I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. - John 15:5
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. - Mark 4:35
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalms 30:5b
...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
...And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:2b
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. - Psalms 23:1-2
Welcome to Adam2.org!
Thank you for visiting ADAM2.ORG and your interest in our studies and resources. We are currently going through a growth
phase and editing and expanding to include other features and writings. We hope you check back often for updates, especially in our Studies' Section.
About Us ▼
Adam2.org was established by our founder, Ken Livingston, in July 1999.
Having grown into an international organization consisting of thousands of members and visitors from over 50
countries, we are not affiliated with any group,
denomination, church or other controlling entity or otherwise, with the exception of... Read more...►
Studies ▼
Thank you for your visit. We hope you benefit from our resources and ask you to
recommend us to a friend.
If you aren't sure what your state of life will be when this one is over, we encourage you to seriously
consider this while you have opportunity. Nothing in this life you will do will be as important!
Likely, you have made every preparation for your present life.
You owe it to your self to prepare for what comes next. It won't cost you a thing! Continue reading...►
Excerpts From Studies' Area ▼
Excerpt from: In His Presence.
"A self surrendered in the silence of His presence is a soul at peace in Him who reclaimed it! The earth and its burdens no
longer bind you and you are free to walk the stars, revel in His glory, bathed in His love. Time affects only the earthly,
but your spirit is free to soar the heavenlies -- and the hours pass quickly, while In His Presence!
To journey where no mortal may go: This Is Prayer!"
Excerpt from: Proofs of Growing In Grace. 1. Less temptation to focus on troubles or talk about them to others... 2. Less temptation to resent and retaliate when insulted or abused... 3. Joy under crosses, disappointment, and severe pain...
Each month a featured writing from different authors will be posted below as a main feature in our center section.
The nature of these writings will vary from devotional, to inspirational, topical and informative for the current
state of our Christian culture. You may access this full feature with the link below. ▼
Opportunities for Service ▼
Each day a host of members and visitors from around the world visit our site and use our online resources, all at no cost. We plan to continue doing so. As we have grown, so too have our needs. We would like to extend an invitation for you to become an integral part of our efforts in helping others. Read more... ►
For those who would like to contribute to our Online ministry, we welcome your donation. Some of you have been looking for a way to give towards an international effort in helping others. Your contribution will not only go a long way in meeting our current and future challenges in maintaining and improving our capacity to aid others, but will place you within His channel of blessing to you for having done so. Your bread upon the waters will not go unnoticed by Him (Hebrews 6:10). Read more... ►
Shocking Finding: Two-thirds (67%) of pre-teen parents claim to be Christian, but only 2% of all pre-teen parents actually possess a biblical worldview...
American Values Personal Survey
Poll: American Majority Wants Congress to Pass Pro-Life Protections
Downward Trend Who Say Same-Sex Relations Morally Acceptable
Satan, The Father Of Lies
Battle For America's Soul
Ligonier Ministries' Biennial Study of The State Of American Theology
Among the Shocking findings are -
1. "31% of adults say it is very important for their religious faith to influence every dimension of their life."
2. "49% accept reincarnation as a possibility after they die."
Just one question: If, if this is true then why do our politicians and those who do their bidding in the media possess the spirit of antichrist—an anti-Christian spirit that treats others with such hostility, disrespect and mean-spirited? Why is the state of our country so godless and in an advanced state of decay and decline?
Something is grossly immoral and amiss!
Consider this from 3 of our founding fathers:
Benjamin Franklin - Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.
Jedidiah Morse - Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government - and all blessings which flow from them - must fall with them.
John Adams - Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
This may help to answer some of your questions as to our current national state of affairs. The honest student of history knows this to be true. Also read:
Society Without A ChurchAnd even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; - Romans 1:21
The late Dr. W. A. Criswell, beloved pastor of FBC Dallas for many years, a pastor's pastor—my pastor, once told the following story of "an affluent atheist who decided to build a town in Montana."
Many years ago, an affluent atheist decided to build a town in Montana. When he built it, he said, "There is to be no church or no preacher in it." His city had a population of five thousand people. He soon found that he had plenty of women, but not a decent one among them. They were harlots and prostitutes. The men who flocked to the town loved to gamble, drink, and fight. No family with children wanted to move into the city. After five years of that experiment, the bottom fell out of his little city, and he delivered a manifesto through the newspapers and in handbills:
To Whom It May Concern: God knows that there is no such person as God and my motto has always been, "To hell with religion." But for some fool reason, which no man can fathom, I have found by experience we cannot do business in this country on any other basis than that silly bit of sentiment which we stamp on our coins, "In God We Trust." Therefore, infernal foolishness though it all is, I have sent out for a parson and we are going to build a church.
