Open war in heaven between Lucifer and his angels against God and Michael and his angels.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.

For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!

But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury,

because he knows that his time is short.”   NIV

From anointed cherub to arch enemy of the Lord and mankind… what happened to the relationship? We are in the midst of a raging war between the powers of darkness and the kingdom of Light. It is all about the souls of men. The Word of God says Choose Life! Choose Jesus , choose to have a relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ .

Rev 20:1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. 3 The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while.

The Defeat of Satan

7 When the thousand years come to an end, Satan will be let out of his prison. 8 He will go out to deceive the nations—called Gog and Magog—in every corner of the earth. He will gather them together for battle—a mighty army, as numberless as sand along the seashore. 9 And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God’s people and the beloved city. But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them.

10 Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The Final Judgment

11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.    NLT

Because man’s relationship with God is now broken , man can’t  come directly  before God . He must now approach God only with a sacrifice.

Gen 4:6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”  NLT

Another change of relationship, from a covenant family member to an enemy of God.

Gen 4: 10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”

13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from your presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!” 15 The Lord replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. 16 So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. NLT

The world survives because of only one righteous relationship.

Gen 6:1 Then the people began to multiply on the earth, and daughters were born to them. 2 The sons of God saw the beautiful women and took any they wanted as their wives. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.”

4 In those days, and for some time after, giant Nephilites lived on the earth, for whenever the sons of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes and famous warriors of ancient times.

5 The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. 7 And the Lord said, “I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them.” 8 But Noah found favor with the Lord.     NLT

After the flood the Lord established a binding covenant with Noah and his family and the animal

kingdom. The relationship was again restored, ……………thank God !

Gen 9:12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. 16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” 17 Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”   NLT

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Our eternal destination depends on relationship. It is based upon what we know and who we know.

Relationships are at the core of eternity passed and will continue to effect eternity future in the ages to come. The world system as we know it is about 6000 years old. However, before mankind was created the earth already had a history. There were other created spirit beings which saw the creation of our earth and rejoiced in it , because they were in harmony with God and his grand purposes for the numberless universes which he had created. On the other hand , the Word of God revealed that not all of God’s created beings are in right relationship with Him. It is our choice to seek a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ or it is our choice to reject the relationship.

Continue reading “Relationships Lesson 4” »

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Our eternal destination depends on relationship. It is based upon what we know and who we know.

Relationships are at the core of eternity passed and will continue to effect eternity future in the ages to come. The world system as we know it is about 6000 years old. However, before mankind was created the earth already had a history. There were other created spirit beings which saw the creation of our earth and rejoiced in it , because they were in harmony with God and his grand purposes for the numberless universes which he had created. On the other hand , the Word of God revealed that not all of God’s created beings are in right relationship with Him. It is our choice to seek a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ or it is our choice to reject the relationship.

Abraham’s relationship with Melchizedek demonstrates the witness of God in the earth.

Gen 14:13 Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. 14 Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16 So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.

17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.

Abram and Melchizedek

18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said:

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,

Possessor of heaven and earth;

20 And blessed be God Most High,

Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

And he gave him a tithe of all. N KJV

Abraham’s relationship with Melchizedek was equal to a spiritual leader…..as a Pastor / Teacher / Priest.

Heb 7:1 This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. [ El Elyon ]

When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. 2 Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” 3 There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.

4 Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle. 5 Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham. 6 But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God. 7 And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.

8 The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on. 9 In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him. 10 For although Levi wasn’t born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham’s body when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him. NLT

In Psalm 110, King David prophetically reveals the King- Priest that would come like Melchizedek.

Ps 110:1 The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

until I humble your enemies,

making them a footstool under your feet.”

2 The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem;

you will rule over your enemies.

3 When you go to war,

your people will serve you willingly.

You are arrayed in holy garments,

and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

4 The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” NLT

Just as the Patriarch Abraham had an intimate spiritual relation with Melchizedek the King- Priest, so can we have an intimate relationship with our Great High Priest Jesus Christ.

He mediates all matters concerning our salvation.

1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, NKJV

Jesus Christ being our Great High Priest intercedes for us to God the Father through the blood of the covenant. We need not fear we will be turned away, through Him we have bold access.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. NKJV

He ever lives.

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. NKJV

But, what if I fall into sin again?

