All Discussion PAGE 676

Home church or regular church attendance: "Secondary doctrinal issues"

Perhaps one difference between home churches and formal churches is that when one has a disagreement in a home Bible study they just leave. When one is a member of a church it means someone is more likely to be entrenched for a long battle that results in much collateral damage. We should become church members at least accepting the doctrinal statement. I myself had some issues with various reformed churches as to the Post Millennium view; Baptism; etc. The first issue I agreed to disagree with; as to the second when I was in OPC before the local church shut down due to lack of attendance somehow they let me be a member without espousing to their errant view of infant Baptism as I saw it. The secondary eschatological view was also espoused elsewhere (amillennialism in that case). I wasn't at my last church before I moved here long enough to become a member; I probably would have to espouse their view on infant baptism to become a member but I'm not sure.

When I was in the home study one person broke out and joined a Preterist group; thus I had to disfellowship there. Christ clearly has not come back yet (this was full preterist sadly enough). As to eschatology I have stated before that I attended a church that believed as I did on Pre Tribulation rapture and such but didn't really discuss it. I have seen that quite often where doctrines espoused are never brought into a serious discussion. It probably is a good thing as the one time it was discussed in the past where Post Mil was the official belief the Pre Trib was mocked as a concept. We all need to choose our battles carefully.

For me the determining factor was divorce and remarriage; which I am convinced is wrong when a spouse is still alive at least as far as remarriage is concerned. PRC was one of the few places that believes it along with my current local church. I will get into vows and covenants in my next post.

Formal church or home fellowship continued

My previous posts today are focused on personal involvement and investment in the church. We can be involved in attending a service every Sunday and perhaps a few other activities but never want to stand in the gap when doctrinal error occurs or disciplinary issues arise. There shouldn't be a mutually exclusive issue when it comes to respecting the elders or pastors and coming to them to expose error; whether intentional or otherwise. In the same token; of course sin should be dealt with properly; which seems to be a rare event today from my observations in regard to church discipline for those obviously living lifestyles of sin. This is part of what elders should be doing in looking after the flock (see 1 Peter 5:1-8). There is at least doctrinal standards in reformed churches today; but my honest assessment is that such activities; along with other duties of such church officials seems to be lacking. I have seen little of prayer with oil for the sick; exhortation; or trying to assess and build up those in regard to spiritual gifts. Again; in the Reformed circles I have seen angst among those who are teaching false doctrines among the congregation (in particular the PRC I attended in Pittsburgh regarding these issues elsewhere in the country). This was a very tight knit congregation and kept a close watch in regard to that subject. Church splits are no rare event today; as controversies abound. How much the average layperson is involved in this is somewhat subjective as to whether they are church members; for instance. Unresolved issues in a local church causing strife is one determining factor that could lead us elsewhere perhaps to a home church environment; at least for a time.

I have seen both extremes; from too much tyrannical control among leadership to to lax an approach. Both can lead to serious issues. My next post will discuss "secondary issues" and considerations in church membership.

Church vs home churching considerations.

Another irony I have seen is that there was a rather strict adherence to the London Baptist confession (1600s) when I was in the home study; yet my current church where I am a member has no regular doctrinal statement it adheres to. It seems from my experience that there is a wild swing from those in Reformed circles; who often read every week from the Westminster confession and those elsewhere who only seem to discuss it when someone wants to be a new church member. Such a doctrinal stance I would expect normally would be lacking in home churches. The advantage of a home church is that people usually know each other pretty well and in depth interactions help to clarify what the consensus is in regard to doctrine. The home study I did attend was run by someone that had a seminary degree; although he didn't want to teach formally in churches due to his strong Calvanistic stance at least in part. There were occasional visits to those in family and acquaintances who preached in local churches; however. Another advantage in being there was discussion of the workplace and others we knew; whether family or friends so that regular prayers for their souls would come up. There is less room there for cliques to develop.

My current church is probably like many others where there is a network; mainly of women who are involved socially and caring for the needs of elderly "shut in" individuals. That is commendable compared with some churches in that regard; since our pastor doesn't need to push people to do things in that regard. There is still; especially among men a sort of rugged individualism. I have found some people if you give a listening ear really open up; but perhaps it takes something such as the fracture of a marriage for people to open up enough to disuss such matters (or in the case of one man his disfunctional family and sins with his kids he is grieving about). We all need to be open to those in need.