There has never been a more needed time for this message than today. Given the admitted ills of capitalism, history has taught us it is the only structure, as the Montana atheist discovered at his attempt to create a city, for a society to thrive and live free in a democracy or republic. We are witnessing just how true this is in our current political climate in America, or in the world for that matter. Never has the church in America been needed more than now! There isn't much time. Unfortunately, its shepherds have slumbered. While they have slumbered, an evil element has emerged that is rapidly tearing our nation apart. Their intent is to overthrow it and build a new socialist/communist political government. This experiment has been tried and failed too many times for the intellectually honest critic of capitalism to deny. But that does not matter to this subversive element. Power is all that is important to them—power achieved by any means necessary. Watch them. When hate, fear and destruction is all they have to offer, ask yourself, what kind of society are they capable of building, one where families and children want to live, one where "parsons" are not only welcomed but wanted?
Unfortunately, for years, they have been allowed to create a climate where they no longer have to couch themselves in acceptable rhetoric among our competing political parties of government. They are forced out into the light of day. Make no mistake, like an alien child they have emerged from one host as a new dominate, yet illegal, political party to be reckoned with! They allow no voice outside their own, no vote for leadership and no vote as to any policies they adopt. Cross them and you will pay, quite possibly with your own life! This is their idea of the new "America." Why have they emerged with such overwhelming force—like a violent wind blowing in overnight through an open door? Because a great vacuum of leadership exists in our two-party system of government that is not as it once was. The extreme elements of both parties, Democrat and Republican, have been in a race to the bottom, dragging our country and culture with it. We are there, folks! It has failed us! Neither serving as a check against the other from doing so. One seems to be aligned with those who are burning our cities to the ground while the other fiddles as they burn. Good people look on in horror, helpless, as dreams go up in flames. Who will deliver us from such evil? Where is the God of Daniel? Why is He silent? Has He abandoned us? Are we witnessing our judgment for our many blasphemous sins as a nation and a people? Are we so far gone that the atheist business man of Montana can't restore it? Is there a capable "parson" who will stand against such evil?
The following is taken from the Book, Adam2: A Guide For The Walk Home, written by our founder.
It is A Commentary On The Gospel Of John, complete with a background look at the contemporary Jewish groups active in Jesus' day.
It includes a summary of each chapter, a redacted study of each disciple, a brief study of Gnosticism of the time, pertinent timelines,
and much more. Each chapter of study includes extensive Biblical references to the notes on the chapter.
A chronological excerpt of each section will be posted here at the beginning of each month. You can access free of charge at any time
a complete online digital version
for your further study. In addition, a link will be provided to purchase the book on CD to install on
your own computer for convenience of study and print. All we ask is that you observe the stated copyrights as with any book you buy over
the counter, limiting your print to only one hard copy for your own personal use. If further hard copies are necessary,
please contact us for an additional nominal fee. Thank you for your interest in this study. Our hope and prayer is that
through the work of the Holy Spirit as you study you will be blessed by it, and if so, recommend it to a friend.
For this month, we will begin our study of John - Chapter 1 from the book: Adam2.
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
A. DISCIPLE STUDY.
For a look at some Background Information on our writer, the Apostle John, see the Disciple Study located for
convenient reference in the Appendix. This is provided so as not to piecemeal or obscure each disciple within
our main study as they are introduced by the gospel writer.
B. JESUS' WORLD.
As learned in our Introduction, Palestine was ruled by Rome under 4 divisions at the time of Christ: (1) Judea and
(2) Samaria ruled by Pontius Pilate, the 5th appointed Roman procurator in A.D. 26; and (3)
Galilee and (4) Perea ruled by the Idumean Herod.
Except for His infant flight into Egypt
(Mt.2:14),
Jesus spent His life within a 70 mile radius of this region: Jerusalem to the South;
Sidon on the coast to the north; and Decapolis and Perea to the east.
Polytheism (except for the religious Jew) was the order of the day. Immorality abounded, even among the many "gods."
The spiritual aspect of Jewish religion (except among a few, usually the poorer class) was all but extinct
(Mt.9:10).
The legalism of the Pharisees and Scribes ruled. Ceremonialism was the yoke that bound the necks of all Jews,
especially as one drew nearer to its center in Jerusalem. From A.D. 6, taxation had been levied
by the heavy hand of Rome, and in many cases implemented by turncoat publicans
(Lk.5:29).
