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Post by Cindy on Jul 18, 2023 11:12:22 GMT -5
 I love what you said about how we speak! That's so true and is going in my Bible!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397 
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Post by fearnot on Jul 19, 2023 13:59:42 GMT -5
In that day
there will be an altar to the Lord
in the midst of the land of Egypt,
and a pillar to the Lord near its border.
Isaiah 19:19
In that day...in the future
Egypt will worship the true God.
Many Egyptians will be converted throughout the land.
There will be memorials that let other nations and peoples know,
that the true God is ruling over Egypt.
It will become a sign and a witness
to the Lord of hosts
in the land of Egypt;
for they will cry to the Lord because of oppressors,
and He will send them a Savior and a Champion,
and He will deliver them.
Isaiah 19:20
They will cry out to the true God for deliverance,
And as God delivered Israel,
so will He do the same for Egypt.
Thus the Lord will make Himself known to Egypt,
and the Egyptians will know the Lord
in that day.
They will even worship with sacrifice and offering,
and will make a vow to the Lord and perform it.
Isaiah 19:21
In that day...
there is coming, a time, in the future Millennium,
that everyone will know the Lord, as Jesus will be reigning.
The Egyptians will be true and sincere worshipers.
Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;
Let all who are around Him bring gifts to Him who is to be feared.
Psalms 76:11
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 19, 2023 14:02:48 GMT -5
Awwww thank you Cindy! :)
That is so sweet!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 20, 2023 13:31:40 GMT -5
The Lord will strike Egypt, striking but healing;
so they will return to the Lord ,
and He will respond to them and will heal them.
Isaiah 19:22
When things are going swimmingly,
and we have everything possible we need,
and lots of what we don't even need,
we often forget the Lord God.
Then when severe calamities hit, we ( as will Egypt)
call out to God,
ask for forgiveness,
and are willing to repent,
and be converted.
So as a parent will punish a child for the child's improvement,
God often does the same.
This is a way, God sometimes uses,
to bring salvation to some people and/or nations.
The striking is actually a way to their healing.
In that day
there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria,
and the Assyrians will come into Egypt
and the Egyptians into Assyria,
and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.
Isaiah 19:23
The healing also will result in peace between these two nations.
A unity between two hostile nations.
( and I am thinking, that 'in that day'
this will be true for other nations at war against each other)
Such as this next verse indicates:
In that day
Israel will be the third party with Egypt and Assyria,
a blessing in the midst of the earth,
Isaiah 19:24
Israel will become what God had always intended for her to be,
a blessing to other nations.
He has not dealt thus with any nation;
And as for His ordinances,
they have not known them.
Praise the Lord!
Psalms 147:20
Instead of being nations at war, and rivals
they will all be like one people,
and worshiping the true God.
whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying,
"Blessed is Egypt My people,
and Assyria the work of My hands,
and Israel My inheritance."
Isaiah 19:25
They have been converted, and are the Lord's people.
But Israel, as God's inheritance,
is God's first born.
God made His covenants, promises etc. with Israel first.
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 21, 2023 10:13:05 GMT -5
That's good, thanks Barbara! I did get confused for a minute though when you said this:
At first I was thinking, "No, parents don't punish a child for improving, we punish them for their misbehavior"... and then I suddenly realized what you meant!  At least it's what I think you meant... that a parent will punish a child because they want the child's behavior to improve. Right?
I love the verses you talked about for a number of reasons, but one main one is because it shows us that when someone is saved, than instead of hating others, they will love them. It shows how God's love can bring about reconciliation between nations and people who were once enemies. What a wonderful blessing! It tells me that if there's a person who doesn't want anything to do with me, but I want them to be in my life, then I need to tell them the Gospel and keep telling them until that seed has sprouted, grown and born fruit! For then reconciliation can take place!
But that's true for everything we don't like in this world. For example, if we don't like our elected officials or what they're doing, get the gospel to them, any way you can. If nothing else, we can email it to them! If we don't like how someone is treating a family member, get them the gospel and keep at it till their saved! I actually did that, and loved how God made that seed bear fruit!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 21, 2023 12:37:30 GMT -5
HAHA I do manage to still be confusing eh!