Church fellowship: Formal attendance or home church?

My last two posts discussed how we should be in fellowship especially in light of today's trends of reduced church attendance and that is part of the bigger issue of rapidly increasing percentages of the population becoming atheists. Having been involved in a home church in the past as well as being a regular attendee of a formally recognized church (now a member) I have seen factors that can be calculated in decisions as to what works best for someone considering these two options. For me it wasn't an "either or" proposition; I always had a regular Sunday church experience along with attending prayer meetings; and evangelical outreach with those in the home church along with Bible studies. There were times that conflicting events would necessitate a decision which place to attend on a given night but that was never a huge issue.

There were issues of inordinate disputes and hypercalvanism that caused some division and strife in the home church. The communion and choice of elders wasn't exactly according to church protocol in my opinion; and that along with a split caused me to move away from there. In general; I saw a distinct advantage in zeal for evangelism and prayer and the results in divine appointments from such efforts. Once this group split off; several individuals eventually attended a local church and some became members; one becoming an elder recently. This has in my opinion blessed the church with those who are committed to regular evangelism; but also brought out the contrast with others who are more lackadaisical in my opinion.

I have found recently that a strange paradox seems to be occurring. There is support for starting a new prayer group on my end. I haven't seen the desire for many in that regard based on the conversations beyond those who already are involved during the week for online prayer. Some churches are so regimented that the leadership wants to dictate.

More thoughts on fellowship in light of Hebrews 10:25

Since the COVID restrictions and the exodus of a significant percent of those professed believers from the overall corporate body of Christ in churches there has been a continued isolation from physical presence in the houses of worship. This made it easy to find an excuse to do what clearly was desired all along by many in that regard.

I have been privileged to personally meet a number of missionaries in recent years; and supported one from Bangladesh that since has gone stateside. Seeing the interaction with their wives and children has been an inspiration to me along with sound doctrine being proclaimed. We should seek to involve congregations; as in a former church I attended where there was a "missions moment" discussing a certain country where a missionary was active. Unfortunately; most churches only have an occasional presentation on this subject; yet today more than ever would be a great time for the average layperson to have communications online to support these individuals. Realizing their prayers for us (as they did when I was involved in a church plant that started seven years ago) should help us to feel closer to those formerly on the field.

Something came up recently in regard to a couple churches that are renting the building that our church worships in. I have seen issues elsewhere in regard to that situation as well. Currently there are maintenance annoyances (leaving messes; etc) but I am praying that there can be some interaction such as prayer and fellowship between these congregations at our church. This surely is a commonplace occurrence these days. When I lived in Pittsburgh I saw more interaction with various churches and charities than I see where I live today. Certain cautions need to be taken as to the doctrines being preached elsewhere; however. Missionaries have brought up to me more than once that the same errors found here occur on the mission field.

Luke 21:34 and 35 warn us not to be caught up in drunkenness and other sins for the day of the Lord will come as a snare upon the whole earth. There are further warnings in the book of Isaiah as well as James about putting our hope in the security of gold and silver (see Ezekiel 7:19; James 5:3). Wisdom and prudence are good virtues for preparing for economic turmoil; wars and other disasters that we can foresee but we also can't be obsessed on a plan to make us secure from all fears at the expense of prayer and trust in the Lord.

The Lord has given us many benefits through the fellowship of saints and this should in a large part give us a resource in time of need for food and raiment ( 1 Tim. 6:8; see also Matt. 6:25). This is what the collection for the saints should apply to in part; along with money for missionaries; the Pastor himself and other church expenses. Our church apparently has some sort of asset division written into the contract with the building ownership should it be sold or liquidated the assets in theory would go to members. In any event; it seems strange that giving and sermons on the subject hardly ever seem to touch on meeting needs of the congregation; but occasionally on giving to the needy and other causes. Obviously, we are not to go to church with a mindset of having others provide for us as an incentive to give; but we should make our giving an investment we are personally connected to whatever the cause. The gifts and talents and time we share with one another should come naturally with mature Christians in fellowship. If our life is invested in the Kingdom of God and His people we are not going to be so concerned about things of the world; that's my main idea.