1 John 1:5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

2 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. NLT

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Our eternal destination depends on relationship. It is based upon what we know and who we know.

Relationships are at the core of eternity passed and will continue to effect eternity future in the ages to come. The world system as we know it is about 6000 years old. However, before mankind was created the earth already had a history. There were other created spirit beings which saw the creation of our earth and rejoiced in it , because they were in harmony with God and his grand purposes for the numberless universes which he had created. On the other hand , the Word of God revealed that not all of God’s created beings are in right relationship with Him. It is our choice to seek a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ or it is our choice to reject the relationship.

Right and wrong relationships, Sarah’ suggestion seems to be void of confirming prayer and Abraham’s acceptance seems to be void of confirming prayer also. They are set up for failure,

strife and division . God keeps his Word to Abraham but Abraham’s decedents are still suffering because of Sarah and Abraham’s poor choices.

Gen 16 1 But Sarai and Abram had no children. So Sarai took her maid, an Egyptian girl named Hagar, 2‑3 and gave her to Abram to be his second wife.

“Since the Lord has given me no children,” Sarai said, “you may sleep with my servant girl, and her children shall be mine.”

And Abram agreed. (This took place ten years after Abram had first arrived in the land of Canaan.) 4 So he slept with Hagar, and she conceived; and when she realized she was pregnant, she became very proud and arrogant toward her mistress Sarai.

5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “It’s all your fault. For now this servant girl of mine despises me, though I myself gave her the privilege of being your wife. May the Lord judge you for doing this to me!”

6 “You have my permission to punish the girl as you see fit,” Abram replied. So Sarai beat her and she ran away.

7 The Angel of the Lord found her beside a desert spring along the road to Shur.

8 The Angel: “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

Hagar: “I am running away from my mistress.”

9‑12 The Angel: “Return to your mistress and act as you should, for I will make you into a great nation. Yes, you are pregnant and your baby will be a son, and you are to name him Ishmael (‘God hears’), because God has heard your woes. This son of yours will be a wild one‑free and untamed as a wild ass! He will be against everyone, and everyone will feel the same toward him. But he will live near the rest of his kin.”

13 Thereafter Hagar spoke of Jehovah‑for it was he who appeared to her‑as “the God who looked upon me,” for she thought, “I saw God and lived to tell it.”

14 Later that well was named “The Well of the Living One Who Sees Me.” It lies between Kadesh and Bered.

15 So Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named him Ishmael. 16 (Abram was eighty‑six years old at this time.) TLB

Now, fourteen years later the Lord fulfills his promise which he had made to Abraham and Sarah.

God is faithful even when his people are not.

Gen 21:1 Then God did as he had promised, and Sarah became pregnant and gave Abraham a baby son in his old age, at the time God had said; 3 and Abraham named him Isaac (meaning “Laughter!”). 4‑5 Eight days after he was born, Abraham circumcised him, as God required. (Abraham was 100 years old at that time.)

6 And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter! All who hear about this shall rejoice with me. 7 For who would have dreamed that I would ever have a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a child in his old age!”

8 Time went by and the child grew and was weaned; and Abraham gave a party to celebrate the happy occasion. 9 But when Sarah noticed Ishmael‑the son of Abraham and the Egyptian girl Hagar‑teasing Isaac, 10 she turned upon Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave girl and her son. He is not going to share your property with my son. I won’t have it.” 11 This upset Abraham very much, for after all, Ishmael too was his son. 12 But God told Abraham, “Don’t be upset over the boy or your slave‑girl wife; do as Sarah says, for Isaac is the son through whom my promise will be fulfilled. 13 And I will make a nation of the descendants of the slave‑girl’s son, too, because he also is yours.”

14 So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food for the journey, and strapped a canteen of water to Hagar’s shoulders and sent her away with their son. She walked out into the wilderness of Beersheba, wandering aimlessly. 15 When the water was gone she left the youth in the shade of a bush 16 and went off and sat down a hundred yards or so away. “I don’t want to watch him die,” she said, and burst into tears, sobbing wildly.17 Then God heard the boy crying, and the Angel of God called to Hagar from the sky, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Don’t be afraid! For God has heard the lad’s cries as he is lying there. 18 Go and get him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”

19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well; so she refilled the canteen and gave the lad a drink. 20‑21 And God blessed the boy and he grew up in the wilderness of Paran, and became an expert archer. And his mother arranged a marriage for him with a girl from Egypt. TLB

Two Covenants

Gen 21: 21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar — 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children — 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written:

“Rejoice, O barren,

You who do not bear!