But yes, you are right when you wrote:
"a parent will punish a child because they want the child's behavior to improve. Right?"
Yes, that is what I meant. :)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 21, 2023 13:34:28 GMT -5
In the year that the commander came to Ashdod,
when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him
and he fought against Ashdod and captured it
Isaiah 20:1
Ashdod was one of the principal cities of the Philistines.
This kind of reminds me of today,
when we see wars and rumors of wars,
and slowly begin to wonder,
what it might have to do with our country?
Countries now, as then,
continue to make foreign alliances instead of trusting God!
Relying on another country for help, is folly,
because, when push comes to shove,
they may be having a hard time to even save themselves,
and without God, it is hopeless.
at that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying,
"Go and loosen the sackcloth from your hips
and take your shoes off your feet."
And he did so, going naked and barefoot.
Isaiah 20:2
They wore sackcloth for mourning and also it was worn also by the prophets.
He stripped off his outer garments to symbolize shame, disgrace, humiliation, abasement,disfavor,etc. There is some question as to if this meant totally nakedness or if he had a loincloth.
In any case, his manner of undress, reflected the seriousness of the reality of the circumstances.
And the Lord said,
"Even as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot
three years as a sign
and token against Egypt and Cush
Isaiah 20:3
Now we see how long this happened...
and why.
It was for a sign ( symbolizing what was coming)
and perhaps three years,
because God graciously gave them time for repentance.
so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt
and the exiles of Cush, young and old,
naked and barefoot
with buttocks uncovered,
to the shame of Egypt.
Isaiah 20:4
There will be no distinction between the ages.
And in this verse,
it is very clear they will be in fact,
totally naked,
and shamed.
Then they will be dismayed and ashamed
because of Cush their hope and Egypt their boast.
Isaiah 20:5
Now the Jews can see why God forbid looking to foreign countries for aid, instead of to Him.
So the inhabitants of this coastland will say in that day,
‘Behold, such is our hope,
where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria;
and we, how shall we escape?
Isaiah 20:6
The nation they relied on is captive,
and they worry what will we do now?
They were blinded,
and refused to find help in the only one who could give it.
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 22, 2023 11:15:03 GMT -5
Good! My brain's been on vacation so I'm not sure lately whether or not I'm reading things correctly  Kelly's had to correct me lately too.  I liked what your latest Bible study and look forward to your next one!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 23, 2023 18:42:30 GMT -5
I liked what you wrote about keeping after a person with the Word.
I needed to hear that today. We went to one of our Bible studies last night, and one of the questions was about that very thing.
Devon spoke up and said ( among other things) we need to give them the gospel.
Only...they kind of immediately shot him down,
by saying...
we need to be loving and kind to them.
Well of course,
but I keep thinking,
it's not 'our words', and even our actions
( goodness and kindness, and helpfulness),
that will save somebody.
Yes, we should be kind and loving, and do those things.
This is one of the two churches we go to,
which is big on
'LOVING' people to Jesus.
But I keep thinking God says in His Word
Speak the TRUTH.... in LOVE
God lists the truth first, and love 2nd.
We need both, but it's God's word ( the Holy Spirit)
that convicts people
Not just 'our loving them' and being kind etc.
Even the unsaved can be 'kind'
so if we just love them,
but don't give them the gospel
how will they be able to tell us from kind unsaved folks?
I know our love for each other is also a part of that...
but they may never see that,
if they never get inside a church?
I get it, that if we JUST throw the gospel at the unsaved,
without love, that is not the best way
on the other hand...
if we are just loving, without the truth
that also is not helpful, if we never get around to the truth.
We need both.
I think, it would surely be
( as is easier for me)
easier....to just be 'nice'
and not to speak the gospel.
Because it is the gospel, that is going to raise the shackles of many people today, and make them angry.
So I almost wonder if it is on some level,
that some churches today,
only want to just focus on:
God loves you.....
period!