Evangelism and prayer among the saints on a regular basis as a lifestyle makes it a lot easier fulfilling the Great Commission. It is a rare thing though to find in churches today; at least regular street witnessing or going to nursing homes ( 1 Cor. 12:27).

Amen brother Amen. Psalms 27:7, "Hear, O LORD, when we cry with our voice: have mercy also upon us and answer us."

Yes, LORD, answer our prayers.

Strong protection and breakthrough for us and all in need.

Sister Jema:

When Christ was telling those that were listening to him.

One shall be taken and one left.

As were the days of Noah.

The ones taken, are taken in DEATH, the ones left never see DEATH, but are translated into the presence of God ( 1 Timothy 6:16)

The sheep and goats, one believes and one don't believe.

Two mountains, one moves to the north, and one to the south, and all nations are drawn to the BATTLE:

Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this BATTLE shall be with BURNING and fuel of fire.

Isaiah 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the SPIRIT of JUDGEMENT, and by the SPIRIT of BURNING.

Matthew 3:11 ...he shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost and FIRE....

God Bless YOU!

Sister Jema:

There is a remnant of the 12 tribes today, they were resurrected with Christ.

These are the 144,000 in Revelation.

The 144,000 and 12,000 from each tribe is probably symbolic.

In the Old, when they were numbered, each tribe had vering numbers in those tribes.

At present they are ministering spirits (of truth) as their IMAGE Christ.

If you study and understand the blessings of Jacob given to them, they will carry those prophecy forward and have seed after the blessings of each tribe.

The blessing of Jacob upon Judah was that that tribe would be the priest and lawgivers.

All the tribes will exist again and those brought into those tribes will fall under the blessings given by Jacob to them.

This can be seen in Ezekiel, but it is hidden in complex symbols.

Jesus told his disciples, each would head a tribe of Israel.

But ONLY the Father knew which.

God BLESS YOU!

Psalms 27:7

7Hear, OLord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

Psalm 27:12

King James Version

12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

I have faith in the scripture everyday.

Sister Jema:

1 Corinthians 15:26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Christ's resurrection destroyed death and we were Joint Heirs with Christ at his resurrection, being made ONE FLESH.

Most Christians believe he died for our sin, but they don't believe they became ONE, as the Father and SON are ONE.

The wages of UNBELIEF is DEATH.

The Gift of BELIEF ia IMMORTAL LIFE and Christ ONLY has IMMORTAL LIFE ( 1 Timothy 6:16).

God says he, by Christ's resurrection made a new creation, a family of SONS of God, the exactness of Christ, a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.

So there is a FIRST DEATH and a SECOND DEATH.

Those who believe they DIED and were made ONE in Christ, will never die again ( Luke 20:36).

Those who don't believe they DIED, and the resurrection made them ONE as the Father and Son and son are ONE will be cast into prison, the GRAVE ( Revelation 20:2-3).

After God has gather all his SONS to be priest in the Kingdom, he will resurrect the unbelievers back to their flesh and blood bodies, they will be loosed out of their prison ( Revelation 20:7).

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of creation WAITETH for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS of GOD.

After all the dead are raised at the second resurrection the Sons of God will preach the gospel to them about the truth of the resurrection, judge them by the words of God, and give them the truth and mercy given to us, and they will DIED the second death, and also become the SONS of God ( Isaiah 59:21).

If you need more scriptures, ask.

God BLESS YOU!

Good Morning Heavenly Father, I am thankful for the wake up call this morning Father, I am thankful that you gave me the opportunity to wake up in my right mind and health. Jesus I come to you today in this prayer and ask you to be with me on this Thursday and keep me focused on the cross and never let the devil come between us. Jesus praying for all my family and friends Lord to whatever situation they may be having or going through to let you handle their concerns and heal their hearts. I claim victory on today Lord, let me shine and remain humble. Thank you Heavenly Father and I love you so very very very much. Amen!!!!

