SEPARATION BRINGS JOY
By Dick Ware
Scripture Reading: Ezra 6:19-20
The book of Ezra records the return of a Jewish remnant from Babylon to Jerusalem in two phases-One under Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple (chapters 1-6) and the other under Ezra to rebuild the people spiritually (chapters 7-10). In chapter 6, we see the completion and dedication of the temple, and we see God giving the "joy of salvation" to those Israelites who "separated themselves from the filth [uncleanness] ofthe nations of the land in order to seek the LORD Goof Israel," The LORD made them joyful!
The negative side of separation is "out of," and the positive side is "unto." When God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision in Genesis 17, God set him and his nation apart from the rest of the world and unto Himself. When the Mosaic Law was given to the nation Israel, it made them separate from the world, and unto God (Exodus 19:3-6). In Ezra 6:21, a Jewish remnant separated themselves from the nations, to seek the LORD God ofIsrael. The result was "they kept the Feast of the Unleavened Bread seven days WITH JOY; for the LORD made them joyful" (verse 22)!
The majority of the nation Israel remained in Babylon and Assyria, where it seemed they were prospering; but only those who were participating in Godly separation, understood "the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). I'm afraid the majority of the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ today are fitting in with this "present evil world." They want to be accepted by men and busy in the religious systems, even when they know these systems are not compatible with the Gospel of Grace committed unto the Apostle Paul. They don't want to offend anyone, nor make any enemies. They don't know anything about Godly separation, nor "the joy of the LORD." My friend, Godly separation brings God's joy!
Grace Bible Church - 11:00 AM, March 5, 2017
Sermon: "Christ:The Preeminent One" (Colossians 1:18
Pastor Gregg Bing
How
God Saves Men
Believing
Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing
Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read
Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
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this BIBLE STUDY to all your friends
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