I think probably in my life time
I honestly only spoke at length about the gospel
to a handful of people.
( that is one hand...probably not both).
I have a hard enough time,
in this particular 'Christian' Bible study group
never mind unbelievers...
I don't know, maybe 'some' unbelievers might actually be easier 
than some Christians?
Once again, I am close to not going to that Bible study.
I also go to a Bible study at our other church,
and I am much much more 'comfortable' there
because the pastor pretty much preaches the Word
( Kind of like a 2nd Sunday sermon).
We have had this chat before, I know.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 24, 2023 15:41:22 GMT -5
The oracle concerning the wilderness of the sea.
As windstorms in the Negev sweep on,
It comes from the wilderness,
from a terrifying land.
Isaiah 21:1
This is about Babylon, the 'wilderness of the sea',
is another name for Babylon.
And the windstorms that come up violently and suddenly,
is how suddenly
Babylon will be overthrown.
A harsh vision has been shown to me;
The treacherous one still deals treacherously,
and the destroyer still destroys.
Go up, Elam, lay siege,
Media; I have made an end of all the groaning she has caused.
Isaiah 21:2
Elam and Media were part of the Persian army that defeated Babylon.
It is a very grim, severe and brutal vision,
of the devastation and destruction to come.
So much so, that it caused Isiah much pain and sorrow.
( even for the Jews enemy).
For this reason my loins are full of anguish;
Pains have seized me like the pains of a woman in labor.
I am so bewildered I cannot hear, so terrified I cannot see.
Isaiah 21:3
This is as if, he has taken on the character and emotions, of the Babylonians.
My mind reels, horror overwhelms me;
The twilight I longed for has been turned for me into trembling.
Isaiah 21:4
The terror of such a sudden calamity and imminent death overwhelms.
They set the table, they spread out the cloth, they eat, they drink;
"Rise up, captains, oil the shields,"
Isaiah 21:5
Belshazzar had that night prepared a magnificent banquet,
and the leaders and soldiers,
who should have been preparing the nation’s defenses,
are all merrily feasting and enjoying revelry,
when the enemy attacks.
They are stirred to action, but way too late.
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 25, 2023 10:37:21 GMT -5
I liked what you wrote about keeping after a person with the Word. ...
The people who are all about love, are simply using that as an excuse not to share the gospel. But if you really love someone, you WILL share it. I know I've said this many times before too, but because we love our children, we tell them "No!" when they try to do something that will harm them. We don't allow our children to put their hands on a lit stove or into a bonfire because we love them. And to make sure they won't do that, we may have to spank them when they attempt it again, until they're learned we won't ever allow it. Yes, we are to be "loving", but true love will spank a child that's misbehaving if that's what it takes to teach them.
When telling us what real love is like, God had Paul write: “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6) To that we can add these scriptures:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)
“remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20) In order to turn a sinner from the error of his way, we have to first explain to them that they are a sinner. They have to realize just how much of a sinner they are before they can begin to understand that they need a someone to save them. (I'm sure you've heard MacArthur say that many times too!) Today, adults need to understand that it is NOT loving to let a child (which includes teenagers) pretend to be a different sex, it's child abuse and a sin that's an abomination to God. The same is true about abortion, and homosexuality etc.
Jesus tells us: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!” (Matthew 18:6–7) "little ones" in this scripture, doesn't speak of small children, it's actually speaking about true believers who have humbled themselves and become like a little child; He spoke of that just a few verses earlier: “And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15) This gets many people in trouble today, because this is telling us that we're not to call them names or tell them they're stupid or in any other way put them down. We are however to show them that they're a sinner and need a savior. People who call others names use the verses where Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites and other things starting in Matthew 23:13. There's a problem there though. Jesus did not call any individual a name, he called the entire group those names. Another problem with using these verses to say it's ok to call someone names and put them down is that Jesus is God and He knows everyone's heart. We don't. In fact Jesus tells us that because we can't know another person's heart, we are not to judge other people. That doesn't mean we can't judge if we think they're saved or not, or if they're sinning or not. It means we can't judge "why" they're doing something. Only Jesus can do that.