Jordyn , you know I have total love and respect for you . If we all died with Christ then how do you explain 1st Corinthians Ch 15 , especially V 26 ? Looking forward to your reply , much love in Christ .

remember me and my family today in your prayers

Matt.1:1 "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." Matthew 1:1

The Spirit introduces Jesus as the son of David as well as the son of Abraham. Deity of Jesus Christ is on the basis of faith so whosoever believed in the Son is adopted into the fellowship of God with Man. While according to the flesh Jesus came out of the loins of David. Representational aspect of persons is thus worked into the narrative. Envy and hatred of the patriarchs against their sibling makes Joseph as a stand-in for Jesus. In dilating upon the sufferings the Spirit makes such representations irrefutable on the basis of selfsame suffering children of light shall face in their time and place. Joseph's brethren sold him so did Judas Iscariot, his master. it is the generation of Jesus where whosoever believes in him and receives his as Savior fulfills the condition of his Father. He is part of his generation.

"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life./ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life./For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."( John 3:15-17)

Life and everlasting life are as distinct as his generation from which he was cut off the land of the living. "He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living."(Is.53:8)

Lee the Follower:

2 Peter 1:20 No PROPHECY of the scripture is (in and of itself it's) OWN private interpretation.

2 Corinthians 13:1 ...in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established .....

Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall surely not DIE:

Genesis 3:5 FOR GOD DOTH KNOW that in the day you thereof, then your EYES SHALL BE OPENED, and ye shall be as gods, KNOWING GOOD and EVIL.

This is ALL PROPHECY.

Genesis 3:22 And the Lord God SAID, Behold, the man HAS BECOME AS ONE OF US, to KNOW good and evil.....

The FRUIT was KNOWLEDGE of good and evil, the KNOWLEDGE of gods.

John 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not WRITTEN in your LAW, ye are gods

John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the WORD the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken.

Psalms 82:6

Deuteronomy 10:17 your God is a God of gods, and Lord of Lords ....

Psalms 136:6 Give thanks unto the God of gods, for his mercy endureth for ever.

Now, Eve was a prophecy of the coming bride of Christ by HIS RESURRECTION, and what happened she was resurrected with her husband to never DIE.

The gift of God is eternal life.

God can even use Satan to speak prophecy, what did Satan say, Ye shall never DIE.

Luke 20:36 Neither can THEY DIE ANYMORE, Adam (Christ) took of the fruit and did eat with his wife and Christ and his wife (creation) DIED, and the spirit of the Father RAISED them as ONE FLESH), for they are equal unto the angels, and are the children of God, being the CHILDREN of the RESURRECTION.

Philippians 2:5 Let this MIND BE IN YOU, which also was in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, though it not robbery to be equal with God.

God Bless YOU!

Heavenly Father, bless all of Augesteen's family needs. For Your honor and glory. In Jesus name. Amen

Heavenly Father, I ask for You to please answer Esandoval's request. Meet their needs, heal, and bless all the family. Thank You Jesus Christ. Amen

Hello Bmccaugh58. The answers to your questions are actually found throughout the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation), because the Bible essentially shows us how far mankind has fallen away from his Creator (because of sin), the repercussions we face from living in such a sinful state, & what God has done to offer correction & help, or else, judgement. So, one merely has to read through the Bible (even in your daily devotions/readings) & will see how people, yes all of us, have done wrong towards God & man & what subsequently entails from that. Some will learn & be corrected & then restored - others will persist in their evil ways & face God's Judgement.

So, here are some passages to start you off, but in your reading of the Bible, God's Spirit will alert you to what you seek or even where some action needs to be taken in your own life.

For "Consequences", see: Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:16-19; Deuteronomy 28:1,2,15; 1 Kings 11:9-11; Job 4:8,9; Isaiah 59:2; Jeremiah 17:9,10; Matthew 27:3-5; Romans 6:23; Romans 13:4; Galatians 6:7,8; 1 Timothy 5:8; James 2:10; Revelation 20:12-15.

For "Correction", see: Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 29:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 12:5-11; Revelation 3:19.

These are just a very few Scriptures, reminding us that there will always be consequences for our actions, not just in our dealings with each other, but more importantly, as we stand before God. But this God of Love always gives sinful wayward man an escape route, from a life of sin to a life of holiness & love - and His Name is Jesus.