Break forth and shout,

You who are not in labor!

For the desolate has many more children

Than she who has a husband.”

28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. NKJV

Which covenant do you belong to ? With our faith we confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ . When we make that confession our names are written into the eternal covenant .

Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” NIV

Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. NIV

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Relationships will be tested. It is not a matter of if, ……. but when. All married couples can testify to this reality. By the same token, our relationship with the Lord will also be tested. Note how many times the Word of God mentions the matter of testing, trying, proving, refining.

Abraham’s Test

Gen 22:1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”

And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” 6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. 7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”And he said, “Here I am, my son.”Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”So he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said,”Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The‑Lord‑Will‑Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said:”By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son — 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, NKJV

Testing produces the fruit of Godly reverence, respect, and godly fear and is a deterrent to sin .

Ex 20:18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”

20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” NIV

Remember, we as mortal men do not have the right to test , or prove God, unless he encourages us to do so.

Deut 6:16 Do not test the Lord your God as you did at Massah. NIV

Mal 3:8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!

“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. NLT

Our Lord Jesus is our example of trusting God through temptation, testings, trials, and troubles.

God proved faithful in provision, protection and purpose.

Luke 4:1Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, NKJV

There are three areas of temptation, and testing, in this life.

1 John 2:16 all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. NKJV

In the relationship, there is strength that is beyond our human abilities to resist.

Heb 2: 16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. NLT

No one in this life will escape being tested, sooner or later, we all pass through the refiner’s fire.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJV

We need to maintain a proper attitude during the test.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. NKJV

Remember, trials, and tests only last for a season…….hallelujah!

2 Peter 2: 8 Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. 9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. NLT

Jesus warned all his followers, that we also would taste of his sufferings.

Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished NKJV

Matt 20:22 Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; NKJV

However, in all our testing we have this promise.

Heb 13:5 For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear .What can man do to me?” NKJV

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Covenant people have relationship issues just like anyone else. Abraham and Sarah and Hagar, Ishmael and Isaac . Isaac and Rebecca , Jacob and Esau. Today we will look at Isaac and Rebecca and their twin boys Jacob and Esau.

First , Rebecca favored Jacob and Isaac favored Esau. Gen 25: 23 -28

Esau was a skilled hunter but Jacob was shepherd. Gen 25: 27-28

Jacob was a man that valued the family covenant with the Lord but Esau was not inclined toward spiritual things. Esau came in from the field after hunting and was very hungry. Jacob was cooking a stew and Esau sold the birth- right of the first born for a bowl of stew.

Gen 25: 29-34 , Heb 12 :16 

Years had passed and Isaac was old and ready to die. Isaac called in Esau his first-born and told him to kill his favorite game and prepare him a meal so that he could bless him before he died. Rebecca over heard the conversation and devised a plan to deceive her husband so that Jacob would receive the double portion of the inheritance.

Gen 27: 1

Esau hated Jacob because he had cheated him twice. And waited for his father’s death and then he planned to kill Jacob. His mother learned of his plan and helped Jacob escape to his uncle Laban who lived in Haran.

Gen 27: 43-46

Scholars believe that Rebecca turned on Esau because he married Canaaniite women who were idolaters.

Gen27:46 & 28:1-2

Esau saw that Isaac & Rebecca blessed Jacob for taking a wife from among their family of believers and so He took wives from his uncle Ishmael’s family.

Gen 28: 6-9

Jacob set out for Haran and spent the night at a place called Bethel, where he dreamed of seeing angels of God ascending and descending on a ladder from earth to heaven.. There he made a vow to serve the Lord and to pay tithes unto Him provide God would keep the covenant promises He made to Abraham and Isaac.

Gen 28 : 10-22

Upon arriving at Haran Jacob married his cousin Rachel and her sister Leah working 7 years for each one. His uncle Laban deceived him concerning his wives and changed his wages 10 times.

But after 20 years of hard labor Jacob left with his wives and children because the angel of the Lord spoke to him in a dream to return to the land of Cannan.

Gen 29-31

Laban chases Jacob’s family and has a confrontation with him , however God intervenes for Jacob and rebukes Laban.

Gen 31

Jacob finally makes a peace treaty between their families and has a celebration with Laban .