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) Exposing them means letting the people know that what they're doing is a sin.
“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.” (2 Thessalonians 3:14) Here we're told not to associate with someone who says they're a Christian but who are living in sin and we're told the purpose of that is to make them ashamed of themselves! I'm sure the people at that loving church would say that's being unloving, but in fact, it is being loving.
We should also use Jesus and the apostles as models of how to witness to others, and what it means to be loving. Look what Paul had to do one time: “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.” (Acts 13:9–12) He did not sin by doing that. What he did was loving, because it showed the one man how sinful he was and because of that another man was saved.
Paul also tells us: “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:30–31) This is yet another picture of love.
Finally, one other thing I've come to understand is that it's not our words that will bring someone to salvation. it doesn't matter at all whether or not we stutter or stumble over our words, can't explain it very well and/or are horrible "speakers". The only thing that matters and the only thing that will save someone is God's Word. The more of God's Word we read to others, the more ammunition we have used toward their salvation. That's why MacArthur reads God's Word to his congregation so much. He learned that too. I know you know all of this too, but there are many who don't.
I think in the case of the church that always seems to throw out "be loving" to overturn obeying other scriptures, has a big problem. And one of those problems is that they don't have any idea of what love really looks like. True love doesn't sit idly by and watch another parent tell their child it's ok to be homosexual, or trans or an adulterer etc. Love tells the child that those things are sin and that the Lord loves them so much He wants to help them overcome that. And then shares the gospel.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 25, 2023 11:09:16 GMT -5
I've enjoyed reading what you wrote about chapter 20 and starting 21. I'd like to comment on them too; I hope that's ok....
“at that time the LORD spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, “Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.” And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot.” (Isaiah 20:2) Sackcloth was often an indication that the person wearing it was a prophet. Here are just 2 examples of this: “They replied, “He was a man with a garment of hair and with a leather belt around his waist.” The king said, “That was Elijah the Tishbite.”” (2 Kings 1:8) And speaking of John the Baptist: “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.” (Matthew 3:4) It's also used to indicate mourning, as you said; for example: “Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days.” (Genesis 37:34) And also “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”” (Revelation 11:3)
The reason the Lord told him to take off his sackcloth and just go around in his undergarments was because the Lord knew the people would see it as disgrace and humiliation. So when he would be prophesizing about Egypt or Cush in his undergarments, the people understood that he was showing them a picture of what would happen to the people of those countries when they were conquered by Assyria. When a country was conquered, the army would strip the people, sometimes completely and other times down to their undergarments, and march them to the country of the one who conquered them. They did that to disgrace and humiliate the people they'd conquered. It was a way of getting the people to realize that they were now slaves. It was also hard on the people's health and many would get sick, some would die.
Isaiah 21:3-5 continues to show what's going to happen to Egypt. Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, fulfilled this prophecy in 671 B.C. Far from being a suitable object of Judah’s trust, mighty Egypt will go off in shame. When those nations (Egypt and Cush) would fall to the Assyrians (Isa. 20:4), the Judahites who thought an alliance with those countries would help them would be afraid and ashamed. People would realize that if Egypt and Cush had fallen to Assyria, then they had no chance for escape. Judah, then, should trust in the LORD for protection rather than in the foreign alliance they were contemplating.
I can't wait till you get to Isaiah 21:9!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 25, 2023 11:59:36 GMT -5
For thus the Lord says to me,
"Go, station the lookout,
let him report what he sees.
Isaiah 21:6
Isaiah stations a watchman,
on the wall, or a high place, like a watchtower,
who will report what Isaiah heard from God, in his prophecy,
is coming to pass.
The lookout will report what he sees.
When he sees riders, horsemen in pairs,
A train of donkeys, a train of camels,
Let him pay close attention, very close attention.
Isaiah 21:7
This would be the approach of a military army.
The approaching army starts off small,
just some riders and horsemen in pairs,
but soon, as the army gets closer,
he sees a train of donkeys and camels,
this is an indication, that it is a large, severe and serious army coming.
