So far we have talked about Job’s encounter with his three “friends” and with the wise Elihu. After his debates with these people, God steps in. Job has been through a lot. It is not surprising that he would have some complaints. But as he talks with his friends, he begins to defend himself and tells them of all the accomplishments he has done and how righteous he is. He complains to God and questions God. Often times, people of faith had doubts and turn to God and ask why and ask where he was. Many of the Psalms are like that. But this is different. Job makes accusations and forgets his place. He becomes a little arrogant. In the beginning of the book, God brags about Job’s righteousness and commends him, so we know that he is a righteous, godly man. But sometimes we need a little reminder of who God is and that we are not perfect.
Continue reading “Job’s Complaint and God’s Response”Tag: righteous
Job’s Complaint and Elihu’s Response
In the last post we discussed Job’s friends and their judgmental opinions and lack of compassion. Job was a righteous man, but as with the rest of us, God needed to do some work in him. He had one calamity after another and it is no wonder he had some complaints and it is not surprising he would be angry. Considering all of this, he kept his cool to the most part when he was encountered with his friends. But he did defend himself and he did have issues with his friends, with this world and with God. Sometimes when we get a little off track, God may bring someone into our life to lead us back and set us straight, and hopefully we listen. Enter Elihu. We are not sure where Elihu came from, but he stood back and listened to the debate between Job and his three friends, and when they were finished, he spoke up. Again, I urge you to read through Job to get the context and the whole story.
Continue reading “Job’s Complaint and Elihu’s Response”Lazarus and the Rich Man: Heaven and Hell
In this second part of our discussion about the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, we get a small glimpse of heaven and hell. Keep in mind this is prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Also, keep in mind I am no expert, but this is just my take based on what I have read in the Bible.
Several words have been used in the Bible to describe where one goes when they die. A general term used is Hades or Sheol. In the story of Lazarus, Hades is a place of torment for the wicked and unrighteous. Abraham’s bosom is where the righteous go (before Jesus’ resurrection when He declares victory over death and Hades). Jesus also called this Paradise, as He did when talking to the thief on the cross). After the resurrection, people go to heaven or hell, those who believe go to heaven, those who do not go to hell. Gehenna is when final judgement (the Great White Throne Judgement) occurs, where the unrighteous will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (the second death).
Continue reading “Lazarus and the Rich Man: Heaven and Hell”Sin is More Than a Mistake
We all make mistakes. We all sin. Are they the same? No! Should we dwell on either one of them? No! We have hope. I once heard someone say God forgives our mistakes. No! Jesus paid for our sins. He saved us from our evil (sinful) nature, from what is in our hearts. If we accept that gift, we are saved from sin, we will receive God’s grace. Unfortunately, we have to live with our mistakes, but we can also learn from them. But sin is much more serious. Sin leads to death. Without the blood that Christ shed for us, we are doomed for hell. But, when we trust in Jesus, we have an inheritance in heaven. No matter what we have done in the past, He will forgive us.
Continue reading “Sin is More Than a Mistake”Hosea: God Waits for His People to Come to Him
God blessed Israel in so many ways, yet they abused those blessings by turning to false gods and trusting in themselves and others. He waits for His people to turn to Him. Like the prodigal son, He will be there and accept him with open arms and celebrate his return to Him. In the previous post, we discussed how God would turn from His people until they turn back to Him. But He is always there and will show mercy and grace to all who will accept it and trust in Him.
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