Gen 31

Facing his offended brother which he cheated twice ,once for the birth of the first born. And second for the double portion of the inheritance. Jacob divides his family into two camps for safety. Then Jacob prays for protection and mercy. That night Jacob literally wrestled with the angel of the Lord and gained a blessing and favor in the eyes of his brother Esau.

Gen 32

Jacob meets Esau face to face along with 400 armed men. Jacob confesses his sins of deceiving his brother and makes a token gift of livestock in appreciation of his forgiveness and reconciliation.

Gen 33

We see a generational curse working in his family which started with Abraham and Sarah,, which came down to Isaac and Rebecca, and then to Jacob. The sin of deception caused Abraham and Sarah problems with the king, the same with Isaac and Rebecca. Jacob conspired with his mother to deceive his brother Esau .

To delude or misled on purpose: Deceit, deception

Examples:

Eve and Satan

Gen 3:13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.” NLT

Annias and Sapphira

Acts 5:1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”

5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?”

“Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”

9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”

10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. NLT

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The Life of Joseph is a good example of how relationships can be very painful, dangerous, satisfying, rewarding, surprising, sometimes even prophetic.

Joseph is one of the youngest sons of Jacob his father. Joseph was a favorite son because he was born when Jacob was old. Gen 37:1-3

His bothers hated him because his father loved him more than the others, and because of his prophetic dreams concerning his family. Gen 37:4-11

Joseph was sent to find his bothers by his father. When they saw him coming they plotted first to kill him but later sold him to Ishmeelite traders going down to Egypt. Gen 37 18 -28

Jacob’s sons deceive their father with a composed lie saying he was killed by a wild animal. Gen 37: 29- 35

Joseph is sold to Potiphar captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Gen 37: 36

Once Joseph was sold to Potiphar , the Lord began to prosper him. The Egyptian put everything under his authority. Gen 39:1-6

Joseph might be about 20 years old at this time. Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph but he rejects her. She tries again but Joseph got away by running out of the house, but she kept his outer garment. Gen 39:7-13

Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of attempted rape . Joseph is thrown into prison but God was with him. Gen 39:14-23

Joseph spent some time in prison and while he was there he gave the interpretation of dreams for the king’s butler and baker. Gen 40

Joseph was called on while he was in prison, to give the interpretation of a dream for Pharaoh.

Pharaoh’s dream was prophetic , it reveal 7 years of plenty which would be followed by 7 years of famine. Pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph that he made him Prime Minister of Egypt second only to Pharaoh. Joseph is given a wife and two sons are born to them.

Gen 41

Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt to buy food because the famine was severe. When Joseph saw his bothers he accused them of being spies. Joseph used a series of deceptions to hide his identity from his brothers, he also spoke to them through an interpreter. Joseph put his brothers in jail for three days and kept one brother jailed as a guarantee that they would bring back the youngest brother to prove that they were not spies. Their father Jacob was very hurt because of the tragedy in Egypt and horrified of sending his youngest son back to prove they were not spies. Gen 42

Jacob’s sons return to Egypt to buy more food and they take with them their youngest brother. Joseph tricks them by giving their money back to them and then hiding a silver cup in their sacks of grain. The brothers are finally forced to confess their sins against Joseph and Ruben the oldest accepts blame for all of them. In the end Joseph reveals himself to them and they are reconciled. Jacob is invited to bring the entire family to Egypt. Gen 43

Let us look at the relationship issues that Joseph had to deal with.

First, he was hated and despised by his brothers and resented because of his relation with the Lord by dreams and visions. He was tempted to hold a grudge against them but he overcame it.

Rom 12:19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. NLT

Heb 10:30 For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge.I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people.” 31 It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. NLT

Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph to have sex with her.

Gen 39:9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. NIV

Joseph was falsely accused of attempted rape.

Gen 39:13 When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, 14 she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. 15 When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” 16 She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home. 17 Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. 18 But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”

19 When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. NIV

These are the principles that Joseph lived by.

Heb 2:18 Because he himself { Jesus Christ} suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. NIV

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, NIV

2 Peter 2:9 the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, NIV

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Today we will look into the life of a courageous young woman whose name is Ruth the Moabitess.

The journey begins with a famine in the Israel. Elimelech , Naomi, and their two sons leave Israel

to live in Moab.