Then the lookout called,
"O Lord, I stand continually by day on the watchtower,
And I am stationed every night at my guard post.
Isaiah 21:8
The watchman is diligent, unceasing, and continually attentive.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 25, 2023 12:00:17 GMT -5
Isaiah 21:9 tomorrow :)
Thank you ever so much for the verses about only being loving and ( not) speaking the gospel...as opposed to telling the truth in love.
Those verses were great! I knew most of them, but they were not up front and center in my mind.
they were super helpful!!!
You are such a faithful friend, to take so much time and effort to comfort and help!
Thank you again.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 26, 2023 12:07:02 GMT -5
I love your insight into the scriptures too! So we're even, lol. If you want to answer some more, there have been two questions asked in Christian chat. One by Marlene, and one by Steve.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 27, 2023 12:00:23 GMT -5
Now behold, here comes a troop of riders, horsemen in pairs.
" And one said, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon;
And all the images of her gods are shattered on the ground.
Isaiah 21:9
The watchman proclaimed the calamitous fall of Babylon.
Babylon fell twice, once in 689 BC to the Assyrians,
and again, in 539 BC to the Persians.
The 1st Babylon was founded by the God hating rebellious Nimrod.
It was where idolatry was introduced,
via the Tower of Babel.
Though God separated the people by confusing their language,
they took their idols with them.
However, this is one of those 'near' and far prophecies.
Babylon will fall yet again, (an ultimate complete and total fall).
We've come full circle....Babylon started false religions,
and at the end of time,
it will be reconstituted in the final Babylon,
in a worldwide false religion.
And another angel, a second one, followed, saying,
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great,
she who has made all the nations drink of the wine
of the passion of her immorality.
Revelation 14:8
The immorality is physical (sexual sin)... but even more so,
spiritual sin.
The rebellion, the hatred, loathing, abhorrence, detestation,against God is higher than it's ever been.
This is the people's response, ever tho,
they have heard the two witnesses,
the 144,000 thousand,
been witnessed to, by Christians,
lived through much of the tribulation judgments etc.
This angel pronounces the final judgment. This Babylon is not the one city, but rather the worldwide kingdom, and false religion of the antichrist.
Plus
And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying,
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place of demons
and a prison of every unclean spirit,
and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird
Revelation 18:2
I am going to have to add a bit more to this verse tomorrow.
I'm just very tired.
Done for today.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 29, 2023 9:16:06 GMT -5
No problem hon. What you did so far was very interesting!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 29, 2023 11:35:30 GMT -5
More on fallen Babylon:
Now behold, here comes a troop of riders, horsemen in pairs.
" And one said, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon;
And all the images of her gods are shattered on the ground.
Isaiah 21:9
We read this in Revelation about the future fallen Babylon.
And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying,
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place of demons
and a prison of every unclean spirit,
and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird
Revelation 18:2
Babylon is the antichrist's world political system, and also the capital city of this system.
Demons will have been involved in the evil political system of the antichrist,the false religion, and the materialistic, secular economy.
The nations have all become foolish, mad, insane.
A message for us, is not to be seduced,
by all the glitter of the world,
we are shown in this verse how it will end.
Do not love the world nor the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15
I see the world spiraling down in immorality at an astonishing rate,
and it also seems like the economy of nations is doing the same.
However, the movers and shakers, the elite of the world, have a 'plan'. They have no intention of changing the sinking morality,
they intend to continue to live in sensuous debauchery.
Nevertheless they intend to eventually fix the economy,
and for a time, succeed.
They aim to live in a glorified rebuilt Babylon.
God also has plans... and His plans never fail!
Time will come when grace will be up,
and total destruction is going to happen, to both the city and system.
15 Raise your battle cry against her on every side!
She has given herself up, her pillars have fallen,
Her walls have been torn down.
For this is the vengeance of the Lord...
How the hammer of the whole earth
Has been cut off and broken!
How Babylon has become
An object of horror among the nations!
24 “I set a snare for you and you were also caught, O Babylon,
While you yourself were not aware;
You have been found and also seized
Because you have engaged in conflict with the Lord.”