You are going through a lot of changes right now , this is what happens when you start to move away from the world and draw closer to God . Everything changes , how you see the world and everyone and everything in it . It's an enormous emotional upheaval to move from darkness into light . I lost all of my girlfriend's in my late / mid 20's when I started to read the Bible and change my behaviour and way of thinking . In one way I'm very isolated now , not much interested in the things that my family and atheist friends are , but in other ways I'm so much better off than them . I'm free from the things that they worry about and are slaves to . I know the Truth which has cheered me up more than anything in this world ever could . I feel safe and loved like I never ever felt before I knew the Truth . I know that there is an awesome future for this planet and for me :) . Regarding your dad , you are going to have to learn to be tolerant of him . There are many kinds of idols , you must come into contact with them every day ! It's his home too you know . If you are finding it hard to cope with the changes in you , imagine how he is feeling . You are changing before his eyes and he doesn't understand how or why . You need to be very patient and kind towards him , how do you think Jesus would treat him ? Remember that God loves your dad as well as He loves you and your mum . My family are all atheists , I still love and care for them , God still loves and cares for them . If you push him away from you you cannot hope to ever help to bring him to the Truth . Jesus didn't push anyone away from him by making them feel bad about themselves , he drew people to him with love . God loves your dad and God gave your dad to you , to be your dad . Of all the people who could have been your dad , God wanted him to be your dad . Don't disrespect the gifts of God . Families are given to us by God for a reason . He chooses them for us before we are even born . Love is the key .

What does the Bible teach us about consequences or correction

I have prayed for you, that the Lord will cast out the demons that your dad has been following, that your dad will give up the idols he worships, and that you will gain strong roots in the Lord.

I also want to let you know that the reason you are going through so many battles right now is because you were pulled out of Satan's grasp, and now the devil hates you and will do anything to try and take you back from God. But stand firm, keep pushing, keep praying, don't give up the fight - God died for you because He loves you very much. The battle will be worth it! Trust me, I've been a Christian woman for a long time now, I've had many struggles myself, but I have learned that as long as I stay focused on God and do His will, that everything works out for His glory. So, I just want to encourage you (anyone else who reads this) to keep going, and you'll find your needs and prayers will be answered.

Amen Lee.

We have the best teacher in us that is the Spirit of truth! That is Christ spirit. "The Holyspirit"

as Peter said in 1 Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

We study God's word and the Holyspirit makes it real to us!

Christ gifted his Church with teachers and Preachers and they will have the same Spirit as you that will guide you along with the word of God.

We test EVERYTHING with the light of scripture.

This teaching of his is worse than you think, He's not only saying the saved becomes God! He's saying ALL of humanity will be God's! No matter what you have done! There's No consequences for sin.

He's saying We are not saved from anything.

This suggests that what Christ did on the cross was a foolish act and unnecessary.

The love of God shown in John 3:16 was un caused for.

He's also is saying there is no punishment for unbelief.

Look at the following verses

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

SAVED FROM WHAT, HE SAYS THERE IS NO HELL AND SATAN DON'T EXIST.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Ask him plainly, He'll tell you.

God bless.

Jordyn

Again

Here's a correction on Job 27:1 and Job 29:1 that you misquoted.

It doesn't read as you stated.

Your text for both verses;

( Moreover "God" continued his parable,...

Here's what's written;

Job 27:1 "Moreover "Job" continued his parable, and said,...

Jon 29:1 "Moreover "Job" continued his parable, and said...

You're fashioning scripture to say what you want it to say to hinder the truth.

Lee the Follower:

Do you believe that Satan works under the control of Christ? or

Does Satan have power of himself.

If you believe Satan is an instrument in God's hand, then why would you believe that Satan at times doesn't lie.

Satan is in every man, men lie sometimes, and other times they tell the truth; whichever, God through Satan, has predestinate.

Man will not believe that all his words were spoken before the foundation.

Psalms 90:9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath, we spend our years as a TALE being TOLD.

Quite worrying about you might be deceived, because every man starts out that way, ( Revelation 12:9) and believed what God says.