Hope toward a political messiah was at its zenith. Many such self-proclaimed persons were appearing on the scene
with their renegade band of followers, only to be discounted by their own actions usually
(Acts 5:36,37).
The region was rife with bands of robbers and Sicarii. The middle class was non-existent.
Most were very poor, except for the few aristocrats who bought and sold humans like cattle.
Into this volatile world, Jesus came to establish His Heavenly Kingdom, but the Jew refused Him as their king, declaring they had none but Caesar
(19:15).
Although Jewish by blood and by His own declaration He came to the house of Israel
(Acts 2:36),
He was subsequently rejected by His own
(vs.11).
However, as He also clearly taught, His kingdom will include anyone from any blood who will hear and respond to His call.
Amidst such a society of extremes—ceremonialism and licentiousness—pockets of purity could be found, albeit few. Like the Essene
who lived an ascetic life, across the Jordan to the east lived a lonely figure crying in the wilderness to make straight the path of
righteousness for an avenue of access—a bridge between darkness and light, the repentant and Christ. His voice could be heard with
such clarity that thousands were drawn to his call. His name was John, commonly called the Baptist, though some considered him to be
the prophesied Elijah who would appear at the end of the age. His call was to repentance and His mission was to point all eyes to Christ,
this Second Adam, who had come to reclaim the fallen descendants of the first who were willing to listen. This he had known from birth.
(Mal.4:5;
Lk.1:44;
Lk.3:4;
vs.23;
Lk.3:7;
Mk.9:11-13;
Isa.40:3)
Although accepted by his parents, he likely had been considered an outcast from society. And even though he is seen
at times appearing among the masses, especially ungodly rulers to condemn their ungodliness, he lived separated to God.
His diet was locusts and honey and his raiment was a constant reminder of his human condition and heavenly calling.
As his ancient father Abraham, he would live within no city made with the hands of man. Concurrent with his calling, his life
was lived in preparation for that eternal city. Likely, as Jesus, he knew that the Jerusalem of Judea was soon to meet its fate.
God would not remain silent much longer. Jewish history had taught him well; and now that God was walking among them,
incarnate as one of them, like his prophet peer of old, he could not be silent. Although kin by blood, his emotions must
have been both humbling and exhilarating when this Eternal One stepped from among the masses upon the shore of Jordan and
entered the waters that He Himself had parted for an earlier group crossing from their bondage of slavery, now humanly
present with a new come to receive their freedom from sin.
(Lk.1:76;
Lk.3:19;
Lk.1:80;
Mk.1:6;
He.11:8-11;
Jer.20:9;
Jn.1:29;
Jos.3:13)
Though in a familiar form, this John knew, as our writer John knew, this was the Eternal Logos who was responsible
for all that is, and had now come to return it to the eternal. He would not confuse his purpose with that of his cousin's.
There would be no competition for followers. His own reflection would dim as the True Light became more visible.
For this, Jesus would pay the highest honor to any human.
(3:30;
Mt.11:11;
vs.27,34;
vs.20;
Lk.1:36)
A Biblical Search For Spiritual Answers In Valuing Human Life
The following is a lesson designed for group study for examining the devaluation of human life in our culture today. It begins, not
with the ideas and arguments proposed by modern intellect, reason, or persuasion, for these are flawed and ever fluid, but as it
should, with a search of what God Himself, He who created it, has already said concerning it. One has only to read of the war that
currently rages among leading scientists over Hawking's theory of "black holes" and his recent laughable forray into the topics of religion.
Those who demand that any debate or examination must begin with science and should not consider the Bible in their findings elevate man above God.
Science has not created one man nor is capable of creating one soul that makes the human distinct from animal.
We all know that man is flawed and is incapable of creating, deducting, or reasoning one single thing that itself isn't flawed as well.
So, why not consider the thoughts of the Creator before the created. After all, isn't God the author of all, even science?
The universe did not come into existence merely on its own and each orb suspends and sustains itself in space. Science has its place
but not to the exclusion of its Origin. As foolish as it is for the scientist to deny the Scripture, it would be equally foolish for the
Bible student or scholar to deny valid science. Therefore, as important as science is when considering this topic, we will, however, begin
our questions as we should—with God's Word.
Genesis 1:27 - Man is created in the image of God.
2
Genesis 2:7 - God's breath is man's spirit, whereby giving him life.
3
Zechariah 12:1 - God forms the spirit of man within him. Each breath is separate--each spirit unique.
