8-7-20   THOUGHTS

In our Wednesday night ZOOM class on Judges, we discussed the failure of Israel to completely wipe out the wicked people in the land of Canaan.  God knew they would be a snare to them.  History proved how true that was!
A related passage...
Ezek 18:30-31   "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct," declares the Lord GOD. "Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you.  31  "Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?

In the class we noted the parallel between Israel’s being influenced by evil and the Church today!     1Cor 15:33    Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
Titus 2:11-14   For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12  instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13  looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14  who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Eph 2:8-10   For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Isa 55:6-7    Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. 7  Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD,    And He will have compassion on him,    And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

Do we live in a world that exposes us to the danger of apostasy?   Count the ways Church!  The influence (both direct and indirect) of our world is frightening.  It’s a time to fight vigorously for our spiritual lives!   The VICTORY has been won...  We MUST OVERCOME!

My Prayer:
Dear God, keep us from evil.  Help us to use all that you have given us to overcome.  Teach us to love the words of your mind that we may be refreshed and charged.  Cause us to  love our connection to each other in Christ Jesus.  May we revere our place in the blood bought Church.  We pray for a time of physical fellowship Oh God.
In Jesus name                 Amen