts speak profound Truths.
The thing about hypocrites is that I walk amongst them every day, I don’t need to subject myself to some religion to be amongst them, I’m one myself from time to time but Jesus is working on it.
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Steven I’m afraid that if you have no foundational support for what Jesus is telling you then you could be hearing from any spiritual entity and think that you are hearing direct from God. Do you not believe even the words that are recorded in the Bible and accredited to Jesus? And I’m puzzled why would you call Paul a hypocrite?
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Not sure why you’re so confused? Perhaps it’s those who follow Paul’s teachings who are hypocrites.
I’ve learned in my walk with Jesus Christ not to share certain Truth’s, most religious people will grab such Truths and modify them to keep people bound to dead religion. Such examples are, “we don’t go to church, we are the church” or “we don’t do religion in our church, we do relationship”.
So I’m not really interested in sharing anything with you as I can tell that you have your own agenda in our dealings. It’s not about Jesus Christ for you, it’s about pushing your narrative.
Paul is most certainly a hypocrite, but then he was human like the rest of us.
If you could , please share with me from the bible where Jesus Christ shared with anyone a man named Saul who would become Paul and be chosen of God as an apostle to the gentiles.
Fyi, there is no longer a reply button on our thread, do you control that or is that a platform thing in the comment section?
Also, I do believe that most of what is recorded as Jesus words’, the red letters, are most probably what He spoke.
As I stated earlier, much like everyone else, I pick and chose what is inspired and what is literal.
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So are you telling me that you are out there all alone? Or do you fellowship with other like minded believers?
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Ps I’ll clean out the reply thing later. I’m traveling. Time is somewhat limited.
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I’m never alone Gerry, Jesus is always with me, my fellowship is with Jesus Christ.
Jesus has led me to somewhat like minded people. Our association is Jesus Christ, there is much we disagree on but not the Truths of Jesus Christ. If it were not for Jesus Christ, we would not have friendship and fellowship.
I love them dearly.
I hope you’re not writing while driving.
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No wouldn’t do that. I’m in Pa have a cousin here I want to see, she is dying of a cancerous brain tumor. I want to see if I can connect with her on a spiritual level. She is a precious lady. Jesus is her hope, just want to be sure she knows that.
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Sorry to hear that. Good on you for reaching out and hopefully comforting her. “Love your neighbour as yourself” always be mindful of that.
I’ll pray for peace and comfort.
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Thanks
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