4
Numbers 16:22 - God is the Creator of all flesh-dwelling spirits.
5
Job 10:12 - God not only fashions man, but, He continually sustains him. (Col.1:16-17)
6
Job 33:4 - Therefore, His Spirit has made man and gives to man his life
7
Job 34:14-15 - Hence, God has sole authority--He is Sovereign--over both the flesh fashioned and the spirit created--all. (Job 12:10)
8
Psalms 104:29-30 - God is the Giver and Taker of all life. We can say then, into man's hands He did not and has not placed this authority.
B. Who Is Man As Spirit?
1
Job 27:3 - Man's breath is identified as the spirit of God. In Genesis, God's breath is man's spirit.
2
Proberbs 20:27 - Man's spirit is but a tiny candle(light) emanating from the Great God of Light. In Christ, the candle(light) was so great, no
degree of darkness could extinguish it. (John 1:1-9)
3
Ecclesiastes 3:19-21 - Although man's flesh and physical systems are similar to that of the beast, man's spirit is wholly distinct!
4
Ecclesiastes 12:7 - As with the beast, man's flesh returns to the dust, but his spirit to its Creator.
5
James 2:26 - Without the spirit, the body dies. NOTE:The physical does not die and then the
spirit departs; it is the spirit that departs thus leaving the flesh lifeless (without life, or, without the spirit. Hence,
the spirit is the life).
DEATH NOW DEFINED: It is separation--separation of the spirit from the flesh. As long as the flesh is viable the spirit is within, no matter the
state or stage of it!
6
Job 10:18-19 - The spirit (life) is present before physical delivery in the birthing process.
7
Psalms 139:15-16 - The spirit has its origin in the Mind and Will of God, existing with its corresponding unique physical inventories recorded in heaven
before arriving on earth and taking on physical form.
8
Jeremiah 1:4-5 - Clearly stated, we and our purpose here are in the mind of God before implantation upon earth.
9
Hebrews 7:9-10 - Levi was in the loins of Abraham 3 generations before being upon the earth with his purpose
in coming predesigned by God. God has a purpose for all His seed in man. Who is man to know that
purpose and deny it its right to life, before it has a chance to live and discover?
10
Luke 24:39 - Jesus says the spirit is not flesh and bone. It does not need a totally formed fetus to exist,
nor is it dependent upon all physical inventories to survive, nor is it diminished by the failure of one or all
physical inventories to develop or decrease!
11
Genesis 9:4 - Medical science tells us the circulatory system is the first to develop
in fetus cell division. God declares that the life is the blood and is forbidden to be eaten! Of the tree of life, in the beginning humans
were permitted to eat until their disobedience in eating from the one forbidden--knowledge. In a state of disobedience, man could no longer
have access to perpetual life. Imagine the horrors today at the hands of tyrants capable of such. Because of that disobedience, our life,
or impure blood is required in penalty. However, new life, one in obedience again, is possible only through regeneration by the substitutionary
pure blood of Jesus. From such and for restored perpetual life in obedience, we are permitted to "drink." (John 6:53; 7:37; I Co.10:4; I Co.11:27; Rev.16:6)
SO, GIVEN THE ABOVE, WE CAN SAY: a. The spirit is the "life of the flesh." b. The spirit is not dependent upon physical inventories. c. The flesh becomes lifeless upon removal of the spirit. d. The flesh is quickened at conception because of the presence of the spirit. It is viable and growing by the flowing of the blood.
THEREFORE, WE CAN SAY:
If the flesh is lifeless and no longer viable upon the spirit's departure, the blood ceasing to flow, we can say that the spirit
is present at conception when the flesh becomes viable, the blood present and begins to flow and grow regardless the number of cells
present in division.
FACT:
The Spirit Is The Life Of The Flesh, In The Blood, No Matter The Stage Or State Of It!
FACT:
Life, With The Spirit Present, Begins At Conception, When The Blood Is Present, Or Else It Is Not Viable And Will Not Grow,
And, It Ends In Separation. Death. Cold. The Spirit Absent, The Blood Ceasing To Flow, The Body Ceasing To Grow. A Feast For
Worms. (Forensic science can pinpoint the time of death by the introductory time of the tiniest of such creatures.)
C. Why Is Man As Spirit?
1
Job 10:18 - The question is asked, "Why is man brought from the womb?" Job says that man's days are few and full of trouble (Job 14:1)
2
Job 13:15 - God is to be trusted regardless of our treatment in life.