Ruth 1:1-2

Over the process of the next ten years the sons married Moabite women. Sadly during this period the father and both sons died of unknown causes. This tragedy left three widow women, Naomi. Ophah, and Ruth. Naomi hears that the Lord has sent rain to the land of Israel, so she prepares to return to her husband’s inheritance of land near Bethlehem.

Ruth 1: 3-13

Ruth’s Consecration to the Lord

Ruth 1:14 And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother‑in‑law good‑bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. 15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister‑in‑law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.”

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more. NLT

Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem during the barley harvest.

Ruth 1:19-22

Ruth takes heed to Naomi and Boaz’ advise and gleans only with the women in Boaz’ fields.

Ruth 2; 1-23

Naomi’s plan for the kinsman redeemer to purchase her husband’s inheritance of land and marry her daughter-in-law Ruth.

Ruth 3: 1-18

Naomi’s plan was based on the law of Moses.

Deut 25:5 “If two brothers are living together on the same property and one of them dies without a son, his widow may not be married to anyone from outside the family. Instead, her husband’s brother should marry her and have intercourse with her to fulfill the duties of a brother‑in‑law. 6 The first son she bears to him will be considered the son of the dead brother, so that his name will not be forgotten in Israel.

7 “But if the man refuses to marry his brother’s widow, she must go to the town gate and say to the elders assembled there, ‘My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel—he refuses to fulfill the duties of a brother‑in‑law by marrying me.’ 8 The elders of the town will then summon him and talk with him. If he still refuses and says, ‘I don’t want to marry her,’ 9 the widow must walk over to him in the presence of the elders, pull his sandal from his foot, and spit in his face. Then she must declare, ‘This is what happens to a man who refuses to provide his brother with children.’ 10 Ever afterward in Israel his family will be referred to as ‘the family of the man whose sandal was pulled off’! NLT

Boaz becomes the Kinsman Redeemer and marries Ruth and redeems the land. The Lord blesses Ruth and Boaz with a son named Obed. Naomi cares for the child which becomes the great grandfather of King David.

Ruth 4: 1-22

Why did Naomi encourage Ruth to stay in Moab rather than going with her to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and son?

First, Naomi was concerned for Ruth’s safety . Because Ruth was a Moabitess she might have faced a hostile reception in Israel.. The Moabites were related to the Patriarch Abraham through his nephew Lot , his brother’s son . The nation of Moab began by an incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters. They seem to have departed from Jehovah worship into idolatry of fertility sex gods and goddesses. They also offered up children as human sacrifices to their god Moloch by passing them through the fire.

Second, Moabite women caused the Lord to kill thousands of Israelites when they came up out of Egypt

because of the advise of Balaam the prophet.

Num 25:1 While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. 2 These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. 3 In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against his people.

4 The Lord issued the following command to Moses: “Seize all the ringleaders and execute them before the Lord in broad daylight, so his fierce anger will turn away from the people of Israel.”

5 So Moses ordered Israel’s judges, “Each of you must put to death the men under your authority who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.”

6 Just then one of the Israelite men brought a Midianite woman into his tent, right before the eyes of Moses and all the people, as everyone was weeping at the entrance of the Tabernacle. 7 When Phinehas son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest saw this, he jumped up and left the assembly. He took a spear 8 and rushed after the man into his tent. Phinehas thrust the spear all the way through the man’s body and into the woman’s stomach. So the plague against the Israelites was stopped, 9 but not before 24,000 people had died. NLT

Third, No dealings with Ammonites or Moabites for 10 generations.

Deut 23:3 “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants for ten generations may be admitted to the assembly of the Lord. 4 These nations did not welcome you with food and water when you came out of Egypt. Instead, they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in distant Aram‑naharaim to curse you. 5 But the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you. 6 As long as you live, you must never promote the welfare and prosperity of the Ammonites or Moabites.

7 “Do not detest the Edomites or the Egyptians, because the Edomites are your relatives and you lived as foreigners among the Egyptians. 8 The third generation of Edomites and Egyptians may enter the assembly of the Lord. NLT

Regardless of all the bad luck, trials, tribulations, and difficulties Ruth remained faithfull to the Lord. She was a person of integrity, and inner beauty . Her faith and obedience caused her to overcome. She is a perfect example of overcoming by what you believe in your heart and say with your mouth.

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. NKJV

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