Comparing the Contrast

This post is from Last weeks Bible Study Lesson at Open Door Church by our teacher Linda.

 



Same but Different

 

We take another look at the Prophet as he continues to muse about the sins of his generation and the punishment he believes they deserve. 

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. 

We then turn to 2 Peter for a comparison and contrast of our present day to those who lived in the past. 

Both personally and Nationally, where do worldly desires lead?  Where do God’s desires normally lead.

The Worldly definition of Patience and self control causes us much skepticism, for so many are full of woe and great distress.  Every unbelief, doubt, denial, distrust, and rejection of truth is being practiced in our time.  It seems things are out of control.

God’s definition of Self Control, is exercising our Faith, for we have the assurance of things hoped for the absolute connection of things not seen in reality.

2 Peter 1:2-4 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

 I am not going to steal, because I don’t want to go to jail, so I control that impulse to do wrong.  The fear of punishment keeps me in control. 

Separation from God is the worst happening.  Jesus cried in anguish when God could not look at Jesus because the sins of the world were placed on Him. 

The shedding of blood was necessary according to the laws set up in the beginning.  God shed innocent blood to clothe Adam and Eve with skins. 

James 2:6  Do not despise the Poor; because God cares for them.  They trust in God.

There are subtle things the enemy tries to pull you out of relationship with God.  Often they seem minor but will take us out of Control of the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;  and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

We have a sure foundation of faith, but we must keep adding to our faith.  We are ever growing and enlarging our faith.

Holy Men of God spoke and wrote as they were directed by the Holy Spirit.  Not cunning devised fables but the power.

Peter had actually saw the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain.  His experience was different from night and day.  Not just head knowledge but experientially he knew what he knew.  He was a partaker of the divine nature.  When we are washed in the blood of Jesus. We are cleansed and made a new person.  This removes all doubt in our minds. 

Is your life on “Park” and not going forward?  Are you churning and turning and not desiring to advance?  Peace shines bringing confidence and assurance that I am His.  This is Fact Not fancy.  Come to the mountain to see Jesus, for it will make a world of difference to turn from fiction to truth.