3
Psalms 100:3-4 - To know that He is God and that He has made us.
4
Psalms 95:6 - To know and accept the fact that He is our Maker is to worship Him.
THEREFORE: We are made for His pleasure and His pleasure is our Praise!
5
Philippians 3:3 - We are to worship Him.
6
John 4:24 - We are to worship Him in SPIRIT and TRUTH.
7
I Peter 1:22 - The spirit is purified in OBEDIENCE to the TRUTH through His Spirit.
8
I Peter 4:6 - Therefore, we are to live toward God in the spirit. As our Creator is Holy, we are to discover His purpose for creating us and
live holy in that discovery.
HENCE, WE CAN SAY: If man is made by God and is the express image of God whose
purpose is to glorify God in his life(spirit), then all life, without qualification, is precious in the sight of God, whether
inside or outside the womb, whether newly forming or in the stages of finally succumbing, as long as the spirit is present,
regardless of the stage or state of that life!
Life, the spirit, is clearly in the hands of God its maker and sustainer and He alone has sole authority over it to dictate its
orgin, its purpose and its end. He is the Alpha & Omega of all things, to be praised by all living creatures
and not one should be denied that personal opportunity, no matter his or her quantity or quality of life. Be not mistaken!
Regardless of man's law or supreme earthly justice, to do so is to rob God and His Glory and will stand in His future
judgment of that great offense! Think on this...
The following is taken from the Book of Old Testament Summaries.
Chapter
(629 B.C.?)
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, of the priests in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin in the days of Josiah,
15th king of Judah, in the 13th year of his reign, through Zedekiah, last king of Judah at the time of the fall of
Jerusalem and captivity to Babylon (586 B.C.). Called from birth and encouraged by God as a child.
Personal touch by God to speak His words. His first vision test: almond tree rod; passed. Second vision test:
seething pot; passed. Visions' explanation of Jerusalem's destruction to come from the north now foretold to him.
He is to fear no man, being totally protected by God.
Commissioned and commanded now to begin: "Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem..." his first message.
He reminds them of the days of old, questioning their reasoning for turning from God. None looks for Him.
The land is polluted by the people. A great irony: Other nations are true to their gods who are false,
but Israel is false to her true God! Astonishing! They are guilty of two evils: (1) they have forsaken God,
the fountain of living waters; (2) made their own broken cisterns unable to hold water. When in trouble why did they
flee to Egypt for help who had once enslaved them? They are covenant-breakers! A once noble vine now a degenerate plant.
(See Isa.5.) Their lust for their false and hopeless gods is unrestrainable—one for every city. All are guilty.
Discipline did no good. They kill the prophets who were sent to warn them and are sanctimonious and self-righteous
in all their evil doings. God will not prosper them in their own vain conceited self-confidence.
His message continues. They continue to commit spiritual adultery, yet returning again and again
to God with no guilt. His blessings withheld from them did not turn them. The evil they could do, they did!
Reminded of their sister, Israel's judgment (fall to Assyria in 721), but failed to heed it. Judah now more
guilty than her. A call to repentance. A promise of a remnant, with Israel reunited under a Universal King
with God as their Father. A further call to repentance. Salvation is only of God. The vanity of their false works.
Israel's confession of their sin.
(612 B.C.?)
The results of genuine repentance only if they turn. It requires a spiritual circumcision of the heart.
Let the land hear His final warning. Judgment will come from the north; so prepare. All will wonder.
So the people won't be misled, Jeremiah seeks clarification if peace or judgment will come. God answers:
the winds of war will come, but Jerusalem may be spared for now if she repents; warn everyone! The reason
for their enemy allowed
(
vs.17-18).
The evil's lamentation: when will it end? The day of salvation. All shall flee. Her past lovers, now despising her,
will seek her life. She will cry before the avenger against her bloody sins!
Unlike Sodom with ten, Jerusalem will be spared if only one righteous is found. All swear to Him falsely,
refusing to return. None will turn, not even the greatest. How can He pardon them? A call for the invasion.
Name one good reason they should not be punished? They deceived themselves; His word is not in them.
A nation of an unknown tongue will come for their judgment. A remnant is promised after their predicted captivity.
He would have been to them as the shore to the sea, keeping back its pounding relentless waves, but their heart is turned away.
Their evil deeds are described. Why shouldn't He punish them? They all follow after their own sick wicked ways, not considering their inevitable end.