Ephesians 1:4 According as HE hath CHOSEN us IN HIM before the foundation of the world .....

Hebrews 4:3 .... the WORKS were FINISHED from the foundation of the world ....

God has appointed some to believe and some not to believe; IN THIS AGE.

God is calling you, otherwise, you would not, have COME.

It's HIS WORKS, you have no say, it's his choice of when and how much you believe.

Every man has a purpose in God's scheme of salvation and coming to truth, and whether you like it or not, you WILL NOT vary outside his purpose for you.

Only ONE person was Chosen to be John the Baptist, all thought there are many that have the same spirit as John crying out in the wilderness to repent of their sin of unbelief.

This holds true for Judas, he say CHOSEN, and he did what he was chosen for.

This holds true for Satan, he is doing what he was chosen for.

God said when Christ has put ALL THINGS under his FEET, God WILL BE ALL in ALL.

Christ will not fail in what he was SENT TO DO.

God said he would set brother against brother, he has a purpose for this, all though we can't yet see it.

Brother S Spencer and I are both in God's plan, even though we seem to be brother against brother.

All things work TOGETHER for the good of those that LOVE the LORD.

God Bless YOU!

Galatians 6:7 ,14

7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

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.

17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

In God their is a way I abode and devils and demons summit and surrender to our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Sa.24:1-4 "Wilderness of En-Gedi" (2 of 2)

Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

Saul beginning well is now showing himself an imbecile. He chosen men cannot be wiser than he is while God in choosing Gideon's army required only those who would obey. In olden days when smallpox and polio stalked the land vaccination proved a cure and the world took it without a murmur. Why global anti-vaxx movement now, and where does it come from? Satan of course. For man who tweaks with truth to create contextual truth stones of division is a stone of stumbling to break the neck of fools.

Progress was for them the bottle imp and they cant get it back into its bottle. It is thus the world is at present all for conjuring up the Father of all lies.So we see the wicked becoming worse, deceiving and being deceived. How unreal is the Instagram look, nevertheless we see someone has given mentally fragile youth an underhand swipe.

1 Sa.24:1-4 "Wilderness of En-Gedi" (1 of 2)

"And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi(v.1)".

'And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.'(23:29)

En-gedi means 'kid's well which is a wilderness and must be like being led by the Lord in a wilderness which is the world. Psalm 23 celebrates the still waters ('He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters'-v.2. ) as against the sea which is restless throwing up mire and dirt.

For the love-bitten bride it is the intimacy so we have seen,"My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi (The song.1:14)". Abiding in Jesus Christ the vine we abound in bearing fruits. The place suited David in his present predicament. There were caverns that sheltered him from Saul, which served him as 'strongholds.' Literally meant geography of the terrain suited him and his band. 'En-gedi was situated near to the western coast of theDead Sea, not far from Jeshimon'. In spiritual terms it is the pavilion where our heart has laid open a royal highway to God.

'In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.( John 14:2)' The word of God is eternal and has already gone out of his mouth meaning it is the will of God that His children shall be secure under His wings. Jesus laments for Jerusalem and rightly so since their disbelief denied what was eternally open for them.(Matt.23:30) Jesus Christ the same etc.,(He.13:8) means just that. When David asked of the Lord,"saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And theLordsaid unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah(23:2)". The will of God is clear. There were dotted lines which had to connected and it is how faith is followed by works. David trusting in the promise wins victory of the Philistines.

1 Sa.23:27-29 (2 of 2)

Here in the text God sets the Philistines to save David from being caught. The pandemic, heat domes, wildfires tornadoes and supply chain bottlenecks, economic downturns are God's way of scattering the smile off the face of superpowers whose words and actions do not match. Either nations gather with God or scatter all that they arrogantly reserved for themselves. The stone of divisions is a warning for them.

Selahammahlekoth means the rock of divisions and king Saul looking for David went in all direction about the wilderness but with no success. If God be for us who can be against us? The Spiritual rock which was Christ is a refuge for saints redeemed from the earth, whose strivings without God is vain. In the many heresies that plague the Christian world we have similarly rock of divisions which are as Prophet Jeremiah says,"They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace(Je.6:14)".