Jeremiah 50:15,23,24
It's too late, God's grace has run out,
they had ample opportunity to repent,
and would not!
God hates pride, they put their pride as the ultimate 'virtue'.
Sound familiar?
Their doom is now certain!
The one world religion, might seem surprising at first.
Have we not been told and noticed for ourselves,
people are falling away from the Christian faith at a galloping rate?
Ah, but not so for the occult, witchcraft and satanism.....
that is growing at a breakneck speed....
and is deeply demonic, and about Satan himself.
So in a sense, people are not less 'religious',
they are becoming more 'religious'.
( tho they prefer to call themselves: 'spiritual'...
and to the degree they are inspired by 'spirits', demons,
they are kind of right).
This false religion will be the one world religion.
There will be massive worldwide deceptions,
conjured up by demonic signs and wonders!
So incredible will the manifestations be,
that IF it were possible,
they would even deceive the elect.
( but it will not be possible).
These signs etc. are deceptions and counterfeits of Satan.
So it is not surprising that, when this 3rd Babylon is destroyed,
it becomes a prison for unclean spirits,
fallen angels otherwise known as demons.
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 31, 2023 11:12:12 GMT -5
 That was really good Barbara! Thank you for sharing it! It certainly gives us a lot to think about. Have you noticed yourself becoming less and less attached to anything of this world? That's what seems to be happening to me. But on top of that, I'm looking more and more forward to being in our true home with the Lord!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 31, 2023 12:01:12 GMT -5
O my threshed people, and my afflicted of the threshing floor!
What I have heard from the Lord of hosts, The God of Israel,
I make known to you.
Isaiah 21:10
Threshing separates the true grain from the chaff,
so when it refers to people,
it pertains to those who did not follow God,
but were full of pride in man ( and self),
and will symbolically be the chaff, left on the threshing floor.
Nevertheless, it brings hope to God's delivered people of Israel.
Isaiah makes it clear this prophecy is not his own,
but is of God, the God of Israel.
The oracle concerning Edom.
One keeps calling to me from Seir,
"Watchman, how far gone is the night?
Watchman, how far gone is the night?
Isaiah 21:11
How long will they be oppressed by the Assyrians?
How much of it has passed already?
Asking the question twice, may show the inquirer's
anxiety, worry, fear, deep interest, etc.
In the morning you shall say,
‘Would that it were evening!’
And at evening you shall say,
‘Would that it were morning!’
because of the dread of your heart which you dread,
and because of the sight of your eyes which you will see
Deuteronomy 28:67
The watchman says,
"Morning comes but also night.
If you would inquire, inquire; Come back again.
Isaiah 21:12
Isaiah relies, there will be a short reprieve,but it will be only temporary,
and then,
a new threat (they will be oppressed yet again).
They can ask again,
because God will answer those who seriously ask.
This is a comfort to the believer, we can always talk with the Lord.
Done for Today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jul 31, 2023 12:14:09 GMT -5
Thank you so much for being so encouraging!!! :)
Yes indeed........ less and less of the world!!!
It's funny, Devon enjoys is summer job a LOT...
( he works at the Seaside Aquarium)
However, we both often feel the most
'comfortable', at 'home', at 'peace'
'safe', etc.
when we are in church...
but especially at Seaside Calvary,
where the pastor there digs really deep into scripture.
Last Wed. for the 1st time, even Leonard thought the Bible study by Pastor Chris was really really really great!
Still, we have a lot of brothers and sisters at NCFF that are dear,
and Pastor John does a good job.
So the point is,
the world is less and less alluring!!!
Well, mostly....... not at all alluring.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Aug 1, 2023 12:14:49 GMT -5
The oracle about Arabia.
In the thickets of Arabia you must spend the night,
O caravans of Dedanites.
Isaiah 21:13
Isaiah now gives a prophecy that the Arabians will also receive judgment from God. They will be so fearful they will leave their homes and spend the night ( maybe many such nights?) in the woods, in hopes of being safer.
Bring water for the thirsty,
O inhabitants of the land of Tema,
Meet the fugitive with bread.