A warning is issued of the imminent enemy already in their countryside. Shepherds flee. Their enemy is
encouraged and prepares for Jerusalem's siege. His warning goes unheeded. None will escape. All are consumed with covetousness,
deluding themselves in a false peace before sudden destruction. No rest for their souls will come. Their evil thoughts will be
exposed and they will be brought low by His chosen stumbling blocks placed before them.
God's standard for them to be tried and rejected as reprobate silver.
(600 B.C.?)
Jeremiah's first gate message (next,
17:19)
to the worshipers as they come: a divine call to repentance. Get pure religion, and then He will give peace!
But their hypocrisy abounds and His Temple is abused. Shiloh was an example for them. Prayer for them is now hopeless.
The whole family is corrupt. Utter desolation with unquenchable anger will come. His message—obey His voice that it be well—
has been the same day after day since the beginning days of their fathers, but to no avail. They have done worse than their fathers,
even offering their children as sacrifices! To Him, unthinkable! Jerusalem, take up a lamentation, the house of God is polluted;
Hinnom (sight of children sacrifices south side of the city) shall be called the valley of slaughter! The land, desolate.
Even the dead wicked's bones shall not have rest! Their graves will be desecrated by the enemy.
Times will be so terrible, death will be preferred to life. No reason for Jerusalem's perpetual backsliding.
God patiently listened for their repentant turning, but none did. Even nature knows the seasonal laws to turn and obeys.
God's laws to man however were given in vain. God gives them up to the enemy to be judged, from the least to the greatest.
Their evil, silenced. The harvest has passed, with no balm in Gilead.
Thus, Jeremiah's lamentation. Their paths are crooked—evil touching evil. None to be trusted: for the
deeds of the wicked are great and hypocrisy is proliferate. He asks: You tell me what I should do?
The land is made barren. Does anyone understand? Again He gives the reason for their judgment:
(1) His law is forsaken; (2) His voice is not obeyed; (3) They walk after the imagination of their own hearts.
Now scattered among the heathen. Bring in the mourners! Great calamity will suddenly come.
A warning to the upper classes. Man's glory is only in knowing Him! His chosen remain uncircumcised (unrepentant),
consequently, He will punish them with the heathen.
The heathen and their occult ways are condemned. The people's heightened interest in their idols, incapable of any action,
good or evil, will not save them. There is none like God, His greatness, His wisdom, and truthfulness. He is Everlasting!
No other god made the heavens and Earth. False gods and those who worship them will perish. They are impotent for their salvation.
They are the reason for their destruction. God is the portion of Jacob. He will judge the land. The woe of a man for his hurt and loss.
A news flash, a noise comes! Judah made desolate; given to the wild beasts. Man does not know enough to direct his own steps.
A plea for correction with mercy, and a fury for the heathen.
(608 B.C.?)
God reminds Judah through Jeremiah of their Exodus Covenant and its associated cursings and blessings. He will be the God only of the obedient!
This Covenant's message is to be preached in the streets of all their cities. Their sin is condemned, their idolatry exposed,
their false idols as numerous as and found in every city. His life is threatened. His prayer for justice. God answers:
all who threatened him from his hometown will die, with none spared!
Having seen in his journeys the prosperity of the wicked, those whose hearts are far from God who scoff at
his preachings and threaten his life, Jeremiah takes up his case of apparent injustice with God, albeit reverently.
God may be upon their lips, but not within their hearts. God answers: do not be affected by those who deal treacherously.
God's own lamentation over His house, land, and people, no one considering in his heart His ways. No one will have place.
Israel will be taken out and a remnant returned. Even so, they will remain only if they obey.
The parable of Jeremiah's girdle. What was once new, of fine material and pure, is now marred, rotten, and torn,
worn as a sign to Judah of her own relation to God. His parable of wine bottles. They are filled with pride.
He encourages them to repent. The high to be humbled, Judah carried captive. If one asks why concerning their calamities,
tell him because of his forgetting God and trusting in falsehood. Their adulteress ways are heavily ingrained and
it is hard to change one's evil nature.
(601 B.C.?)
The land now severely stricken with drought, all are ashamed. Jeremiah's prayer for them (his Christ-like compassion).
God's answer of rejection. Instructed not to bother anymore. He continues in conversation with God, concerned about
the false prophets' messages. God's answer: they lie, they shall die, with none to bury them. The prayer continues;
Israel is humbled at His stroke. Will He cast off forever, appealing to His oath to His covenant?
There is none else to turn to for salvation, save Him, so they
will wait for His anger to pass. (See
Jn.6:68.)
The great condemnation of the people by God Himself. Moses nor Samuel could change His mind if they were present to pray for them.
A fourfold judgment passed: (1) Deadly drought, (2) Slain by the sword, (3) Death by famine, (4) Captivity.
Four Destroyers to come: (1) Sword, (2) Dogs, (3) Fowls, and (4) Beasts. Blame Manasseh for their dispersion.
Each will die by the method selected by God. They are responsible themselves for His rejection.
Jeremiah laments his birth and plight, pitying himself. Instructed by God to separate himself from
them and He will strengthen and save him.
As another sign of impending doom, Jeremiah is instructed not to marry; besides, all the women are wicked.
(Not one righteous found earlier,
5:1.)
He is to remain apart from them. The sad end of a nation once exalted. If they ask why, tell them because
of their iniquity. As He was with their fathers, bringing them from Egypt, He will be to them also, bringing
them from captivity in Babylon, and He won't forget a single one. But first, they must pay! The time of the Gentiles.
His name to be made known universally.
Judah's sin now permanently etched into their hearts. A cursing to one who trusts in man; a blessing to
one who trusts in God. Man's heart is totally deceitful, with God knowing its ways.
(
Prov.16:1-2)
Jeremiah's prayer: do to them what seems right but don't number me with the wicked. God's answer with instructions for another gate message
(#2): Observe the Sabbath, His instructions, and the city will be spared; fail and it will burn.
(605 B.C.?)
The parable of the potter illustrating God's power and providential care to reshape the truly penitent's
destiny if in submission. His works for building and destroying contrasted. Go speak the word. Their reason
again given for their judgment! A conspiracy against Jeremiah. He prays now for their judgment.
Another gate message (#3): the parable of the earthen vessel he is to break in their presence at the east
gate going into Hinnom. (Where they go to offer their children as sacrifices!) The news of His judgment will
cause the hearers' ears to tingle. His message of condemnation for their abominable sacrifices, accompanied
with the demonstration of breaking the flask. God will burn that place! He goes to the Temple to repeat the message.
WEF Official Calls for AI to Re-Write the Bible 'Correctly'
"In a few years, there might be religions that are actually correct … just think about a religion whose holy book is written by an AI. That could be a reality in a few years," states WEF advisor Yuval Noah Harari, "a homosexual, Israeli author and historian who holds mostly to atheistic beliefs in spirituality," - Charismamag.com.
Transgender Lutheran pastor on the Bible's clear line of male & female: "It's hard to relate it to modern-day times b/c it wasn't written for 2024. It was written for then. When we read in the scripture that God created man and woman, yes, and god created everyone else, as well." pic.twitter.com/rFIKhlv7OW
To the cast down and disheartened, stop and remember the joy of the beginning of your new birth. Remember, there is no battle you face that He has not already fought and overcome. The victory is yours. Embrace it.
Featured Sermon
The World of Satan - 4/9/1969
Matthew 4:1-11: Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city,
A Moment In God's Presence Makes Glad The Longing Heart And Unlocks It To Be Poured Forth In Praise Upon His Altar... Read More
His heart and yours, in union—a state of critical mass. Love unconfined! To bask in its glow, unconsumed in its presence.
Radioactive and eternal, never to diminish. Such power, His love, to give life and not death, perpetuated eternally.
His glow greater than the sun, illuminating all in His presence. This is our God!
(Ex.34:29;
Mat.17:1-2)
THIS IS PRAYER!
Radioactive!
AND SO PRAY:
"Shine on me, Heavenly Father! Light my way into your presence. Melt my soul with your radiance. Cause my heart to skip with gladness; and it will pour forth its praises as an eternal river upon your altar!"
"His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob."
That strength which God gives to His Josephs is real strength; it is not a boasted valour, a fiction, a thing of which men talk, but which ends in smoke; it is true-divine strength. Why does Joseph stand against temptation? Because God gives him aid... Read More
There is nought that we can do without the power of God. All true strength comes from 'the mighty God of Jacob.' Notice in what a blessedly familiar way God gives this strength to Joseph-'The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.' Thus God is represented as putting His hands on Joseph's hands, placing His arms on Joseph's arms. Like as a father teaches his children, so the Lord teaches them that fear Him. He puts His arms upon them. Marvellous condescension! God Almighty, Eternal, Omnipotent, stoops from His throne and lays His hand upon the child's hand, stretching His arm upon the arm of Joseph, that he may be made strong! This strength was also covenant strength, for it is ascribed to 'the mighty God of Jacob.'