Isaiah 21:14
Those fleeing are going to need supplies.
They are not going to get much relief from their sufferings.
They will be deprived of most of the necessities of life.
In a desert water is the most essential need, and bread a close second.
It seems that, there will nevertheless, be a scarcity of both.
For they have fled from the swords,
From the drawn sword,
and from the bent bow
And from the press of battle.
Isaiah 21:15
Their enemy is pursuing them intent on killing them.
Thus:
For thus the Lord said to me,
"In a year, as a hired man would count it,
all the splendor of Kedar will terminate
Isaiah 21:16
Within a year they will be wiped out, annihilated.
The prophecy gives a precise time for this to happen.
Is not man conscripted to labor on earth,
And are not his days like the days of a hired man
Job 7:1
A hired man would carefully count the days.
Done for Today.
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Post by Cindy on Aug 2, 2023 10:40:07 GMT -5
I'm so glad you've found a really good church. Because from what the Bible says, we can expect churches that are not 100% in God's Word, to continue to walk away from it further and further, for they don't love the Truth, but instead compromise with the world. Yes, scary times we're living in, but our future is secure so we don't have to worry about anything.
I enjoyed what you wrote about this in your last two posts, it was well said! Let me share what Wiersbe says about those scriptures too as I think he does a good job too. It does repeat some of what you said, but also gives the historic background which is interesting too.
Isaiah was the watchman on the wall (Isa 21:6; Ezek 3:16–21; Ezek 33:1–11); and he was asked, “What of the night?” What time of night was it? The advance of the Assyrian army had brought fearful darkness to the nations; and Edom wanted to know if there was any hope, any light. The prophet’s reply was brief but adequate, with both information and invitation. Morning was coming, because Assyria would be defeated by God in the fields of Judah (Isa. 37:36). But the morning would not last, for Babylon would take Assyria’s place and bring further darkness to the nations. “Seek the Lord,” urged the prophet. “Turn from sin & return to Him. Come to Him, and He will receive you!” Only a brief “day of salvation” would dawn, & they had better use the opportunity. Edom did not heed the invitation. The nation was taken by Babylon, then by the Persians (who changed the name to “Idumea”), & finally by the Romans. The battle between Esau and Jacob was carried on by the Herod's, who were Idumeans. After the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, Edom vanished from the scene. The prophet saw the caravans of the Arabian merchants from Dedan leaving the trade route and hiding in the thickets because of the invasion of the Assyrian army. Food and water were brought to the fugitives by people from Tema, an oasis town. Eventually the caravan had to flee, for how could the merchants’ slow animals compete with the Assyrian cavalry or their bows with the invaders’ weapons? Like a laborer, God had a “contract” to fulfill (Isaiah 16:14). Within a year, the pomp and glory of the Arabian tribes would be gone. Be Comforted.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Aug 2, 2023 11:25:29 GMT -5
We alternate between the two churches, because Devon is needed to do streaming, the slides etc. at the first one we originally attended for years.
It is not a 'woke' church, but it is sliding ( IMO),
slowly a wee bit more liberal.
So on the 1st and 3rd Sundays we go to the original,
and the 2nd and 4th Sundays, to the one I really really like!
We also go to a Bible study at each one.
Both churches have some lovely, friendly, kind, compassionate, prayer warriors etc. brothers and sisters at them. And actually we have seen others ( besides us), that seem to go sometimes to one, and then the other church, each month.
Thank you soooo much for the Wiersbe quotes!!! They were great!!! :)
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Post by Cindy on Aug 3, 2023 12:04:38 GMT -5
You sure are active! No way I could handle that. I can't even get to church anymore.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Aug 3, 2023 12:31:37 GMT -5
I'll tell you what.... each time I go to either church, I wonder if I will ever be able to find the energy to go again?
It is not easy for sure. I pray each time, because I am just so tired...
I think God helps me and gives me strength,( just enough)
and also,
while I can... go with Leonard and Devon, I make the effort...
but each time, it is a struggle.
In the first church, we know a woman who will turn 101 on her next birthday!!!
I don't know how she does it!!!
Her family brings her ( they are in their early 70's)
What is so neat, is that she adores Devon,
and
instead of finding only teens his age, to hang with....
He goes straight to Edith ( and they talk and pray, Last Sunday they talked and prayed for over 15 minutes...so it's not just a hi and goodbye).
I know it was that long.... because after church, Leonard and I were sitting cooling our heels waiting LOLOL
( we did talk to other folks while waiting tho :)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Aug 3, 2023 13:51:53 GMT -5
and the remainder of the number of bowmen,
the mighty men of the sons of Kedar, will be few;
for the Lord God of Israel has spoken.
Isaiah 21:17
So a lot of them will die, and a small remnant will be left,
with only a few soldiers to defend them.
The Lord has disciplined me severely,
But He has not given me over to death
Psalms 118:18
This is divinely decreed by God.
The oracle concerning the valley of vision.
What is the matter with you now,
that you have all gone up to the housetops?
Isaiah 22:1
It seems they went up there to celebrate and make merry,
but not necessarily to thank or praise God.
This is a totally inappropriate response that displeases God.
You who were full of noise, You boisterous town, you exultant city;
Your slain were not slain with the sword, Nor did they die in battle.
Isaiah 22:2
Perhaps death by starvation or disease etc.
Instead of confessing and repenting of their sins,
they indulged in wild parties.
So it seems God justifiably left them to their own devices.
( and that never works out well!).
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Aug 4, 2023 10:42:34 GMT -5
Bless your heart! I can't imagine doing all that you do! That's so neat about the lady who's going to be 101 and that she likes Devon! What a great way to help a young man grow up to be a godly man!
Love your Bible study too, but my cats want to eat NOW LOL, so gotta run!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Aug 6, 2023 17:59:46 GMT -5
Haha Cat's rule!! We know a bit about that. We once had 5 cats and our Airedale...Now we have 2 cats.
The problem is they are soooooooooo cute!
And hungry! :)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Aug 6, 2023 18:37:08 GMT -5
All your rulers have fled together,
And have been captured without the bow;
All of you who were found were taken captive together,
Though they had fled far away.
Isaiah 22:3
The rulers, whom the citizens looked to for provision, protection, and defense,
fled when danger came.
It seems they were shamefully, the first to flee,
in hopes of saving their own hides.
They should have stayed and defended the city.
But tho the fled far away, they were found and taken captive.
Therefore I say, "Turn your eyes away from me, Let me weep bitterly,
Do not try to comfort me concerning the destruction of the daughter of my people.
Isaiah 22:4
This is actually a continuation of their sad spiritual condition,
which causes Isaiah to weep with such despair,gloom, pain, sorrow,and disconsolation,
that he could not be comforted...so don't even try.
He wept for those foreigners of other countries,
and now, even more so, for his own people.
For the Lord God of hosts has a day of panic, subjugation and confusion
In the valley of vision, A breaking down of walls And a crying to the mountain.
Isaiah 22:5
There really was no time or room, for making merry and having a light-hearted attitude!
God has authorized such a day,as a chastisement and consequence of ignoring God,
and celebrating, and partying, as if they had won the victory themselves.
They do not repent of their sins, and were ungrateful.
Elam took up the quiver With the chariots, infantry and horsemen;
And Kir uncovered the shield.
Isaiah 22:6
So as they party, their hostile neighbors prepared their armies.
For some reason, this reminds me of my country today.
we do a lot of partying, arguing over pronouns, and the like...
while other countries are fortifying their defenses.
Done for today
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I love what you said about how we speak! That's so true and is going in my Bible! 
At least it's what I think you meant... that a parent will punish a child because they want the child's behavior to improve. Right? 
Kelly's had to correct me lately too. 
I liked what your latest Bible study and look forward to your next one!
That was really good Barbara! Thank you for sharing it! It certainly gives us a lot to think about. Have you noticed yourself becoming less and less attached to anything of this world? That's what seems to be happening to me. But on top of that, I'm looking more and more forward to being in our true home with the Lord!
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