Now, wherever you read of the God of Jacob in the Bible, you should remember the covenant with Jacob. Christians love to think of God's covenant. All the power, all the grace, all the blessings, all the mercies, all the comforts, all the things we have, flow to us from the well-head, through the covenant. If there were no covenant, then we should fail indeed; for all grace proceeds from it, as light and heat from the sun. No angels ascend or descend, save upon that ladder which Jacob saw, at the top of which stood a covenant God. Christian, it may be that the archers have sorely grieved you, and shot at you, and wounded you, but still your bow abides in strength; be sure, then, to ascribe all the glory to Jacob's God.
The twentieth century has brought forth unparalleled challenges to
the historic Christian faith. During this century, Christianity's relevance and ultimate validity have been questioned as never before.
This assault on the central truth claims of Christianity has come from two distinct fronts: atheistic secular humanism and the growing
climate of religious pluralism... Read More
While secularism constitutes a significant threat, the issue of religious pluralism poses an even greater challenge. The technological advances of our
century have resulted in a truly global society. America in particular is a nation of diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Our nation is
founded upon the principle of toleration, particularly in the area of religion. We are guaranteed the right of free exercise of religion. This principle
of equal toleration of religion is so strong, in fact, that the worst name one can be called today is an "intolerant religionist." What has happened,
however, is that our idea of democracy has been applied to ultimate truth. Equal toleration of religion has been taken to mean that each religion is
equally valid (i.e., all religions lead to God). This is a fatal non sequitur...
Proverbs 3:5-6; I Thessalonians 5:21; I Peter 4:11
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths...
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good...If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister,
let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
These questions are offered for your consideration when attempting a decision, response to something or someone, or action on your part.
They are merely guidelines for daily living. Of course, the WWJS or WWJD tests go without saying. Also, I was fortunate
to have both parents who set an example for me in life, both in daily living and their spiritual lives. Therefore, I include the test of
what would my father or mother have done faced with the same situation or decision?... Read More
1. THE FAITH TEST: - Am I exercising faith or only my own logic and reasoning in making my decision? 2. THE PERSONAL TEST: - Will doing it make me a better or a worse Christian? 3. THE TESTIMONY TEST: - Will doing it influence others to be more or less Christian?...
The consequences of the magnitude of such a broad scale world-wide implementation of a "new church model" cannot be ignored. It must be examined by the serious Bible student and Christian! It must be looked at in light of Bible prophecy. We must heed the warnings of both Jesus' own words when He walked the earth and those inspired by the Holy Spirit written later for our advantage in alertness of end-time events and trends. Not to do so would be perilous. So, I have prayerfully written 5 articles on this demonic phenonemonen with hopes they will help you to understand how serious this modern attack is on the true church of Christ - Articles on the Modern Church.
Walking Away From Our Dreams
In the closing scene from the movie:
Finding Forrester, starring Sean Connery, produced in the year 2000, Jamal, the young protégée heir of the author,
William Forrester, reads an unexpected letter he received from his friend and mentor following his death. Forrester had lived for decades
in seclusion in the same Brooklyn neighborhood housing projects as Jamal following the great success of Forrester's only published book,
his first when much younger: Avalon Landing...Read entire article
Welcome to Adam2.org!
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. - John 15:5
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. - Mark 4:35
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalms 30:5b
...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
...And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:2b
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. - Psalms 23:1-2
Read More
Why have they emerged with such overwhelming force—like a violent wind blowing in overnight through an open door? Because a great vacuum of leadership exists in our two-party system of government that is not as it once was. The extreme elements of both parties, Democrat and Republican, have been in a race to the bottom, dragging our country and culture with it. We are there, folks! It has failed us! Neither serving as a check against the other from doing so. One seems to be aligned with those who are burning our cities to the ground while the other fiddles as they burn. Good people look on in horror, helpless, as dreams go up in flames. 
Hide
Read More
The following is a lesson designed for group study for examining the devaluation of human life in our culture today. It begins, not
with the ideas and arguments proposed by modern intellect, reason, or persuasion, for these are flawed and ever fluid, but as it
should, with a search of what God Himself, He who created it, has already said concerning it. One has only to read of the war that
currently rages among leading scientists over Hawking's theory of "black holes" and his recent laughable forray into the topics of religion.
Those who demand that any debate or examination must begin with science and should not consider the Bible in their findings elevate man above God.
Science has not created one man nor is capable of creating one soul that makes the human distinct from animal.
True Strength
Genesis 49:24
The Challenge of Religious Pluralism
Tests For Right Or Wrong Decisions
